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Join
NEMA Text Alerts on RainedOut
Rainout notices sent to your
email or cell phone.
|
|
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 |
. |
|
NEMA 2014 Membership
Form HERE
LITES
2014 Membership
Form HERE
Driver/Team Info Form HERE
NEMA Parental
Consent Form
|
|
 |
NEMA Open
FB Group
NEMA
Legends
NEMA
Fan Page
|
|
 |
The Allstar Performance
NEMA LITES Series
“ Allstar of The Race”
RYAN KRACHUN
Waterford 4-12
will receive a $100 dollar
Allstar
Performance gift certificate. |
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 |
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2013 YEARBOOK -
$ 5.00
NEMA Merchandise:
Cyndy Scrivani
508-584-7748
cyndyann10361@yahoo.com
|
|
NEMA TRACK
HISTORIES
with 2013 updates
PDF HERE |
NEMA
STATS
with 2013 updates
PDF HERE |
NEMA CHAMPIONS
PDF HERE |
LITES
STATS
with 2013 updates
PDF HERE |
NEMA DRIVER WINS AT TRACKS
PDF HERE |
Members of the NEMA
Dick Gallagher Memorial
Hall of
Fame
PDF HERE |
|
 |
Custom Apparel, Screen Printing,
Embroidery, & Promotional Items
-
Custom, Racing Crew Pit Shirts, Jackets
and Caps
-
Custom Racing T Shirts
Low Minimums
-
(24/7
Live Answered)
508-485-5511
888-485-5510 |
|
www.stellarapparel.com |
|
 |
|
VINTAGE MIDGET RACING |
|
In 2006, Dave Shore from Southbury, CT. started VMR to help keep
vintage midget racing alive. VMR runs a limited schedule on Wed.
and Sat. nights throughout the summer. Anyone who has a caged
vintage car, and would like to run with us, please contact Dave
Shore at 203-509-2835. Our current racers come from all over the
Northeast including : Long Island, RI, CT, MA, NY, ME & NH. |
WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL
Weds. May 10 - Weds. June 4, Weds June 9,
Weds. August 6, & Weds. Augus 27
MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY
St. John, PA - Sun. May 18 |
 |
|
FULL IMPORT & DOMESTIC
REPAIRS AND SERVICE
Jeff
Horn
182 Pond St.
Ashland, MA
01721
508-881-4540
Hitch & Trailer Specialists
www.a-1automotiveservice.com
 |
|
SALES • SERVICE
PERFORMANCE and SUSPENSION UPGRADES
Specializing in
Finer Imports
AUDI • BMW • JAGUAR • MERCEDES
LANDROVERS • PORSCHE • SAAB
VOLVO • VW
(508) 697-5921
1460 Pleasant St. (Route 104)
Bridgewater, MA 02234
www.motorcarsint.com
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NEMA Releases Vintage
Slide Show on DVD |
The Northeastern Midget
Association announces the release of NEMA Vintage photo's on
DVD. The presentation is from the
collection of one of the most respected journalist,
historians and statisticians in New England, Pete Zanardi.
The range of drivers, owners, tracks and race cars
depicted in the collection are the who's who in Northeastern
midget racing. The forefathers that laid the foundation for
present day racing are illustrated in color and black and
white photo's complete with captions. Bill Randall, Ray
Roberts, Ronnie Evans and Jerry Russo just to name a few
drivers from NEMA's infancy.
The early cage days
drivers are represented by Bill Roth, Lee Smith, Hank
Stevens and Len Thrall for example. And to finish out the
last couple of decades are the Fornoros, Stoehrs, Scrivanis,
Seymours and many many more. The cars are as big as
the drivers on this DVD that range from the Badgers to the
uprights, cage and cageless, even some Offy's.
The
DVD is 332 pictures strong and is a must for any early day
racing enthusiast.
The cost is $20 each with all
proceeds going directly to NEMA to help carry on the rich
traditions these early pioneers built.
Payment can be
made through PayPal
HERE
to
rewindles@sbcglobal.net or by sending a check or money
order (payable to NEMA) as well as your name and address to
Bill Van Slyke,
23 Horsestable Cir., Shelton, Ct. 06484.
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2013 Race
Results & Photos |
|
Race 15 - Thompson World
Series - 10-20-13
Race 14 - Lee
Oktoberfest - 10-13-13
Race 13 - Waterford
Finale - 10-6-13
Race 12 -
Oswego Speedway - 9-14-13
LITES Race -
Star Speedway - 9-7-13
LITES
Race - Star Speedway - 8-24-13
Race 11
- Riverside Speedway - 8-17-13
Race 10 - Angelillo Memorial - Waterford - 8-10-13
Race 9 - Airborne Speedway - 8-3-13
Race 8
- Shane Memorial - Waterford - 7-27-13
Race
7 - Seekonk Open Wheel Weds. - 7-17-13
Race 6 -
Lee USA Speedway - 7-12-13
Race 5 - Stafford Xteme Saturday - 6-29-13
Race 4
- Monadnock Speedway - 6-22-13
Race
3 - Star Speedway - 6-8-13
Race 2 - Boston Louie - Seekonk -
6-2-13
LITES Race - Lee USA Speedway - 5-31-13
LITES
Race - Star Speedway - 5-18-13
Race 1
- Waterford Speedbowl - 4-6 & 7-13
.
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|
Results for 2002 to 2012 HERE |
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 |
Romano, Monahan to Induct
Eldridge, Fornoro into Hall |
Two of the Northeastern Midget Association’s greatest
chroniclers – Chris Romano and Dick Monahan – will induct two
NEMA greats, nine-time champion Drew Fornoro and three-time king
Billy Eldridge, into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Sunday Nov. 10 at the Lodge at Manelleys located at 65 Rye
Street in South Windsor, CT.
In addition to the presidency, Monahan, who will induct
Eldridge, has been NEMA’s public relations director, announcer,
yearbook editor, statistics compiler and overall trouble solver
and remains one of its top historians.
Romano will induct
his long-time friend Fornoro. A key contributor to the now
lamented Trackside Magazine, Romano has and continues to serve
the sport with pen, microphone and now camera. He is one of a
few non competitors to have won NEMA’s coveted Johnny Thomson
Award.
Originally from Chelmsford, MA, Eldridge was the
Northeastern Midget Association’s first champion (1953) and,
some 40 years after retiring, is sixth on the clubs’ all-time
win list with 32. Driving for the likes of Gibby Parmenter, Mike
Scrivani, Bob Bahre and Rollie Lindblad, Eldridge, who began in
the post World War II days, captured four NEMA championships.
Fornoro, who joins his father Nick in the Hall, holds
Northeastern Midget Association records with 85 victories and
nine championships, most of the former and all of the latter
with owner Gene Angelillo. Born in Danbury, Fornoro won at least
one NEMA feature in 21 different seasons, grabbing checkereds at
over 20 different tracks. |
|
OCTOBER 13th NEMA/LEE
CANCER WALK A SUCCESS |
Approximately forty early raisers braved chilly
temperatures and sunny skies to walk the Lee Speedway on Oct.
13, to benefit the N.H. chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Race fans, crew members, drivers, officials and even boy scouts
participated.
The event organizers, a team of Lee and
NEMA members, had less then two weeks to "get the word out", and
solicit donations. NEMA team leader, Tina Mederios, worked
tirelessly to procure team tee shirts and stickers to sell.
Selected walkers were later given the opportunity to join in
on victory lane celebrations and receive pink and black
checkered flags, autographed by the race winners. |
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Bertrand Motorsports
40th
Win |
Todd Bertrand’s victory in the Angelillo Memorial at
Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night, August 10th, marked the 40th
NEMA victory for Bertrand Motorsports. The team, in fact, had
three of the top five finishes with Randy Cabral second and
Anthony Marvuglio, in the 74, fourth.
Cabral acknowledged
the situation: “It’s kind of different being in second place and
rooting for the car in the lead.”
“This is the best night
of racing I think out of the whole year because you’ve got so
many open wheel divisions that all put good rubber down on the
track,” said Bertrand after his third straight Angelillo
Memorial victory. In addition to NEMA and the NEMA Lites, the
Supermodifieds and three different Modified divisions were on
hand.
Still there were only three 12 seconds laps
including Todd's feature-best 12.794 (105.518). Ian Cumens
(12.939 – 104.336 mph) and Anthony Marvuglio (12.829 – 105.230
mph) did it en route to heat victories. |
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Mass Cruisers at Patriot Place
Thursday
May 30th |
The Mass Cruisers Auto Club, Bass Pro Shops and Patriot
Place want you to once again enjoy a evening of cruising
nostalgia and fun!
NEMA Midgets will be there promoting
The Boston Louie
at Seekonk
Speedway on 6/2 |
The cruise, which drew 2,600 show cars and 7,000 spectators
on August 23, 2012, will run from 4:30 till 8:00 pm.
Convenient free shuttle service between Bass Pro Shops and the
South and North Marketplace is provided for your dining,
shopping and entertainment convenience. The shuttle runs every
20 minutes from 4:00pm to 8:30pm with pickup locations at Bass
Pro Shops, the South Marketplace at Christmas Tree Shops and the
North Marketplace outside of Davio’s.
Adjacent to
Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, Patriot Place features more
than 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining, &
entertainment. |
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|
|
2012 NEMA VIP Fan Initiative
|
| Facebook
VIP Fan of the Race.
Two weeks
before an event, we will pick one
fan from our Facebook fan page, or Facebook open group to be our
guest at the races. NEMA will supply them with a pit pass, give
them a VIP tour of the pits, allow them to work with a few teams
during the day as a special crew member, as well as participate
in other activities during the race day |
|
|
|
2012 YEARBOOK -
$ 3.00
NEMA Merchandise:
Cyndy Scrivani
508-584-7748
cyndyann10361@yahoo.com
NEMA T Shirts, Hats, &
Sweat Shirts
|
 |
 |
|
NEMA LITES T-Shirts are
available for purchase. The LITES shirts are available in 3
colors - white, gray and royal blue. They come with either the
NEMA LITES logo only on the front or with 2 logos - NEMA LITES
on the front and regular NEMA logo on the back. The white shirts
are $10. The gray or blue are $12. The new LITES t-shirts can be
at The Race Depot/ Seymour Enterprises in Marlboro Mass or are
available from Cyndy Scrivani. |
|
|
|
Mass Cruisers at Patriot Place
Thursday
Sept. 6th, 2012 |
|
The Mass Cruisers Auto Club, Bass Pro Shops and Patriot
Place want you to once again enjoy a evening of cruising
nostalgia and fun! |
|
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|
 |
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007 |
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002 |
|
|
2011
2010
2009
|
|
The 2011
2nd Annual
Shane Hammond
Memorial
Race Page |
|
Open Wheel Wednesday
July
28th, 2010
Seekonk Speedway
SHOWDOWN
EVENT PAGE |
|
|
|
NEMA Open
FB Group
NEMA
Fan Page
|
|
safetysolutions.com
NEMA Discount
Available HERE |
|
|
|
"Tires Designed for
Champions"
hoosiertire.com
|
|
|
Brockton, MA -
508-580-5844
Supplier of Mazda Midget engines
&
Independently Making Brand X Better |
|
|
Info Here
DRINAN SCORES 100TH WIN WITH
DRI-BAR |
|
|
Racers'
Online Store
theracedepot.com |
|
|
Charlton, MA
actrailers.com |
|
|
East
Enterprises
Brownsburg, IN
beastcars.com |
|
|
S. El Monte, CA
esslingeracing.com |
|
|
Rochester, IN
gaerteengines.com |
|
|
1800runsnew.com |
|
|
Visit the
Coastal
181.com
Bookstore HERE |
|
|
RI's most
respected name in Collision Repairs
crowncollision.com |
|
|
RacingAgainstCancer.com |
|
|
www.rwjm.com |
|
|
 |
NEMA/Red Roof Inn
Discount Program
for Racing,
Business, and
Personal Lodging
NEMA Code &
Reservation
Site Here |
|
|
|
NEMA Open
FB Group
NEMA
Fan Page
|
|
RESULTS &
PHOTOS
. |
|
2011
13 - Thompson WS
12 - Seekonk DAV
11 - Speedbowl
10 - Boston Louie
9 - Angelillo
8 -
Twin State
7 - Shane
Mem'l
6 - Seekonk OWW
5 -
Lee USA
4 - Thompson
3 - Stafford XT
2 - Thunder Road
1 - Speedbowl
2011 Lites
16 - Seekonk DAV
15 -
Seekonk/ISMA
14 - Speedbowl
13 -
Seekonk FF
12 - Boston Louie
11 -
Lee USA
10 -
Twin State
9 -
Seekonk FF
8 - Shane
Mem'l
7 -
Seekonk FF
6 -
Lee USA
5 - Speedbowl
4 - Thunder Road
3 -
Seekonk FF
2 - Speedbowl
1 - Speedbowl
2010
13 -
World Series
12 - Seekonk DAV
11 - Angelillo
10 - Boston Louie
9 - Speedbowl
8 - Monadnock
7 - Seekonk OWW
6 - Shane
Mem'l
5 - Stafford XT
4 - Thompson
3 -
Lee USA
2 -
Twin State
X - Monadnock
1 - Speedbowl
2010 Lites
13 -
Seekonk DAV
12 - Seekonk
11
- Angelillo
10 - Boston Louie
9 -
Seekonk
8 -
Monadnock
7 - Shane
Mem'l
6 -
Lee USA
5 -
Seekonk
4 -
Twin State
3 -
Seekonk
2 - Monadnock
1 -
Speedbowl
2009
14 - World Series
13 -
Seekonk DAV
12 -
Twin State
11 - Lee USA
10 - Marilyn's Passion
9 -
Twin State
8 - Wings & Wheels
7 -
Boston Louie
6 -
Monadnock
5 -
Speedbowl
4 -
Seekonk
3 -
Stafford
2 -
Lee USA
1 -
Monadnock
2009 Lites
13 - Oktoberfest
12 -
Seekonk DAV
11 -
Twin State
10 -
Lee USA
9 - Marilyn's Passion
8 -
Twin State
7 - Boston Louie
6 -
Monadnock
5 -
Speedbowl
4 -
Seekonk
3 -
Lee USA
2 -
Lee USA
1 -
Seekonk
Race Results
& Photos
from 2002 to 2008
HERE
|
|
|
|
NEMA Open
FB Group
NEMA
Fan Page
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEMA
2014 RULEBOOK
Including NEMA LITES
PDF
HERE |
|
|
 |
 |
| CUMENS -
STOEHR - ZYCH |
|
|
| Young
Avery Stoehr Tops NEMA Midgets Speedbowl Blastoff Field |
RACE REPORT BY WILLIAM
VANSLYKE - Waterford CT - Two for two for a
rookie driver and new car. Avery Store (#15a) claimed his
heat race as well as his first NEMA Midget feature win as he
held off a strong restart challenge from Ian Cumens (#29).
A NEMA Lite standout for a number of years, this 17 year
old states, “I’ve always wanted to drive a full NEMA midget
my whole life after watching my father and uncle drive.” His
ride, a Beast chassis with Gaerte power, is a sister car to
cousin Bethany (#5b) who also won her first NEMA feature in
2013 at the Waterford Speedbowl.
At the start, the
field was slowed on lap one for a multi car spin in turn
three involving the #80 of Pete Pernesiglio, the #5b of
Bethany Stoehr, and the #9 of John Zych.
Restarting
in the original lineup, Ryan Bigelow, (#13), and Stoehr
(#15a) battled side by side into turn one and down the back
stretch, but Stoehr pulled ahead going into three.
Cumens raced into second from his fifth starting spot
followed by Paul Scally (#30), Seth Carlson (#71), and Jim
Chambers (#21).
