Archive for the 'Waterford' Category

Saturday 5/18 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at May 19, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl hosted Scout Night Saturday evening celebrating two American traditions, scouting and racing. The crowd on hand was treated to a five-division NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program. Scoring victories on the night included Kyle James of Ashaway, RI in the SK Modifieds® and Bruce Thomas Jr. of Groton in the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models. A pair of defending champions earned their first 2013 wins, Ken Cassidy Jr. of Lisbon and Paul French of Andover in the Mini Stocks and SK Light Modifieds, respectively. Ryan Waterman of Danielson was a first-ever winner in the Street Stock feature. All five were first time winners in 2013.

James picked up his win surviving a wild 35-lap race in the SK Modified® division. James, who started in last position, dodged incidents which resulted in eight caution flags that plagued the race. He started the race in 23rd position after power steering problems sidelined him in practice and qualifying.

The race began with rookie Tyler Jackson and Ed Puleo battling for the lead from their front row starting positions. Jackson bobbled exiting turn two on lap-2 creating a traffic jam behind him which resulted in a caution for Diego Monahan, who spun into turn-3. Puleo took the lead on the restart as Jeff Rocco and Tom Abele climbed to second and third on the track.

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Wild n Wacky Wednesday 5/15 Results

Published at May 15, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl returned to action with its second Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday program of the season on Wednesday evening. Taking down victories included Joey Ternullo of Middletown, CT in the INEX Legend Cars and Christian Eckes of Middletown, NY in the accompanying Bandolero race. Mike Trask of Plainfield scored a popular X-Car win and Mike Maskell of Quaker Hill took the Super-X Car feature. In the night’s Wacky Race, Chuck McDonald of Groton used an impressive showing to race to victory.

Ternullo was the fifth leader in the 20-lap INEX Legend Cars race by the time he reached the top spot in an ultra-competitive feature. As Ternullo slowly worked his way up from the ninth starting position, the lead position changed hands multiple times. John O’Sullivan Jr. bolted to the early lead, however he was chased down by Joey Ferrigno on lap-3. Ferrigno took over and held the top spot until Nick Sowa used the inside lane to get by him to show the way on lap-7. The first caution waved on lap-10 when David Johnson looped his car in turn four.

Sowa led after the restart but T.J. Thompson was on his rear bumper. Contact among the top two cars saw Thompson get into the turn three wall on lap-13, bringing out the second caution flag of the race with Sowa able to continue at the front after the melee.

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Rocco Aiming High In National Race

Published at May 14, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Pulliam Is Early Points Leader In Whelen All-American Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Despite an early season injury, Keith Rocco expects to be a contender in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national point race. Rocco was the series’ 2010 national champion and placed second to Lee Pulliam for the 2012 national title. Pulliam is off to an early lead in the 2013 national point race.

Rocco, 28, of Wallingford, Conn., is maintaining a winning pace despite injury. He broke a bone near his left wrist in an SK Modified heat race accident at Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl on April 27. After finishing fourth in that night’s feature event, he went to a hospital where the injury was diagnosed and placed in a “soft” cast. He started the following day’s SK Modified feature at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway. Under the first caution, seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Mike Stefanik hopped in the car and drove it to a seventh-place finish.

With no more need for a relief driver, Rocco returned to Waterford’s Victory Lane May 4. A runner-up finish to Ryan Preece at Stafford last Friday pushed Rocco’s eight-race record for the season to four wins, six top-fives and seven top-10s. He leads the Connecticut state point race and is seventh in the national standings.

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Speedbowl Cancels 5/11 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Program to Weather

Published at May 11, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl was forced to cancel its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing program scheduled for Saturday, May 11 due to rain forecasted throughout the afternoon and evening.

Action will return to the shoreline oval next week on May 15 with Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday, the track’s popular mid-week series. Spectator drags and car cruise invade the shoreline oval on Friday May 17 for “Sho & Go at the ‘Bowl” featuring free grandstands admission. Next Saturday May 18 sees the return of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action on Scout Night.

Next week kicks off a busy stretch for the shoreline oval. The following week another round of Wednesday and Friday action sets up Memorial Day Weekend which includes the first ever 5/25 Mayhem on Saturday night plus the family fun of the annual Memorial Day Madness on Sunday evening.

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Waterford Speedbowl Rained Out

Published at May 11, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

WATERFORD, CT — Due to impending weather conditions for the remainder of the day, tonight’s NWAAS event has been cancelled.

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Friday 5/10 HDRA Sho & Go Results

Published at May 10, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Event Results

Speedbowl Community Rewards Soldier, Racer

Published at May 5, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Steve Barrett honored during opening ceremonies of May 4 event program

Waterford, CT — With not a cloud in the sky above, a memorable opening ceremony embarked on those gathered at the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday. A group of enthusiasts within the Speedbowl community unveiled what countless hours of passion and dedication can do to show their appreciation to a returning soldier, Speedbowl racer Steve Barrett. Barrett was surprised with a brand new Street Stock racecar before the Speedbowl community, his extended family and friends, creating a touching moment that exhibited the best in humanity.

Barrett, of Preston, destroyed his car competing in a Street Stock race at the Speedbowl last year in late April. His unit, the National Guard’s 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group based out of Groton, was activated for duty in June and deployed to Afghanistan in July 2012. Barrett spent the next 10 months overseas defending freedoms for his country. In his spare time, he purchased a remote control car to tinker with as he contemplated the future of his wrecked racecar and racing career. Back home, friends and loved ones spent that same time building Barrett a new car, unbeknownst to him.

“Racers for a Soldier” was born, the idea of Jeff and Julie Winsor of Moosup. After consulting with Barrett’s wife Teresa, a pit steward at the track who ultimately blessed and supported their idea, the Winsors went to work. Jeff and Julie began fundraising at the track and through raffles and spaghetti dinners, while Jeff spearheaded a team of individuals to put in the volunteer hours necessary to fabricate the car. In all, well over 1,000 hours by a group dubbed “The Fab 5” went into the project that started with a bare frame donated by a fellow racer. A new roll cage and body were created by hand. A completely rebuilt drivetrain was donated from the most well-known builders in their trades. It all culminated in the surprise unveiling before Saturday’s racing.

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Saturday 5/4 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at May 5, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl staged another round of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing Saturday night under seasonable weather. Taking home victories on the night included Keith Rocco of Meriden, winner of a rough and tumble SK Modified® race and Cam McDermott of Scituate, RI in the evening’s SK Light Modified race. Chris Meyer of North Franklin won a special 50-lap Street Stock feature, his first of the year. Garrett Denton of Hope Valley, RI continued his hot start to the season in the Mini Stock division, taking his third win in five races, while Dylan Izzo of Westport won his second INEX Legend Cars race of the season.

A touching opening ceremony kicked off the night. Steve Barrett of Preston was surprised with a brand new Street Stock racecar in a heartfelt presentation by several members of the racing community. Barrett, a member of the National Guard’s 1109th TASMG unit based in Groton, had just returned from ten months active duty overseas. During his deployment a group around the track organized a cause, “Racers for a Soldier”, taking donations to help build Barrett the car presented on Saturday. The effort was spearheaded by Jeff Winsor of Moosup. Barrett destroyed his racecar beyond repair in early 2012 prior to his deployment. He has competed at the track for the past several seasons.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® division turned in a wild performance, culminating in nine caution flags including one red flag. Their feature began with Tyler Jackson claiming the lead on lap-1. Coming out of turn four, defending champion Tyler Chadwick slid into the infield coming to rest to draw the first of the caution flags.

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FRIDAY FEATURE: State Line – Concentration Makes NASCAR Modified Racing Special

Published at May 3, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, NASCAR WMT, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

MODIFIED COUNTRY, Conn. – It is a 31-mile drive from Stafford, Conn., straight across the state to the town of Thompson. From there, it’s a 53-mile virtual straight shot down I-395 to the Waterford, along the Connecticut shoreline. Heading back to Stafford? That’ll run 52 to miles to the northwest, back into the heart of what is clearly demarcated as “Modified Country.”

On a map, it’s an upside-down acute triangle that perfectly cradles the epicenter of the NASCAR Modified universe.

One-half of the drivers entered in last weekend’s CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour call The Nutmeg State home. Nearly all of the others come from the area a stone’s throw across the sound to Long Island.

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Wild N Wacky Wednesday 5/1 Results

Published at May 2, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl kicked off its popular mid-week Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday series on Wednesday evening, hosting a five-event program under clear skies. Scoring the opening night victories included a pair of first time winners in INEX race action, Angelo Belsito of Massachusetts in the Legend Cars and Anthony Marvin of Colchester in the Bandoleros. Joining them were Wayne Shifflett of Preston who won in the night’s X-Car race and Jon Porter of Canterbury in the Super X-Car event. Peter Pollard of Old Lyme won the evening’s Wacky Musical Car race.

The 20-lap INEX Legend Cars race treated fans to an exciting conclusion. Joe Mucciacciaro took the lead on lap-1 and looked strong out front in the early going. Joey Ternullo quickly moved into second position on lap-2 and chased Mucciacciaro. Belsito quietly worked his way through the pack into the top runners over the first half of the race, arriving in third position on lap-8. Ahead of Belsito, Mucciacciaro led Ternullo by one car length and the pair enjoyed a large advantage over Belsito. The lone caution flag of the race waved on lap-13, enabling Belsito to close up and restart with the lead duo.

Mucciacciaro got a good restart to pick up at the front over Ternullo after the race went back to the green flag. Belsito took second from Ternullo racing to lap-18 with an impressive inside maneuver. Belsito then challenged Mucciacciaro for the victory, getting a superb run exiting turn four to race underneath the leader coming to the white flag. The two ran side-by-side for the win through turns one and two and down the back chute. Belsito charged ahead in turn three, only to see Mucciacciaro regroup, tucking in behind Belsito briefly before diving underneath him exiting turn four with the checkered flag waving. Mucciacciaro’s counter move fell just short as Belsito held him off by a half-car length advantage to win his first career Speedbowl feature in dramatic fashion. Mucciacciaro was forced to settle for second and Ternullo ran a strong race to finish in third.

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Coates Takes Surprise Victory at the Waterford Speedbowl

Published at April 29, 2013 in NETS, New England Truck Series and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — It might not have been a surprise to some people that Corey Coates took down the victory on Saturday night at the Waterford Speed bowl. But for the rest of the field, it was a surprise as Coates jumped into a truck he had never driven, started last in the race and took the lead with five laps to go to take down the feature event win.

The night started out with Glen Noll on the pole in truck #72 with his brother Duane Noll right alongside in truck #2. As the field came down for the start, Duane Noll got the jump and led the pack off of turn two. As the field came down to complete lap one, Glen Noll would come up the track and make contact with Corey Coates bringing out the first caution of the race. As bad as it looks, both trucks were able to drive away and rejoin at the tail end of the field. On the restart, D. Noll would find himself now on the pole with Tom Metcalf alongside in truck # 8x. As the green flag waived again, Noll would jump out front followed by Metcalf, Chris Correll in truck #7 and Brad Caddick in truck #44. The green would not stay out for long as Caddick and Tony Lafo in the #151 would make contact off turn four sending Caddick to the pits for repairs.

Once back under green, Noll would continue to lead the field but once again trouble would hit as Correll would break in the middle of turn two dropping fluid on the track. Pete Cayer would spin in the oil with truck #5 bringing out the final caution of the event. As the field went back to racing, it was the defending series champion Duane Noll leading the way but Coates had been quietly making his way back up through the field and now found himself in second place. These two would pull away from the field and start battling for the lead. At the same time, Lafo would also find himself in a heated battle with Metcalf for the third spot. With less than five laps to go Coates made the move and put the Chapman #22 truck out front for the final time and held on for the final laps to take down the victory. Duane Noll would have a solid finish in second place with Lafo holding off Metcalf for third.

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Former Speedbowl Championship Owner Al Gaudreau Passes

Published at April 29, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — aterford Speedbowl management was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Al Gaudreau this past Saturday. Gaudreau, of Norwich, CT, operated one of the most successful race teams of all-time at the famed shoreline oval. He passed away at the age of 70.

Al, affectionately known as “Buddha” by the racing community, along with his wife Margaret “Peg” Gaudreau owned Modifieds during the 1970’s with Dick Dunn behind the wheel. Their number 3 car became widely known across the northeast as “Buddha’s Bullet”. The combination won five consecutive Modified division owner’s titles at the Speedbowl from 1972-1976 and more races than anyone during the decade.

In the 1990’s Gaudreau and his son Tommy competed in the Late Model division. Tommy along with drivers such as Tom Fox piloted the car to numerous more victories and championships. In recent years Gaudreau enjoyed his son’s drag racing efforts at the track on Friday nights.

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Waterford Championship Car Owner Al Gaudreau Passes at 70

Published at April 28, 2013 in NEAR, Nostalgia, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Albert E Gaudreau
June 23, 1942 – April 27, 2013

NORWICH – Albert E. Gaudreau, 70, passed away in Norwich on Saturday, April 27th with family by his side.
He was born on June 23, 1942, the son of the late Albert J. and Annie (Mazarelli) Gaudreau. He was the beloved husband of Margaret “Peg” (Rude) Gaudreau who survives him. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary just last year.

Albert was born and raised in Norwich along with his brother Tom who now resides in Griswold with his wife Mary (Frye) Gaudreau.
Al graduated from NFA in 1960. After high school he worked as a welder at Electric Boat and for the plumbers and pipe fitters union. In 1976 he started Al’s Quality Auto and Marine Electric in New London which he ran until 2005.

Al and his wife Peg were avid auto racers. He built and owned many winning race cars in New England. He made many lifelong friends in the racing community and affectionately earned the nickname, “Buddha”. During the 70′s his car, called “Buddha’s Bullet” won 5 modified championships at the Waterford Speedbowl. In the 90′s he and his son Tommy raced Late Models and won two championships. In recent seasons he was been involved with his son Tom in a successful drag racing team. He was a great competitor and was rewarded with many checkered flags and victory lane celebrations.

Guestbook

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Saturday 4/27 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at April 27, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Ideal weather conditions blessed Waterford Speedbowl for another round of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing on Saturday. Fans were treated to a show that placed third-generation racer Joe Gada of Salem in the winner’s circle, claiming the night’s 35-lap SK Modified® main event in dominating fashion. Defending division champion Dillon Moltz of Waterford won the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model race, Josh Galvin of Franklin won a thrilling Street Stock feature and Ian Brew of Wood River Junction, RI took his first Mini Stock feature win of the year. Corey Coates of Ledyard won the visiting New England Truck Series feature. Dave Garbo Jr. of Stonington won the night’s INEX Legend Cars race.

Tyler Jackson led a full field of open-wheel ground pounders to green for their 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature. Jackson took the early lead over Jeffrey Gallup with Gada holding third. After settling in for the opening laps, Gada moved by Gallup’s inside for second on lap-4. Gada continued his forward progress and found room to Jackson’s inside in turn one the next lap and was scored as the new leader on lap-6. Craig Lutz followed suit and was in second. Jeff Rocco got loose to Jackson’s inside in turn one causing the field behind to stack up, resulting in Ed Puleo and Justin Gaydosh coming together to bring out the caution. Puleo was unable to resume.

Gada led the restart over Lutz, who settled into second. Only two laps more were completed before bumper tag headed into turn one again caused trouble, this time with Kyle James stranded in the infield to bring out the second caution flag on lap-8. Damage to James’ car was severe enough that he did not return.

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Waterford Speedbowl 4/13 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at April 14, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl was in action hosting the first Saturday night Whelen All-American Series event of the 2013 season. Claiming the opening Saturday night feature wins in NASCAR action included defending SK Modified® track champion Tyler Chadwick. Keith Rocco and Corey Hutchings each made it two in a row to start the year in the Late Model and Street Stocks respectively, while Ray Christian III was the Mini Stock winner. In INEX action, Dylan Izzo was a first-time winner in the Legend Cars.

The 35–lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® feature started with trouble on lap-2 when former champions Rob Janovic, Ted Christopher and Keith Rocco got collected along with Ed Puleo exiting turn four. All but Janovic would return.

After the restart, Brent Gonyaw and Jeff Rocco were at the head of the field racing side-by-side until Gonyaw got loose in the bottom line causing he and Rocco to spin, drawing the caution flag. Taking over the lead for the next restart was Kyle James.

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Turbush Wins Truck Series Opener at the Waterford Speedbowl

Published at April 9, 2013 in NETS, New England Truck Series and Waterford. Closed

Chris Turbush of Riverhead New York took the lead after an accident on lap eleven and never looked back to win the New England Truck Series season open at BlastOff 2013 at the Waterford Speedbowl.

Ten trucks would line up for the start of the feature event on Saturday night. Defending series champion Duane Noll started on the pole in truck #2 with Tom Metcalf alongside in truck #8x. As the green flag waived, Noll would take the lead with Metcalf second and C. Turbush third in truck #8.

The front of the field would stay pretty much single file till lap 8 when Dan Butler in truck #27 and Keith Chapman in truck #22 would come together in the backstretch along with Glen Noll in truck #72 bringing out the first caution of the event.

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

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Todd Bertrand NEMA Blastoff Winner

Published at April 8, 2013 in NEMA and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT – Taking advantage of the caution he was “hoping for,” Todd Bertrand captured the 25-lap Northeastern Midget feature Sunday at Waterford Speedbowl’s Blast Off Weekend. Bertrand described the run to his third career NEMA win, all of them at Waterford, as “methodical.”

Bertrand (Bertrand 39) was in complete control after beating Anthony Marvuglio (Bourbeau 38)) into turn one on a lap 15 restart. Marvuglio held on for second followed by Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47), Seth Carlson (Feigel 71) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) as NEMA opened its 61st season.

Following three side-by-side laps with fellow front-row starter Carlson, Marvuglio took command. The patient Bertrand, second by lap five, was catching the leader. “I wanted a restart,” explained Bertrand. “I didn’t want to wear out my tires. I knew my tires were going to be cooler than his.”

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

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Steve Masse Scores Valenti Modified Racing Series Opener at Waterford Speedbowl

Published at April 7, 2013 in VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Steve Masse of Bellingham, Massachusetts won the hotly-contested 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series feature at the Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday afternoon. It was the first race in an aggressive 2013 schedule for the successful touring series, which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

The century-distance grind was the centerpiece of the Connecticut speedplant’s 2013 Budweiser Blast-Off weekend.

Pole sitter Max Zachem led a 26-car field to green, but it was Louie Mechalides quickly assuming the point during the early circuits. With 77-laps remaining, a stout Richard Savary took command followed by Todd Annarummo.

Savary continued building a healthy lead until tangling with lapped traffic on the front- stretch and was forced pitside. He recovered to notch a respectable 11th-place.

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

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Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Results – April 7th

Published at April 7, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, NEMA, NEMA Lites, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — The 63rd season opener at Waterford Speedbowl wrapped up Sunday with six main events as part of the track’s Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. A total of 13 divisions were on hand for the three-day event, culminating with Sunday’s Valenti Modified Racing Series feature, NEMA Midget race and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing. Sunday’s winners included Steve Masse of Bellingham, MA in the 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series event, the popular northeastern tour’s 10th anniversary season opener. In NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action Keith Rocco of Meriden scored wins in both the SK Modified® and Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model division races, the second consecutive season he has opened the year with wins in each division. Corey Hutchings of Salem was the Street Stock winner and Garrett Denton of Hope Valley, RI won the Mini Stock feature. Todd Bertrand of Suffield took down a popular win in the Northeastern Midget Association race.

Masse made a late race charge in the 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series event to come out on top. He started in 13th position and bided his time much of the race. He began his march to the front of the field following a lap-64 caution period for race leader Richard Savary, who spun while working lapped traffic.

Masse restarted the race in fifth position and used another restart following a lap-83 yellow flag to challenge for the top-three. He passed Rowan Pennink for second position on lap-90 and was on leader Todd Annarummo’s bumper by lap-92. The pair made contact racing to lap-93 causing Masse to back off and regain his momentum. He was back to Annarummo’s bumper on lap-95 and made an outside bid for the lead a lap later. After one lap side-by-side, Masse completed the move out of turn two on lap-97 and motored away the final three laps for the victory. Annarummo placed second ahead of Anthony Nocella, Pennink and Mike Holdridge.

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

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Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Saturday 4/6 Results

Published at April 6, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl opened its 63rd consecutive season Saturday, hosting qualifying and seven main events as part of Budweiser Blastoff weekend. Saturday’s main events saw Randy Churchill of Oakdale winning the evening’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modified race, Keith Rocco of Meriden scoring the honors in the NEMA Lite touring series race, and Chris Turbush of Riverhead, NY won in the visiting New England Truck Series. In INEX racing, Dana Dimatteo of Farmington claimed the win in the opening day Legend Cars feature and New Jersey driver Alex McCollum won the Bandolero feature. Other winners included Jon Porter of Canterbury in Super X-Cars and Wayne Shifflett of Preston in the X-Cars.

Rocco was spectacular in the 25-lap NEMA Lites feature. He started back in the field and methodically worked his way to the front, culminating in a lap-23 pass on the outside of leader Randy Cabral. Only one caution slowed the pace.

Churchill was equally impressive in the 25-lap SK Light Modified race. He started in third position but quickly worked into the lead on lap-3. Churchill had to fend off the challenges of Cam McDermott over much of the second half of the race in a spirited battle between the two. Troy Talman raced strong in third and capitalized when McDermott made contact with the wall on lap-21 trying to wrestle the lead away from Churchill. Churchill mastered a final restart attempt and fended off a bold move by Talman in turn three with two laps to go before taking the checkered flag.

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

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NEMA Notes: 2013 Budweiser Blastoff

Published at April 2, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Some notes on NEMA upcoming campaign:

The Northeastern Midget Association opens its 61st season at this weekend’s Blast Off at Waterford Speedbowl. NEMA and the NEMA Lites are both on the two-day show. The Lites feature will be on Saturday night and the full midgets on Sunday. Both will qualify on Saturday.

The Midget win list at Waterford starts with Johnny Thomson, still regarded as New England’s premier open-cockpit driver. Thomson, a Lowell, MA product, won a fog- shortened 15-lapper in June of 1951 and a month later captured a 35-lapper. Late that year before Art Cross, another Midget legend, won an AAA-sanctioned 100 lapper George Tichenor grabbed the pole with a 17.920 run. Anthony Marvuglio had last year’s fastest feature lap time (12.910). Carl Medeiros’ 13.871 was the Lites best.

Since 1999, the Waterford Speedbowl has hosted the NEMA season-opener nine times. On four occasions there was a first-time winner including last year when John Zych Jr. prevailed. Others to do it were Rudy Boetticher (2000), Ben Seitz (2004) and Chris Leonard (2010).

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Speedbowl Ready for Blastoff!

Published at April 1, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, NETS, New England Truck Series, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Large turnout for open practice this past Saturday

Waterford, CT — A large contingent of racecars and on-lookers turned out this past Saturday at Waterford Speedbowl. Over 125 racecars representing many divisions jammed the pit area to test and tune for the 2013 race season. The Speedbowl opens the New England racing season this coming weekend with Budweiser Blastoff, the track’s 63rd season opener.

The largest turnout on Saturday was made by the Valenti Modified Racing Series. The popular open-wheel series will begin its 10th anniversary season at the Speedbowl as part of Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. Approximately 25 teams attended the practice day to put down laps on the shoreline oval. Series officials anticipate well over 30 teams for Budweiser Blastoff. Race teams from the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) and NEMA Lites, plus the New England Truck Series joined several Speedbowl racers in attendance Saturday.

Budweiser Blastoff Weekend takes over the Speedbowl April 5th – 7th. The weekend is highlighted by a 100-lap feature for the Valenti Modified Racing Series and a special 63-lap race for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modifieds®. Thirteen divisions in total will each be after the first checkered flags of 2013.

