(WATERFORD, CT) Last year, Matt Hirschman came to Waterford Speedbowl’s SK-150 expecting to have some fun. He was second fastest in time trials and then found himself in a position to win late in the race.

“Jeff Pearl and I went side-by-side for a couple laps,” he recalls. “We had a really good run but came up a few feet short. Jeff won. He did it clean and he did it fair and I congratulated him. I’d like to come back and give him a run for it again.”

A NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour regular, Hirschman is part of an impressive entry list for the 12th annual running of the $20,000 “150.” The $5,000-to win race is the headline event of the season-opening, 10-division Budweiser Modified Nationals that also includes the Speedbowl’s Late Model, Sportsman, Mini Stock and Legends divisions.

The Northeastern Midget Association, Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks, Allison Legacy Cars and NEMA Lites are also on the docket.

Hirschman said owner Bob Horn of Norwalk, CT contacted him about driving the one-time Ron Silk car. “He was at the race last year,” reports Hirschman who jumped at the chance.

“If there is one SK race I want to win it is the 150,” says Hirschman recognizing the significance of the first extra-distance, extra-money race in the division’s history. He looks forward to battling the impressive field.

“The Speedbowl regulars, Dennis Gada, Jeff Pearl and the rest of them, are just so good on that track. They are just so tough,” he explains. “Teddy Christopher, Woody Pitkat, myself, well, we’re pretty tough wherever we go.”

Although he has limited experience on the three-eights oval, he insists the Speedbowl is “one of his favorite tracks.” He “loves short tracks” and the Speedbowl is “the perfect size” for a short track. He claims “it reminds me of a lot of the tracks I grew up on. I feel like I’ve raced there forever. I am very comfortable there.”

An excellent time trialer, he is “confident I will do well again.” He is equally convinced, however, “the race can be won starting first or starting last and that was proved last year.” Pearl came from deep in the pack with a late rush in the outside groove.

“I like the outside,” says Hirschman. “We used it last year especially at the end of the race.”

SK Time trials are first on the Saturday (April 12) schedule followed by heats for the other divisions. The Legends, Pro4 Modified, AllStar Race Truck, Allison Legacy and NEMA Lite features will follow.

Sunday begins with the traditional Pit Party. A 25-lap NEMA feature plus extra-distance hauls for the Late Models (50), Sportsman (30) and Mini Stocks (30) share the day with the SK-150.

Source: Dave Dykes, Speedbowl Public Relations
Photo Credit: Howie Hodge