For July 31, 2003

Racing people are trailer-trash; they're the scum of the earth; they're the lowest form of life on the planet. How many times have you heard that from people you know who aren't familiar with the sport, or those involved in it? Many. I'm sure. I know I hear it constantly. Of course, in my particular case, they could be right.

This past Saturday, I journeyed to the Waterford Speedbowl, the 1/3-mile oval located in central Connecticut. With me were Ray Castigliego and his nurse, Heather Lessard. For those not familiar with the Castigliego name, my July 18 column in Speedway Scene told of his story. Ray is a race fan who was crippled by a massive stroke a few seasons back and now gets to the races only on occasions when his finances (or lack thereof) allow.

The column received, literally, hundreds of comments and responses, all on the positive side. Everyone wanted to know how he or she could help. The outpouring of concern was amazing; more than that, it was almost unbelievable. Jim Prococcini, driver of the #79 Sportsman car at the Speedbowl took it upon himself to, not only make his fellow competitors aware of Ray's situation, he decided to do something about it.

He, his family and his crew, organized a collection to raise funds to see that Ray would have the financial wherewithal to get to the races on a regular basis. With the help of other drivers, they passed their helmets throughout the pit area during the pre-race activities trying to raise a few bucks.
 
Well, let me tell you. They raised a few bucks, all right. How about to the tune of better than $1,400? Now let some of these elite, high-classed (or so they call themselves), snobs talk down racing people. If they want to know what love and caring truly means, I'll be glad to bring them to the Waterford Speedbowl and introduce them to some really kind-hearted folks.

Ray Castigliego, due to the stroke, is unable to move any muscle in his body. He is a complete quadriplegic. His only form of communication is through the blinking of his eyes, which his nurse translates to the rest of us. Though he is physically unable to do so, I could almost swear I saw a tear in his eye when Prococcini and his collection team presented the money to him. I know there were tears in my eyes, for sure.

It's a funny thing about Waterford Speedbowl; here we have a little short track racing facility in southern New England, with blue collared workers as the fan base, giving what they can afford to someone in need, and to a basic stranger. But that should come as no surprise. Immediately following the 9/11 disaster, the Speedbowl patrons donated in excess of $12,000 to the emergency fund. Only one other track in the country reached a higher total. This generosity they've displayed can give each fan, competitor, and Speedbowl staff and management a feeling of pride.

You're all quite special. Ed Reed, Jr, who finished runner-up in the SK Mod race, took the time after his exhausting run to find Ray in the fourth-turn grandstands and present with a team-racing shirt. Somehow, he took the time to seek out the young man, and even had a chat (via Heather) with him. It just goes to show how much the sport is truly a family affair.
 
As I mentioned, Ray is unable to communicate verbally, but he did want to relate his feelings about what took place last Saturday. It took him some time, but he blinked out his thoughts to his nurse. She relayed them to me and I'm passing them on to you. "I would like to thank Terry Eames for allowing me to come to Waterford. Also to Jim Prococcini and all those who contributed their time and donations. You made it possible for me to have a night I'll never forget. Your generosity overwhelms me. It amazes me that so many people really care and it gives me hope for the future. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Dreams do come true and you have proved it. Thank you so very much and I hope to see you in the near future."

Waterford wasn't the only track to rise to the occasion. At Thompson last Thursday, many of the drivers signed autographs for Ray as he was wheeled around the pits. All were touched by the young mans courage and would like to stage a benefit in his behalf in the near future. Track management allowed him free access to the pits. Seekonk Speedway did the same. Drivers at Stafford called to say they were going to do something, but nothing definite has been set in motion at this time. Everyone I spoke to was impressed with the fortitude and determination this man displayed. Stay tuned to future columns for more on the Ray Castigliego project.

The racing at the Speedway was some good, old fashioned, short track excitement. The Busch Grand National North Tour was the headline attraction for the evening and they didn't disappoint. Matt Kobyluck, a former Speedbowl competitor, went out and set fast time for the 150-lap main. He started on the pole and led much of the early going. Unfortunately, a crash just after the 50-lap marker sent the hometown favorite to the infield for the remainder of the event.

When all was said and done, Kelly Moore took down the victory. Moore loves the 1/3 miler and won the last time the BGNN was in town. Mike Stefanik was glued to Moore's rear bumper of the final 50 laps, but wasn't able to get around the #47 machine.

Chris Pasteryak, son of Mod Tour driver, Charlie Pasteryak, and nephew of Carl Pasteryak who is one of the Mod Tours more senior members, thrilled the audience with his run in the SK Modified 25-lap feature. The young Pasteryak led from start to finish as he gathered in his first-ever checkered flag in only his ninth start in the SK ranks. In gaining the win, he had to fend off the strong challenges of perennial champ, Dennis Gada. Ed Reed, Jr was also nipping at Pasteryak' s heels and the youngster showed tremendous poise in the process. You can bet there'll be many more trips to Victory Lane for the #5 SK.

The Sportsman (Street Stocks) race was a beauty. There was action all the way through the field. The final lap saw seven cars in a terrific battle at the front. You could have thrown a handkerchief over all seven, it was that close. As they crossed the stripe, it was Walt Hovey by inches over Dave Zemke (Who had led for many circuits) and there couldn't have been more than a millimeter difference settling the dogfight for third between Roger Davis and Jim Prococcini, with Davis getting the nod.

A wild finish in the Mini Stock 20-lapper saw Tim Jordan flip his #47 coming out of turn four on the last lap. Richard Brooks took the win followed by Danny Field. Chaos and confusion reigned as a pileup at the finish line ensued. It sure had the crowd on their feet.

Corey Hutchings grabbed the laurels in the Late Model main over last year's champ, Allen Coates. Hutchings car was, by far, the fastest on the track. He won his third of the season, and he took it in convincing fashion.
It was a perfect evening for racing at the Speedbowl and a capacity crowd took advantage of it. This was my first trip to Waterford in two years and I not had a great time, I met some fantastic people. I'll be back, and that's for certain.

At Thompson last Thursday, Norm Wrenn (Pro Stock) and Jeff Plakias (Late Models) each broke into the win column for the first time in 2003. Both have been knocking on the door, and they finally were able to get their knocks answered.
 
There is another driver who is pounding on the door and hoping to get his first-ever Pro Stock win; that's young Ryan Vanesse. Vanesse' s car is just a tick short of being the fastest in the field. He's come so close, so often, yet he's been denied entry through the portals. I'm wagering he get his checker before the season is over. There is simply too much talent within this lad to not have it happen.

Wrenn was able to fend off the advances of Chuck "One Piece" Docherty for his victory, with Joe Lemay right in the hunt in third. Lemay, who garnered a win two weeks ago, has been running strong of late.

For Plakias, it had been a disappointing year. The 2001 Late Model champion had had more than his share of misfortune. Jeff had to withstand a furious challenge from Rick LaFlesh and Corey Hutchings (the same Corey Hutchings who won at Waterford on Saturday) before he could drive into Victory Lane. Scott Bronczyk took home fourth in the race, and has been the most consistent runner in the past two months at Thompson.

Teddy Christopher got past Ron Yuhas, Jr with ten to go and grabbed the honors in the Sunoco Modified main. Sitting at the front is a popular spot for TC and crew. Todd Ceravolo drove a heady race and finished in the show position. Points leader Jeff Malave suffered a couple of mishaps, but was able to continue on both occasions and nail down a top ten finish. He had to gut it out, but he was able to maintain his lead in the standings.

The best race of the night was in the 50-lap Limited Sportsman ranks. With 42-cars taking the green, it was expected to be a crash-fest. Noting could have been further from the truth. Only three cautions slowed the event slowed the event, and they were for minor incidents. Minor, that is, unless you were the car involved. In those cases, it was a major incident.
When Tony Leckey waved the black and white checked bunting, it was Glenn Boss "Hogg" sailing across the stripe victorious. The Boss "Hogg" has made winning at habit at the 5/8-mile oval this year. Scott "Free" Sundeen, who has been a top contender all season in the Limited class, grabbed second with Larry "Pen Pal" Barnett gathering in third. Kevin "Stone" Mason, making his initial start of the year, showed his unbridled abilities as he managed to work his way from the back of the huge field of cars and stake a claim to sixth. Considering everything, it was a superb effort.

Eric Bourgeois roped in his third win of the year in the Mini Stock main. It wasn't an easy win, as he had to deal with a determined Scott Michalski before he could accept the laurels.

The NASCAR Modified Tour will be at Stafford this week and at Thompso on the 14th of August. The Busch Series is at Seekonk this Saturday and NEMA heads to Waterford on the same date.

Speaking of NEMA, it was nice to see Peter Pernesiglio find the Winner's Circle at Beech Ridge last week. He'll be one of the favorites in the 7th Annual "Boston Louie" Seymour Memorial 29-lapper at the Speedbowl this Saturday.

It's hard to believe, but the 2003 season is slowly reaching its final stages. Just over a month (or so) of weekly races are on the agenda, and then it's into the myriad of special shows. Where did the time go? It seems like the Icebreaker was only last week.

Thyme has run through the hourglass and I've got to vamoose. My thought to leave you with this week is, "When it looks as if we'll fall, experiencing life's many ups and downs, just look around. There are people there willing to catch us; without question and without fail.

Any news/notes/comments/suggestions can reach me at 339 Church St, Putnam, CT 06260-1254. My Ma Bell listing is (860) 963-2598 and e-mails reach me at onthyme60@aol.com .

Until next we meet, think racing and remember to support those who support the sport.

Visit Dave Dykes Waterford Speedbowl Page From The Past

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