When Nichole Morgillo headed to the hospital on Feb. 6 for knee surgery she figured it would most likely mean a season off from racing.
Nichole Morgillo celebrates becoming the first female SK Modified division winner in the history of the Waterford Speedbowl last September (Photo: Waterford Speedbowl)
But when the surgery turned out to be less serious than expected, it opened the door for a possible return behind the wheel in 2014.
And a quicker than expected recovery now has the Wallingford driver ready to compete full-time in her SK Modified once again this season at the Waterford Speedbowl.
Morgillo was back behind the wheel of her car Thursday during an open practice at Waterford.
“I’ve been through so much in the last three months,” Morgillo said. “Basically, I had knee surgery on Feb. 6 and I did not even think that I would be racing. It was supposed to be a major surgery and when they got in there it ended up just being reparative. I was very scared to get in my car [Thursday] but I pulled through and my car was good so I’m racing.”
Morgillo said she wouldn’t have been able to climb back in the car without help from her new sponsors, Star Restoration and Prestige Electric, both of North Branford.
“I started this with just the pennies I’ve got and Vinny is helping me out,” the 26-year old Morgillo said. “I’m extremely thankful for it. I couldn’t ask for anything more than to be able to go racing this year. I really didn’t think it was going to possible. To have help, it means more than anything. This has been my life for like 20 years.”
Last September Morgillo broke through at the Speedbowl in winning her first career SK Modified feature at the shoreline oval.
“She’s a good driver and she has a passion for a racing and I thought it was a good business opportunity and we’ll see what comes of it this year,” said Vin Beedle, owner of Star Restoration and Prestige Electric. “I know the girl loves racing and she’s a pretty good shoe.”
Morgillo said she has been working to prepare her car for the season with fiancée, Shawn Thibeault, who will also compete full-time in the SK Modified division at Waterford this year. The two have a Dec. 6, 2014 wedding planned. They were engaged on the night of Morgillo’s first career victory at Waterford last September.
“We’re racing against each other,” Morgillo said. “We both really respect each other as drivers so I don’t see any problems with that. But it’s going to be a lot of work between the two of us working on our cars.”
Who is vin beedle? Never heard of him.
Vin Beedle aka Mr. Rooter