NEMA - Northeastern Midget Association

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NEMA Announces VIP Fan Initiative as Part of 2012 Market Expansion
CONGRATS TO JESSE JACUBAYTIS !!!! YOU ARE NEMA'S VIP FAN FOR NEMA'S 60TH ANIVERSARY RACE AT WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL ON MAY 12....

CT race fan Jack Halmose is the Winner for the first NEMA VIP fan experience. The NEMA drivers and officials can't wait to show Jack some of their NEMA hospitality at the Waterford Speedbowl's Budweiser Blastoff March 31st and April 1st.
When the Northeastern Midget Association membership met in November of 2011 they were vocal about a need to connect with their fans. Following through with this desire, the drivers and owners have established a presence on the Northeastern Midget Association Facebook fan page, and Facebook open group. NEMA’s membership saw this as a perfect opportunity to interact with their fans, and it is paying off. Fans can talk to most of the drivers in the series simply by posting questions and comments, with the response from drivers coming back sometimes in minutes. Membership in the open group has grown over 100 percent since this concerted effort was endorsed by NEMA membership in December. The group has gone from about 150 to well over 400 in a few short weeks. With this great response from the fans, the membership wishes to take their new relationships one step further. With that, NEMA is going to implement their Facebook VIP Fan of the Race. Two weeks before the 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. These activities can include riding in an official push vehicle, dropping the checkered flag on NEMA’s famed four wide salute, standing in victory lane with the winning teams and other VIP’s for that particular race event. NEMA members realize the need to reach out to their fans, and are excited to give one fan a race the time of their lives. In order to become the Facebook VIP Fan of the Race all you have to do is like the Northeastern Midget Association fan page, or join the open group and be sure to participate. On the winning Monday a post will be made on both sites and the fan with the best response will be selected to become the VIP fan. The winning fan will be notified via message on Facebook and given the details of where to pick up their pit passes and what time to meet us at the event. Stay tuned for an exciting 2012!

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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.


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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

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Marvin
Rifchin
Trophy
Race

MAY 12TH WATERFORD

HEATS>

FEATURE>

Photos by
John
Dadalt

Greg Stoehr Grabs Rifchin Trophy

Waterford, CT – Absolutely dominating the second half of the race, Greg Stoehr captured the 30-lap Marvin Rifchin Trophy race Saturday night at the Northeastern Midget Association’s Diamond Anniversary Race at Waterford Speedbowl.

Grabbing the lead on a lap 13 restart, Stoehr, in the family 26b, went on to a 1.450 seconds win over Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47). John Zych (Zych 9), Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) and Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39) completed the top five.

Stoehr assumed control when early leader Anthony Marvuglio (Bordeau 38) suffered a flat left front tire on caution. After a brief side-by-side battle with Cabral, he quickly assumed a commanding advantage in a car built over the winter to replace a car that was destroyed last summer at Waterford.

Daughter/crew chief Kathryn, Stoehr said, deserved a lot of the credit. Despite a sizzling performance in his heat, Stoehr wanted to make changes. It was Kathryn who said “no, leave it alone” and the result was “the best car I’ve ever had here.” His best lap was a 12.937.

The only scare came with three laps left when a car “checked up” in front of him heading into one.

“A flat tire is never a good thing,” said Stoehr, admitting he needed the second yellow. “I would not have minded finishing second to Anthony.”

“There’s no better feeling than leading laps in a race this big,” said Marvuglio who jumped into a commanding lead on the first restart with two laps gone. He said that a valve stem was cut and created a slow leak when he and early leader Paul Scally “got together.”

He was running consistent 12.9 seconds laps, including a race-best 12.910. “Keeping the car on the right side,” he had almost a half lap lead when the race was stopped in an incident that involved Jim Miller and Scally.

Starting seventh, Stoehr moved to fourth on the first restart, moved to third with six laps down and got by Scally for second just prior to the second yellow.

Over four generations, the Stoehr family has been part of NEMA’s history for almost five decades with grandfather Paul, sons Russ and Greg and grandchildren Bethany, Kathryn and Avery all on hand.
Among the honored quests were former driving champions Dave Humphrey, Johnny Mann, Butch Walsh and Lou Fray, former owner champion Pete Valeri, and former club presidents Mike Favulli and Dick Monahan. Also on hand were one-time scorer Dottie Mann, driver and public relations man Joe Bowen, photographer Bob Miour and starters Earl Grant and Billy Ryder. Ryder, in fact, threw the initial green flag.
It was the second straight runner-up finish for defending champion Randy Cabral who shares the point lead with John Zych Jr.
It was the 11th career win for Greg Stoher, the second at Waterford.
Nine of the 17 starters have at least one Speedbowl victory including sixth-place finisher Jeff Horn.

NEMA MIDGETS - Waterford - 5/12/12

Pos. # Driver Hometown Owner

1 26b Greg Stoehr Bridgewater, MA Greg Stoehr

2 47 Randy Cabral Plymouth, MA Tim Bertrand

3 9 John Zych Jr. Louisville, KY John Zych Sr.

4 45 Russ Stoehr Bridgewater, MA Dumo's Desire Racing

5 39 Todd Bertrand Suffield, CT Bertrand Motorsports

6 A1 Jeff Horn Ashland, MA Jeff Horn

7 93x Mike Horn Ashland, MA Jeff Horn

8 3m Jim Miller Weymouth, MA Jim Miller

9 16 Matt O'Brien Wilmington, MA Jim O'Brien & Sons
Engineering

10 87 Doug Cleveland Sudbury, MA Doug Cleveland

11 44 Joey Payne Fairlawn, NJ Ed Breault

12 2 Lee Bundy Kennebunkport, ME Lee Bundy

13
DNF 71 Seth Carlson Brimfield, CT Gene Feigel

14
DNF 38 Anthony Marvuglio E. Bridgewater, MA Tammy Bordeau

15
DNF 30 Paul Scally Raynham, MA Paul Scally

16
DNF 99 Jim Santa Maria Burlington, CT Susan Santa Maria

17
DNF 7ny Adam Cantor Glen Cove, NY Allan Cantor

Fastest Lap of the Race: #38 - 12.910

HEAT 1: 26b-30-38-A1-9-71-2-3m(dnf)-99(dnf)

HEAT 2: 44-45-93x-47-39-16-7ny-87-48(dnf)

HEATS>

FEATURE>

Photos by John Dadalt

Brandon Igo NEMA Lites Winner

Waterford, CT – Brandon Igo led every lap but winning the 30-lap Lites feature at the Northeastern Midget Association Diamond Anniversary Race Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl was hardly easy. Igo, in fact, had to rely on his dirt track experience to capture his first NEMA win.

With eight laps remaining, Igo (Igo 45) and Carl Medeiros Jr. (Medeiros 50) came together in turn two. With the car sideways, Igo “stood on the gas and turned right. That’s where the dirt track experience came in,” said the one-time Whip City champion.

It ended a great effort for Medeiros who admitted to “running out of patience” looking to get inside Igo. Medeiros did spin, setting up a restart . On the green, Igo got the jump on Joey Mucciacciaro (Scally 4) and went on to finish 1.92 seconds ahead of Ian Cumens (Seymour 9) with Mucciacciaro third. Ryan Bigelow (Bigelow 13) was fourth and Randy Cabral (Cabral 35) came from 19^th to claim fifth.

After two false starts, Igo jumped into the lead. By the time Medeiros (who posted the fastest lap – 13.871) cleared a battle that also included Jake Smith, Cumens, Mucciacciaro and Anthony Nocella, Igo was almost a half lap in front.

Leaving behind Cumens and Mucciacciaro to battle for third and a Smith- Nocella duel for fifth, Medeiros cut into Igo’s advantage, catching him with 12 laps remaining. Three times Medeiros tried the inside before the effort ended with a spin.

“It was a hard hit,” said Igo of the contact with Medeiros. “The steering wheel was moving all over the place. I held the car down and took a hard one.”

Cumens, who started ninth, moved past Mucciacciro on the final restart but couldn’t get away and Igo breezed home. Medeiros would up sixth.

NEMA LITES - Waterford - 5/12/12

Pos. # Driver Hometown Owner

1 45 Brandon Igo Wilbraham, MA David Igo

2 9 Ian Cumens Lydell, PA Bobby Seymour

3 4 Joey Mucciacciaro Wolcott, CT Paul Scally

4 13 Ryan Bigelow E. Hampton, CT Randy Bigelow

5 35 Randy Cabral Plymouth, MA Glen Cabral

6 50 Carl Medeiros, Jr. Westport, MA Carl Medeiros

7 29 Anthony Nocella Woburn MA Matt Seymour

8 15b Avery Stoehr Lakeville, MA MC Racing LLC/
Russ Stoehr

9 93 Jake Smith Stroudsburg, PA Ted Smith

10 11 Alan Chambers Atkinson, NH Michael Chambers

11 31 Paul Bigelow Berlin, CT Randy Bigelow

12 51 Danny Cugini Marshfield, MA D. Cugini

13
DNF 39 R. J. Tufano - -

14
DNF 52 Kevin Park Foxboro, MA Kevin Park

15
DNF 44 Christian Briggs Mattapoisett, MA Christian Briggs

16
DNF 46 Kenney Johnson Bethany, CT Jeff Johnson

17
DNF 81 Andy Barrows New Ipswitch, NH Dustin Anderson

18
DNF 99 Jim Santa Maria Burlington, CT Sue Santa Maria

19
DNF 26b Bethany Stoehr Bridgewater, MA MCI Racing/
Greg Stoehr

20
DNS 18 David Moniz Fairhaven, MA David Moniz

21
DNS 57 Dylan Duhaime Loudon, NH Shawn Duhaime

HEAT 1: 45-44-99-26b-4-9-39-51-52-35(dnf)-57(dnf)

HEAT 2: 93-29-50-81-46-13-11-31-15-18(dnf)

NEMA Guests
at the
60th Anniversary
Party

Marvin
Rifchin
Trophy
Race

Marvin Rifchin with Randy Cabral

Marvin Rifchin – A Fitting Tribute

All of auto racing, it seems, wants to claim the late Marvin Rifchin and with good reason. His membership in the NHRA, SEMA and New England Auto Racers Halls of Fame is testimony to the contributions Marvin made to the sport.

Still, the Midgets were the first love for the legendary tire maker (M&H) going back to the 1940s. He was a frequent visitor at NEMA events almost up to his passing in 2009. Line up NEMA’s owners, drivers and fans and if one doesn’t have a “Marvin Story” then he or she is, indeed, a recent arrival.

His knowledge and his generosity were surpassed only by his humility. While NEMA can’t claim a monopoly on that, it does regard Marvin Rifchin as a paramount figure in the club’s 60 years. It is most fitting that the Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race is part of NEMA’s Diamond Anniversary celebration Saturday night (May 12) at Waterford Speedowl.

NEMA CHAMPIONS HERO CARDS

Cabral, Stoehr Lead NEMA
to Speedbowl on May 12th

Brockton, MA – Randy Cabral has had enough of it. The Northeastern Midget Association three time and defending champion believes it is time for him to return to Waterford Speedbowl’s victory lane, a spot he has frequented more than anybody else in the club’s long history.

What better time than Saturday night when NEMA celebrates its 60th birthday with 60 laps of feature racing – 30 each for NEMA and the NEMA Lites – at the historic Connecticut shoreline oval. Cabral (Bertrand 47) is part of an expected strong NEMA field in pursuit of the coveted Marvin Rifchin Trophy.

President Mike Scrivani has compiled an impressive “guest list” for the party including former champions Dave Humphrey, Butch Walsh, Bob Pascale and Lou Fray. “This will be a celebration of midget history, past and recent,” reports Scrivani. “Winning this one is definitely going to be big.”

There have been 11 NEMA races since Cabral’s last (and eighth) win at Waterford. A fan favorite at Waterford, he made it very clear after finishing second at this year’s BLASTOFF, getting back to Victory Lane is “Priority One.”

Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45), who has won five of the last 11 races, heads up the opposition. Stoehr was third at the BLASTOFF, his 10th podium over the same span.

The Cabral-Stoehr rivalry, takes place in a field of legitimate contenders. BLASTOFF winner John Zych (Zych 9) leads a group of Rifchin Trophy contenders that include Joey Payne (Breault 44), Jim Miller (Miller 3m), Barry Kittredge (Kittredge 8), Chris Leonard (Leonard 22), Adam Cantor (Cantor 7ny), Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39) and Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26). All have won at Waterford in the past.

Cabral’s owner Tim Bertrand points out The Speedowl “keeps coming up with surprises.” Defending Rifchin Trophy winner Mike Horn (Horn 93x), Anthony Marvuglio (Bordeau 38), Matt O’Brien (O’Brien 16), Paul Scally (Scally 30), and rookies James Santa Maria (Santa Maria 99) and Seth Carlson (Feigel 71) are in the mix as well.

Zych posted a 13.001 second laps at the Blast Off. Many believe speeds will exceed that on a most seasoned track. Waterford is generally acclaimed as one of the region’s premier Midget facilities. “In many cases,” says Greg Stoehr, “the best you run all year is at Waterford.”

While history is center stage, the five-year old Lites Division is the club’s future. Anthony Nocella is the man to beat in the Lites feature. A large field in expected including Nocella’s teammate Ian Cumens, Ryan Bigelow and Paul Bigelow, Paul Luggelle, cousins Avery and Bethany Stoehr, Christian Briggs, Brandon Igo, Kenny Johnson, Carl Medeiros Jr. and Andy Barrows.

“Guest List” Impressive for
NEMA Anniverary Fete

Brockton, MA - Six-time driving champion Dave Humphrey heads up the impressive “guest list” for the Northeastern Midget Association’s 60th birthday Saturday night, May 12 at Waterford Speedbowl. No fewer than a dozen “champions” will be on hand as NEMA celebrates with 60 laps of feature racing – 30 for each NEMA and the NEMA Lites. (See photo gallery below.)

The NEMA winner will get away with the Marvin Rifchin Trophy, one of NEMA’s most coveted prizes.

Lou Fray (’70), Butch Walsh (‘73), Johnny Mann (’72,’74), Bobby Seymour (’87), Mike Seymour (’94), Russ Stoehr (’90, ’97, ’00-’02), Joey Payne (’03) and Randy Cabral (’08-’09,’11) join Humphrey (’67-’71, ’78) on the Drivers Championship list. Cabral, Stoehr and Payne will be competing.

The championship owners list includes Bob Pascale (1967-’69), John McCarthy (1970-’71, 73), Rollie Lindblad (’76) and Bruce Beane (’97) along with Carl Kibbe (’80, ’91,’93), Bobby Seymour (’87), Tim Bertrand (’08-’09, ‘11) and current club president Mike Scrivani Jr. (’78). Kibbe, crew chief for Avery Stoehr’s Lites car, Seymour, who owns two Lites cars, and Bertrand are active competitors.

Others on the list are former competitor and club president Mike Favulli, Joe Bowen, another former competitor and an early public relations man and scorers Dottie Mann and Louise Roberts, widow of the legendary Ray Roberts.

“We are really excited about this,” says Scrivani, pointing out the list continues to grow. “There are some real innovators on the list, people who made major changes in Midget racing history. Sixty feature laps on an especially good Midget track, the Rifchin Trophy and an amazing guest list – this will be a great party.”

“There is incredible motivation,” offers Mike Horn, the defending Rifchin Trophy winner. “We will be around guys who won dozens of championships and hundreds of races.”

Cabral (Bertrand 47), Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) and Payne (Breault 44) have 19 Speedbowl wins among them. Others seeking a return to Waterford’s victory lane include Jim Miller (Miller 3m), Barry Kittredge (Kittredge 8), Chris Leonard (Leonard 22), Adam Cantor (Cantor 7ny), Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39), Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26) and Blast Off winner John Zych Jr. (Zych 9). Hoping to join the list, in addition to Horn, are Paul Luggelle, Anthony Marvuglio, Matt O’Brien, Paul Scally and rookies James Santa Maria and Seth Carlson.

Anthony Nocella (Seymour 29) has established himself as the man to beat in Lites competition at the Speedbowl but Ryan Bigelow, Paul Bigelow and Paul Luggelle know the way to victory lane as well. Other threats include Ian Cumens, cousins Avery and Bethany Stoehr, Christian Briggs, Brandon Igo, Kenny Johnson, Carl Medeiros Jr., Andy Barrows and Joe Mucciacciaro.


No. 1 - Mike (8) and Bobby (4) Seymour do battle with Rick Hart at Seekonk. No. 2 - Former club president and consistent winner Mike Favulli (80) and nine-time champion Drew Fornoro (Angelillo 45) at Lee in 1988. No. 3 - Lou Fray, in John McCarthy’s 47, leads Sonny Saunders at Thompson.

No. 4 - Dave Humphrey and John McCarthy, along with Don Mardirosian, remains one of NEMA’s greatest combinations. No. 5 - Two-time champion Johnny Mann is surrounded by the Dewey Cali team and starter Earl Grant after a win at Thompson in 1972. No. 6 - Rollie Lindblad, one of NEMA’s greatest innovators, celebrates with the late Armond Holley. This combination dominated in 1976.

No. 7 - Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) have nine championships between them. No. 8 - Mike Seymour in victory lane at Hudson in 1963. The legendary Boston Louie Seymour is far left. No. 9 - A win at Westboro in the Scrivani 22 was part of Butch Walsh’s championship run in 1973.

Blackie LaMaccchia, Mike Scrivani Sr., Frank Ferrara and
a young Mike Scrivani Jr. behind Humphrey in the Midget.

NEMA’s Humphrey Won
With 11 Different Owners

Brockton, MA - There are a host of statistics justifying the place Dave Humphrey has in Northeastern Midget Association history. A six-time champion, Humphrey is part of the guest list that will assemble for the club’s 60th birthday party Saturday night, May 12 at Waterford Speedowl.

NEMA will celebrate with 60 laps of feature racing – the 30-lap Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race and a 30 lapper of the NEMA Lites. Among the other guests are driving champions Lou Fray (’70), Johnny Mann (‘72,, ’74) and Butch Walsh (’73).

Humphrey sits second (behind Drew Fornoro) on the NEMA win list with 73. He is unchallenged, however, when it comes to the number of owners he won with. The first came in Freeman Downing’s Falcon on July 5, 1965 at Seekonk. The last one also came at Seekonk in Carl Kibbe’s No. 14 on Oct. 12, 1986. Humphrey also won for car owners John McCarthy, Bob Pascale, Mike Scrivani Sr., Smokey Secundo, Jim Howie, Frank Fahey, Jerry Connors, Blackie LaMacchia and Ralph Miller.

The Humphrey/McCarthy (29 wins) remains a legendary combination. He won 16 driving the Pascale Offy and seven with the Kibbe team.

Pascale, McCarthy and Kibbe, all owner champions with Humphrey, will be at Waterford as well. Kibbe remains an active competitor on Avery Stoehr’s Lites car.

Rollie Lindblad is also on the guest list. Lindblad built the first Badger for McCarthy and Humphrey, the first Badger win coming with Humphrey aboard at Star Speedway on May 28, 1972. Humphrey, Lindblad, and McCarthy are all members of the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame, McCarthy honored for his promotional genius as club president and his role in the stock block revolution (Chevy II). Lindblad’s influence continues to be evident throughout the sport.

Humphrey’s 16 consecutive years with at least one victory remains a NEMA standard. His 18 years with at least one win ranks third and he was involved in the only time a championship battle wound up in a tie. The latter came in 1970, he and Fray deadlocked at season’s end. It came down to Thompson, Humphrey winning in the Scrivani car while Fray’s fifth was just enough to give McCarthy his first owner’s crown.

NEMA Celebrates Anniversary
at Speedbowl on May 12th

Brockton, MA – The Northeastern Midget Association will celebrate its Diamond Anniversary with 60 laps of feature racing Saturday night, May 12 at Waterford Speedbowl. NEMA and the NEMA Lites will each go 30 laps on the track many consider the premier Midget facility in the east.

It will also be the Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race. The “Marvin Trophy” memorializes one of NEMA’s greatest contributors and is one of NEMA’s most coveted prizes.

NEMA was formed at Thompson Speedway on March 8, 1953. Fred Meeker won the first race on Memorial Day of that year at Seekonk Speedway. The very next day, Bill Eldridge, was a winner at the Speedbowl. Eldridge went on to capture the first championship.

NEMA is one of the most innovative bodies in Midget racing, the five-year old Lites Division the most recent addition to the list of moves. “The Speedbowl is the ideal spot for this race,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani Jr. “It has always been a special place for Midgets in general and NEMA in particular.”

Blast Off winners John Zych Jr. (NEMA) and Ryan Bigelow (Lites) will be after two straight, Zych giving every indication (a 13.001 lap) he’s got the Speedbowl layout figured out. “Everybody runs well at the Speedbowl,” he reports. “Usually, the best you run is at the Speedbowl.”

The return of Joey Payne (Breault 44) and Adam Cantor (7ny) adds to a group of experienced Speedbowl hands that also includes three-time and defending champion Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47), Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45), Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26), Jim Miller (Miller 3m), Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39) and Barry Kittredge (Kittredge 8). All have won at the Speedbowl.

Anthony Marvuglio (Bordeau 38) , coming off a fifth at Blast Off, along with rookies Jim Santa Maria (Santa Maria 99) and Seth Carlson (Feigel 71), hope to join the list.

Anthony Nocella is the Lites Speedbowl win leader. Ian Cumens, Nocella’s teammate in the Seymour stable, Kenny Johnson, Bethany Stoehr, Christian Briggs, Brandon Igo and Carl Medeiros Jr. are other Lites standouts.

The victory at the Speedbowl’s Blast Off after five years is another example of the Zych family’s dedication. John Jr. made the Lemoyne College basketball team as a “walk on,” (he was not a scholarship player), joining his father on the list of letter winners at the upstate New York college. He says “wanting to take on the toughest competition possible” is the greatest similarity of his two sports.

Lites Play Major Role
In NEMA Birthday Party

Brockton, MA - The Northeastern Midget Association has, from its very inception, been one of racing’s most forward-looking sanctioning bodies. Formed in 1953, NEMA has been part of major moves that have changed the sport.

NEMA celebrates its 60th birthday Saturday night, May 12 at Waterford Speedbowl with 60 laps of feature racing – 30 for the full Midgets and 30 for NEMA Lites. Blast Off winners John Zych Jr. (NEMA) and Ryan Bigelow (Lites) lead an expected bumper field back to the Speedbowl.

Randy Cabral, Russ Stoehr and Joey Payne, champions all, head up the NEMA contention seeking the Marvin Rifchin Trophy. “Although it is only three years old, the Rifchin Trophy is one of the coveted prizes in NEMA,” says President Mike Scrivani Jr. “Marvin did so much for so many of us.”

Scrivani believes the Rifchin Trophy, the Lites and an impressive list of innovators, including six-time champion Dave Humphrey, are a recipe for a “great party.” While the club’s glorious past will be in the spotlight, the Lites light the way toward a bright future.

Waterford actually hosted the second NEMA race (in 1953) and the second Lites race (2008).

“If the Speedbowl is a great Midget track, and it is” says NEMA veteran Bobby Seymour, “it is an even greater place for the Lites. There is all kinds of room there, so many different grooves, so many opportunities to pass. You can win from the front and you can win from the back. It’s wide open.”

Seymour, who has had great success at the Speedbowl as both a driver and an owner, brings a pair of contenders for Lites honors – Anthony Nocella and Ian Cumens. Other threats include Paul Bigelow, cousins Avery and Bethany Stoehr, Christian Briggs, Brandon Igo, Kenny Johnson, Carl Medeiros Jr., Andy Barrows and Joe Mucciacciaro. Cabral is a likely Lites starter as well.

Four Lites graduates will be in the NEMA field – Todd Bertrand, Anthony Marvuglio and rookies James Santa Maria and Seth Carlson. Also expected are Greg Stoehr, Jimmy Miller, Matt O’Brien, Lee Bundy, Paul Luggelle, Paul Scally, Barry Kittredge, Adam Cantor, Mike Horn, Chris Leonard and Chris deRitis.

Bobby Seymour has names for Waterford’s lowest and highest grooves. The lowest is the Bobby Santos III grove and he describes the outside as “where I liked to run.” Seymour’s success as a driver has continued as an owner. In the high groove, Seymour explains, up near the apex of the turn, “you are able to get the car straight sooner than usual” which makes the straightaways longer.
A 16-year old Santos “followed the conture of the turns” with a sensational win at the Boston Louie in 2002, the first of four Waterford wins for Santos, three in Seymour equipment.
Anthony Nocella continues the Seymour Waterford presence with at least one victory in each of the last three years. Both Nocella and Cumens expect to be driving NEMA “full” Midgets by midseason.

Jim Miller Looks Ahead
To NEMA Birthday Race

Brockton, MA – History, especially Northeastern Midget Association history, is not lost on Jim Miller of Weymouth, MA. Indeed, he looks toward NEMA’s Diamond Anniversary celebration Saturday night, May 12 with great anticipation.

In addition to 60 feature laps – 30 apiece for the full Midgets and the Lites, NEMA president Mike Scrivani Jr. is rounding up a strong cast of characters that have helped to make NEMA New England’s oldest sanctioning body. The club began in 1953.

It will also be the Marvin Rifchin Trophy race. “A victory in this one will be huge,” says Miller, a competitor since 1986 when he went into battle with a Chevy II-powered Bob Higman “half bar.” His NEMA history actually goes back to the early 1980s when he “helped out” on his uncle John Lane’s team.

The Speedbowl is a special spot for Miller. He scored his first victory there in 1999, an event that remains vivid for him. “It was one of those nights,” he recalls. “I got out front quickly. I was looking all over for shadows, trying to determine if anybody was around me.” He drove a Gaerte-powered Beast Chassis he had purchased from Russ Stoehr.

Miller joins a sizable number in the Speedbowl NEMA winners club. Randy Cabral and Russ Stoehr have 15 Waterford wins between them. Cabral and Stoehr were second and third behind John Zych Jr. at this year’s Blast Off. Joey Payne, Todd Bertrand, Adam Cantor, Jeff Horn, Barry Kittredge, Chris Leonard and Greg Stoehr, all likely entries, have also won at Waterford.

He joins a chorus that sings praises to the Speedbowl – “one of the best Midget tracks in the East” –and says speeds in the 12 second bracket are “absolutely probable.” Because it’s a difficult place to play catch up, hammer down is the only acceptable strategy. “Lately,” he says, “there’s a surprise every time we go there.”

The Rifchin Trophy is a major motivation. “A tremendous man,” Miller says of the owner of M&H Tire who left behind a host of friends in auto racing including NEMA. “Everybody has a story about Marvin helping them,” says Miller.

Miller captured the 800th race in NEMA history at Oxford Plains on Aug. 17, 2001.
He says the first time he sat in a Midget was when his father Roy, a sign painter, was “putting numbers on the cars. I was very young.”
Miller, who has nine NEMA podium finishes, recalls a third place in an All Star Midget Series race at Florida’s fifth-mile Punta Gorda Speedway in 1989. “I was banging on the steering wheel trying to get Mel Kenyon and Sam Isenhauer to move over,” he says.

NEMA’s Birthday Party
Motivates Mike Horn

Brockton, MA – Mike Horn will come to the Northeastern Midget Association’s 60th birthday celebration at Waterford Speedbowl Saturday, May 12 with plenty of motivation. The second-generation racer hopes to get away with his second straight Marvin Rifchin Trophy.

The Rifchin Trophy, a coveted prize, is just part of the excitement as NEMA marks its Diamond Anniversary with 60 feature laps, 30 each for NEMA and the NEMA Lites. Tire maker (M&H) Marvin Rifchin was a major contributor to NEMA and, Horn reports, “winning a trophy that honors him was very special.”

Last year’s win at Thompson was emotional. No word comes to Horn to describe a repeat win. Rifchin and the Horn family, like many in NEMA, were very close.

NEMA President Mike Scrivani Jr. is putting together an impressive “guest list.” Already confirmed are past champions Dave Humphrey, Johnny Mann and Butch Walsh. “We expect to announce others soon,” says Scrivani.

History is not lost on Horn, the son of open cockpit veteran Jeff Horn. He, of course, treasures the memories of his dad’s success driving for Bay Hayes and the continuing friendships with folks like Humphrey. One of his dad’s wins came at the ‘Bowl.

“I’m fascinated by what happened in the past,” he says. “I’m really interested in what makes people successful. Having those people around in addition to honoring Marvin makes you want to step it up a notch.”

The Speedbowl has not been kind to Horn. “I haven’t had the best luck there,” he reports, claiming “some of that is due to my own decisions and some of it due to the mistakes of others.” He’ll come with a fresh motor (Esslinger) determined to “do better.”

Blast Off winner John Zych Jr. is one of a number of active drivers that have won at the Speedbowl. In addition to defending champion Randy Cabral (eight wins) and Russ Stoehr (7), Joey Payne, Todd Bertrand, Barry Kittredge, Chris Leonard, Jim Miller and Greg Stoehr will be looking to return to the ‘Bowl’s victory Lane. Anthony Marvuglio and Paul Scally have had strong runs there as well.

Anthony Nocella and Ian Cumens hope to put Team Seymour back in the ‘Bowl’s Lites Victory lane. Blast off winner Ryan Bigelow will be looking to make it two in a row. Other Lites hopefuls are Kenny Johnson, Christian Briggs, Bethany Stoehr, Carl Medeiros Jr. and Brandon Igo.

Mike Horn has great admiration for the teams “that just keep working on what they have. They just keep making little changes here and there rather than running out and buying new stuff all the time”
Horn is part of the Bertrand Motorsports “family” that also includes Zych.





	*John Dadalt Photo*

*John Dadalt Photo*





		Photos by Norm Marx

Zych Ends NEMA Drought
With Speedbowl Victory

Waterford, CT – John Zych Jr.’s “very long wait” ended Sunday with a victory in the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association feature at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off. Taking the lead four laps in, Zych beat back a mid-race restart challenge from Randy Cabral before posting his first-ever win in impressive style.

The victory ended five years of frustration for Zych and his dad. “It’s very special,” said the one-time Lemoyne College basketball player who joined Cabral (Bertrand 47) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire (45) on the podium in a Drinan/Esslinger purchased last year from the Bertrand team.

The biggest challenge came from Cabral on a restart following the second caution. “I saw Randy outside and I knew I had to get all I could out of the car,” said Zych, now a resident of Louisville, KY. “I just stood on it and tried to say from the middle to the bottom. If Randy was going to get by, it was going to be on the outside.”

They ran side-by-side halfway down the front chute before Zych pulled away, “completely surprising” Cabral. “I was on top but I was pinching him down a little bit,” said Cabral who “really throught I had something for him. He blew me away.”

It was a cakewalk from there for Zych, who posted the fastest lap (13.001 – 103.822 mph), finishing 2.43 seconds in front. “I think I heard Randy behind me once,” Zych said, pointing out he was more concerned with lapped cars over the final laps. “I knew I had to get by them clean,” he added.

The battle for third between Stoehr and Joey Payne (Breault 44) highlighted the second half of the race. Anthony Marvuglio (Derosier 38) was fifth.

Starting fourth, Zych took the lead from front row starter Paul Scally on the backstretch. It came just ahead of the first caution. Zych got away from Marvuglio on the restart but Cabral quickly moved from fourth to second and was well within striking distance when the second yellow showed.

Zych, who works for the Hershey (Chocolate) Corporation, drove 14 hours to meet his date with destiny.

The Zych #9 is almost an exact copy of Cabral’s Bertrand Motorsports #47. “They gave us some pretty good notes on it,” said Zych Sr., adding very few, if any, changes have been made.
Zych joined a large number of drivers who won for the first time at the Speedbowl, the list including Marvuglio, Jim Miller and Barry Kittredge, all in Sunday’s field.

*NEMA MIDGETS - Waterford - 4/1/12*
Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	9	*John Zych Jr.*	*Louisville, KY*	*John Zych Sr.*
2	47	*Randy Cabral*	*Plymouth, MA*	*Tim Bertrand*
3	45	*Russ Stoehr*	*Bridgewater, MA*	*Dumo's Desire Racing*
4	44	*Joey Payne*	Fairlawn, NJ	*Ed Breault*
5	38	*Anthony Marvuglio*	*E. Bridgewater, MA*	*Tammy Bordeau*
6	39	*Todd Bertrand*	*Suffield, CT*	*Bertrand Motorsports*
7	3m	*Jim Miller*	*Weymouth, MA*	*Jim Miller*
8	16	*Matt O'Brien*	*Wilmington, MA*	Jim O'Brien & Sons Engineering
9	99	*Jim Santa Maria*	*Burlington, CT*	*Susan Santa Maria*
10	2	*Lee Bundy*	*Kennebunkport, ME*	*Lee Bundy*
11 DNF	28	*Paul Luggelle*	*Holbrook, MA*	*Paul Luggelle*
12 DNF	*26b*	*Greg Stoehr*	*Bridgewater, MA*	*Greg Stoehr*
13 DNF	30	*Paul Scally*	*Raynham, MA*	*Paul Scally*
14 DNF	8	*Barry Kittredge*	*Marlboro, MA*	*Barry Kittredge*
15 DNF	71	*Seth Carlson*	*Brimfield, CT*	*Gene Feigel*
16 DNF	*7ny*	*Adam Cantor*	*Glen Cove, NY*	*Allan Cantor*
17 DNF	87	*Doug Cleveland*	*Sudbury, MA*	*Doug Cleveland*












*Photos by Norm Marx*

Lites Honors to Ryan Bigelow

Waterford, CT – Taking the lead on the second of two early cautions, Ryan Bigelow went on to win the 25-lap Northeast Midget Association’s Lites feature Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off. It was the season opener for the Lites, celebrating their fifth season

Ian Cumens and Joey Payne filled out the podium in Seymour cars. Randy Cabral and Kenny Johnson were fourth and fifth.

Starting midfield, Bigelow sat third when the second yellow flew. Following leader Christian Briggs into second on the restart, Bigelow took command heading down the backstretch. Bigelow faced a third restart with 18 to go (beating Briggs) and a late threat by Cumens before claiming his second career win.

Cumens grabbed second when Briggs dropped out shortly before the halfway point. He quickly chased down Bigelow and had his nose inside the leader’s car in the middle of one and two with three laps remaining. Bigelow recovered to win by two car lengths.

Payne, subbing for Anthony Nocella (who was driving a modified) came on strong in the late stages.

*NEMA LITES - Waterford - 3/31/12*
Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	13	*Ryan Bigelow*	*E. Hampton, CT*	*Randy Bigelow*
2	9	Ian Cumens	Lydell, PA	Bobby Seymour
3	29	*Joey Payne*	Fairlawn, NJ	*Matt Seymour*
4	35	*Randy Cabral*	*Plymouth, MA*	*Glen Cabral*
5	46	*Kenney Johnson*	*Bethany, CT*	*Jeff Johnson*
6	*26b*	*Bethany Stoehr*	*Bridgewater, MA*	MCI Racing/ Greg Stoehr
7	28	*Paul Luggelle*	*Holbrook, MA*	*Paul Leggelle*
8 DNF	44	*Christian Briggs*	*Mattapoisett, MA*	*Christian Briggs*
9 DNF	45	*Brandon Igo*	*Wilbraham, MA*	*David Igo*
10 DNF	50	*Carl Medeiros, Jr.*	*Westport, MA*	*Carl Medeiros*
11 DNF	51	*Danny Cugini*	*Marshfield, MA*	*D. Cugini*
12 DNF	31	*Paul Bigelow*	*Berlin, CT*	*Randy Bigelow*
13 DNF	4	*Joey Mucciacciaro*	*Wolcott, CT*	*Paul Scally*
14 DNS	*15b*	*Avery Stoehr*	*Lakeville, MA*	MC Racing LLC/ Russ Stoehr
15 DNS	11	*Alan Chambers*	*Atkinson, NH*	*Michael Chambers*

NEMA Opens Season at Bowl’s Blastoff

Brockton, MA – Commonly called “the best Midget track in the East,” Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff is a fitting venue to inaugurate the Northeastern Midget Association’s 60th consecutive season. Both NEMA and the NEMA Lites are on the busy two-day agenda.

The Lites kicks off its fifth season with a 25-lap feature on Saturday night. The NEMA “full midgets” 25-lapper is on the Sunday agenda. Both divisions will qualify Saturday afternoon.

Defending champion Randy Cabral, NEMA’s all-time Speedbowl win leader with eight, leads the club into the weekend. Among the top challengers are Todd Bertrand, Cabral’s Bertrand Motorsports teammate, and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire) who won twice at Waterford last year and has missed the podium only once in the last 10 NEMA Speedbowl visits.

Anthony Nocella and Ian Cumens, teammates on the Seymour team, head up what is expected to be a bumper field for the Lites feature.

“Everybody seems to be at their best at the Speedbowl,” explains Stoehr. “Often, you look back and find the best you did all season was at Waterford.” Cabral “starts getting excited early in the weeks we come to the Speedbowl.”

It is the track’s “geography,” says Bobby Seymour who has enjoyed great success there as both a driver and owner. “Size, shape, surface, distance,” are all factors in the low 13 seconds runs on the third mile.

Sunday’s field could have a number of competitors who have won at Waterford in the past including Adam Cantor, who is moving back in the driver’s seat of the 7ny after a year away and veteran Joey Payne who’ll be piloting the Breault 44 this season. Others on that list include Barry Kittredge, Greg Stoehr, Jim Miller and Chris Leonard.

The rookie battle begins as well with Anthony Marvuglio, Seth Carlson and Jim Santa Maria all contenders, Marvuglio driving for Chris Derosiers. All, incidentally, are Lites graduates.

Paul and Ryan Bigelow, Bethany Stoehr, Andy Barrows, Christian Briggs, Jake Sturgis, Brandon Igo, Kenny Johnson, Carl Medeiros and Jack Smith are Lites probables. Avery Stoehr, Russ’ son, is among the newcomers.

This is the sixth time since 2004 NEMA has opened its season at the Speedbowl.
While he is the all-time leader, Cabral’s last Waterford win came in 2008. Four different sets of brothers are on the Waterford win list – Drew and Nokie Fornoro, Mike and Bobby Seymour, Greg and Russ Stoehr and Tim and Todd Bertrand.
Dangerous Paul Scally comes to Blastoff filled with optimism based on his career-high fourth in last year’s Angelillo Memorial.
Joey Mucciacciaro will drive Scally’s #4 Lites car.

Johnny Thompson

Speedbowl Midget History
Filled With Magic Names

Waterford Speedbowl’s Midget history is as old as the track itself. Johnny Thomson, a Lowell, MA product, won the first-ever Midget race at the Speedbowl, a fog-shortened 15-lap ARDC event on June 30, 1951. He was followed by Bert Brooks, Charlie Ethier, Nick Fornoro, Cliff Riggott, Georgie Rice and Johnny Kay, all legendary Midget names.

