The flu season is taking its toll as I found out up close & personal recently. Yours truly was down for the count for the better part of a week, and unfortunately, writing a column was kind of at the bottom of my list with the way I was feeling. A special thanks goes out to the readers that took a bit of time to email me & ask just where the heck I was!

But this is yet another new week, and “Speedbowl Scene” once again goes to print thanks to our most gracious webmaster & former racer, Mr. Tom Ormsby…..

First up this week, Get Well wishes go out the original “Connecticut Valley Rocket” himself, “Wild Bill” Slater. Seems Bill has had a few pesky health issues as of late, and ended-up in the crash house for a little tune-up. A New England Auto Racing Legend and all-around good guy, let’s hope that Mr.V8 emerges from his medical sabbatical none worse for the wear. Racing around these parts just ain’t the same without Bill on the scene…..

While it’s rather old news by now, it seems that The Speedbowl has entered yet another chapter in its long & illustrious history. Terry Eames, after leading the track for over a decade, will bow out of his promotional duties in leasing the track to another party. Groton entrepreneur Jerry Robinson, along with current General Manager Bill Roth, have agreed to a multi-year lease on the property and will be running the show starting in 2007.

Roth, an Alabama native now residing in nearby Taftville, has long been a part of short-track racing both as a driver, and also in various promotional roles. As we all know, Waterford has endured some tough times as of late, and much of the reason that things have went as well as they have is due to the tireless efforts of Roth (and of course, Pete Zanardi). Rest assured that the Rt. 85 oval is in capable hands, and I can say that with confidence in having seen the man operate on a weekly basis. A lot of changes (some good, some not so good), took place in the few years that I was away from the track that I’d called home for so many years, and to say the least, 2006 was a trying season. Negative press stories (some unfounded, some not), and some truly absurd rumors made it a really rough go. I’m convinced that Bill Roth is good for racing, and certainly good for the Speedbowl. Just doing his part in keeping the joint afloat last season proves that.

Present plans call for a renovation of the restroom facilities (long a sore-point with patrons), and repairs to sections of the bleachers that have recently been shut down.
As far as the race card goes, NASCAR will again be the sanctioning body, with the weekend feature fare of SK’s, Late Models, Sportsman, and Mini Stocks to continue. “Wacky Wednesdays” one of the most successful promotions in recent years, will also be a part of the 2007 agenda. In addition to the regular divisions, there are several special shows in the planning stages. Look for visits from the True Value Modified Tour, IMSA Supers, NEMA Midgets, All Star Race Trucks, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, Pro-4’s, and Allison Legacy cars just to name a few. The Legends of course, will be featured on Wednesday nights as well as a few weekend dates also.

On Tuesday evening December 12th, the Speedbowl will be hosting its annual Christmas get-together at the Groton Inn & Suites. Among the topics to be discussed are rules for the upcoming season, the schedule, car number assignments, etc. Admission is free, but be sure to bring an unwrapped Xmas toy to the party for donation to Connecticut Children & Family Services – let’s all work to make the holidays special for kids that are less fortunate than us. See the Speedbowl website for more details.

About a month later on Jan 13th, it’ll be time for the 2006 Awards Banquet. This shindig is always a great time to not only honor the drivers who made the season so special, but also to stay in touch with all of your racing friends that you may not see that much over the winter.

And with that, it’ll close out another one. Here’s wishing everyone a safe & pleasurable Thanksgiving! Contact me at ddykes@originnet.net 

Has anyone seen Nicky Porto ?????