NEMA - Northeastern Midget Association

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NEMA Fan Central

CHECK THE MEMBERS ALERTS PAGE FOR THE LATEST HANDICAPS, COMPETITION ADDENDA,
RACE PROCEDURES, NEMA FORMS,
NEMA HISTORY & NEMA STATS.
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2024 NEMA Membership Form ALL NEMA FORMS
NEMA RULEBOOK
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2024 SCHEDULES
NEMA MIDGETS NEMA LITES

Race 14 - Lee USA Oktoberfest - 10-5-24

Race 13 - Monadnock - 9-21-24

Race 12 - Star Hall of Fame Classic - 9-14-24

Race 11 - Wiscasset Speedway - 9-1-24

LITES Race 10 - NL-W Speedbowl - 8-17-24

Race 9 - Monadnock - Iron Mike - 7-20-24

Race 8 - Seekonk - Boston Louie - 7-13-24

LITES Race 7 - Seekonk - OWW - 6-27-24

LITES Race 6 - Hudson - O'Brien - 6-16-24

LITES Race 5 - Star Speedway - 6-15-24

LITES Race 4 - Wiscasset Speedway - 6-1-24

Race 3 - NL-W Speedbowl - SHANE - 5-25-24

LITES Race 2 - Monadnock - 5-4-24

Race 1 - Claremont MP - 4-27-24

2023 NEMA Banquet - 3-23-24

LITES Race 12 - Thompson SMP - 10-8-23

Race 11 - Lee USA Oktoberfest - 9-30-23

Race 10 - Star Classic - 9-16-23

Race 9 - Wiscasset Speedway - 9-3-23

Race 8 - Monadnock - Iron Mike - 8-26-23

Race 7 - NLWS - Angelillo - 8-19-23

Race 6 - Seekonk - Boston Louie - 7-15-23

LITES Race 5 - Seekonk - OWW - 6-28-23

LITES Race 4 - Hudson - O'Brien - 6-18-23

Race 3 - NL-W Speedbowl - SHANE - 6-10-23

LITES Race 2 - Lee USA - 5-27-23

LITES Race 1 - Monadnock - 5-6-23

2022 NEMA Banquet - 3-25-23

PREVIOUS RACE RESULTS - ALL YEARS

seymourperformanceproducts.com

NEMA Announces
Contingency Awards
Presented by
Seymour Performance Products

The Northeastern Midget Association has announced that Seymour Performance Products (SPP ) will be presenting contingency awards from some of the most prominent names in the industry on a race by race basis to NEMA competitors. The NEMA LITES kick off their season at the Thompson Motorsports Park ICEBREAKER on April 11, and the combined group kicks off the season at LEE USA Speedway on May 15th.

"We really wanted to determine a way to give back more to the NEMA community," said SPP owner, Bobby Seymour. "We partnered with some of the best names in the motorsports industry to provide generous contingency awards to our NEMA Midgets and NEMA LITES teams on a weekly basis. This should drive excitement for our competitors and also brand loyalty to our sponsors," he said.

"The entire club thanks Bobby, Matt and the SPP team, as well as all of the contingency sponsors, for this great initiative," said club President, Tim Bertrand. "We are excited to increase engagement with the brands who have been so loyal to motorsports, and also give back to our competitors," he said.

The following partners will be
providing cash and product
to NEMA competitors:

nerfinc.com

mpdracing.com

"The Friends of Mike Rivard"

NEMA LITES/NEMA Midgets heat races will be sponsored by Sunoco Racing Fuels.

Each NEMA Midgets and NEMA LITES heat winner will receive 5 gals of Sunoco Racing Fuel.

Industry Sponsors who will be
supplying Gift Certificates:

bellracing.com

diversifiedracing.com

simpsonraceproducts.com

wintersperformance.com

ipcindy.com

fkrodends.com

proshocks.com

vahlco.com

advancedracingsuspensions.com

The contingency awards
will be as follows:

NEMA LITES Feature Winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from one of the participating sponsors, of their choice.

2nd and 9th place finishers will receive a $50 gift certificate from one of the participating sponsors, of their choice.

The 3rd and 7th place in Lites will each be awarded $50 cash from "The Friends of Mike Rivard"

The NEMA LITES Hard Charger will receive a $25 gift certificate and $25 cash from MPD Racing.

The new "Future Stars" will be determined before the start of the season. These participants will compete at each event for an additional $50 cash award from Seymour Performance.

NEMA Midgets Feature Winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from one of the participating sponsors, of their choice.

2nd and 9th place finishers will receive a $50 gift certificate from one of the participating sponsors, of their choice.

The NEMA Midgets Hard Charger will receive a $50 gift certificate from Valco Wheels.

At each event SPP, will have a
representative distribute cash
and gift certificates. Certificates
will be redeemable at Seymour
Performance Products.

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

SERVING ALL MAKES of MIDGET
& SPRINT CAR ENGINES
Jon Andruk
ja@circleperformance.com
69 LOCUST STREET,
BERKLEY, MA 02779
508-580-5844

174 CID Ford Head Gaerte - $16,500
INFO SHEET PDF

hoosiertire.com

www.rwjm.com

Gene Angelillo Memorial Page

hoosiertire.com

NEMA and Hoosier Tire
Ink Exclusive Deal

Brockton, MA - NEMA announced that the Northeastern Midget Association and Hoosier Tire East have inked an exclusive, three year deal. Under the deal, NEMA will have exclusive rights in the Northeast to the current plated compounds (RR 7, 7.3, RF 5, LR, 5 and LF, 4, 5) and will be the only series in the Northeast running these particular tires.

Hoosier will also continue to be a major contributor to the NEMA point fund, and in addition have offered fixed pricing for the racer over the next three years.

“NEMA has enjoyed a long history with Hoosier. This sport is about supporting those who take care of you, and supporting each other. We feel that we have the best product in Hoosier and look forward to a long relationship with them,” said NEMA President, Mike Scrivani.

As part of the arrangement, Hoosier tire has selected long time NEMA supporter Seymour Enterprises to be the exclusive dealer and service provider to the Northeastern Midget Association.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2025

White's of Westport - 66 State Road, Westport, MA

Full 2024 Banquet Page with details on ticket orders,
banner sponsorship, raffle items, and purchase of awards
if not attending HERE

UPDATED AS OF 10/1/24
2024 NEMA MIDGETS &
NEMA LITES RULEBOOK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th, 2024

www.speedbowlct.com

2024 CHAMPION - AVERY STOEHR #39

SCALLY - CLEVELAND - STOEHR





		*Photos by John DaDalt*

*NEMA MIDGETS - NLWS - 10/19/24*
Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	87	*Doug Cleveland*	*Sudbury, MA*	Doug Cleveland
2	30	Paul Scally	Raynham, MA	Paul Scally
3	39	*Avery Stoehr*	*Assonet, MA*	Bertrand Motorsports
4	16	Matt O'Brien	Wilmington, MA	Matt O'Brien
5	93	Mike Horn	Ashland, MA	Mike Horn
6	49	*Dylan Rock*	*Enfield, NH*	Dan Rock
7	6	Ethan Durocer	Canterberry, CT	Skip Matczak
8	35	Randy Cabral	Kingston, MA	*Glen* Cabral
9	A1	Derek Robbie	Bellingham, MA	Mike Horn
10	45	*Russ Stoehr*	*Assonet, MA*	Dave Shore
11	26	Jack Dumas	Brockton, MA	Randy Cabral
Heat 1 - *87, 74, 49, 30, 45*
Heat 2 - 93, 16, 39, A1, 45

*NEMA MIDGETS HEATS*


			*Photos by* *John DaDalt*

2024 CHAMPION - RANDY CABRAL #47

CABRAL - BAILEY - KIBBE






		*Photos by John DaDalt*

NEMA LITES - NLWS - 10/19/24

Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	2	*Joey Bailey*	*Monroe, NJ*	Nick Poe
2	47	Randy Cabral	Kingston, MA	*Randy Cabral*
3	94	Tiana Kibbe	Macungle, PA	*Curt Kibbe*
4	30	Paul Scally	Raynham, MA	Paul Scally
5	53	Dylan Coutu	Griswold, CT	*Ron Coutu*
6	16	Ryan Locke	Chester, NH	*Dennis O'Brien*
7	17	Kyle Valeri	Monument Beach, MA	Peter Valeri
8	59	Brayden Egan	Ashford, CT	*Eric Egan*
9	28	*Mike Pernesiglio*	*Ronkonkoma, NY*	*Pete Penesiglio Sr.*
10	16	Dennis O'Brien	Deerfield, NH	Dennis O'Brien
11	88	Tyson Adamik	Salem, CT	Tom Adamik
12	21	Ava Lombardo	New Hartford, CT	Jason Lombardo
13	*47b*	DJ Deighton	Rockaway, NJ	Ray Deighton
14	35	Lanson Fornoro	Stroudsburg, PA	*Glen* Cabral
15	8	Ethan Dion	Oakdale, CT	*Stephen, Dion*
16	26	Jack Dumas	Brockton, MA	Randy Cabral
*DNS*	7	Kevin Iannarelli	Shirely, MA	*Jim Cataldo*
Heat 1 - *2, 17, 59, 7, 88, 8, 47b*
Heat 2 - 30, 94, 47, 16, 16, 28, 61, 21, 35, 26

*NEMA LITES HEATS*





		Photos by John DaDalt

Gene and Marilyn Angelillo were, for decades, the backbone of NEMA. Starting in 1983 Gene amassed 107 wins and 14 owner's championships. He also was president of the club for several years with Marilyn serving as secretary. The majority of his success came with Drew Fornoro, with Joey Payne, Jr. and Russ Stoehr also winning championships for him. Racing royalty drove Gene's cars, including the late Ted Christopher, who won for him at Waterford, Jimmy Broderick, a Waterford champion, and Joe Gosek, a Classic winner at Oswego.

They were a perfect partnership in NEMA and in life. If Gene was the stern dad of NEMA, Marilyn was the den mother, looking out for everyone, and every now and then keeping Gene in line (not an easy task)!

Gene's legacy transcends more than NEMA. Along with way he picked up an ARDC championship, and his #45 Dumo's Desire midget raced everywhere from Florida to Arizona. Gene had the means to field almost any type of race car, even on a national level, but his heart was forever with NEMA and the midgets.

While their accomplishments in NEMA are well noted, their devotion to family was paramount in their lives. If anyone could mellow Gene, it was his grandkids. Marilyn and Gene absolutely adored daughter Laura, and grandkids Tiana, Cami, and Brooke. Marilyn left us in 2007, Gene in 2010. Laura kept the team going for one more year, winning a last championship for Gene and Marilyn with Russ Stoehr.

Winner of over 100 races, Drew Fornoro was a 9-time champion in the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) and raced 3/4 midgets, midgets and sprint cars throughout the country. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 and the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2013.

Despite his significant accomplishments in racing, Drew's personality was even bigger! He loved interacting with his fans after the races, always a huge smile and kind word. He also loved to orchestrate cookouts in the pits for all of the race teams to enjoy. He held epic events at home during the summer for his extended family and close friends. Drew passed on in May of 2023.

ANGELLILO-FORNORO MEMORIAL PAGE HERE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th, 2024

-
www.thompsonspeedway.com





		*Photos by John DaDalt*

NEMA LITES - THOMPSON - 10/13/24

Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	17	Kyle Valeri	Monument Beach, MA	Peter Valeri
2	47	Randy Cabral	Kingston, MA	*Randy Cabral*
3	2	*Joey Bailey*	*Monroe, NJ*	Nick Poe
4	53	Dylan Coutu	Griswold, CT	*Ron Coutu*
5	28	*Mike Pernesiglio*	*Ronkonkoma, NY*	*Pete Penesiglio Sr.*
6	59	Brayden Egan	Ashford, CT	*Eric Egan*
7	94	Tiana Kibbe	Macungle, PA	*Curt Kibbe*
8	35	Jacob Perry	- - - - -	*Glen* Cabral
9	44	*Trent Goodrow*	*Carver, MA*	*William Keller*
10	21	Ava Lombardo	New Hartford, CT	Jason Lombardo
11	88	Tyson Adamik	Salem, CT	Tom Adamik
12	8	Ethan Dion	Oakdale, CT	*Stephen, Dion*
13	26	Jack Dumas	Brockton, MA	Randy Cabral
14	30	Paul Scally	Raynham, MA	Paul Scally
Heats - Due to the weather & a schedule adjustment, no heats were run.

Kyle Valeri Wins the World Series &
Tightens Championship Points Battle

Thompson, CT- The NEMA LITES returned to Thompson Speedway for the Sunoco World Series weekend. After an adjustment to the schedule due to the impending rain in the forecast, the NEMA Lites took the track for their feature. Brayden Egan in the Egan Motorsports #59 alongside Tiana Kibbe in the Kibbe Racing #94 led the field to the green flag for 25 fast continuous laps around the high banks of Thompson.

Egan led the field down the front stretch and took the high groove going into turn one, which opened the door for Dylan Coutu in the REDline motorsports #53 to take the low line where the two raced side by side. While at the same time, Kyle Valeri in the Valeri Motorsports #17 made a move from his fifth place starting position and took the low line going into turn one. While coming out of turn two, Coutu took the lead, while Egan and Valeri raced side by side, but on the move, Valeri was able to keep his momentum going down the backstretch and drove up alongside Coutu going into turn three. While Valeri was able to hold the low line coming out of turn four, Valeri took over the race on the front stretch to lead lap 1.

On the following lap, as Valeri began to grow his lead over Coutu, while going into turn three, Randy Cabral in the #47 took the low line to take third over Egan. As a battle for fourth occurred between Egan and Mike Pernesiglio in the Ventotto Properties #28.

While on lap 4, as Valeri extended his lead, a battle for second occurred between Coutu and Cabral. As Coutu entered in high, Cabral took the low line going into turn three to take over second going into turn four. As Cabral now worked at closing the half a straightaway lead that Valeri had created.

On lap 6, a battle for fourth once again occurred between Egan, Pernesiglio, and Joey Bailey in the Nick Poe/ Matt Seymour Racing #2. As Egan and Pernesiglio raced nose to tail, Bailey took the low line going into turn three to take over the fourth going down the front stretch. As Bailey now had his eyes set on closing the gap between him and third place, Coutu.

Over the next several laps, Valeri continued to set a dominating pace over Cabral, Coutu, and Bailey. While a battle for fifth continued between Egan, Pernesiglio and Kibbe. On lap 20, Pernesiglio looked to the outside of Egan going down the backstretch where the two raced side by side going into turn three, but coming out of turn four, Pernesiglio was able to take fifth over Egan.

On lap 21, Valeri was able to extend his lead over Cabral. A battle for third now occurred between Coutu and Bailey, as he was now on the back bumper of Coutu going down the front stretch. While going down the back stretch, Bailey looked to the inside of Coutu going into turn three where the two raced side by side coming out of turn four and down the front stretch. But Coutu was able to continue his drive going into turn one to hold onto third and began to create a couple of car lengths between him and Bailey. The battle did not end here though, as Bailey now worked to close the gap and the two raced for the podium position.
On lap 25, picking up his first win of the 2024 season, the checkered flag waved for Valeri, followed by Cabral and Bailey at the line to round out the podium.

In a victory lane interview, Valeri commented on his win, "This is unbelievable to win this race, I have wanted to win this race ever since I was a little kid. This is always something I have dreamed about and has been on my bucket list and I can't believe it finally happened today. I just can't thank my dad, Sam Lorusso from CCA, and everyone that helps out on this car. This wouldn't be possible without everyone. This is such an honor to win this race today"

The top 10 were strong finishers were Kyle Valeri #17, Randy Cabral #47, Joey Bailey #2, Dylan Coutu #53, Mike Pernesiglio #28, Brayden Egan #59, Tiana Kibbe #94, Jacob Perry #35, Trent Goodrow #44, and Ava Lombardo #21.

Both NEMA Midgets and NEMA LITES are back in action for the final time this season at the New London Waterford Speedbowl for the Angelillo- Fornoro Memorial. As a tight championship battle has shaped up in the NEMA Midgets between Avery Stoehr and teammate Randy Cabral. As Stoehr leads the current driver championship points battle by 30 points. While in the NEMA LITES division, with Kyle Valeri's win, he has closed the gap and is now only 10 points behind current points leader Randy Cabral. Who will be crowned the next 2024 NEMA Midgets and NEMA LITES Champions? You will not want to miss out on this action packed afternoon of racing!

Young Pro-4 Ace & Veteran
Midget Owner Join Forces

Jack Dumas has always wanted the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of a full-size, mighty, midget. Even though he's been pounding the pavement in the Pro-4's since 2021, he is no stranger to the midgets and to the Northeastern Midget Association. Jack is the grandson of Hall of Fame flagman Maury Dumas, who graced the NEMA flag stand sporadically from 1957 until 1993. Jack's Uncle, Steve Dumas, also flagged for the club throughout the 1990's. His father, John Dumas is also a veteran racer and mechanic. So, when Mike Luggelle agreed to dust off his Gaerte-powered Beast and give Jack the chance to chauffeur it with the big cars this season, Jack could not be more grateful.

Jack started at a young age in the quarter midgets. Now at 19 years old, he has already earned 5 wins in the Pro-4 modifieds, winning once each year and twice last year, plus a victory at the lightning-fast Thompson Motorsports Park this season driving the family-owned No. 4xl. Pulling double duty with both cars this season, he is quickly adjusting to the midget. After just three outings, he's already cracked the top ten.

"Racing a winged, lighter, and narrower car with more power than I've ever driven before seemed like a fun challenge - and it has been so far!"

In the Pro-4, Jack started gaining momentum at the end of last season and hopes he can gain that back to close out the rest of this year after having carb issues to start the season. In the midget, his goal is smart and simple - just keep improving and hopefully get both the car and the driver up to speed with the rest of the division.

Long-time car owner Mike Luggelle, and his famed 77 machine, is a welcome sight back with the club this year. Mike campaigned full time on the NEMA circuit as an owner and driver for over 20 years and has only been competing part time as a car owner since 2010. Prior to this season, Mike's last outing was at Wiscasset Speedway in 2019 with driver Eddie LeClerc.

CHUCK
WELLING

June 6, 1960
July 29, 2024

Longtime NEMA driver and car owner
Chuck Welling #69 has passed away.

Chuck D. Welling of Wrentham, MA passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 29, 2024.

Chuck was born in Jackson, Michigan on June 6. Chuck grew up in Michigan and graduated from H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Michigan. Chuck went on to graduate from Ohio Diesel Tech and attended classes at University of Michigan. He moved to Massachusetts in the 1980’s. Chuck married the love of his life, Ro, in 2004. The two have enjoyed over 38 years of love and adventure.

Aside from working as a Tig Welder for the United States Government, Chuck was a man of many trades. He was a race car driver with Northeastern Midget Association and a Licensed Auctioneer. He received his Auctioneer degree in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Chuck loved riding his motorcycles, going to yard sales and flea markets with Ro, building things and racing with NEMA. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and lots of friends. Chuck was always there to help anyone in need, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Ro Welling; daughter Nicole Torrisi and her husband Mark; his two grandchildren Abigail and Fionn McKenna; his parents Paul and Cly-t (Patton) Welling of Michigan. He is also survived by many friends that were family to Chuck.

Chuck was predeceased by his sister, Jane Wolf-Welling.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 9:45AM - 11:45AM at R.J. Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street Wrentham, MA. A collation in Chuck’s memory will follow. www.rjrossfuneralhomeinc.com/obituaries

In lieu of flowers donations in Chuck’s name may be made to The Haymakers for Hope at haymakersforhope.org/donations/new and Hope Hospice Health Care at www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care/.
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2024 NEMA Membership Form

The Big Cars of the Northeastern Midget Association present the

$2500 Cash Prize for Top New Owner

Chuck supported NEMA for over two decades, earning victories as car owner and reviving midget racing in the northeast as President. His spirit, ingenuity, and passion live on in NEMA as we are proud to present this award in his honor. To qualify for this special award, new owners must meet all of the following criteria:

Be a full NEMA registered car owner for the 2024 season.

Be a new owner who has never raced with a registered full NEMA midget in the past, OR a veteran NEMA owner who has not competed with a full NEMA midget in the last 10 years.

Compete in at least 75% of the full NEMA division feature races.

Earn the most points in the full NEMA championship point standings among other qualifying new owners.

Qualified new owners will be at the discretion of the
contest board prior to the start of the 2024 race season.

Sponsored by

Vivo Arch — Bringing Design to Life

Dylan and Dan Rock's podium finish at the '23 Iron Mike Memorial race
(John DaDalt Photo)

Rock Racing Finds Success with
Investment in NEMA’s Big Cars

Two years ago, Dan Rock and his son, Dylan, were at a crossroads. They were only a few parts away from completing their collection to build their new NEMA LITES midget when they shifted gears for an even bigger adventure - the mighty midgets of NEMA's big car division.

Dylan Rock began his racing career like many young aspiring racecar drivers, by running go karts and mini-sprints in the hills of New Hampshire with his Dad. The father-son team earned success and turned heads at both levels, opening the door for Dylan to chauffeur a modified with VMRS, a series founded by Dylan's grandfather, Jack Bateman. It wasn't long before the then-16-year-old found victory lane at Claremont Motorsports Park in 2016. Their success continued for the next few years, highlighted by a podium finish in the 2019 MRS point standings. That same year Dylan was named Most Improved Driver. After a couple more seasons with MRS, the wear and tear and intense work regimen associated with racing an open wheeled modified was proving to be too much for this father/son crew, who pride themselves in doing all their own work, and most importantly, doing it together. They struggled with the manpower and the economics of modified racing. This drove them to make a change.

Since the early days of swinging dirt with the Mini sprints up at Bear Ridge Speedway, the Rock racing team has had respect and a curiosity for the pavement series of the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA), which is comprised of two divisions - the LITES and the original, full midgets, a.k.a. big cars. As spectators, they have always appreciated the speed, the clean racing, the comradery amongst the club members, and the history associated with the club that has been pounding the pavement of New England short tracks for over 70 years. So that winter, they began their transition with their eye on the seemingly more affordable division of NEMA, the Ford Focus powered NEMA LITES.

Dan, an automotive technician and Dylan, a journeyman electrician, were under the impression that to compete with NEMA's full midget division, you had to have super deep pockets. They acquired a Hawk chassis, a front axle, rear end, tail tank and even a focus motor plate as they began building their new LITES midget. While scouring the midget classifieds, they could not help noticing the trend of used Esslinger and Gaerte midget motors for sale online for surprisingly little investment, often less than $10K. After doing the math and much contemplation, they realize that competing with NEMA's full series was not out of reach as they originally thought. A complete used Esslinger motor package, including the rebuild, would run them less than $20K. This was obviously more money than the new Focus motor for the Lite, but they also weighed the cost of tires, fuel, travel, and the wear and tear of running a 15-16 race schedule with the LITES, compared to the 8-9 races with the big car series. They realized that the big picture cost was a difference of "hundreds" of dollars, not "thousands", contrary to popular perception. With that newfound knowledge, they sold off their Ford Focus parts and acquired an Esslinger motor, freshened it up, and focused on competing with the big car division of NEMA for 2022.

They spent their debut season learning the ropes, adjusting to a new driving style, and absorbing as much knowledge and advice as possible from the car and from fellow competitors one race at a time. By the end of the season, they had racked up enough good finishes to earn a top 10 in the NEMA Championship point standings. Dylan's steady driving and progression earned him the prestigious NEMA Rookie of the Year award. According to the driver, Dylan was not surprised by the learning curve, but was taken back by the sheer fun and thrill of finessing the wheel of a 375 HP, 1000-pound, lightning fast, open wheel race car.

"I couldn't believe how deep I could drive the midget into the turn and then just blast down the straight...and because of the size difference, there just seems to be much more racetrack with the midget than the modified!"

The following winter they swapped their Hawk chassis with a Beast to transport their Esslinger powerplant. They immediately found success kicking off the 2023 season with a podium finish at NEMA's big Midget opener, which was the Shane Hammond Memorial at Waterford Speedbowl. They would go on to earn two more, in addition to multiple top-five finishes. They even closed out the season with a second place at Lee USA's Oktoberfest. These strong runs earned them a very respectful 3rd and 4th place in the NEMA Owner and Driver Championships point standings in only their sophomore year. It's safe to say Dan Rock has no regrets with their switch from LITES to Full NEMA. Dan was quoted as saying:

"The LITES are a great division, but ultimately, we wanted to run a full midget. It just made more sense for us coming from the mods and for Dylan's development as a driver.... I just really want other racers to know how doable it is."

Dan and Dylan Rock admit to feeling right at home with NEMA. They can't help but thank all the folks who have helped them get this journey started, including Tim Bertrand, Mike Horn, Seymour Performance, and Circle Performance - just to name a few - but most of all they can't wait to hit the track next spring!

Photo by John DaDalt

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