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NEMA RACER
BOB BRADBURY
HAS PASSED AWAY
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| OPEN PRACTICE - FRIDAY, MARCH
26th |
Waterford Speedbowl - Gates Open 10 AM
Rotating Practice from 12 PM to 5 PM
Rotating Order TBD - Check Pit
Board
Hauler Parking at 6 PM
Pits Only Passes - $10 |
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| SATURDAY, MARCH 27th |
Pits Open - 7:30 AM
Practice for the 14 race groups:
Round 1 - 9:30 Round 2 - 10:30 Round
3 - 12:30
Qualifying Heats: Starting approx. 2:00 PM
8 Features: Starting at 5:00 PM
NEMA Lites - 3rd Feature - 25 Laps |
| SUNDAY, MARCH 28th |
Pits Open - 7:30 AM
Pit Party Staging - 8:00 AM
Pit Party Begins - 9:30 AM
Pit Party Ends - 11:15 AM (NEMA
stays in the infield)
NEMA Warmups - 11:30 AM
6 Features: Starting at 12:00 PM
NEMA Midgets - 1st Feature - 25 Laps |
| ADMISSION |
2-Day Adult
Grandstands - $32
2-Day Youth Grandstands (6-14) - $10
2-Day Kids Grandstands (5 and Under) - FREE
2-Day Pits with NASCAR license - $40
2-Day Pits without NASCAR license - $50 |
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PDF of the
Tentative Budweiser Blastoff Schedule HERE |
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New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Member
Richard “Moon” Burgess Passes-Away |
(DURHAM, CT.)
Pioneering New England stock car racer Richard "Moon" Burgess
passed-away on Wednesday, March 17 after suffering a serious
stroke earlier in the month.
Burgess started his career in the midgets during the 1940’s,
switching to stock cars later in the decade. He competed with
success at virtually every track in the region including
Thompson, Waterford, Plainville, Riverside Park, Kingston,
Candlelight Stadium, Cherry Park, West Haven, and others.
Teamed with car owner Joe Fontana, Burgess experienced his
greatest degree of success while behind the controls of the
potent “Flying Eagle” #1 coupe. He retired from the sport in
1953 after a relatively brief but spectacular career in which he
won over 200 races including 63 feature events in addition to a
track championship.
Burgess was a founding member of the New England Antique Racers
(NEAR). He was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of
Fame in 2003.
Mass will be on Saturday March 20 at 11:30 A.M. at Notre Dame
Catholic Church, 272 Main St. Durham, CT. Friends and family are
invited to later attend a celebration of Moon's life from
2:00-5:00 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell,
CT.
Burgess leaves his wife Rita, children Rich, Jr. and Sharon, and
grandchildren. |
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Whip City
Standout Bethany Viets
To Make NEMA Lites Debut
At Speedbowl Opener |
(Brockton, MA) Young, but already a
winning veteran racer with impressive credentials, Bethany Viets
makes her NEMA Lites debut later this month at the Waterford
Speedbowl. Part of an on-going “Youth Movement” within the
division, she’ll be wheeling the Charles Gunther-owned Drinan
chassis entry.
The Lites are part of the Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff on
March 27 & 28. The division will run qualifying and a 25-lap
feature on Saturday.
Started in 2008, the Lites Series has become a melting pot for
up & coming talent. Viets is typical of the youthful open-wheel
competitors drawn to the division with its affordable “spec”
rules, and a diverse schedule that includes an assortment of
tracks throughout New England.
“We’re looking very-forward to running the NEMA Lites Series
this year,” states East Granby, CT. resident Viets, who belying
her youthful status, has years of experience running on the dirt
of Whip City Speedway in Massachusetts. “We ran weekly at Whip
City for a number of seasons. I started driving at age-12 in the
Micro Stock class in a car owned by my older brother John,
eventually advancing to the Midgets. The Lites schedule involves
some traveling, and that’s part of the allure of the division
for us. It’s going to be great to run at some different tracks.
Our team is excited about 2010 – it’s an opportunity for new
experiences.”
A third-generation racer, Viets’ family has a long history in
the sport. Both her grandfather Mike, and father Scott are
former drivers.
Car owner Gunther of Vernon, CT. is also optimistic about the
upcoming campaign. He says enlisting the talent of the young
driver to wheel his Midget in 2006 was an easy decision. “She’s
got a tremendous degree of talent, and her record at Whip City
certainly shows that,” states Gunther, a former driver himself
with decades of experience in a myriad of divisions including
Supers, Modifieds, and of-course, Midgets. “I raced against
Bethany, and I guess I just got tired of her beating-me,” he
laughs.
Lites Series Race Director Steve Grant expects a good-showing
for the division at the Bowl’ opener. “Interest in the Lites is
ever-increasing, esp. with the younger drivers that are trying
to break-into Midget racing,” he says. “It’s an affordable
opportunity for these kids to gain experience at a variety of
tracks. There’s a lot of talent out-there, and this is the
perfect place for them to start. We’re very-pleased with the way
things are shaping-up for 2010.” |
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| Cantor Set For Speedowl Opener |
Brockton, MA – Coming
off his best campaign yet, Adam Cantor begins #7ny his tenth
season with the Northeastern Midget Association
March 27-28 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off.
NEMA’s 58th season opener is part of a busy Blast Off agenda
that also includes the NEMA Lites. Both NEMA and the Lites will
qualify on Saturday, the Lites running their feature on Saturday
night, NEMA on Sunday.
“For the first time I feel no pressure to do anything but go out
and have some fun,” says Cantor, a two-time winner last season
en route to a third place in the point standings. One of the
wins came at Waterford.
The Long Islander, part of NEMA since 2001, returns with the
MOPAR-powered Beast chassis that netted six podium finishes a
year ago.
“The more determined we were to have fun the better we did,” he
continues. “I believe in my heart we can win the championship.
If I didn’t believe that I wouldn’t be doing this.”
Two-time champion Randy Cabral, the Speedbowl’s all-time top
winner, heads up those expected at the opener. The list also
includes Russ Stoehr and Jim Miller, both Speedbowl winners in
the past.
Cabral and owner Tim Bertrand will be showing Honda power for
the first time, one of several changes for NEMA this season.
Chris DeRitis, the 2009 Rookie of the Year, will be making his
debut in a Lou Cicconi machine while Jesse State will begin his
rookie of the year quest in the Power Point No. 99. Also
expected at Waterford are Greg Stoehr, Erica Santos, William
Wall, John Zych Jr., Lee Bundy, Paul Scally and Chris Leonard.
“I’ve always loved racing at the Speedowl but I never thought of
it as one of my best tracks,” says Cantor. “Well, I won the last
time we were there so I’m really looking forward to going back.”
Pointing out “everybody comes to Waterford knowing they have to
be strong,” Cantor says “getting off with a good finish is
important.” |
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| Angelillo 45 Remains NEMA
Contender |
Brockton, MA – The
beat goes on for the Dumo’s Desire/Marilyn’s Passion team. The
number 45 with Russ Stoehr aboard will be on hand when the
Northeastern Midget Association opens its 59th season March
26-27 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff Weekend.
“We have decided to run because that’s what he would have
wanted,” said Laura Kibbe of her late father Gene Angelillo who
passed away March 1. “The car is ready.”
Stoehr will join a number
of drivers out to end defending champion Randy Cabral’s opening
day win streak at two. It’s three in a row for Bertrand who won
with Lou Cicconi back in ’07.’ The team will debut a Honda motor
at the opener.
Other top contenders include Greg Stoehr, Adam Cantor, who
finished strong last summer, and 2009 Rookie of the Year Chris
DeRitis, now driving for Lou Cicconi. Rookie of the Year
candidate Jesse State will be making his full Midget debut in
the Power Point car.
The NEMA Lites, beginning its third season, will also be part of
the busy weekend agenda. NEMA will qualify on Saturday and run
its feature on Sunday. The Lites will do both on Saturday.
“We are, of course, pleased that the 45 will be part of the 2010
season,” said NEMA president Mike Scrivani Jr. “There is no way
we will not miss Gene but the car being with us is great.”
This would have been Angelillo’s 30th consecutive season with
NEMA.
The 45 will continue to be maintained in Oxford, CT and the crew
– Joe Fiore, Curt Kibbe, Jackie Giannini, Kurt Kiermont, Scott
Law, Carl Kibbe, Paul Liphardt, Nick Rinaldi and Dave Shore –
remains intact.
The earliest opener in NEMA’s history, it is the fourth time in
the past six years the club has lifted the lid at Waterford.
Cabral is actually after a fourth opening day victory
which would tie him with Bill Eldridge and Dutch Schaefer. Drew
Fornoro is the leader with six. |
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Speedbowl Looks to Its Past
for 60th Season Opener |
Waterford, CT
(February 4, 2010) – Waterford Speedbowl began operations in
1951 and quickly established itself as being a challenging
two-groove racing facility. A commitment to Modified racing and
a reputation for competitive motorsports action has endured
since. In 2010, the shoreline oval celebrates its 60th
anniversary season and will look to the past to guide it to a
sixth decade of continuous operation.
Speedbowl Management will
waste no time going ‘old school’ in honor of the milestone,
tapping its roots for the March 26th - 28th season opener.
Budweiser Blastoff weekend returns in 2010 and serves as New
England’s kickoff to racing. The event will showcase the
Speedbowl’s continued loyalty to Modifieds with the popular
Modified Racing Series co-headlining the weekend along with the
Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) and the Speedbowl’s SK
Modifieds®, the premier NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
division at the track.
The Blastoff event dates back as early as 1972 in Speedbowl
history. It became a mainstay on the schedule, opening each
season except one from 1975 until 1997 when the Modified
Nationals event debuted. The Modified Nationals, a 150-lap
extravaganza for the SK Mods, moves to close the 2010 season
along with a visit from the American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late
Model Tour.
Tradition of past Blastoff weekends featured a Modified race in
which the number of laps matched the year the event was held. In
a twist on the original concept, Blastoff weekend’s SK Modified®
race will now celebrate the Speedbowl’s number of years in
operation. For this, the Speedbowl’s 60th season, the race will
be a 60-lapper. The Modified Racing Series will compete in a
100-lap race and the NEMA Midgets go 25 laps in distance. Eleven
other divisions, led by a 50-lap Late Model race, join what is
sure to be a blockbuster weekend of racing.
The competition level is sure to be at an all-time high at
Budweiser Blastoff 2010. In eight previous Modified Racing
Series events held at the ‘Bowl, there have been eight different
winners. Since the division’s introduction in 1985, only three
competitors have repeat wins in the extra-distance SK Modified®
openers held (Ted Christopher, Dennis Gada and Eric Berndt). A
hungry and full field of open-wheel experts is expected for both
races.
For more details on the Speedbowl’s 60th anniversary 2010 season
and information on Budweiser Blastoff 2010, race fans and teams
can visit www.speedbowl.com.
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| NEMA Stalwart Angelillo Dies |
Waterbury, CT – Gene
Angelillo, a 14-time Northeastern Midget Association owners
champion, died Monday after a short illness at St Mary’s
Hospital. Angelillo, 74, also had an ARDC championship on a
30-year plus resume that included over 112 victories, 107 of
them in NEMA.
A Waterbury native, Angelillo’s team was “Dumo’s Desire” in
recognition of his late father Dominic and more recently
“Marilyn’s Passion” in honor of his late wife.
Marilyn and Gene, both officers, brought a passion to Midget
racing in general and to NEMA in particular.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Laura and Curt Kibbe and
granddaughters Tiana and Brooke.
Angelillo and Drew
Fornoro formed one of the greatest owner/driver combinations in
Midget history. Russ Stoehr and Joey Payne also won features and
championships for Angelillo. He won races with Johnny Kay, Nokie
Fornoro and Ted Christopher as well. |
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In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent for the
ANGELILLO MEMORIAL RACE
NEMA 261 Lincoln Road Sudbury,
MA 01776 |
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| Goodbye Old Friend |
Unfortunately, the
responsibilities of life have gotten in the way and I am deeply
sorry I cannot be there today. Everyone has a Gene story, so I
wanted to take a moment to tell you all some quick stories about
what Gene meant to me and how he could touch someone's life.
Gene was the equivalent to a Grandfather in racing to me.
When I was 5 years old, I was headed to my first NEMA race at
Monadnock. For me, it was going to be exciting to see different
racecars and a different track than a Long Island racetrack.
Four and half hours later we arrived at Monadnock. All that
pent-up energy was for naught because we arrived at an empty
track and empty parking lot. In my father’s typical fashion we
got there a few hours early because, that was just Dad's way!
After sitting in that parking lot for what I thought was an
eternity, a motorhome rolled in towing a little open trailer
with a storage box that said 45 Dumos Desire on the side.
Sitting on that trailer was the prettiest red racecar you ever
saw. It was an Edmunds chassis with a Volkswagen engine, and
just like the storage box on the trailer, it said 45 Dumo's
Desire on the wing. That was the first time I met Gene and
Marilyn Angelillo. Drew won the race that night...and I became
an instant fan.
I became such a devoted fan that Dad had to chastise me one
night in the grandstands at Hudson. I was about seven years old
and threw a temper tantrum because Jim Lowery Jr. beat Drew to
the line!
Gene was so generous. In those early years, Dad raced on a
shoestring and Gene kept us supplied with used tires. He was so
giving, Dad would just say, "Go to Gene’s trailer and see what
he's got." When NEMA Banned the Mazda Rotary and Grandfathered
in my Dad's car in the late 80's, Gene approached my Dad and
said, "buy my car." Dad said he couldn't afford it, Gene said,
"Tell ya what, I'll lease it to ya!" It was Gene being Gene, and
that generosity wasn't just with us, it was with everyone. There
were so many time's he would give or loan out his own part's,
tool's or even crewmen to help others. He was a true competitor
who wanted to beat you at your best.
Fast forward to the Summer of 1996. Pete, Dad and I were working
on the family car at the house. The phone rang and it was Gene.
He was President of NEMA at the time. He heard I was announcing
go-kart races and a few TQ races. Chris Romano and Dick Monahan
had prior engagements, and that weekend was the Wen Kelley/Brian
Caruso Memorial at Seekonk. My dream was to announce races and
be on TV so I can not begin to explain what this opportunity
meant to me and the fact that I never asked Gene if I could
announce NEMA races, he asked me. That spoke volumes to me. He
watched my brother and I grow up and had confidence in my
ability. Keith Bothelho won the race that night, but back in the
pits Gene was the first person who wrapped his arm around me and
gave me a big kiss on the cheek. You'd have thought I had won
the race!
A few years later I went off to college to chase my dream of
being on Television. Gene always said, "You can do it. Derek
I've heard ya, you're just as good as those guys on TV!" Just
like protective parents, Gene and Marilyn always said if you
need anything you call.
