Diego Monahan celebrates victory Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl (Photo: New London-Waterford Speedbowl)
Diego Monahan won the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
It was the second victory of the season for the Quaker Hill driver.
Rob Janovic Jr. of Waterford was second and Dennis Perry of Pawcatuck third.
Tony Membrino Jr. of Berlin backed up a victory in the SK Light Modified feature Friday at Stafford Speedway with a win in the division’s 25-lap feature at the Speedbowl.
It was the fifth victory in 10 events this year at the Speedbowl for Membrino. Brett Gonyaw of Vernon was second and Corey Barry of Plainfield third.
Rookie Jacob Perry of Pawcatuck got his second career victory in the 25-lap Mini Stock feature.
Wayne Burroughs Jr. of Oakdale was second and Dave Trudeau of Mansfield third.
Ed Gertsch Jr. of East Haven got his first victory of the season in the 25-lap Limited Sportsman feature
Chris Meyer of Norwich was second and Al Stone III of Durham third.
Hope those valve stems made it through. :)-
Doug, it is called favoritism………..
Who cares if he cheats and wins races he’ll never win a championship no matter how much favoritism he gets. He started third and passed two cars including his #22 critical signs teammate William Gunning
So I don’t understand how he started 3rd? I know he got knocked out of the first feature last week and never started the second. So due to his finish in the first, that would have moved him up, but not starting the second, he should have been credited with a win. Did they change the handicap system?
mylaps had him racing in the second feature in the 76 car
Rudy,
He drove the No. 76 SK Light Modified in the second feature last week.
SIDS vid has him on the pole!!
#BRINGBACKTHEVOICEOFSID!
To bad Robs a nice guy!
#BRINGBACKTHEVOICEOFSID
OH, so that is why he drove around in the back of the second feature, that way he could start up front this week and almost guarantee himself a win as long as he did nothing stupid.
perhaps he bought the valve stems from the same vendor he got his air cleaner from??? ..Diego also has the advantage of having the widest sk at the bowl.. PS what comeback ??? from the looks of things this is the car the GM drove so HE (Diego) came back.. the car did not..
There are other people to talk about other than Diego. Doug, I think you’ve been running your mouth since the heat race on Saturday and I wouldn’t expect anything less. Congrats to Jacob Perry for his win. He’s gonna be a good kid to watch as he continues. Racing was pretty boring otherwise except for the move the 87 put on the 39 on the last lap of the lite race.
not to stir the pot but let him drive an sk lite car last week is not really in the rules- car was not registered as an sk before the night started – 1st in fraction. – Heads are not in the rules…. 2nd infraction.
not really a big deal unless you are in contention for the point championship. He should have played by the rules and found an sk team that would let him start the race in their car.
Too bad it’s an inside joke between the GM and I. Which you wouldn’t know anything about.
As for arguing, I can do that being an owner and not a benchwarmer as yourself.
See you Saturday, fan.
Consider this a reward offer:One hundred dollars cash for proof of illegal valve stems.No further talk,just proof and I will pay.
You’re a funny guy Doug. Literally cracking me up….
“Its called modified racing. Everyone’s full of crap !!” – Doug DiPisa
I aim to please my friend.
This coming from King of the bench warmers DAH real jerk fella . LOSER !
So, let’s clear up a couple of things:
1. Bo Gunning is not a teammate of Diego’s. The 22 car was lettered at Critical Signs, which Diego has nothing to do with. He owns Critical Screenprinting & Embroidery which is located across town, not even in the same building as Critical Signs. Unless the car is covered in T-Shirts, you have no point. So, nice try there. Critical letters many cars at the Speedbowl. 32 Signs also letters a bunch of cars at the Speedbowl and they are also not teammates of Tom Abele.
2. You can start an SK Lite in an SK race. It’s happened many times before. It’s a pretty smart move to keep your handicap. If you choose to go out and run around in the back, that’s your choice. You’re giving up 150 HP for the most part, to keep handicapping.
3. The car is owned by Jennifer Monahan, who is Diego’s sister-in-law. Most of the parts, including the motor, tires, and rims came off of Diego’s #78 car. That car has only been run a handful of times in the past by Shawn Monahan (Jen’s husband). The car has been parked since Shawn took over as GM at the Bowl. The “favoritism” argument is old and ridiculous. It really doesn’t even factor in this situation at all.
