NASCAR Champion Johnny Benson Jr. to compete 5/23 at Waterford Speedbowl
Waterford, CT –Waterford Speedbowl has announced 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Johnny Benson, Jr. will compete in the May 23rd season opening ISMA SuperModified event.
Benson, currently fifth in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points, is set to make his Speedbowl debut behind the wheel of his own Super. After trying his hand in four ISMA races last year, Benson has committed to running the first eight races of the 2009 ISMA season commencing with the ‘Bowl’s annual Memorial Day weekend 50-lap classic.
In addition to last year’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, Benson’s racing achievements include the 1993 American Speed Association (ASA) championship, the 1995 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship, and the 1996 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year title. He is just the second driver in NASCAR history to win championships in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. He was also named the series’ Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Benson has also achieved one career Sprint Cup Series victory, coming in 2002.
SuperModified racing is in Benson’s blood, as his father is a former SuperModified champion and winner of the 1966 Classic at Oswego Speedway. Having never driven an open wheel car prior, once Benson stepped inside the confines of the powerful Supers he knew he had to put one together.
“It’s a lot of fun racing with the ISMA guys,” stated Benson after running with ISMA in the select events during 2008.
Benson adds to an ISMA roster jammed with talent. Chris Perley, winner of five of the past six ISMA titles figures as the odds on favorite to repeat. Perley has won the past two ISMA season openers at the ‘Bowl. ‘Liquid’ Lou Cicconi, Mike Ordway Jr., Dave McKnight, and Dave Shullick Jr. all reached victory lane last year and are potent expected entries. Six-time ISMA champion Russ Wood, second to Perley last year in points, also returns. Four-time NEMA Midget champion Ben Seitz is set to make his ISMA debut at the historic shoreline oval on May 23. Seitz is no stranger to Speedbowl Victory Lane, picking up wins in both the Midget and as a Legends Car competitor during his formative years. ‘Rocket’ Rob Summers, the Speedbowl’s SK Modified champion in 2005, will also compete along with a host of others capable of taking down the win.
Benson and the ISMA stars will join the Speedbowl’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race program on May 23. Tickets for this blockbuster event are $30.00 for adult general admission, with youth age 6-14 just $10.00. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge.
Tickets are available for advance purchase at the Speedbowl Box Office on any event day, or by contacting the track office at 860-442-1585 or emailing thebowlisback@hotmail.com. The Speedbowl offers acres of free parking and overnight parking is available.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR