Joey Gada celebrates victory in the first SK Modified feature of the night Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl
WATERFORD – The bottom proved the way to the top for Joey Gada Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
Gada held off the challenges of Diego Monahan and Todd Owen over the final 10 laps to win the first of two 25-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified features at the Speedbowl Saturday.
It was the third career SK Modified victory at the Speedbowl for Gada, of Salem, and his since May 17, 2014.
“I think last year was the most consistent year I’ve ever had in racing,” Gada said. “A lot of top-five’s, a lot of top-10’s. As far as wins go, yes I wanted to win definitely. But the year I had was amazing. But this is great here.”
Todd Owen of Somers was second and Diego Monahan of Quaker Hill third.
Gada became the sixth different winner in seven SK Modified events this year at the Speedbowl.
“It seems like everybody is right around the same speed this year,” Gada said. “I haven’t seen any super fast lap times. I don’t know if everybody slowed down maybe because of the construction on the track. But it just seems like everybody is in the same time bracket.”
Bo Gunning took the field to green at the start with Monahan to his outside.
Gunning was up to holding off Monahan on three early restarts over the first seven laps.
Gada went by Monahan for second following a restart with 18 laps remaining. With 11 laps left Gunning’s car began smoking, sending him to the pits under caution a lap later and handing the lead to Gada.
On the next restart Gada was able to hold off the outside challenge of Monahan before Monahan lost second place to Owen.
“I think just having the bottom lane tonight,” Gada said. “I know a lot of guys have been complaining about the top. I think it’s there if your car is there for it. But the bottom is really where you’ve got to be right now.”
A well deserved win, nice job