Rain sucks when you’re trying to hold an auto race, and that’s a fact. Waterford has been frowned upon by the weatherman too many times this year. Let’s hope that we can get the last shows of the season in without the wet stuff……

Rescheduling has been the name of the game at the Speedbowl as of late, and it shakes out like this; the 2-day Town Fair Finale will now take place on the weekend of October 7th & 8th, Smacktoberfest rolls out on October 22nd, and the non-points “Double Down Shootout” takes place on October 29th.

Be sure to check the Speedbowl website for all the details on these events…..

A couple of weekends ago, I attended the “Tread City Autumn Car Show” held every year on the Jillison Square Green in Willimantic, CT. One of the better area events on the vintage car show circuit, I was thrilled to have my 59’ Rambler receive the “2006 Chairman’s Award” (Thanks Mark L.). Adding to my enjoyment was the presence of none other than Mr. Larry Goss & family, fresh off their victory at the Speedbowl the evening before. The Goss team had both cars on display and needless to say, their exhibit was a busy place all day. Goss has been at it a long time, serving a crewmember on the team on the late multi-time Modified Champion George “Moose” Hewitt before climbing behind the wheel of his Fairlane-bodied # 6-Pack many moons ago…..

Waterford Late Model regular Mark St.Hiliare known for his always immaculate machines debuted his new SK at Waterford a couple of weeks ago. As usual, it’s a real showpiece. Mark showed that he’ll soon be a threat in the open-wheel wars and was getting the new car around the shoreline oval at a pretty respectable clip.

John Brouwer JR. got quite a bit of press out of his recently announced retirement, and deservedly so. It seems as if there’s always been a Brouwer around the Speedbowl, and he’s one colorful character that’s going to be missed.

As matter of fact, there’s only one family left that’s got the same historical ties to Waterford, and that’s the Gada clan. By the way, it’s great to see Michael back out there….

Just as Bruce Springsteen defined my generation musically, veteran auto racing writer Pete Zanardi defined my generation racing-wise. When I was a kid, reading Pete Z took me to all of those far-away race tracks that I only dreamt about visiting someday. He also added personalities to all of the drivers that raced at those distant venues. He’s announced his retirement from Waterford, but let’s hope he still continues to write about our sport….

The “Sids Vault” section of the Jeff Pearl website has become an invaluable asset to those of us interested in the statistical history of the Speedbowl. Sid’s taken on quite a task, and we should all be grateful for his efforts. I’ve done this type of stuff before, and it ain't easy….

Word has it that Glen Thomas of the “Racing Thomas Clan” has just taken delivery of a vintage Ford Fairlaine to play with on the vintage car circuit. Seems like just yesterday that the Thomas boys were raising hell drag racing up & down Rt. 12 in their native Groton….

Is “Affable Ed Gertsch” ever going to get back behind the wheel of a race car again? Another showman, old Ed knows how to get the most out of a victory lane celebration….

Rumor has it that there’s a book being written about the Late Great Ed Flemke Sr. and the ultra-talented Bones Bourcier is going to be penning it. It’s been a long-time coming, and the racing world needs to know just how many contributions “Steady Eddie” made to the sport of short track racing in New England…..

Has anybody seen Seabury Tripler lately?

Or how about Jerry Dostie?

And with that, it’s a wrap. Contact me at ddykes@originnet.net