Seekonk Speedway - Saturday, August 26th

Seekonk, MA (August 26, 2006): Nokie Fornoro of Stroudsburg, PA led wire-to-wire to win the 10th Annual “Boston” Louie Seymour Memorial for the Northeastern Midget Association on Saturday night at Seekonk Speedway. The veteran driver took advantage of his pole starting position and went on to take down the impressive win in the 29-lap main event. Holding back challenges from Joey Payne, Fornoro was the class of the field in the Mike Jarett owned #4.

The “Boston” Louie Seymour Memorial Coors Light Silver Cup Classic is presented annually by the Seymour Family and a host of sponsors to pay tribute to one of Midget racing’s most endearing characters. Nicknamed the man who traveled a million miles, Seymour made a name for himself nationally in the open-wheel ranks with winning race cars and prominent drivers like Kenny Schrader, all the while traveling from his home in Massachusetts.

Although a national icon, it is right here at home in New England where his influence is most keenly felt. His contributions to the sport helped shape Midget Racing in New England. In the tradition of “Boston” Louie himself, the entire Seymour Family has continued to help advance Midget racing through their technical knowledge, business savvy and unwavering commitment.

“This is the most important race win I have ever had in my career,” said an emotional Fornoro in victory lane after getting a hug from Bobby Seymour. “Boston was the best person I have ever known and the Seymours are an incredible family. They are like my family too.”

The sentiment expressed by Fornoro speaks to the strength of character of Louie Seymour. By becoming the crown jewel in Fornoro’s all-ready noteworthy career it puts into perspective the place that this man held in the hearts of the racing community.

The “Boston” Louie Seymour Memorial was started back in 1997 and over the years the event has gained prestige with its sentiment and added prize money.

“We wish to extend our sincere thanks to NEMA, Seekonk Speedway, and the fans for helping us honor Boston, said the Seymour Family. “We could not do it without you!”

Sponsors for the 10th Annual Boston Louie Seymour Memorial included heat race sponsors Falconi Brothers, The Parker’s Sanitary Pumping and South Shore/Cape Cod Chrysler. Feature sponsors were Wirtgen America, Schrader Racing, R.J. Harrington Trucking, Ferrara Spring Works, cheapcaribbean.com, and West End Rentals. Lap sponsors came from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, California, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania helping to make this Boston Louie one of the most lucrative events on the NEMA schedule.

Fornoro adds his name to a growing list of drivers who have won the prestigious event including his brother Drew. Other previous winners have included Joey Payne (2), Ben Seitz, Russ Stoehr, Bobby Seymour, Bobby Santos III, and Randy Cabral.

The pre-race ceremonies for the Silver Cup Classic where made even more special when four of Boston’s grandchildren ran parade laps in their beautifully prepared Quarter Midgets.

With starter Steve Grant waving the green flag from the racing surface in true Midget racing tradition, Fornoro jumped out to take the lead on the initial start. It did not take him long to stretch out his lead over Shane Hammond and Pete Pernesiglio. Joey Payne, who was making his return to action after a devastating accident at Stafford last month, was looking strong in his brand new Dumos Desire #45. On lap five, Payne was locked in a heated battle with Pernesiglio for the third spot. Payne was able to grab the spot away. Shortly after, Pernesiglio went sliding through the infield on lap six relinquishing the fourth position.

The high-flying Fornoro was into lapped traffic by lap eight. Unphased, Fornoro continued to stretch his commanding lead, now on Payne who had blasted past Hammond on lap nine. Bobby Santos III was moving his way through traffic. The red-hot open wheeler moved into the fourth spot on lap 10 and took third from Hammond on lap 11.

The event’s first caution flew on lap 12; erasing Fornoro’s giant lead. The restart put Fornoro and Payne on the front row followed by Santos and Hammond. Randy Cabral occupied the fifth position.

Payne got a great run on the restart to challenge Fornoro for the lead. The two ran wheel-to-wheel for nearly a lap before Fornoro edged ahead for the lead once again. The top three of Fornoro, Payne, and Santos started to breakaway from the rest of the pack. Hammond continued to keep pace in fourth over Cabral and Greg Stoehr.

Seemingly from out of nowhere Jeff Horn was becoming a factor. On lap 17, after passing Ben Seitz then Stoehr, Horn made quick work of Cabral to move into the top-five. The second caution flew on lap 19 when Mike Luggelle stalled in turn one.

When the cars lined up to take the green once again it looked as if the event would come down to a dual between the veterans vs. the young guns. Fifty-year-old Fornoro took his place at the head of the field ahead of Payne, youngsters Santos and Hammond, 61-year old Horn and the “baby-faced” Randy Cabral.

Once back to green, Fornoro jumped back to his lead while Payne had his hands full with Santos. Santos used the high groove to make his move past Payne to take over the runner-up spot; however before they could complete the lap the caution flew for a spin by Mike Ordway, Jr. negating Santos’ pass.

Again on the restart, Payne stayed alongside Fornoro in a bid for the lead. The result was the same, as Payne had to fall in line behind Fornoro once again. The tables where turned for Santos now with Horn bearing down for the third spot. On lap 20, Horn was able to move by Santos into the third position. Not done yet, Horn sets sail for Payne in second. Meanwhile Cabral snuck by Hammond to put his mount back inside the top-five.

Corey Cleary spun between turns one and two sending the field scattering. Cleary was not collected in the single-car incident that brought out the fourth caution.

The lap 22 restart found Fornoro, Payne, Horn, Santos and Cabral inside the top five. Hammond, Seitz, Stoehr, Erica Santos and Barry Kittredge lined up in sixth through tenth. Payne was again strong on the restart while Horn struggled. Despite his efforts, Payne settled for second behind leader Fornoro. Santos was able to get by Horn.

After fending off the advances of Payne, Fornoro ran out to a comfortable lead once again. The running order stayed relatively calm inside the top five over the closing laps with Fornoro leading Payne, Santos, Horn, and Cabral.

The best battle on the track in the final two laps was behind sixth-place runner Hammond that pitted Seitz against Stoehr for the seventh position. Stoehr laid in wait and finally made his move to take over the spot.

At the checkers it was all Fornoro, heading to his NEMA-leading eighth career victory at Seekonk Speedway.

“I get real nervous with all those restarts,” said owner Jarett. “But the old guy pulled it out.”

With his victory Fornoro edged ever closer to point leader Ben Seitz in the chase for the 2006 Northeastern Midget Association championship.

Payne made his return a good one with the runner-up finish followed by Santos, Horn, and Cabral.

“We had to some problems with the new car,” said Payne after the race. “We lost the brakes during the feature. I think we may have had something for Nokie but I did not want to send the car in and risk making contact and taking us both out. We’ll settle for second after everything we have been through.”

“I need to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors who stuck by us throughout this terrible wreck,” added Payne.

Hammond had a great night to finish sixth over Stoehr, Seitz, E. Santos, and Kittredge. Mike Ordway, Jr. was presented with the Hard Charger Award.

Fornoro, who posted a scorching average lap speed of 106.88 miles per hour, set the quickest lap of the event.

A very gracious Fornoro concluded his victory speech with heartfelt thanks to all the event and series sponsors along with the Venditti Family and the fans of NEMA and Seekonk Speedway.

Next up for the Northeastern Midget Association is Finale at the Waterford Speedbowl on September 23 &24, 2006. The Midgets will be part of a weekend of great racing that will include several divisions. For more information log on to www.speedbowl.com.