Walt Scadden’s “Breakfast with Bill - Conversations with the Connecticut Valley Rocket “Wild Bill Slater” Released April 24, 2015 |
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| Among the tracks Bill Slater dominated while wheeling the Bombaci-Vitari #V-8 was Connecticut's New London-Waterford Speedbowl. (Shany Lorenzent Photo, Dave Dykes Collection) |
(MANCHESTER, CT) “Breakfast with Bill - Conversations with the Connecticut Valley Rocket “Wild Bill Slater” by Walt Scadden is now available.
Though not a lengthy affair, the book provides an engaging glimpse into the persona and career of the driver who became known as “The Connecticut Valley Rocket” during the golden era of New England modified racing. A modest selection of vintage photos also appear.
Content is culled from frequent and often-candid conversations Scadden had with Slater over the last 4-5 years of his life. The entire New England racing community was deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing in 2012.
A prolific winner, Slater guided the Bob Vitari & Vic Bombaci-owned #V8 coupe to championships and feature event triumphs throughout the region during the 1950s & 60s. Also on the resume are celebrated National victories at Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey.
Slater, Vitari, and Bombaci are all members of the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
Slater drove his last race at Stafford in 1969 and then became involved in the promotional side of racing at Stafford; and later Thompson.
Copies of the book are available exclusively at the ProNyne Motorsports Museum in Pawtucket, RI, at $5 each or directly from the New England Antique Racers (NEAR). Those opting for the latter choice should send a check for $6 (made out to NEAR) for each copy to Slater Book, 24 Goose Hill Rd, Chester, CT 06412. Please include a return address.
All proceeds benefit the New England Antique Racers (NEAR) and the ProNyne Motorsports Museum.
By Dave Dykes