Molleur’s season filled with triumphs and disappointments

Molleur’s season filled with triumphs and disappointments

It was a season filled with exhilarating highs and disappointing lows. Andrew Molleur’s 2017 SK Light Modified campaign at New London-Waterford Speedbowl had peaks and valleys, and just about everything in between.
The peaks? Three victories, one second place, two thirds and only one finish outside of the Top 10 in 13 races. 
The valleys? He wound up losing the championship by just two points to Dana DiMatteo. It was a roller-coaster ride that left the 14-year-old just a few molecules short of a Speedbowl title for the second straight season. In 2016, Molleur just missed winning the Saturday Legends title to Kyle Rogers.
“We gave it our best shot this year,” Molleur said. “It took me a while to get comfortable again in the SK Light, but once we got the car going, it was very good. 
“It was a season with ups and downs, but we kept coming back from trouble. It was tough racing against guys like Dana DiMatteo and Bryan Narducci, but we held our own.”
Molleur started the SK Light season off slowly with a 13th place finish on opening night.
“We were running up front, and a bolt came loose,” Molleur said. “But we were able to bounce back. The car just kept getting better and better.”
And so did Molleur’s finishes. During a four week stretch, he grabbed two firsts, a second place and a third to move into championship contention. In many of those races, Molleur enjoyed come from behind finishes.
“I definitely like to save my car until the end of the race,” Molleur said, “because the last lap is always the most important.”
Molleur trailed DiMatteo by just four points heading into the last race of the season. The championship may have decided in the heat race, however, DiMatteo had car trouble and didn’t finish, but Molleur could only manage a fifth-place finish, slicing DiMatteo’s advantage to three points. Then in the feature, Molleur finished third and DiMatteo was fourth, giving DiMatteo the title by two points.
“That heat race may have been the difference,” Molleur said. “The heat race turned out to be just as important as the feature.”
Molleur’s main sponsors are Bud’s Truck and Diesel Service and R. Stone. His crew consists of his dad, his mom, his brother, his grandmother, his grandfather, Kenny Barry of Spafco. Jay Moore, Steve Kyle, Matt Swanson, Tyler Barry, Joe Campbell, Joe, Tom and Junior. He also wants to thank all his fans.
“And most importantly, I would like to thank God,” Molleur said.
Late in the season Molleur also competed in an SK Modified. In the final race of the season, he finished second behind race winner Kyle James.
“That was definitely a highlight,” Molleur said. “To run up front with Kyle James was one of the biggest moments of the entire year.” 
Next year Molleur said he’s also be piloting an SK at the Speedbowl and will also be driving an SK or an SK Light at ‪Stafford Motor Speedway‬.
“I also hope to run some Tour type shows, and maybe a few races on the Modified Tour. And maybe even a couple Late Model shows.”
There’s a reason why Molleur plans to be so busy in 2018.
“I just love the atmosphere and I love all the people at the track,” Molleur said. “It’s my home away from home.”
In 2018, he wants that home to be filled with more peaks than valleys.

 

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