Family Affair in the Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman Division at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
THOMPSON, CT — Racing is in the blood for the Waterman family. This season, father and sons, Randy, Ryan and Troy can all be found racing in the highly-competitive Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman Division. To Ryan Waterman, the owner of the cars that they compete in, it’s more about bonding time than competition between his family. “I love racing against my father and brother. Racing is the only thing our family does; it’s just our life.”
Twenty-two year old Ryan Waterman first started racing in 2010, carrying on the family legacy started by his father in 1998. Randy had been running in the Late Model division at Thompson Speedway Motorsports park for a few years, but despite the occasional strong run, lacked the equipment to run up front. Randy eventually turned the reins over to Ryan who ran a limited schedule in the Late Model division through 2012.
In 2013, Ryan switched to running the Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman division at both Thompson and the Waterford-New London Speedbowl, earning his first career victory at just his sixth race at the Speedbowl. He’s more recently seen success at Thompson as well, earning his first win at the 5/8-mile oval at the Mr. Rooter 125 race last June.
Off to a strong start this season, Ryan has earned a top-ten and a podium finish in the first two races, well on the way to his goal of winning a championship. To this end, he has several back-up cars he keeps available for his championship-run in case anything happens. Rather than just let them sit around however, he has invited his father and brother to race with him.
“My little brother [Troy] has always helped me in my racing career with working on the cars and pitting. I got him into one of my back-up cars and he’s doing really well for only having done a few races. I can’t wait to one day race him side-by-side,” Ryan said.
Currently sitting fourth in the standings, Ryan Waterman will be trying to break Josh Wood’s winning streak, and make it to Victory Lane at the upcoming 20-lap race on Wednesday, June 1.
The Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman will be racing as part of Whelen Military Night on Wednesday June 1, which will also feature the 3rd Annual Late Model 20/20 Sprint, Sunoco Modified and Mini Stock divisions. The gates will open at 4:30PM and racing will begin at 6:30PM. For tickets and more information, please visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: Theresa Condict/Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park PR
Photo Credit: Clarus Studios