Vermont’s Phil Scott manages to do very well in both his political and racing driver careers. (Credit: Phil Scott photo)
By Lou Modestino
Devil’s Bowl Speedway in W. Haven, VT has seen a flurry of activity in recent days as the Rutland County track prepares for its final event of the season. With inaugural “Battle at the Bowl” dirt track championships on the line, the speedway welcomes a new sponsor and an appearance by the Lieutenant Governor of Vermont on Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m.
Lt. Governor Phil Scott (R) has been named the Grand Marshal for the “Vermont Freedom & Unity 100” on Saturday, October 18. The long-time stock car driver is no stranger to Devil’s Bowl, having raced his Late Model asphalt car at the facility. He was a five-term Vermont State Senator (R-Washington County), and is seeking his third term as Lt. Governor. His racing résumé includes championships at Thunder Road Speedbowl, Airborne Park Speedway and on the American-Canadian Tour.
A new sponsor joins the Devil’s Bowl Speedway family as the AutoSaver Group gives its support to the event through its all-new AutoSaver Ford dealership in Comstock, NY and Springfield Buick-GMC in Springfield, VT.
Sportsman Modifieds will run the headline 100-lap race at the AutoSaver Ford/Springfield Buick-GMC event, with a $2,000 winner’s purse and two championships up for grabs. Vince Quenneville, Jr. leads Adam Pierson by just eight points in the three-race Battle at the Bowl standings, with Kenny Tremont, Jr., Leon Gonyo, and Josh Sunn all within 22 points. The race is also the final event for the Northern Modified Challenge Series with Jessey Mueller looking to wrap up the title over Gonyo and Quenneville.
The Renegade and Mini Stock divisions will crown their champions and each division has a slim three-point margin between the top two drivers. Bill Duprey leads Jamy Begor in the Renegades, while Scott Richner has the edge on Rob Gioia in the Mini Stocks. Also on the card are a $1,000-to-win run for the Sprint Cars of New England and a $1,000-to-win special for Bear Ridge Speedway Sportsman Coupes.
TGhe Grandstands open at 12 noon with hot laps at 1 p.m., Sportsman Modified time trials at 1:30 p.m. and green flag racing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.