RPW Exclusive: Looking Back: Final Week Of February

Column Compiled By: PHIL SMITH / RPW – WESTERLY, RI – Fifteen years ago in 2010, The Waterford Speedbowl Management announced its Late Model division would compete on Goodyear tires in 2010.

All competitors would be required to compete on the designated Goodyear tire compound, beginning with the season opening Budweiser Blastoff event March 26-28.

The Goodyear model D2672 and D2882 tires would be introduced.

In more good news Modified Racing Series Media Chief John Spence advised that Jack Bateman, founder and president of the Series had announced, an agreement had been reached with Bob Valenti Automall.Com as the title sponsor for the 2010 racing season. Bateman made the disclosure at the all-new Racers Expo, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough, MA., Saturday, February 27.

The family owned and operated business, based in Mystic, CT., and Westerly, R.I., specializes in new and pre-owned vehicle sales and service. The Valenti family has been in the automotive business for over 80 years. “Bob Valenti Automall.Com has signed on for the new season. We look forward to working with the Valenti family. They are strong supporters of racing and have been for many years. We are pleased to have them as part our series,” Bateman concluded.

Bateman was joined by Bob Valenti Automall representatives including company Vice President Rob Valenti who eagerly looks forward to the new sponsorship.

The popular Modified Racing Series, featuring open-wheel modified race cars, would compete in 19 races at speedways throughout the Northeast including first time appearances at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY., Airborne Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY., and Stafford Springs Motor Speedway, Stafford, CT. In 2009, 15 races were run with 12 different drivers victorious. Seven of those drivers were first time winners.

Kevin Harvick overcame a pair of horrendous pit stops to win the Nationwide Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Harvick led 83 of the 200 laps Saturday, but had to rally after his crew cost him several spots on pit road.

Danica Patrick finished 36th in her third and final NASCAR race before she took a four-month hiatus to return to IndyCar racing.

In Sprint Cup racing, Jimmie Johnson reeled in teammate Jeff Gordon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the four-time defending champion won for the second consecutive week. Kevin Harvick finished second for the second straight week, then showed signs of the swagger that only Harvick can pull off, and only when he’s running well.

Ten years ago in 2015, The wheels of change had shifted into high gear at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl as NASCAR and the new track management of owner Bruce Bemer and General Manager Shawn Monahan announced that the shoreline oval would be under the NASCAR banner in 2015. The announcement also included a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event on Saturday, May 30. The addition of the Mr. Rooter 161 on May 30 would give the tour 15 points events in 2015.

The Speedbowl added a key member to their weekly staff. Terryville, Connecticut native Rich Keator had been named chief starter for the New London-Waterford Speedbowl, and will be returning to the flagstand at the three-eighths mile oval for the first time since the 2012 season.

Keator took some time away from the track over the past two seasons by working with the Valenti Modified Racing Series as their chief starter, and was also part of the staff on the Granite State Pro Stock Series.

In other Speedbowl news, it was announced that the track’s Wacky Wednesday program would be moving to Thursday nights for 2015. The Wacky Wednesday program is a low-cost alternative to the traditional NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Saturday night racing show. The events offer lower cost tickets and divisions that prove much lower in participation costs for customers. The X-Cars, Super X-Cars and Legends primarily fill out the shows for the track. Monahan said working with Thompson Speedway was a big reason for the change. Thompson Speedway will host five Wednesday night summer shows in 2015. Thompson had previously run primarily Thursday shows. He also indicated that last year’s rule book will remain in effect for 2015.

It was good to hear that Sid’s Vault Productions would be returning to the shoreline oval in 2015. Up until mid season last year Tom DiMaggio and his able crew video taped many of the events at the Route 85 oval and made many non-speedbowl fans aware of the great competition there and he did it all at no cost to the former owner. Production ceased in mid-season after a dispute with the former owner.

Thanks to the efforts of New London-Waterford Speedbowl Street Stock competitor Bill McNeil competitors who raced at the shoreline oval were recognized for their 2014 efforts at the Groton Inn & Suites in Groton, CT. Among those who received championship honors were Keith Rocco in the SK Modifieds and Late Models, Josh Galvin in the Street Stocks, Garrett Denton in the Mini Stocks, Corey Barry in the SK Lites and Mike Christopher Jr in the Legends.

Had it not been for the efforts of McNeil competitors at the Waterford oval would have gone unnoticed.

The Valenti Modified Racing Series officially announced on their Facebook page that the series will open for the 2015 racing season schedule at the Monadnock Speedway on April 18. They will also visit Monadnock on July 4 and August 22. Races will be held at Stafford Motor Speedway, Airborne Speedway, Seekonk Speedway, Lee USA Speedway, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Oxford Plains Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. The series will also visit the New London-Waterford Speedbowl on August 8.

The Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park and Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchisee, Vin Beedle, announced that the Connecticut-based company will be the entitlement sponsor of the 125-lap NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) slated for Wednesday night, June 10. Beedle and his company are long-time supporters of auto racing in New England, sponsoring the Mr. Rooter New England Truck Series, as well as fielding a truck in the division in 2015. The drivers of the Truck will include NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champions, and Thompson’s own Sunoco Modified driver, Keith Rocco, as well as Limited Sportsman – and SK Modified – driver Ed Puleo.

The Syracuse-Post Standard reported that a Watertown, NY jury decided a parking lot crash that ended the racing career of DIRT modified legend “Barefoot” Bob McCreadie was worth nearly $1.7 million in damages. But the jurors found McCreadie 15 percent responsible for the crash, reducing the award by that percentage, according to Syracuse lawyer Sidney Cominsky.

Cominsky said the state Supreme Court jury deliberated about three hours before awarding McCreadie the damages for a crash that occurred May 31, 2006, in the parking lot of the Medical Arts Building in Watertown where McCreadie was heading to pick up some prescriptions. According to Cominsky, McCreadie was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle down a designated driving lane in the parking lot when a vehicle operated by Dawn Millett of Watertown, an employee of an adjacent insurance company, cut diagonally across the lot, ran into McCreadie and knocked his motorcycle over onto him.

McCreadie suffered a fractured femur, two broken ribs and a chip fracture of the lumbar spine, the lawyer said. Cominsky said McCreadie has been unable to return to his racing career where he was once the winningest DIRT track racer in America.

Austin Dillon appeared headed to an easy victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway until four fresh tires helped Ryan Blaney chase him down.

Blaney charged to Dillon’s back bumper and stalked him around the track for the final four laps Saturday, but a bobble ruined his momentum and allowed Dillon to wrap up the Xfinity Series win. Dillon led 183 of the 200 laps. Regan Smith finished third and was followed by Denny Hamlin, who was subbing for teammate Busch, and defending series champion Chase Elliott.

Kevin Harvick pulled off an overdue victory in Las Vegas, grabbing his first Sprint Cup win of the season. It came in just the third race of the season. Harvick led 142 of the 267 laps, and he beat Martin Truex Jr. to the finish. He did it while battling a vibration that developed after his final pit stop.

Five years ago in, 2020, In some good news, Doug Coby announced that he will defend his title. As reported by RaceDayCT.com Coby announced the formation of a new team under his ownership, Doug Coby Racing. The team will make its debut on March 21 at South Boston Speedway (VA), the 2020 season opener for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Crew chief Phil Moran will remain with Coby, as well as other members of the former Mike Smeriglio Racing crew. With multiple sponsorship commitments for 2020, including from Coby’s primary sponsor of the past few years, Mayhew Tools, the intention of the team is to run the full season schedule on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and chase Coby’s seventh Tour title.

The decision came in the wake of two of the former Mike Smeriglio Modifieds that had been driven in recent races by Coby, being sold to the family team of New York State driver Tyler Rypkema less than two weeks ago. Coby did secure the purchase of a third and sole remaining car for the new team.

Matt Hirschman, the king of the long haul has indicated that he will be at South Boston for the Mod tour opener and will compete in the Oswego Speedway Whelen Modified Tour Series event. He also indicated that he may partake in the Martinsville event and he may take in the Jennerstown event as the track is near his home. He will support the entire New York based Race of Champions Series and the New England based Tri-Track Series.

Hirschman says there were no plans of running in events at Thompson, Stafford or Loudon at this time.

Competitors at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park received a shot in the arm as it has been announced that Liquid Death Mountain Water will be the sponsor of the 46th annual Icebreaker weekend, April 3-5, and has also joined as a sponsor for the entire 2020 season. With a huge influx of money hopefully the speedway management will see fit to restore their weekly purse structure to what it was. Thompson Speedway’s Icebreaker is the annual beginning of the New England racing season, with a practice session on Friday, and two days of racing, headlined by the second race of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.

In NASCAR Cup racing in Fontana, Ca, Alex Bowman took the win. Kyle Busch finished second with Kurt Busch, third. Ryan Preece finished 30th. NASCAR officials announced that the Next Gen car for the 2021 Cup Series will have a single, center-locking lug nut for its wheels.

Last year, 2024, Daniel Suarez scored a thrilling victory in Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the second win of his Cup Series career, and his first on an oval. Late in Sunday’s 260-lap contest, the 32-year-old driver found himself in contention for the victory at the 1.5-mile superspeedway-like facility, battling alongside some of the quickest cars all afternoon in Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, and Kyle Busch.

While fighting hard in the caution-plagued final laps of the event, Suarez made a single mistake with five laps remaining, a slow block on defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, which caused him to lose control of the race. It took seven of the remaining seven-and-a-half miles for Suarez to get himself back in position after a last-lap move on the backstretch by Kyle Busch left the top three drivers side-by-side-by-side through the final set of corners and down to the start-finish line.

At the start-finish line, in a finish too close to call by the naked eye, Suarez was 0.003 seconds ahead of runner-up finisher Ryan Blaney, and just 0.007 seconds ahead of Kyle Busch, who despite being the one to make the move for the victory, finished in third. Ryan Preece finished 16th.

Internet racing news site RaceDayCt announced that Eric Webster, a fixture as a crew member, racer and as part of management at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl for decades, is retiring from the facility.

Webster, who has served as race director at the facility in recent years, confirmed to RaceDayCT Sunday morning that he is stepping away from all roles at the track effective immediately “This is it,” Webster told RaceDayCT Sunday. “The sad thing is right now it feels like I just lifted a big burden off my shoulders, but I know it’s not that. I have so many fond memories of the place.”

The Speedbowl has been part of the 61-year old Webster’s life since birth. His late father Charlie raced at the track from 1951 to 1970 and sits seventh on the track’s all-time win list with 77 career victories. Webster raced a Street Stock at Waterford from 1988 to 1996 before taking on an event management role at the track in 1997.

Jeremy Gerstner was severely injured at New Smyrna during the recent World Series after the throttle stuck wide open and his car crashed into a concrete retaining wall. His wife Dawn issued the following statement. “ It’s made for many long days since Jeremy’s accident at New Smyrna. I have remained pretty quiet this entire time in order to give 100% of my attention to Jeremy and my son JT. For those that do not know JT just had femur and tibia surgery in November and was still healing from that when all this took place. I am doing everything in my power to make sure JT stays on track as much as possible with his healing and to make sure Jeremy has the best outcome possible as well.”

“Jeremy has a right pelvis fracture and a left knee tibia fracture and meniscus tear. He also has some pain in his right shoulder, this is making it difficult for him to get around even with his wheelchair. I am looking for a wheelchair van to use for a few months so Jeremy can get out of the house to get to follow up appointments and so I can go to more of JTs appointments without having to leave Jeremy at home alone or choose between taking JT to therapy or staying home to make sure Jeremy is cared for. These are not choices I was prepared to have to make for sure.”

“I know as the days go by things will get easier and Jeremy will get stronger and we can get back to using a regular vehicle. For now this is my BIGGEST struggle, I don’t like having to choose between my son and husband. We have been blessed to have some great friends step forward to help with Jeremy’s lawns so he doesn’t loose his business.”

“I have, in the midst of all of this, been racking my brain and angry that I did not have answers why this happened since I went straight to the hospital with Jeremy after the accident. I did manage to dig a little deeper in the motor problem and have found that either a retainer or lifter failed and it dropped a valve with allowed piece to travel through the intake and back into the carb and held it open.”

“I am thankful I still have my husband and the kids have their father…and that the injuries he has he can make a full recovery. Things could always be worse, but there are always ways to improve and I just wanted to try to figure out what caused it to help anyone else from enduring this pain that we have.”

“It is also pretty amazing to see the people you hear from when something like this happens as well as the flip side and those you do not hear from. Thank you to those that have reached out to both of us to give us inspiration to get to the end goal! Those who know us, know this is temporary. It has indeed given us more time together as a family and to reflect on the things that need to happen in our lives.” ❤️

“Last but not least. Do not skimp on safety, make sure your fuel cell bolts are tight, your belts are up to date, your seat is mounted properly, your hans or neck restraint is good (if you do not use one please just don’t race) and you have the proper padding in place.” #JTStrong #55Strong

On a sad note, Donald Peter “Don” Dalena, 95 of New Britain, Ct. passed away on February 18 at home. Born on August 3, 1928 in the small town of Plainville, he was the son of the late Peter & Genevieve (Blinn) Dalena. Surviving is the love of his life, Carolyn (DiMaio) Dalena, his two sons, Peter D Dalena of Plainville, Daniel J Dalena & his wife Debora of Plainville, two grandsons, Brian D Dalena of Bristol & Brandon G Dalena of San Diego, CA., his brother Peter L Dalena of Kensington and many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Dolores & his brother in law Ken Balkow, and his sister in law Maryalice Dalena.

Don “Red” Dalena graduated from Plainville HS in 1946 where he excelled in football & baseball. Six decades later, in 2007, he was inducted into the P.H.S Sports Hall of Fame. Prior to joining the military, Don was a draftsman @ the engineering department at Marlin Rockwell. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in England during the Korean Conflict as a Staff Sergeant. In 1953, his honorable discharge brought him back to the states, where he joined his father, brother & uncle Cozy (Cosam) to form Dalena Auto Parts ( celebrating 70 years in business this year) where he worked & always greeted customers with a welcoming smile & friendly conversation up until 3 weeks ago!

Hunting in Sharon, VT at Mickey Carrolls Camp with his “Plainville Gang” was a cherished yearly event. Trips to Bermuda & Naples Florida with Carolyn were his much loved R&R. During summer weekends, you could always find Don at Plainville Stadium racing with the legendary George Lombardo in the XD2. They enjoyed many years of great racing success!

Another member of the Plainville gang also passed away last week. The New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame announced that member Tony “Jap” Membrino, 90, passed away last Wednesday Feb 21. Membrino was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame as a veterans committee selection in 2022. Longtime southern New England short track racing journalist and track announcer Matt Buckler called Membrino: “As much an entertainer as he was a race car driver.”

Membrino’s racing career stretched from 1949 to 1978 and he was a dominator at the old Plainville Stadium. He won track championships at Plainville in 1964 and 1965 and then used a run of nine consecutive victories on the way to another title in 1969. His final victory at Plainville came in an Open competition event at the track in May 1977. He also recorded wins at the former Savin Rock Speedway in West Haven and the former Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam, Mass.

With the cooperation of the Arute family a book has been published with pictures and biographies of the 50 Greatest Drivers at Stafford.

The Stafford Motor Speedway had become the epicenter of NASCAR Modified racing in the northeast by the late 1980’s. From its dirt beginnings to its lightning-fast asphalt, Stafford had become the toughest and most gratifying track to score a victory. The Arute family which has owned and guided the destiny of the facility commissioned their thousands of loyal fans to name their favorite drivers. In alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone:

Tom Baldwin, Gene Bergin, Brett Bodine, Geoff Bodine, Ken Bouchard, Ron Bouchard, Mario “Fats” Caruso, Rene Charland, Ted Christopher, Leo Cleary, Tim Connolly, Jerry Cook, Corky Cookman, Pete Corey, Fred DeSarro, Richie Evans, Mike Ewanitsko, Ed Flemke, Sr., Jeff Fuller, Rick Fuller, Ernie Gahan, Bill Greco, Bo Gunning, Ray Hendrick, George “Moose” Hewitt, Tony Hirschman, George Janoski, Charlie Jarzombek, George Kent, Buddy Krebs, Randy LaJoie, Jan Leaty, Jerry Marquis, Mike McLaughlin, Ray Miller, Steve Park, Bob Polverari, Bob Potter, Brian Ross, John “Reggie” Ruggiero, Greg Sacks, Ollie Silva, “Wild” Bill Slater, Jimmy Spencer, Mike Stefanik, Carl “Bugsy” Stevens, George Summers, Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino, Maynard Troyer and Satch Worley.

Books are priced at $17.95 each and be purchased at the track at the Novelty Booth or at the Stafford Motor Speedway on line store. Books are also available at Amazon.com and at Coastal181 (877-907-8181).