Valenti Modified Series To Take First Swing At World Series
Canaan, NH. – Two years ago, when an agreeable date could not be worked out for a postponed Valenti Modified Racing Series event at Thompson, (CT) Speedway, modified racing fans took to social media and message boards expressing an interest in seeing the New England series at the season ending World Series of Speedway Racing. Fans are finally getting what they wished for.
Speedway owner Don Hoenig recently announced the addition of the Valenti Auto Group sponsored series to the already stout schedule of short track racing. The series, now in it’s ninth year, will make it’s first ever appearance at the Thompson fall event, Saturday, October 13, and VMRS founder Jack Bateman couldn’t be happier.
“We’ve been trying for a couple of years to make this thing work,” said Bateman. “In fact for two years we talked about Friday nights opening the weekend for the World Series but couldn’t put it together. Don decided in September to try us on Saturday and frankly I’m excited to see our series involved.
The addition of the Thompson race sets the stage for the season ending championship race at Lee, NH. Oct 21. Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford, MA., and Rowan Pennink of Huntingdon Valley, PA., are battling for the title.
McKennedy is seeking his third championship while Pennink hopes to capture his first. Pennink has two wins at Thompson while McKennedy is still seeking his first there.
Other former winners expected to compete include, Louie Mechalides, Tyngsboro, MA., Todd Owen, Somers, CT., and Ted Christopher, of Plainville, CT
Top Rookie contenders Mark Bakaj, of Lebanon, CT, and Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA., are expected. Only 16 points separate the two drivers both in the top ten in points.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR