Ruocco Taking Aim At Bowl’s SK-150
Waterford, CT — Frank Ruocco lists the 2006 SK-150 victory at Waterford Speedbowl as “one of the top things on my resume.” He’ll be back at the ‘Bowl on April 12-13h for the 12th rendition of the short-track classic, the centerpiece of the Budweiser Modified Nationals.
The one-time high school hockey standout is hoping to become only the second driver to claim two “150” victories.
“Patience is key to winning,” says Ruocco who won in his second “150” start by beating back a late challenge from close friend Kenny Horton. He was fourth last year. “I really like the long-distance races. If we don’t wreck, we usually find our way to the front.”
“It’s beginning to look like a who’s who of SK-Modifieds,” declares Ruocco part of an entry list that includes “homeboys” Rob Janovic Jr., Dennis Gada, Jeff Pearl and Dennis Charette and “visitors” Jeff Malave, Ted Christopher, Rob Summers, Woody Pitkat, Ken Horton and Doug Coby.
The $5,000-to win “150” is on a busy two-day agenda that also includes the Speedbowl’s Late Model, Sportsman, Mini Stock and Legends divisions. The Northeastern Midget Association, NEMA Lites, Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks and Allison Legacy Cars are also due.
The year he won “I just followed the leaders for maybe 100 laps.” Last year he was part of an incredibly exciting finish. “The track was in just tremendous shape last year,” he recalls. “You could pass anywhere, on the top or on the bottom.”
Part of a state championship hockey team at Notre Dame of West Haven High, Ruocco started racing late (he was 32) eight years ago. A definite “charger,” he has found success at all three
Ruocco expects his “good luck in time trialing at the Speedbowl” to continue. Considering the strength of the field, an up-front starting spot “is very important.” The SK-150 qualifying record of 14.233 seconds set a year ago by Jimmy Blewett could take a beating.
“I love the Speedbowl,” continues Ruocco, “but things happen so fast there.” He plans to make several trips to the Speedbowl in 2008 especially in the early going.
The Modified Nationals was the first extra-distance, extra-purse SK event. It was also the first to qualify via time trials. Saturday (April 12) action starts with SK time trials followed by heats and consi for the rest of the divisions. The Saturday program also includes features for the NEMA Lites, Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks, Allison Legacy Cars and Legends.
Following the traditional Pit Party, the SK-150 will share Sunday with extra-distance features for the Late Models (50 laps), Sportsman (30) and Mini Stocks (30) along with a 25-lap NEMA event.
Sources: Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR