Waterford was a busy place last weekend. Just about every division any hardcore short track fan could ever wish for was present at the Finale. Unable to attend on Saturday due to other commitments, I know I certainly got a generous helping of close competition on Sunday.

The SK portion of the show was a real barn-burner in the closing circuits, as Rob Janovic narrowly edged-out freshly crowned 2006 Champ Dennis Gada for the victory. The first extra-distance SK triumph of Janovic's career was not without a dose of controversy. Following a couple of late race restarts, Gada and the winner locked-horns (or nerf bars in this case), on the final circuit leading to a rather uh, awkward victory lane celebration. The incident prompted Bob Gada, Sr. to express his displeasure with Janovic over the PA system, adding to an already tense situation. A finer gentleman than Bob Gada, Sr. you’d never meet, and it just goes to show that our sport is indeed, an emotional affair. Whatever the case, it was one of the most exciting SK finishes seen in many a moon at the shoreline oval. Gada & Janovic can rest assured that they put on a real thriller.

Perhaps the story of the day in the division was the performance put on by popular veteran Don Fowler. Earlier in the season, he’d suffered a stroke and until recently, plans for the remainder of the season were up in the air. Sunday however, he proved that he’s still got it, running with the leaders all day. In this scribes opinion, it’s got to be one of the most uplifting stories to have come out of Waterford all year. Let’s hope that Mr. Fowler doesn’t decide to hang his helmet up anytime in the near future.

For a young guy, Dewayne Dorr has been at it a long time. At one point in his career, he held the distinction of being one of the youngest drivers in the Mini Stock division. His lessons have obviously been well learned, as after a season that included more that a few ups & downs, the Ledyard, CT. driver found himself awarded the 2006 Sportsman Championship. More than one Speedbowl railbird thought that the kid might blow it due to a lack of patience, but the youngster hung in there, proved his maturity as a driver on more than one occasion, and in general, really got his act together when the going got tough. By the way, he also won on Sunday…..

After taking the 2005 season off, Tim Jordan jumped from his seat in a Mini Stock into the Late Model wars. The nephew of 2nd generation racer Tom Fox, Jordan did something really special in taking this years crown – he did so in his rookie campaign. While car-counts have been less than substantial in the division for a number of reasons too involved to get into here, this was no fluke – the kid simply dominated. While the Jordan camp celebrated their place in the championship record ledger, it was Allen Coates who’d steal the Finale victory.

Danny Fields was consistent all year in the Mini Stocks, and that kind of performance garnered him the Championship. Another 2nd generation driver Ken Cassidy Jr. found his way to victory lane Sunday, capping off what was a stellar season for the young driver.

Donny Lia won the Whelen Modified Tour event.

NEAR has announced the 2007 Hall Of Fame inductees, and it’s going to be a special year for those of us who have been with the Speedbowl over the last three decades or so. Once known at Waterford as “The Master of the Modifieds”, Bob Potter will take his place among the elite of New England short track royalty. During a career that started during the early-60’s, the Taftville, CT. native amassed an estimated 140 victories at Waterford, Thompson, Stafford, and every New England whistle stop in between. No stranger to Championships, he totaled 11 between all three active Connecticut ovals. During the switch to SK’s from the full-blown Modifieds of an earlier time, Potter easily made the transition, and kept on winning after many of his contemporaries had left the scene.

On a personal level, it’s with a great deal of pride that I view Bob’s induction into the HOF. As a veteran race-watcher at Waterford, I was lucky enough to witness some of his best years. I virtually grew up watching the guy race, and was lucky enough in later years to get to know him. Some of the greatest drives I ever saw involved Potter behind the wheel of cars like the Art Barry Capri, Smitty’s Pinto, Joe Zenga’s Vega, the Coventry Racing Enterprises Coupe, and of course, his signature # 51. In later years, he and former driver Jiggs Beetham got together to create a team that was virtually unstoppable wherever they raced. The neatest thing? Potter always did it with style; no “Bull In A China Shop” moves here, the guy knew how to pass a competitor without mauling his back bumper. It’s a lesson that should be taught to a few of today’s competitors. Congratulations, Bob – you earned it!

Other HOF inductees this year include Bentley Warren, Dave Dion, Jean Paul Cabana, the Late John Falconi SR., Bob Johnson, and John McCarthy. It’ll all take place on Sunday afternoon January 28th at the La Renaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT. See the NEAR website for details on getting tickets, and do it fast as it’s sure to be a sell-out.

THIS & THAT: Kobyluck Sand & Gravel Inc., the family-run business of current Nascar Bush East competitor Matt Kobyluck has been ordered by State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the state Department of Environmental protection to pay $100,000 in fines in addition to creating an acre of wetlands on it’s property. The fine stems from the company at one time illegally dumping 45,000 gallons of wastewater per week into Oxoboxo Brook in Kobyluck’s native Oakdale, CT. If the company fails to comply with the payment schedule, the fine will be increased to $200,000.

And with that, it’ll close out another one. Reach me at ddykes@originnet.net

Has anyone seen Dale Holdridge?