Lutz to Enter Icebreaker Sunoco Modified Race
Craig Lutz and his team are looking forward to trying some new things. He will begin his season on Icebreaker weekend at Thompson (CT) Speedway Motorsports Park. He believes that it will be a good experience to try Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway. Depending on the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler, and maybe do a couple more races there.
He has not decided where he will race on May 2, at New London-Waterford (CT) Speedbowl or Riverhead (NY) Raceway. Lutz is planning to run in the Tour-Type Modifieds at Riverhead with his SK and his dad’s Charger car at the quarter mile oval. He is planning to enter a couple of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races if he can find sponsorship, including New London-Waterford.
Lutz goals are to compete for wins and finish in the top five. Lutz believes that it will be tough to win a race in Connecticut against some of the best drivers. The growing competition in the SK Modifieds has NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers competing regularly at Stafford every Friday. Some will run at Thompson or New London-Waterford. Lutz enjoys racing with Ted Christopher and Keith Rocco. He feels they are always fun to race with. “Both really fast and make you earn every inch when you’re racing with them.”
Bruce Bemer is the new owner of the New London-Waterford, which he purchased at an October 18 auction. Lutz, who finished second in points last season with one win, is happy the track stayed open.
“I was hoping they would, too good of a track to lose,” Lutz said. “Glad it didn’t close and I think now under the new management that track is going to be better than it has ever been. Shawn’s (Monahan) going to do an awesome job because he’s a racer and he knows what racers need. Also very passionate about racing.”
Lutz felt that 2014 was an up-and-down season. He started off really good with top fives almost every race in the first half of the season. He would then take the hardest hit. The team worked hard to get the car put back together and he would come back to get his first win in the SK Modified division at New London-Waterford. He struggled the rest of the year.
The Miller Place, NY driver made his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut June 21 driving for Terry Zacharias. He qualified seventh and ran inside the top 10 until a part failure.
Lutz said that running the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was one of his best experiences. While he was disappointed with a DNF, it was a huge learning experience about driving and setup. He would like to compete in more extra distance races because he feels it gives him a chance to be patient and conserve your car.
A driver that Lutz looks up to is Riverhead Modified champion Tom Rogers. Lutz enjoyed watching Rogers race as a fan and believes that he is one of the best at the track.
The Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park will be held on April 10-12. The NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler will be held on April 24-26 and the New London-Waterford will kick off their season on Saturday May 2.
Sources: Matthew Wiernasz/YankeeRacer.com