State Wins NEMA Lites Opener
Waterford, CT — Taking the lead exiting two with two laps remaining, Jessie State won the “first official” NEMA Lites feature Wednesday night (June 11) at Waterford Speedbowl. Coming from the rear, State was the third leader in the 20-lapper that was part of the Speedbowl’s Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday series.
Jake Stergios, who led most of the race, held on for second with P.J. Stergios third. Anthony Marvuglio and early leader Josh Woolam completed the top five.
Jake Stergios and State both passed pole sitter Woolam on a restart with 15 laps remaining. Although Jake Stergios did appear to be maintaining an edge, State played a waiting game before taking advantage of a slight “drift” with two left.
Woolam, on the pole, jumped into the immediate lead but it lasted only four laps, Steve Powers and Russ Wood Jr. tangling coming out of four. Powers, who slid into the front stretch Armco, suffered an ankle injury.
On the green, Woolam and Jack Stergios battled side by side but yellow flew again. On this restart, Woolam drifted back to fourth and into a battle with Anthony Marvuglio. Jake Stergios and State opened up a gap on the field with P.J. Stergios several car lengths back in third.
The third stoppage, with 11 left, had little affect on the result.
NEMA President Mike Scrivani Jr. and Vice President Tim Bertrand both expressed satisfaction with the car count (18 cars).
RESULTS: 1.Jesse State, 2. Jake Stergios, 3. P.J. Stergios, 4. Anthony Marvuglio, 5. Josh Woolam, 6. Stephanie Doty, 7. Andy Shlatz, 8. E.J. Duval, 9. Kelly Farrell, 10. Mike Luggelle, 11. Timothy Paul, 12. Russ Wood Jr., 13. Steve Powers.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR