Scalia looks to be competitive in Speedbowl Late Models
Waterford, CT- Keith Scalia was on a ferry heading to Long Island, looking to buy parts for his Super X-Car.
What he wound up buying was something that he couldn’t resist — a Late Model.
It’s a Late Model that he plans on driving this season at the New London Waterford Speedbowl as he makes the jump from the Super-X Car division.
“We originally thought about buying a truck,” Scalia, from North Branford, said, “but the schedule didn’t seem to be a good fit for us. The pro truck series only has a few races in Connecticut. So we decided to stay local.”
That meant buying a Late Model.
“I was on the ferry when my spotter, Mike Serluca, told me that Matt Carlson might be looking to sell his Late Model,” Scalia said. “So I was sitting on the ferry and I made the call. I went to look at the car and about two weeks later, we came to a deal.”
Scalia’s game plan is to run the full season at the Speedbowl, with the possibility of also running a couple of races at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
“I have roots at Waterford,” Scalia said. “Everyone knows I love the track. We can be competitive there.”
Scalia has enjoyed a lot of success at the Speedbowl. During the past two seasons in the Super X-Car division, he has 10 wins in 24 starts. And in most of those wins, he has charged from the rear of the field to the front.
“We started last in almost every race,” Scalia said. “I’d rather have it that way. It’s all about passing cars.”
Scalia says the Speedbowl is the type of track where come-from-behind finishes are possible.
“I absolutely love the track,” Scalia said. “It’s a two-groove track, and I prefer to run the outside. We can make it work on the bottom, but a lot of guys don’t like to run up top. I have no trouble trying it there. And if it sticks, it sticks.”
“It’s all about patience. If the spot isn’t there, it’s not there. You can’t go driving through or over people, especially in the Late Model division. You have to take care of your car so you can get the best position you can.”
Scalia’s career started in 1996 at Riverside Park Speedway, where he competed in the Sportsman division until the track closed in 1999. He competed in seven races at Monadnock in 2000, but then hung up his driving suit until 2015,
He decided to comeback in the Super X-Car division where he was one of the most successful drivers in the division. He also competed in the Sportsman division at the Speedbowl for a brief time at the start of the 2017 season. He has never driven a Late Model in competition before, however.
“There’s tons and tons of different adjustability,” Scalia said. “The chassis is different and that means there will be a huge learning curve. But I still think we can be competitive.”
“It’s a tough division, with guys like Anthony Flannery and Jason Palmer. And maybe Keith Rocco will be around for a couple of races. But as long as we’re on our game, I think we can be a Top 5 car every week.”
Scalia’s sponsors include James Salls Roofing, Demar’s Landscaping, Critical Signs and Tint, Passing Bird Photography and Jerry’s Transmissions.
The crew consists of Chris Bruce, Vince Scalia, Brian Watson and spotter Mike Serluca.
“And anyone else who wants to help,” Scalia says.
He has realistic goals for the upcoming season.
“We’re shooting for Top 5 in points,” Scalia said. “And I’d love to get a win. I think as long as we are competitive every week, we can get that win.
“I’m really looking forward to putting on a good show. We’re supporting our home track. That’s the main thing.”
The only difference is that this year he’ll be supporting it in a Late Model.
Press release from New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Contact Mike Serluca at 860-422-7233
