Bowl’s Evans Remains A Mini Stock Contender
Waterford, CT — When Phil Evans and Jeff Miller amicably dissolved their successful Mini Stock team, Miller assured his long-time friend he’d be there to offer any assistance during the upcoming season. Evans took him up on the offer.
What was the first thing Miller did after he inspected the new Evans ride? He cut the car in half.
“Jeff came over, took a look at the car, and before I knew it, there it was in two pieces,” chuckles Evans. “I’m sure not going to doubt him though. I know first-hand his expertise in building cars. I’ve won a few races in his cars.”
Both Evans and Miller will be part of a strong Mini Stock field when the Speedbowl gates swing-open on April 12-13 with the 12th annual Budweiser Nationals. Highlighted by the lucrative SK-150, the schedule also includes the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Late Models, and Sportsman. The NEMA Midgets, Legends, AllStar Race Trucks, Pro4 Modifieds, and Allison Legacy Cars are all part of a busy weekend agenda.
Driving for Miller, Evans, who has 20 career Speedbowl wins, recorded six victories last year, placing fourth in the points battle. Miller will return to driving this year.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to be doing this season, and then I heard that the Joe Godbout ride was up for sale,” explains Evans. “Joe enlisted in the Army, so his dad decided that it was time to sell the operation. We struck-up a deal and I became the new owner.”
The car was very successful at the Speedbowl (Godbout set a qualifying record in it) and the deal “was hard to pass up.” It was banged up at another track late in the year. Getting it ready for this year started with the “cutting episode” with Miller.
The new ride comes with an “old” number. Part of an extended Speedbowl racing family that includes the likes of the Coates brothers and their mom Emma, as well as uncle Phil Evans and Bob “Inky” Greene, Evans will sport a number that’s familiar to long-time Waterford fans.
“We were able to get #12 this year, which was the number that Emma Coates had on her car for so many years,” he says. “It’s kind of neat that we’re able to continue on with a tradition like that, keeping it in the family. I’ve been going to the Speedbowl since I was only months-old, and I can remember when Emma was the only lady driver out there.”
Luther Fence and Wallach Carpets enlisted as sponsors for 2008.
Evans is looking for a good showing in the Nationals. “I like the longer races,” he declares. “It gives you a chance to plan your strategy and kind of survey the competition. It’s different than a regular Saturday night when sometimes things move so quickly.”
Sources: Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR