Barry Will Not Defend Title
Corey Barry of Plainfield, CT was among the drivers honored at the Groton (CT) Inn and Suites on Saturday night. The New London-Waterford (CT) Speedbowl champion will be back in the SK Light Modifieds, but he will not have a set schedule. Barry said he would focus on wins this year.
“Nothing too set in stone,” Barry said. “Not really going to do a full season anywhere, probably going to look towards saving a little money and looking towards the future in the 2016 season more than 2015 and hopefully we can do some bigger and better things in 2016.”
Barry led the division with six wins. He had 15 top fives, 16 top tens in 17 starts en route to first track title.
“Our goal coming in here was to win a championship. To be honest people come to the Speedbowl and never ever win a race. I never really expected to win a championship nor did I really expect to win a race in my second race ever in an SK Light. But I’m truly grateful for the accomplishments that I’ve overcome and the people that have helped me in my journey and I really hope that we can do bigger and better things and maybe move up one day and get a couple of more wins somewhere else.”
Five drivers joined Barry in victory lane last year led by Randy Churchill, Jr. with four. Part-time driver Paul Buzel impressed with three victories. Former champion Paul French won twice, with Late Model driver Jeff Smith and Rick Williams winning once each.
“A lot of good competition this year. I applaud that. The more competitors the better. I think that looks better on everybody. To get six wins with the competition we have is truly an amazing accomplishment.”
“It was a great season. I’m very, very proud of my whole team, and everything we accomplished. I couldn’t really honestly ask for anything more: six wins, numerous podiums. It was overall just a great year.”
The No. 39 SPAFCO car is powered by T/A Engines. Barry is supported by D Mac and Son Plumbing and Heating, Mercer Monument Works, and Ice Imports.
“Without them guys it just wouldn’t be possible. Kenny from SPAFCO he definitely makes my job easy and the car he gives us every week in and week out. He gave us a car at the beginning of the year and we just kept adjusting on that and any question ever had he’s always there to answer for us and he’s truly a great guy.”
Barry began driving Quarter Midgets in 2006 at Little T Speedway after his father let him practice his friend’s car. He won a championship there before advancing to the SK Light Modifieds. Quarter Midget racing has been the start for a number of drivers, including Daytona 500 champion Joey Logano from Middletown, CT.
“It’s definitely a great stepping stone. Quarter Midgets teach you a lot about car control and discipline and I think it’s awesome that Joey made it that far.”
New London-Waterford begins its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season on May 2. For more information, visit their web site or Facebook page.
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com