Zych, from his ninth starting spot,
moved up into the top five by lap 6.
Caution again came
on lap 10 as Randy Cabral (#47) had his motor erupt in smoke
and flame ending his day. Randy had been bringing his
Bertrand owned ride steadily up through the field from his
eight starting spot when the engine let go.
This set
the stage for the most challenging restart as Cumens, from
the outside front row, threw his #29 deep into turn one in
an effort to show Stoehr his bumper and keep him low. Avery
proved to be strong as he jumped ahead in turn four and
pulled away from the #29 down the front straight.
A
handfull of laps later, Zych, a past Speedbowl winner, got
by Cumens for second. But his Drinan chassis had a worsening
push, and he soon lost second back to Cumens. Seth Carlson
stayed in the top five all day and finished forth. Coming
all the way from his deep starting spot of twelfth, Todd
Bertrand finished fifth in the family #74.
Ian would
later say about that all-or-nothing restart, “I made one
small adjustment from the cockpit to get it a little tighter
and hoped it would stick so I could keep him low, but he was
just too strong.”
John Zych said of his lap one spin,
“It was definitely to avoid the other cars that spun, and I
was not concerned about the car being hurt. The tight
condition just got worse as the race went along.”
-
“Awesome” was the word of the day in
the Stoehr camp post race.
- Fasted lap of the NEMA
feature was a 102.025 mph run by winner Stoehr.
-
Bertrand Motor sports brought three cars to Waterford, two
of which were brand new chassis designs (#74, #47).
- The
Bertrand #39, slated for Todd Bertrand to drive, developed
an engine problem, so Doug Coby, in the Bertrand #74, gave
up his ride to Todd for the feature.
- In a mad dash,
Randy Cabral (#47) did a 5 minute front spring change as the
car did not feel right after the 5 lap Sunday noon warm up.
- Veteran NEMA flagger Steve Grant, came to the Blastoff
clad in a pressed white shirt and red tie in remembrance of
his legendary father, the late Earl Grant. “This is what my
father wore back in the day,” Steve said with a heavy heart. |
|
NEMA MIDGETS - WATERFORD - 4/13/14 |
|
Pos.
|
#
|
Driver |
Hometown
|
Owner |
|
1 |
15a |
Avery Stoehr |
Lakeville, MA |
Russ Stoehr |
|
2 |
29 |
Ian Cumens |
Lydell, PA |
Bobby Seymour |
|
3 |
9 |
John Zych Jr. |
Mendon, MA |
John Zych Sr. |
|
4 |
71 |
Seth Carlson |
Brimfield, CT |
Gene
Feigel |
|
5 |
74 |
Todd Bertrand |
Suffield, CT |
Bertrand Motorsports |
|
6 |
13 |
Ryan
Bigelow |
E. Hampton, CT |
Randy
Bigelow |
|
7 |
99 |
Paul Bigelow |
Kensington, CT |
Susan Santa
Maria |
|
8 |
50L |
Carl Medeiros Jr. |
Westport, MA |
Carl Medeiros Sr. |
|
9 |
9L |
Matt Swanson |
Acton, MA |
Matt Seymour |
10
DNF |
21 |
Jim Chambers |
Atkinson, NH |
Mike Chambers |
11
DNF |
30 |
Paul Scally |
Raynham,
MA |
Paul Scally |
12
DNF |
5b |
Bethany
Stoehr |
Bridgewater,
MA |
MCI Racing/
Greg Stoehr |
13
DNF |
47 |
Randy Cabral |
Plymouth, MA |
Tim
Bertrand |
14
DNF |
80 |
Pete Pernisiglio Jr. |
Charlotte, NC |
Pete Pernisiglio Sr. |
15
DNS |
50 |
Kevin Park |
Foxboro, MA |
Peter Pernisiglio Sr. |
|
NEMA MIDGETS HEATS - WATERFORD - 4/12/14 |
 |
 |
|
Heat 1:
47 - 80 - 9 - 21 - 13 - 99 - (39 DNS) |
|
Heat 2:
15a - 29 - 74 - 71 - 30 - 5b - (77 DNF) - (50
DNS) |
|
|
 |
| MEDEIROS -
STERGIOS - KRACHUN |
|
|
P.J. Stergios Claims NEMA Lites
Waterford
2014 Blastoff |
Coming off a three win season in 2013, P.J. Stergios
(#11) took the NEMA Lites opener at the Waterford Speedbowl
2014 Blastoff. The Candia, NH native started deep in the
field, tenth, and was going away at the checkered over
second place finisher Ryan Krachun, (#29) and third place
finisher, Carl Medeiros Jr. (#50).
Despite losing his
power steering at the half way mark, PJ built a commanding
lead. “I needed a lot more muscle after that. The car worked
well on the outside. After a couple of second place finishes
late last year, I really wanted another win.”
Megan
Cugini (#41) took the lead at the green followed by Krachun
and Scott Bigelow (#32). Krachun than went on top on lap two
while Stergios moved from his tenth staring spot to second
on the 6th lap followed by Cugini, Andy Borrows (46x) and
Medeiros.
Krachun held the lead until a lap 10
caution triggered by a turn one spin by Richie Morrocco
(#25).
On the restart, Stergios took the lead from
Krachun followed by Cugini, Barrows and Medeiros. P.J. then
stayed on the point till the checkers, still fighting that
power steering issue, and was followed across the line by
Krachun, Medeiros, Barrows and Matt Swanson, (#9), who moved
up to claim fifth.
Krachun said in post race, “I wore
out my left rear and had no brakes, blew out my felt front
brake line.” He continued, “The car handled well, but would
have been a lot better with a left rear. The #11 was much
better.”
Medeiros, 2013 NEMA Lites Driver Champ,
reported the #50 was “bad tight but improved as the race
went on.” The crew had added extra fuel in anticipation of
multi yellows, and as the right front became worn on a track
“with lots of grip”, he knew third was his best shot.
The 20 car field enjoyed sunny skies and ideal track
conditions to give the crowd tight, side by side racing.
Next on the Lites schedule is May 10th right back at the
Waterford facility for another go at the shore line track.
- Christian Briggs (#44) had engine problems after practice.
Crew members from three teams and a NEMA official swarmed
over the motor and corrected the problem.
- Carl Medeiros
Jr. had no plans to run his Lites racer but motor problems
in his new modified changed his mind. The stout Lites
machine is for sale.
- After his first Lites division
feature race, newcomer Dennis O’Brien was all smiles after
he had some overheating problems and finishing 18th. “It
rolled into the trailer, I’m happy.” |
|
NEMA LITES - WATERFORD -
4/12/14 |
|
Pos.
|
#
|
Driver |
Hometown
|
Owner |
|
1 |
11 |
PJ Stergios |
Candia, NH |
Bill Stergios |
|
2 |
29 |
Ryan Krachun |
Neschanic Station, NJ |
Mike Krachun |
|
3 |
50 |
Carl Medeiros Jr. |
Westport, MA |
Carl Medeiros Sr. |
|
4 |
46x |
Andy Barrows |
New Ipswitch, NH |
Jeff Johnson |
|
5 |
9 |
Matt Swanson |
Acton, MA |
Matt Seymour |
|
6 |
41 |
Megan Cugini
* |
Marshfield, MA |
D. Cugini |
|
7 |
94 |
Logan Rayvals |
Brockville, ONT |
Craig Rayvals |
|
8 |
44 |
Christian Briggs |
Mattapoisett, MA |
Charles
Thomas Motorsports |
|
9 |
51 |
Danny Cugini |
Marshfield, MA |
D. Cugini |
|
10 |
18 |
DJ Moniz |
Fairhaven, MA |
David Moniz |
|
11 |
21 |
Anthony Payne |
Fairlawn, NJ |
Jennifer Scrivani |
|
12 |
4 |
Jamie Falconi |
Southborough, MA |
Paul Scally |
|
13 |
42 |
Juris Kupris |
Williamsburg, NY |
Charles Thomas
Motorsports |
|
14 |
7 |
Todd Bertrand |
Suffield, CT |
Gregory Olson |
15
DNF |
13 |
Paul Bigelow |
Kensington, CT |
Randy Bigelow |
16
DNF |
25 |
Richie Morrocco |
Plainville, MA |
Richard Morrocco |
17
DNF |
39 |
RJ Tufano |
West Haven, CT |
RJ Tufano |
18
DNF |
16 |
Dennis O'Brien |
Deerfield, NH |
Chris O'Brien |
19
DNF |
45 |
Brandon Igo |
Wilbraham, MA |
David Igo |
20
DNF |
32 |
Scott Bigelow |
E. Hampton, CT |
Scott
Bigelow |
21
DNS |
35 |
Randy Cabral |
Plymouth, MA |
Glen Cabral |
22
DNS |
45m |
Joey
Mucciacciaro |
Wolcott, CT |
Frank
Mucciacciaro |
|
Heat 1:
94 - 46x - 51 - 7 - 21 - 16 - (45m DNS) |
|
Heat 2:
32 - 41 - 25 - 9 - 44 - 18 - (13 DNF) |
|
Heat 3:
11 - 29 - 39 - 45 - 42 - 4 - (35 DNS) |
|
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Blastoff Weekend at Waterford Speedbowl
Saturday & Sunday - 13 Divisions Racing |
Waterford, CT
(April 11, 2014) – Waterford Speedbowl opens its gates this
Saturday and Sunday welcoming hundreds of racecars and
thousands of fans for its annual Blastoff Weekend event. The
show marks the shoreline oval’s 64th consecutive season of
operation and gives race fans a taste of the speed and
excitement the track has in store for 2014. In total
thirteen race divisions will provide the on-track
entertainment at Blastoff with qualifying races plus seven
main events Saturday evening. The remaining six feature
races take place on Sunday highlighted by a 100-lap race for
the Valenti Modified Racing Series. Blastoff Weekend was
originally scheduled for March 30 & 31 but had to be
rescheduled due to wet weather.
The popular Valenti
Modified Racing Series and
Northeastern Midget Association, both long-standing
race series rich in history in New England, each begin their
2014 seasons at Blastoff. The New England Truck Series will
also visit plus all the Speedbowl’s regular racing divisions
from its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and Wild ‘n Wacky
Wednesday racing series round out the weekend’s card.
Blastoff Weekend gets underway early
Saturday when the pit
gates open for race teams at 7:30am. Practice rounds
commence at 9:00am, with spectator grandstands opening at
11:30am. Qualifying races will set the feature race lineups
for all 13-divisions Saturday and go to post at 2:30pm,
including for the Valenti Modified Racing Series which
expects a large turnout of racers. Feature races are
scheduled to begin at 5:00pm.
NEMA Lites are the second race.
Sunday’s event
schedule kicks off at 10:00am with the popular Speedbowl Pit
Party, giving fans an up close and personal look at all the
cars and stars and a chance to get autographs from the
drivers. Racing begins just after
12:00pm when the Northeastern Midget Association competes
for 25-laps. Sunday’s feature races also include four
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races anchored by a
special 64-lap SK Modified® event and closing out the racing
will be the 100-lap race for the Valenti Modified Racing
Series.
Blastoff Weekend event admission is $35.00
for adult grandstands admission and $10.00 for youth ages
six through fourteen. Kids age five and under receive free
grandstands admission. Pit area pricing is $40.00 for
licensed racing members and $50.00 for non-members.
Blastoff Weekend is presented by Levine Distributing and
Budweiser. |
NEMA Teams Prepare
for the
“Bowl's” 2014 Blastoff |
Rescheduled to
April 12 and 13, the Waterford “2014 Blastoff” is set to
begin the NEMA racing season. Race team preparations began
late last fall and have progresses throughout the long cold
winter, but things will soon heat up.
The weekend
will showcase a number of heats and features that will test
the newly rebuilt machines of the NEMA and NEMA Lites
divisions.
“Auto racing success demands 80% car, and
20% driver”. That quote came from a former Daytona 500
winner nearly 30 years ago, and the same still holds true
today.
Recently, a number of NEMA and NEMA Lite
teams took the time to share their off-season maintenance
practices.
Jim Santa Maria from Burlington, Ct.,
competes in the NEMA division with a 2009 Beast chassis
powered by a Mazda engine. In the off season Jim and the
crew tore the number 99 all the way down to the bare
chassis, repaired any cracks and touched up some broken
welds; then the frame got a complete powder coating. His
Mazda power plant has been rebuilt with hopes on improving
his 3 top 10’s from 2013.
Keeping with Mazda power,
Pete Pernesiglio from Long Island, N.Y. still has a
possession his very unique 1986 Mazda Rotary engine. For
years the engine literally sat on his garage floor and
occasionally Pete would squirt some oil in it, spin it over
a few times to chase the mice out. In 2013 Pete reworked the
old piece and placed it back in the 1997 Stealth chassis
that he and son Peter had so much success with. For 2014
Pete has decided to rebuild the fuel system and upgrade the
ignition. With these improvements, “Mazda” Pete hopes to
improve the engine’s performance and get the number 50 back
in the field.
Jennifer Scrivani, owner of the #21
Lite midget, has overseen a number of changes and upgrades
to the 10 plus year old Hawk chassis. It was disassembled
and welds repaired, a new rear end was installed and the
fuel system upgraded. These improvements will insure driver
Anthony Payne adds to his 4 top 10’s of 2013.
In an
effort to reduce some DNF’s from 2013, Richie Morrocco, #25,
and his crew have installed a new clutch, new fuel pump, and
upgraded the cam shaft in their 12 year old Focus engine.
Their chassis, a 10 year old Hawk, was checked over in an
effort to add to Richie’s 1 win and 6 top 10 finishes in
2013.
The #51 NEMA Lite racing team captured the 2013
owner points championship with driver Danny Cugini. To
insure equal success this season his team has checked over
the 2006 Hawk chassis replacing any worn parts and upgraded
the brake system. Although the motor was refreshed last
year, new cylinder head valves and springs were installed
for 2014 with hopes of capturing the driver’s championship.
Netting 3 wins and 10 top 10’s in 2013, P.J. Stergios,
#11, will not rest on those successes. He and the crew have
completely tore down the 2006 Beast chassis for some
upgrades, fixed electrical issues and had the rear end
rebuilt. Personally, P.J. kept sharp in the off season by
racing go karts and keeping a positive attitude with hopes
of more wins for the new season.
Moving up to the
fill NEMA division for 2014, Kenny and Jeff Johnson had a
lot of work to do. The #46 Hawk chassis racer may look the
same, but the components within are not. The Johnson’s have
rebuilt a newly acquired Autocraft VW engine and had it
painstakingly installed in the car. New this year; the
torque tube and drive shaft, electrical wires and fuel
lines, rear and front axle, seat and safety equipment. The
2002 chassis was tore down and upgraded to insure ongoing
success for the new season.
The #71 Drinan chassis,
Esslinger powered midget of Seth Carlson will be back in
2014. Seth and crew will be shooting to improve on their
1win and 10 top 10’s of the past season. The car itself went
through few changes but Seth has been training for a
triathlon, insuring he’s in top shape for the battles ahead.
The hot summer nights can at times be taxing on a driver and
any edge can be an advantage. The Esslinger engine is a
young 3 years old and will hopefully have as much endurance
as it’s driver. |
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| NEMA’s first Green
Flag….Waterford “2014 Blastoff Weekend” |
At Thompson CT’s final
checkered flag last fall, all thoughts were on the off
season. As the month of March 2014 rolled around, thoughts
are now on the “new season.” The race fan’s hunger for the
first live event will soon be satisfied as the Waterford
Speedbowl and the Northeastern Midget Association will be on
the menu.
The March 28th, 29th and 30th “2014
Blastoff Weekend” will be held at “the perfect midget track.”
That’s a quote from many NEMA drivers over the years as the
speeds and competition continue to climb at the shoreline
speed plant. A year ago at the opener, Todd Bertrand turned
a lap of 12.619 seconds, 106.9 mph, on his way to winning his
heat race, compared to times in the 12.8’s and 12.9’s in
previous years.
Coming off a very competitive 2013
season with 9 different winners in 15 races led by John
Zych with 5 wins, this crop of drivers and teams preparing
for the opener are a good mix of experienced veterans and
talented rookies in both the NEAM and Lites divisions.
Zych, 2013 NEMA champ, claimed his first checkered at
the Waterford Blastoff opener in 2012, but will get pressure
from last year’s winner, Todd Bertrand wheeling the family
#39. Also out of the Bertrand stable is past Waterford
winner Randy Cabral and Whelen Modified Champ Doug Coby,
both in new Linblad / Drinan chassis cars.
Another
“Bowl” winner from 2013, Bethany Stoehr, will be joined this
year in the NEMA Midges division by cousin Avery Stoehr. Avery
campaigned the family #15a in the Lites for a number of
years but got some seat time in the big cars in 2013.
Other returnees looking for “Blastoff" success” are Ian
Cumens in the Seymour #29 and new NEMA division entrant
Ryan Bigelow in his #13 Honda powered racer. Long Island’s
Pete Pernesiglio (#80), Alan Chambers (#21), Seth Carlson
(#71), and veteran Paul Scally in his #30 Drinan Chassis
midget, are all opening day hopefuls.
Also on the
card for opening weekend will be the NEMA Lites division,
starting their seventh year of competition. Led by the only
returning 2013 multi- winner P.J. Stergois (#11), this ultra
competitive series had eleven winners in sixteen races for
2013. From top to bottom, the Lite’s roster is loaded with
youth and exuberance and promises not to disappoint the
fans.
Also expected are Lites competitors Andy Borrows (#81), Scott Bigelow (#33), and
Danny and Megan Cugini (#51 & #41). Winner at Oswego in
2013, Richie Morrocco, will run his #25. Other Lites entries
will be Brandon
Igo (#45), Logan Rayvals (#94), and a two car effort from
CTM Racing and Christian Briggs. Christian has teamed with
former go-kart racing buddy Juris Kupris, a Conn. native, to
run his old ride, now re-numbered to #42. Christian will drive
a newly acquired former USAC Spike chassis as the #44.
From the Jenifer Scrivani camp is the revamped chassis #21
driven by second generation driver Anthony Payne. With
limited exposure in 2013, this will be Anthony’s first
full season in the Lites.
With NEMA’s 2014 campaign
officially starting at the Blastoff’s first green flag, the
NEMA team’s off season preparation will surely be put to the
test. |
by Shaun
Courchesne
racedayct.com |
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Doug Coby To Add More Midget
Events
In 2014 With Bertrand Team;
Ready For NEMA Opener At Waterford |
For years Doug
Coby wanted to be part of the prestigious “guest driver”
program for the Bertrand Motorsports Northeastern Midget
Association team.
It’s a program with Bertrand
Motorsports that over the years has included the likes of
Ryan Newman, Cole Carter, Ted Christopher, Lou Cicconi and
Mike Stefanik to name a few.
Now guest who isn’t
leaving anytime soon might be the best way to categorize the
Milford driver’s place with the team.
After running
three NEMA events for Bertrand Motorsports in 2013, Coby
said he expects to expand that schedule for 2014.
FULL STORY HERE |
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| Mrs.
Irene Venditti passed away on March 28th. |
Find
a Victory Lane photograph that includes Irene Venditti.
Reach out, grab and hold on to that smile. That smile is
what Irene, the matriarch of one of New England’s premier
racing families, was all about.
A New England Auto
Racers Hall of Famer, Irene Venditti,. 94, passed away
Friday.
Part of Seekonk Speedway from its inception
in 1946, the smile reflects the love and joy Irene found in
both the game and in the competitors. Victory was not the
result so much as it was the culmination of the battle.
She was by husband D.Anthony’s side when Seekonk became
a reality in 1946. She was a major part of the battle that
resulted in the “Cement Palace” being one of the
longest-running tracks in the country. Her dedication to the
sport and her husband actually preceded that, going back to
Anthony’s involvement with the “Big Cars” before the war.
And, one suspects, nothing surpassed the Midgets in
Irene’s heart. “Almost to the end Mrs. V was there for every
Midget show,” points out Seekonk historian R.A. Silvia, a
life-time friend of Irene. “Seekonk was built for the
Midgets and she never forgot that.”
Seekonk hosted the
first-ever Northeastern Midget Association event on May 30,
1953 and the “Cement Palace” remains a showplace for the
Midgets.
Back a few years ago Irene rode around the
track in a special two-seater driven by New England
open-cockpit legend Joe Sostillio. She so loved it as she
did whenever other legendary drivers and cars came to the
place.
A woman of immense faith, Silvia points out
“she always went far beyond the usual limits of friendship.
Her kindness was gigantic. She was truly universally loved.”
She could, however, be stern and was indeed so when,
following D. Anthony’s passing in 1991, the situation
demanded it.
NEMA extends its sympathy to Irene’s
family – daughters Ann and Adrianne and son Francis.
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| NEMA Announces 2014
Schedule |
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Printable PDF
of NEMA and NEMA LITES 2014 Schedule |
After months of hard work
and planning, the Northeastern Midget Association has
finalized it's schedule for the upcoming racing season. Both
ends of the thirteen race schedule will be held at the
traditional venues; the kick-off at the Waterford Speedbowl
March 29 - 30, and the wind-down at Thompson, CT in late
October. The eight month, ten track span of events will take
the winged warriors as far north as Evan Mills Speedway in
Evans Mills, NY and Oxford Plains in Maine; and as far south
as Seekonk, MA.
The first hot laps of 2014 will be
turned at an open practice slated for March 28 at the
Waterford Speedbowl, followed by two days of intense
qualifying and features by both the NEMA and Lites divisions
for the "2014 Blastoff" on the 29th and 30th. After a bit of
a break, racing resumes at the Evans Mills Motorsports Park
on May 24th in upstate New York.
What follows is the
heart of the schedule as the teams will race in eight events
over a span of three months starting with a newer track for
NEMA in Wiscasset, ME on June 7. Monadnock Speedway in New
Hampshire is next on June 21 for the "Iron Mike" Memorial, a
season highlight celebrating the life of legendary car owner
Mike Scrivani. The teams return to NH for a June 28 race at
the Twin State Speedway in Claremont to finish out the
month.
July will be especially challenging for the
teams as the mid section of the month hosts three races in
eight days. On July 19 NEMA will be part of the Oxford 250
super lae model weekend in Maine, a very prestigious
event in the northeast. This event will offer an opportunity
to claim the Marvin Rifchin Trophy, a piece wanted on all
NEMA driver's mantels.
Next up, the only mid week event of
the year is on July 23 in Seekonk, MA. Billed as "Open Wheel
Wednesday;" the track will host the Tri-Track Open
Modified Series as
well as the NEMA "Boston Louie Memorial Classic." The "Louie" is special to the
NEMA fraternity as the annual race is held in remembrance of
"Boston" Louie Seymour, long time NEMA midget car owner.
The month closes out with a return to the Waterford
Speedbowl on July 26 for NEMA's second of four visits. It will be a very special
night to say the least as much loved and missed Shane
Hammond will be remembered.
August starts out where July
left off, back at the popular Waterford facility on the 9th,
and then back north to Epping, NH and Star Speedway on the
23rd, a NEMA mainstay.
New York state's second stop
on the schedule is at the famed Oswego Speedway, Oswego,
NY. The Sept. 13th Saturady at the lightning fast track is the one
and only race date for the month.
The final two
events of the year are two day shows starting October 4-5 at
Waterford, for the clubs fourth visit and ending at "The
World Series of Speedway Racing" on the high banks of
Thompson Speedway on October 18-19.
The NEMA Lite
Division's 2014 schedule mimics the NEMA schedule save for
the additions of races on May 10th at Waterford, May 31 at
Star and Sept 6th back at Waterford. The Lites will not
compete at Thompson.
As the days get longer,
hopefully the temperatures will rise as high as the
anticipation of this new season. The NEMA and Lites teams
are winding up final preparations and as the first race date
approaches we can only imagine how the season will go. Check
back here weekly and we'll let you know! |
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NEMA General Meeting
&
Hoosier Tire Info Session:
Friday, March 14, 2014
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On Friday, March 14, 2014
at 7:30pm, NEMA will host a general meeting at the Crowne
Royal Plaza in Marlborough, MA. Exit
24b off I-495.
Representatives from Hoosier Tire will attend the
meeting to discuss tires for the 2014 race season. NEMA
invites you to attend the meeting . This is your time to ask
the questions you need answered about your racing tires. The
objective of the meeting is to give everyone a full
understanding of the makeup and functionality of the Hoosier
Tire so you can make more knowledgeable decisions with your
tires at the race track. We are encouraging all drivers, car
owners, and crew members to attend this exclusive
informational session.
The NEMA board will also
review the 2014 race schedule
and any outstanding issues that need to be discussed prior
to the season opener.
At this meeting, NEMA will
also be accepting new memberships
for those of you who have not yet signed up for the
2014 race season. March 14th will
be the last day that you can purchase your membership at a
reduced price. Please remember we would like all
paperwork completed before the Budweiser Blastoff on March
29th at Waterford Speedbowl.
NEMA will be serving
snacks at the meeting for
the hard working folks on a workday. |
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NEMA Drivers “Other” Jobs
Talents outside the cockpit….Part 3 |
| STORY BY WILLIAM
VANSLYKE |
For this third and final
installment of Drivers “Other” Jobs, we’re going to hear
from the owner of Motor Cars International located in
Bridgewater, MA. Greg
Stoehr, 49, the
establishments Service Manager as well as owner, has been
selling and servicing cars there for 30 years, a career he
enjoys except for the long hours away from home. Every
technician has been trained by Greg, which he says is the
most likable part of the job, as he ensures the work gets
done properly and efficiently. Away from the dealerships
duties, he enjoys skiing and working on a fleet of midget
race cars and go karts that are driven by himself, daughter
Bethany and nephew Avery.
Bethany Stoehr, also an employee of the above
mentioned dealership for the past 3 years, boasts as only
the 2nd female to win a NEMA feature event. That
accomplishment occurred at Waterford Speedbowl in 2013 in
front of a roaring crowd. The next event, held in New
Hampshire, had this 18 year old leading the fans in singing
the national anthem, which was no small feat given it was
her very first performance in front of a live audience. When
putting in her hours at the family dealership, she can be
found performing clerical work as well as some light auto
repair. The most unique part of the job has her transporting
high end vehicles around the northeast, all of which she
says is enjoyable and never boring.
Avery Stoehr, 17, son of
past NEMA champion, Russ Stoehr, and forth generation
driver, works at Todrin Industries, Lakeville, MA. Duties
has this youngster working with sheet metal performing
welding and machine work, which he has done for the past
year. He enjoys the opportunity to operate a number of
different work centers and different variations of
equipment. On occasion he has to fight through some boring
jobs but looks forward to getting away to go snowboarding
and racing.
Bigelow Electric, East Hampton, Ct.,
employs Ryan Bigelow, 23,
as a foreman. Ryan says he’s a “lifer” as he’s worked at the
family business all his life in one capacity or another. An
electrician by trade, duties include electrical work as well
as running and supervising jobs, tasks Ryan explains can be
very challenging on occasion. Always the outdoorsman, he
enjoys the winter as snowmobiling is his family’s outdoor
hobby.
Finally, we close out our list of drivers with
a young man who’s profession is unique and challenging as
he’s always “cooking up” something.
Christian
Briggs, 30, from
Mattapoisett, MA, holds the title of Executive Chief at the
Gateway Tavern. The popular restaurant located in Wareham,
MA., has been Christian’s employment home for the past 10
years. Duties and responsibilities under his title include
“ensuring everyday operations are achieved properly” as this
restaurant has a large following and at peek hours patrons
deserve perfection. Christian brings a great work ethic to
the table as he must juggle the racing weekend schedules
with the tavern’s work schedule, a task that at times can be
a challenge. But as he has proven many times in the past, he
can excel in both environments.
Multi-talented and
multi-tasking, NEMA drivers can do it all. Their passion for
their careers is equaled only by their love for a sport that
uses up a large amount of spare time and money. They
wouldn’t want it any other way. |
NEMA Drivers “Other” Jobs
Talents outside the cockpit….Part 2 |
| STORY BY WILLIAM
VANSLYKE |
You would think with all
the racing knowledge and ability our NEMA and NEMA Lite
drivers have, that their everyday nine to fives would follow
that same line. Well, nothing could be farther from the
truth. This time around we’ll visit a driver that will pour
you a tasty drink, a young lady that will teach you how to
somersault, and a guy that’ll build you a house; just to
mention a few.
Scott
Bigelow, 35, from East Hampton, Ct., (along with his
racing family made up of Ryan, Paul and Randy); own and
operate Bigelow Electric Inc., out of Kensington, Ct. They
have been running the company for the past 20 years billing
themselves out as “Electrical Contractors”. Scott, the vice
president, enjoys the work but always saves time on the side
for hunting, snowmobiling and spending time with his three
kids. Come this March, he’ll once again be adding racing to
his busy schedule.
Next up are
the Cugini siblings, Megan and Danny, 18 and 21. Both
reside from Marshfield, Ma. and both compete in the NEMA
Lite series. Danny has been employed as a Mechanical
Contractor for the last 4 years and “Meg” is a Nursing
student at Laboure College in Milton, Ma. In their spare
time away from the daily grind, Danny enjoys riding his
ATV’s and working around the race shop. Sister Meg fills her
spare time as a gymnastic coach.
Speaking of racing
families, the O’Brien name
will always be associated with New England auto racing.
Father and car owner, Jim O’Brien, fielded many a fast
midget over the years in the NEMA series and the same can be
said of son Matt. Along
with elder brother Dennis, Matt, 41 from Wilmington, Ma.,
continues to ensure the familiar family name is always on
the entry lists. Away from the track, Matt holds the title
of Senior Project Architect at R.E. Dinneen Architects,
located in Boston, a position he’s had for 5 years. The busy
work schedule at the firm has Matt performing design work,
production and management duties. His off time is spent with
the kids, the race cars while tinkering with carpentry. Is a
wooden race car design in his future?
“The Beach,
love the beach”, is what Andy
Barrows says is his favorite past time when not
racing or running Prostock Kitchens out of Peterborough,
N.H. This New Ipswich, N.H. resident campaigns a NEMA lite
racer during the racing season while juggling the Kitchen
business that he’s owned for 15 years. Andy will point out
that the title of President of a company comes with the
duties of doing “everything”. When asked of the pro’s and
con’s of the business, Andy points out the best thing is
dealing with the customers, and the worse thing is dealing
with the customers, but for 15 years he’s done a good job
with both.
When the topic of being active and going
fast comes up, NEMA driver of the Bertrand family midgets,
Todd Bertrand, 22, throws
his hat in. This Suffield, Ct. native loves to drive go
karts and go snowboarding when he’s away from the track. For
two years, Todd has worked as a bartender at the Plan B
Burger Bar in West Hartford, Ct. and loves to socialize
while serving the customers, but is not fond of the long,
late night hours. Always one to experience new things, Todd
enjoys tasting the latest craft beers on the market and
makes recommendations to his customers.
So, while
this group will be happy to build you kitchen or design you
a house, next time we’ll visit a place to buy a great car
and a place to buy a great meal……bring money. |
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NEMA Drivers “Other” Jobs
Talents outside the cockpit….Part 1
"plays in dirt", "30 years", "AARP",
"Sold" |
| STORY BY WILLIAM
VANSLYKE |
We fans of the Northeastern
Midget Association are well aware of what our drivers do 17
weekends of the year. The question is, what’s their life
like away from the track, away from the bright lights, the
screaming engines, the competition? What exactly are these
drivers other talents and interests when not strapped in
their rocket ships. Well, some of NEMA’s best were gracious
enough to reveal some interesting aspects of their lives
pertaining to their hobbies, occupations, likes and
dislikes.
Multi feature winner and NEMA’s 2013 Champ,
Johnny Zych, 30, from Mendon MA, has what you could
call a serious sweet tooth. John is a district sales manager
for the Hershey Company for southern New England. John has
been with Hershey 8 years and currently manages a sales
team, a group of people he enjoys working with. When away
from the track and his job, he enjoys time with the family
and playing basketball. John was everyone’s friend at the
club’s recent banquet as he showed up with the “largest
Hershey bar anyone has ever seen“ as it was measured in
pounds!
Driver of the bright orange and white number
30 midget, (and NEMA’s club treasurer),
Paul Scally, from Raynham,
MA, currently supervises all construction activities at the
R. Zoppo Construction Co. in Stoughton, MA. A 10 year
veteran at the company, his title of Superintendent keeps
him busy and allows him to earn the needed capital to go
racing. Not one to relax after work, Paul spends this off
time building racecars and spending time with his dad.
They call this next driver, “The Jet”,
Joey Payne, 47, from Fair
Lawn, NJ.
“The Jet” is a handle he does not treat
lightly, as this Service Manager for “Vacuum Truck Rentals”
makes sure he’s always on the move. Joey has been at the
Oakland, NJ rental facility for 4 ½ years and is currently
in charge of 50 plus truck rentals spread up and down the
east coast. He loves the job because he never knows where
he’ll be on any given day, but on occasion, he’ll get caught
up on delivering a truck on a Friday when he needs to leave
for a race. Yes, “Jet”, is a very appropriate handle.
The Pernesiglio name as been synonymous with NEMA for
more than 30 years, and “young”
Pete Pernesiglio races the family car to keep that
tradition alive. Son of “Mazda” Pete, this 43 year old
father of one from Lake Grove, NY, a Long Island community,
works in auto parts sales at Advantage Hyundai. With 10
years service at the Hicksville, NY dealership, Pete enjoys
getting home every night, but has his hands full at times
dealing with the commute, a part of the job not to his
liking. So as a outlet, Pete heavily involves himself with
slot car racing, and even takes his unique hobby out of
state to test his skills against some of New England’s best.
To watch Kevin Park at
any race track, you’ll witness a 59 year old bounce around
with the youthfulness of a racer 30 years his junior. This
tireless NEMA Lites driver, from Foxboro, MA. enjoys making
his livelihood operating heavy equipment for the Derenzo
Co., but is quick to say he’d rather not be out in the
Northeast winter climate. Kevin does point out that the most
enjoyable aspect about his 7 years at the company is
defiantly pay day which allows him to fund his midget racing
as well as his grandson’s go karts.
Perhaps the most
interesting occupation we came across was that of
Jim Chambers, driver of
the family number 21 NEMA racer. This 26 year old from
Atkinson, NH holds the title of Auctioneer for
(appropriately named) “Jim Chambers Auctioneer” The most
enjoyable part of this job, Jim points out, is “working for
myself”, and has been at it for 8 years. Unfortunately, Jim
must travel to where the work takes him and even though that
is the downside to all this, he makes sure he gets away to
enjoy his snowboarding and music. Got a bunch of stuff to
sell, Jim’s your man. |
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NEMA Lites "Allstar" Awards
from Allstar Performance |
The NEMA midget
association is proud to announce a new corporate partner for
their NEMA Lites Series - Allstar Performance out of
Watervliet, Michigan.
NEMA has established a new
contingency award that will recognize the outstanding
efforts of NEMA LITES drivers both on and off the track. At
each event the Allstar Performance “ Allstar of The Race”
will receive a $100 dollar Allstar Performance gift
certificate.
Additionally 9 winners will be picked at
the 2014 NEMA Banquet to receive an “Allstar of the Season”
award. These are open to the NEMA Lites drivers, car owners,
and any associate members. These awards will be chosen for
outstanding performance both on and off the track.
Allstar Performance recognizes NEMA as having a successful
62 year history and is proud to support the organization
with these awards. |
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allstarperformance.com |
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Morrocco Looking for
Sophomore Success |
Brockton, MA -
Fifteen-year-old Richie Morrocco will be back with the NEMA
Lite series in 2014, and there are no doubts in his mind, or
in others’ that he will be a championship threat. A winner
in 2013 at the ultra-fast Oswego Speedway, Morrocco was
undoubtedly impressive in his freshman voyage.
Like many
famous names around the Northeast, Morrocco got his start at
the “Little T” Speedway in Thomspon, CT racing quarter
midgets. Long time NEMA member Jackie Parker guided Morocco
there, with the hope that he would some day move into the
full midget ranks with NEMA. “Jackie has been influential to
our team and our involvement with NEMA, and is a sponsor of
ours today,” said Morrocco.
Morrocco counts Bobby
Santos III and Randy Cabral as two of the biggest influences
in his racing career. “Bobby is a big influence for a young
driver – he’s a local guy, great driver, he's fast in every
car he drives and he can show up after warm ups and still
win – which says something,” said Morrocco. “Randy (Cabral)
helps out a lot of the kids, including me. He shares some of
his knowledge and helped me improve a lot as a driver this
year. And I enjoyed running with him in the lites this past
year,” he said.
Morrocco’s Hawk Chassis, #25 will
carry a familiar set of sponsors again in 2014 - West St.
Auto Body, Parker Sanitation, American Beauty Signworks and
the Shane Hammond foundation.
When asked about his
Championship hopes for 2014 – Morrocco says “it took me a
while to get used to the car, and for us to get the car
sorted out, but that’s mainly behind us now. We have a good
program for 2014 and look forward to running for a
Championship if things go well,” said Morrocco.
Morrocco and the NEMA Lite series get their start at the
Budweiser Blastoff the weekend of March 29th at the
Waterford Speedbowl. |
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In The O’Brien Book, “Final Chapter
Not
Written… Just Yet” |
| STORY BY WILLIAM
VANSLYKE |
Dennis O’Brien, son of
popular NEMA car owner, the late Jim O’Brien, will campaign
a NEMA Lite entry for the full 2014 racing season. Elder
brother of current NEMA driver, Matt O’Brien, Dennis will
bring his life long racing experiences to the New England
racing club with enthusiasm and a ton of resources.
This Deerfield, NH resident, and UPS driver, has sold his
entire Dwarf racing team and has purchased a Stealth chassis
and is currently installing a Ford Focus engine. He will be
putting forth a top notch effort in the very competitive
Lite division. Dennis is quick to point out that the
O’Brien’s are a “racing family” and that will continue with
sons DJ 19, and Mitchell 14, working the pits and brother
Chris acting as car owner who will also overlook the
finances. “Chris will handle his duties far away from the
track as he doesn’t get his hands dirty”, Dennis points out
with a laugh.
“Our father gave us the opportunity to
get involved in racing at early ages and we just couldn’t
get enough.” Dennis explains. “We were always at the track
and at the shop with him and he taught us well through the
years.” Starting his driving career in 1994 in stock cars,
Dennis moved to mini-stocks and super streets then
eventually to Dwarf cars. He explains, “I will heavily lean
on brother Matt’s vast midget experience and he is fully
behind this effort.”
Even though the color of the car
has not been finalized, “The number will be 16 and the
words, “Jim O’Brien & Sons Engineering” will be on the side
as is the case with all the O’Brien racing machines."
When pressed to reveal his 2014 goals, Dennis says with
confidence, “Immediately, we want top 10’s, by mid season
some top 5’s and ultimately a podium finish and a trophy by
years end.” He has been a track champion at Lee Speedway in
the 4 cylinder division, he considers the up coming
season a challenge. We are “determined to succeed,” even at
tracks like Star and Monadnock, where he has also turned
many laps.
Dennis pointed out in closing that “Dad
loved racing and loved to share it with his boys, and….. The
Final Chapter Not Written… Just Yet”. |
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Generation
Next: Avery Stoehr
Bound for NEMA Midgets Full-Time |
| Third
Generation Driver Prepares for Rookie Season in #15a |
by Nick Teto /
YankeeRacer.com
Headshot: Crystal Snape |
Avery Stoehr of
Lakeville, MA will be competing in the Northeastern Midget
Association (NEMA) Midgets full-time for MCI Racing. Stoehr
wants to “be competitive all year and learn as much as I
can. … I think I learned a lot from driving the #3t, #26,
and #44 this year and hopefully can build off that for next
season.”
Both Avery and Bethany Stoehr’s cars are
former Mike Jarret Beast-Gaerte Fords. Avery Stoehr will
drive a new spare chassis, while John Andruk is finishing
engine work this week. Sponsors Motor Cars International of
Bridgewater, MA, Skaters Edge Indoor Skatepark of Taunton,
MA and Circle Performance Racing Engines of Berkley, MA will
join Stoehr for his NEMA run.
Stoehr has four career
NEMA Lite wins. He finished third in NEMA Lite points last
year with wins at Stafford and Waterford. Stoehr also had
two top 10 finishes in five NEMA Midget starts this past
season. “I as well as Carl Kibbe are really looking forward
to him moving up,” Russ Stoehr said. “His limited
performances in the #44 showed a lot of promise and his
Thompson debut showed me he is ready.”
FULL STORY HERE |
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Jason Hentrich Joining NEMA
Midget Field in 2014 |
| by Nick Teto /
YankeeRacer.com |
Reigning
Borgers Speedway 600 Dirt Micro Sprint champion Jason
Hentrich of Willow Grove, PA will be moving up to the
Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) Midgets in 2014. “We
are really looking forward to it, Hentrich said. “This has
been something we had always wanted to do. We just came off
a successful season in asphalt Micros so we decided that it
was time to try it.”
FULL STORY HERE |
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| Christian
Briggs & CTM Plan Two Car LITES Effort in 2014 with Juris
Kupris |
| Charles Thomas
Motorsports Expansion Underway |
| by Nick Teto /
YankeeRacer.com |
Christian
Briggs of Mattapoisett, MA confirmed last Thursday that he
will be competing full-time in the Northeastern Midget
Association (NEMA) Lites in 2014. 2014 will be Briggs’ first
full season. Briggs’ new #44 car is a former USAC Ignite
Focus Midget with a Spike chassis and Focus engine.
Charles Thomas Motorsports will be expanding to two cars.
Briggs’ former Hawk will sport the #42 for rookie driver
Juris Kupris of Williamsburg, NY. A native of Storrs, CT,
Kupris is an extreme surfer and personal trainer. Briggs
described Kupris as “a lifetime friend and mentor of mine.
We go back to Sugar Hill Speedway racing Karts when we were
kids. … Juris will be sure to turn some heads out there, he
is bad fast.” According to Briggs, Kupris will be competing
”full-time, if not very close. He is getting a great ride; I
don’t think he will want to miss any."
FULL STORY HERE |
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NEMA LITES Ryan Bigelow
“Moving Up For 2014” |
Northeastern Midget
Association LITES standout Ryan Bigelow has announced his
intention to move into the full NEMA division for the 2014
racing season. The East Hampton, Ct. native will be wheeling
a newly acquired Beast chassis with Honda horsepower for the
full NEMA schedule.
“I feel pure excitement about
this move and can’t wait to start working with the new
chassis.” Ryan goes on to say, “This plan has been three
years in the making, and now everything is aligned to make
the move.”
With the proven reliability of the Honda
power plant Ryan is confident that he should be able to
reach his 2014 goals of at least 1 win and possibly the NEMA
rookie of the year honors.
This young 23 year old
electrician is certainly no rookie when it comes to driving
anything with four wheels. Starting out in 2000 with Go
Karts at Whip City Speedway, he advanced to the Mini-Sprints
division where he piled up seven years of experience
perfecting his trade on that quarter mile oval.
His
next move was to the NEMA LITES in 2010. Ryan claimed his
first win at his favorite track (and home track) the
Waterford Speedbowl on May 7, 2011 and another win at
Seekonk Speedway later that year. Waterford was again good
to Ryan in the 2012 season opener, where he grabbed his
third career win.
With the help and support from
sponsors Bigelow Electric and Trade Services as well as from
his racing brothers Paul and Scott, we’ll expect big things
from Ryan Bigelow as he's “Moving up for 2014.” |
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NEMA MIDGETS & LITES TO ATTACK
OXFORD PLAINS SPEEDWAY
ON 250 WEEKEND JULY 19th |
OPS TRACK PR RELEASE - Oxford
Plains Speedway President, Tom Mayberry is pleased to
announce that the NEMA Midgets (Northeastern Midget
Association) will be part of the giant Oxford 250 weekend,
July 18th through 20th. This will mark the first time in
several years that the Midgets have appeared at Oxford.
The NEMA Midgets are a compact winged racecar with a
very high power to weight ratio. With up to 400 horsepower
and weighing approximately 1,000 pounds, Midgets are among
the fastest cars on oval tracks ½ mile and under. Midget
racing has long provided a pivotal role in the development
of some of the nation’s finest and most successful drivers.
Joining the NEMA Midgets will be the NEMA LITES. The
NEMA LITES are basically the same car except they are self
starting, and they have the same chassis, wing package and
tires, but have a limited race engine. The LITES are built
so that they can easily be converted to a full NEMA Midget
package.
The NEMA Midgets and NEMA LITES will be
competing on the Saturday, July 19th portion of the Oxford
250 weekend card.
For more information on the NEMA
organization and Oxford Plains Speedway, visit the Track
website at
www.oxfordplains.com, or call the Speedway hot line at
207-539-8865. Oxford Plains Speedway is located on Route 26
in Oxford, Maine. |
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| Jerry Wall - Yellow Jacket |
NEMA Releases Vintage
Slide Show on DVD |
The Northeastern Midget
Association announces the release of NEMA Vintage photo's on
DVD just in time for Christmas. The presentation is from the
collection of one of the most respected journalist,
historians and statisticians in New England, Pete Zanardi.
The range of drivers, owners, tracks and race cars
depicted in the collection are the who's who in Northeastern
midget racing. The forefathers that laid the foundation for
present day racing are illustrated in color and black and
white photo's complete with captions. Bill Randall, Ray
Roberts, Ronnie Evans and Jerry Russo just to name a few
drivers from NEMA's infancy.
The early cage days
drivers are represented by Bill Roth, Lee Smith, Hank
Stevens and Len Thrall for example. And to finish out the
last couple of decades are the Fornoros, Stoehrs, Scrivanis,
Seymours and many many more.
The cars are as big as
the drivers on this DVD that range from the Badgers to the
uprights, cage and cageless, even some Offy's.
The
DVD is 332 pictures strong and is a must for any early day
racing enthusiast.
The cost is $20 each with all
proceeds going directly to NEMA to help carry on the rich
traditions these early pioneers built.
Payment can be
made through PayPal
HERE
to
rewindles@sbcglobal.net or by sending a check or money
order
(payable to NEMA) as well as your name and address to
Bill Van Slyke,
23 Horsestable Cir., Shelton, Ct. 06484.
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| Ronnie Evans |
.jpg) |
| Seekonk Action |
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| Len Thrall |
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| Tony Romit - Fahey Offy |
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| Joe Csiki |
,-Tatro,Bud-(1)-Seekonk.jpg) |
| Bill Randall (3) & Bud
Tatro (1) - Seekonk |
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Previous Events - Photos & Results
- HERE
Previous NEMA NEWS HERE |
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Gene Angelillo Memorial
Page
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Previous Stories on
the News Pages HERE |
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