Back To The Front: Kyle James Wins SK Modified Feature At Waterford Speedbowl

WATERFORD – Worst to first was the story Saturday night for Kyle James at the Waterford Speedbowl.

Kyle James celebrates in victory after the SK Modified feature Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl (Photo: Mark Caise/Waterford Speedbowl)

The Ashaway, R.I. driver started last in the 23-car NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified field, but when all the wrecking was done – and there was plenty of it – James was the one celebrating victory in the 35-lap feature.

“It was a mess,” James said. “Especially starting from the back, but we kind of needed it. We just needed to stay clean but get enough cautions to bring everyone back together and get up front.”

Todd Ceravolo of Gales Ferry was second and Ed Puleo of Branford third.

It was the third career victory for James and first of the 2013 season.

James had power steering issues in practice and during his heat race, which forced him to start last in the field.

But when the wrecking started, it was James deftly avoiding mess after mess.

“That’s pretty much been the norm around here lately, just people driving way over their heads way too early,” James said. “Hopefully that starts calming down pretty soon.”

James was up to third behind Puleo and Ceravolo in first and second respectively with 11 laps remaining. On a lap 11 restart, James went by Ceravolo for second and then he used a lap nine restart to go past Puleo for the top spot for good.

“I needed 10-12 laps under green for the car to really get going,” Ceravolo said. “Three lap sprints were really killing me.”

Puleo led for most of the event.

“Obviously there’s no question in how hard my crew works,” Puleo said. “… I’m a little heartbroken, I’m a competitor, I wanted to win that race.”