MOTOTOWN USA ROCKS ON A FRIDAY NIGHT
This time of year in New England, it’s all about writing about the
upcoming season, whose doing what and where they will be doing it. That
is until now. There is live dirt track racing for us tundra bound people
that we can check out minus the plane ticket and the price gouged
Speedweeks hotel bill.
Friday night, Mototown USA in Windsor, CT provided several
divisions of competition at their indoor quarter mile dirt oval
including a few of my all time favorites the 600, 750 and 1200 mini
sprints.
The atmosphere at this enormous indoor facility has a laid
back, comfortable feel. But don’t let that fool you, once the helmets go
on so does the game. Friday’s event in the Bud Light 12 Pack Racing
Series was the 5th of a 12-race schedule that started January 6th with
the finale set for April 27th.
The driver roster read like a whose who of the local dirt
scene with some “out of towners” making their mark tonight.
After watching practice, it was no secret that the 600 piloted by
‘Liquid’ Lou Cicconi of Aston, PA was going to be a factor in the
finish. “I haven’t raced on dirt in like 12 years,” said Lou. “I like
the track, it’s a lot of fun. Most people think of my wins on asphalt,
but dirt is where I got most of them.” Starting from the back of the
pack, in short order, Cicconi was indeed in the hunt for win. But as the
600’s continued green to checkers, caution free, Cicconi had to settle
for second when he could not quite catch the leader who also happened to
be his car owner, Timex Morgan of Rochester, NY. “This is the first one
I’ve won here,” said Morgan who doesn’t even blink when he mentions the
5 hour and 20 min drive from home to Mototown USA. “I’ve been up front,
but not won.” Morgan runs the New York Modified Midget Series and is
owner several 600’s. “We came up on Wednesday, tested and tuned the car,
that made a big difference,” said Morgan. I had to ask, why make the
long trip, not to mention twice this week? “This” was all Timex said
smiling as he shook not the left hand that held the payout envelope, but
his right hand that held the trophy, “This is why.”
Marc Guerard from Hartford, CT the 1200 Champion at Whip City last year
is excited about not having a “down season”. “I love it,” said Marc who
does double duty running both the 750 and 1200 division at Mototown USA.
“I love working on the cars, tinkering on them, trying to get them
better. This track is really nice. The indoor facility is great and the
competition is really good too. I think this is really going to take
off. I notice every week more and more cars are showing up. I know it’s
the dead of winter but guys that are racers there are two things-
weather is not a factor and money is usually not a factor. If they want
to race they race. This is going to be a premier facility.”
The 750 main was off to a bumpy start when three cars tangled
in turn 4 right after the green. Guerard caught part of the incident,
but with everyone pulling away a full double file restart was in order.
Lined up fourth, Guerard picked his way forward, taking command of the
lead on the fifth circuit after a low dive in turn four under Peter
Dance of Warren, CT. Three more quick cautions closed up the field, but
Guerard was not to be denied as Starter Andy Shlatz waved the checkers
for the Ciammella Construction sponsored sprint. It is Guerard’s fourth
victory in the young series.
Race Director Dave Haskell kept the night moving quickly and with
virtually no track maintenance required between features, the 1200’s
took to the oval with Jimmy “Bubba” Broderick of Brookfield, CT leading
the dozen sprints to the green. A few cautions may have slowed the first
half, but once the field settled in, Broderick pulled away building as
much as a half a stretch lead over Paul Corazzo, Sr. However, only a few
circuits from the checkers, a single car spun in turn four just as
Broderick was hammer down coming into turn three. Evasive action saved
Broderick who cranked his sprint low barely missing the stalled Matt
Gallo. Ending with a green, white, checkered finish, Broderick claimed
his first 1200 win at Mototown USA over Corazzo, Sr. with Richard Wood
third. “It was definitely easier from the pole, but getting the clean
track, that’s what it’s all about here plus we have a great handling
car,” said Broderick. “I have to thank my sponsor Arbitell, my father
and my whole crew.” Broderick continued, “It’s great Mototown USA has
this going on and they’re really promoting it. It’s fun.” Broderick will
be a regular on the ASCS, the American Sprint Car Series this year.
ABC/ESPN’s Jack Arute is a regular in the 750 division at
Mototown USA but the unanswered question is the trophy in the main lobby
at Mototown USA that reads- 2009 Jack Arute’s Chowder Bowl. What is that
all about? And rumor has it Ted Chalmers is coming out of retirement?
Will Joey Payne be in one of Timex Morgan’s 600? We’ll know for sure
when the Bud Light 12 Pack Racing Series resumes next week with their
regular scheduled Sunday afternoon program. Information about next
Sunday as well as all the events at Mototown USA can be found on their
website www.mototownusa.com.
Full
photo gallery by Howie Hodge
