Tyler Chadwick
WATERFORD – Tyler Chadwick comes to the New London-Waterford Speedbowl each week with the singular goal of grabbing victory in the track’s premier SK Modified division.
That’s hardly unlike most of his other top-level competition in the division.
But since the middle of June, that drive to return to victory lane for Chadwick has had some extremely emotional motivation.
The drive to win in dedication has pushed Chadwick weekly at the track since his 25-year old sister Casey was murdered in Norwich on June 15.
Saturday Chadwick finally got his chance to win one for Casey.
Chadwick, of Ledyard, held off Joey Gada over the late stages to win the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Saturday at the Speedbowl.
“This is one is for her,” Chadwick said. “That’s all I’ve wanted to do. You always want to win, but I really wanted to uplift spirits because it’s really been a tough summer for me and my family and all my friends. It’s been tough. So it was really good to get a win for her.”
Gada, of Salem, was second and Rob Janovic Jr. of Waterford third.
Chadwick said the escape proving by racing has helped himself and his family owned team deal with the tragedy and grief.
“We couldn’t just sit at home and not do anything,” Chadwick said. “So it was very important. It helped us keep our mind off things and keep motivated for her. It was definitely huge part to have this and have something to keep your mind off everything and be focused on this.”
It was Chadwick’s first victory since winning the Thunder On The Sound event on Aug. 30, 2014.
Chadwick started fifth in the field and was up to second behind leader Paul Kusheba by lap 10. Chadwick fought to the outside of Kusheba following a lap 11 restart and he used that outside lane to go by Kusheba for the lead on lap 13.
Gada gave a hearty chase over the final 10 laps and Chadwick had to fight through lapped traffic, at one point late having to carfefully split two backmarker cars.
“I was just trying to stay smooth,” Chadwick said. “Joey was close the whole race. I just wanted to keep hitting my marks and stay really really focused. My spotter Warren [Sipuleski] is really really good at keeping me focused. The only thing that made me nervous was the lapped cars. They started racing each other right when we were catching them. I didn’t know if there was enough room when I had to split those guys, but it looked like there was just enough room. I was glad to get out of there as fast as I possibly could.”
Happy for Tyler and his team.
It sounds like Ted Christopher’s fun meter is still on low…
Way to wheel it Tyler. That was an emotional win for sure. Very well deserved
As Tyler’s grandfather I couldn’t be prouder. We all miss Casey very much but Tyler ‘s win and dedication to his sister helps us all heal a little more. I thank Tyler and my son Jeff and the whole pit crew very much. You all are the best. Thank you.
One wonders if the scoreboard will ever work again at the bowl.
What a great win. I think there are times that fans forget that the men driving these cars are sons, fathers, brothers, etc. of a very supportive family and if there is ever some tragic event in the family, racing is such a great distraction that requires hours of focus which can help the family heal. Racing Gods smiled on your family tonight and this win will be one you’ll never forget. God bless you and your family. Mod fans are all pulling for you.
Great job Tyler.The Soeedbowl is lucky to have you as a competitive threat to win each week.It is racers like you that have made the Speedbowl great for generations.May your dedication of the win to your sister bring your family a moment of peace and joy in such a tragic time.
Figures someone would take a feel good story and taint is with a moronic comment. Congrats to Mr Chadwick and his family.
What a nail bitter when you split the lapped traffic in 1 and 2 the whole gang was cheating you on from the famous turn 1 crew . We all pulled for your win . I want to say great job wheeling the 27 to a proud win and wish you and your family and crew lots of Blessing . I’m proud to be a fan and a friend . Let’s now get that champion ship . God Bless you all .
” Cheering “
A great win for Tyler and family!