By Lou Modestino
Three races remain on the Valenti Modified Racing Series and the series championship could go right down to the wire. The first event takes place this weekend, Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, at Waterford Speedbowl in CT. The two-day event sets the stage for another season ending showdown for the title.
Point leader, Justin Bonsignore , of Holtsville, NY, a winner of his first series race on September 7 at Plattsburg, NY, holds a slim 6-point lead over reigning champion Rowan Pennink of Huntingdon Valley, PA, heading into Waterford. Pennink is a former winner at the famed speedway.
Two-time series champion, Chris Pasteryak, of Jewett City, CT, sits third in the standings and has won at his home track twice. The second-generation driver would like nothing more than to nail down a victory and get closer to the top of the standings.
Max Zachem, of Preston, CT, is having his finest season yet. He’s still looking to garner his first victory, Zachem is ranked fourth and has a two-point lead over three-time winner Richard Savary of Canton. The top five point men are pre-race entries for Sunday’s 100-lap race.
Additional drivers expected include Stafford Speedway champion Ted Christopher, of Plainville, CT, who claimed the August race at Waterford. Tommy Barrett, of Millis, is a two-time series winner this season, is entered. Keith Rocco, of Berlin, CT, is also entered. Rocco won the series opener at the shore line oval and would like to close out the Waterford Finale with a win.
Woody Pitkat, of Stafford Springs, CT, returns to action after a crash that sidelined him for several events. Also expected are Mike Willis Jr. of Grantham, NH, currently sixth in points and the leader of the Mr. Rooter Rookie of the Year point standings.Veterans Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, and Charlie Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT are also entered.
Qualifying races take place Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The speedway’s popular pit party is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sunday with feature races to follow at Noon.