Palmer Crowned Late Model Champion
Groton, Conn. — A strong season at New London-Waterford Speedbowl brought Jason Palmer back to the head table. Palmer earned his first Late Model championship with 5 wins, 16 top fives and 17 top 10s. Palmer’s sponsors are Manafort Brothers, Nano Construction, CWPM, FMR Racing, Waddell Communications, Sign Pro, Pecon, and Ukleja’s Christmas Trees.
“It feels pretty good,” said Palmer Saturday night. “It took us a few more years than we wanted to to get here, but we got here and I think we’re just here to enjoy the night and make the most of it and get ready for 2016.”
Palmer had to adjust to Late Models after a successful career in Legend Cars.
“We got the car figured out. The Legend Cars are much, much harder to drive and they’re basically out of control. The Late Model’s like driving a boat. I’ve never really been a captain, so it’s tough for me to get a hang on it. But six years later, we figured it out.”
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeGmx8DL7rE
A four-time champion in Legend Cars, Palmer is the division’s winningest driver. His 52 wins (2005-11) are more than double the closest competitor. Palmer’s championships span four seasons: Wednesdays (2007-09) and Saturdays (2009).
Palmer has some major events to look forward to this season. The American-Canadian Tour will increase their southern New England presence with races at New London-Waterford Speedbowl, Seekonk (MA) Speedway and a return to the World Series at Thompson (CT) Speedway Motorsports Park. Local competitors in all Southern New England Tripleheader races have a chance at a $7,500 point fund.
“We’re looking forward to maybe trying to run those three races and really concentrate on those three races. But we’ll see what’s going to go on.”
Palmer will return to Legend Cars again for J&J Racing. The U.S. Legend Cars International Asphalt Nationals will be in New England for the first time at New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
“I’m pretty excited to have the nationals in our backyard and I’m going to be preparing for that I think throughout the season. … I’m definitely going to be running for J&J Racing again my home and that’s where I’ve always been and that’s where I always will be.”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com
Statistics courtesy of SpeedbowlHistory.com
2015 statistics from SpeednetDirect.com