Eames Teams Up with Monahan for 2009 Waterford Season
Waterford, CT — Terry Eames announced today that he has formed a partnership with former SK Modified driver and local businessman Shawn Monahan to take over control of track operations when the current operator’s lease expires on November 30th. The duo will host a kick-off meeting on December 1st at 7:00 PM at the Groton Inn and Suites to announce some of their plans for the upcoming season.
Eames of Groton, CT previously managed the track from 1995 through 2006 and is the majority owner of 1080 Hartford Road, LLC, the group that has owned the track since 2000. Monahan, a Waterford native, is the owner of Critical Signs and Graphics. He last raced at the Speedbowl in the 2008 Town Fair Tire Finale.
In an effort to get back to basics, the duo has started a Board of Directors to help carry out their new promotional vision. This collaborative approach is not new to the Speedbowl – a Board of Directors advised track management from it’s opening in 1951 through 1974. In addition to Eames and Monahan, current members of the new board include Sid DiMaggio and Tom Fox, who will also serve as the track’s Race Director.
“Over the past two years many members of the Speedbowl racing community have offered their help and advice concerning the future of racing in Waterford”, Eames said, “Shawn and I feel that forming this board is a start towards getting them involved in seeing that racing continues here.”
“I’m excited to be getting involved”, said Monahan, “I think I bring a racer’s perspective to the management team and I’m full of ideas about how to get more local fans out to the races.”
Tom Fox was the track’s Chief Tech Inspector in 2008. He will now have full authority over all aspects of the race program. Before retiring from weekly competition after the 2006 season, Fox was one of the more accomplished drivers in track history with over 60 feature wins. He brings with him close to 30 years experience behind the wheel at the Speedbowl and is an experienced manager.
Track historian Sid DiMaggio will serve as a coordinator of multi-media and events. DiMaggio has been involved in many things Speedbowl over the last few years, including compiling the track’s statistical history, coordinating the Little League Night event, reviving the Most Popular Driver Award and publishing the track program. He is also currently co-producing a documentary of this past season’s Finale event. In addition, DiMaggio will now be involved in more interactive ideas with both the competitors and fans as well as contribute to the track’s website.
The partners expect to name additional Directors over the coming weeks.
The event on December 1st will combine the tracks annual toy drive with an informational meeting about all aspects of the upcoming season. 2009 driver and car number registration forms will be available. Rules meetings and details about the Awards Banquet will also be announced that night. “We want the race teams, fans, media – everyone – to know the Speedbowl is moving forward without delay towards a successful 2009 season” emphasized Eames.
The meeting is open to all and attendees are encouraged to bring an un-wrapped holiday present to be donated to area needy children through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.
For more information about Groton Inn & Suites, located at 99 Gold Star Highway in Groton, CT, please visit www.grotoninn.com or call 860-445-9784.
Sources: Terry Eames/Waterford Speedbowl PR