Masse Goes Wire to Wire at Waterford for Third Career Win
Waterford, CT — Steve Masse, of Bellingham, MA., started on the pole, took the lead at the drop of the green flag, and went on to score his 2nd win of the season Saturday night, capturing the 3rd annual “Wings & Wheels 100” at the Waterford, CT., Speedbowl before a large crowd. The Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti Automall.com, sanctioned the race.
In post race interviews, Masse was quick to point out the importance of winning your qualifying race to get a good starting spot for the main event. “Getting a good number draw is a key factor. To start up front means you can save tires, set your own pace, and hope to be there at the end,” said the 20-year-old driver. He won the first heat race earning a front row start in the 25-car field.
The feature race was slowed before the first lap was scored as a pileup forced three drivers out of the event. Jimmy Dolan, Bethel, CT., Dave Etheridge, Portland, CT., and Geoff Gernhard, Salem, CT., were sidelined with damaged racecars. A lap 18-caution flag was thrown for series newcomer, Don Fowler, Clinton, CT., and a lap 20 slowdown forced Jacob Dore, Sanford, ME., Joey Jarvis Ascutney, VT., Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT., and Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT., to the sidelines.
When the race resumed, Masse went the distances leading the entire 100 laps to notch his third MRS win. His car was fast but late in the race he was just out for a Saturday night ride. “I noticed it was a little slick in (turn) two, a little loose there, and I was a little loose on entry but nothing I could not drive through. I was just taking it easy at the end. It means a lot to me to get the W, hope we can get another one soon.”
Masse finished ahead of Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT., Doug Coby, Milford, CT., Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, PA., and Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA. Sixth through tenth were, Todd Annarummo, Swansea, MA., Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH., Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, and Ken Barry, Preston, CT.
The victory ties Masse with Peter Daniels, Chris Pasteryak, David Pinkham, and Jim Boniface, with three MRS wins.
31 race teams entered the event with 25 cars starting the race. Attrition was high as 15 drivers finished the race with only 10 cars on the lead lap. It took 46 minutes, 29 second to complete.
The series now moves on to the Seekonk Speedway, Rte 6, Seekonk, MA. Saturday August 21, with the program starting at 6 PM.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./MRS PR