Ruggerio rolls to Bud 200 win at Waterford

May 8, 2001
5:27 PM EDT (2127 GMT)

WATERFORD, Conn. (May 6, 2000) -- Reggie Ruggiero of Rocky Hill, Conn., drove to his first Featherlite Modified Series, NASCAR Touring victory of the season in the Budweiser 200 at the Waterford Speedbowl.

Ruggiero took the lead from Robbie Summers of Manchester, Conn. on lap 74 and led the remaining 127 laps in the Les Care Kitchens Pontiac. It was the 42nd career victory for Ruggiero who is second on the all time win list. The victory moved Ruggiero into second place in the series point standings. His last victory was at Martinsville Va., in Oct. of 2000.

Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I., finished second in the Egglands Best Chevrolet, 1/2 second behind Ruggiero, and took over the series point standings. Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. finished third and recorded his third Top-5 finish this season in the ATC Dodge. Pole sitter Summers finished fourth and John Fortin of Mastic, N.Y. rounded out the Top-5.

The Budweiser 200 was rescheduled because of inclement weather back in April. Qualifying had been completed on April 7, and Robbie Summers was the winner of the Bud Pole. In the draw for starting position Summers picked the pole.

Summers got the jump on outside pole sitter John Blewett, III at the start. Ruggiero quickly moved up from his 7th place starting position challenging Blewett early. By lap 60, Ruggiero was in second and 114 laps later he went by Summers for the lead and eventual win.

The next event for the Featherlite Modified Series is the Service Electric 100 at Nazareth Speedway in Nazareth, Penn. May 20.