Phil Evans Wants to Maintain Momentum
Phil Evans of Old Saybrook, CT is looking for consistency this season at Waterford Speedbowl. The driver of the #12 Street Stock will be competing at the 3/8 mile oval full-time, with up to two races at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park added. “Like every year, I concentrate on wins,” Evans said. “I’d like to top last year. Also run consistently in the top five.”
Evans finished fifth in points with two wins, 10 top fives, and 17 top 10s in 21 starts last season. He had four top fives in his last five starts.
“I think we came out a little behind,” Evans said. “I missed three races because of an injury, but the second half of the year I think we were the most consistent. The car handled great and that helped the motor. I’m hoping that consistency continues to this year. At the beginning of last year we couldn’t find a setup I liked.”
Evans is driving for Bo Norman, the crew chief and owner. Crew members include Jesse Police, Ricky Moore, PJ Smith.
Gold Star Pawn of Groton is the primary sponsor for Evans. Ibbitson Tree Service of Old Saybrook, Critical Signs of Waterford, Pinkham Builders of Waterford, Moroni Oil Co. of Westbrook, NAPA of Old Saybrook and Guilford, and Treat’s Pool and Spas of Uncasville provide additional sponsorship.
“I think Josh Galvin, Al Stone, Joe Arena are gonna be the biggest (competition), but I also think that there are six or seven cars that can win on any night.”
Evans’ career began in the four cylinder Enduro class at the age of 17. After three seasons, Evans was chosen to replace Tom Silva in the Padgett’s Auto Body Mini Stock. “That’s when I broke into the Saturday night shows,” Evans said. “But I’ve been around racing my whole life. My family started the addiction when I was young. My aunt Emma Coates and uncles Bob Greene and Phil Evans started in the 70s and my family still races: Allen Coates, Joey Coates, Corey Coates, (and) Cassy Coates.”
Waterford Speedbowl opens its 64 season on Saturday, April 5 with its first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series event. Qualifying heats are at 5:30 PM and features begin at 7:00 PM. Seven divisions will be in action: SK Modified® (35 laps), Late Model 30 laps), Street Stock (25 laps), Mini Stock (25 laps), Legend Cars (25 laps), Super X-Cars (20 laps), X-Cars (20 laps). Adult admission is $17, Youth (6-14) is $6 and children are free.
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com