(Press Release from the New London-Waterford Speedbowl)
Racing is sometimes similar to playing poker. It’s best to go after the biggest jackpots.
Considering the amount of money that’s on the line for Sunday’s Dunleavy’s Truck & Trailer Repair 100 at the New London Waterford Speedbowl, the final race of the 2015 Tri-Track Open Modified Series, drivers such as “Big Money” Matt Hirschman should be in their element.
And he’ll be going “all in.”
Hirschman specializes in winning races with big purses attached. Sunday’s event certainly qualifies — the 100-lap showdown will pay $5,000 to the winner, plus bonus and lap money, plus another $1,500 to the overall winner of the season. Seven drivers are alive for the overall championship — point-leader Todd Annarummo, Woody Pitkat, Richard Savary, Todd Patnode, Hirschman, Chris Pasteryak and Anthony Nocella.
That means there’s only one way for Hirschman to approach the race — “bring your ‘A’’ game.”
“It’s not easy to even qualify,” Hirschman said. “In the first two events, I had to qualify through the consolation race. That’s how competitive this series is.”
It could be the most competitive open-wheel race ever held at the Speedbowl. So far 42 drivers have either registered for the race or purchased tires.
All of the major Modified Touring series will be represented. Whelen Tour drivers such as Doug Coby, Ryan Preece, Pitkat and Ted Christopher, are expected to be on hand. Valenti Modified Racing Series drivers include point leader Pasteryak, Pitkat, Mike Holdridge, Patnode, Les Hinckley and series point leader Annarummo.
The Race of Champions Tour will be showcased by drivers such as Hirschman and Andy Jankowiak. Multi-time Whelen Southern Modified Tour driver George Brunnhoelzl III and reigning champ Andy Seuss also are expected.
The drawing card is an overall purse of more than $50,000. Even the “B” Main Ballard Trucks Circle of Friends 25 will pay $1,000 to the winning driver.
“Money always is a motivating factor,” Hirschman said. “The Tri Track Series pays good money throughout. It’s nice to win, but other drivers can make good money, not just the winner. This is the kind of purse we should be racing for.”
Hirschman has won one race in the series so far, capturing the Monadnock Racing Guys 100 at Monadnock Jume 13. He racked up a DNF in the Bullring Bash 100 at Lee May 17 and was seventh in the Modified Madness Race July 1 at Seekonk.
“We’ll be in the hunt,” Hirschman said. “I took to the Speedbowl very quickly early in my career because it’s very similar to the tracks I started out on. But I haven’t been there lately, so I’m not taking anything for granted until the checkered flag flies.”
A lot of dollar signs will be flying along with it.
Practice starts at noon Sunday. Qualifying gets under way at 1:30 p.m., with the consolation races, the Ballard Trucking Circle of Friends 25 “B” Main and the Dunleavy’s Truck & Tractor Repair 100 to follow.
Features also will be held for two of the Speedbowl’s weekly divisions, the SK Lights and the Late Models.
Adult grandstand admission is $30. Juniors 13-16 are $8. Children 12-and-under always are free at the Speedbowl. For more information, contact speedbowlct.com, or call 860-422-7223.
Expected entry list for Dunleavy’s Truck & Trailer 100 At New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Mike Holdridge
Ted Christopher
Todd Patnode
Les Hinckley
Doug Coby
Jeff Gallup
Chris Pasteryak
Ryan Preece
Dennis Perry
Rich Parker
Kurt Vigeant
Tommy Barrett Jr.
Todd Annarummo
Steve Masse
Eric Berndt
Tony Hanbury
Mike Douglas Jr.
Rowan Pennink
Andy Jankowiak
Dwight Jarvis
George Brunnhoelzl III
Rob Richardi Jr.
Eddie Leclerc
Karl Fredrickson
Brian McCarthy
Woody Pitkat
Brian Chapman
Jon Kievman
Ron Silk
Norman Wrenn
Joe Doucette
Matt Hirschman
Keith Rocco
James Dolan
Andy Seuss
Jon McKennedy
Rob Summers
Zane Zeiner
Dick Houlihan
Anthony Nocella
George Sherman
Richard Savary
It’ll be epic. Been looking forward to this ever since it was announced. Praying for good weather.
Glad to see you on board Shawn.
I saw another list that had Jeff Rocco on it. Speaking of Rocco what ever happened to the Payne team that fielded cars for both Rocco’s? Did they retire as car owners? You would think if they still had cars they would find a driver for this weekend’s big show. I also noticed that there are no cars on this list from Riverhead. That’s pretty surprising not to see a Solomito or Goodale.
Shawn – has a rain date been announced for Sunday’s Tri-Track Series event at the Speedbowl?
Rich, where’s that list you saw? It would nice if the track would post the entries on their website.
Not looking very good I’m seeing 100% chance of rain Sunday…any word on rain date? Don’t look like this baby gonna get in on sunday
Rafter Fan,
Not that I am aware of.
Interesting that Preece and Coby appear to be entered in their WMT cars, the 6 and the 2 respectively. Doesn’t seem to be too much buzz concerning the Tommy Barrett entry, I wonder why?
I thought the rain date was announced a while back as Sept. 20
Not sure but I think so.
Yes the TTOMS entry form states the rain date as Sept. 20
I’m pretty sure they could get it in. They would probably have to dry the track a couple times. Unfortunately the weather would keep the attendance way down. They would be wise to postpone.