Local ‘Bowl Drivers Set For ACT Invasion
Waterford, CT – Defending Late Model champion Bruce Thomas Jr. will lead a group of “locals” against the “invaders” Saturday night when the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) comes to Waterford Speedbowl. It is the first time since 2004 the very successful ACT visits the three/eights mile.
The 100-lap ACT feature is part of a five-division program that also includes SK-Modified (45 laps), Sportsman (20), Mini Stock (20) features and a non-point Late Model race.
Qualifying will begin at 5 PM.
Based on competition lap times this season, Speedbowl regulars Tim Jordan, Larry Goss, Ed Reed Jr., Ron Yuhas Jr., Tom Metcalf and Vin Esposito are all considered excellent bets to earn spots in the 28-car feature. All will be driving their regular “ACT legal” cars.
“This is one event everybody’s been waiting for,” says Race Director Steve Harraka. “No question, our guys are ready for the ACT tour.”
Point leader Scott Payea, a Vermonter, leads an ACT field that includes seven-time and defending champion Jean-Paul Cyr and Brent Dragon, a Speedbowl winner in 2003. Canadian Patrick Laperle is a definite contender along with “Irish” John Donahue, Phil Scott, Cris Michaud. Randy Potter and teenager Joey “Pole” Polewarczyk.
Thomas, who has been running competitive laps in the mid 15 seconds bracket, believes the locals have “an excellent opportunity ” to shine. Yuhas, Reed and Jordan have been impressive as well.
The feature will be filled via heats increasing the excitement. ACT President Tom Curley believes the unique “plus-minus” system “should definitely help the local boys.” Qualifiers earn points based on the number of positions gained in the heats.
The Speedbowl’s outside groove, a factor all season in all divisions, is again expected to play a key role just as it did when the True Value Modifieds visited.
ACT does have a challenge. Three other touring divisions have posted impressive speeds at the ‘Bowl this year. Last Saturday, the Pro-4 Modifieds were in the 14.4 seconds bracket, a half-a-second faster that the club’s best of a year ago. Earlier, fast laps by the Midgets (a 12.848 by Randy Cabral) and Supermodifieds (a 12.489 by Chris Perley) were new standards.
Sources:Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR