RGeeProductions
09-02-2011, 09:35 AM
Several expected entries looking to add to event record books
When the field of SK Modified®
competitors assembles at Waterford Speedbowl this Saturday, September 3
for the 15th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals, multiple competitors
will be seeking to make event history. The, event, carrying a $20,000
purse, is part of an eight-division program for Thunder on the Sound,
quickly becoming a Labor Day tradition at the shoreline oval. The event
is presented by the Connecticut National Guard.
The list of those looking for success in the 150-lap Budweiser Modified
Nationals begins with current SK Modified® championship point leader Keith
Rocco. The defending track and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national
champion has been shut out in previous editions of the division’s crown
jewel event. Last year, Rocco dueled with 1999 Mod Nationals titlist Ted
Christopher at the head of the field in an entertaining battle that
endured for much of the race. While the two swapped the lead several
times, in the end two-time race winner Ron Yuhas Jr. came out with the
checkered flag. Yuhas pitted for fresher tires just past halfway, then
watched Rocco and Christopher battle before asserting himself over an
exciting conclusion to the race to walk away with the $5,000 winning
payday.
While Rocco seeks his first win, Christopher will be on hand looking for
his second win in the 150. Yuhas has a unique opportunity to race for his
third straight Mod Nationals checkered flag which would put him alone as
the only three-time winner in event history.
Joining Rocco on the list of those in pursuit of their first triumph in
the Mod Nationals includes 2007 track champion Rob Janovic Jr., impressive
over a recent summer stretch of racing in which he snapped a 45-race
winless streak. Tyler Chadwick will attempt his seventh SK-150 looking to
improve on a career-best fifth place finish in the race. Glenn Pressel
has claimed his first two career wins in 2011 including the last time the
division was in action on August 20. Kyle James is hungry for a win in
the event and appears ready for his first victory on the season. Tom
Abele Jr. is another ‘Bowl regular looking for a career-best effort in the
event.
Other expected entries include veteran Jeff Pearl, second all-time in
division wins at 36. He seeks a second win in the 150 and a third victory
on the year. Shawn Solomito, who led laps during last year’s event, looks
to make his first start in the division this year. Diego Monahan, last
year’s third place finisher, Nichole Morgillo, looking to improve on a
career best fourth place finish and Joey Gada are others expected to be on
hand.
Other hopeful entries include Mark Bakaj, Matt Gallo and Justin Gaydosh.
Each own Speedbowl wins in their open-wheel careers.
Seven divisions join Saturday’s Budweiser Modified Nationals during
Thunder on the Sound. Pit gates open at a special time on Saturday at
11:00am. Grandstands open at 12:00pm when practice commences. Qualifying
for the 26-car starting field for the SK-150 plus other divisions gets
underway at 4:00pm, with feature racing beginning at 6:00pm. The Bob
Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and SK Light
Modifieds join the card. The Legends Cars and Bandoleros plus the
visiting Allison Legacy Series divisions are also in action.
Fans are encouraged to visit Speedbowl.com (http://www.Speedbowl.com) from home or their mobile phone
or more information about the Budweiser Modified Nationals and Thunder on
the Sound event.
Brian Darling
When the field of SK Modified®
competitors assembles at Waterford Speedbowl this Saturday, September 3
for the 15th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals, multiple competitors
will be seeking to make event history. The, event, carrying a $20,000
purse, is part of an eight-division program for Thunder on the Sound,
quickly becoming a Labor Day tradition at the shoreline oval. The event
is presented by the Connecticut National Guard.
The list of those looking for success in the 150-lap Budweiser Modified
Nationals begins with current SK Modified® championship point leader Keith
Rocco. The defending track and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national
champion has been shut out in previous editions of the division’s crown
jewel event. Last year, Rocco dueled with 1999 Mod Nationals titlist Ted
Christopher at the head of the field in an entertaining battle that
endured for much of the race. While the two swapped the lead several
times, in the end two-time race winner Ron Yuhas Jr. came out with the
checkered flag. Yuhas pitted for fresher tires just past halfway, then
watched Rocco and Christopher battle before asserting himself over an
exciting conclusion to the race to walk away with the $5,000 winning
payday.
While Rocco seeks his first win, Christopher will be on hand looking for
his second win in the 150. Yuhas has a unique opportunity to race for his
third straight Mod Nationals checkered flag which would put him alone as
the only three-time winner in event history.
Joining Rocco on the list of those in pursuit of their first triumph in
the Mod Nationals includes 2007 track champion Rob Janovic Jr., impressive
over a recent summer stretch of racing in which he snapped a 45-race
winless streak. Tyler Chadwick will attempt his seventh SK-150 looking to
improve on a career-best fifth place finish in the race. Glenn Pressel
has claimed his first two career wins in 2011 including the last time the
division was in action on August 20. Kyle James is hungry for a win in
the event and appears ready for his first victory on the season. Tom
Abele Jr. is another ‘Bowl regular looking for a career-best effort in the
event.
Other expected entries include veteran Jeff Pearl, second all-time in
division wins at 36. He seeks a second win in the 150 and a third victory
on the year. Shawn Solomito, who led laps during last year’s event, looks
to make his first start in the division this year. Diego Monahan, last
year’s third place finisher, Nichole Morgillo, looking to improve on a
career best fourth place finish and Joey Gada are others expected to be on
hand.
Other hopeful entries include Mark Bakaj, Matt Gallo and Justin Gaydosh.
Each own Speedbowl wins in their open-wheel careers.
Seven divisions join Saturday’s Budweiser Modified Nationals during
Thunder on the Sound. Pit gates open at a special time on Saturday at
11:00am. Grandstands open at 12:00pm when practice commences. Qualifying
for the 26-car starting field for the SK-150 plus other divisions gets
underway at 4:00pm, with feature racing beginning at 6:00pm. The Bob
Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and SK Light
Modifieds join the card. The Legends Cars and Bandoleros plus the
visiting Allison Legacy Series divisions are also in action.
Fans are encouraged to visit Speedbowl.com (http://www.Speedbowl.com) from home or their mobile phone
or more information about the Budweiser Modified Nationals and Thunder on
the Sound event.
Brian Darling