Business Owners Hit the Track at Loudon

In addition to the national and international talent competing in the Loudon Road Race Series (LRRS) at NH Motor Speedway, local business owners are donning motorcycle helmets for a little weekend fun away from the shop.

“The racing really is an extension of the dealership,” said Charles “Jesse” Sandoz, expert LRRS rider and owner of Seacoast Sport Cycle in Derry. “The other owner Jim and I met at the track racing. I love it. It also helps with advertising, and having the racing experience helps customers understand that we know what we’re doing and we can help them go faster.”

Many riders, like Sandoz and Scott Mullin are able to combine their passion for motorcycle racing with their everyday work in the motorsports industry.

“It’s definitely a natural progression between being at the shop, working with my family and being in the motorcycle industry,” said Mullin, owner of Souhegan Valley Motorsports in Milford. “Getting everything built and accessorized during the week is a lot of fun, and then being able to bring it to the track on the weekends and race with all these guys is an absolute blast.”

While some riders find it helpful and nearly seamless to combine their work with their passion through LRRS, other riders struggle to find that balance, but make it a priority to do so.

“I want to do this, so I take the time out like anyone would in any business.,” says Michael Dimond, owner of Michael Dimond Carpentry in Raymond. “I come here for relaxation and the camaraderie. That’s what it’s all about here.”

In round six, the weekend of Sept. 14-15, Sandoz took home three wins, two top threes and a top five, while Mullin closed the weekend with a top three and a top 10 finish and Dimond went home with a win, two top threes and a top 10 finish.

The Loudon Road Race Series returns to the Speedway October 5-6 for round seven, which will wrap up the 2019 LRRS season prior to the awards banquet in November.

Photo: Expert rider Scott Mullin during round six of the 2019 Loudon Road Race Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Courtesy of NHMS/Martin Hanlon.