Speedbowl looks to its past for 60th Season Opener
Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl began operations in 1951 and quickly established itself as being a challenging two-groove racing facility. A commitment to Modified racing and a reputation for competitive motorsports action has endured since. In 2010, the shoreline oval celebrates its 60th anniversary season and will look to the past to guide it to a sixth decade of continuous operation.
Speedbowl Management will waste no time going ‘old school’ in honor of the milestone, tapping its roots for the March 26th – 28th season opener. Budweiser Blastoff weekend returns in 2010 and serves as New England’s kickoff to racing. The event will showcase the Speedbowl’s continued loyalty to Modifieds with the popular Modified Racing Series co-headlining the weekend along with the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) and the Speedbowl’s SK Modifieds®, the premier NASCAR Whelen All-American Series division at the track.
The Blastoff event dates back as early as 1972 in Speedbowl history. It became a mainstay on the schedule, opening each season except one from 1975 until 1997 when the Modified Nationals event debuted. The Modified Nationals, a 150-lap extravaganza for the SK Mods, moves to close the 2010 season along with a visit from the American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model Tour.
Tradition of past Blastoff weekends featured a Modified race in which the number of laps matched the year the event was held. In a twist on the original concept, Blastoff weekend’s SK Modified® race will now celebrate the Speedbowl’s number of years in operation. For this, the Speedbowl’s 60th season, the race will be a 60-lapper. The Modified Racing Series will compete in a 100-lap race and the NEMA Midgets go 25 laps in distance. Eleven other divisions, led by a 50-lap Late Model race, join what is sure to be a blockbuster weekend of racing.
The competition level is sure to be at an all-time high at Budweiser Blastoff 2010. In eight previous Modified Racing Series events held at the ‘Bowl, there have been eight different winners. Since the division’s introduction in 1985, only three competitors have repeat wins in the extra-distance SK Modified® openers held (Ted Christopher, Dennis Gada and Eric Berndt). A hungry and full field of open-wheel experts is expected for both races.
For more details on the Speedbowl’s 60th anniversary 2010 season and information on Budweiser Blastoff 2010, race fans and teams can visit www.speedbowl.com. The full event schedule including gate times will be released in the coming weeks.