Wild ‘n’ Wacky Wednesday 826
WASTERFORD — Two winning streaks came to an end Wednesday at the New London Waterford Speedbowl.
Ed Ryan Jr. dominated the 25-lap Super X-car feature to snap the two-race winning streak of Dominic Abbatielo.
In the 25-lap X-Car feature, Sam Mesick appeared to be on his way to his fourth win in a row when his muffler came loose, forcing him to make a pit stop.
That opened to door to the winner’s circle for Chris Thomas of Waterford, who roared through the field to post his first win of the season.
In other action, Brandon Martinez held off Connor Holderbach to win the 25-lap Legend feature and Isaiah Newcomb grabbed his second 20-lap Bandolero feature of the season.
Two weeks ago, Ryan Jr. carved open a big lead in the Super X-Car feature but was run down on the final lap by Abbatielo. He jumped out to a big lead Wednesday and was deterrmined not to lose the lead again.
“I looked in the mirror and I saw two fast cars behind me,” Ryan said. “I broke free and was determined not to get caught again. I finally got it.”
Don Berge settled in behind Ryan and finished second while Abbatielo finished on the podium with a third-place run.
In the X-car feature, Thomas started ninth in a 19-car field and had to get through traffic on his way to the front while Mesick took the lead on the fourth lap and started to run away from the field.
He was betrayed by his muffler, however. While Mesick pitted and had to go to the rear of the field, Thomas was in third. He got by T.J. Racicit and Chris Lee and then thundered to the front with five laps to go.
“I didn’t think I would win this quickly,” said Thomas, who was making just his second start of the season. “There were a bunch of fast cars in front of me, but I was able to get through it. I’m really speechless right now because this was unbelievable.”
Eddie Loomis rallied for second and Corey Caddick finished third. Mesick rallied to finish seventh.
Brandon Martinez won the Legend feature, but gave the credit to his dad.
“I was super busy this week and didn’t have time to touch the car all week,” Martinez said. “My dad worked his tail off and got the car ready. It was all him tonight. All I did was drive.”
He drove quickly enough, however, to grab the early lead from his younger brother, Zachary Martinez. During the final laps, Martinez received severe pressure fom Holderbach, but was able to hold him off by the length of a loaf of bread.
“I had handling problems tonight,” Holderbach said. “I might have been faster, but the car didn’t handle. We’ll come back with a better car next week.”
The first half of the Bandolero race as the tale of two brothers, Isaiah and Joel Newcomb. While fighting for the lead midway through the race, Joel Newcomb spun and Isaiah was in control of the rest of the race.
Isaiah did more apologizing in victory lane, however, than celebrating.
“I must have got into him,” Isaiah said. “Joel probably should have won.”
Two drivers making their Speedbowl debuts, Richie Helger Jr. and Milania Shilosky, finished second and third respectively.
Bobby White won a 15-lap Vintage Midget Feature and Mitch Bombard was a winner in the “Musical Cars” Wacky race.
25-lap X Cars: 1. Chris Thomas, Waterford; 2. Eddie Loomis, Plainfield; 3. Corey Caddick, Richmond RI; 4. TJ Racicot, Quaker Hill; 5. Christopher Lee, Oakdale; 6. Michael Lefort, Johnston RI; 7. Sam Mesick, East Lyme; 8. Chuck McDonald, Groton; 9. Dylan Cabral, RI’ 10. Christian Herman, North Branford.
25-lap X Cars: 1. Ed Ryan Jr., Preston; 2. Don Berge, Uncasville; 3. Dominic Abbatielo, North Branford; 4. Bill Reiman, Southington; 5. Will Rheaume, North Franklin; 6. Patrick Donnellan, Quaker Hill; 7. Keith Brown, Griswold; 8. Sean Skinner, Oakdale; 9. Bud Kuehne, Clinton; 10.Mitch Bombard, Willimantic.
25-lap Legends: 1. Brandon Martinez, North Kingston RI; 2. Connor Holderbach, Wolcott; 3. Gio Ruggiero, Seekink; 4. Zachary Martinez, North Kingston, RI; 5. Dennis Pantani, Branford; 6. Reagan Parent, Tiverton RI; 7. Joey Brown, Manorville NY; 8. Corey Fanning, Mapleville RI; 9. Jacob Burns, Bristol RI; 10. Wade Demke, NA.
20-lap Bandoleros: 1. Isaiah Newcomb, Plymouth, Mass.; 2. Richard Helger Jr., Tiverton RI; 3. Milania Shilosky, Colchester; 4. Joel Newcomb, Plymouth, Mass.; 5. Ethan Dion, Oakdale; 6. Nicholas Chaber Jr., Cumberland RI; 7. Aiden Sullivan, East Hampton; 8. Colin Floyd, North Kingston RI; 9. Brody Monahan, Waterford, DQ,
