The International Supermodified Association (ISMA) will open its 2008 season on May 24 at Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.

Last year was Chris Perley’s season as he collected 11 victories in all.

While Perley has dominated the win column for the past two years, he’ll be the first to admit this year’s opener is anyone’s ballgame.

This season should see another stellar field coming to the Waterford Speedbowl.

The Canadian PATCO racing team owned by Brad Lichty has two top drivers in Dave McKnight Jr. and Mike Lichty. Both were ahead or chasing behind the Perley-driven, Vic Miller-owned #11 many times last season. McKnight was finally able to beat Perley at Delaware Speedway (Ontario) in September of last season. Lichty had a couple bouts of bad luck or he would have been in the winner’s circle several times.

Justin Belfiore, All-Star Classic winner; Mike Ordway Jr., ISMA runner-up and Rookie of the Year; Robbie Summers; Ray Graham Jr.; and Dave Shullick Jr. also had single feature wins in 2007 besides McKnight. All are ready to get right back to winning in 2008.

Ordway Jr. has left the Rick Wentworth #10 ride, but is behind the wheel of the Bruce Buddnick #88 — a proven winner.

Last season, Perley brought his name to the top of the ISMA all-time win list, knocking off Russ Wood and Bentley Warren. Wood, however, is back in 2008 to possibly reclaim his top spot. He’s driving a Holbrook-owned, Allegresso-designed #29 full time this year.

Warren is driving the Ed LaPrade #68, a seat vacated by the retiring Doug Heveron.
Warren will divide his time between his expanding Bentley’s Saloon and Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine, and his racing, but he still is a threat to put a marker or two in the record books.

Other ISMA competitors looking for wins include Mike Lichty, Mark Sammut (who finished a career-high third in points last season), and Maine’s 2007 ISMA Most Improved driver Vern Romanoski.

Joining the ISMA cars at the Waterford Speedway May 24 will be the NASCAR Whelen All-American divisions. The pits open for the supermodified competitors at 11 a.m., with practice starting at noon and grandstands opening at 4 p.m.

Heats begin at 5 p.m., with features starting around 7 p.m.

Waterford is located by taking Route 395 South to Exit 77. At the end of the exit, take a right. The Speedbowl is approximately one-eighth of a mile on the left.

For more information, see www.speedbowl.com.