Anthony Marvin has SK Light ride in his future
Waterford, CT- Anthony Marvin already has had a productive New London-Waterford Speedbowl career, with 19 wins in the Bandolero division, including back-to-back championships.
Those wins, however, have only laid down the foundation for the next big day in his racing career — July 15.
That’s when Marvin will be turning 14. That’s also when he’ll be able to step inside an SK Light for the first time in competition. Making the jump from the Speedbowl’s Legends division to the SK Lights has been on Anthony’s radar since he started competing at the Speedbowl in 2012.
“That’s our plan, to run SK Lights as soon as Anthony is eligible,” said his dad, Bert Marvin, who has 10 SK Modified wins of his own at the Speedbowl and a 2001 Sunoco Modified championship at Thompson Speedway. “We have been practicing the car since 2016 and Anthony is good when he’s out by himself, and good when he’s out there with other cars. He handles himself well. He is no stranger to open wheels. We’ve only missed one or two Thursday practice sessions, so Anthony is very comfortable in the car.”
Anthony says he his ready to give it his best shot.
“I’m going to try really, really hard,” Anthony said. “I’m a little nervous because I’m used to racing smaller cars instead of larger cars that take up half the track.”
There are some features, however, that Anthony likes.
“Power steering,” Anthony said. “And I like the power.”
Other drivers have made the move from the Legends to the SK Lights and have had success, but Bert Marvin has realistic expectations.
“I’ve got to keep telling myself that most of the drivers who have made that move are one year older than Anthony,” Bert said. “I just want him to finish each race on the lead lap. Maybe at the end of the year, the expectations could be higher.”
Anthony is on the same page with his dad.
“I just want to finish each race without getting wrecked,” Anthony said. “I know I’m getting better every time I’m in the car.”
Anthony thinks being on the same track with veteran SK Light drivers only will help him.
“I’ll be with more experienced drivers who are more respectful,” Anthony says. “I think I’ll be able to learn from them.”
Anthony already has learned a lot in his racing career, which started when he was 5. In addition to his two Bandolero titles, he has won a quarter-midget title. He also has three track records competing at the Little T Speedway and the Silver City Speedway. He has two wins at Seekonk in the Mini-Cup division.
He has spent the past few seasons in the Legends division and has racked up four podiums.
Now he’s ready for the next step. His sponsors include Marvin’s Midway Auto, Allied Snow Removal Corp., K’s School of Tae Kwon-Do, Michael R. Mader Co. Asbestos Removal, Waddell Communications, DH Marvin and Son and John Deer United Auto Parts.
The crew includes Anthony’s grandfather Everett Marvin, Rich Krepcio, Uncle Ken Starr, his mom, Corri Krepcio and cousin Dave Joaquin, who sets up the cars.
Anthony will start the season in a Legend and then will move into the SK Light and never look back.
Bert may be racing a couple times at Thompson in a Sunoco Modified, but he’s ready to step back and put all his energy into Anthony’s racing.
“Anthony is becoming his own person inside that racecar,” Bert said. “And I’ll have an SK for him when he’s ready. Then I can retire for the second time.”
On the Marvin racing calendar, however, one day stands out above all others — July 15.
That’s when a move many years in the making is going to be taking place.
The 2018 season will be getting under way May 4-to-6 with the annual Blastoff Weekend. Anthony Marvin is scheduled to compete in the Legends cars. Other Speedbowl divisions involved are the SK Modifieds, SK Lights, Late Models, Sportsman, Mini Stocks, the Speedbowl Trucks, Bandoleros, Super X Cars and X Cars. Touring divisions are the Valenti Modified Series, the NEMA Midgets, the NEMA Lights, the CT Pro Four Modifieds and the TQ Midgets.
For more information about the Blastoff, contact Speedbowlct.com.
Press release from New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Contact Mike Serluca Jr. at 860—442-7233
