Joe Williams Wins First NASCAR Modified Race at Devil’s Bowl
May 29, 2011: Continuing his domination of the CVRA, Joe Williams made his way to victory lane in convincing fashion Sunday in the 50-lap modified feature sponsored by People’s United Bank. Taking advantage of his second-place starting spot, Williams took over first place by lap two and began to run away from the field.
After a green flag race for 45 laps, a yellow with five to go for Hunter Bates (flat tire) saw Williams on point for the restart, followed by Ron Proctor and Alex Bell. Proctor had been gradually reeling in Williams after patiently getting by Don Miller and Bell. He wasn’t able to overtake the lead, but finished in second with a great run. Bell nipped Miller at the line for third, and Bobby Hackel finished fifth.
Chris Wilk of Rutland VT started the season in victory lane after leading Dan Petronis and Hunter Bates to the finish. Petronis closed late but could have used another lap or two, with a final gap of only half a second between him and Wilk.
Promoter Jerry Richards (l) and Sharon Kendall of People’s United Bank (r) congratulate Chris Wilk after his win.
Bill Dupree notched his second win in a row in the Renegades, and Ray Germain was the Bomber Warrior winner. Bruce Carmen won the Atlantic Coast Old Timers feature, John Dipietro came out on top in the STAR Antique Racers Sportsmen feature, and James Ferland took home the trophy in the STAR Modified division.
MODIFIEDS: JOE WILLIAMS, Ron Proctor, Alex Bell, Don Miller, Bobby Hackel, Kevin Wright, Hunter Bates, Michael Bush, Billy Mueller, Jessey Mueller, Joey Trudeau, Dave Snow, Frank Hoard III.
PRO LATE MODELS: CHRIS WILK, Hunter Bates, Kevin Elliot, David Emigh, Kayla Bryant, DQ: Dan Petronis II.
RENEGADES: BILL DUPREE, Jeremy Jones, Frank Monroe, Jonathan Hayes.
Sources: Devil’s Bowl Speedway