Norwich Bulletin Continues Sponsorship of Mini Stock Division
Waterford, CT — The Waterford Speedbowl welcomes back Norwich Bulletin as sponsor of the ‘Bowl’s popular Mini Stock division in 2009. The ultra-competitive division is primed for an exciting season ahead highlighted by the return of two-time defending champion Ken Cassidy Jr.
“We’re very appreciative to have the support of one of this region’s leading daily news publications in the Norwich Bulletin” offered Speedbowl promoter Terry Eames. “Not only do they provide the Speedbowl dedicated weekly coverage, they also continue to bring the stories of our race teams back into the community. That’s key in maintaining local awareness of our product.”
The Mini Stock division yielded an impressive 11 different feature winners throughout 2008, led by Cassidy and Randy Churchill with four apiece. Two and even three-wide finishes have become routine for the four-cylinder class and often bring the Speedbowl crowd to their feet with last lap, photo finish caliber excitement. Cassidy has scored 17 career wins in the division in just four years and seeks to become the only competitor in division history to score three straight titles. The Lisbon, CT native won the division title the past two seasons, joining Jeff Miller (’98-’99) and Dan Field (’05-’06) as the only competitors to accomplish that feat.
Field, who nearly won three straight championships before being falling to Cassidy by just 14 championship points in 2007, returns for a full ‘Bowl assault in 2009 looking for his third title. He has 18 career wins in the division and was the division champion at Thompson International Speedway last year. Although Field made just seven starts in 2008, he made the most of them by scoring a win in the 50-lap Pepsi 300 event and never finished lower than fifth.
Churchill won the Budweiser Modified Nationals 30-lap season opener a year ago, igniting a spirited battle for the championship with Cassidy. He’s expected to factor heavily again in 2009. Louis Bellisle, Ray Christian III and Kyle James each found victory lane and completed the top five in championship points last year. All are expected returnees. Greg Moran Sr. leads the charge for new faces in the division, graduating from Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesdays where he’s visited victory lane an eye-catching 15 times over the past three seasons in the Super X Car division.
Drivers in the division will be eligible to earn NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points once again in 2009. The Mini Stock season begins Sunday, March 29 with a 30-lap extra distance feature at the 13th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals. Practice begins on Friday, March 27 with qualifying scheduled to take place Saturday March 28. The Mini Stocks will again compete in 20-lap features during the season. For more information about the 2009 season including 13th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals, please visit www.speedbowl.com.
Norwich Bulletin is a well respected newspaper with strong local focus, compelling feature articles and sharp editorial content. Subscribers receive comprehensive and in-depth news coverage, and Norwich Bulletin home delivery can be ordered on the days that are most convenient for its readers. The newspaper has been in continuous publication since 1796 and circulation is nearly 30,000 daily. For more information or to order a Norwich Bulletin subscription, please visit www.norwichbulletin.com or contact the Norwich Bulletin office at 860.887.9211.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR