2007 Season Celebrated at Speedbowl Awards Banquet
Waterford, CT — A large contingent of competitors and fans of the Waterford Speedbowl converged on the Groton Motor Inn & Suites on Saturday evening for the 2007 Awards Banquet.
In the evenings opening comments, former Director of Media Relations and presently a consultant to the Speedbowl, Pete Zanardi stated the following;
“We are very close to announcing what the present operating team has been battling for over the past four months. We hope to announce in the very near future that the Waterford Speedbowl operating team will also be the owner of the facility. Perhaps it makes less than perfect sense to make this announcement at this time, but management believes it is very important tonight to justify the faith many of you have shown in us and to assure you that your efforts toward the 2008 season were and are not in vain.”
Speedbowl veteran Ron Janovic Jr. was the man of the hour, having narrowly defeated multi-time champion Dennis Gada in recording the first crown of his SK Modified career.
Also celebrating championships were Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Model), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman), Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stock), and, Michael Gervais Jr. (Legends).
Taking center stage, Janovic was quick acknowledging the dedication of his family, crew, and sponsors in helping him attain his goals.
“Racing is truly a team-sport,” stated the champion. “When I first started racing over fifteen-years ago, I knew little of what it took to be competitive and had a great deal to learn. Because of the dedication of my family, crew, sponsors, and assistance from fellow competitors, I’ve been able to reach this level in our sport. I’ve tried hard to be the type of driver that others want to race side-by-side with, and hopefully I’ve achieved that. I simply wouldn’t be here if it were not for the help and support of all involved with my team over the years. For that, I offer sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you.”
Second-generation driver Bruce Thomas Jr. echoed similar sentiments from the podium as he spoke of his drive for the Late Model crown.
“My guys, I simply can’t say enough about them,” said Thomas. “When I first started in this division, it was my crew and family that convinced me to keep going even when we were going through some trying times. It seems as if we’ve all been together for so long, and it’s because we have, all the way back to when my father was winning his championships. Growing-up together in racing accounts for a lot, and I couldn’t ask for a more supportive team. These guys always know what I need in the race car, and they never fail to deliver”.
With twelve victories, Thomas defeated Ernie Bertrand by a spread of 154 points to claim the title.
Though 2007 saw Dwayne Dorr at the top of his game in taking down his second consecutive Sportsman crown with a total of six feature wins, he announced that plans for the new season may not include racing for a third title.
After acknowledging all involved with his team, he was quick to comment on the successful racing endeavors of his son.
“My son is racing now, and he did very well last year. We’re very proud of him, as he had a great season,” said Dorr. With racing at the Speedbowl, I’m not always able to spend the time I’d like to with his operation. I can’t say for sure what’s in store for us in 2008, but either way, I just want to say that I’m here this year because of the efforts of my family, crew, and sponsors.”
Ken Cassidy Jr. recorded six feature victories on the way to his first Mini Stock championship, while it was Michael Gervais Jr. nailing down top honors in the Saturday Night Legends series.
“Sportsman Of The Year” awards were presented to Wendell Dailey (SK Modified), Rich Duranti (Late Model), Ed Giles (Sportsman), Louie Belisle (Mini Stock), and, Jason Palmer (Legends).
“Best Pit Crew” accolades went to the teams of Jeff Pearl (SK Modified), Mike Saligermano (Late Model), Jack Aquilina (Sportsman), Jeff Miller (Mini Stock), and, Justin Rau (Legends).
In the “Most Improved Driver” category, it was Tyler Chadwick (SK Modified), Ernie Bertrand (Late Model), Josh Galvin (Sportsman), Randy Churchill (Mini Stock), and, Ed Field (Legends).
In the Legends division, the “Jerry Robinson Young Lion Award” was presented to 14-year old Ryan Morgan.
A Speedbowl tradition, the “Race Directors Award” was given to Kyle James. Long-time
Fox, among the all-time greats in both the SK Modified and Late Model divisions, will serve as a technical inspector in 2008.
Final Point Standings (Top 10)
(SK MODIFIED): 1. Rob Janovic Jr. (988), 2 Dennis Gada (978), 3. Jeff Pearl (870), 4. Tyler Chadwick (764), 5. Jeff Paul (760), 6. Diego Monahan (756), 7. Don Fowler (742), 8. Shawn Monahan (734), 9. Frank Mucciacciaro Jr. (644). 10. Wendell Dailey (624).
(LATE MODEL): 1. Bruce Thomas Jr. (1088), 2. Ernie Betrand (934), 3. Ed Reed Jr. (872), 4. Larry Goss (832), 5. Vin Esposito (802), 6. Dave Zemke (734), 7. Tim Jordan (680), 8. Rich Duranti (662), 9. Rich Staskowski ( 622), 10. Tony Macrino (536).
(SPORTSMAN): 1. Dwayne Dorr (1050), 2. Al Stone III (1028), 3. Jim Procaccini (872), 4. Jack Aquilina (870), 5. Josh Galvin (734), 6. Walt Hovey Jr. (658), 7. Dan Emery (654), 8. Chuck Rogers (556), 9. Joe Nogiec (542). 10. John Puglisi (520).
(MINI STOCK): 1. Ken Cassidy Jr. (1032), 2. Dan Field (1018), 3. Joe Godbout III (992), 4. Phil Evans (912), 5. Randy Churchill Jr. (882), 6. Kyle James (818), 7. Lou Bellisle (802), 8. Jack Aquilina (692), 9. Jeff “Soup” Civardi (576), 10. Nate Appell (566).
(LEGENDS): 1. Michael Gervais Jr. (540), 2. Chris Bakaj (510), 3. Jason Palmer (462), 4. Mark Bakaj (458), 5. Brian Ouimette (436), 6. Ed Field ( 412), 7. Max Zachem (350), 8. Justin Rau (334). 9. Dan Bisignano (322), 10. Art Moran Jr. (314).
Sources: Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR.