Local Speedbowl drivers look to shine on Saturday
Nutmeg State 100 on tap for American-Canadian Late Model Tour
Waterford, CT — Saturday, August 21st marks the first of two appearances in 2010 for the American-Canadian Late Model Tour (ACT) at the Waterford Speedbowl. Local drivers in the Speedbowl’s own Late Model division, sponsored by Bob Valenti Auto Mall, will have the chance to qualify for the 100-lap Tour race and show off their hometown talent.
The top two in the Speedbowl’s championship standings in the Late Model ranks, Tim Jordan and Jeff Smith, plan to compete. In addition recent feature event winner Jeff Paul and another local racer, Joe Curioso, figure to be in the mix on Saturday.
For Jordan, of Plainfield, it’s another goal and milestone to reach. “I’m looking to better my finish from last year (5th place)” says Jordan. A year ago in the event Jordan, the 2006 Speedbowl track champion, steadily made his way to third place in the race in the closing laps. He sat behind a spirited battle for the event win between veterans Brian Hoar of Vermont and Brad Leighton of New Hampshire. A wild finish among those two and a lapped car cost Jordan a podium finish and chance at the win. According to Jordan, the current Speedbowl point leader, “I really want to win (Saturday’s) race.”
That proves to be no easy feat. ACT races are known to be highly competitive with experienced drivers at a multitude of race tracks across New England and Canada. “The teams coming in are competitive and run well everywhere they go” stated Jordan.
In the past two ACT events at the ‘Bowl, the hometown drivers have proven capable of contending for the win. In addition to Jordan’s run last year, three-time division champion Bruce Thomas Jr. of Groton finished second in 2008 after leading much of that race. Last year Thomas got caught up in a wreck before halfway in the race.
A good starting position for the 100-lap race is key, as to not use up the tires for the end of the race. Hard racing will get underway as early as qualifying races for the main event. “(Based upon your performance in the qualifying race)You have an opportunity to earn your starting position” states Jordan.
For Smith, from Old Lyme, having fun in the event is key. After just turning 20-years old earlier this week, Smith hopes to gain experience racing against the Tour veterans that may help him down the line.
Ledyard resident Paul is another young racer that has proven to be a versatile competitor over his short career. In this, his first season behind the wheel of the full-fendered Late Model, he captured his first win the division on July 31st. It was the fourth different division the 22-year old has won in at the Speedbowl. He competes regularly in the track’s SK Modified® division.
Curioso races his team out of Pawcatuck and is very much looking forward to competing against some of the best drivers in the Northeast. “A good finish in the race at our home track would be great”.
A full card of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing join the ACT Nutmeg State 100 on Saturday. The SK Modifieds®, Street Stocks, Norwich Bulletin Mini Stocks and A.B. CDL Driver Training Center Trucks will also compete. Gates open to the pit area at the Speedbowl at 1:00pm as preparation begins for the night of racing. Spectator grandstands open at 2:30pm when practice gets underway. Qualifying starts at 5:00pm and main events are at approximately 7:00pm. Post time for the Nutmeg State 100 is slated for 8:30pm.
Admission is $25 for adults, $5 for youth age 6 through 14 and free for kids age 5 and under. The Speedbowl offers acres of free parking, including overnight parking available. For more information please visit Speedbowl.com
NOTES: For the first time, Waterford Speedbowl will hold two events during the 2010 ACT Tour season. Waterford has held a total of four ACT Tour events prior to 2010, with the first in 2003. In 2009, six-time ACT Tour Champion Brian Hoar won the Nutmeg State 100 after a wild finish including a last lap accident. Randy Potter and Scott Payea also made it through the mayhem to earn second and third respectively. The 2010 ACT Tour season will be capped off with the Tour’s second visit to the 3/8 mile speedway in October.
WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL ACT WINNERS: Brian Hoar (8/08/09), Scott Payea (6/07/08), Roger Brown (6/19/04), Brent Dragon (7/05/03)
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR