Mr. Rooter 161 next stop for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Richie Evans tribute race next Saturday June 23
Waterford, CT — The next stop for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour brings the open-wheel excitement to the Connecticut shoreline for a 161-lap event at Waterford Speedbowl. The visit marks the first for the Tour at the �Bowl since 2006. Anticipation continues to build around the Mr. Rooter 161 in an event that showcases the best open-wheel drivers in a tribute to the late Richie Evans.
Several competitors with Speedbowl experience hope for a major role in the outcome. The past three championships in the Speedbowl�s weekly SK Modifieds� will be represented in the Mr. Rooter 161 as Ron Yuhas Jr. of Groton and Keith Rocco of Meriden are entered. Both are looking to their home track for a breakout performance on the Tour in 2012.
Another entry to cut their teeth at the three-eighths mile bullring is 2011 NASCAR Whelen Modified champion Ron Silk. Silk, of Norwalk, made his very first open-wheel starts at the Speedbowl back in 1999. The significance of a win at the track that began his career is not lost on Silk. �To win one here would be really special� offered the defending champion following a recent test session at the track.
All agree that keys to success for the Mr. Rooter 161 include tire management and, later in the race, the Speedbowl�s very capable outside groove will likely be a factor. Yuhas feels after drivers settle in, many will test the outside lane as a path to the front. How strategies play out on the two groove race surface leave many excited about the event.
Current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour point leader Doug Coby is another to visit Speedbowl victory lane in the open-wheel ranks. An outspoken advocate of the track�s top groove, much of Coby�s Speedbowl success has come using the outside lane. Coby hopes to add a third triumph to his 2012 resume and pad his lead in the process.
Rocco, a newcomer to the series in 2012 behind the wheel of the legendary Boehler-owned �Ole Blue�, captured the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship by racking up 10 victories at the Speedbowl that season. He followed that up with a record 13 more last year. His knowledge of the track and how to find victory lane could lead to a strong showing in the 161.
Pit Gates open Saturday for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams only at 10:30am. Grandstand gates open for Mr. Rooter 161 practice at 1:30pm. Time Trials to set the starting lineup for the Mr. Rooter 161 take the green flag at 5:00pm. Main events begin at 6:30pm beginning with the track�s weekly SK Modified� race. The Mr. Rooter 161 expected post time is 8:30pm.
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Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR