NASCAR Whelen Modified Talents Preece, Pennink Ready for Indoor Three Quarter Midget Race New Years Eve in Providence
PROVIDENCE, RI — A pair of NASCAR Modified driving stars who have made their marks in New England racing circles are among the entries for the December 31 ‘Coffee Cup;’ Indoor auto racing program set for Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. Ryan Preece, a five time career winner on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and runner-up in the 2012 Series point standings, will be a first time entry indoors. Preece, 22, of Berlin, Ct., who also won the 2012 Thompson, Ct. Speedway Modified track championship, has made a deal with Lou Cicconi to drive his famed No. 75 that he competed in just this past weekend in Baltimore, MD. It’s the same TQ that won both races held in Providence in March.
The top prize to the race winner is the coveted Dunkin’ Donuts Center ‘Coffee Cup’ trophy and the lion’s share of the payoff. The recent experience of Rowan Pennink, New Egypt, N.J., Modified standout, in the December 8 TQ Indoor race in Baltimore, Md., should prove encouraging to Preece – and Pennink.
Pennink, 27, had never driven a TQ midget and never raced indoors. Yet the Modified talent won his heat race and was contending for the victory before tangling with the leaders.
The Dunkin’ Donuts Center Coffee Cup race is second of three events that make up the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Racing Series. The Indoor auto racing events are produced by Len Sammons Motorsports Productions. A two-race weekend finale is scheduled for February 1-2, 2013 in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
Among the over four dozen TQ drivers who have entered the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Racing Series Providence race are NASCAR Modified past champion Ted Christopher, Plainville, Ct.; SK Modified racer Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Ma; Chris Allen., Jr., Old Bridge, N.J.; 2012 ARDC Midget driving champion Tim Buckwalter, Pottstown, Pa.; NASCAR Modified past Rookie Of The Year Patrick Emerling; and second and third place Baltimore TQ finishers Matt Janisch, Nazareth, Pa. and Ryan Smith, Kunkletown, Pa.
Series sponsor Fatheadz is synonymous in the Midwest with open wheel racing by marketing heavily in the Sprint car and Midget ranks since it’s founding and sponsors other forms of motorsports throughout the country. The Providence race in Dunkin Donuts’ Center is the fifth Indoor race at that venue promoted by Sammons. The December 31 scheduling – on New Year’s Eve – has provided race teams and their followers with a rare opportunity to compete against one another, then party the night away and herald the coming of the New Year. The Clarion Inn in Seekonk, Mass. will serve as the host hotel for the Providence Indoor race.
Reservations, available at a reduced nightly rate of $89.00, may be made by calling l-508-336-7300. With making reservations, ask for the “Indoor Racing” special rate. A gala post-race New Years’ Eve Party has been planned at the Clarion, with a one-hour buffet featuring a carving station, complimentary beer and wine from 11 p.m. until the stroke of midnight and a champagne toast to herald the arrival of 2013. A full cash bar will be open from 10 PM to 11 PM and from 12 Midnight until 1 AM. A DJ will provide music until 2.Information is available by calling 609-888-3618 or by visiting the comprehensive website at aarn.com.
Sources: Steve Barrick/Len Sammons Motorsports Promotions