WATERFORD – There’s nothing unfamiliar about someone with the name Gada being in victory lane at the Waterford Speedbowl.
Joey Gada celebrates his first SK Modified victory Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl
Thought Saturday night it was an all new feeling for one member of the family.
Third generation driver Joey Gada ran away with victory in the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl.
“I can’t even describe it,” Gada said. “So many emotions going through my head right now.”
It was the first career victory for the 20-year old Gada, of Salem, who is the son of Dennis Gada, the track’s all-time winningest SK Modified driver. Joey Gada’s grandfather Bob Gada won a Modified feature in 1982 at the track.
“I wanted it just about as bad as anybody else,” said Joey Gada, who has been competing in an SK Modified at Waterford since 2009. “I don’t feel any pressure [my dad], he doesn’t put any pressure on me so, I just go out there and do my best every week. I’m proud just to win. But it is cool though. It’s definitely awesome to follow in there footsteps.”
The Gada family has 11 track championships overall at Waterford and over 120 victories. Dennis Gada has seven SK Modified titles and 62 career SK Modified victories. Bob Gada has two Late Model victories. Dennis’ brother Dave also has two SK Modified titles.
Joey Gada went by Tyler Jackson for the lead early in the event and went virtually unchallenged the rest of the way.
Ted Christopher of Plainville was a distant second and Diego Monahan of Quaker Hill third.
“I knew I was getting there,” Joey Gada said having a huge lead over the closing laps. “I looked in my mirror and there was nobody there. I knew it was close. I was just trying to focus like it was practice.”
Said Monahan: “That’s one of those feelings that you’ve gotta pinch yourself because you can’t believe you just pulled it off. That kid’s been fast since day one here. Congratulations to him.”
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