Speedbowl’s Modified Nationals a family affair
Gada and Solomito families ready for first starts in 150
Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl’s always had a reputation of being a racetrack rich with family legacy. That legacy continues with next weekend’s running of the 14th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals during the track’s Finale Weekend. Two families will be looking to add to their racing heritage with a good run in the SK-150, the Gada’s and Solomito’s.
The Gada family has been a Speedbowl mainstay over the past five decades. A winning history precedes cousins Joe and Adam Gada, the two current members of the family in the open-wheel ranks. The third-generation racers come from a lineage that’s produced a total of 11 track titles and over 120 feature victories. Both teenagers look to make the Modified Nationals field for the first time. Neither have to look far for sound advice for their first SK-150 outing.
Joe’s father Dennis, the track’s all-time winningest driver in the division, is also a hopeful entry. Dennis claimed an unprecedented seven Speedbowl titles and 62 career division wins including the Modified Nationals twice, in 2003 and 2008. Dennis isn’t phased by his retirement from weekly competition or the timing of the race, this season closing the season. “I don’t think it will make any difference. It will still be a great race and fans will see great racing”. He hopes to complete assembling an engine for the car he’s slated to drive for Finale Weekend.
The Solomito family may not be as well known to Speedbowl fans but their racing roots on Long Island at Riverhead Raceway are strong. Shawn Solomito has competed at the ‘Bowl in both his family owned car as well as in the Verno #25 earlier this year. He’s run competitively and looks forward to racing in his first 150-lapper at the ‘Bowl, one of his favorite tracks. A top-five is the clear goal.
Shawn’s younger brother Timmy “The Natural” Solomito is also a possible Mod ‘Nats entry. Timmy completed a full season in Riverhead Raceway’s NASCAR Modifieds with two victories and a sixth place points finish in just his second year in the division. He’s also won titles in the track’s Legends Cars and Charger divisions in his brief career.
The 14th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals takes place October 8-10 boasting a purse of over $20,000. Practice on Friday leads into qualifying on Saturday by way of time trials for the top-20 with the fast qualifier earning a $500 bonus. A consolation race rounds out the 26-starters for Sunday’s 150-lap event. For more information please visit Speedbowl.com.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR