Southeastern Conn. is bracing for a racing weekend like no other — America’s best U.S. Legend’s divers are coming to the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
For the first time ever, the Speedbowl will be playing host to the U.S. Nationals – a three-day motor sports festival that will showcase some of the most talented drivers in the country.
More than 100 race teams in four divisions will be taking part in the action. Thursday will be dedicated to practice. Friday is qualifying day, climaxed by a series of Race of Champion races. Then the national championships will be decided Saturday. A complete schedule is available on www.speedbowlct.com.
An event of this magnitude has never taken place at the Speedbowl before.
“”When G.E. Chapman, the head of the U.S. Legends, heard of Waterford and heard of the recent track improvements, heard of the lap times and heard how close the competition was, it was a no-brainer to bring the nationals here,” said Mike Joy, a racing commentator for Fox Sports, whose son, Scott, will be competing this weekend. Joy’s business, New England Race Fuels, is one of the sponsors along with Mid-State Site Development and Tick Free Organic Tick Control.
“This is a great showcase for Waterford, and for the Legends division,” Joy said.
The nationals consist of four divisions — Masters, Pros, Semi-Pros and the Young Lions.
“This series has a great tradition,” Joy said. “You’ll be seeing drivers of varying ages and varying abilities. As a car owner, there’s no other class that competes against as many cars, and runs as many races, at as many tracks, against such close competition, at such an affordable price.”
The weekend should also be a big bonus to the Southeastern Conn. economy.
“The Speedbowl is an important part of us,” said Waterford First Selectman Daniel M. Steward. “It’s been around for so long. It’s important to bring race drivers of this magnitude here. And it also exposes them to all the great entertainment and attractions that are available in this area. I think our local businesses are going to see a great uptick this weekend. There is a lot of things to do.”
Racing will be at the top of the list. The Legend Division is known for two things — talented drivers and close competition.
“Many great drivers competed in the Legend cars early in their careers,” Joy said. “This is a great foundation for a pro career.”
There will be many Speedbowl regulars who will be competing against the best in the country. Noah Korner of Canton, who is tied for the national lead in the Semi-Pro Division, is the Thursday night Waterford champ. Dana Dimatteo of Farmington is the current Saturday point leader.
“There certainly be a home track advantage,” Joy said. “But there’s so much talent here. Everyone will get a full day of practice, so I don’t see any problems. The great thing about Waterford is that it’s a fast track that permits three-wide racing, if everyone gives each other room. We proved it in October.”
And it will be proven again this weekend. When America comes to the Speedbowl, great things have been known to happen.