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11/24/2013 |
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PENNINK
CROWNED VALENTI MODIFIED SERIES CHAMPION |
 Rowan
Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA, was officially
crowned series champion Saturday night as the
Valenti Modified Racing Series closed out its 2013
campaign and 10th anniversary season. The event was
held at Best Western Executive Inn, Manchester, NH.
Pennink and car owners Gary and Kim Casella were
presented the series top honors for the first time.
Commemorating the series 10th season, Pennink and
the Roscoe Racing/ Casella team were presented a
check for $10,000 by series president and founder
Jack Bateman.
Pennink becomes the VMRS fifth series champion, an
honor that the Pennsylvania driver appreciates.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be the driver of the 25
car. It being the 10th anniversary of the series,
driving for Gary and Kim Casella, Gary being with
the series since it started, makes it a special year
to win the championship.” Pennink added, “ I can’t
thank them and all the guys on this team enough. I
tell everyone 13 out of 17 races finishing in the
top five is unthinkable, and that all goes to the
guys on the crew. The car was prepared right every
time we came to the racetrack and that’s what wins
championships.”
After any championship the question always is, will
the winning team make another run at a title the
following season?
“I hope so,” Pennink said.” We haven’t sat down and
gone through all the details with Gary and Kim but
sure hope we are because I love running the series.
It’s become super competitive. I think Jack
(Bateman) and Scott (Tapley) have done a good job of
keeping the series where it needs to be and keeping
everything in check. So I hope we can bring the #25
back and shoot for another championship with this
team.”
For car owner Casella, of Saugus, MA, it marks his
first series title in his racing career that dates
back 30 years.
“I can’t put into words, said Casella.” It was my
goal from the beginning. I said I’m going to win a
series championship before I retire. I didn’t think
it would take 10 years. Casella, a former driver and
a series original gave up driving and made the right
choice in driver selection.
“I knew I had to get out of the car and put someone
else in it for us to move forward. Luckily we met
Rowan and developed a relationship. We should have
been here last year. We had engine issues. But we’re
here now. We really wanted it and I’m proud of this
team.”
The Casella’s were presented the ‘Chuck Montville
Memorial Award’ in honor of Montville, an original
series car-owner, who passed away prior to the
season.
The series top fifteen competitors were honored.
Runner-up driver Tommy Barrett, of Millis, Mass, was
recognized for his three wins and consistent strong
finishes.
Richard Savary, of Canton, MA, was recognized for
his first series win and consistent performances
that enabled him a solid third place in the series.
Louie Mechalides, of Tyngsboro, MA, a winner at
Seekonk, and Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT, put
together a string of strong finishes to finish
fourth and fifth in the yearly ranking.
Max Zachem, of Preston, CT, Norm Wrenn, of Nashua,
NH, three-time winner, Steve Masse, of Bellingham,
MA, Anthony Nocella, and Mike Holdridge 6th through
10th were recognized.
11th through 15th drivers, Dwight Jarvis, Todd Owen,
Todd Patnode, Matt Mead, and Jon McKennedy were also
recognized
Special Awards:
Rowan Pennink - Hoosier Tire East
Dana Smith - Mountainside Graphics Rookie of the
Year
Anthony Nocella - Most Improved
Mike Holdridge - Tough Luck
Max Zachem - Most Popular Driver
Josh Steeves - Mechanic of The Year
Joe Doucette - Volunteer of The Year
Charlie Pasteryak - Dedication to Racing
Louie Mechalides - “711” Award
10 Years Of Service - Jack Bateman, Chris Grey,
John Spence Sr.
The series is slated to open the 2014 season at
Waterford, CT. next April. |
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Source: John Spence / Valenti Modified racing Series
Posted: November
24, 2013 |
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