History awaits at Speedbowl’s Budweiser Modified Nationals
Several expected entries looking to add to event record books
Waterford, CT — When the field of SK Modified® competitors assembles at Waterford Speedbowl this Saturday, September 3 for the 15th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals, multiple competitors will be seeking to make event history. The, event, carrying a $20,000 purse, is part of an eight-division program for Thunder on the Sound, quickly becoming a Labor Day tradition at the shoreline oval. The event is presented by the Connecticut National Guard.
The list of those looking for success in the 150-lap Budweiser Modified Nationals begins with current SK Modified® championship point leader Keith Rocco. The defending track and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion has been shut out in previous editions of the division’s crown jewel event. Last year, Rocco dueled with 1999 Mod Nationals titlist Ted Christopher at the head of the field in an entertaining battle that endured for much of the race. While the two swapped the lead several times, in the end two-time race winner Ron Yuhas Jr. came out with the checkered flag. Yuhas pitted for fresher tires just past halfway, then watched Rocco and Christopher battle before asserting himself over an exciting conclusion to the race to walk away with the $5,000 winning payday.
While Rocco seeks his first win, Christopher will be on hand looking for his second win in the 150. Yuhas has a unique opportunity to race for his third straight Mod Nationals checkered flag which would put him alone as the only three-time winner in event history.
Joining Rocco on the list of those in pursuit of their first triumph in the Mod Nationals includes 2007 track champion Rob Janovic Jr., impressive over a recent summer stretch of racing in which he snapped a 45-race winless streak. Tyler Chadwick will attempt his seventh SK-150 looking to improve on a career-best fifth place finish in the race. Glenn Pressel has claimed his first two career wins in 2011 including the last time the division was in action on August 20. Kyle James is hungry for a win in the event and appears ready for his first victory on the season. Tom Abele Jr. is another ‘Bowl regular looking for a career-best effort in the event.
Other expected entries include veteran Jeff Pearl, second all-time in division wins at 36. He seeks a second win in the 150 and a third victory on the year. Shawn Solomito, who led laps during last year’s event, looks to make his first start in the division this year. Diego Monahan, last year’s third place finisher, Nichole Morgillo, looking to improve on a career best fourth place finish and Joey Gada are others expected to be on hand.
Other hopeful entries include Mark Bakaj, Matt Gallo and Justin Gaydosh. Each own Speedbowl wins in their open-wheel careers.
Seven divisions join Saturday’s Budweiser Modified Nationals during Thunder on the Sound. Pit gates open at a special time on Saturday at 11:00am. Grandstands open at 12:00pm when practice commences. Qualifying for the 26-car starting field for the SK-150 plus other divisions gets underway at 4:00pm, with feature racing beginning at 6:00pm. The Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and SK Light Modifieds join the card. The Legends Cars and Bandoleros plus the visiting Allison Legacy Series divisions are also in action.
Fans are encouraged to visit Speedbowl.com from home or their mobile phone or more information about the Budweiser Modified Nationals and Thunder on the Sound event.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR