Waterford Whelen Tour Race To Honor Evans
Increased To 161 Laps In Tribute To NASCAR Hall of Famer
Waterford, CT — Excitement continues to build for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s much anticipated return to Waterford Speedbowl June 23. Track management and NASCAR have given extra reason for fans and the racing community to celebrate. The event will pay homage to one of racing’s true legends, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Richie Evans. The race distance has been increased by one lap from the original length to a 161-lap event, in honor of Evans’ famous #61 Modified. The event, just one month away, will be sponsored by Mr. Rooter.
“Feedback about the Whelen Modified Tour’s return to the Speedbowl has been very positive, very well received around the Modified community since we made the announcement over the winter” according to Speedbowl owner and promoter Terry Eames. The lap count of the race, originally slated for 160-laps, opened up the possibility to remember Evans. “Between us and NASCAR, we felt this Tour needed an event to honor Richie Evans. Everyone was on board to add one extra lap for Richie”.
Evans, a native of Rome, NY, was an iconic racer on the Modified circuit claiming nine NASCAR championships over a 13-year span, ending with his untimely passing in 1985. He racked up hundreds of victories at short-tracks around the Northeast and is regarded as the “king” of Modified racing. One of NASCAR’s greatest racers of all-time, Evans was among the first inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.
The announcement brings extra incentive for racers entering the event. Only one will claim the inaugural Richie Evans tribute race plus a commemorative trophy which accompanies the prestigious win. Many feel the route to victory may lie in the Speedbowl’s outside groove – the three-eighths mile oval is often cited as having one of the best around. A strong desire and drive to win should see the track’s top groove receiving plenty of open-wheel excitement on June 23.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the Speedbowl for the first time since 2006. There have been thirteen different winners in a total of seventeen previous tour races at the shoreline oval. More announcements regarding the event will be announced by track management in the coming weeks.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing partnered with the Speedbowl to sponsor the 161-lap event, which includes a hospitality event for Mr. Rooter employees, clients and special guests. Mr. Rooter Plumbing services Connecticut residents and commercial properties with courteous, fully licensed technicians available 24 hours a day.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR