Career Advancement: Joey Cipriano, III Moving to Valenti Modified Racing Series in 2012
Joey Cipriano, III of Waterbury, CT had a breakout season in 2011 with a division-high 6 victories in Stafford’s SK Light Modifieds. “2011 was an awesome year for us,” said Cipriano. “To win the 6 races at Stafford … is something that everyone on the team really worked hard for. Going into every race, we had 1 goal and that was to have a shot at the win, and almost every week last season we had that opportunity. To go from winning 2 races my rookie season to winning 8 was a huge step up.”
Cipriano’s bid for the track championship fell short by 22 points. “I was a little disappointed at first with not winning the championship but after we all sat down and looked back on it, we had a great year,” said Cipriano. “We had a season many teams would love to have. We put together a lot of solid runs (15 top fives and 16 top tens in 22 starts) and so did the 20 car (Matt Galko). We came to the track each week with the same mindset and in the end he just edged us by a little bit.”
“My crew that backed me all year were the ones that made me look good,” said Cipriano. “Without them I wouldn't have done as well as I did. My car owner last season Bob Parker for giving me the opportunity to drive. My Dad, Grandpa Billy, Ryan Plourde, Tim Plourde, Billy Walcott, and Cliff Burrell are the ones to thank for the awesome car. They all put so much time and effort into the car each week. It’s a good feeling when you have a group of guys behind you that give you a car capable of winning week in and week out. I can't thank all of my sponsors enough either: AVI Pumps, Gunsmoke Stables Racing, Prospect Street Automotive, United Roll Off Services, Nu-Age Designs, New Haven Industrial, Matt’s Vinyl Lettering. Also, I want to thank T/A Engines for the awesome horsepower and Mike from Chassis Dynamics for all of his help.”
A very successful 2011 campaign also brought Cipriano to fifth on the division’s all-time win list. “7 wins in 2 seasons is great,” said Cipriano. “Some drivers don't even get 7 wins in a career so I'm very fortunate to have been able to accomplish that. Being 5th on the win list is pretty cool for being in this division for only 2 seasons. To even have your name on the win list at Stafford is a great honor, so to be on the top half of the list for the Lights is something I am very proud of.”
In addition to all of his Stafford success, Cipriano also scored wins at Thompson and Waterford. He became the first driver to win in SK Lights at every Connecticut track. “I was lucky enough to compete at all three tracks this season and to go there and win at each track was great,” said Cipriano. “I believe Keith Rocco and I were the only two drivers to accomplish that this season, and maybe only a handful of other drivers have done that over the years. So, to share that with only a limited number of drivers makes it that much better.”
A veteran of Karting and Legends Cars, Cipriano praised the division as a proving ground for future talent. “For young drivers looking to make the transition up from Karts, Legends, or other divisions, it’s a great stepping-stone,” said Cipriano. “It gives them the opportunity to get their feet wet in a bigger car in a very competitive division. There are a lot of great drivers such as Matt Galko, Tommy Barrett, Frank Cardile, etc. that I got a chance to race against. People like them make you push yourself to the limit if you want to win races. I had a lot of fun racing in it the last 2 seasons and got a lot of experience that really matured me as a driver, which will also be beneficial to younger guys looking to move up. All in all, it is a great division to be a part of.”
Cipriano called 2-time champion Matt Galko and Tommy Barrett his toughest competitors. “With all of us being young, we all want to win and we'll do anything to get it,” said Cipriano.
In 2012, the SK Light Modifieds will see their home base expanded with regular racing at Thompson and Waterford. “I hope they have a successful season,” said Cipriano. “I had a blast the 2 times we went to Thompson. It's a fun track to drive, and with Waterford also going full time with the Lights, it gives everyone the chance to race all 3 nights, or have the choice as to what track they want to run that week.”
Winning in front of big crowds for marquee events like the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour have been highlights in Cipriano’s young career. “Every win I have gotten in my career up to this point has been huge,” said Cipriano. “My World Series and Icebreaker at Thompson and the Spring Sizzler at Stafford are the biggest so far in the Modified. From Karts though, winning the Grand National Championship at Charlotte Speedway in 2005 is still very high on the list.”
"I try to watch guys like Bobby Santos and Teddy Christopher,” said Cipriano. “They are both phenomenal drivers. … I like to see if there is anything I can pick up from watching them that can benefit me when I am on the track.”
The 17-year-old will move on to full-time competition on the Valenti Modified Racing Series in 2012. “My grandfather is the car owner. We had thought about SK's at Stafford, but after watching a few VMRS races, we knew which direction we wanted to go. It's a great series and with the power of the cars, going to different tracks, and competing against the high caliber drivers that are in that series will really help me in the long run.”
Cipriano has realistic goals entering his first full-season in Modifieds. “I am hoping we do well this season,” said Cipriano. “We are shooting for Rookie of the Year honors so that will be our main goal. I'd really like to have some solid top 10 runs this season and hopefully we can make a bid for a win! ”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com