4. Diego isn’t the only one out there with a “wide” car. There are several others who extend the bumper plenty in that division. Just because you are a hater, don’t make yourself look completely ignorant by stating his is the widest.
5. Doug DiPisa has many jokes. Inside or otherwise. He’s a funny guy and one of my favorite people at the track. He also has a collection of haters.
6. Since you (Justafella) seem to be able to see into the future, can I have tonight’s winning lotto numbers? If there is so much favoritism for Diego, by your logic, he should be a lock for a future championship.
7. Yes, Diego Monahan is one of my best friends. Along with his brother Shawn.
Having said all this, as you all can see, I don’t hide behind a made up screen name. Leave all the comments you want about what I wrote. Not one of you will have the stones to say anything directly to me, Diego, or any of the other drivers most of you bash. It must be pretty cool to be a cowardly keyboard cowboy. The rest of us just keep it real in internet life and real life. Please feel free to express any opinions you may have to me directly. e-mail: [email protected] or you can call in on either of the 2 radio shows I co-host. Let’s Talk Racing on 94.9 FM every Saturday from 1:06pm-3:00pm (860)464-9490, or every Tuesday night for Racing Rewind from 6:00pm-7:00pm on http://www.victorylaneradio.com (774)745-5950 (except tonight, I won’t be on).
Diego if he doesn’t start up front he uses an old tactic right-hand turn Clyde dives into turn one like he’s driving quad congratulations on your win with the team blocker typical Waterford speedball nothing has changed if you’re in the click you’re good to go
Such a great CLIQUE to be in, where you get a $100 fine and a DQ in 1 season….
Mike we all know that’s just to make it look good :)–
Mike, where in the rules does it say you can hop in an unqualified car and run the feature?
I don’t know if it’s referenced in the rule book, but it’s been allowed many times in the past. As recently as on the double feature night. And most infamously when Rocco did it and won.
An unqualified car? I’m not following you. I’m pretty sure you can start scratch. It’s not like he came back in the same race that he wrecked out of in a different car. Are you referring to the 2nd SK feature of the night?
The rule book states it is ultimately up to the Race Director. But, the rule doesn’t really seem clear cut. It states the car must be pre-qualified, but it sounds like if Diego had a back-up car, also numbered 78, that car would have to be qualified as well. So jumping into a back up car is technically against the rules? I’m basing my statements on how things have been done in the past for other competitors and it seems that the Race Director and the track have accommodated them as well, so to say favoritism was at play is, in my opinion, a non-argument. I will definitely be asking more questions about the exact rule though. It raises a good question Steve.
I do remember a race where Rocco brought his backup car (that was not even at the track, got there about 10 minutes before the feature) and won the race that night. That car was not “qualified”…… I have also seen many cars wreck in the heat and come out and run the feature. I would say that if you can’t finish a heat you wouldn’t be qualified. I would be willing to bet most of those that complain on here have never raced a car let alone built one.
I think everybody could come together on this issue sort of as a “gentlemen’s agreement”. If a racer can’t run the feature with their primary car it’s most likely because of an engine failure or accident. Theyre not having a good night. So I say have inspectors give it a quick safety check and at least let the racer keep his handicap. If somebody is taking advantage of the system somehow then maybe it has to be addressed.
So Mike, if you say the car must be pre-qualified I would have to assume the car has to be qualified in the same division ie: SK and yes, if he had two cars in the pit numbered 78 then both have to be pre-qualified HOWEVER, I believe you can’t have two identically numbered cars qualified in the same division by the same driver. So if he drove the 76 SKL in the second feature, it was not qualified in as an SK in a SK heat that night which means he should not get any points for the second feature or handicap. And since the race director works for the GM I am sure there is conversation on the final decision.
HUMPHRY YOU ARE A MORON. THE FACT THAT YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN DQ AND FINED THIS YEAR MULTIPLE TIMES SUPPORTS THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. I AM NOT A FAN OF DIEGO OR REALLY ANYONE IN THE SK DIVISION, BUT GIVE THE GUY HIS DUES. DID YOU COMPLAIN WHEN JANOVIC STARTED UP FRONT AND WON HIS RACE, OR WHEN CHADWICK STARTED UP FRONT AND WON HIS RACE??? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT TAKES EVERY WEEK TO GET THAT CAR READY AND GET TO THE BOWL FOR THE WEEK????? ONE DAY YOU GUYS SHOULD TRY GOING TO THE TRACK AND JUST ENJOYING THE FACT THAT IT IS STILL THERE INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING ABOUT IT EVERY SINGLE WEEK. IT’S TIRING.