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Valenti Modified Racing Series Begins 10th Anniversary Season at Waterford

Published at March 31, 2013 in VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Canaan, N H. — The Valenti Modified Racing Series celebrates its 10th year of operation in 2013, and again will open the new season at Waterford, CT, Speedbowl, April 6, and 7, as part of the tracks annual Budweiser Blastoff weekend. The two-day event will be the fifth appearance by the VMRS at the spring race and the first event of a 19-race schedule.

The New England series for modified race cars debuted in 2004 and is popular with fans. Readers of SPEED 51.com recently chose the VMRS as the Top Touring Division.

25 cars signed in on Saturday, March 30, to prepare for the season opener at the Waterford practice session. A strong field of cars is expected this weekend.

Local favorite, and former Blastoff winner Chris Pasteryak, of Jewett City, CT., is an expected entry as is Charlie Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT. Other series notables expected include Todd Owen, Somers, CT., Mike Holdridge, of Madison, CT., Windsor Locks, CT., veteran Les Hinckley, III, Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA., and Norm Wrenn, of Nashua, NH.

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Coby Among NEMA Threats at ‘Bowl

Published at March 31, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA – Pointing out “It is good to challenge myself with something different,” National NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Doug Coby will get back in a Midget at this weekend’s Blast Off at Waterford Speedbowl.

The Northeastern Midget Association and the NEMA Lites are both part of busy two-day agenda. The 25-lap Lites feature is scheduled for Saturday night while the full midgets are on the Sunday agenda. Both will qualify on Saturday.

Coby will be in a “custom” chassis designed by Danny Drinan and Tim Bertrand. “The car has been re-done from head to foot, a very nice piece,” reports Bertrand.

The car did experience motor problem in last Saturday’s practice and will have a new Autocraft engine this weekend.

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Chadwick Set to Defend Waterford Title

Published at March 28, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Youngest SK Modified Champion In Track’s 63 Year History

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tyler Chadwick opens the 2013 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season at Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl in a unique position: defending SK Modified track champion.

The .375-mile paved oval opens its 63rd season April 5-7 with the Budweiser Blastoff Weekend.

“We just scaled the car. It’s set up and ready for the open practice day this Saturday,” Chadwick said.

A week later the division has a 25-lap feature on April 6 and a 63-lap feature on April 7.

“We don’t feel any extra pressure from being defending champions,” Chadwick said. “I think we’re motivated to try to get another one.”

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Truckers Ready to Rumble Through New England

Published at March 27, 2013 in Monadnock, NETS, New England Truck Series, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

The 2013 New England Truck Series will kick off their 2013 season on April 6th at Waterford. It will kick off a 13 race schedule for the series. They will make five appearances at Monadnock and Waterford. They will go to the Thompson Speedway twice and Stafford once. The New England Truck Series will close out their 2013 season at Thompson Speedway on World Series Weekend.

The race at Stafford will be a special race for the competitors as it will be Shirley Lindeman Memorial. Shirley Lindeman is the mother of multi time champion in the Series Andy Lindeman. Shirley would always greet the drivers and wish them luck before the race and always would ask the race how they did. The Shirley Lindeman Memorial race was held at Monadnock last season. The race will be held at the Fall Final Weekend at Stafford on Saturday September 28th.

Duane Noll had a dominating season last year and won the 2012 Championship. Noll will be back to defend his title. Glen Noll the 2012 Rookie Of The Year in the series will also be back as well as some competitors. Lorraine Pard is the series director of the New England Truck Series. She also feels that at the first race that there will be some trucks from Long Island area that run at the Riverhead Raceway will be a part of it. For the first race at Waterford we could see Chris and Roger Turbush. Later on in the year we could see Keith Rotzi come up and race as well as Matt Odwazny. In the new list of rookies, Tony Lafo, Pete Cayne, Brandon Chase, Danny Butler along with a few more blending in at the last moment.

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Double Duty for Veteran Driver Christopher

Published at March 25, 2013 in NASCAR WMT, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Focused On Whelen All-American Series & Whelen Modified Tour

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ted Christopher is excited by the potential he sees in his 2013 NASCAR Modified schedule. He has two focuses: Friday night NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified racing at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn., and driving the famed Jan Boehler No. 3 car in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Christopher, 54, of Plainville, Conn., has championships and race wins that certify his status as one of the all-time greats in NASCAR competition. After 27 years in the Modifieds, he’s still driven to win.

“I don’t go racing to make laps. I don’t need any more laps. I go to win,” Christopher said. “It’s harder nowadays because it’s such a competitive division.”

Christopher is the 2001 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion and 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion. He’s already made two starts this year. In the Boehler car he placed third in February’s 150-lap Whelen Modified Tour portion of the UNOH Battle At The Beach at Daytona International Speedway. And he was fourth in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour season opener, driving the No. 00 for Joe Brady and Scott Anderson at Caraway Speedway near Asheboro, N.C., on March 16.

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Fearn, Rocco Team Up for Waterford

Published at March 25, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Owner, driver return to Connecticut track in new Crazy Horse chassis

rocco late modelSOUTH PARIS, Maine – 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion Keith Rocco of Wallingford, Conn., will return to the seat of a Crazy Horse Racing chassis this season in a car owned by Scott Fearn of Wilbraham, Mass.

The two will drive the No. 1 Critical Signs/Mr. Rooter/Fearn Electric Toyota in weekly NASCAR competition at Waterford Speedbowl in Waterford, Conn.

“The full season – that’s the plan,” Fearn said. “We’ve really only run about 15 races together the last few years, but we’re going to give it a shot this year.”

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Speedbowl Hosts Open Practice Saturday March 30th

Published at March 25, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl will host a pre-season open practice session this Saturday, March 30th. A large turnout of racecars is expected as teams test and tune in preparation for the 2013 season. Saturday’s practice session is presented by RH2 Way Radio Sales and Service. The Speedbowl kicks off New England’s racing season one week later with the running of Budweiser Blastoff Weekend April 5th-7th.

Racecars from all divisions participating in Budweiser Blastoff Weekend are invited to attend on Saturday including the Valenti Modified Racing Series, Northeastern Midget Association including NEMA Lites and New England Truck Series. Anyone else with a safe racecar wishing to participate in Saturday’s open practice is urged to email Tech@speedbowl.com or contact the track office at 860.442.1585.

Pit gates open at 10:00am on Saturday with rotating practice rounds beginning at 11:00am, continuing through 6:00pm. Pit area admission is $25 per person and grandstands will be closed. Pit concessions will offer breakfast sandwiches and omelets as a limited special in addition to the regular menu on Saturday.

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Briggs Speeds to Recovery in Time for Waterford’s Blastoff

Published at March 23, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA — When Christian Briggs was 9 years old, he and his (late) father, Charlie, drove down to the Coca Cola 600 together. It was one of “the best memories” with his father. Upon returning to the car, to start the fourteen hour ride home, however, Briggs did not feel well. Something was not right. He was “ill” for the entire ride home.

Soon after, Briggs went back to school. His grades fell off. He couldn’t hit a baseball anymore. Something was wrong, and both he & his family knew it… That summer he admitted to Childrens Hospital and was diagnosed with two aracnoid cysts on his brain and spinal chord. While waiting for surgery he had a stroke and seizure and was rushed into the operating room. The surgery was successful and the cysts were removed. He could not drive anything for a year and made a full recovery. His only limitation was no football… ever. So he chose racing, and that’s where it began.

Fast-forward 20 years to the NEMA banquet. While celebrating a great season, Briggs was once again not feeling like “himself”, he blacked out and hit his head. This along with a crash at Beech Ridge, Briggs swears “may have saved his life”. The crash at Beech Ridge triggered what was about to happen. His helmet had bent the seat 2 inches. He was “out of it” on the way home but thought he was concussed and would be fine. The night of the banquet, upon being rushed to the Hospital, he had a catscan and the ER doctors found a massive cyst where the old ones were. His worst fear had come true.

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