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ACT Technical Memo Released

Published at November 27, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Seekonk, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

11/27/2013-TECHNICAL MEMO EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

To: ACT Participants & ACT Participating Tracks
From: ACT
Date: November 27, 2013
Subj: 2014 Rules

Please note the following additions to the 2014 ACT Late Model Rules:

Page 4, #3, Item C: The approved Dodge body is changed from Intrepid to Charger.

Page 4, #3, Item G: ABC body measurements must be strictly adhered to – templates will be available to measure from front windshield to rear spoiler, and from right quarter panel to left quarter panel.

Page 9, #20, Item B: Sway bars must be mounted parallel with front cross member and will be measured from rear of engine.

 Sources: ACT PR

2014 Valenti Modified Racing Series Schedule Announced

Published at November 24, 2013 in Airborne, Lee USA, Monadnock, Northeast Motorsports Expo, Seekonk, Stafford, The Racer’s Expo, Thompson, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

January 10-12 Northeast Motorsports Expo, Augusta, ME Car Show
February 7-8 Racer’s Expo, Marlborough, MA Car Show
February 8 Racer’s Expo, Marlborough, MA Annual Meeting
March 1-2 Frank Maratta’s Auto Show, Hartford, CT Car Show

Continue reading ’2014 Valenti Modified Racing Series Schedule Announced’

Rocco Continues Relentless Pursuit to Win

Published at November 22, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Keith Rocco’s pursuit of winning is relentless. He led the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I in number of point race starts (48) for the second consecutive season. With engines were barely cooled from the 2013 campaign, the first of his cars has already had been disassembled, freshened and rebuilt, ready for the first green flag of 2014.

A NASCAR Hall of Fame driver is big part of his inspiration.

“It’s just a passion for the sport. Racing is what I love to do,” he said. “It’s what I live for. I’m a throwback to Richie Evans. I have five cars to race in five divisions at three tracks every weekend.”

Continue reading ‘Rocco Continues Relentless Pursuit to Win’

Waterford: 2014 Track Forms Now Available

Published at November 13, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

NEAR Introduces “Class Of 2013” At 16th Annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

Published at November 11, 2013 in ACT, Airborne, Albany-Saratoga, Autodrome Montmagny, Beech Ridge, Brookline, Catamount, Hudson, Keene, Lee USA, Lonsdale, Manchester, Medford Bowl, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR WMT, NEAR, NEMA, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Pines, Plainville, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Speedway 95, Spencer, Spud, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Thunder Road, Unity, W. Peabody, Waterford, West Haven Speedway, Westboro and Wiscasset. Closed

South Windsor, CT — On Sunday November 10, the New England Antique Racers (NEAR), presented the 16th annual New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Conducted at Manelley’s Banquet Hall in South Windsor, CT., the HOF celebrates literally hundreds of feature victories, championships, and untold contributions to the sport of auto racing within the New England region.

Instituted in 1998, the HOF now boasts membership of well-over 100 deserving individuals.

Opening comments by NEAR President Al Feeney along with a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner & God Bless America performed by past NEAR President Bob Seller and his wife began the day. Award-winning sportswriter Matt Buckler served as Master of Ceremonies.

Inducted this year were drivers Ralph Nason, Stan Meserve, Drew Fornoro, Bill Eldridge, Bob Sharp, Brian Ross, the late Bob Stefanik, and longtime car owner Ron Berndt.

Continue reading ‘NEAR Introduces “Class Of 2013” At 16th Annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony’

Annual ISMA Awards Banquet Closes Out 2013 Season Honoring the Championship Miller – Cicconi Team & More

Published at November 10, 2013 in Autodrome Chaudiere, Delaware, ISMA, Lee USA, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Sandusky, Star, Sunset, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

VERONA, NY — The Turning Stone Casino’s Cypress ballroom provided an elegant backdrop for the annual ISMA Awards banquet Saturday night, November 9th with Oswego Speedway’s Dan Kapuscinski doing the MC honors.

The 2013 Car Owner and Driver awards went to Vic Miller, his eighth title overall and Lou Cicconi who finished atop the ISMA point standings at season-end making it a career first for the Aston, PA veteran. The tradition of carrying the huge championship trophy home until the next season ended here with a new tradition of separate trophies to be given to the car owner and driver individually. The five-foot plus trophy that has all previous champions engraved on it, will find a permanent home, possibly at the Watkins Glen Motorsports Museum. Brad and Mike Lichty were also belatedly each given individual trophies for their 2012 titles.

The remainder of the top fifteen owners and drivers received plaques and checks with the individual awards announced next as voted on by the membership.

Continue reading ‘Annual ISMA Awards Banquet Closes Out 2013 Season Honoring the Championship Miller – Cicconi Team & More’

Walt Dombrowski Passes at 75

Published at November 9, 2013 in Nostalgia and Waterford. Closed

1963 & 1970 Waterford Speedbowl Track Champion

Montville – Walter A. Dombrowski passed away Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013.

Walter was born May 8, 1938, in New London, the son of Walter A. Dombrowski and Mildred (Pinkowitz) Dombrowski. Better known as “Walt” to his friends and family, he was a resident of Montville all his life. Walt served in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959 in the 42nd field maintenance squadron as a jet engine mechanic and was stationed at Loring Air Force Base for the duration of his term of service.

He married Margaret R. Paquin of Montville at St. Johns Church in 1962 and was employed at Electric Boat, working third shift as a sheet metal mechanic from 1964 and retired in 1997.

Walt enjoyed a successful career as a stock car driver at the Waterford Speed Bowl, where he drove the Lawrence + Memorial sponsored modified race car and was a two time track champion. He was voted one of the top 50 most popular drivers and inspired many to take up the sport.

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Smacktoberfest 10/26 Results

Published at November 1, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

10/26 Results
X-Car feature (28-laps):
1 – 19 Lawrence Loomis Jr Moosup , CT
2 – 55 Zachary Thomas New London, CT
3 – 4 David Gargaro Jr. Cranston , Ri 0.00
4 – 03 Christopher Thomas Waterford , CT 0.00
5 – 42 Frank Shepard Bozrah , CT 0.00
6 – 3 Jordan Hadley Quaker Hill, CT 0.00
7 – 79 Matthew Westover Gales Ferry, CT 0.00
8 – 84 Richard Nye Stonington , CT 0.00
9 – 89 Mitchell Bombard Willimantic , CT 0.00
10 – 31 John Diamantini Oakdale , CT 0.00

Continue reading ‘Smacktoberfest 10/26 Results’

Speedbowl closes season Saturday with Smacktoberfest

Published at October 24, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Speedbowl closes season Saturday with Smacktoberfest Annual thrill show set to deliver big hits and family fun

WATERFORD, CT — Waterford Speedbowl puts a wrap on another season of motorsports entertainment on Saturday when it hosts Smacktoberfest. Motorized mayhem will be underway as Halloween themed attractions including a Demolition Derby, Trailer Race, Enduro races plus Figure 8 and X-Car races highlight the program, which begins at 3:00pm.

Old school Enduro races for both four and eight cylinder cars pays each event winner $1,000.00 in a winner take all format. True grass-roots racing, the event puts men and women behind the wheel of former street-legal cars adapted with basic safety modifications. The races are scheduled for 100-laps each. Prizes for the best Halloween-themed car in competition will also be awarded.

The track’s popular X-Car division from its Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday series will make an appearance at the event, competing in both a traditional race event as well as a special Flagpole Race with added obstacles which must be circled during competition.

Smacktoberfest is scheduled to deliver plenty of smashing thrill seekers love. The event serves as a graveyard for cars and trailers of all shapes and sizes in the wildly unpredictable Speedbowl Trailer Race, an annual favorite. Vehicles circle the Speedbowl’s three-eighths mile oval towing a trailer loaded with assorted cargo in a quest to be the last to survive with their trailer and tow vehicle intact and rolling. Contact is necessary to knock a competitor’s trailer or car out of commission, making anything on track a target for destruction. Participants often construct and decorate their entries with the season in mind.

Capping off the carnage is a Demolition Derby on the Speedbowl’s front stretch in front of the crowd. The popular event showcases brave competitors dueling inside a motorized version of a boxing ring, delivering pulverizing hits until just one survivor is left with a moving car to be crowned the champion plus take home a $500.00 prize.

Youth are encouraged to dress in costume to help set the Halloween spirit and midway and concession decorations of the season will be presented by Ukleja’s Tree Farm of Quaker Hill.

Grandstands general admission for Smacktoberfest is $18.00 per adult and $6.00 per youth ages 6 through 14. Children age 5 and under are admitted free and the Speedbowl offers acres of free parking. “Grab and Go” tickets are available for purchase online at Speedbowl.com up until event day and can be claimed at the Will-Call window of the Speedbowl Box Office on Saturday. Grandstand and pit gates for participants open at 1:00pm and Smacktoberfest gets underway at 3:00pm.

More information and andetailed schedule of events can be found online at Speedbowl.com or by contacting the Speedbowl event info line at 860.442.1585.

Sources: Brian Darling/Waterford Speedbowl PR

Saturday 10/12 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at October 13, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl was back in action Saturday to wrap up its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing season, concluding a program suspended by weather a week ago. Keith Rocco of Meriden continued to rewrite track history books, picking up victories in both the SK Modified® and Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model races to set a new single season record for wins at the track. Rocco first won Saturday in the Late Models then came back to double up in the day’s main attraction, the 50-lap SK Modified® race, giving him 24 total wins on the year. Josh Galvin of Franklin scored a popular victory in the Street Stock race and Garrett Denton of Hope Valley, RI won a special Mini Stock Shootout event.

Rocco’s record-setting victory in the SK Modified® race was not easy. He made a steady march to the front in the early going to become a contender and used restart mastery as the primary key to his win. The race began with Diego Monahan out front however only two laps were able to be completed when the first caution flag came out when Jeff Gallup bobbled out of turn two, setting off some bumper tag that sent Tom Abele Jr. sliding into the grass and coming to rest at the entrance of turn three.

Monahan led the restart but Kyle James snatched second away from Joe Gada. Only two more laps were complete when something let go on Matt Galko’s machine, sending him spinning into turn one and collecting Corey Coates and Mark Panaroni. All three were sidelined from the event. James wore out Monahan on the restart, staying to his outside for four laps before finally able to take the lead and clear Monahan on lap-8. Ed Puleo moved into third and Rocco rose to fourth position, dropping Gada back to fifth. Puleo and Rocco both got around the outside of Monahan on successive laps to take second and third by lap-12. The next caution was out on lap-14 when veteran racer Frank Mucciacciaro clipped the front stretch wall out of turn four causing heavy right front damage to his car, ending his day early.

Continue reading ‘Saturday 10/12 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results’

Speedbowl schedules “Bash at the ‘Bowl” for Saturday 10/12

Published at October 7, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Event combines remaining NASCAR races with Holeshot Drag Nationals

Waterford, CT (October 7, 2013) – Waterford Speedbowl combines two exciting genres of racing when it hosts the “Bash at the ‘Bowl” event this Saturday, October 12. The event pairs NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing suspended by weather last weekend with the Holeshot Drag Nationals originally scheduled for Saturday. A Mini Stock Shootout race will also be part of the program and non-motorsports attractions include a car cruise show, food and beverage specials plus music and entertainment.

The remaining 16-laps of the 50-lap Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model feature plus 50-lap races for the SK Modified® and Street Stock divisions unable to be completed last Sunday will be held and settle the season point standings. A 25-lap non-points Mini Stock Shootout race has been added to the lineup. Cars eligible to compete in the Mini Stock Shootout event must meet rules in place for the division’s 50-lap season finale race held last weekend. Competitors interested in the Mini Stock Shootout race, including car eligibility questions, can be directed by email to info@speedbowl.com or by contacting the track office.

Once oval track racing is completed attention turns to the most action-packed 100 feet in motorsports. The 2013 Holeshot Drag Nationals includes competition classes for street legal cars, a bike class plus competition class. A Nostalgia Heads-Up Shootout puts vehicles 1986 & older against the clock for bragging rights among vintage enthusiasts. The Holeshot Drag Nationals is competed on the Speedbowl’s front chute, where competitors go head-to-head against one another in elimination rounds in the quest to be the fastest in a 100 foot drag race.

Continue reading ‘Speedbowl schedules “Bash at the ‘Bowl” for Saturday 10/12′

Waterford Speedbowl Sunday 10/6 Finale Weekend Results

Published at October 7, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl had to battle Mother Nature on Sunday of its Finale Weekend, getting interrupted by rain once before completing three of its scheduled six races for the afternoon. A persistent and increasing mist forced track officials to suspend the event and the remaining racing until next Saturday, October 12. Picking up wins in the completed races included Bethany Stoehr of Bridgewater, MA in the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) feature, Ken Cassidy Jr. of Lisbon in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Mini Stock race and Dylan Izzo of Westport in the INEX Legend Cars event. The Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model race was suspended part-way through and the SK Modified® and Street Stock races were unable to be completed due to the weather. Those remaining races will join next Saturday, October 12th’s Holeshot Drag Nationals scheduled at the track. Details and times for the new event date will be announced.

Stoehr continued a trend of late at the Speedbowl – winning ladies. She became just the second female winner in the 61-year history of the series. Victoria Bergenty and Nichole Morgillo became the first-ever open wheel race winners in Speedbowl history on September 21 in modified competition, and Stoehr matched that effort just two weeks later. Stoehr, age 18, had to fend off a stiff challenge by her uncle Russ Stoehr, a six-time NEMA series champion. She turned the quickest lap of the race, a blistering 103 mile-per-hour effort. Russ Stoehr couldn’t top his niece and settled for second while John Zych Jr. finished third. Erica Santos was the first to win a NEMA series race in July 2007.

Cassidy was on his game once again in Mini Stock competition, rolling to his ninth victory of the year – and fourth in a row to conclude the season. The five-time Speedbowl champion endured a rain delay that lasted nearly ninety minutes, interrupting the race just seven laps in. Cassidy started the race in eleventh position and worked his way into contention while early caution flags plagued the race. He took the lead after the delay on lap-10 from Sean Caron, who led from the beginning. The final 39 laps were run without caution and after a brief challenge from teenager Garrett Denton, Cassidy pulled ahead to lead the final 33 laps. He did not falter in lapped traffic and closed out the win. Denton finished second and two-time division champion Glenn Colvin was third.

Continue reading ‘Waterford Speedbowl Sunday 10/6 Finale Weekend Results’

Bethany Stoehr NEMA’s Best At Speedbowl

Published at October 6, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT – Bethany Stoehr, beating back continued challenges from her uncle Russ Stoehr, won the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association feature Sunday at Waterford Speedbowl’s Finale. It was the first Midget win for Stoehr, 18, who is only the second female winner in NEMA’s 61-year old history.

Taking the lead three laps in, Bethany, the daughter of NEMA competitor Greg, survived a series of unusual restarts to finish a tick over a second in front of Russ.

“I knew [Russ] was behind me,” she said. “I just kept telling myself to hold it together.”

Continue reading ‘Bethany Stoehr NEMA’s Best At Speedbowl’

Finale Weekend Sunday 10/06 Starting Lineups

Published at October 6, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

50-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® feature starting lineup:
1. 78 – Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill
2. 6 – Joe Gada, Salem
3. 36 – Craig Lutz, Miller Place, NY
4. 44 – Jeff Gallup, Agawam, MA
5. 32 – Tom Abele Jr., Norwich
6. 21 – Kyle James, Ashaway, RI
7. 56 – Nichole Morgillo, Wallingford
8. 7 – Ed Puleo, Branford
9. 98 – Frank Mucciacciaro Jr., Milford
10. 88 – Keith Rocco, Meriden

Continue reading ‘Finale Weekend Sunday 10/06 Starting Lineups’

Finale Weekend Saturday 10/05 Results

Published at October 6, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, NEMA Lites, NETS, New England Truck Series and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Over 200 race cars turned out for Waterford Speedbowl’s Finale Weekend, the annual close to the racing season. Thirteen divisions took the track for practice and qualifying with seven racing their final events of the year. The remaining six will compete Sunday. Taking feature wins Saturday evening included Glenn Griswold of Vernon in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modified, Kenney Johnson of Bethany in the NEMA Lites and Duane Noll of Monroe in the New England Truck Series. Joining them were Waterford’s Dan Butler in the Super X-Cars, Dave Gargaro Jr. of Cranston, RI in the X-Cars and Derek Debbis of Oakdale in the INEX Bandoleros. Salem’s Corey Hutchings came out on top of a wild finish in the Outlaw Stocks.

Griswold checkered his fourth SK Light Modified feature of the year, the third time in the division’s last four races of the year. He took the lead outside of Corey Barry off turn two on lap-4, driving to a solid lead. Griswold was forced to restart against Barry following four caution flags that came between lap-13 and lap-17. He was strong on each one, pulling ahead for the victory. Barry, from Plainfield, finished in second place and Chris Correll of New London was third.

The 25-lap Outlaw Stock race was rough and tumble. The division, which welcomes cars from outside speedways to compete with more relaxed rules, saw several competitors with a chance at victory during the feature. Hutchings survived some heated battles at the front of the pack that dropped those in contention back to restart in the lead following the final caution with one lap remaining. Hutchings came out on top of a three-wide battle over the final lap with Preston’s Jay Stuart and Paul Newcomb of Plymouth, MA. The three cars came together exiting turn four with all three sliding sideways. Hutchings finished the race backwards as his car spun, just nipping Stuart and Newcomb in one of the wildest finishes in the history of the track.

Continue reading ‘Finale Weekend Saturday 10/05 Results’

Christopher Garners Hometown Honors

Published at October 4, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, NASCAR WMT, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Modified Standout Elected To Plainville Sports Hall Of Fame

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Owner of 15 NASCAR titles, Ted Christopher’s distinguished career will be recognized by his Connecticut hometown with induction in the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday Oct. 5.

Christopher, a 1976 graduate of Plainville High School, is one of six individuals that will be honored by the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame at its annual banquet.

Best known simply as “TC,” Christopher’s NASCAR career has been highlighted by the 2001 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship and the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title. Mixed in before, between and after those two crowns are 12 track championships and a regional title.

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Speedbowl Ready for Finale Weekend this Saturday & Sunday

Published at October 3, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

13-division extravaganza closes racing season

Waterford, CT — History is on the line as Waterford Speedbowl’s hosts its Finale Weekend of racing this Saturday and Sunday, the close to NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing at the shoreline speedway for 2013. All of the track’s NASCAR divisions will race along with its popular Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday divisions. The Northeastern Midget Association headlines the visiting contingent along with the New England Truck Series and a special Outlaw Stock event. A total of thirteen divisions see action over the weekend, which begins with a Friday afternoon practice session.

Season championship battles have, for the most part, already been decided. However, one driver eyes history at the season finale. Meriden’s Keith Rocco, one of the track’s most successful drivers of the past decade, has already etched his name further into Speedbowl record books during 2013 and one more milestone is within reach. A 53-year old record for most wins in a single season, achieved when one of the Speedbowl’s all-time greats – Don Collins – notched 23 victories in 1960, is in jeopardy. Rocco enters the event with 22 victories for the year and plans to enter four races during Finale Weekend. Rocco already wrapped up the track’s SK Modified® and Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model titles, the first to ever accomplish the feat in a season.

Finale Weekend begins Friday when pit gates open for practice at 12:00pm. Practice rounds for all divisions participating except NEMA and NEMA Lites is from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Hauler drop off for racers will be 6:00pm through 7:00pm. Pit admission fee is $25.00 for all entrants on Friday and the grandstands will be closed. Two-day admission for Saturday and Sunday’s events will be available for purchase Friday.

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Impressive Cast Set for NEAR Fame Fete

Published at October 2, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Beech Ridge, Brookline, Canaan Fair, Hudson, Keene, Lee USA, Lime Rock Park, Lonsdale, Manchester, Medford Bowl, NEAR, NEMA, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oxford Plains, Pines, Plainville, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Speedway 95, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Unity, Waterford, Westboro and Wiscasset. Closed

An all-star cast will induct an equally impressive group of inductees at the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Banquet Sunday Nov. 10 at the Lodge at Manelleys in South Windsor, CT. It is the 16th NEAR Hall of Fame class.

Steve Pellerin and Bruce Elder will be inducting fellow Maine natives Ralph Nason and Stan Meserve respectively. Open cockpit racing is well represented by Chris Romano and Dick Monahan who will honor multi-time Northeastern Midget Association champions Drew Fornoro and Billy Eldridge respectively.

Lew Boyd will bring forth Bob Sharp, arguably New England’s greatest road racer.

Continue reading ‘Impressive Cast Set for NEAR Fame Fete’

NEAR Hall of Famer Rene Charland Passes at 84

Published at October 2, 2013 in Airborne, Albany-Saratoga, Catamount, Eastern States, Keene, Lebanon Valley, NASCAR WA-AS, NASCAR WMT, NEAR, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oxford Plains, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson, Waterford and West Brattleboro. Closed

Rene Charland “Da Champ”: November 13, 1928 – September 30, 2013

Rene M Charland, legendary stock car driver who blazed numerous tracks from Canada to Florida passed away peacefully on Monday Sept 30 at the Wilkinson Residential Care Facility in Amsterdam, NY where he had resided for the past several years.

Mr Charland was born in Chicopee, MA on November 13, 1928 the son of Adelard and Noella Lamoureux Charland. After serving his time in the US Marines and Merchant Marines, Mr Charland resettled in the Chicopee area and later was a resident of Agawam, MA before locating to Upstate NY in the 1960’s. After returning from his act of duty in the service he tried on many masks, working for Remington Arms in Springfield, Ma and running his own speed shop and radio station before turning the throttle full bore on his racing career which began in 1947.

Rene was a 4-time Nascar National Sportsman Champion from 1962 thru 1965. He was one of the original Eastern Bandits that enjoyed tickling the skills of the drivers in the South. He was also a member of the AllStar League for many years. He was inducted into many Hall of Fames thru-out his life span; the New England Antique Racers(NEAR), Dirt Motorsports ,Riverside Park, Fonda Speedway, Utica-Rome and Albany-Saratogas as well as many more. He was named as one of Nascar’s Top 50 Drivers at Stafford Motor Speedway as well. His career wins exceeded 800, his track championships were numerous and covered many states in the country to achieve his records.

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Saturday 09/28 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at September 29, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT  — Waterford Speedbowl hosted the final Saturday night racing program of the season before its big Finale Weekend of racing, putting seven race divisions in action on a seasonable late September evening. While seven drivers captured wins on the night, four more champions were unofficially crowned in the season long war. In NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing, Keith Rocco of Meriden captured his third track championship in the headline SK Modified® division following his ninth win of the year. Rocco also won his fourth straight Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model division feature. Uncasville’s Phil Evans outdueled the competition for an entertaining victory in the night’s Street Stock race while Salem’s Corey Hutchings unofficially clinched the division championship. Ken Cassidy Jr. of Lisbon claimed his fifth Mini Stock championship in convincing fashion with his third straight victory. In INEX racing, Dylan Izzo of Monroe won both the race and the division’s Saturday night series championship. Brad Voglesong of Middletown won the X-Car race and Dave Yardley of Berlin won the Super X-Car feature.

The 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® feature had a hard time getting started smoothly with multiple caution flags plaguing the opening six laps. Two attempts to begin the race went awry before the field could get to turn one, the second involving multiple cars and knocking Ted Christopher and Frank Mucciacciaro Jr. out of the race. Diego Monahan took the lead from pole-sitter Tyler Chadwick when finally got underway. Rocco began the race in fourth position and quickly was in contention, moving up to second behind Monahan by lap-2 when Rob Janovic Jr. spun in turn one to trigger another yellow flag.

Rocco powered into the lead after two false starts by the front row trying to restart the race on lap-2. Rocco raced into turn one ahead of Monahan, being scored as the leader of lap-3. After a Jeff Gallup spin on lap-6, another great restart enabled Rocco to drive away from the field. Kyle James moved to second place on lap-11 around Mohanan and when Tom Abele Jr. tried to follow, Monahan shut the door and the two came together. Monahan collected his car and held the spot but lost ground to James, who began a pursuit of Rocco’s lead which already had grown to several car lengths.

Behind Rocco and James, the best battle was for third as four cars ran together. Abele continued to pester Monahan while Craig Lutz had caught the pair looking to improve his position as the race approached halfway. Abele went to the outside lane in his quest to get by Monahan, working hard as Monahan tried to hold him off. Finally on lap-21 Abele had the spot after several laps trying. Lutz struck quickly on Monahan to pick up fourth position, dropping Monahan to fifth a lap later. Rocco’s lead evaporated when Jim Larsen Jr. spun in turn four near the rear of the field, just ahead of Rocco, to return the race under caution with seven laps remaining.

Continue reading ‘Saturday 09/28 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results’

NEMA Stretch Run Begins at Waterford

Published at September 28, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA — Waterford Speedbowl’s Finale, Oct. 5-6, begins the traditional “stretch run” for the Northeastern Midget Association. Point races take center stage as both NEMA and the NEMA Lites have places on Waterford’s two-day season-ender.

John Zych Jr., a four-time winner this season, will take a 17-point edge on four-time and defending champion Randy Cabral in Sunday’s 25-lap feature. It is NEMA’s fourth visit to the Speedbowl this season.

The Lites point race – three-time winner Carl Mederios Jr. is 51 up on Danny Cugini – could well be decided in Saturday’s 25-lap Lites feature. Both NEMA and the Lites will qualify on Saturday.

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Keith Rocco Clinches Waterford Championship

Published at September 27, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Driver Wins 10th Late Model Feature Of The Season

SOUTH PARIS, Maine – Now that Keith Rocco has locked up the Late Model championship at Waterford Speedbowl, don’t expect his approach to change.

“Absolutely not,” said Rocco, the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American series national champion. “Every race, we race to win. We had such a points lead built up by the middle of the summer, we had no mercy out there. We were going for wins and that was it.”

Rocco earned his 10th Late Model feature win of the season for car owner Scott Fearn last Saturday night, September 21, to mathematically clinch the track championship before season’s end. The No. 1 Mr. Rooter/Critical Sign Toyota was built brand-new during the offseason by Crazy Horse Racing.

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Long Time Speedbowl Competitor & Engine Builder Nick Dinsmoor Passes at 71

Published at September 26, 2013 in NEAR, Nostalgia and Waterford. Closed

Nick Dinsmoor 11/29/1941 – 09/23/2013

Nicholas James Dinsmoor Nov. 29, 1941 – Sept. 23, 2013 – Uncasville Nicholas James Dinsmoor, 71, of Uncasville and formerly of Salem, passed away Monday (Sept. 23, 2013) at the Wm. W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.

