The top four cars in the second 25-lap Late Model feature at Thompson Speedway were the same as the top four in the first 20-lap Late Model feature of Thursday Night Thunder.
Only the top two spots were reversed.
Marc Palmisano of Hadley, Mass. stopped Jeff Zuidema from winning his fifth feature of the year as he held off the North Brookfield, Mass. driver in the final feature of the night.
Larry Barnett of Ledyard won his second Limited Sportsman feature of the season as he easily bested Scott Sundeen (Douglas,Mass.) in the 20-lap race.
Woody Pitkat made it two straight in the Sunoco Modifieds as he won the 30-lap event to better his position in the national short-track standings.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Boss wins at Thompson
It wasn't exactly an easy race for Glenn Boss, but the veteran Thompson Modifieds driver has had several of these in his career.
This time, it was one of his friends who wasn't so friendly as Kurt Vigeant of Oxford, Mass. and Boss bumped one another throughout the 20-lap feature.
Boss was able to withstand those bumps, including one that came on lap 19, to capture the checkered flag in a rain-delayed Thursday Night Thunder feature at Thompson Speedway.
Even before the track was completely dry, cars were running on it with Jeff Zuidema taking the first of two, 20-lap Late Model features.
Fred Michalski was leading the longest race of the year for the Mini-Stocks, a 25-lap event, but saw a good night fall well short as he broke before the halfway point and took several cars with him as he tried to get off the track.
Danny Field of Deep River eventually won the race, just ahead of Mike Romano.
Mike O'Sullivan of Springfield, Mass. won the Pro Stock 30-lap race as he held off the hard-charging Derek Ramstrom, the 16-year-old crowd favorite from Worcester, Mass.
This time, it was one of his friends who wasn't so friendly as Kurt Vigeant of Oxford, Mass. and Boss bumped one another throughout the 20-lap feature.
Boss was able to withstand those bumps, including one that came on lap 19, to capture the checkered flag in a rain-delayed Thursday Night Thunder feature at Thompson Speedway.
Even before the track was completely dry, cars were running on it with Jeff Zuidema taking the first of two, 20-lap Late Model features.
Fred Michalski was leading the longest race of the year for the Mini-Stocks, a 25-lap event, but saw a good night fall well short as he broke before the halfway point and took several cars with him as he tried to get off the track.
Danny Field of Deep River eventually won the race, just ahead of Mike Romano.
Mike O'Sullivan of Springfield, Mass. won the Pro Stock 30-lap race as he held off the hard-charging Derek Ramstrom, the 16-year-old crowd favorite from Worcester, Mass.
Racing resumes at Thompson
After about a two-hour rain delay, Thursday night Thunder has begun at Thompson Speedway.
The Late Models are running in the first of two features for them. The first Late Model feature is a make up from the Icebreaker.
The track isn't completely dry as the lower groove remains a little wet from two bouts with rain earlier this evening. The Late Models have not had any problems with the wet spots.
The Late Models are running in the first of two features for them. The first Late Model feature is a make up from the Icebreaker.
The track isn't completely dry as the lower groove remains a little wet from two bouts with rain earlier this evening. The Late Models have not had any problems with the wet spots.
Raining again in Thompson
Rain and Thursday Night Thunder at Thompson Speedway.
Two things that seem to go together this season.
While I'm sitting and watching the trucks go around and around trying to dry the track and get racing underway,I had a chance to talk to a few Red Sox fans about the trade of Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this afternoon.
I'm shocked! (Please note: I say this with sarcasm), but I couldn't find anyone who objected to Manny's departure to Chavez Ravine.
"That's beautiful!," Bob Wynn, a Sox fan from Wallingford said. "Now, (Boston) will play like a team and won't play like they have a broken lugnut."
Spoken like a true baseball fan at a race track.
Mike Alberto of Blackstone, Mass. was donned in a Red Sox shirt and cap, but there were no tears visible.
"I think it's a good thing because he wasn't playing up to his potential and the Sox need someone in left field," Alberto said.
I talked to a host of people and couldn't find a one that wanted to see Manny stay.
The other thing they were all in agreement about- they all wanted the rain to leave.
Two things that seem to go together this season.
While I'm sitting and watching the trucks go around and around trying to dry the track and get racing underway,I had a chance to talk to a few Red Sox fans about the trade of Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this afternoon.
I'm shocked! (Please note: I say this with sarcasm), but I couldn't find anyone who objected to Manny's departure to Chavez Ravine.
"That's beautiful!," Bob Wynn, a Sox fan from Wallingford said. "Now, (Boston) will play like a team and won't play like they have a broken lugnut."
Spoken like a true baseball fan at a race track.
Mike Alberto of Blackstone, Mass. was donned in a Red Sox shirt and cap, but there were no tears visible.
"I think it's a good thing because he wasn't playing up to his potential and the Sox need someone in left field," Alberto said.
I talked to a host of people and couldn't find a one that wanted to see Manny stay.
The other thing they were all in agreement about- they all wanted the rain to leave.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Killingly-Brooklyn can't pull it out
The pizza arrived around 7 p.m.
It seemed to be just about the right timing as Meriden held a 9-1 lead over Killingly-Brooklyn in the Senior League state tournament.
But there was a near-prophetic statement from the Meriden third base coach as the pizza delivery was made.
"What are you trying to do? Jinx us?," the third-base coach said as he strolled back towards the Meriden bench.
I don't know if it was the smell of pizza or the lack of pitching, but the pizza wasn't ready to be consumed for another 75 minutes as Killingly-Brooklyn put on a valiant effort that fell just short, it lost 10-9 to Meriden, a team it had beaten 6-4 on Saturday.
The good thing for the Killingly-Brooklyn Senior League All-Stars, it's a double-elimination tournament and Wednesday's loss was its first. It has another shot at Meriden tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Somers.
To the winner tonight go the spoils; a trip to New Jersey for the Northeast Regionals.
That's the good news.
The bad news: No rest for the weary.
The first game of the Regionals, with the Connecticut champ playing, is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday morning.
It seemed to be just about the right timing as Meriden held a 9-1 lead over Killingly-Brooklyn in the Senior League state tournament.
But there was a near-prophetic statement from the Meriden third base coach as the pizza delivery was made.
"What are you trying to do? Jinx us?," the third-base coach said as he strolled back towards the Meriden bench.
I don't know if it was the smell of pizza or the lack of pitching, but the pizza wasn't ready to be consumed for another 75 minutes as Killingly-Brooklyn put on a valiant effort that fell just short, it lost 10-9 to Meriden, a team it had beaten 6-4 on Saturday.
The good thing for the Killingly-Brooklyn Senior League All-Stars, it's a double-elimination tournament and Wednesday's loss was its first. It has another shot at Meriden tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Somers.
To the winner tonight go the spoils; a trip to New Jersey for the Northeast Regionals.
That's the good news.
The bad news: No rest for the weary.
The first game of the Regionals, with the Connecticut champ playing, is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday morning.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Niantic makes it look easy
They made it look easy although it truly never is.
A one-game playoff where the loser goes home puts a little pressure on teams although it was tough to tell by the way Niantic played Tuesday night.
The Zone VI runners-up made short work of Waterbury in South Windsor as they posted an 11-0, mercy-rule win. The victory sent Niantic into the state tournament this weekend where it joins Zone VI champion, Waterford.
Dylan DelaCruz had a pair of doubles and four RBIs to lead Niantic offensively, two of those RBIs came in the first inning when Niantic scored four runs.
Other key players included lead-off hitter Kyle Weiss who got on base three times (two walks and an error), and scored three times. Ryan Fuller tossed in a two-hit, three-run, two RBI night.
Probably the best thing for Niantic, it only had to play seven innings. Thus, starting pitcher Tyler Tonucci, who went the distance, will likely be available for Sunday. Nate Belke, who was ready to pitch Tuesday night, will instead pitch on Saturday for Niantic.
A one-game playoff where the loser goes home puts a little pressure on teams although it was tough to tell by the way Niantic played Tuesday night.
The Zone VI runners-up made short work of Waterbury in South Windsor as they posted an 11-0, mercy-rule win. The victory sent Niantic into the state tournament this weekend where it joins Zone VI champion, Waterford.
Dylan DelaCruz had a pair of doubles and four RBIs to lead Niantic offensively, two of those RBIs came in the first inning when Niantic scored four runs.
Other key players included lead-off hitter Kyle Weiss who got on base three times (two walks and an error), and scored three times. Ryan Fuller tossed in a two-hit, three-run, two RBI night.
Probably the best thing for Niantic, it only had to play seven innings. Thus, starting pitcher Tyler Tonucci, who went the distance, will likely be available for Sunday. Nate Belke, who was ready to pitch Tuesday night, will instead pitch on Saturday for Niantic.
Niantic takes 5-0 lead over Waterbury
Niantic is making a strong bid to become the second Zone VI team to qualify for the state tournament.
The second-place team has taken a 5-0 lead through three innings of the its play-in game with Waterbury in South Windsor tonight.
Dylan DelaCruz doubled home two runs in the first inning, Ryan Fuller and Wes Aylward added RBI singles. Fuller added another RBI single in the second.
The second-place team has taken a 5-0 lead through three innings of the its play-in game with Waterbury in South Windsor tonight.
Dylan DelaCruz doubled home two runs in the first inning, Ryan Fuller and Wes Aylward added RBI singles. Fuller added another RBI single in the second.
Niantic waiting to start
It's a nice night for baseball, that's a good thing, because it may be awhile before Niantic gets a chance to play Waterbury.
The first game of the American Legion baseball play-in tournament in South Windsor on this Tuesday night has gone to 11 innings with Branford and Plainville tied at two.
Niantic, the 2nd-place team from Zone VI, was scheduled to play Waterbury at 7:30 p.m. The hope is to get it started now by about 8 p.m. The winner moves on to the state tournament this weekend in Middletown and Torrington. Waterford, the Zone VI champion, has already qualified for the double-elimination tournament.
The first game of the American Legion baseball play-in tournament in South Windsor on this Tuesday night has gone to 11 innings with Branford and Plainville tied at two.
Niantic, the 2nd-place team from Zone VI, was scheduled to play Waterbury at 7:30 p.m. The hope is to get it started now by about 8 p.m. The winner moves on to the state tournament this weekend in Middletown and Torrington. Waterford, the Zone VI champion, has already qualified for the double-elimination tournament.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Zone VI teams eliminated
The local American Legion Zone VI baseball teams experienced some success on Saturday, just not enough.
Montville defeated Bridgeport, 12-7, to make it a second game in South Windsor, but lost in the nightcap, 5-2, to Branford.
Norwich also picked up a win, 5-3, over Torrington, only to be knocked off by Fairfield 11-1.
Danielson, Jewett City and New London all lost their first games and were eliminated from the play-in tournament.
That leaves just one team to play on Sunday with a chance to make the state tournament. Niantic will play at 1 p.m. in New Britain with the hopes to join Waterford at the Zone VI representatives next weekend in Middletown.
Montville defeated Bridgeport, 12-7, to make it a second game in South Windsor, but lost in the nightcap, 5-2, to Branford.
Norwich also picked up a win, 5-3, over Torrington, only to be knocked off by Fairfield 11-1.
Danielson, Jewett City and New London all lost their first games and were eliminated from the play-in tournament.
That leaves just one team to play on Sunday with a chance to make the state tournament. Niantic will play at 1 p.m. in New Britain with the hopes to join Waterford at the Zone VI representatives next weekend in Middletown.
A good crowd turned out for a nice night of racing at the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night and it became a night to remember for 15-year-old Max Zachem of Preston.
Zachem captured the 20-lap Legends feature, the first win of his three-year racing career.
It happened the hard way as Zachem was passed by Jason Palmer on the next-to-last lap, but a caution flag saved the Norwich Free Academy junior.
"I would have settled for second, I wasn't going to drive stupid to try and catch up to him. The car did all it could do and he got ahead of me," Zachem said.
That's when Lady Luck intervened and the caution flag flew. Zachem went to the bottom of the race track, gave Palmer a little bump out of the second turn and captured the victory.
Other winners on Saturday night included Ben Bargnesi of Norwich who won for a third time this season in the Mini-Stocks.
Another Norwich driver, Tim Jordan, captured the 30-lap Late Model feature with Albert Stone III of New Haven winning the 20-lap Sportsman feature.
Zachem captured the 20-lap Legends feature, the first win of his three-year racing career.
It happened the hard way as Zachem was passed by Jason Palmer on the next-to-last lap, but a caution flag saved the Norwich Free Academy junior.
"I would have settled for second, I wasn't going to drive stupid to try and catch up to him. The car did all it could do and he got ahead of me," Zachem said.
That's when Lady Luck intervened and the caution flag flew. Zachem went to the bottom of the race track, gave Palmer a little bump out of the second turn and captured the victory.
Other winners on Saturday night included Ben Bargnesi of Norwich who won for a third time this season in the Mini-Stocks.
Another Norwich driver, Tim Jordan, captured the 30-lap Late Model feature with Albert Stone III of New Haven winning the 20-lap Sportsman feature.
I got a chance to talk to an old friend the other day.
Plainfield High baseball coach John Schiffner has a fun summer job, he manages the Chatham A's of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premiere wooden bat summer leagues in the country.
Schiffner has had his troubles this summer with injuries. His A's sport a 15-19 record thus far in the Cape Cod League, only six points out of a playoff spot, but that's not as easy as it may sound.
Chatham has been battling injuries, the A's have eight players out with injuries currently and with only a couple of weeks left in the season, six points is a lot of ground to make up.
Check out the Norwich Bulletin on Sunday for a special feature on how the Cape Cod League has stocked teams like the Boston Red Sox and Schiffner's take on those former Cape players who are now in Red Sox uniforms.
On another note, it hasn't been a good day for American Legion Zone VI baseball teams in the play-in round of the state tournament.
Danielson was beaten by Orange this morning, 5-0, in South Windsor. Jewett City was in East Hartford and lost a morning game to Glastonbury. New London was on the field this afternoon and lost to Middletown.
As of about 6 p.m. Saturday, that left just Norwich, Montville and Niantic still with a chance to qualify for the state tournament next weekend.Niantic doesn't have to play until Sunday at 1 p.m. in New Britain.
Also on Sunday in the Bulletin, we'll have complete coverage of the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night program.
Plainfield High baseball coach John Schiffner has a fun summer job, he manages the Chatham A's of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premiere wooden bat summer leagues in the country.
Schiffner has had his troubles this summer with injuries. His A's sport a 15-19 record thus far in the Cape Cod League, only six points out of a playoff spot, but that's not as easy as it may sound.
Chatham has been battling injuries, the A's have eight players out with injuries currently and with only a couple of weeks left in the season, six points is a lot of ground to make up.
Check out the Norwich Bulletin on Sunday for a special feature on how the Cape Cod League has stocked teams like the Boston Red Sox and Schiffner's take on those former Cape players who are now in Red Sox uniforms.
On another note, it hasn't been a good day for American Legion Zone VI baseball teams in the play-in round of the state tournament.
Danielson was beaten by Orange this morning, 5-0, in South Windsor. Jewett City was in East Hartford and lost a morning game to Glastonbury. New London was on the field this afternoon and lost to Middletown.
As of about 6 p.m. Saturday, that left just Norwich, Montville and Niantic still with a chance to qualify for the state tournament next weekend.Niantic doesn't have to play until Sunday at 1 p.m. in New Britain.
Also on Sunday in the Bulletin, we'll have complete coverage of the Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night program.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Most of the coaches in American Legion Zone VI baseball like the idea.
I don’t know if I do.
Back in March, those that oversee the Legion baseball state tournament voted to go back to the old format for the play-in round of the state tournament.
Four sites with all of the teams that qualified for postseason play peppered all over the place.
It’s probably more exciting for the players as they get to see new faces.
It’s probably a little less exciting for those who go to watch.
Why?
None of the sites for the play-in round are exactly next door.
South Windsor, Simsbury, Windsor Locks, and New Britain with East Hartford sprinkled in for good measure is not exactly a trip to Ledyard High like last year. (Part of that is our own fault, no local site was willing to host a play-in round).
Add in the $4-plus-a-gallon for gas and it’s even less enticing for those who may want to go and watch the games. (Newsflash: There’s actually a station in Connecticut selling gas a little below $4 a gallon, I guess we’re supposed to be happy about that).
So it’s off to East Hartford for Jewett City; to Simsbury for New London and Norwich; to South Windsor for Danielson and Montville and to New Britain for Niantic this weekend.
One local team gets to sit back and watch. Zone VI champ Waterford already has a space reserved for it at the state tournament in Middletown next week.
I don’t know if I do.
Back in March, those that oversee the Legion baseball state tournament voted to go back to the old format for the play-in round of the state tournament.
Four sites with all of the teams that qualified for postseason play peppered all over the place.
It’s probably more exciting for the players as they get to see new faces.
It’s probably a little less exciting for those who go to watch.
Why?
None of the sites for the play-in round are exactly next door.
South Windsor, Simsbury, Windsor Locks, and New Britain with East Hartford sprinkled in for good measure is not exactly a trip to Ledyard High like last year. (Part of that is our own fault, no local site was willing to host a play-in round).
Add in the $4-plus-a-gallon for gas and it’s even less enticing for those who may want to go and watch the games. (Newsflash: There’s actually a station in Connecticut selling gas a little below $4 a gallon, I guess we’re supposed to be happy about that).
So it’s off to East Hartford for Jewett City; to Simsbury for New London and Norwich; to South Windsor for Danielson and Montville and to New Britain for Niantic this weekend.
One local team gets to sit back and watch. Zone VI champ Waterford already has a space reserved for it at the state tournament in Middletown next week.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
It's certainly not the high school athletic season.
So, let's start talking about some other activities throughout the local area.
Wednesday night was racing or there was supposed to be racing at the Waterford Speedbowl.
It didn't happen due to Mother Nature which decided to send a thunderstorm over the Speedbowl but spared Interstate 395 less than a mile away.
Such is the fickle fate of the sport especially at a facility like Waterford where people are constan tly discussing the future of the track.
We may know more soon.
According to spokesman David Dykes, Waterford is set to make a major announcement on Monday at Groton Motor Inn.
And the announcement is certainly a positive one.
Other than that, Dykes was pretty cryptic as to what is going on.
Just a personal note, if you want to have some fun, stay close to home and see some good auto racing, check out the action at Waterford, Thompson Speedway or Stafford Speedway. It's a great way to spend a summer evening and all of those tracks have programs that run through the month of August.
You can also keep up with local racing in the Norwich Bulletin every Friday with our Local racing page.
So, let's start talking about some other activities throughout the local area.
Wednesday night was racing or there was supposed to be racing at the Waterford Speedbowl.
It didn't happen due to Mother Nature which decided to send a thunderstorm over the Speedbowl but spared Interstate 395 less than a mile away.
Such is the fickle fate of the sport especially at a facility like Waterford where people are constan tly discussing the future of the track.
We may know more soon.
According to spokesman David Dykes, Waterford is set to make a major announcement on Monday at Groton Motor Inn.
And the announcement is certainly a positive one.
Other than that, Dykes was pretty cryptic as to what is going on.
Just a personal note, if you want to have some fun, stay close to home and see some good auto racing, check out the action at Waterford, Thompson Speedway or Stafford Speedway. It's a great way to spend a summer evening and all of those tracks have programs that run through the month of August.
You can also keep up with local racing in the Norwich Bulletin every Friday with our Local racing page.
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