Speed, Point Battles In ‘Bowl Spotlight
Waterford, CT —In the midst of two very close point battles, Waterford Speedbowl competitors are turning extraordinary speeds. The stretch drive continues Saturday night with a 35-lap SK-Modified feature headlining a five-division program.
The SK and Mini Stock championship wars capture the spotlight. In each case, defending champions Dennis Gada and Danny Field are playing “picking up points when we can games” against competitors seeking their first titles. Both were winners for the fourth time last week.
The Late Models are scheduled for a 30 lapper with 20 lappers for the Minis, Sportsman and Legends. Qualifying begins at 5 pm with the features at 7.
Seeking an unprecedented seventh crown, Gada has climbed to win16 points of leader Rob Janovic Jr. Shawn Monahan remains in the picture as well just 20 back. “We just have to stay focused, pick them up where we can,” says Gada.
Field, an old hand at point chasing and after a third straight championship, is just 20 behind Dan Cassidy Jr., the latter the division’s only leader this year. Joe Godbout III, 30 behind, has not given up either. “I’m aware of where everybody else is,” says Field. “We can do it.”
Youngster Michael Gervais Jr. takes an 18-point edge on Chris Bakaj into the Legends event.
Last week’s “fast laps” are evidence that the late summer atmosphere is producing impressive speeds. Ronnie Silk’s 14.219 seconds SK lap and Godbout’s 17.444 Mini Stock effort were, respectively, among the fastest competitive circuits of the season. Other “fast lap” honors were to Bruce Thomas Jr. (15.496) in the Late Models and Kevin Williams (17.541) in the Sportsman.
Unlike some other seasons, the outside lane is still a factor and will, no doubt, play a role in the championship battles. Dennis Botticello used the outside to perfection is grabbing last week’s Late Model checkered.
Thomas, who has a comfortable edge over Ernie Bertrand, continues to chase history. The next win will be the 10th for Thomas. It’s been done only 13 times in the Late Model division by four drivers.
Each division features a number of individual battles. Jeff Pearl, Diego Monahan, Tyler Chadwick, Jeffrey Paul, Dennis Charette and Donnie Fowler are all looking to strengthen top-10 spots in the SK race. Larry Goss, Vin Esposito and Ed Reed Jr. are trying to settle positions three through five in the Late Model standings.
Waterford Speedbowl Point Standings
SK MODIFEIDS –1. Rob Janovic Jr., Waterford, 754; 2. Dennis Gada, Salem, 738; 3. Shawn Monahan, Waterford, 734; 4. Jeff Pearl, Salem, 684; 5. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill, 674; 6. Tyler Chadwick, Ledyard, 604; 7. Jeffrey Paul, Ledyard, 590; 8. Dennis Charette, Southington, 580; 9. Don Fowler, Clinton, 576; 10. Frank Mucciacciaro Jr., Milford, 524.
LATE MODELS: 1. Bruce Thomas Jr., Groton, 848; 2. Ernie Bertrand, N.Branford, 728; 3 (tie) Larry Goss, N.Windham; Vin Esposito, Seymour, 654; 5.Ed Reed Jr., Waterford, 646; 6. Dave Zemke, Guilford, 558; 7. Tim Jordan, Norwich, 544; 8 Anthony Macrino, Waterford, 536; 9. Rich Duranti, Quaker Hill, 498; 10. Allen Coates, Ledyard, 488.
SPORTSMAN: 1. Dwayne Dorr, Ledyard, 848; 2. Al Stone III, New Haven, 798; 3. Jim Procaccini, Trumbull, 696; 4. Jack Aquilina, Oakdale, 662; 5. Josh Galvin, Gales Ferry, 612; 6. Dan Emery, Gales Ferry, 570;7. Bill Gertsch Jr., East Haven, 504: 8. John Puglisi, Orange, 466; 9. Walter Hovey Scotland, 446; 10. 10. Joe Nogiec, Bristol, 412.
MINI STOCKS: 1. Ken Cassidy Jr., Lisbon, 804; 2. Danny Field, Deep River, 784; 3. Joe Godbout III, Hope Valley, RI, 774; 4. Phil Evans, Uncasville, 706; 5. Randy Churchill, Norwich, 664; 6. Louis Bellisle, Lisbon, 630; 7. Kyle James, Ashaway, RI, 604; 8. Jack Aquilina, Oakdale, 534; 9. Chris Williams, Niantic, 488; 9. Soup Civardi, Taftville, 448.
LEGENDS: 1. Michael Gervais Jr., Southbury, 398; 2. Chris Bakaj, Lebanon, 370; 3. Jason Palmer, Berlin, 358; 4. Mark Bakaj, Lebanon, 388; 5. Danny Field, Deep River, 312; 6. Brian Quimette, Chaplin, 310; 7. Max Zachem, Preston, 288; 8.Artie Moran Jr., Preston, 252; 10. Dan Bisignano, Roxbury, 238; Adam Gada, Norwich, 214.
Source: Pete Zanardi/Waterford Speedbowl PR