WATERFORD’S X-MART 150 

This past Saturday, NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series teammates Renee Dupuis and Dave Etheridge competed in the X-MART 150 at the .375-mile Waterford Speedbowl (Waterford, CT). 

All told, a record 49 drivers vied for just 30 starting spots. With an astonishing 19 cars failing to qualify - once again - making the starting field was an accomplishment in itself. To illustrate how difficult it is to just qualify for FMS races – because of the high car counts – take a look at NASCAR’s two premier divisions. In comparison, just two cars failed to make the field in this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event while just four cars didn’t make Richmond’s NASCAR Busch Grand National race. 

In any event, during afternoon time trails, Renee qualified her Chevrolet to the 18^th starting spot, while Dave started from the 26^th position. From the drop of the green flag, both drivers worked their way toward the front – all the while avoiding several accidents (all told there were 7 caution periods). Unfortunately, on lap 109, while still running on the lead lap, Renee cut a left rear tire. The ensuing accident caused irreparable suspension and frame damage and prematurely ended her night. In the meantime, Dave finished on the lead lap in the 13^th spot. Dave earned his career first ‘POWERade Power Move of the Race’ award as he advanced the most positions of any driver during the course of the race.  

Following the race, Renee is now ranked 15^th and Dave 17^th in the seasonal point standings. 

Next up, both drivers head to Pennsylvania’s Nazareth Speedway - ‘The World’s Fastest Mile’ – for the Service Electric 100. This will be the FMS final appearance at Nazareth Speedway as management recently announced their intention to cease operations at the close of the 2004 season.  

We’ll be sure to provide you with an update after the race.