Competition ramping up for 2012 SK Modified® division at Speedbowl
Waterford, CT — As the 2012 racing season rapidly approaches, the competition expected for the season in the Speedbowl’s SK Modified® division continues to ramp up. A healthy turnout of race teams have committed to the ‘Bowl’s headline NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature division, including several newcomers to regular competition in the division.
Leading the way of new faces to the open wheel ranks include a pair of former Street Stock champions at the Speedbowl. Defending Street Stock champion Ed Puleo will pilot the Mr. Rooter Racing #7 team in the SK Modified® division for the upcoming season. Puleo, of Branford, won the Street Stock division title in 2011. He compiled 19 career wins in the division before the team purchased an SK Modified® in the offseason. Puleo last competed in the division on a part time basis during the 1998 season for legendary Modified car owner Freddie Beaber.
Al Stone III, the career-wins leader in the Street Stock division at the Speedbowl with 31 victories, also moves up the ranks to the SK’s in 2012. Stone, of New Haven, is a two-time Street Stock champion (2008 and 2010). Adapting to the low slung and sleek ground-pounding modifieds is a new challenge for Stone, but one he’s ready to meet head-on with a veteran crew behind his efforts.
A reuniting owner-driver combination ready to tackle the division in 2012 pairs the Verno-owned #25 with Waterford’s Rich Brooks behind the wheel. The combo found much success in the Speedbowl’s Mini Stock division last decade, with the Verno’s entering the Modified ranks in past seasons with drivers such as Ed Reed Jr., Shawn Solomito, Joe Curioso and most recently Tucker Reynolds Jr. in the cockpit while Brooks stepped away from driving.
Another potent combo planning a limited 2012 assault is Doug Coby in the DiPisa #13. Still seeking their first win at the ‘Bowl together, the duo hopes to find success as early as Budweiser Blastoff Weekend.
Other new entries filed for 2012 include Long Island natives William Schneider, a late season addition in 2011, as well as 16 year-old newcomer Justin Strumpf, a past Legends competitor in New York. Craig Lutz, also off Long Island, was the 2011 Mountain Speedway (PA) Late Model champion and has limited schedule intentions beginning with Blastoff.
Leading the list of returning competitors is two-time defending champion Keith Rocco, behind the wheel of the Keith Rocco Racing #57. Veterans Jeff Pearl and Rob Janovic, second and third in points in 2011, are also back. Young drivers Tyler Chadwick, Tom Abele Jr., Kyle James, Glenn Pressel, and Nichole Morgillo are expected back in weekly competition along with Joe Perry, Frank Mucciacciaro, Randy Churchill, Diego Monahan and Joe Gada.
Each will try to become the first of the year to reach Victory Lane at the season opening Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. The SK Modifieds® will compete in a special 62-lap race, commemorating the shoreline oval’s 62nd consecutive season of operation. A total of fourteen divisions will be in competition on the weekend, which begins with a Friday, March 30 practice. Grandstands are closed on Friday. A detailed schedule of events for Budweiser Blastoff Weekend, including gate times and pricing, is available by visiting Speedbowl.com
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR