Caddick seeking 3 straight X-Car wins

 

Press release form the New London-Waterford Speedbowl

Contact Mike Serluca at 860-442-7223

WATERFORD — X-car driver Corey Caddick isn’t just a good driver — he’s a good spectator.

His powers of observation have helped him get off to a great start in the 2018 season — two victories in the first two races at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. He’ll be looking to make it three in a row when Wild and Wacky Wednesday resumes Wednesday. May 30.

“I’ve been going to the Speedbowl since I was a kid and I watch all the drivers and the different lines that they use to get around the track,” Caddick said. “That knowledge has helped me be the driver that I am today.”

He’s a driver with a two-race winning streak.

“I’m very surprised at two straight wins, because we showed up at the track with a Seekonk setup in the car,” Caddick said. “I really wasn’t expecting to be as competitive as we have been. I really think the experience I’ve had in a Sport 4 at Seekonk has helped me. It’s given me an advantage.”

His experience at the Speedbowl started when he was a youngster watching all of the successful Speedbowl drivers.

“One person I really admired was Keith Rocco,” Caddick said. “I watched his driving style — he can take his car anywhere on the track. I learned a lot and I tried to apply his moves. I also learned a lot watching Dennis Gada.”

He modeled his current car after another one of his favorite drivers, multiple time X-Car champ, Brad Vogelsong.

“My family made fun of me because I kept pronouncing his name wrong,” Caddick said. “But I was hooked on his Dodge Neon and that was the car I wanted.”

Caddick bought his first car for $50.

“It didn’t even roll,” Caddick said. “”Me, my dad and my grandfather built the car from scratch. We went to Seekonk and we won five races with it.”

Caddick sold the car so he could move into the Legends division, but he was offered to buy it back.

“We out our old set-up in it, and it’s been a ball of fire,” Caddick said.

Caddick knows, however, not to use that fire up all at once.

“The one think I’ve noticed is to be successful, you have to be patient,” Caddick said. “That’s something that’s in the back of my mind. Patience really helped me to win my second race this year. There were drivers ahead of me, but I just kept my cool and waited for them to make a mistake. And when they did, I was able to capitalize on it.”

Caddick’s sponsor list includes Boss Heating and Cooling, JG Restoration, Ruben Smith Oil, Finish Line Signs, New England Woodwork Products and Sgt. B’s Motorcycles from Titusville, Fla.

His crew members include his dad Randy, his uncle Brad Caddick and his girlfriend, Kaylee McGovern. He is also receiving help on his Legends car from Joey Ternullo.

That crew is busy. Caddick is competing with his X-Car on Wednesday and his Legends car on Saturdays at the Bowl.

“In the X-car, I just want to keep my nose clean,” Caddick said. “If we do, I think we can contend for a championship. In the Legends car, I’m really looking for a championship. We finished third in the points last year, and now I think we can climb over that final hurdle and get some wins. “

After all, he’s watched for years on how the best at the Speedbowl get it done. Now it’s time for him to try it himself.

In addition to the 25-lap X Car feature Wednesday, there will be twin 20-lap Legends features, a 25-lap Super X-Car feature and a 20-lap Bandolero feature. There also will be a Big Wheel Race for the youngsters and a special wacky event.

Opening ceremonies kick off at 6:45 p.m. with racing action to follow. Admission is $8 for adults, with children admitted free.