ISMA Supermodified Champion Chris Perley
Thompson Speedway World Series Win Clinches Open Wheel Title
Oct 30, 2009
International Supermodified Association
Perley drove the Shea Concrete No. 11, owned and prepared by Vic Miller, to his seventh World Series win in 10 years. He clinched his fourth consecutive ISMA championship simply by taking the green flag after having convincingly won the Star Classic at All-Star Speedway two weeks earlier. He has won six ISMA championships in his career, tying Russ Wood for first all-time.
The Thompson victory was set up in part by Canadian Mark Sammut’s misfortune. On lap 42 while leading the race, Sammut broke a hub just as he had done at All-Star. He crashed into the wall exiting turn two, causing a restart that brought the field back to Perley, who had settled into fifth place behind Sammut, Shullick Jr. Mike Lichty and Wood.
Thompson Speedway
“I was racing hard, but the car was loose,” Perley said. “I couldn’t really get where I wanted to go. As I’ve said before, I’d rather be lucky than good sometimes. I didn’t give up on the car because my crew never does. I have awesome motors from R&R and Ed Shea helps out with those motors and everything. I have a great crew. Obviously you can’t beat this crew. You can’t beat this crowd or this track either. Thompson is my favorite track.”
“On the restarts, I was quicker, “Perley noted, “but just as I’d catch up, I would lose ground and then gain ground. I was as fast as the leaders but I couldn’t get by. It was do or die. They say to save the best for last, but I wasn’t saving anything by any means. Then, I don’t know what happened. Poor Sammut crashed and gave me a top five. Maybe that gave me some extra incentive. Then I got by somebody and then somebody else and I was second. Then Shullick looked like he bobbled and I thought ‘I don’t have much time. I only have one shot at this one.’ I did the one shot deal and it worked. Unbelievable. Four championships in a row too! It’s just crazy.”
At the All-Star ISMA Classic Cigar 100 at All-Star Speedway Perley took the lead from Mike Lichty on lap 66 and led the rest of the way. It was Perley’s fourth Star Classic win, tying him with the legendary Ollie Silva. Just as in the Thompson race, Perley was aided by Mark Sammut’s crash. Entering the race, Sammut was the only driver, who had a chance at denying Perley’s ISMA four-peat bid.
Each of Perley’s titles has been won by teaming up with racecar owner Vic Miller. Miller has been building and maintaining supermodifieds for decades. He supplied mounts for Silva, Bentley Warren, Larry Record, Nate Boutwell and others. “We use R&R engines (Rick Moore and Ray Blake),” Miller said. “They’ve been with us since they started and they’re one of the best in the business.”
Hoosier Racing Tires
The ISMA Supermodifieds, known more commonly as simply, “Supers”, race on Hoosier tires, weigh 1850 lbs., run 488 cubic inch engines that pack 800-plus horsepower, have mounted movable wings for down force and are allowed offset engine placement up to 24 inches left of center. The 2009 schedule was comprised of 14 events. Perley totaled five wins at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, Stafford Speedway (CT), Sandusky Speedway (OH), All-Star in Epping, NH and Thompson. Sammut was a two-time winner. He carried the checkers at Lee USA Speedway and Cayuga Speedway in Ontario. The Supers raced twice at Waterford Speedbowl (CT). Dave Shullick Jr. won the series opener there. Lou Cicconi of Aston, PA won in August.
Turning Stone Casino Vernon, NY
The 27th annual ISMA Awards Banquet will be held at the Turning Stone casino in Vernon, NY Saturday, November 14, 2009.
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