Budweiser Modified Nationals Field Taking Shape
Waterford, CT — It’s coming. The kickoff to the 2009 New England racing season is just around the corner, taking place when the Waterford Speedbowl plays host to the 13th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals March 28 and 29. The event is highlighted by the SK-150, a must for New England Modified fans.
“The Modified Nationals traditionally pits the Speedbowl ‘home team’ against some of the best open-wheel competitors from across the Northeast in a $5,000 to win showdown” offered Speedbowl promoter Terry Eames. “The 2009 edition will be no exception.” The $20,000 plus purse will again attract a mix of staunch Speedbowl regulars, top SK teams from other tracks, and experienced drivers from Modified touring series.
The previous three Budweiser Modified Nationals SK-150 winners will all be on hand – Dennis Gada (’08), Jeff Pearl (’07) and Frank Ruocco (’06). Gada leads the way for the ‘Bowl’s home team as the defending and seven-time track champion. He reunites with long-time car owner Harry Wyant for 2009 and is looking to become just the second driver to win the 150-lap thriller in back-to-back seasons joining Eric Berndt, the 2001-2002 winner.
There’s no shortage of championships among those expected for the 150 field either. That list includes seven-time Speedbowl winner last year Keith Rocco (’08 NASCAR State; ’08 Stafford Motor Speedway; ’07 Thompson champ), Rob Janovic Jr. (’07 Speedbowl champ), Ruocco (’06 Stafford champ), Rob Summers (’05 Speedbowl champ) as well as Pearl (’98 Speedbowl champ). “Showtime” Jimmy Blewett is a past Wall (NJ) Speedway champion and will be on hand in a TS Haulers entry for the ‘Nationals. All bring championship caliber experience and equipment to the event.
A three-time Speedbowl track champion will enter the Budweiser Modified Nationals this year for the first time behind the wheel of a groundpounder. Corey Hutchings returns to the place his racing career began. Hutchings (’03-’04 Late Model and ’98 Sportsman champ) certainly knows the fast way around the ‘Bowl’s two racing grooves and should receive a watchful eye as an outside threat in the event.
Those with past success expected at the opener hoping to earn Speedbowl glory include three-time career Speedbowl winner Doug Coby as well as the one and only “TC”, Ted Christopher. As accomplished a Modified racer as there is, the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion has an extensive ‘Bowl resume. Christopher is the 1992 track champion and has amassed an impressive 33 career ‘Bowl triumphs spanning 14 different seasons – but none since 2004.
Young guns Jeffrey Paul and Tyler Chadwick both turned heads with improved campaigns and visited Speedbowl Victory Lane in 2008. Seasoned Speedbowl veterans with their eye on a strong showing include extra-distance expert Ron Yuhas Jr., Dennis Charette, Frank Muccicciaro, Wendell Dailey, and Don Fowler. Eric Goodale is yet another “outsider” entered with intent to make some noise.
The Speedbowl’s Late Models, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks add to the action with extra-distance features on Sunday, March 29. Saturday, March 28 action includes all qualifying as well as time trials for the Late Models and SK Modifieds, plus feature events for the Legends Cars, Allison Legacy Series, Super X-Cars, X-Cars, Outlaw Stocks, and the debut of the Speedbowl Truck division.
For more information about the 13th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals and a tentative event schedule, please visit www.speedbowl.com or contact the track office at (860)383-7177.
Souces: Waterford Speedbowl PR