Tag Archives: Modified

New Sponsor Boosts DDR Motorsports at First Race of 2024

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Bellingham, MA – May 8, 2024 – As the engines roared to life at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl for the inaugural race of the season, DDR Motorsports had an extra surge of adrenaline thanks to their new sponsor, Skilled Trades Partners. The Bellingham-based racing team kicked off the 2024 season with enthusiasm and determination, fueled by the support of their latest partner.

Doug Robbie, the owner of DDR Motorsports, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Skilled Trade Partners as our new sponsor. Their partnership is a testament to the growing recognition of our team and the potential benefits they see in aligning with us. We are excited to showcase their brand at all the tracks we visit.”

Skilled Trade Partners CEO Seth Chisholm added, “We consider STP a fast-moving company and are excited to partner with a young racer and assist his career. We understand that to get ahead in the trades, you need solid partnerships, and this extends our brand into a new venue where tradesmen and women have a vested interest. “

The race weekend had its share of highs and lows for DDR Motorsports and driver Derek Robbie. The team performed admirably during practice and qualifying, securing a commendable second-place finish in their qualifying heat. This achievement positioned them well for the main event, starting from the fifth position on the grid.

However, the feature race presented its challenges. Handling issues plagued the car, causing it to slip just outside the top ten after running strongly in the early stages. Despite these setbacks, the team’s unwavering resilience shone through as they maintained a position between 10th and 12th for the remainder of the race and Derek brought the car home to a 12th  place finish.

Post-race analysis revealed that the team had misjudged their adjustments for the feature, impacting their performance on the track. With the race predominantly running under green flag conditions, opportunities to rectify the situation were limited, emphasizing the importance of track position in competitive racing.

Looking ahead, DDR Motorsports remains optimistic and confident in its ability to learn from the experience and build upon its foundation for future races. It anticipates the next event and is eager to showcase its potential on the track.

In addition to Skilled Trade Partners, DDR Motorsports extends its gratitude to its other valued marketing partners: New Hampshire Oil Undercoating, Fubar Studios, Gaston Racing’s GRE6, and Ashaway Performance Engines. Their continued support is vital to the team’s success on and off the track.

For more information about DDR Motorsports and their upcoming races, please visit www.ddr-motorsports.com or follow them on Facebook, DDR Motorsports Team and Derek Robbie Motorsports

About DDR Motorsports

DDR Motorsports is a Bellingham-based racing team competing in the Modified Racing Series and select Open Modified Shows. With a passion for speed and a commitment to excellence, DDR Motorsports strives to push the boundaries of performance on the track while fostering solid partnerships off the track. They have raced at over 25 tracks across the United States and Canada during their 20-year history. In 2024, DDR Motorsports will celebrate its 20th anniversary season. For more information, visit www.ddr-motorsports.com

About Skilled Trades Partners

Skilled Trades Partners is a top recruitment agency specializing in the skilled trades industry. They understand the unique challenges and demands of construction projects, and The STP team is dedicated to providing seamless solutions for employers and craft professionals. STP believes in developing practical and effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique challenges. Whether it’s finding top-notch tradesmen or seasoned construction professionals, we are dedicated to facilitating seamless recruitment and retention processes for companies of all sizes. For more information, visit them at https://www.skilledtradespartners.com/

 

Media Contact:

Douglas Robbie
Owner
DDR Motorsports
508-966-7044
pr@ddr-motorsports.com
www.ddr-motorsports.com

DDR Motorsports Celebrates 20th Year of Racing Excellence

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Bellingham, MA – March 20, 2024

DDR Motorsports, a renowned family-owned racing team, is proud to announce its 20th year in the motorsports industry. Since its establishment in 2004 as a Quarter Midget racing team, DDR Motorsports has continuously pushed the boundaries of racing, progressing from Quarter Midgets to Micro Sprints, Pro4 Modifieds, and Tour-Type Modifieds.

Over the years, DDR Motorsports has solidified its position as a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. In 2017, the team proudly fielded a Tour-Type Modified race car, showcasing their commitment to excellence and passion for the sport. In 2023, DDR Motorsports got the opportunity to join forces with Jeff and Mike Horn and A1 Racing to run an Asphalt Midget, further expanding their racing endeavors.

With an impressive track record, DDR Motorsports has competed at over 25 race tracks across the United States and Canada. Their dedication to the sport and relentless pursuit of victory have earned them a loyal fan base and respect from fellow competitors.

Looking ahead to 2024, DDR Motorsports is gearing up for an exhilarating season. The team is set to participate in the full 9 race schedule for Milton Cat Modified Racing Series (MRS) along with 7 races in the North East Midget Association (NEMA) schedule. This exciting lineup of races promises to deliver thrilling moments and intense competition for both the team and their fans.

The team is also excited to announce a partnership with Fubar Studios to continue and expand its Track Day for Veterans program. With their support the program will now be expanded to other race teams and allow for more veterans to experience short track racing.

As DDR Motorsports celebrates its 20th year, they remain committed to their core values of integrity, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The team’s unwavering dedication to the sport and their fans has been the driving force behind their success.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone and celebrate 20 years of racing,” said Douglas Robbie, Owner of DDR Motorsports. “We owe our success to the unwavering support of our fans, the hard work of our team, and the passion that fuels our love for racing. We look forward to the upcoming season and continuing to make our mark in the motorsports industry.”

For more information about DDR Motorsports and their upcoming races, please visit ddr-motorsports.com or follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DDRMotorsportsTeam and https://www.facebook.com/DerekRobbieMotorsports

About DDR Motorsports:

DDR Motorsports is a family-owned and operated professional race team based in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Established in 2004, the team has competed in quarter midgets, micro sprints, pro4 modifieds, tour-type modifieds, and asphalt midgets. They have raced at over 25 tracks across the United States and Canada during their 20-year history. In 2024, DDR Motorsports will celebrate its 20th anniversary season.

Media Contact:
Douglas Robbie
Owner
DDR Motorsports
508-966-7044
pr@ddr-motorsports.com
www.ddr-motorsports.com

Track Day for Veterans Delivers Unforgettable Racing Experience

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August 28, 2023 – The DDR Motorsports Track Day for Veterans program, a heartwarming initiative designed to honor and support veterans, is garnering attention for its profound impact. The recent events held at Riverside Speedway on August 19th and Oxford Plains Speedway on August 26th have highlighted the program’s dedication to veterans’ well-being and appreciation for their service.

The Riverside Speedway event saw the participation of Jackie O’Connor, a gold-star mother who tragically lost her son, Jeffery O’Connor, E4, to a brain injury following his tour of duty. Despite a cool Northern New Hampshire evening and intermittent raindrops, Jackie witnessed the DDR Motorsports team maneuver their way to an impressive 13th-place finish. This moving event was a testament to the program’s commitment to veterans and their families.

In a continuation of this remarkable program, on August 26th, retired LC Nick Houghton, an Afghanistan War Veteran, enjoyed a spectacular summer day at Oxford Plains Speedway. The DDR Motorsports team delivered an exhilarating performance, securing a top-ten finish in the intense 75-lap race. Nick’s involvement underscored the program’s mission of providing memorable experiences to those who have served their country.

The Track Day for Veterans program is made possible by the generosity of DDR Motorsports, based in Bellingham, MA. The program offers veterans like Jackie and Nick a unique experience that includes a complimentary pit pass, exclusive team apparel, access to behind-the-scenes team communication, and an up-close view of the action both on the track and in the pits. This immersive experience is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices veterans, and their families have made in service to their country. DDR Motorsports driver adds, “This is a small way for me to thank these men and women for their service and what they do for this country.”

A notable aspect of the program is its affiliation with Fubar Studios, a dedicated podcast helmed by Doug Macedo, aimed at aiding veterans in their post-service journey. This strategic collaboration amplifies the initiative’s reach and impact, ensuring that the valuable stories of veterans are shared far and wide.

DDR Motorsports and Fubar Studios share a commitment to recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans, offering them a chance to create lasting memories and forge connections within a dynamic racing community. If you would like to get involved and show your support to the team’s effort in continuing this program, please reach out to us at the contact information below.

For more information about DDR Motorsports, please visit www.ddr-motorsports.com

To learn more about Fubar Studios, please visit https://fubarstudio.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Douglas Robbie
President, DDR Motorsports
Doug@ddr-motorsports.com
508-966-7044

About DDR Motorsports, Bellingham, MA

DDR Motorsports is a father-son-owned race team renowned for its passion for racing and commitment to excellence. Based in Bellingham, MA, DDR Motorsports takes pride in participating in various racing events and initiatives that showcase their dedication to the sport and the community.

About Fubar Studios

Fubar Studios, founded by Doug Macedo, is a podcast platform dedicated to providing valuable resources, support, and insights for veterans. With a mission to assist veterans in their post-service journey, Fubar Studios aims to create a community that fosters connection, healing, and empowerment.

July 29th Waterford victory goes to Mother Nature

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Bellingham, MA July 31, 2023 – NEMA (Northeastern Midget Association) race scheduled for July 29 was rained out due to stormy weather. This resulted in the postponement of the third midget race for DDR Motorsports and their driver Derek Robbie. The race has been rescheduled for Aug 19th. Scheduling conflicts with the Tour Modified will keep the team away as they are committed to run with Modified Racing Series that day.

In the prior race at Seekonk Speedway, the team faced a series of struggles but took the time to regroup and were excited to try a new setup for the postponed event. However, due to the weather, the first half of the season has now concluded without the team getting the opportunity to see if their ideas would be beneficial.

In the first half of the season, despite the DDR Motorsports Team encountering setbacks with engine issues and other minor challenges, they managed to achieve one top 5 finish and three top 10 finishes in a total of 8 races across the three divisions the team competes in.

For now, the team will take a two-week break before starting the second half of their season. The upcoming part of the season is expected to be intense, with races scheduled nearly every weekend. The busiest event will be the Tar Classic weekend in September, where all three cars from the team will compete.

DDR Motorsports expresses gratitude to its sponsors NHOU Protective Coatings, Miranda Contracting, RAS Active Suspension, Fubar Studios, A1 Automotive, and Ashaway Performance Engines for their support. These sponsors play a crucial role in the team’s ability to participate in the races and enhance their performance. Please support them as they support us.

About DDR Motorsports: DDR Motorsports is a father/son-owned motorsports team known for fielding competitive cars in several regional series. For 2023, the team will be competing with the Modified Racing Series (MRS), Northeast Midget Association (NEMA), and the Pro4 Modifieds of New England. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and teamwork, DDR Motorsports has built a legacy of success both on and off the track.

Derek Robbie to drive the A1 NEMA Midget in 2023

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Bellingham, MA – April 24, 2023 – DDR Motorsports is excited to announce that Derek Robbie, co-owner and driver, will drive the number A1 Midget in the 2023 season of NEMA racing.

Owned by Mike and Jeff Horn of A1 Automotive, the A1 Midget is a race-winning machine that has been racing in the NEMA for several seasons. Derek Robbie, who has already established himself as a skilled and experienced driver in the sport, is eager to take on this new challenge and continue to push the limits of what is possible on the track.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with A1 Automotive with our driver Derek Robbie for the upcoming NEMA racing season,” said Doug Robbie, co-owner of DDR Motorsports. “We do not doubt that Derek will be able to achieve some great runs for the A1 team, and we look forward to seeing him out on the track, pushing the limits of the A1 Midget.”

The A1 Midget is currently being fitted with a new powerplant built by Jon Andruk of Circle Performance. Jon’s engines have always been top performers in the NEMA midget series. With a powerful engine, responsive handling, and expertly-tuned suspension, the A1 Midget is poised to show strength in the upcoming NEMA racing season.

“We’re confident that Derek will be able to push the A1 Midget to its limits and bring home some great results for both A1 Automotive and DDR Motorsports,” said Mike Horn of A1 Automotive. “We’re excited to see what the upcoming season holds, and we know that Derek is the right driver for the job.”

With the support of DDR Motorsports, A1 Automotive, and Circle Performance, Derek Robbie is ready to take on the challenge of driving the A1 Midget in the 2023 NEMA racing season. Fans of the sport are sure to be thrilled by the excitement and intensity of the upcoming season, and DDR Motorsports is proud to be a part of it.

DDR Motorsports would like to thank their sponsors NHOU Protective Coatings, Miranda Contracting, and Shibles Family Mattress, for their continued support.

DDR Motorsports is committed to putting on a great show for its fans and sponsors, and they look forward to the rest of the racing season. For more information about DDR Motorsports, please visit their website at www.ddr-motorsports.com. 

The NEMA Midget racing schedule can be found at NEMA Schedule (nemaracing.com)

Contact: Doug Robbie
DDR Motorsports
 doug@ddr-motorsports.com
(508)-966-7044

DDR Motorsports Opens 2023 with mixed results

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BELLINGHAM, MA – DDR Motorsports had a competitive start to the season at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on April 15th, finishing 17th in the season opener. Despite a slight engine skip hampering performance, the car ran strong in the first half of the race and even managed to climb as high as 8th place.

Unfortunately, the team lost the draft, and the motor worsened, prompting the decision to park the car and investigate the causes of the skip and ill handling. Despite the setback, DDR Motorsports remains optimistic and determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming races.

“We had a good run in the first half of the race, but unfortunately, we lost the draft after a scuffle with another car in turn three, and we started to experience some issues with the car,” said Doug Robbie, co-owner of DDR Motorsports. “We decided it was best to park the car and investigate the issue. “We’re disappointed with the result, but we know that we have a competitive car and a talented team. We’ll dig into the cause of the skip and work hard to make sure we’re ready for the next race at Monadnock Speedway.”

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the track at Monadnock Speedway,” said Derek Robbie. “Our team has been working hard to ensure the car is running at its best, and we’re confident that we’ll have a strong showing.”

DDR Motorsports would like to thank their sponsors NHOU Protective Coatings, Miranda Contracting, and Shibles Family Mattress, for their continued support. The team is now gearing up for their next race on May 6th at Monadnock Speedway in the Dave Wheler-owned number 44 Pro4 Modified.

DDR Motorsports is committed to putting on a great show for its fans and sponsors, and they look forward to the rest of the racing season. For more information about DDR Motorsports, please visit their website at www.ddr-motorsports.com.

Download: DDR Press release 4-17-23

The never-ending quest for speed and marketing

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Racing is a sport driven by effort and cost. You need to work hard to be good at racing, and DDR Motorsports has no shortage of work effort. Spending time in the garage pays off on the track. Currently, the team spends almost every night in the garage fine-tuning the cars, checking all the parts, and passing back and forth ideas for improvement. Like our hard work in the garage to find that little extra bit of speed, searching for sponsors is another piece of work we strive to excel at. And much like the mechanical work we do; our marketing efforts require the correct resources and tools to be successful.  There is an old saying if you want to make a million racing, start with two million. Though this is true, if you completely fund this passion by yourself, there is also an opportunity to work with others in mutual beneficial roles to offset the costs. What we are talking about is sponsorship. 

As our team is always on the lookout for sponsorship, we recently had the opportunity to work with Ken Ungar of Charge Sponsorship to review our Marketing deck and learned a lot from Ken. His insight has given us a direction in crafting a story about our race that I knew of but never expected would be the best leverage out there. He pointed out our family has been racing together for nearly 20 years. Starting out initially with the kids at a young age racing Quarter midgets to now, where my son and me prepare and compete with a high horse-powered asphalt modified race car. 

This realization has given me a new perspective on how to represent a company who is looking to build their brand. Using the family aspect and the working side by side with several members of my family adds tremendous value to anyone looking to reach others who have similar values. Moving forward we will be leveraging the strength of our family because of racing to all potential marketing partners. It is what defines us and it is who we will continue to be. 

For anyone who wants to find out more, please feel free to reach out to us at doug@ddr-motorports.com.

See ya the track.  

 

DDR Motorsports and Derek Robbie to close out the year in the Haunted Hundred

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October 19, 2022

The DDR Motorsports and driver, Derek Robbie, will be attending its last race of the year this Saturday, October 22, at Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, Mass, by participating in the Monaco Tri-Track Series Haunted Hundred.  The event, a $6000 dollar-to-win race, is attracting top talent from around the region and will be one to see.

The team coming off a less-than-stellar showing due to an engine problem in the World Series of Racing at Thompson Speedway is looking to bounce back with a strong showing. They have spent the past two weeks going through the car and ensuring everything is ready for this last hurrah of 2022. With practice on Friday and practice/qualifying on Saturday, it will give Derek and his team time to iron out any last-minute bugs and be prepared to give their all. “I’m super excited to be racing at Seekonk this week.” Says Derek, “The track is close to home, so we always have a bunch of fans in the grandstands, and that gets me charged up. “

For those looking to attend in person and cheer Derek and the team on, Tickets and information can be found at www.Seekonkspeedway.com. Gates open at 11:30 am, and racing begins at 1:30 pm.

For more information on DDR Motorsports, visit DDR-Motorsports.com and follow the team and driver on Facebook at DDRMotorsportsTeam and DerekRobbieMotorsports.

 

Monday morning update, August 2nd, 2021

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Hi all, as we are now into race season, it is time we keep you up to date on our racing activities.

To begin with, we are still waiting for the completion of our primary powerplant rebuild. Like many others have experienced during the pandemic, parts have been slow to arrive, but we are confident Ashaway Performance Engines will do a good job and give us the power we need.

As for the on-track activities, this past week, we ventured to the great state of Maine and visited a track we have never raced on. The team competed with the Modified Racing Series in the MRS VACATIONLAND 100.

The day would include three practice rounds, a qualifying heat, and a 100 lap main event.

During the practice session, Derek showed good speed and gave fantastic feedback, which allowed us to be in the top ten in speed all day and rise to 3rd on the charts for practice round two. This speed gave the team a good feeling for the qualifier race.

The team bolted on 4 new Hoosier tires for the qualifying heat and lined up in the third starting spot. Derek was able to get the early jump and settle into second place behind car number 55.  On lap three, the leader bobble on the backstretch, and Derek dove under him to jump into the lead.  Derek would hold the top spot for the next 8-1/2 laps of the 12 lap event. On the final lap of the heat race, car number 25 would make a move under him going into turn three, and they would drag race out of turn four towards the checkers where Derek would have to settle for position number two. This finishing position would put us in the third starting position for the main event.

Excitement was brewing as the team knew they have a good car and had high hopes of a strong finish. The plan was to play it smart and race smart until halfway and then begin our move forward. As the race started, Derek tussled for the first lap and a half to try to gain second place but eventually settle into third.  Third place was okay with all as the top three cars ran nose to tail and would start to pull away. Derek settled in and, despite a short-lived challenge from the 7 car, he didn’t have any pressure from other competitors. The early portion of the race was playing into our hands.

As it has been for our season this year, lady luck did not accompany us to Maine. On lap 23, the official notified the team they saw fluid leaking from the car, and the Black flag was displayed to us. Derek brought the car to the crew’s attention in the pits only to discover an oil line had a hole worn through when it rubbed up again a pulley. The issue could not be fixed quickly and would end our day and relinquish to spectators for the remainder of the event.

What can you say? This is racing; no one on the crew would have expected a line to move nearly 3 inches and rub up against the pulley? It is one of those things that forces you to the next level, and you learn from it.

That’s it for now; thanks for following DDR Motorsports and driver Derek Robbie. We’ll see you at the next race on Aug 14 at Monadnock Speedway, where the team will attempt to qualify against 40 other races in the Tri-Track Modified Series.

Doug Robbie
Owner DDR Motorsports

 

An Unexpected Off-season

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Every year from November to April, the short track racer has a lot going on. First, they reconnect with their family in preparation for the holidays. After months of spending every free in the garage, on the road, or at the race track, they take a well-deserved break.

In unison with the end of the season, reboot comes planning for next year. Racers will visit trade shows, gather new parts, and take their chassis to the builder for updates and corrections from the bumps and bruises of the past season. The lack of immediate urgency translates into more time in the shop, but the time is more controlled and predictable. You can easily say to your spouse; I’m going over to the shop for a few hours; I’ll be back for dinner and mean it. With correct time management, there is less stress to make it to the next event as the next event is still several months away (this is not to say you won’t be thrashing as the season approaches. We are still racers and that’s what we do).

So now here it is approaching April, you’ve spent the winter gather all the latest parts to improve performance. You’ve taken the engine back to the builder to have it freshened and ready to take on all challengers. You’ve refined your setup to perfection based on the plethora of notes gathered over the years and are prepared to load the truck and trailer and go racing.

Then boom! We enter a time in history none of expected; we are in a time of social distancing. The government has placed limits on attendance at events; there are businesses shut down; you face the possibility of “self-isolating” yourself for some time. And you say to yourself, but I’m ready to go racing, now what?

You are left asking yourself what can I do while I wait for the world to catch up. My excitement to go racing is at its season’s highest, and now the car just sits in the garage and waits and waits.  I can tell you I feel your pain. For our team, we race an indoor series with a Three-Quarter Midget, and the afternoon before the race, the state of New York banned all gatherings over 250 people. This order forced the promoters to cancel the event, and there was little chance of having it rescheduled. Baring a major winter snowstorm, who would have thought an indoor activity would be cancelled?

Now, moving forward, what do you do? The car is ready, you’ve stocked the trailer with spare parts, and your uniform is clean. You are ready for the season, but the season is not ready for you. Here at DDR Motorsports, we are planning on taking it as just an extended off-season and will be using the time to better prepare ourselves for when the season does open up. Weekly maintenance tasks such as nutting and bolting and fluid changes are not necessary for the time being, but what about learning more about the car? How about training the junior or new team members more thoroughly? You could research new sponsors or, at the very least, stay in touch with the current ones.

For myself and my team, we expect our first race to be April 18, and though they have not officially canceled it, with the current state of things, it is in jeopardy of being postponed. From a planning standpoint, it does not make it easy as you need to prepare still as though it’s going to happen, but the enthusiasm is not as high as it usually would be. Much like we do with our race strategy our team as spoken about the various avenues this could go, will the race go on or not, if not when will our season open up, what other projects can we do, etc. 

From our team’s standpoint, it is still the off-season, and we are preparing for racing it like any other off-season. This season just doesn’t have a start date yet. We also have a few other projects in the works.

Tell us what you are working on and what is keeping you busy during the unexpected off-season.

Doug Robbie
Owner
DDR Motorsports
#27 Tour Type Modified