Waterford, CT — The “welcome home” sign will be waving Saturday night when the True Value Modified Series returns to Waterford Speedbowl for the Connecticut Army National Guard 100. Ted Christopher, Dale Holdridge, Chris Pasteryak and Ed Dachenhausen, all successful in the past, will be returning.
Kirk Alexander, after a third win in as many starts, leads the TVMS back to the Speedbowl. Alexander, the defending champ, came from deep in the field to win last fall, taking advantage of the ‘Bowl’s outside groove. Dale Evonsion, Jon McKennedy, Les Hinckley, Jack Bateman, Chris Wentzel and Rob Goodenough are also contenders.
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Waterford, CT — Six-time champion Dennis Gada charged from a 20th-place starting spot, passed Jeff Pearl with 10-laps remaining and went on to win Saturday evening’s 35-lap SK Modified feature at the Waterford Speedbowl. It was the 59th career triumph for the 2008 Budweiser Modified Nationals winner. Following Gada was Ron Yuhas Jr, Keith Rocco, Pearl , and Frank Ruocco.
In other action, Ron Yuhas Jr. grabbed the first Late Model win of his career in taking down the hotly-contested 30-lap main event. Starting deep in the field, Yuhas, a veteran Modified competitor, took the lead from Ed Reed Jr. Defending champion Bruce Thomas Jr., who was after a third straight win, slipped past Reed for second. Marc Curtis and, Tim Jordan completed the top five.
[Photo Gallery] by Nick Vasquez
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Waterford, CT — Dennis Gada charged from a 20th-place starting spot to pass Jeff Pearl with 10-laps remaining to win the 35-lap SK Modified at Waterford Speedbowl Saturday evening. It was the second victory of the season for the 6-time champion. Following Gada across the line was Ron Yuhas Jr, Keith Rocco, Pearl, and, Frank Ruocco.
SK Modified driver Ron Yuhas Jr. took the first Late Model win of his career. Starting deep in the field, he passed early leader Ed Reed Jr. following a late-race caution. Defending champion Bruce Thomas Jr. slipped past Reed for second. Completing the top-5 were Marc Curtis, and, Tim Jordan.
[Photo Gallery] by Nick Vasquez
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Waterford, CT — Points and positions will be up for grabs in Saturday night’s 35-lap SK-Modified feature, the headline event of another five-division program at Waterford Speedbowl. Diego Monahan takes the SK point lead in the evening but it is a very short one.
Two “guaranteed” spots for the May 3 Connecticut National Guard True Value Modified Series 100 are also part of the spoils. The highest two “interested” finishers will get the slots.
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Waterford, CT — The top two “interested” finishers in Saturday night’s 35-lap SK-Modified feature will have “guaranteed” spots in the May 3 Connecticut Army National Guard True Value Modified Series 100. This continues a unique relationship between the ‘Bowl and TVMS.
The SK feature tops a five-division program that also includes a 30-lap Late Model feature and 20 lappers for the Sportsman, Mini Stock and Legends divisions. Qualifying starts at 5 PM.
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Waterford, CT — The respective last laps in last Saturday night’s features are Waterford Speedbowl, including at 14.096 seconds effort by eventual SK-Modified winner Rob Janovic Jr., were all close to existing “qualifying” records.
Janovic’s lap was a mere .003 off the SK record set at last year’s Pepsi 300 by Kenny Horton. It was actually not the fastest SK lap of the night, the electronic scoring catching Jeff Pearl below the 14-second bracket in a heat.
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Waterford, CT — Defending champion Rob Janovic Jr. returned to victory lane at the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday evening with a convincing win in the 35-lap SK Modified feature. The victory came after what could only be deemed a disappointing performance during the season-opening Budweiser Modified Nationals of the week before. It was, according to Janovic, “a night of redemption”.
Other feature winners were Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Model), Jack Aquilina (Sportsman), and, Randy Churchill Jr. (Mini Stocks).
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Waterford, CT — Veteran Sportsman racer John Puglisi had a terrible weekend at the Budweiser Modified Nationals. After only a few laps in his heat, he found himself ino the wall, virtually destroying the new car he’d built and worked-on right up until Saturday morning.
Now it’s Monday, and adding insult to injury, he’s come down with a stomach virus. It couldn’t get any worse, right? Think again.
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Waterford, CT — Reigning SK champion Ron Janovic Jr. took his first victory of the season at the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday evening. Pole-sitter Fran Muccicciaro Jr. set the pace for the first few circuits before spinning. Dennis Charette took over as leader before being passed by Janovic. The red flag appeared following a grinding crash on the front chute on lap 17 that saw Dennis Charette become airborne after tangling with several other cars including Dennis Gada, Jeff Pearl, Jeff Malave, and, Frank Mucciacciaro Jr. Taking the lead on the final restart, Janovic went on to win over Jeff Paul, Tyler Chadwick, Justin Gaydosh, and Diego Monahan.
Other feature winners were Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Model), Jack Aquilina (Sportsman), and, Randy Churchill Jr. (Mini Stocks).
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Waterford, CT — Quickness was the name of the game at last weekend’s Budweiser Modified Nationals at Waterford Speedbowl. It is expected to continue this week when the Saturday night schedule begins with a five-division program.
A 35-lap SK-Modified feature tops the bill that also includes a 30-lapper for the Late Models and “20s” for the Sportsman and Mini Stocks. The New England Antique Racers will also be on hand. Qualifying begins at 5 pm. (more…)
Waterford, CT — With rain pounding on rooftops all over the New England area, most had doubts that they’d even get the opportunity to unload their cars at the annual Budweiser Modified National Opener and be able to run them on the track. By 10am however, the skies began to clear and the Waterford Speedbowl staff had finished drying the track so that warm-ups could begin. The excitement on the drivers and crews faces were a grand thing to see. For the Pro-4 teams, this was the first time this season that they were getting out to race. As the engines roared to life, those old familiar smells that drivers, crews, sponsors, and fans have come to love quickly filled the air.
When the division took the field for their heats, everyone was ready. In the first qualifier, the 4 of Cory “the Cub” Cleary grabbed the top spot with “Stormin’ Norman” Wrenn’s 1M car at his door in a photo finish. In the second heat, George Sherman’s 13 crossed the line in front of the 25 of Tyler Anderson.
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Waterford, CT — Randy Cabral went into Sunday’s Northeastern Midget Association feature at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Modified Nationals "racing" for Shane Hammond. It was a week to the day that Hammond died as a result of injuries suffered at Thompson Speedway’s Icebreaker.
After a long rain delay, Randy took the lead at the resumption of the race with 21 laps remaining and went on to post his fifth career and second-straight win at the Speedbowl. "I told [Shane] I was going to race for him," said Cabral, who held off a determined challenge from Joey Payne Jr. "I had to make it count. To win was unbelievable."
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Waterford, CT — Six-time track champion Dennis Gada won the second Budweiser Modified Nationals of his career Sunday at the Waterford Speedbowl. Defeating a stellar field of SK Modifieds in the 150-lap event, it was his 58th career SK victory. Within eight laps, Gada had bolted into the lead from his eighth-place starting spot. “I knew I had to get to the front quick, as after the tires get old it’s just a point of hanging-on rather than racing. That’s the nature of long events,” said Gada. Kenny Horton ran in second for the majority of the race before spinning. Following Gada across the line was Frank Ruocco, pole-sitter Doug Coby, Jimmy Blewett, and 2007 Modified Nationals winner Jeff Pearl.
In Late Model action, it was defending champion Bruce Thomas picking up right where he left off in 2007, winning the 50-lap feature. Thomas passed early leader Ron Yuhas Jr. with 29-laps remaining and seemed to be cruising to an easy victory until SK Modified regular Keith Rocco closed. His first time-ever behind the wheel of a Late Model, Rocco dogged Thomas to the finish, executing a last-ditch effort at the stripe to overtake the winner. When asked if he was aware of where Rocco during the closing stages, Thomas revealed that wasn’t sure just who was there. “I’d lost radio contact with my crew almost at the start, and I don’t run a mirror so I was on my own. I honestly didn’t know how close Rocco was.” Rounding-out the top-5 was Ron Yuhas Jr., Marc Curtis, and Ed Reed Jr.
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Waterford, CT — With a lap of 14.105, Doug Coby of Milford set fast time and established a new qualifying record for Sunday’s Budweiser Modified Nationals at the Waterford Speedbowl. Kenny Horton (14.124), Matt Hirschman (14.124), Dennis Gada (14.224), and Jeff Pearl (14.295) completed the top-5. A redraw tomorrow will determine the top-10 starting positions.
Feature winners were Mark Bakaj (Legends), Andy Lindeman (American Race Trucks), and, Norm Wrenn (Pro-4 Modifieds).
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Waterford, CT — Doug Coby set a new event record Saturday turning a 14.105 seconds lap in qualifying for tomorrow’s SK-150 at the 12th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals.
Qualifying 14th in line, Coby bested Kenny Horton and Matt Hirschman, the latter two posting identical 14.124 seconds laps. The top 20 times move into the $20,000 Modified Nationals.
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The Northeastern Midget Association moves to Waterford Speedbowl this weekend for the 12th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals. A 25-lap NEMA feature will kick off the Sunday schedule at 1 PM.
NEMA’s new “Lites” division will be making its debut with a 25-lap feature Saturday evening. All qualifying will be Saturday afternoon.
NEMA shares the busy bill with 10 divisions highlighted by the SK-150. In addition to the Speedbowl Late Model, Sportsman, Mini Stock and Legends divisions, the Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks and Allison Legacy Cars are also due.
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Waterford, CT — Doug Coby first raced at the Waterford Speedbowl in 2000, and since then has always enjoyed his visits to the shoreline oval.
“Waterford is a real drivers track,” he says. “It’s one of those places that has multiple grooves, and it really allows you to show your stuff. It’s just a fun place to race, and unique in its own way. We’re really looking forward to this weekend.”
Waterford, CT — The SK-150 was the first “extra-distance, extra-money” event for the SK-Modified division. The centerpiece of Waterford Speedbowl’s season-opening April 12-13 Budweiser Modified Nationals, the “150” is about to host the biggest and strongest field in its 12-year history.
There’s plenty of history and plenty of incentive to go around.
The entry list for the $5,000 to win event has passed the 50 mark and includes a host of competitors with long Speedbowl resumes. There are four past winners in the field – Ted Christopher (1999), Dennis Gada (2003), Frank Ruocco (’06) and Jeff Pearl (’07).
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Waterford, CT — Bill Roberts has been named Director of Sales and Operations at The New Waterford Speedbowl. Jerry Robinson, owner/operator of the promotional company at the Connecticut shoreline auto racing facility, made the announcement Thursday.
The Speedbowl will open its 58th consecutive season April 12-13 with the 13th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals featuring the $20,000 SK-150.
Roberts has served the Speedbowl in a number of roles over the past years most recently as Race Director. He has also been a steward and a flagman.
“I am, of course, excited about being back at the Speedbowl,” said Roberts. “Jerry and I are going to work hand-and-hand to insure continued improvement wherever we can.”
Steve Harraka will begin his third season as Race Director. Other holdovers include Media Coordinator Dave Dykes, Box Office Manager Debra Gilot, Food Director Margret Sutton and Maintenance Director Richard “Bubby” Brouwer.
Sources: Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR
Waterford, CT — Diego and Shawn Monahan are completely focused on The SK-150, the centerpiece of Waterford Speedbowl’s April 12-13 Budweiser Modified Nationals. The Monahans, both with impressive Speedbowl resumes, are part of an extraordinary “150” entry list.
Both were winners last year and over the years have a total of 22 wins and a championship between them. They’ll be in the same cars they drove a year ago, cars they now own.
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Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl Mini Stock competitor Randy Churchill has set high standards for 2008. He wants to win a lot of races.
He placed fifth in the final point standings, scoring a win in early August. “It was an OK season for us,” he says, “but we should have won more. Our main focus this year is getting back into victory lane on a more consistent basis.
