Thompson, CT — The Featherlite Modified Series made their second visit of the season to Thompson International Speedway for the presentation of the Pepsi 125. Winners on the evening were Ted Christopher of Plainville, CT and Bob Polverari of W. Springfield, MA. In NASCAR Weekly Racing Series action it was none other than Ted Christopher back in victory lane in the Sunoco Modifieds, with Dick Houlihan of Berkeley, MA in the Pro Stocks, Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, RI in the Late Models; Ed Puleo, of E. Haven, CT in the Strictly Stocks, Roger Larson of Milford, MA in the Minis; and Les Rose, Jr. in the Pro-Four Modifieds also taking wins.
Ted Christopher made his debut in the Gary Cretty owned #26 Modified and put on a dominating performance to take his second consecutive Featherlite Modified Tour victory. Jerry Marquis extended his point lead with a runner-up spot while “the Reg” Reggie Ruggerio joined the others on the podium. Two Riverside Park Speedway Alums showed the way in the Non-Qualifiers race as Bob Polverari of W. Springfield, MA took the checkers ahead of Ricky Miller of Agawam, MA.
Dick Houlihan has been a strong contender all season and the number two point man proved to be the strongest on the night. Joe Perry led the pack of Pro Stocks to the green for the start of the 30-lap feature event. Green flag racing was quickly slowed when point leader Roger Godin, who was piloting Jim McCallum’s machine after suffering a blown engine in practice, and Liane Lombardi got together prior to the completion of the first lap. On the restart Ken Kohler jumped into the top spot followed by Steve Ribbe. Contact between the two sent the pack scattering and the yellow flying. Dick Houlihan had inherited the lead when the green flew again on lap three and would show the way for the remainder of the event. The trip to victory lane was not an easy one; however, as Jeff Zuidema applied heavy pressure to Houlihan throughout the late stages of the event. The win was Houlihan’s second of the season.
