Trio was part of the first Modified Nationals event in 1997
Waterford, CT — The Modified Nationals event and its hefty payday went from concept to reality back in 1997. This coming weekend marks the 14th running of the $5,000 to win blockbuster 150-lap race. Few drivers have remained active in weekly competition over the years. Jeff Pearl, Todd Ceravolo and Tucker Reynolds Jr. all share taking part in the inaugural running and each looks forward to this year’s edition just as much as they did the first.
The three were dubbed part of the Speedbowl “youth movement” as hungry young second-generation racers back in 1997. Their careers blossomed that season, each using a torrid battle for the championship to springboard their accomplished careers. Ceravolo wound up the champion that season over Reynolds and Pearl. A year later in 1998 it was Pearl’s turn to take the points title. Reynolds was consistently in the mix over the following seasons until he took a hiatus from racing in 2002. They own over 70 victories in the SK division at the Speedbowl between them.
Pearl’s remained a steady Speedbowl threat since, including this past Saturday night when he recorded his 34th career win at the track. He won the 2007 Budweiser Modified Nationals, the only of the three to claim victory in the track’s biggest event. He’s ready to add to his win total and become only the third driver to own repeat wins in the race. “I think we’ve got as good a shot to win as we’ve ever had” Pearl offered in his usual calm demeanor. His race strategy is that of a seasoned racer – “Letting things unfold and go from there. We came from dead last to finish third behind two fast guys in the (60-lap) opener, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Continue reading ‘Pearl, Ceravolo and Reynolds give Modified Nationals an ‘old school’ flavor’