Born Nov. 29, 1941, he was the son of the late Claire and Lily (Reynolds) Dinsmoor, Jr. Mr. Dinsmoor served proudly with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1965, serving on one of the first nuclear submarines.

An avid automotive enthusiast, he worked as an engine machinist and very active with the stock car racing circuit in the area for many years. In his spare time, he also enjoyed fishing.

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Saturday 09/21 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results

Published at September 20, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — A record setting night took place Saturday at Waterford Speedbowl as it hosted a six division NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race program. Leading the way was a win by Wallingford’s Nichole Morgillo in the SK Modified® feature, becoming the first woman to win a race in the track’s premier division in the 63-year history of the race track. Earlier in the night, Victoria Bergenty of Plainville captured a victory in the SK Light Modified feature to join Morgillo as winning women in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action. Keith Rocco of Meriden unofficially captured the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model track championship following his tenth win of the season to become just the second driver to win titles in three different divisions at the track. Ken Cassidy Jr. of Lisbon took one step further in his quest for a fifth championship in one division as he won the night’s Mini Stock feature and Corey Hutchings of Salem won his seventh Street Stock race of the year. In INEX racing, Dylan Izzo of Westport won his fourth Saturday night Legend Cars feature of 2013.

Morgillo’s historic run in the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® feature was hard fought down to the checkered flag. She held back a charging Ted Christopher over the final 11 laps to take the win, capping a memorable day at the track. Earlier in the night Morgillo’s long-time boyfriend and fellow SK Modified® driver Shawn Thibeault proposed to her on the track’s front stretch before the crowd as part of the evening’s opening festivities.

The race began with Diego Monahan blasting into the lead outside of pole-sitter Thibeault. Morgillo quickly worked her way to second position after starting the race in fourth to move to Monahan’s rear bumper. Tom Abele Jr. got to third around Thibeault when the first caution flag waved as Joe Gada and Tyler Chadwick came together in the back chute before the field could complete lap-3. The contact sent both cars into the retaining wall causing damage that eliminated both from the race. Adam Gada was also collected and pitted for repairs, returning at the rear of the field.

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Ratta/Mitchell Award to Pete Vander Veer

Published at September 19, 2013 in NEAR, Nostalgia, Riverside Park, Stafford, Thompson, Waterford and West Haven Speedway. Closed

Pete V photoPeter Vander Veer, a standout auto racing writer for over 30 years, will receive the Jack Ratta/Charlie Mitchell Award at the 16th annual New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Banquet  Sunday,  Nov. 10  at the Lodge at Manelley’s in South Windsor, CT.

A contributor to a number of outlets, Vander Veer joins Hall of Fame inductees Stan Meserve, Brian Ross, Drew Fornoro, Ralph Nason, the late Bob Stefanik, Bill Eldridge, Bob Sharp and Ron Berndt on the honoree list.

The award memorializes two outstanding motor sports journalists – Ratta who wrote for the Manchester Union Leader and Mitchell, a sportswriter/editor for many years at the Norwalk (CT) Hour. Like Vander Veer, Mitchell was recognized for his reporting on the entire sporting scene.

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Speedbowl Honors Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday Competitors with Awards Ceremony

Published at September 18, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Wednesday evening was special at Waterford Speedbowl as track management hosted the annual awards ceremony for its Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday racing program, celebrating the popular series 13th consecutive season of motorsports. The banquet recognized several drivers for their achievements on and off the race track during the year.

Approximately 200 guests attended the function, held on speedway grounds under the track’s hospitality tent. The top-five drivers from each of the four Wednesday divisions – Legend Cars, X-Cars, Super X-Cars and Bandoleros – were awarded trophies. In addition, special awards were presented to the top rookie drivers, most improved drivers, pit crews of the year plus a sportsmanship award winner for each division.

Middletown’s Joey Ternullo took home the championship trophies in the INEX Legend Cars division and became the youngest champion in the division’s track history. Ternullo is two months shy of his 15th birthday. The division mixes young and veteran racing talent in a very tough and competitive class of car. Ternullo won three feature races during the season on his way to the title.

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Pulliam Continues Historic Short-Track Run

Published at September 18, 2013 in Beech Ridge, Canaan Fair, Chemung, Devil's Bowl, Holland, NASCAR WA-AS, Spencer, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Joins Elite Company With 2nd Whelen All-American Title

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Lee Pulliam is now an iconic champion in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series history.

He won NASCAR’s national championship of weekly short track auto racing for a second consecutive year in 2013. Pulliam becomes just the third driver in the series’ 32 years to win the national championship more than once and to win consecutive titles.

Pulliam, 25, of Semora, N.C., scored the maximum of 810 points available this season. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series has had various points systems since it began in 1982, and Pulliam is just the fourth to win the title with a “perfect record.”

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American Racer Tire Choice of ACT Through 2019

Published at September 18, 2013 in ACT LM Tour, Airborne, Autodrome Chaudiere, Autodrome Montmagny, Autodrome St. Eustache, Beech Ridge, Devil's Bowl, Lee USA, NHMS, Riverside, Sanair, Seekonk, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has announced that its tire of choice for the next six (6) years will be the American Racer brand from Race Tires America, located in Indiana, Pennsylvania. ACT and its affiliate tracks will change tire needs from Goodyear to the American Racer beginning with the 2014 season.

“We appreciate the many years of working with the Goodyear Racing Division. They have provided us with nearly a decade of service, and assisted us in the development of new products to meet our tire needs,” said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour.

American Race Tire has spent the past four months producing and testing a tire to meet the varied and heavy demand of supplying the Late Model teams in the large area which ACT covers.

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Theriault Leads Crazy Horse Efforts

Published at September 18, 2013 in Autodrome St. Eustache, Beech Ridge, Devil's Bowl, PASS, PASS North, Riverside, Seekonk, Série ACT Castrol and Waterford. Closed

Season Hits Homestretch With Host Of Strong Performances

SOUTH PARIS, Maine – The car known as “T-Rex” continued feasting on PASS North Series competition last weekend.

Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, dominated the Southern Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep 300 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough, Maine, on Sunday, September 15, giving Theriault his second win in five PASS North Series starts in his family-owned No. 57 Pelletier Ford Ford Fusion. The car, built at the beginning of the 2012 season by Crazy Horse Racing, led 192 of the 300 laps after starting on the pole in the 31-car field.

“I’ve got to say, it was probably the easiest 300 laps I’ve ever driven,” Theriault said. “The car was just that awesome.”

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Waterford Speedbowl names 2013 Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday track champions

Published at September 17, 2013 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl announced late Tuesday it confirmed its 2013 Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday series track champions. Three first-time champions were named and another achieved a place in track history with their third title overall. In total, six champions were declared. Middletown’s Joey Ternullo became the youngest Legend Cars champion in track history while Bill Reiman of Southington and Anthony Marvin of Colchester each won their first championships in the respective Super X-Car and Bandolero divisions. Brad Voglesong, also from Middletown, took a third X-Car title to become the only driver to accomplish the feat. Chuck McDonald of Groton and Peter Pollard of Old Lyme were announced as champions of the wacky race series, a popular Wednesday night attraction. Track officials awaited final technical inspection procedures and a review of the point standings following the final event, held last Wednesday evening, prior to confirming the champions.

The 13th season for the popular series saw the Super X-Car, X-Car, and Legend Car divisions race distances increased to 25-laps, up from 20-laps. Each division also competed in an extra distance 30-lap during the season. The Bandoleros had three nights where twin 20-lap features meant double the action on the race track. Just one rainout slowed the action all year long, back on May 8. In total, fans were dazzled by hotly contested battles for 19 weeks where an astonishing 36 different drivers tasted victory. The July 31 program saw the return of fireworks to the Wild ‘n Wacky program, a big hit with everyone in attendance.

Ternullo was quietly consistent, overcoming adversity just before the halfway point of the year. His season nearly turned into disaster when his throttle stuck wide open in practice back on June 12, destroying his car. Ternullo got assistance from Joey Mucciacciaro who loaned his #45 car that night plus the following week, keeping his season hopes alive while the family repaired his familiar #10 car. One year removed from achieving the 2012 Most Improved Driver award in the division, Ternullo showed more progress, recording three victories and more consistency to help him land in the points lead late in the season. Ternullo ended the year with 11 top-five runs and 17 top-tens during the 19-race stretch. His steady season put him comfortably atop the standings headed into the final event, where he clinched the title by just coming out onto the track. At just 14 years of age, Ternullo became the youngest Legend Cars champion in the history of the Speedbowl. Seven different drivers visited the winner’s circle during the series season, including a cameo appearance and win by 2012 track champion Dave Garbo Jr on July 24. In addition to Ternullo and Garbo, Angelo Belsito, Nicholas Sowa, Giovanni Giarratana, Nick Ladyga and Stephen Kopcik all took down a checkered flag. Ternullo bested Kopcik in the final tally. First year competitor Mike Christopher Jr. improved steadily over the season and placed third in the standings while Belsito and Sowa placed fourth and fifth in the final points.

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