So, the NEMA winners at the Budweiser Blast Off March 31-April 1 join a win list that begins with the man still regarded by many as New England’s premier open-cockpit driver. The NEMA Lites’ 25-lap feature is part of Blast Off’s Saturday schedule while NEMA is set for Sunday.

The Midgets returned to the Speedbowl on July 14th that first year, Thomson again the winner of a 35-lapper. The new facility, in fact, capped off its first season with a 100-lap Triple A event won by Art Cross, still another legendary character. Midwesterner George Tichenor won the pole with a 17.920 run – almost five seconds off today’s top speeds on the third-mile oval. Then, as now, it was regarded as an outstanding Midget facility.

Like Seekonk and Stafford Speedways, The Speedbowl is a “Charter Member” of NEMA, the latter beginning its 60th year at Blast Off. Bill Eldridge, en route to becoming NEMA’s inaugural champion, won Waterford’s first NEMA feature on May 31, 1953 in the Parmenter #55. Sid Cook and Elmer Gunnerson followed.

The Speedbowl got in on the ground floor with the Lites as well in 2008.

Over a half century old, Speedbowl Midget win list includes magic names like Dutch Schaefer, Johnny Bernardi, Lenny Boyd, Joe Csiki, Chuck Arnold, Russ Klar and Johnny Coy Sr. Of more recent vintage, Randy Cabral, Russ Stoehr, Lou Cicconi, Bobby Santos III, Ben Seitz, Ted Christopher and Bobby Seymour have contributed to the Speedowl’s midget history.

Cabral is the Speedbowl’s all-time Midget winner with eight, one better that Russ Stoehr. That rivalry will continue at Blast Off. Bobby Seymour, who will field two Lites car at Blast Off, has been very successful at the Speedbowl both as a driver and owner.

Bobby Santos III scored his first-ever Midget win at Waterford in a Seymour car. Teddy Christopher’s only Midget win came at Waterford after battling Seymour.

In addition to Cabral and Stoehr, Todd Bertrand, Adam Cantor, Chris deRitis, Barry Kittredge, Chris Leonard, Joey Payne, Jim Miller and Greg Stoehr, all probable Blast Off entries, have won at Waterford.

*Art Cross*	*Billy Eldridge*
*Bobby Santos*	*Randy Cabrral & Russ Stoeh*r

Marvuglio Moves Up
To Full NEMA Ride

ABrockton, MA – Anthony Marvuglio joins a list of Northeastern Midget Association Rookie of the Year candidates. A veteran of NEMA’s Lites division, Marvuglio will drive Chris DeRosiers’ #38 in NEMA action this year, beginning with Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off March 31-April 1.

The NEMA Lites will also be on the Saturday night card at Blast Off while NEMA is part of the Sunday agenda. Both divisions are scheduled for 25-lap features. Blast Off begins NEMA’s 60th season.

Driving DeRosiers' Gaerte-powered Spike chassis is a major step for Marvuglio who also answers to “Bug.” He joins Seth Carlson and Jim Santa Maria, also Lites products, on the rookie list.

Last year Todd Bertrand and Anthony Nocella became the first Lites products to capture NEMA features. Bertrand went on to win Rookie of the Year honors.
Marvuglio, 20, believes he is on schedule. A veteran of quarter midgets and go karts, he’s been a Lites regular over the past three years. His resume includes an emotional Lites victory driving the Cabral #35 at the 2009 Boston Louie. He was third last year at Waterford Speedbowl (in the Scrivani #21) in his late brother Shane Hammond’s Memorial Race, counting that battle among his career highlights.

He recalls talking to DeRosiers a few years back but things didn’t work out. They got together at the end of last year, Marvuglio driving the car at the DAV and World Series.

After NEMA lost Hammond in 2008, Marvuglio recalls his mother Deb asking “hey, do you still want to do this?” He answered “absolutely.” He has proven himself in a number of Lites cars since.

“I know Shane is always with me and I know that he is happy for me,” he says.

Marvuglio says the competition he will face “fires him up.” NEMA expects a banner season with defending champion Randy Cabral heading up a group of contenders that includes Russ and Greg Steer, Joey Payne, Jim Miller, Adam Cantor and Barry Kittredge.

Optimism Continues High
For NEMA’s Paul Scally

Northeastern Midget Association mainstay Paul Scally had some near misses in 2011. He was running second at Waterford Speedbowl when a radiator hose let go eight laps from the finish. Again at Waterford, the man called “Dangerous” was leading when, on lap 19, he “got messed up in lapped traffic” and wound up fourth. At Seekonk Speedway’s DAV, he was third when the drive shaft quit.

It’s more than enough to fire-up Scally’s optimism heading into NEMA’s 60th season. It all begins at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off on March 31-April 1. Both NEMA and the NEMA Lites will be on the Blast Off agenda.

It is, of course tough company with the likes of defending champion Randy Cabral, Greg and Russ Stoehr, Joey Payne Jr., Adam Cantor all with something to prove in 2012.

“I’ve won somewhere between 20 and 25 races on the dirt,” says the one-time Mini Sprint competitor. “I’ve won a championship (1992 at Sugar Hill Speedway) but I haven’t won a NEMA race yet. It’s not far away.”

Paul and his dad, also Paul, combine equal shares of optimism and dedication. “In the winter, we’re probably out in the garage four nights a week,” says Scally, a construction supervisor. In season, the two Drinan and single Hawk chassis, the latter a Lites division entry, demand attention every night.

A memorable crash last summer at Thunder Road Speedway is testimony to the Scally’s dedication. He and his dad had the car back for the next race. They have not missed a race in two years, a major accomplishment for a “low buck’ operation. Last year, they actually repaired a broken rocker arm in the pits at Seekonk.

“You’ve got to make sacrifices,” he declares. “You’ve got to dig deep sometimes to make things happen.”

Scally came to NEMA in 1993 (“a dream come true) and won top Rookie honors the next season. One event from ‘94, a 50 lapper at Seekonk, remains especially vivid. “I think about it all the time,” says Scally who led the first 30 laps before “coming up on lapped traffic. The guy in second got into me and spun me out. Something broke and I couldn’t get going again.” He remembers actually believing “I had it won. That’s something you should never do.”

Idled for a while by family pressures, the Scallys have been at it since 2005.

Randy Cabral pinned the “Dangerous” tag on Scally. “I broke a rear axle, spun around in front of everybody and Randy hit me,” says Scally. “He came over to me and said ‘you’re dangerous out there’ and it stuck.”...

*SUNDAY 2012 COFFEE CUP ACTION*





		*Photos by* *Norm Marx*
*SATURDAY 2012 COFFEE CUP ACTION*








	*Photos by* *Norm Marx*

Sat., March 10th & Sun. March 11th

NEMA to Support Providence Indoor Races - Off the Track & On

Providence, RI: On March 10 & 11, 2012, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI, will host the annual Coffee Cup Indoor Auto Racing featuring the small but powerful Three-Quarter Midgets (TQs). And when guests enter the facility to enjoy the annual event they will get an up-close view of a “sister” racer, a full-scale Midget, courtesy of the Northeastern Midget Association.

The racecar owned by Ed Breault that will be campaigned by Joey Payne, Jr. of Fairlawn, NJ, on the Northeastern Midget Association during the 2012 season will be in the entrance of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center allowing fans to get a good look at a very similar car that will be in competition during the two-day event.

“We are happy to be here in support of the Coffee Cup,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani. “This is an excellent way to introduce fans to a race car that they may not be all that familiar. It is also a great way for us as a racing organization to say thank you to everyone at Dunkin’ Donuts, the Dunkin Donuts Center, and event organizers, Area Auto Racing News, for providing both competitors and fans with an incredible racing event.”

The event will also feature the Champ Karts.

The Northeastern Midget Association will run a special promotion to support their involvement with the indoor racing spectacular.

Indoor racing provides an intense experience for both fans and competitors. Top-ranked drivers from around the northeast from a variety of different racing backgrounds gather together for the bragging rights of winning indoors. In Providence, the track size is roughly 1/10th mile. In the tight quarters, speeds reach in excess of 70 miles per hour; providing plenty of thrills. The racing surface is coated with cola syrup to enhance the grip on the track, helping to ensure a fast and furious race to the checkers. Two- and sometimes three-wide racing leads to some pretty spectacular spills
.
During any normal indoor event, the likes of Ted Christopher and Mike Stefanik from the Tour Modified ranks, dirt trackers like Billy Pauch Sr., Stuart Friesen and Mike Dicely are joined by Supermodified aces like Mike Lichty, characters like Timex Morgan and a host of weekly racing series competitors to comprise one of the most diverse and entertaining rosters found in racing.

The Northeastern Midget Association will be well represented on the track as well. Payne, the 2003 NEMA champion, is among the drivers considered favorites during the indoor circuit. Payne is a six-time winner indoors.

Payne will be joined at the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts by NEMA regulars including up-and-comer Todd Bertrand of Suffield, CT and B.J. MacDonald of Pipersville, PA. A part time competitor with NEMA, Lou Cicconi, Jr. of Lester, PA, is also a favorite. He currently has seven (7) indoor victories.

Multi-time and reigning NEMA champion Randy Cabral of Plymouth, MA, has competed indoors over the last couple of years. The talented driver is still searching for a ride in Providence.

In the support division, the Champ Karts will feature a group of third generation drivers as the children of brothers Russ & Greg Stoehr-Avery, Bethany, and Kathryn are scheduled to compete. Russ Stoehr is a multi-time NEMA champion. He and his brother Greg finished second and third respectively in the point standings in 2011.

Tickets for the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets range in price from $25-$45. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center is located at One LaSalle Square in Providence, RI 02903.

Previous TQ winners of the indoor event at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center include Mike Iles, Ted Christopher (’09 & ’11), Mike Lichty, and Mike Stefanik. In the Champ Karts Chris Daley is a two-time winner. Also scoring victories have been Justin Bonsignore, Ryan Kendall, and Brian Shields.