Terry,
1. I did not direct the comment/question to you it was directed to Mike since he seems up on the rules and I was looking for further clarification and meant no disrespect towards him.
2. Please take a chill pill because I don’t know who peed in your corn flakes today.
3. There is a function key on your computer keyboard known as CAP LOCK. Please learn how to use it since you really don’t have to make your point by printing in CAPS as it makes you look like a complete buffoon, and you call me a moron. Really?
4. I frankly don’t care who wins or when they win, as I have no skin in the game and I was just inquiring about a procedural question and commenting from what I remember.
5. I absolutely know what it takes to field a competitive race car week after week so don’t go there either, trust me. I did it for many years before calling it quits.
HUMPHRY,
1. THE FACT THAT YOU STARTED THE THE WHOLE “FAVORITISM” ARGUMENT IS WHY YOU ARE A MORON. WHILE “LOOKING FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION” YOU WERE CLEARLY BEING SACRASTIC AND ARGUMENTATIVE.
2. NO ONE PISSED IN MY CORN FLAKES. I HAD AN OMELETTE.
3. MY PROGRAM I USE ALL DAY REQUIRES CAPS LOCK TO BE ON, SO I LEAVE IT THAT WAY TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR ME. BUT I GUESS CAPITAL LETTERS IS BUFFOONISH……YA GOT ME THERE.
4. IF YOU TRULY DID NOT CARE WHO WON YOU WOULD NOT HAVE STARTED THE FAVORITISM ARGUMENT.
5. PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME WHAT CAR/CARS HAVE YOU FIELDED THAT WERE COMPETITIVE? I DON’T TRUST YOU.
Humphry, I have been reading the rules and it still isn’t very clear cut as to a yes/no definite answer. It seems to be up to the Race Director. I will tell you, having worked there last year under Shawn Monahan, he has absolutely ZERO influence when it comes to calls by the race director. There are conversations that happen between race department staff and the GM. It’s pretty much the standard at local tracks, from my limited experiences. Not so much to get the approval of the GM, but to keep him in the loop, for lack of a better term. Like I stated before, I’m pretty sure any other competitor would be granted the same opportunity in the same situation. I will not name names, but it has happened once or twice this season, to my knowledge. The only real issue with allowing it to take place is NASCAR doesn’t like it. They see it as padding the field for National Points contenders, but in the few cases this season, the fields were already full, so National Points wasn’t effected, to my knowledge. Ultimately, people will develop and stick by their opinions and I understand and respect that. It’s what this forum is all about and is what makes for interesting conversation. I know I will not change anyone’s opinion, but I like to try to clarify misconceptions whenever I can. I do not understand the rules completely and I will admit that. As far as the favoritism issue goes, I feel it has been overplayed and I feel it is unfair to Diego and his team. He has been penalized this season and last season, in my opinion, because his brother is the GM. Others have gotten warnings, where Diego has gotten fines and DQ’s, just to make an example.
Auto racing is full of heroes and villains, which is what makes fans go to battle over their driver. From the Cup all the way down to the local levels. It’s part of what makes this sport unique and why we are so passionate about it. I try to keep an open mind when it comes to decisions made by people deemed more qualified than me. I have also been critical of calls made at the track this year and have ruffled a few feathers, but, at the end of the day, some people will agree with me and some people will not. All I can do is present my argument and defend my opinions.
Thanks for the explanation Mike. I meant this to be a civil conversation, thanks for being a gentleman and keeping it that way. I enjoy debating matters with people in a civil tone.
We brought two cars with us for the World Series many years ago because we were in a championship battle and both had to be numbered differently. We had to use a different driver to qualify each, both had to qualify for the feature and luckily both qualified so there was no issue. However, if the primary car would have been wrecked and the second car qualified then we had to make a decision; 1. Change the last number of the secondary to match the primary car maintaing both driver and owner points or 2. Put the driver in the back up car without changing the number so he got driver points and no owner points.
Those were the rules 20 years ago and I am sure they have changed since then an that is why I questioned the procedure and its application.
Handicapping is another issue that has always confused me. We were always told it was based on your last three races and a no show was treated as a win. Again that was 20 years ago.
For the record I have no ill will for Diego and I enjoy a good old shoot out for the championship which is just what I believe you will see this season.