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Waterford, CT — Late Model competitor Ernie Bertrand is bracing for a busy 2008. In addition to preparing for upcoming Waterford Speedbowl season, which begins with the April 12-13, Budweiser Modified Nationals, Ernie and wife Crystal are expectant parents.
“Crystal is due any day now, so needless to say, it’s a busy time for us right now,” says Bertrand. “ You can pretty-much bet on me being at the Nationals. It’s not a race a driver wants to miss. Still, it’s going to be hectic.”
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Waterford, CT — Jimmy Blewett and car owner Eddie Partridge have filed an entry for the $20,000 SK-150 at Waterford Speedbowl’s 12th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals April 12-13.
Involved in a controversial call last year, Blewett returns to take on the strongest entry list in the event’s history. Led by Jeff Pearl, Frank Ruocco, Ted Christopher and Dennis Gada, all looking for their second “150” win, the list includes Matt Hirschman, Kenny Horton, Rob Summers, Jeff Malave and Woody Pitkat.
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Waterford, CT — There are precious days left and John Puglisi is ready to begin the seasonal ritual – getting ready for Waterford Speedbowl’s season-opening Budweiser Modified Nationals April 12-13. Like always, he’ll be there when the first green flag drops.
“The car is sitting in the shop, just a bare frame and cage right now,” says the veteran Sportsman division driver. “In the next few weeks, it’ll shape-up. I’ll be ready for the Nationals barring any unforeseen circumstances. I’m hoping to make the practice sessions (April 5-6).”
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Waterford, CT — The combined entry lists for Waterford Speebowl’s five weekly divisions include 23 one-time track champions. Defending champions Rob Janovic Jr. (SK-Modifieds), Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Models), Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stocks) and Michael Gervais Jr. (Legends) top the list heading into the season opening April 12-13 Budweiser Modified Nationals.
Led by six-time champion Dennis Gada, there are nine champions entered in the $20,000 SK-150, the headline event for the 12th annual “Mod Nats.” The list also includes three “150” winners – Ted Christopher, Gada and Jeff Pearl.
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Waterford, CT — The 2008 Waterford Speedbowl Sportsman division championship is priority No. 1 for Al Stone III. “The only place left to go is up,” says Stone who finished second in the final standings last season.
“We’ve continually improved our performance over the years,” offers Stone who has been in the top 10 in the final standings over the past four years. With two-time defending champion Dwayne Dorr taking a year off, Stone is the man to beat.
The Speedbowl season opens April 12-13 with the 12th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals featuring the $20,000 SK-150. The Sportsman join the Bowl’s other NASCAR Whelen All-American divisions – the Late Models and Mini Stocks – on a 10-division program that also includes the Northeastern Midget Association, Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks, Allison Legacy Cars and NEMA Lites.
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Waterford, CT — When Phil Evans and Jeff Miller amicably dissolved their successful Mini Stock team, Miller assured his long-time friend he’d be there to offer any assistance during the upcoming season. Evans took him up on the offer.
What was the first thing Miller did after he inspected the new Evans ride? He cut the car in half.
“Jeff came over, took a look at the car, and before I knew it, there it was in two pieces,” chuckles Evans. “I’m sure not going to doubt him though. I know first-hand his expertise in building cars. I’ve won a few races in his cars.”
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Waterford, CT — It’s doubtful if anybody loves Waterford Speedbowl more than the Northeastern Midget Association. A large contingent ranging from 34-year veteran Nokie Fornoro to 17-year old Chris Leonard agree with Joey Payne Jr. – “it’s probably the best Midget Track on the east coast.”
“If I had to pick any midget track that I would like to race on once a week, 52 weeks a year, it would be the Speedbowl,” says Fornoro.
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Waterford, CT– Last year, Matt Hirschman came to Waterford Speedbowl’s SK-150 expecting to have some fun. He was second fastest in time trials and then found himself in a position to win late in the race.
“Jeff Pearl and I went side-by-side for a couple laps,” he recalls. “We had a really good run but came up a few feet short. Jeff won. He did it clean and he did it fair and I congratulated him. I’d like to come back and give him a run for it again.”
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