On February 10 & 11 many of the same competitors will compete in the Len Sammons Motorsports Production’s Gambler’s Classic in Atlantic City. The Three-Quarter Midgets will be joined by the 600 Micros, Slingshots and Champ Karts.

He may not be racing but NEMA’s own Keith Botelho summed it up nicely for those who cannot compete in Providence.

“I'll be racing,” said Botelho, “racing down I-95 on my way to watch the races.”

Botelho is a regular competitor with NEMA; finishing fourth in the final point standings in 2011.

CHECK OUT THE
NEMA Open FACEBOOK Group
FOR REPORTS COMING FROM THE
ATLANTIC CITY INDOOR RACE

Friday Time Trials
Joey Payne - #45 TQ - 1st
Lou Cinconni - #75 TQ - 8th
Todd Bertrand - #69 deRitis TQ - 11th
BJ MacDonald - # 57 TQ - 25th
Carl Medeiros Jr. - #26 Champ Kart - 10th

Friday Heats
Joey Payne - 2nd in Heat
Lou Cinconni - in the Main also

Friday Main
Joey Payne - on the Pole
Ted Christopher - outside Pole

Ted Christopher Wins
Joey Payne - 2nd
Lou Cinconni - finishes 6th

Saturday
Car & Driver Photos Posted

Payne, Cicconi, deRitis and MacDonald are all in the main

Rudolph wins the T.Q. race Smith 2nd - Payne, Cicconi, deRitis,
and MacDonald all did not finish...

NEMA Lites Begin
Fifth Year at Blastoff

Brockton, MA – Anthony Nocella and Ian Cumens, teammates in Seymour Enterprises cars, top the contenders list for the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association Lites feature at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off March 31-April 1.

The Lites feature is part of the Saturday night (March 31) agenda. The 25-lap NEMA feature is on the Sunday (April 1) schedule. Both divisions qualify on Saturday.

A field in the mid twenties is expected as “the Lites” begin their fifth campaign. The Speedbowl was one of the first tracks to host the economically-motivated division back in 2008. The NEMA Lites have become one of the fastest growing developmental divisions in open-cockpit racing.

Nocella, who will be driving the Seymour’s NEMA car later in the season, won two Lites events at the Speedbowl last season including the Blast Off. Cumens is actually looking for two in a row having won last year’s finale at Seekonk in the Seymour #9.

Andy Barrows, Ryan Bigelow and Paul Luggelle were also Waterford winners a year ago. Paul Bigelow, Christian Briggs, Jake Sturgis, Brandon Igo, Kenny Johnson, Carl Modeiros and Jake Smith are expected as well. Joey Mucciacciaro will be driving Paul Scally’s No. 4.

Blast Off will also mark the debut of Avery Stoehr who will join cousin Bethany in Lites competition. Avery is the son of Russ Stoehr while Bethany is the daughter of Greg Stoehr. Other newcomers include youngsters Dan Cugini, who takes over in the car Russ Wood Jr. drove last year, and Tyler Rivard, the latter in Jennifer Scravani’s #21.

Bobby Seymour, the “unofficial” Lites leader, points out the plan is to not only get younger drivers into NEMA but to keep them there. It is working. Seth Carlson, Anthony Marvuglio, Todd Bertrand and Jim Santa Maria, all Lites graduates, will be driving “full midgets” in 2012. They’ll be part of a field that includes defending champion Randy Cabral, former champions Russ Stoehr and Joey Payne and veteran competitors Adam Cantor, Barry Kittredge and Greg Stoehr.

The division began with Oldsmobile Quad-4 and Ford Focus engines. Both are still being used. Honda came aboard and now EcoTec (Chevy) joins the party,

“We’ve been adjusting all the time,” says Seymour, “trying to level the playing field.” He admits to “changing the rules as we go along making sure no car is too quick.” Everybody, he adds, “wants to leave home feeling he has a shot at winning. That makes a series attractive.”

Busy Agenda Looms
for NEMA’s Bertrand

Brockton, MA – Bertrand Motorsports had an extraordinary 2011. Randy Cabral and Tim Bertrand captured the Northeastern Midget Association drivers and owners championships respectively. Todd Bertrand added to the luster, scoring his first-ever NEMA feature en route to Rookie of the Year honors.

Bertrand and driver Randy Cabral are set to defend their crowns. The Esslinger-powered #47 Drinan chassis is “completely refurbished and ready to go” Bertrand reports. Brother Todd’s car, the Honda-powered #39, “is in good shape.”

Expect both cars when NEMA opens its 60th season March 31-April 1 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off. The NEMA Lites kick of campaign number five at the ‘Bowl as well.

Bertrand is “bullish on the upcoming season.” Both Russ and Greg Stoehr, second and third last year in points, will be back in 2012. Joey Payne, the 2003 champion, returns full time in the Breault #44 and Adam Cantor is moving back behind the wheel of 7NY. “There will be no shortage of contenders,” adds Bertrand, hardly a stranger to the rigors of winning titles.

So, why add what amounts to the next chapter in the Bertrand Guest Program? “I miss it,” answers Bertrand who in the recent past has added to NEMA prestige providing rides for, among others, Sprint Cup ace Ryan Newman, USAC standout Cole Carter, and Modified star Ted Christopher.

Pennsylvania open cockpit standout Ryan Smith is “a definite” for the “Guest Car,” an AutoCraft-powered, refurbished Drinan chassis. “I’ve wanted to put Ryan in one of our cars for a while,” says Bertrand. Other possibilities for the car – “definitely a short track machine” – are Modified driver Doug Coby, Mark Buonomo, looking to return to the Midgets after being away for five years, and veteran Lou Cicconi Jr.

Carter, son of the legendary Pancho Carter, will drive the #39 at Thompson and is “a possibility” for Oswego, the latter back on the NEMA schedule for the first time since 2005.

Bertrand calls going to the Night Before The 500 show at IRP with both Cabral in the #47 and Carter in the #39 in May “a good possibility.”

Cicconi and Buonomo have won in Bertrand equipment.
Carter has three podium finishes, including one at Thompson, in Bertrand equipment.
Bertrand Motorsports has 30 NEMA wins, all in the last decade.
Russ Stoehr is the only driver with wins at every track NEMA will visit this season. Randy Cabral’s resume is missing an Oswego win.

Three-year old Avery Stoehr is lending a hand on "Papa's" Midget at
Seekonk Speedway in 1997. About to turn 16, Russ Stoehr's son will
join cousin Bethany in NEMA's Lites Division in 2012.

Stoehr-NEMA Story
Adds New Dimension

Brockton, MA - For some four decades, the Northeastern Midget Association’s Stoehr family has competed on the father-son and brother-verses-brother level. It will expand in 2012 to first-cousin-verses first-cousin.

Expect to see plenty of Stoehr folks when NEMA opens its 60th season March 31-April 1 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off. “That’s what we do, we drive race cars,” understates Russ, who returns in the Dumo’s Desire #45. Brother Greg is back as well in the 26b, a new Stealth chassis powered by the familiar Mazda.

On the first cousin level, Russ’ son Avery, who turns 16 in June, moves up from an impressive go kart record to join Greg’s daughter Bethany in NEMA Lites action. The rapidly growing Lites division begins its fifth season at the Blast Off.

Avery, a WKA champion at Route 106 Racepark in Pembroke, NH, will drive the car Keith Botelho drove (and won with) in NEMA competition the past two seasons. Carl Kibbe remains the crew chief for the now Focus-powered Stealth chassis.

The Stoehr racing genealogy begins with Bill who crewed for, among others, the legendary Bill Schindler. Russ and Greg’s dad Paul, a NEMA Hall of Famer, drove for many years. Russ and Greg have 58 victories between them, Russ sitting third on the all-time win list with 48 including four a year ago. Greg also won last year.

The fourth generation has great promise. Bethany, who also has a strong go kart background, ended the 2011 Lites season with five straight top sevens including a second and a third. “Bethany had a tough start but finished up very competitive,” says proud Uncle Russ. She figures, in fact, to be a strong factor in a division NEMA expects to average 20-plus cars a meet this summer. Look for Bethany’s sister Kathryn to make some races as well.

While “bringing along the next generation” is a top priority this year, the third generation is not finished. Greg, in the championship picture until a devastating crash at Waterford last year, returns “determined” to run well.

Car owner Laura Kibbe’s commitment to another season of continuing the tradition set in motion by her dad Gene Angelillo no doubt affects Russ. “Last year we came up a little short but had a great season,” says Russ, who wound up second in points to champion Randy Cabral. “It would be nice to win another championship but it is more important that we continue to run competitively.”


*Oswego, Star Return* *On NEMA’s ’12 Agenda*
Brockton, MA – The established mainstays and a return to Star and Oswego Speedways fill the Northeastern Midget Association’s 2012 schedule. NEMA, entering its 60th season, and the NEMA Lites, heading into its fifth campaign, will kick things off at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff on March 31-April 1. Randy Cabral and Bertrand Motorsports will be defending their respective owner/driver championships over a 14-race agenda that includes five visits to Waterford including the Shane Hammond Memorial (July 28), Wings & Wheels (Aug. 11), Angelillo Memorial (Sept. 1) and the Fall Finale (Oct. 6-7). There are two stops at Thompson (the May 20 Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race and Oct. 13-14 World Series), two at Seekonk including the July 18 Open Wheel Wednesday and two at Lee USA Speedway including the season-ending Ocktoberfest Oct. 20-21. NEMA continues to be part of Stafford Motor Speedway’s Open Wheel offering (Carquest’s Super Saturday on June 30). The Oswego trip (Aug. 28) is the first since 2005. Clearly one of the most demanding ovals in the nation, an Oswego checkered remains one of the most cherished laurels in all of racing. Star, missing since 2007, returns on July 21. The tricky Star has hosted more NEMA events – 137 – than any other facility. The Lites, arguably the most successful developmental division in open cockpit racing, have 14 events planned. They’ll share seven of those with the “full midgets” including Waterford’s Hammond Memorial and Finale and Lee’s Octoberfest. “In view of the economic times, it is a challenging and varied schedule for both NEMA and the Lites,” says NEMA President Mike Scrivani, Jr. “The traditional events are so important and we, of course, are excited about the return to Star and Oswego.” Cabral and Bertrand will not have an easy task. The Stoehr brothers will be back, Russ in the Dumo’s Desire #45 and Greg in the family-owned #26b. Former Champion Joey Payne will be fulltime in the Breault #44 and Adam Cantor returns to the driver’s seat in the family’s 7ny. The super reliable Paul Scally is bent on a successful campaign as is Mike Horn. Seth Carlson and Jim Santa Maria move up to the full midgets, joining two other “Lites” graduates that won last year – Todd Bertrand and Anthony Nocella. The Lites expect continued growth with the fields approaching the mid 20s. Among the Lites newcomers is Avery Stoehr, the young son of Russ. Avery will be joining his cousin Bethany, Greg’s daughter, who showed great promise last summer.

Seth Carlson Graduates
to NEMA Big Leagues

2011 NEMA Lite standout Seth Carlson & Gene Feigel Motorsports have decided to “graduate” Carlson to the big leagues, committing to the full 2012 NEMA schedule.

“I’m looking forward to running with Greg & Russ Stoehr and Randy Cabral in 2012,” said Carlson. “I think there will be a lot of good racing in the 2012 season. I am very excited to get the chance to run with these guys.”

A multi time winner in 2011, Carlson will be coming to NEMA with his familiar, exceptional handling Drinan Chassis with an Esslinger powered “spec” engine – becoming a popular choice for the economics involved.

Carlson, who counts Twin State Speedway as his favorite track, says “The 2011 season was a great learning experience. It was also great to get back on pavement after a few years running Dirt (at Whip City Speedway).”

On Carlson and his move to the full NEMA series - “We have always intended for the Lite series to be a perfect ‘stepping stone’ for the full NEMA series,” said President Mike Scrivani. “Seth is a perfect example of this – he came in, had a bit of a learning curve, then figured it out, and won a bunch of races. The Lite series was a perfect learning ground for him, and we’re confident he’ll be one of our rising stars in the NEMA series,” continued Scrivani.

Carlson is quick to credit Gene Feigel, his owner & sponsor, for helping his racing career along – and his father, for his countless hours spent working on the car and setting up the car at the racetrack. He also credits mentor Greg Stoehr for teaching him the old adage “patience is a virtue” – after some early season DNF’s due to a little “eagerness” to get to the front too quickly.

With Carlson in top notch equipment, as well as the addition of Payne, Cantor, and Cabral coming back in a “freshened” ride for 2012 – the competition should be ripe in the upcoming season.

A Promotion In Store
for NEMA’s Tom Fox

NEMA is proud to announce that former championship driver and race director for the 2011 season, Tom Fox, has been promoted to its Director of Race Operations. Fox, and a team he will be assembling, will be responsible for all on track and off track operations each week.

“It’s about organization and showmanship. We are going to step up our game,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani. “Putting on the best show we can each week, working with the promoters and their staff while at the race track, and coming prepared with the best possible show every week is our goal in 2012 and beyond. Having Tom on board to run this end of the business for us is both incredibly helpful and welcomed,” said Scrivani.

A machinist & fabricator by trade, as well as a storied NASCAR late model, modified and Busch East driver, Fox comes prepared for the task at hand in 2012 with NEMA. “I have been a fan of NEMA since the first time I watched them compete at Waterford back in the mid 70's. I always thought of the drivers as being true "daredevils", and almost 40 years later I see that it's true. NEMA is a true racers club, all of the members are passionate about Midget racing, and most of them have ties that go back a generation (or several),” said Fox.

Fox believes that NEMA has a bright future ahead of itself and that the NEMA Lite series has helped to “future proof” the series. “The creation and adoption of the Lite series a few years ago has created an affordable venue for talented young racers to get Midget experience. It's a true "feeder" division for the Midgets, and kids coming from Quarter Midgets and Karts can pursue their open wheeled dreams in an organized and affordable series,” said Fox.

When asked about his thoughts on taking on the role for the 2012 season, Fox says that …”The "Club" is what has kept this division arguably the strongest Midget Group in the Country, but every one of us recognize that we need to change the culture of the group in order to keep our Northeast prominence, and to enhance our fan appeal. I'm going to work hard, along with the rest of the members, to increase our "brand" awareness, and strive to make the NEMA program one of the most professional and efficient Touring programs available to fans and Promoters. We are continually looking at Rules and Procedures to streamline our product regarding on-track efficiency and the true cost of competing.”

Fox will lead NEMA into the opener at the Waterford Speedbowl, kicking off on March 31.

Stability, Cost Savings & Growth
In Store for NEMA in 2012

Brockton, MA - With the election of a new board & various executive positions, the underlying themes coming out of NEMA’s 2012 rules meeting and elections held in December at Thompson Speedway’s clubhouse were about stability, cost savings & growth.

NEMA’s executive board will once again be headed up by President, Mike Scrivani. Scrivani will be supported by Tim Bertrand as Vice President, Russ Stoehr as 2nd Vice President – to focus on the NEMA Lite series, newly elected Paul Scally as Treasurer, and Linda Cleveland, who continues as Secretary. Doug Cleveland and Shawn Torrey were re-elected as board members, along with a new contingent including Adam Cantor, Barry Kitteredge, Bob Seymour and Joe Santa Maria.

“Coming off of one of the most competitive seasons ever, we looked – both as a club and as a Board, to achieve stability, cost savings and focus on growth for 2012,” stated Vice President, Tim Bertrand. “We chose to freeze some of our current technical rules for a period of at least two years and adopted some new rules, such as a new handicapping system to encourage car count. Our old system discouraged members who were only able to make it once in a while, and the new system encourages anyone with a midget to come run with us. We hope to even attract some talent from the Midwest to our races,” said Bertrand.

Growth was also a big topic amongst the members. The club has put together an aggressive program around PR, Marketing and attracting new talent to the club. Big changes will also be announced soon regarding NEMA’s race day operations team & procedures.

NEMA is extremely excited about re-kindling relationships with tracks such as Star Speedway and Oswego on the 2012 schedule, and continued support from long time relationships with Waterford, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson, and Lee USA Speedway. More information on the full schedule will be announced soon.

More information will be forthcoming regarding NEMA’s 2012 initiatives, as well as additional driver & personnel announcements over the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled on www.nemaracing.com for details.

Former NEMA Champion Joey Payne Returns to NEMA Full Time in 2012

Northeast Midget Association action has been as hot in the off season, as it was on the track in 2011. Last week, 2003 NEMA champion and long-time open wheel standout Joey Payne announced that he will be returning full time to the circuit in 2012 aboard the Ed Breault owned #44.

“I had a decent year in 2011,” stated Payne. “We raced Oswego full time, finishing 6th in points with one win. We also had some bad luck, after falling out of the $10,000 to win Mr. Supermodified race with a flat while leading with 20 laps to go. The Classic was another let down, running 2nd for 100 laps and losing the rear end. Ed Breault asked me to drive the last three races of the year, and we didn’t have good luck either, but we had a blast,” said Payne.

With plans to run full time schedules with NEMA, at Oswego (Muldoon Racing) and quarter midgets with his son Anthony at Wall Stadium, Payne will certainly have his hands full this season. His goals are also very clear, “I’d like to win some races at Oswego, and make it back to victory lane with NEMA,” said Payne.

Citing his father as his biggest inspiration in racing & his family for their support, Payne also heads up a long list of NEMA competitors that credit their families with their success & passion for the sport.

As for the familiar, blue Breault #44, the car will carry its flagship Crown Collision banner, in addition to Seymour Enterprises, No Regrets Ink and Bell Helmets. Ed & Lou Breault will continue to take care of the car during the week, in addition to assistance from Mike Scrivani, Dave Shore & Jason Parsons.

Payne, with the addition of Adam Cantor, recent champions Randy Cabral & Russ Stoehr, and 2nd year standouts Todd Bertrand & Anthony Nocella will undoubtedly produce excitement for the fans in 2012.

Driver’s Seat Marks the Spot
for Cantor in 2012

After taking the 2011 season to “learn & reflect,” 2012 will mark Adam Cantor’s return to the driver’s seat as a championship contender in Northeast Midget Association competition.

“I can’t wait for the green flag to drop at Waterford’s opener in late March,” states Cantor. “I’m really looking forward to running against the likes of Randy Cabral, Russ & Greg Stoehr and Joey Payne all season long.”

Cantor calls the 2011 season “the most difficult of his life,” having been the first time in 22 years not behind the wheel of a racecar. As much as it was difficult, Cantor also learned a great deal as well as he spent much of his time “watching the races unfold, learning each driver’s tendencies, strategy, and taking the time to understand chassis set up at a much deeper level.”

Cantor Racing returns with its long time sponsor of ten years, IGA Reichert Group. “It has been a pleasure to have been able to work with Charlie Reichert and his family. I consider us truly blessed to have been able to have their support and friendship,” says Cantor.

A family operation at its core, Cantor credits his parents, Allan Cantor (team owner) & Kim (team manager) and Joe Demonte (head mechanic) for much of his career success. “They have never questioned any of the decisions I have made and have supported every single decision I have made whether they liked it or not,” states Cantor.

Cantor also credits long time mentors, including karting legend Charlie Cressi, for his success.

Highlighting Monadnock & Twin State as his favorite tracks, he has nothing against any of the tracks on NEMA’s schedule in 2012. “Once you dislike a track, you are better off staying home,” says Cantor.

Cantor and NEMA kick their season off at Waterford Speedbowl on March 31st.

Saturday, November 19
White's of Westport
Westport, MA

2011 NEMA Midgets Owner and Driver Champions
Bertrand Motorsports and Randy Cabral

The Jim O’Brien Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to
family and racing was presented by the O'Brien family to Glen Cabral

Hardware Harvest at NEMA Banquet

Full 2011 NEMA Banquet Photo Page HERE

Westport, MA – “I can’t wait to come back next year,” champion Randy Cabral told the 200-plus at the Northeastern Midget Association Awards banquet Saturday night at White of Westport. It was the third championship in four years for Cabral and owner Tim Bertrand.

The NEMA Lites, led by “champions” Gene Feigel and Seth Carlson, shared in the traditional harvest of hardware

Cabral, who dedicated the season to the late car owner Jim O’Brien and super fan Jim Parsons, carried off the biggest trophy as the top 15 owners and drivers in each division were recognized.

Traditional trophies went to Greg Stoehr (the coveted Johnny Thomson Memorial), Greg and Kathryn Stoehr (Mechanic of the Year), Glen Cabral (Wen Kelley Memorial), Lee Bundy (Ray Roberts Memorial) Todd Bertrand and Seth Carlson (NEMA and Lites Ed Clotheir Rookies of the Year), Mike Horn and James Santa Maria (NEMA and Lites Joe Csiki Memorial Most Improved Drivers), Russ Stoehr (Evans/Thrall Top Owner/Driver) and Anthony Nocella and Bethany Stoehr (the NEMA and Lites Pat Thibodeau Youth, Determination and Talent Award winners).

Sons Matt, Dennis and Chris introduced the Jim O’Brien Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to family and racing and presented it to Glen Cabral. On the tenth anniversary of his passing, Brian Caruso was memorialized with a hard charger award that went to Bethany Stoehr. Tara Stoehr accepted the Angelillo Memorial, honoring the “woman behind the man.”

Keith Botelho (NEMA) and Christian Briggs (Lites) won the Shane Hammond Sportsmanship Awards.

Dave Leonard (Ralph Miller Memorial Award for Outstanding and Continuing Perseverance), John Zych Jr. (Associate Member Never Say Die Award) and Randy Bigelow (Hard Luck Award) were recognized.

Lifetime Memberships went to Doug Cleveland and Pete Zanardi.

Driver Ben Seitz and owner Peter Valeri, the dominant team between 2004 and 2007, were inducted into the Dick Gallagher Hall of Fame.

First time NEMA feature winners Mike Horn, Todd Bertrand, Anthony Nocela were recognized as were first-time Lites winners Seth Carlson, Randy Bigelow, Andy Barrows, Ian Cumens, D.J. Moniz. The Scally #30 (NEMA) and the Mederios #50 were the Wild Child Designs best appearing cars. Ted Smith, Cantor Racing of Long Island and Pennsylvania’s BJ MacDonald shared the Long Haul award.

Collecting perfect attendance Awards trophies were the Dumo’s Desire #45, the Bertrand Motorsports #47, the Russ Stoehr #25, The Cantor Racing #7ny, the Scally Racing #30, Lee Bundy’s #2 along with Gene Feigel #71, Paul Luggelle’s #28 and the Bobby Seymour/Andy Barrows #81, the latter three Lites entries.

The Mazda Motorsports Top Gun Pit Crew Awards went to #45 Dumo’s Desire (April), #13 Randy Bigelow (May), #28 Paul Luggelle (June), #93X Mike Horn (July), #39 Bertrand Motorsports (August),
#9 Seymour Racing (September) and #71 Gene Feigel (October)

NEMA – Top 15
Owners: 1. #47 Tim Bertrand, 2. #45 Dumo’ Desire,
3. #7ny Allan Cantor, 4. #25 Russ Stoehr, 5. #26b Greg Stoehr,
6. #30 Paul Scally, 7. #93X Mike Horn, 8. #2 Lee Bundy,
9. #29 Jeff Abold, 10. #9 John Zyck, 11. #22 Dave Leonard,
12. #39 Tim Bertrand, #13. #49 BJ MacDonald, 14. #44 Ed Breault,
15. #3m Jim Miller.
Drivers: 1. Randy Cabral, 2. Russ Stoehr, 3. Greg Stoehr,
4. Keith Botelho, 5. Jeff Abold, 6. Paul Scally, 7. Mike Horn,
8. Jeremy Frankoski, 9. Lee Bundy, 10. Todd Bertrand,
11. Chris Leonard, 12. John Zych, 13. BJ MacDonald,
14. Anthony Nocella, 15. Doug Cleveland.

NEMA LITES – Top 15
Owners: 1. #71 Gene Feigel, 2. #81 Bob Seymour,
3. #29 Matt Seymour, 4. #50 Carl Mederios, 5. #28 Paul Luggelle,
6. #26b Greg Stoehr, 7. #13 Randy Bigelow, 8. #99 Susan Santa Maria, 9. #48 David Igo, 10. #9 Bob Seymour, 11. #18. DJ Moniz,
12. #4 Paul Scally, 13. #21 Jennifer Scrivani,
14. #44 Christian Briggs, 15. #3 Randy Bigelow.
Drivers: 1. Seth Carlson, 2. Andy Barrows, 3. Anthony Nocella,
4. Carl Mederios Jr., 5. Paul Luggelle, 6. Ryan Bigelow,
7. Bethany Stoehr, 8. Brandon Igo, 9. Anthony Marvuglio,
10. James Santa Maria, 11. DJ Moniz, 12. Randy Cabral,
13. Christian Briggs, 14. Paul Bigelow, 15. Lanson Fornoro.

Full 2011 NEMA Banquet Photo Page HERE

The Northeastern Midget Association’s 59th season is complete. It was a very competitive campaign – eight winners including three first-timers and championship battles that went right to the final checkered. In the final reckoning, Randy Cabral and owner Tim Bertrand won the championships despite a five-win season by Russ Stoehr and the Dumo’s Desire team. Only 25 points separated them.

The traditional plethora of hardware will be distributed at the Awards Banquet Saturday, Nov. 19 at White’s of Westport in Westport, MA.

Cabral, who was on the podium in nine of 13 races this summer, claims a crash in the 2010 Boston Louie had a lot to do with the 2011 crown. “I crashed out of that 2010 championship,” says Cabral, calling “impatience” the culprit in a last place finish. “It definitely had an impact on my driving this year.”

The Bertrand team won at the World Series but Stoehr’s third was more than enough to claim the 2010 title. This summer, Stoehr won at the season-ending World Series with Cabral clinching with a second in a classic duel.

If impatience was the culprit last year, a broken panhard bar is the nominee this year. That’s what led to Stoehr’s 17th at the Boston Louie. The race before, it was a broken throttle spring. The leader going into the Louie, Stoehr actually left in third place behind Cabral, who finished second and brother Greg.

Through the “Louie” Greg Stoehr had seven top threes in 10 races including a win at Lee in the 26b. He crashed the car at Waterford on Sept. 24. He did get a ride in Jim Miller’s 3m in the final two races and wound up third in driver standings, 93 points behind the leader. Miller’s helping others is legendary.

In addition to the Cabral and the Stoehr brothers, Jeff Abold, Keith Botelho, Mike Horn, Todd Bertrand and Anthony Nocella were winners, the latter three first timers. All of the first-timers had Cabral, who had six seconds overall, on their bumper.

“I’ve never been up on the wheel for so many laps for so long. There was not a second to relax,” Cabral says of the battle with teammate Bertrand, younger brother to car owner Tim, at Waterford.

Cabral also reports that his dad Glen scolded him for not helping Todd enough. “We were too concerned about ourselves,” he explains, pledging to correct the situation in 2012.

All three first timers had historical tinges. Horn (Thompson) put himself and dad Jeff on the father/son win list, joining the Coys (Johnny Sr. along with Johnny Jr. and Joey), the Evans’ (John and Ronnie), the Harts (Bob and Rick) and the Manns (Johnny and Billy).

Bertrand (Waterford) along with Tim join Bob and Lou Cicconi, Joey and Johnny Jr. Coy, Drew and Nokie Fornoro and Bobby and Mike Seymour on the brothers win list.

Bertrand and Nocella (Seekonk) become the first NEMA Lites products to win in the full Midgets.

Russ Stoehr moved past Nokie Fornoro into third place on the all-time win list. He now has 48. Champion Randy Cabral’s two wins brings him to 31, two behind fifth place Billy Eldridge.

It was the 12th straight year Cabral has won, a statistic second only to Dave Humphrey’s 16.

Greg Stoehr’s win at Lee gives him 10 on the all-time list, putting him in a tie for 27th.

Thunder Road marked only the third time Russ and Greg Stoehr have finished one-two. They did it at Thompson back in 1993 and at Waterford in 2010.

Paul Scally’s dedication to NEMA is astonishing. Despite some mechanical woes and that horrific crash at Thunder Road, Scally made every race. The three title contenders also started every feature.

Historian Nick Teto discovered 2011 was the ninth time a driver won both the opener and the closer. Bill Eldridge did it in 1954, Dick Brown in 1961, Johnny Mann in 1972, Armond Holley in 1976 and again in 1977, Dave Humphrey in 1985, Ben Seitz in 2005, Joey Payne Jr. in 2006 and Russ Stoehr in 2011.

Teto also discovered the podium (Randy Cabral, Greg Stoehr, Todd Bertrand) was the same for the Twin State and Waterford results. That hadn’t happened in back-to-back events since 2003 when Drew Fornoro, Adam Cantor and Randy Cabral did it at Thompson and Star.

Jeff Abold became the first to win three straight Boston Louie races, riding a Seymour Enterprises wave that reached nine wins at Seekonk since 2008 when Nocella won the DAV.

Russ Stoehr’s two wins at Waterford brings his total there to seven, five of them coming since he returned to action with the Dumo’s Desire team three years ago. Before that, he had won only twice at the ‘Bowl.

Gene Angelillo Memorial Page

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