Largest Pre-Season Registration In MRS History
Canaan, NH — The recently released roster of 65 race teams intending to compete in 2010 with the Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.Com. is the largest pre-season count in the seven year history of the series.
Competitors from all over the northeast are preparing for the new season and a strong car response is anticipated for the season opener at the “Budweiser Blastoff” weekend at Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT, March 27, 28.
“It is unbelievable when you think of it,” said tour announcer John Spence. “We have always had respectable numbers going into a new campaign but to have 65 teams saying they are going to give your series a try speaks volumes of where this tour is at. Those numbers are where you like to be going into your seventh season.”
As the tour makes it’s way around New England on a 19 race schedule, fans can expect to see series favorites like defending champion, Jon McKennedy, East Chelmsford, MA., 2008 champion, Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., 2006 series champion Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT., and occasional appearances by three-time champion and all-time winner Kirk Alexander, Swanzey, NH.
12 different drivers visited victory lane last season and all are returning in 2010. Joining the four champions will be Rob Goodenough, Swanzey, Doug Coby, Milford, CT., Stephen Masse, Bellingham, MA., Jimmy Kuhn, W.Bridgewater, MA., Rowan Pennink, Huntington Valley, PA., Andy Seuss, Hampstead, NH., Rookie of the Year Jacob Dore, Sanford, ME., Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., and Kenny Barry, Preston, CT. Seven of those drivers claimed their first MRS checkered flag.
Many new names fill the roster coming from other sanctions, weekly programs, and outside the six-state New England region.
New to the series this year will be Riverhead, NY., driver Eric Goodale. He hopes to run as many races as possible that do not conflict with other commitments. Former NASCAR Busch North Series regular Bryon Chew, of Inlet, NY., has registered with the series.
North Hanover, N.J., driver David Cranmer, plans to spend his racing season in New England. “I’m looking forward to the full MRS schedule this year. This will be the first full season of tour racing for me. After Wall stadium closed in 2008 we ventured south to the ASA southern mod tour. I think the MRS is the best touring series that is still within reach for the grassroots racer,” Cranmer said.
Household names familiar to New England race fans will also debut this year. Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, CT., will drive the Eddie Partridge entry in selected events. Former MRS Winner Rob Summers, Vernon, CT., also hopes to run as many shows as possible that do not conflict with his ISMA supermodified schedule.
“Stormin” Norman Wrenn, of Nashua, NH., a twenty- plus year veteran, moves to a full blown modified after much success with the New England Pro4 Modified Series. Wrenn, also an accomplished pro-stock and super-late model racer, will run selected events.
Series mainstays Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT., Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH., Jimmy Dolan, Bethel, CT., Mike Douglas Jr. Auburn, NH., Eddy Spiers, Beacon Falls, CT., Kevin Ianarelli, Maynard, MA, and Joe Doucette, Framingham, MA. are all registered.
The Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.Com, will help Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT., kick off its 60th season. Teams will be afforded the opportunity to practice on Friday, March 26. For additional information log on to www.speedbowl.com.
Sources: John H. Spence Sr./MRS PR