Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday Point Battles Red Hot in Final Weeks
Waterford, CT — A season’s worth of blood, sweat and tears is coming to a close for competitors at the Speedbowl’s popular mid-week Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday series. Two scheduled events remain to determine the 2011 champions. Two championships are on the verge of being secured while two more champions will likely be determined by the final laps of the season.
In Super X-Car action, Frank Alessio of Colchester has endured a season of highs and lows to sit atop the standings by literally the slimmest of margins. He holds just a 1-point advantage over division veteran Mike Maskell of Quaker Hill. Maskell has been in very similar positions before in his career, mostly recently as last year’s championship battle. Preston native Ed Ryan, a life-long Speedbowl supporter, is in his first full season of competition and has positioned himself in contention just 23-points behind in third. All three seek a first championship title. Alessio can clinch as early as this Wednesday with a victory.
The X-Car championship battle is not to be overshadowed by their full-size sibling division. They too are amidst a tight chase to crown their points king for the season, also narrowed down to a final three likely contenders. Currently leading the way is Wednesday mainstay Brad Voglesong. The Middletown driver won repeat championships in 2007 and 2008, so is no stranger to the title hunt. He and Westerly competitor Randy Johnston have swapped the points lead over the last few weeks in a battle that will surely go down to the wire. Voglesong currently leads by 2 marks over Johnston. Not to be overlooked, Niantic’s Pete Zaikarite has quietly positioned himself within striking distance from third, just 14-points behind.
The youth movement at the track represented by Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday’s Bandolero and Legends Cars divisions have seen more separation to date on the year. Among the ranks of the youngest competitors ever to race at the Speedbowl, the Bandolero division has seen Douglas, MA hot shoe Rachel Forte race out to the most comfortable lead of all the Wednesday divisions. Forte can clinch her first Speedbowl title by placing 15th or better in either of the final two events. Cory Dimatteo of Farmington and defending champion Taylor Martin of New Hampshire are both left clinging to their title hopes but are not mathematically eliminated.
In the Legends Cars, the rising success of teenage drivers has led to memorable seasons for both Dana Dimatteo of Farmington and Stonington’s Dave Garbo Jr. Each have found their way to Victory Lane often, however Dimatteo’s consistency has placed him 73-points ahead of Garbo. A 7th place finish or better could clinch for Dimatteo as early as this Wednesday.
The track’s first Wacky Race champions will be crowned in 2011 as well. The track’s annual Smacktoberfest event on October 22 will be the Wacky Race finales. Kristie Hamel of Jewett City and Dan Moon of Exeter, RI are currently the leaders in each the X-Car and Super X-Car standings respectively.
The action unfolds this Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00pm. The Speedbowl hosts Marvin Racing Appreciation Night, with 108 youths receiving a complimentary soft-serve ice cream if X-Car competitor Mike Marvin can win his second race of the year. Adults are just $7.00 with all youth age 14 and under free. Parking is free at the Speedbowl. For more details and schedule of events, visit Speedbowl.com or call the track info line at 860-442-1585.
Sources: Waterford Speedbowl PR