ACT Tour Faces Test In Speedbowl Visit
Waterford, CT — The challenge goes out to the Canadian-American Tour. ACT, one of the northeast’s premier touring groups, returns to the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night for the first time since 2004 for a 100 lapper.
ACT is part of a five-division program that includes a 35-lap SK-Modified feature, 20 lappers for the Sportsman and Mini Stocks and a non-point Late Model race.
Three other “tours” have come to the ‘Bowl this year with sizzling results. A week ago, the Pro4 Modifieds were turning laps in the 14.4 seconds area, a half second faster than they were last year according to winner Kevin Iannarelli. “It’s the grip in the track,” he said, pointing out “the corner speeds are a lot faster.”
Previously, the Super Modifieds and Midgets were astonishing. Randy Cabral caught everybody’s attention with 12.848 seconds en route to a Northeastern Midget Association victory. Chris Perley’s 12.489 effort in the International Super Modified Association visit was even faster.
ACT, led by current point leader Scott Payea and seven-time and defending champion Jean-Paul Cyr, will get some help in meeting the challenge. A number of Speedbowl Late Model regulars including defending champ and current point leader Bruce Thomas Jr. will be looking for spots in the 28-car starting field.
Much of the ‘Bowl’s Late Model fleet are “ACT-legal” cars. Ronnie Yuhas Jr., Tim Jordan and teammates Larry Goss and Ed Reed Jr. will look for ACT spots as well. All have turned laps in competition in the mid and low 15 seconds – close to the existing record of 17.417 held by Dennis Botticello.
Cyr and veteran Bent Dragon, a winner at Waterford back in ’03, are both expected to quickly find the fast way around.
Phil Evans’ had the fastest Mini Stock lap last week, his 17.462 effort only a few ticks away from the single-lap record of 17.417 held by Joe Godbout III.
The SK-Modifieds and Sportsman divisions have been consistently near record times as well.
Most sources agree increased corner speeds are the big reason for the faster laps and for the increase in side-by-side racing.
Sources:Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR