Waterford, CT (June 19, 2013) – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour rolls to the Connecticut shoreline this Saturday, bringing 161-laps of open-wheel auto racing to Waterford Speedbowl. A highlight of last year’s Whelen Modified Tour season, the event was one of the most anticipated races of the year. Saturday’s Mr. Rooter 161 event has garnered everyone’s attention once again as it pays tribute to the late Richie Evans.

Open-wheel modified racing is synonymous with the Speedbowl. The division has been the center piece on a weekly basis for the track’s entire 63-year history. Several current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitors are rich with Speedbowl history and experience. There will be no shortage of success in Saturday’s Mr. Rooter 161. Seven of Saturday’s entries have won in the Speedbowl’s weekly SK Modified® division over the years, totaling 83 victories. Some cut their teeth in open-wheel racing at the Speedbowl, including 2011 Series champion Ron Silk of Norwalk as well as former Speedbowl track champion Ron Yuhas Jr., from Groton.

A Speedbowl win is highly coveted by many on the circuit. Coventry, RI native Mike Stefanik, one of the most successful drivers in series history, is winless at Waterford over his storied career. Silk and Yuhas agree a win at Waterford would be very special. Keith Rocco of Meriden is a two-time Speedbowl SK Modified® champion and currently leads the track’s weekly point standings. Like Silk and Yuhas, Rocco began his racing career at Waterford. A triumph on the three-eighths mile bullring would be a break-through performance for Rocco, NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series national champion in 2010.

The Speedbowl’s unique mix of straightaway and cornering make it tricky to master. Two well-defined racing grooves will provide the stage for what is expected to be a great showcase of modified racing. Defending race winner Doug Coby rates the Speedbowl as one of his favorite tracks on the schedule and is well acquainted with the outside groove. He owns weekly racing wins at the ‘Bowl and his Mr. Rooter 161 victory a year ago helped vault him to the series title. Coby is eager to achieve something no driver has ever done in tour history; win back-to-back series races at Waterford.

Pit Gates open Saturday for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams only at 9:30am. Grandstand gates open at 1:00pm for Mr. Rooter 161 practice, which begins at 1:15pm. Time Trials will set the starting lineup for the Mr. Rooter 161 at 5:00pm followed by qualifying races for the weekly divisions. Main events begin at 6:30pm beginning with the SK Modified® race. The Mr. Rooter 161 expected post time is 8:30pm. The detailed event schedule for the Mr. Rooter 161 can be found online at Speedbowl.com.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing services Connecticut residents and commercial properties with courteous, fully licensed technicians available 24 hours a day. More information about their services will be available at the Speedbowl for the Mr. Rooter 161.

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NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Statistical Advance: Waterford

Analyzing The Mr. Rooter 161 At Waterford Speedbowl

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 18, 2013) – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will head to Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl for the Mr. Rooter 161 on Saturday, June 22. Below is a statistical look at the performance of tour and selected drivers at the track:

Waterford Race Setup:

• Season points leader Ryan Preece brings a streak of nine straight top-10 finishes into this week’s event at Waterford Speedbowl, including a pair of wins and four additional podiums.
• Donny Lia and Ed Flemke Jr. are the only active drivers with multiple NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins at Waterford. Lia has recorded five straight top-five finishes at the track, including his two wins.
• Waterford is one of only two tracks that the NWMT currently visits in which Mike Stefanik does not have a victory.

AT WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL:

History

• The facility opened to auto racing on April 15, 1951.
• Waterford is a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series-sanctioned track with SK Modifieds as the headline division.
• The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour held 18 races at Waterford from 1985-2012.
• The track has also played host to seven NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races during its history, and the former NASCAR North Tour visited twice.

Notebook

• The previous 18 races produced 14 different race winners and 11 different pole winners.
• There has never been a driver earn back-to-back victories at Waterford.
• Jamie Tomaino is the only driver to compete in all 18 previous NWMT events at the track.
• Seven current NWMT drivers have won weekly SK Modified races at Waterford, including: Ted Christopher (33), Ron Yuhas Jr. (24), Eric Berndt (15), Doug Coby (4), Ed Flemke Jr. (4), Ron Silk (2) and Woody Pitkat (1).

Waterford Speedbowl Data

Race: #4 of 14

Track Layout: .375-mile asphalt oval

• Race Length: 161 laps (60.375 miles)
• Banking–turns: 8 to 12 degrees
• Banking–straights: progressive

Qualifying/Race Data

2012 Race Winner: Doug Coby

2012 Pole Winner: Ted Christopher

Qualifying Record: Jerry Marquis (13.618 seconds, 99.133 mph – 10/8/06)

ACTIVE CATEGORY LEADERS AT WATERFORD:

Wins

1. Ed Flemke Jr. … 2

Donny Lia … 2

3. Ted Christopher … 1

Doug Coby … 1

Toddy Szegedy … 1

Poles

1. Ted Christopher … 2

2. Ed Flemke Jr. … 1

Laps Led

1. Ted Christopher … 271

2. Ed Flemke Jr. … 232

3. Todd Szegedy … 178

4. Donny Lia … 173

5. Doug Coby … 118

Starts

1. Jamie Tomaino … 18

2. Ted Christopher … 14

3. Ed Flemke Jr. … 14

4. Mike Stefanik … 12

5. Todd Szegedy … 9

SELECTED DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS:

Jimmy Blewett (No. 76 John Blewett Inc./TS Haulers Chevrolet)

• Has five wins, two poles and 35 top 10s in 103 career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts.
• Ranks ninth in points with top-10 finishes in each of the season’s first three races. Best finish was sixth in the opener at Thompson International Speedway.
• Has an average finish of 21st and a best result of 13th (2012) in two career starts at Waterford Speedbowl.

Justin Bonsignore (No. 51 M3 Technology Chevrolet)

• Has two wins, three poles and 27 top 10s in 49 career NWMT starts.
• Is fourth in points with top 10s in each of the three races and a best result of second in the Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway.
• Finished as the runner-up last year at Waterford in his only previous race at the track.

Ted Christopher (No. 3 Silver Dollar Construction/Cape Cod Copper Chevrolet)

• The 2008 NWMT champion, he has 42 wins, 24 poles and 177 top 10s in 323 career starts. His 42 wins rank third all-time and his 24 poles are eighth.
• Is eighth in points this season, highlighted by top-five finishes in the first two races of the year.
• Has a win (2002), two poles, eight top 10s, an average finish of 11th and 270 laps led (active leader) in 14 career NWMT starts at Waterford.
• Earned the track championship at Waterford in 1992 and has 36 total career wins at the track.

Doug Coby (No. 52 Reynolds Auto Wrecking/Furnace & Duct Supply Chevrolet)

• The 2012 NWMT champion has seven wins, four poles and 58 top 10s in 133 career starts.
• Ranks sixth in points after three races with top 10s in all three races and a best result of sixth on two occasions.
• Has six wins and 25 top 10s in 34 overall starts with the No. 52 team since the end of the 2010 season.
• Has a win (2012), four top 10s, an average finish of 13th and 155 laps led in eight career NWMT starts at Waterford.

Donny Lia (No. 4 Circle Track Magazine Dodge)

• The 2007 and 2009 NWMT champion. He has 16 wins, 16 poles and 66 top 10s in 130 career starts.
• Currently ranks 10th in points with a pair of top-10 finishes and a best result of fourth last time out at Stafford.
• Has two wins (2005, `06), five top fives, an average finish of ninth and 173 laps led in eight career starts at Waterford.
• Is one of only two active drivers – along with Ed Flemke Jr. – who have multiple career wins at Waterford.

Rowan Pennink (No. 93 Monk Mechanics Hand Cleaner Chevrolet)

• Has a win and 44 top 10s in 91 career starts.
• Is second in points after three races with top fives in all three races and a best finish of second in the opener.
• Finished sixth last year at Waterford in his only previous NWMT race at the track.

Ryan Preece (No. 16 East West Marine/Diversified Metals Ford)

• Has six wins, 12 poles and 47 top 10s in 84 career starts.
• The season points leader with an average finish of third through three races. He won last time out at Stafford.
• In 18 races with Flamingo Motorsports he has three wins, seven poles, 13 top 10s and 12 races led.
• Finished third last year at Waterford in his only previous NWMT race there.

Bobby Santos (No. 44 Tinio Racing/Brendan Kelley Music Chevrolet)

• The 2010 NWMT champion has nine wins, 10 poles and 37 top 10s in 71 career starts.
• Ranks fifth in points with a pair of top-five finishes, including a victory in the Stafford Spring Sizzler.
• Finished 22nd last year in his first NWMT start at Waterford.

Ron Silk (No. 6 TS Haulers/Calverton Tree Farm Chevrolet)

• The 2011 NWMT champion has nine wins, seven poles and 64 top 10s in 114 career starts.
• Sits seventh in points after three races with two top fives, including a runner-up effort last time out at Stafford.
• Has an average finish of 19th with a best result of 11th (2012) in three career NWMT starts at Waterford.

Mike Stefanik (No. 22 Robert B. Our Co./Canto & Sons Paving Ford)

• The 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2006 NWMT champion.
• Holds NWMT records for most titles (seven), wins (73), poles (48), top fives (221) and top 10s (295).
• Is third in points with top-10 finishes in all three races, highlighted by a victory in the Thompson opener.
• Has 11 top 10s with an average finish of sixth in 12 career NWMT starts at Waterford. Best result there is second, recorded in both 2001 and 2004.
• Waterford and Bristol Motor Speedway are the only tracks on the 2013 schedule in which he has not reached Victory Lane or earned a pole during his NWMT career.

Todd Szegedy (No. 2 Dunleavy Truck & Trailer Repair/A&J Romano Construction Ford)

• The 2003 NWMT champion has 17 wins, nine poles and 106 top 10s in 170 career starts.
• Ranks 15th in points after three races with a best result of 13th last time out at Waterford.
• In the last 19 overall races, he’s recorded eight top fives and eight finishes of 16th or worse.
• Has a win (2004), five top fives, an average finish of 11th and 178 laps led in nine career NWMT starts at Waterford.

UP TO SPEED:

• The 2013 season is the 29th for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
• The 2013 schedule features 14 races at seven different tracks across four states.
• The competition season began with the non-points UNOH Battle At The Beach on the short track at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Feb. 19. The Modified feature was won by Steve Park.
• Mike Stefanik won from the pole in the season-opening Icebreaker at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway on April 14.
• Bobby Santos matched Stefanik’s feat from the opener when he won from the pole in the second race of the season on April 28 at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway.
• The third race of the season was to take place at Monadnock Speedway on May 11 but the event was postponed to July 27 due to rain.
• Last time out at Stafford on June 14 it was Santos on the pole, but Ryan Preece rallied from the rear for the victory. The race was postponed twice – on May 24 and June 7 – due to rain.

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NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour News & Notes: Waterford

Mr. Rooter 161 Up Next At The Speedbowl

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 17, 2013) – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s return to Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl was one of the feel-good moments of the 2012 season. The grandstands were packed, the parking lot overflowed and the track produced the typical competitive Modified action that it has come to be known for through the years. This week they’ll get to do it all over again with the second running of the Mr. Rooter 161 on Saturday, June 22.

After a five-year absence from the .375-mile oval, the Whelen Modified Tour’s return was the most-anticipated event of the 2012 season. The history at Waterford dated back to the beginning of the tour in 1985, and the winners list at the track includes names like champions Ted Christopher, Donny Lia, Mike McLaughlin, Jerry Marquis, Jimmy Spencer and Todd Szegedy. Doug Coby then added his name to both lists as he took the checkered flag in the Whelen Modified Tour’s return to Waterford en route to the season title.

In an effort to marry the Whelen Modified Tour’s past with the present, Waterford even selected a specific lap count for the event: 161 in tribute to the No. 61 Modified that the late Richie Evans piloted to a career that landed him in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. That tribute will once again be put into play with this year’s Mr. Rooter 161.

Waterford has historically produced parity among the race winners, with 14 different victors among the 18 races. This season’s first three events have each had different winners as well. As the Whelen Modified Tour turns the page from last year’s event at Waterford, and from last week’s race at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway, there are plenty of drivers to watch.

Ryan Preece and Rowan Pennink have been top-five finishers each of the first three races this season, and while Preece won last week at Stafford, Pennink remains poised to break through for a checkered flag. Some of top other candidates to make it four different winners in four races include Justin Bonsignore, Christopher, Coby and Ron Silk, who’ve all had strong starts to the season.

RACE: Mr. Rooter 161

PLACE: Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl

DATE: Saturday, June 22

TIME: 9 p.m. ET

TRACK LAYOUT: .375-mile, banked asphalt oval

2012 WINNER: Doug Coby

2012 POLESITTER: Ted Christopher

EVENT SCHEDULE: Practice 1:15-2:30 p.m., Qualifying 5 p.m., Driver Autograph Session 7 p.m.

TRACK CONTACT: Brian Darling, (860) 442-1585, bdarling@speedbowl.com

TRACK TWITTER: @Speedbowl

EVENT TWITTER HASHTAG: #MrRooter161

NASCAR CONTACT: Jason Cunningham, 704-201-6658, jcunningham@nascar.com, Twitter: @NASCAR_NE

If photographs or graphics are needed for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, please contact Jason Cunningham.

FAST FACTS:

The Race: The Mr. Rooter 161 will be the fourth race on the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule and the lone trip to Waterford Speedbowl.

The Procedure: The starting field is 28 cars, including provisionals. The first 23 cars will have secured starting positions based on two-lap qualifying. The remaining five spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race is scheduled for 161 laps (60.375 miles).

The Track: A .375-mile banked oval, Waterford Speedbowl opened for auto racing in 1951. A NASCAR Whelen All-American Series-sanctioned facility, Waterford holds weekly racing on Saturday nights, and has previously held 18 Whelen Modified Tour events.

Race Winners: There have been 14 different race winners in 18 all-time events at Waterford, led by four drivers with two victories. Five active drivers have won at the track: Ed Flemke Jr. (2), Donny Lia (2), Ted Christopher (1), Doug Coby (1) and Todd Szegedy (1).

Pole Winners: There have been 11 different pole winners at Waterford, led by Tony Hirschman’s four. Active drivers Christopher and Flemke have each captured poles at the track. Jerry Marquis set the qualifying record in 2006 at 13.618 seconds (99.133 mph).

WATERFORD RACE NOTES:

Preece, Pennink Keeping Things Tight: After two races they were tied in the standings, and now three races deep into the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season only six points separate Ryan Preece and Rowan Pennink. Preece broke the tie last week at Stafford Motor Speedway with the victory and the corresponding bonus points, but Pennink finished third to keep things tight. The two are the only drivers to record top-five finishes in each of the season’s first three races.

Coby Looks to Defend Waterford Win: Although it was his third win of the season, the Waterford triumph had the feeling of a defining moment in what would eventually become Doug Coby’s championship campaign. As the Whelen Modified Tour returns to the shoreline oval, Coby will look to recapture the magic that marked the beginning of his 2012 season. As of that Waterford win, the fifth race on last year’s schedule, he had recorded three victories and four top-five finishes. He’s registered four top-fives in the 12 races since.

Season Hits High Gear: After a run of 50 inactive days between the second and third races on the schedule due to three rainouts, the Mr. Rooter 161 at Waterford Speedbowl will be the second of three-consecutive weeks of action for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The tour is not slated to have more than 13 days off between a race from now until the crossover from August to September.

Speedbowl Secures Marketing Partners for Mr. Rooter 161: Waterford Speedbowl partnered with Coca-Cola and Henny Penny convenience stores for a promotional contest centered around the Mr. Rooter 161 Whelen Modified Tour race at the .375-mile facility. Fans and convenience store patrons are encouraged to look for an in-store display at participating Henny Penny locations for their chance to enter the Mr. Rooter 161 ticket giveaway. In addition, a promotional appearance will take place on Thursday, June 20 at the Henny Penny location at 973 Hartford Turnpike (Route 85) in Waterford from 5-7 p.m.

HOME TRACKS: Rocco Out Front at Waterford

The four-time defending NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion in the state of Connecticut, Keith Rocco is using his success this season at Waterford Speedbowl to keep the streak going. Through the racing action on June 15, Rocco had forged a 16-point lead on Todd Ceravolo in the track’s headlining SK Modified division with defending champ Tyler Chadwick in third, 42 points behind. Combined with his efforts at Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson International Speedway in addition to Waterford, Rocco was once again in the Connecticut state points lead in the latest NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national points update on June 9.

LAST TIME OUT: Stafford

The third race of the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season was contested at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway on June 14. Here are some highlights of the TSI Harley-Davidson 125 presented by G-Oil:

• Ryan Preece earned his sixth career Whelen Modified Tour victory, and second at Stafford. The previous triumph at his home track came in 2009. The win pushed him into sole possession of the tour points lead.
• Ron Silk led the first 106 laps of the event, but had to settle for a runner-up finish to Preece.
• Rowan Pennink came home third. He’s finished in the top five in each of the season’s first three races.
• Prior to the race, Bobby Santos captured his 10th career Coors Light Pole Award.

NEXT TIME OUT: Riverhead

The first of two dates on the 2013 calendar for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway will be up next. The Hoosier Tire 200 is slated to be contested on the venerable Long Island quarter-mile on Saturday, June 29. It will mark the first Whelen Modified Tour date at Riverhead in the month of June since 2005, which is also the same year that Riverhead last welcomed the tour multiple times. Ryan Preece was victorious from the pole last year at Riverhead.

Chadwick came out on top of another rough and tumble race for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® division after a total of eight caution flags slowed the race. Adam Gada took the initial lead at the start bringing Nichole Morgillo with him to second by the inside of Frank Mucciacciaro. Morgillo was on Gada’s rear bumper through lap-8 when she dove underneath him down the front chute to turn one. The two cars made contact with Gada spinning to the infield to bring out the first caution flag.

Morgillo inherited the lead for the restart and got a good jump to turn one over Justin Gaydosh. Ed Puleo battled inside Gaydosh to take second position while Chadwick was locked in a battle with Keith Rocco for fourth position. Rocco had the outside lane open and worked his way by Chadwick, then looked outside Gaydosh for third position on lap-10. Todd Ceravolo was on the move looking to break into the top-five by lap-12.

Puleo didn’t let Morgillo slip away, staying with her looking to mount a challenge. Rocco chased down the top two and as Puleo tested the outside lane looking to make a run on Morgillo, filled the gap Puleo left open exiting turn four on lap-13. Rocco and Puleo made contact between turns one and two sending Puleo spinning to the infield for the second caution flag. Rocco was sent to the rear of the field for the contact.

Morgillo was able to get away from Gaydosh on the ensuing restart while Chadwick was lifted to third position after the incident. Chadwick got inside Gaydosh to take second position on lap-14, which proved pivotal as caution returned on lap-15 when Puleo spun again, this time coming to rest between turns three and four.

Chadwick timed the restart perfect to drag race Morgillo to turn one. Through the corners Chadwick took the lead and moved out front to lead lap-16. Morgillo had her hands full with Ceravolo, who was up to third and pressing. The top three raced single file and pulled away. Rocco was storming his way back through the field rising through the top-ten as laps continued to count down. The field was brought back together on lap-28 when John Montesanto spun in turn two.

The race got wild as four more cautions waved trying to get past lap-29. Several cars from the back half of the top-ten through the tail of the field were collected in multiple incidents that were triggered by the restart attempts.

Ceravolo was able to climb to second past Morgillo and challenge Chadwick over the final six laps. Ceravolo had the power down the chutes to glue himself to Chadwick’s bumper, however Chadwick was able to get away to keep Ceravolo at bay through the corners. Ceravolo tried a final attempt to Chadwick’s outside on the final lap, to no avail. Chadwick won for the second time of the year, but first since April 13. Ceravolo settled for his fourth consecutive runner-up finish and Morgillo ended up with a season-best third place.

The Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model division ran without incident for the second consecutive week in their 30-lap feature. Smith took the lead ahead of pole-sitter Rich Staskowski when the green flag came out. Staskowski faded on the inside lane as a great battle for positions behind Smith was underway among Dillon Moltz, David Farrington Jr., Keith Rocco and Jason Palmer. Moltz took second position and the top two pulled ahead. Moltz could not find a way around Smith and as the laps counted down, he had Rocco in his mirror pressing him for second. That enabled Smith to sneak away to the victory, the second of the year for the 2011 division champion. Rocco took second from Moltz at the finish.

Barry landed in Victory Lane for the first time of the year following the 25-lap SK Light Modified race. He led from the start and was strong over three restarts during the event. He held back Chris Ignazio and Glenn Griswold on successive restarts. Griswold didn’t let Barry out of his sights over the final nine laps and pressured him to the checkered flag. Victoria Bergenty was third.

In a role reversal from a week ago, Stone was the one that got out front of the field ahead of Corey Hutchings of Salem in the night’s 25-lap Street Stock race. Last event, the two led the field to the green flag and Hutchings took control over Stone to cruise to an easy win. Stone took the lead from Dan Darnstaedt on lap-5 and sailed out to an impressive advantage. Hutchings moved to second on lap-10 and valiantly tried to close the gap to Stone in the caution-free race. Without benefit of a caution flag to reset the competition, Stone was too strong and raced to the win. Hutchings finished second and Josh Galvin was third.

Cassidy used a green-white-checkered flag finish to score his third win in the last four Mini Stock races in an exciting conclusion. He restarted outside leader Ray Christian III and powered past him in the outside lane through turns one and two. Christian couldn’t catch Cassidy over the final sprint and settled for second. The top four cars came together battling for the lead to set up the finish. Chris Ivory scored a career-best third.

Corey Hutchings turned his first start in the 25-lap New England Truck Series into a victory. He took the lead following a restart on lap-2 and held on following a restart with two laps remaining to hold back Duane Noll, who came back from a wreck to place second.

Next Saturday night the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour invades the Speedbowl for the Mr. Rooter. A full NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program featuring the SK Modifieds®, Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks is also part of the night’s festivities. Online ticket sales are available as well as a hotel and ticket package with Days Inn of Mystic. More information about tickets and the hotel and ticket combination for the Mr. Rooter 161 are available by visiting Speedbowl.com.

Saturday 6/15 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results:

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modifieds® (35-laps): 1. Tyler Chadwick, Ledyard; 2. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry; 3. Nichole Morgillo, Southington; 4. Keith Rocco, Meriden; 5. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill; 6. Jeff Gallup, Feeding Hills, MA; 7. Kyle James, Ashaway, RI; 8. Justin Gaydosh, Newtown;  9. Ed Puleo, Branford; 10. Corey Coates, Ledyard; 11. Kurt Lenahan, Roxbury; 12. Adam Gada, Bozrah;  13. John Montesanto, North Branford; 14. Wendell Dailey, Gales Ferry; 15. Joe Gada, Salem; 16. Craig Lutz, Miller Place, NY; 17. Shawn Monahan, Quaker Hill; 18. Frank Mucciacciaro, Jr., Milford; 19. Robert Driscoll, Jr., Brookfield; 20. Robert Janovic, Jr., Waterford; DNS – Brent Sweet, Monroe

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models (30-laps): 1. Jeff Smith, Old Lyme; 2. Keith Rocco, Meriden; 3. Dillon Moltz, Waterford; 4. Jason Palmer, Berlin; 5. David Farrington, Jr., Jay, ME; 6. Richard Staskowski, Hope Valley, RI; 7. Glenn Boss, Danielson; 8. Mike Sweeney, Jr., Meriden; 9. Chris Garside, Waterford; 10. Richard Duranti, Quaker Hill; 11. Art Moran III, Preston; DNS – Vincent Esposito, Waterbury

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Street Stocks (25-laps): 1. Al Stone III, Durham; 2. Corey Hutchings, Salem; 3. Josh Galvin, Franklin; 4. Christoph Meyer, North Franklin; 5. Phil Evans, Uncasville; 6. Joseph Arena, Bristol; 7. Brandon Plemons, Uncasville; 8. Dan Darnstaedt, Durham; 9. Ray Downing, Jr., Old Saybrook; 10. Ryan Waterman, Danielson; 11. Montgomery Gibbs, Killingworth; 12. Norman Root, Jr., Old Saybrook; 13. Donald Spence, Jr., Oakdale; 14. Ed Gertsch, Jr., East Haven

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Mini Stocks (25-laps): 1. Ken Cassidy, Jr., Lisbon; 2. Ray Christian III, Groton; 3. Christopher Ivory, Oakdale; 4. Wayne Burroughs, Jr., Oakdale; 5. Joseph Liskiewicz, Preston; 6. Ian Brew, Wood River Junction, RI; 7. Bill Leonard, Charlestown, RI; 8. Garrett Denton, Hope Valley, RI; 9. Jeffrey Lee, Uncasville; 10. Douglas Curry, Groton; 11. Nick Pappacoda, North Branford; 12. Dale Sherman, Charlestown, RI

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modifieds (25-laps): 1. Corey Barry, Plainfield; 2. Glenn Griswold, Vernon; 3. Victoria Bergenty, Plainville; 4. Randy Churchill, Jr., Oakdale; 5. Christopher Ignazio, Colchester; 6. Lawerence Goss, North Windham; 7. Paul French, Andover; 8. Jeff Fialkovich, Shelton; 9. George Buzel, Trumbull; 10. Alan Tirrell, North Stonington; 11. Alan Benincaso, Westport

*New England Truck Series top-five (25-laps): 1. Corey Hutchings, Salem; 2. Duane Noll, Monroe; 3. Chris Correll, New London;  4. Dan Butler, Waterford; 5. Tony Lafo, Higganum

* finish updated 6/17/13 at 8:40pm to include 3rd place finisher Chris Correll, previously omitted

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Race fans have a chance to enter to win two adult grandstand admission    tickets to the Mr. Rooter 161, courtesy of Coca-Cola Bottling of Southeastern New England, at twenty four Henny Penny convenience store locations around the state. Each participating location will accept entries into the giveaway through 9:00am on Wednesday, June 19. Up to 24 winners will be selected and notified of their prize in advance of the Mr. Rooter 161 event.

“We’re extremely pleased our partners at Coca-Cola Bottling of Southeastern New England wanted to give race fans this great opportunity” stated Speedbowl owner and promoter Terry Eames. “If last year is any indication, this will be a hot ticket and another great race”.

Fans and convenience store patrons are encouraged to look for an in-store display at participating Henny Penny locations for their chance to enter the Mr. Rooter 161 ticket giveaway. Winners must be age 18 or older and one winning prize will be awarded per person. Official giveaway rules can be found by visiting Speedbowl.com.

In addition, a promotional appearance will take place on Thursday, June 20 at the Henny Penny location at 973 Hartford Turnpike (Route 85) in Waterford between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. A NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour racecar and the Official Waterford Speedowl Pace Car will be on hand, along with “Miss L”, co-host of Jammin’ 107.7 FM’s morning show. Fan giveaways and special offers from the convenience store are planned as well. The rain date for the event is Friday, June 21.

Waterford Speedbowl and Coca-Cola Bottling of Southeastern New England reached an agreement earlier this year to bring the beverage provider on board as the official soft drink partner of the Speedbowl. Headquartered in Waterford, Coca-Cola Bottling of Southeastern New England distributes Coca-Cola brands across southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island since 1938.

Henny Penny Store List*

Gales Ferry

Groton (5)

Hamden

Lisbon

Madison

Monroe

Mystic

Niantic

North Stonington

Pawcatuck

Quaker Hill

Salem

Saybrook

South Meriden

Southington

Uncasville

Vernon

Wallingford

Waterford (3)

*not all Henny Penny locations may be participating Mr. Rooter 161 ticket giveaway locations

Mr Rooter 161 ticket giveaway rules

Whitney made a show out of the 25-lap INEX Legend Cars race over the final laps with Nicholas Sowa. Whitney, a veteran of the Legend Car wars at the Speedbowl for several years, dueled in a clean battle for the top spot with Sowa, an upcoming young driver seeking a second consecutive Wednesday night victory. Carl Blandina blasted into the lead for the first four laps. Stephen Kopcik settled in second position while Angelo Belsito held third over Sowa and Mike Christopher Jr. Sowa tried an outside move on Belsito on lap-3 to no avail, opening the door for Christopher to storm underneath to take fourth position. Josh Zentek spun on lap-4 to bring out the only caution flag of the race.

Blandina got a good restart to lead the field back to turn one. Belsito raced under Kopcik through turns one and two to take second position then swiftly moved to the bottom of Blandina down the back chute. His car stuck on the inside of the track through turns three and four to race into the lead. Sowa jumped through traffic to ride into second position behind Belsito on lap-6, while Whitney fired his way past the pack into third position on lap-8.

Whitney was all over Sowa’s back bumper by halfway as Belsito continued to pace the field. The handles began to fade on Belsito’s car and Sowa looked to capitalize. He found room under Belsito on lap-15 in turns one and two, moving past to become the third leader of the race. Whitney took second a lap later as Belsito tucked back in line third. The top three ran tightly nose-to-tail as they enjoyed a cushion over Blandina in fourth.

By lap-19 Sowa was under heavy fire from Whitney. He tapped the back bumper of Sowa to keep the pressure on, finally finding daylight under Sowa off turn four on lap-20. Sowa gave Whitney room and watched as his lead changed hands to Whitney off turn two racing to lap-21. Sowa pulled in behind Whitney as Belsito got loose in turn four, saving his car but dropping five positions in the process.

Sowa didn’t let Whitney slip out of his grasp, staying his rear bumper. As they took the white flag, Whitney was strong enough to keep Sowa from making a serious bid. Sowa was unable to make a move and settled for second. Blandina took home a solid third place finish after holding off Christopher over the final laps.

Butler was the pole sitter for the 25-lap Super X-Car race but he had to hold off all challengers in a race that saw much of the top pack of cars battling side-by-side. Justin Cook ran alongside of Butler for the opening three laps before Butler pulled into sole possession of the lead on lap-4. Cook slipped back allowing Ken Downing III and Ray Reed to battle for second. The two raced behind Butler before the first caution flag came out on lap-9 when R.J. Cunningham spun off the track in turn two.

Butler got the jump to turn one on the restart as the battle for second resumed. Mike Maskell went for a wild ride in turn two on lap-10 trying to battle for the top-five, as he completed two three-sixty spins and continued on with everyone able to avoid contact. The top three continued in order through lap-16 when Maskell’s woes continued as he spun into turn one, this time bringing out the caution flag.

The race’s final restart lined Downing up outside of Butler. Downing was able to contend, staying outside of Butler for several laps. Downing actually leading lap-17 by a nose before Butler battled back on the inside to retake the lead on lap-18. Butler finally wore out Downing and was able to power ahead. Behind Downing, John Yagmin took third from Kevin Moon on lap-21 and closed on Downing. He dove underneath Downing on lap-23 in turn one and the two made contact. Downing spun along with Ray Reed to jostle the top-five order. All continued on without drawing a caution flag. Moon moved to second behind Butler, closing in rapidly over the final two laps. He got to Butler’s rear deck lid on the final lap, and out of turn four to the checkered flag was able to contend with an inside bid. Butler held off Moon to claim the win. Moon took second and Yagmin finished third.

Thomas endured a rough start to the X-Car race as it took three attempts to begin the division’s 25-lap feature, including a red flag to clean up a mess before the field even took the green flag. Trouble on the first two tries to start the feature knocked several cars out of the large field starting the event. Two additional cautions in the opening three laps kept the action at bay until things settled in after lap-4. Thomas opened up a large lead as the field sorted out the running order behind him. Scott Limkemann moved to second on lap-5 and he chased Thomas through lap-13 when the final caution came out for another multi-car five car accident in turn four.

Thomas sprinted ahead of Limkemann on the restart. Randy Johnston held third while Larry Loomis Jr. and Mike Trask ran among the top-five over the second half of the race, which ran without further interruption. Limkemann was able to close within three car lengths of Thomas by lap-21, however Thomas refocused and pulled back ahead to claim his first ever win by five car lengths. Limkemann finished second and Johnston was third.

Marvin took the lead on lap-1 of the 20-lap INEX Bandolero feature and marched out to a healthy lead over his competition in the early going. A tense battle for second position saw newcomer David French jump to the outside lane to race past Jonathon Puleo, Ken Morin Jr. and Jacob Perry to come away with the position. Just as French was motoring outside through turns three and four, Perry bobbled and colleceted Morin. Perry kept moving however Morin brought out the caution flag off the track on the front chute on lap-8. After the race resumed, Marvin and French pulled ahead in a two-car breakaway. Over the final two laps French’s car began to falter allowing Marvin to waltz to the win. Corey Comeroski finished second ahead of A.J. Eastman who took third.

Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday 6/12 Results:

INEX Legend Cars (25-laps): 1. George Whitney, Westbrook; 2. Nicholas Sowa, Middletown; 3. Carl Blandina, Milford; 4. Michael Christopher Jr., Wolcott; 5. Michael Blaskey, Waterbury; 6. Joey Ternullo, Middletown; 7. Stephen Kopcik, Newtown; 8. Angelo Belsito, Auburn, MA; 9. Dennis Pantani, Branford; 10. Daniel Stolte, Northbridge, MA; 11. Colin Haley, Ashford; 12. John O’Sullivan Jr., Salem; 13. David Johnson, Arlingham, MA; 14. Arthur Maurero, Baltic; 15. David Lespinasse, Milford; 16. Josh Zentek, East Haven; 17. Mike Beebe Sr., Old Saybrook

INEX Bandoleros (20-laps): 1. Anthony Marvin, Colchester; 2. Corey Comeroski, Lebanon; 3. A.J. Eastman, Fishers Island, NY; 4. Ken Morin Jr., Old Saybrook; 5. Jonathon Puleo, Branford; 6. Jacob Perry, Pawcatuck; 7. David French, Rome, PA; 8. Christian Eckes, Middletown, NY; 9. Andrew Morin, Old Saybrook

Super X-Cars (25-laps): 1. Dan Butler, Waterford; 2. Kevin Moon, Exeter, RI; 3. John Yagmin, Tolland; 4. Frank Alessio, Colchester; 5. John Brouwer Jr., Groton; 6. Matt Carlson, Griswold; 7. Robert Goulet, Southington; 8. Bill Reiman, Southington; 9. Ken Downing III, Branford; 10. Ed Ryan, Preston; 11. Jim Boyle, East Windsor; 12. R.J. Cunningham, Clinton; 13. Justin Cook, Clinton; 14. Shawn Gaedeke, Southington; 15. Marc Shafer, Groton; 16. James Maher, Shelton; 17. Ray Reed, Norwich; 18. Ed Reed Jr., Groton; 19. Mike Maskell, Quaker Hill; 20. Jon Porter, Canterbury

X-Cars (25-laps): 1. Zach Thomas, New London; 2. Scott Limkemann, East Lyme; 3. Randy Johnston, Westerly, RI; 4. Larry Loomis Jr., Moosup; 5. Brad Voglesong, Middletown; 6. Melissa Clavette, Bozrah; 7. John Bowes, Willington; 8. Jordan Hadley, Quaker Hill; 9. Nate Bryington, Webster, MA; 10. Frank Shepard, Bozrah; 11. Chuck McDonald, Groton; 12. Michael Marvin, Colchester; 13. Kim Bickford, Griswold; 14. David Gargaro Jr., Cranston, RI; 15. Elizabeth Gaston, Vernon; 16. Garrett Kuhn, Waterford; 17. Eddie Loomis, Plainfield; 18. Chris Thomas, Waterford; 19. Wayne Shifflett, Preston; 20. Mark Tourville, Groton; 21. David D’Alessandro Jr., Coventry; 22. Craig Tavernier, Moosup; 23. Onie Pierce, Norwich; 24. Christopher Lee, Uncasville; 25. C.P. Burdick, Deep River; 26. Mitch Bombard, Willimantic; 27. Zach Ezzell, Plainfield; 28. Jeff Dombrowski, Oakdale; 29. Craig Miner, Higganum; 30. James Bixby, Montville; 31. Matthew Westover, Gales Ferry; DQ – Mike Trask, Plainfield

Wacky X-Car Flag Pole Race (top-three): 1. McDonald; 2. Gargaro; 3. C. Lee

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Before the night’s racing, the track hosted Laps for Lupus benefitting the Lupus Foundation of America’s Connecticut Chapter.  A Track Walk and fundraising efforts on the night netted over $9,300 for the charity.

Rocco landed back in the winner’s circle in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified^® action for the first time since May 4.  Rocco had a good car under him from the start.  He worked through the back half of the top ten as the lead changed hands multiple times in the opening laps.

The race got started with 1992 track champion Ted Christopher pacing the field to green.  He got a great jump over Justin Gaydosh to turn one to move to the lead.  Gaydosh pressed Christopher’s back bumper as defending division champion Tyler Chadwick worked the outside lane to make a three-way battle for the lead.  Chadwick looked outside of Christopher in turns one and two on lap-3 and as Christopher tried to hold off the move Gaydosh found room to his inside to make a three-wide battle off the corner.  Chadwick backed out and watched Gaydosh drive by the inside of Christopher into the race lead.

Kyle James moved by Chadwick into third on lap-6 and continued his assault on Christopher, taking second with an inside move on lap-8.  Chadwick held fourth but was under fire from Joey Gada, while Rocco fired his way into the battle by lap-11.  Gada and Rocco slipped past Christopher ahead of the first caution flag, which waved on lap-12 for a Nichole Morgillo spin in turn one.  While under yellow, Christopher ducked to the pits for adjustments.

James lined up outside Gaydosh for the restart and was able to make a race for the lead when racing resumed.  He led lap-13 and finally cleared Gaydosh for sole possession of the top spot on lap-15.  Rocco meanwhile moved to third and once the top two singled out, went to work.  He raced high to find room to pull alongside Gaydosh for second on lap-17.  James was just ahead and Rocco continued to use the top groove of the track to search for a way around the leader.  Rocco got a wheel outside James entering turn one on lap-20, completing the move to take over at the front.  The caution returned on lap-23 for a spin by Shawn Monahan.

Rocco had company behind him when Todd Ceravolo took second from James following the third attempt to restart the race on lap-23.  Rocco got the better of Ceravolo on two additional restarts following incidents on laps 24 and 25.  Once clear of Ceravolo, Rocco pulled ahead to the win to bolster his lead in the standings over Ceravolo.  James continued his hot streak to place third.  Gaydosh came away with fourth in a battle for the spot in the closing laps with Diego Monahan, who was fifth.

The SK Light Modifieds competed in a 25-lap race that was a duel between Chris Ignazio of Colchester and Churchill over much of the middle of the feature.  Churchill continually pressed Ignazio until Ignazio got crossed up while leading, sliding across Churchill’s car out of turn four with six laps remaining on lap-19.  Churchill inherited the lead for the restart, then got away from Glenn Griswold to go on to the win.  Griswold was second and Paul French finished third.

The Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models went green-to-checkered for their 30-lap feature.  Rich Staskowski motored out to the lead at the start of the race and built up a five car length cushion while the field sorted out a battle for second.  Jason Palmer was able to come away with the position and then chased down Staskowski over the second half of the event.  Thomas finally emerged out of the pack in third and joined Palmer in pursuit of the leader.  Thomas went outside Palmer for second on lap-19 and even after a brush with the wall on lap-20 was still able to keep pace with Staskowski.  Thomas waited until Staskowski slipped up high exiting turn four to make his move on lap-24.  Thomas went low and had the handles to pull ahead.  Over the final six laps Thomas went on to win unchallenged.  Palmer was able to pass Staskowski for second at the finish and Keith Rocco wound up third.

Hutchings was in control from the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap Street Stock race.  He mastered the field slowly building up over a full straightaway lead over of Al Stone.  Hutchings cruised easily to the win, his third of the year but first since April 13.  Stone finished solidly in second while Josh Galvin was third.

In another caution-free race it was Brew dominating the Mini Stock division for his second victory of the year. Brew was able to get by early leader Joe Liskiewicz, then sprinted ahead to a commanding lead.  Brew went on to the 25-lap win over Doug Curry, who wound up with a career-best finish of second.  Ken Cassidy Jr., winner of the past two races for the division, was third.

The 20-lap Legend Cars had trouble getting started as early cautions mounted but when racing settled in the division put on a great battle to the checkered flag.  Giovanni Giarratana took the lead on lap-3 and held the spot as Ladyga slowly picked off cars to rise to second position.  The final caution on lap-13 lined up Ladyga outside of Giarratana, who was initially able to resume his lead.  Ladyga tucked in line behind Giarratana and trailed him through lap-19.  With the final lap underway, Ladgya was in position to contend for the victory.  He got a great run underneath Giarratana through turns three and four to make for a photo finish at the checkered flag. The two finished near even with Ladyga winning by .010 of a second at the official finish.

The Speedbowl is back in action June 15 for Whelen Night with six divisions of racing.  In two weeks the cars and stars of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour roll into the Speedbowl for the Mr. Rooter 161 on Saturday, June 22.  Online ticket sales are available as well as a hotel and ticket package with Days Inn of Mystic.  A NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing card supports the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on June 22.  More information about tickets and the hotel and ticket combination are available by visiting Speedbowl.com.

Saturday 6/8 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Results:

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modifieds® (35-laps):  1. Keith Rocco, Meriden;  2. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry;  3. Kyle James, Ashaway, RI;  4. Justin Gaydosh, Newtown;  5. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill;  6. Ted Christopher, Plainville;  7. Nichole Morgillo, Wallingford;  8. Ed Puleo, Branford;  9. Shawn Monahan, Waterford;  10. Frank Mucciacciaro Jr., Milford;  11. Tyler Chadwick, Ledyard;  12. Craig Lutz, Miller Place, NY;  13. Adam Gada, Bozrah;  14. Corey Coates, Ledyard;  15. Wendell Dailey, Gales Ferry;  16. Joe Gada, Salem;  17. Jeff Gallup, Agawam, MA;  18. Rob Janovic Jr., Waterford;  19. Brett Gonyaw, Manchester;  20. Rich Duranti, Quaker Hill

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models (30-laps):  1. Bruce Thomas Jr., Groton;  2. Jason Palmer, Berlin;  3. Keith Rocco, Meriden;  4. Dillon Moltz, Waterford;  5. Rich Staskowski, Hope Valley, RI;  6. Jeff Smith, Old Lyme;  7. David Farrington Jr., Jay, ME;  8. Ray Christian III, Groton;  9. Vin Esposito, Seymour;  10. Mike Sweeney Jr., Meriden;  11. Daniel Khilall, Jersey City, NJ;  12. Chris Garside, Waterford;  13. Rich Duranti, Quaker Hill

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Street Stocks (25-laps):  1.  Corey Hutchings, Salem;  2. Al Stone III, Durham;  3. Josh Galvin, Franklin;  4. Brandon Plemons, Uncasville;  5. Chris Meyer, North Franklin;  6. Phil Evans, Uncasville;  7. Ryan Waterman, Danielson;  8. Dan Darnstaedt Jr., Durham;  9. Norm Root Jr., Old Saybrook;  10. Monte Gibbs, Higganum;  11. Tim Morse, New Haven;  12. Don Spence Jr., Oakdale;  13. Joe Arena, Bristol; DNS – Steve Barrett, Preston;  DQ – Bill McNeil, Preston; DQ    – Ray Downing Jr., Clinton

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Mini Stocks (25-laps):  1. Ian Brew, Hope Valley, RI;  2. Doug Curry, Groton;  3. Ken Cassidy Jr., Lisbon;  4. Wayne Burroughs Jr., Oakdale;  5. Garrett Denton, Hope Valley, RI;  6. Bill Leonard, Charlestown, RI;  7. Chris Ivory, Oakdale;  8. Joe Liskiewicz, Preston;  9. Nick Pappacoda, Branford;  10. Dale Sherman, Charlestown, RI;  11. Jeffrey Lee, Uncasville;  12. Ray Christian III, Groton

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modifieds (25-laps):  1. Randy Churchill Jr., Oakdale;  2. Glenn Griswold, Vernon;  3. Paul French, Andover;  4. Corey Barry, Plainfield;  5. Larry Goss, North Windham;  6. Victoria Bergenty, Plainville;  7. Chris Ignazio, Colchester;  8. Alan Benincaso, Westport;  9. Alan Tirrell, North Stonington;  10. Elmer Wing, Lakeville, MA

INEX Legend Cars (20-laps):  1. Nick Ladyga, Voluntown;  2. Giovanni Giarratana, Newington;  3. Dylan Izzo, Monroe;  4. Paul Kusheba, Farmington;  5. Chase Dowling, Roxbury;  6. Angelo Belsito, Auburn, MA;  7. Michael Christopher Jr., Wolcott;  8. Kyle Rogers, Waterbury;  9. Dana Dimatteo, Farmington;  10. Cory Dimatteo, Farmington;  11. Stephen Kopcik, Newtown;  12. Joey Ternullo, Middletown;  13. Raven Schrantz, Slatington, PA;  14. Joe Ferrigno, East Hartford;  15. John O’Sullivan Jr., Salem;  16. Colin Haley, Ashford;  17. Ryan Lutz, Miller Place, NY;  18. Josh Zentek, East Haven;  19. T.J. Thompson, Lisbon;  20. George Whitney, Westbrook;  21. Calvin Therrien, Vernon

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Sowa was the third leader of the 20-lap Legend Cars race, taking over on lap-8 from Angelo Belsito.  There was plenty of action up front before that however.  John O’Sullivan Jr. and Joey Ferrigno led the field to the green flag, and a false start by O’Sullivan brought the field back together for a second attempt to start the race.

The second start was a success and Ferrigno pulled ahead from the outside lane to lead lap-1.  Belsito quickly moved to second position and spent two laps trailing Ferrigno before making a move to his inside to take the lead off turn two on lap-3.  Sowa followed him to second position and Joey Ternullo raced to third by keeping Ferrigno trapped in the outside lane.   The running order remained the same when the first caution waved on lap-6 as Joshua Zentek spun exiting turn four, coming to rest on the apron of the track at the start-finish line.

The restart saw action out of turn two before another lap could be completed.  Two-time Bandolero champion Taylor Martin was making her first start of the year at the track and spun, making contact with the turn two wall as she climbed through the top-ten from a starting position at the back of the field.  The caution returned with the race halted at lap-6.

Belsito resumed his lead when racing went back to green as Sowa tucked in line behind.  Belsito was unable to keep his car glued to the bottom of the track, fighting a loose condition that had Sowa salivating.  Sowa was inside Belsito for the lead on lap-8 ahead of a yellow flag for David Johnson, who spun on the front chute before quickly recovering.  During the caution, Belsito gave up second position to pit for adjustments to his machine after relinquishing the top spot.

Sowa continued to show the way over the second half of the race, holding back Joey Ternullo who moved to second.   Mike Christopher Jr. marched forward, taking fourth position before hounding Carl Blandina.    Blandina spun into turn one on lap-15, collecting Frank Scimeca Jr. in the process to draw the final caution of the race.

Sowa jumped back out front on the final restart as Christopher got inside of Ternullo to take second.  Meanwhile Belsito stormed back into contention, first getting around Ternullo then waiting for Christopher to slip up to emerge in second behind Sowa on lap-17.  Belsito tried to unseat Sowa from the bottom groove to reclaim the lead he enjoyed in the opening laps, to no avail.  Sowa was not rattled by the pressure and the young driver streaked to the first-ever win.  Belsito settled for second while Christopher finished in third.   The fastest lap of the race belonged to Ternullo on lap-3.

Fans were treated to a dandy of a race in the Super X-Car event. Their 20-lap feature was slowed by three caution periods which regrouped the field, building to the exciting conclusion. The final caution flag involved early leaders Dan Butler and Jon Porter, who wrecked with one another after a lap-15 restart. That moved Carlson and Mike Maskell to the front row to settle the race. They remained side-by-side over the final five circuits. Maskell inched into the lead and held the spot in the outside lane, but Carlson ran his line on the bottom and fought back. Maskell led at the white flag, but it was Carlson who ran smooth through turns three and four to take the career-first win in memorable fashion.

Loomis was in control during the 20-lap X-Car race. He used the early stages to wind his way through traffic after two early caution flags to ride among the top-three runners by lap-4. The race ran through the checkered flag the rest of the way and Loomis was stout during the long run. He kept his car in the outside lane and picked off lapped cars plus the lead duo of Jordan Hadley and Mike Trask. Loomis continued in the top groove and pulled away to the win, besting Trask and Michael Marvin at the finish.

The 20-lap Bandolero feature saw Morin line up on the front row in his first outing of 2013 by virtue of the luck of the draw. Morin wasted no time jumping into the lead, surging ahead of a battle for second position that endured over the entire race. The field lined up behind second place runner A.J. Eastman but nobody was able to successfully pull out of line to make a move. Morin enjoyed a one-car cushion straight to the checkered flag, his first of the year, ahead of Eastman and Jacob Perry. The race ran caution-free.

Finkbein won the evening’s Wacky Race for the Super X-Cars, which participated in Musical Cars. She lined up with Peter Pollard for the final round. The two played cat-and-mouse until they made continued contact through turns three and four all the way to the final cone, located at the finish line. The contact was deemed too much by track officials, and Finkbein was awarded the win.

Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday 6/5 Results:

INEX Legend Cars (20-laps): 1. Nicholas Sowa, Middletown; 2. Angelo Belsito, Auburn, MA; 3. Michael Christopher Jr., Wolcott; 4. Joey Ternullo, Middletown; 5. Michael Blaskey, Waterbury; 6. Stephen Kopcik, Newtown; 7. David Johnson, Arlingham, MA; 8. John O’Sullivan Jr., Salem; 9. David Lespinasse, Milford; 10. Joshua Zentek, East Haven; 11. Joe Ferrigno, East Hartford; 12. Carl Blandina, Milford; 13. Frank Scimeca Jr., Bay Shore, NY; 14. Mike Beebe Sr., Old Saybrook; 15. Taylor Martin, Windham, NH; 16. Joey Mucciacciaro, Wolcott; DNS – T.J. Thompson, Lisbon

INEX Bandoleros (20-laps): 1. Ken Morin Jr., Old Saybrook; 2. A.J. Eastman, Fishers Island, NY; 3. Jacob Perry, Pawcatuck; 4. Anthony Marvin, Colchester; 5. Corey Comeroski, Lebanon; 6. Christian Eckes, Middletown, NY; 7. Jonathon Puleo, Branford; 8. Andrew Morin, Old Saybrook

Super X-Cars (20-laps): 1. Matt Carlson, Griswold; 2. Mike Maskell, Quaker Hill; 3. John Yagmin, Tolland; 4. Frank Alessio, Colchester; 5. Kevin Moon, Exeter, RI; 6. Bill Reiman, Southington; 7. Ken Downing III, Branford; 8. Ray Reed, Norwich; 9. Jim Boyle, East Windsor; 10. Robert Goulet, Southington; 11. John Brouwer Jr., Groton; 12. Eric Finkbein Jr., East Hartford; 13. Ed Reed Jr., Groton; 14. R.J. Cunningham, Clinton; 15. Justin Cook, Clinton; 16. Shawn Gaedeke, Southington; 17. Jimmy Griswold, Wallingford; 18. Marc Shafer, Groton; 19. James Maher, Shelton; 20. Dan Butler, Waterford; 21. Jon Porter, Canterbury; 22. Eric Finkbein Sr., Columbia; 23. Ray Phillips, Canterbury; 24. Peter Pollard, Old Lyme; 25. Patrick Broderick, Glastonbury

X-Cars (20-laps): 1. Larry Loomis Jr., Moosup; 2. Mike Trask, Plainfield; 3. Michael Marvin, Colchester; 4. Chris Thomas, Waterford; 5. Mitchell Bombard, Willimantic; 6. John Bowes, Willington; 7. Randy Johnston, Westerly, RI; 8. Wayne Shifflett, Preston; 9. Melissa Clavette, Bozrah; 10. Jordan Hadley, Quaker Hill; 11. Brad Voglesong, Middletown; 12. Nate Bryington, Webster, MA; 13. Onie Pierce, Norwich; 14. Scott Limkemann, East Lyme; 15. Zach Thomas, New London; 16. Eddie Loomis, Plainfield; 17. Kim Bickford, Griswold; 18. Mark Tourville, Groton; 19. Christopher Lee, Uncasville; 20. David Gargaro Jr., Cranston, RI; 21. Zach Ezzell, Plainfield; 22. Garrett Kuhn, Waterford; 23. Matthew Westover, Gales Ferry; 24. Robert Butler, Norwich; 25. Matthew Ryan, Groton; 26. Michael Lee, Uncasville; 27. Chuck McDonald, Groton; 28. Aaron Sypher-Piper, Clinton; DNS – C.P. Burdick, Deep River

Wacky Super X-Car Musical Car Race: 1. Victoria Finkbein

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