Victoria Bergenty’s Commitment to Smart Driving Brings Lasting Results and Added Wisdom
Racing at five different speedways and in 34 Feature Events, saw the Plainville, Connecticut resident learn much while understanding she still needs to progress her driving skills.
Plainville, Connecticut — During this past season anyone keeping an eye on SK Light competitor Victoria Bergenty would be firmly impressed. Racing weekly at the Stafford Motor Speedway, as well as excursions to Monadnock, Waterford, Thompson and Twin State Speedway’s saw the 19 year old complete over 1,040 laps in Feature Event competition. Whether under the banner of SK Light, Sportsman Modified or TSS Modified action, only three late race crashes and a mid-season engine failure kept Bergenty from completing every possible lap aboard her family owned #74 racer.
Though many fans and racers are impressed with the young racer, ask Victoria her critique on the season and you’re struck by a solid dose of integrity. “It’s not like I’m totally disappointed with my season,” she explained, “but I want to win races. I won early in Dare (Stock) competition at Stafford (Motor Speedway) and it was an amazing feeling; a just reward for all of my family’s hard work.”
Though the focused racer has only experienced three true seasons of racing behind the wheel, perhaps one can ask if it’s the race simulation’s that give her the advantage? Growing up where her dad John drove, crewed or wrenched stockcars since the late 60’s, gave Victoria plenty of opportunity to sit in, then watch those same race cars compete at tracks across New England.
“Pretending to drive racecars parked in our garage is probably the single biggest instigator on how racing got in my blood”, she musses, “It’s all I’ve ever wanted in life (to drive).”
Bergenty’s understanding of racecars is also above what most would speculate for a young racer, and female at that. “Being able to tell my dad or the crew what I’m feeling in the car is an area I know well, revealed Bergenty. “ Oh sure I need to be better but that’s another part of driving I love. For me, I’ve found that the more challenging, when you reach that goal, whether it’s a race win, a strong lap-time, or a track championship, the reward feels that much greater.”
Graduating in 2010 Bergenty is now enrolled in Tunxis Community College. She explained, “I’ll be going for a degree in business of some type but, at this time, I’ve yet to make-up my mind. To race cars has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I’m prepared to work hard using each experience to build myself into a better racer. It seems to be the straight forward choice for me,” continued Bergenty. “Hopping into my racecar, buckling-up, and getting into that state where nothing but driving well matters gives me an unexplainable feeling.”
“Though I’ve learned a long time ago you can’t always win, I do enjoy trying. I’m going to dedicate myself to winning races this season while building towards the Stafford Motor Speedway track championship,” revealed Bergenty. “My goal is to secure a drive on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. I believe I can become the first female champion in that Series. Having the opportunity to advance from division to division due to my success will be a dream come true.”
“For now being a part of something – something that brings our family together letting us enjoy what we love together – well it’s a pretty neat deal for me.”
Sources: Rick Raducha/Bergenty Motorsports PR