Chris Pasteryak Scores Blastoff Win at Waterford
Waterford CT– Second-generation driver and former series champion Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, (CT), roared to victory Sunday afternoon winning the 100-lap Budweiser Blastoff at the Waterford, (CT) Speedbowl. The race was the season opener for the Valenti Modified Racing Series.
After flagman John Spence Jr dropped the green flag on the brand new season, the front row starters turned out to be the show.
Pasteryak jumped into the lead with pole-sitter Doug Coby of Milford (CT) giving chase until he took the lead on lap 36. Coby, looking to score the hat-trick, his third consecutive opening day VMRS race, set the pace for the next 50 laps until Pasteryak took the top spot back on lap 85. Pasteryak made it easy work over the final 15 circuits to pick up his second victory at his home track and his fourth career VMRS win.
Pasteryak’s first VMRS win at Waterford was in 2008, his championship season. His last victory was in August 2009 at Seekonk (MA) Speedway,
“It’s been awhile,” said a happy Pasteryak in victory lane.“This is a nice way to start the season. Doug ran a great race. Tires were good. It was fun.”
Todd Annarummo, of Swansea, (MA), finished third with a late race charge by Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, (PA), and Les Hinckley of Windsor Locks, (CT), finishing fourth and fifth.
Nashua, (NH), veteran Norman Wrenn, who started fourth and ran in the top five until lap 89, finished sixth, 15 year old Tommy Barrett, of Millis, (MA), a high school sophomore was seventh, Jacob Dore, Sanford, (ME), eighth, Eric Goodale, Wading River, (NY), ninth, and Matt Hirschman, Northampton, (PA), tenth.
Four caution periods on laps 8, 9,16, and 63 slowed the race The 100-lap event was completed in 45 minutes, 25 seconds.
26 drivers started the race with 18 finishing. 11 drivers finished on the lead lap.
The next event for the Valenti Modified Racing Series will be Saturday, April 30, at Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, (NH) at 6:00 PM.
Race Summary: Race # 1
Waterford Speedbowl
Distance: 100 laps
Time of Race: 45:25:240
Margin of Victory: 0672
Best Lap Time: 14.212
Best Lap By: Jon McKennedy
Best Speed 94.990
Lap Leaders: Pasteryak (1-35) Coby (36-85) Pasteryak (86-100)
Cautions: (4) (Laps 8, 9,16, 63)
Order of Finish:
1. Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT
2. Doug Coby, Milford, CT
3. Todd Annarummo, Swansea, MA.
4. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, PA
5. Les Hinckley, III, Windsor Locks, CT.
6. Norm Wrenn, Nashua, NH
7. Tom Barrett, Millis, MA
8. Jacob Dore, Sanford, ME
9. Eric Goodale, Wading River, N.Y.
10. Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA
11. Rob Goodenough, Swanzey, NH
12. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT.
13. Josh Sylvester, Lebanon, CT.
14. Eddy Spiers, Beacon Falls, CT.
15. Ken Barry, Preston, CT
16. Mike Holdridge, Madison, CT.
17. Rob Summers, Manchester, CT.
18. Louie Mechalides, Tyngsboro, MA.
19. Butch Perry, Ashaway, RI
20. Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA
21. Stephen Masse, Bellingham, MA
22. Dave Etheridge, Portland, CT
23. Tim Jordan, Plainfield, CT
24. Joe Doucette, Framingham, MA.
25. Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH
26. Rob Williams, Winchendon, MA.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR