Speedbowl ready for the ‘Thunder’ on Saturday
Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl is ready and waiting to add to last year’s inaugural Thunder on the Sound event. This year the event returns with more thunder on the racetrack and in the sky with a show fans are sure to talk about long after. Eight races on the night are highlighted by a 100-lapper for the Modified Racing Series. The event, also Military Appreciation Night, is presented by Connecticut National Guard who will have a few treats for the Speedbowl crowd as well.
“You won’t find a more competitive racing tour around than the Modified Racing Series or a more competitive track for them to compete on than the Speedbowl” offered track promoter Terry Eames. The ‘Bowl’s smooth two-groove race surface make it extremely popular with both fans and competitors alike.
The Modified Racing Series returns for their third and final appearance at the shoreline oval this season. Doug Coby of Milford won the 100-lap race during Budweiser Blastoff Weekend back in March, New England’s kickoff to the racing season. At the Speedbowl’s popular Wings ‘n Wheels event in August, Stephen Masse of Bellingham, MA closed out the 100-lap race on a roll, going on to his first Speedbowl win. In 10 previous series events held at the ‘Bowl, only Coby has scored a repeat win.
The series has seen 10 winners in 12 events this season and is amidst its most exciting championship battle to date, showing just how competitive the racing has been. Four drivers are within 33-points at the top of the standings – Les Hinckley, defending series champion Jon McKennedy, Dwight Jarvis and Rowan Pennink, the latter coming off a win in the last series race plus a top-five finish at Wings ‘n Wheels. The title is up for grabs with just a handful of events remaining on the schedule.
Joining the Modified Racing Series are all five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions at the track – the SK Modifieds®, Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks, Norwich Bulletin Mini Stocks and A.B. CDL Driver Training Center Trucks. The Legends Cars and Allison Legacy Series will also be on hand. Each will compete in 25-lap races.
Adult admission is $30 for adult grandstands and $10 for youth age 6 through 14. All kids age 5 and under are admitted free. For Military Appreciation Night, valid Military ID will be good for $10 off purchase of one adult grandstands admission and must be presented at time of purchase on Saturday.
Thunder on the Sound gets underway with practice and spectator gates opening at 12:30pm. Racing begins at 4:45pm with the first of eight feature events as well as qualifying rounds for the Modified Racing Series. Fans will want to arrive prior to 6:30pm to take in the night’s special opening ceremonies before the main events and 100-lap Modified Racing Series event.
The Connecticut National Guard will put thunder in the sky with a scheduled appearance by a UH-60 Black Hawk, giving Speedbowl fans a closer look at a chopper. Some lucky fans will be selected to get up close and personal with the chopper with a VIP tour.
The UH-60 features a four-blade main and tail rotors and is powered by two GE T700 turboshaft engines. It can carry 11 troops with equipment, lift 2,600 lb of cargo internally or 9,000 lb of cargo externally by sling. The Black Hawk helicopter series can perform a wide array of missions, including the tactical transport of troops, electronic warfare, and aeromedical evacuation. The UH-60 entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR