Four in a Row for Herman on X-Car’s Biggest Night

For immediate release from the New London-Waterford Speedbowl

WATERFORD —Christian Herman proved he had the best car for the first 36 laps of the 40-lap X-Car Fall Classic Wednesday. When a late caution came out, however, Herman knew he had to prove it for four more laps in order to lock up the biggest X-Car race of the season.

“The caution were killing me.” Herman said. “My car would get tight.”

Instead of getting tight, however, he was out of sight. Herman blitzed past both Pete Zaikarite and Corey Caddick on the restart to grab his fourth win in the last five races, highlighting Wild & Wacky Wednesday. The extra-distance was presented by Jeff Parker in association with AKA racing.

Bandolero driver Milania Shilosky made Speedbowl history when she won her fifth race of the season and the 13th of her career, rolling past Taylor Martin to become the Speedbowl’s winningest Speedbowl female driver.

Sean Skinner won the 25-lap Super-X Car race and Zachary Martinez was a winner in the 25-lap INEX Legends feature.

Herman demonstrated some patience in the early segments of the race when he hung around in third place while Caddick took off with the lead. At the halfway point, Herman made his move and no one was able to move with him. On the restart, Zaikarite tried to make a bottom-shot move against Herman, but Herman held off Zaikarite and was able to replenish his lead.

Sean Skinner had some mechanical woes before the start of the 25-lap feature and needed his crew members to bail him out.

“The fan didn’t come on,” Skinner said. “So it was a real team effort to make the change over.”

The result was exactly what Skinner wanted.

“This car was a rocket,” Skinner said, “but I wouldn’t have even been on the track if it wasn’t for my team.”

Point leader Dave Yardley was second.

“The car was really stout tonight,” Yardley said. “It’s getting to be the way I want it again.”

Zachary Martinez said his car was “on rails” as he dominated the Legends feature to maintain his point lead. Zachary, however, wasn’t the only member of the Martinez family who had a great night. His sister, Shileigh finished second and his older brother Brandon set up both cars.
Shileigh stayed close to Zachary, but did not have the energy supply to get the lead.

Milania Shilosky made an outside move to take the lead away from early leader Trenton Starkweather.

“This is huge, Shilosky said after she nudged past Taylor Martin on the all-time win list. “I finally got an outside run. When you can do that, it gives you your best chance to win.
Brad Stickland finished second.

The Power Wheel race was won by 6-year-old Kacie Lombard of Montville.

Racing resumes Saturday with Nostalgia Night. The Bowl will be welcoming the Senior Tour of Auto Racers, the New England Antique Racers and the American Vintage Modifieds. Also on the card are the SK Modifieds, SK Lights, Mini Stocks and INEX Legends.

25-lap X-Car Fall Classic: 1. Christian Herman, North Branford; 2. Pete Zaikarite Jr., Broadbrook; 3. Richard Nye , Norwich; ; 4. Wade Robbins, Pawcatuck,; 5. Corey Caddick , Richmond, RI; 6. Chuck McDonald , Groton,; 7. Jamie Ventura, Colchester,; 8. Bruce Sperry, Waterford,; 9. Steven Talaba, Ledyard,; 10. Ryan Magliano, Preston; 11. Neil Rutt III, Toms River; 12. Matt Martel , Stafford ; 13. Matthew Tumolo , Old Saybrook,; 14, Johnnie Robbins, Pawcatuck,; 15. Kevin O Flaherty , Griswold,; 16. Keith McDonald, Griswold; 17. Tim Burgess , Norwich,; 18. Brandon Lindahl, Niantic; 19. Chris Palamar, East Hampton.

25-lap Super-X Cars: 1. Sean Skinner, Ledyard; 2. Dave Yardley, Kensington; 3. William Rheaume , N. Franklin,; 4. Donald “Bud” Kuehne , Clinton,; 5. Mitch Bombard , Willimantic,; 6. Jeremy Marcella , Niantic,’ 7. Toby Leonard, Oakdale; 8. John Nash, Willington,; 9. John Nunes, Middletown; 10. Caity DeSomma , Richmond, RI; 11. Pipper Beal , Ledyard,; 12. Ben Pollard, Oakdale,; 13. Devin Tate , Preston,.

25-lap INEX Legends: 1. Zachary Martinez , N. Kingstown, RI; 2. Shileigh Martinez , North Kingston; 4. Isaiah Newcomer , Plymouth; 5. Brody Monahan , Waterford; Dennis Pantani , Brandford,; 7. Richard Helger Jr., Tiverton, RI; 7. Riley Paul , Ledyard; 8. Jase Mongeon ; Charlton, Mass.; 9. Nick Lascuola .Brockton, MA.

20-lap INEX Bandoleros: 1. Milania Shilosky, Colchester; 2. Trenton Starkweather , Chaplin; 3. Brad Strickland , Uncasville; 4. Parker Davis, Somers; 5. Joey LeMay,     North Smithfield, RI; 6. Allyha DeSomma , Richmond, RI.