Speedbowl hosts nine-division 'Thunder on the Sound' event

The Waterford Speedbowl hosts one of its biggest events of the season today with a nine-division race program taking center stage at the annual Thunder on the Sound.

The highlight of the card is the 16th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals, a 150-lap showdown for the track's NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified division. The Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) also returns for its prestigious Angelillo Memorial.

The winner of the SK Modified race takes home a $5,000 prize and the race has more than $20,000 in prize money in all. Championship contenders in that race include Tyler Chadwick and Rob Janovic Jr., both seeking their first victory in the extra-distance race; Jeff Pearl, coming off a win last Saturday, who seeks his second victory in the race; and Keith Rocco, nursing a broken wrist, also looking to win the event for the first time.

Last season, top open-wheel racer Woody Pitkat made a rare appearance at the Speedbowl to take home the checkered flag and big payday.

Eight additional divisions join Saturday's Budweiser Modified Nationals. A full card of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing includes the return of the SK Light Modifieds, plus INEX racing by the Legend Cars and Bandoleros.

Qualifying for the event begins at 4 p.m., with feature racing beginning at 6 p.m.

- Day Staff Reports