I've never told anybody this story but while I was in college
I'd announce NEMA races to make extra money. One race weekend,
as I got paid at nights end. I was putting my little yellow
envelope in my pocket, Gene tugs on my shirt sleeve and says
"come here." He pulls me aside, pulls a wad of cash out of his
pocket, peels off about double of my pay and say's "take this,
you did a good job tonight." Knowing in his old Italian way, he
would have been insulted if I didn't take it. (I never told him
this, but that pay bought one of my schoolbooks and paid my
electric bill for the month) He said to me, "You keep doing what
you're doing. I love you"
That was the tone for every conversation we would ever have
since that night. Anytime we would ever talk, somewhere in the
conversation he would always say, "You keep doing what you're
doing, I love you." That was the amazing part about Gene. His
words were so simple but ran so deep, He gave people confidence
in themselves, he gave people the ability to believe in
themselves. It was infectious. After I moved down South Gene and
Marilyn believed in me so much they would fly me up to announce
big events or emcee Banquets. When we won our first race it was
Gene and Drew we had to beat. On the track it was a photo finish
at the line, in the pits Gene and Drew cried tears of joy for
us.
How many laughs did we have with Gene over the years? It was
commonplace Gene and Marilyn would throw an after-party at the
Banquet. It was entertainment watching him "hold court!" with
club members young and old. They would circle around and listen
to his stories for hours. The older members would be reminiscing
while the younger ones were hanging on his every word about the
crazy things they did back in the day! Gene had fun at
everything he did, including life.
As I write the words and reminisce on a man who touched my life
so deeply, I can hardly hold back the tears. Gene didn’t die
from medical reasons, I like to think he died of a broken heart.
He loved Marilyn so much he was willing to go anyplace to be
with her, including Heaven. After Marilyn's passing Gene would
still "hold court" at the track or the banquet. But you could
tell there was a little pain that crept out from behind his eyes
because he missed her so much. And yes Gene I will admit part of
me is crying for my own selfish reasons that I'm going to miss
you but it’s also bittersweet and happy tears because you're
together with your beloved Marilyn. We'll all be faced with the
unfortunate reality that the pits are going to be a lot
different without you around. We can talk about his records in
NEMA, but those stats speak for themselves. It's more fun to
talk about and remember the person. It's these memories that we
have that allow Gene to live forever in all of us.
I'll keep doing what I'm doing Gene, I love you.
Derek Pernesiglio |
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NEMA Announces July 21st
“Showdown Of Champions”
at Seekonk Speedway
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(Brockton, MA) On
Wednesday July 21, Seekonk Speedway hosts the Northeastern
Midget Association’s “Showdown of Champions” a star-studded
25-lap event featuring some of the most-heralded racing talent
ever assembled in New England.
Announced during a NEMA press conference held at the recent
Racer's Expo Trade Show in Marlborough, MA., the race will be
part of Seekonk’s “Open Wheel Wednesday” event which also
features a full slate of action for the NEMA full-Midgets.
Organizers drew from a vast talent pool for the “Showdown”
coming up with a cast of championship-caliber competitors
representing several different segments of the sport.
Competing in equally-prepared NEMA Lites Series entries in a
25-lap dash will be Nokie & Drew Fornoro, Chris Perley, Russ
Wood, Ted Christopher, Mike Stefanik, Bentley Warren, Vinny
Annarummo, and Fred Astle. The group represents literally
hundreds of victories and multiple championships in everything
from Indy Cars, Midgets and Sprint Cars, to Modifieds, Super
Modifieds, and Pro Stocks. There remains the possibility of more
“notable” racers being added to the roster.
“We worked diligently at getting some of the best drivers from
all facets of the sport to participate, and the response was
overwhelmingly positive,” stated NEMA Lites Series Race Director
Steve Grant. “We aimed for an absolute “All-Star” cast competing
on a completely-level playing ground. In the months-ahead, we’ll
be working even-further to assure that the Lites Series cars
we’ll be utilizing for the event are truly-equal in performance
for these guys. It’s an opportunity for fans to see the “Cream
of the Crop” all in one event. There will be no advantages –
this one will go to the best driver. With all the talent in this
group, “bragging-rights” are sure to be a top priority,” he
says.
Started with only a handful of entries in 2008, the Lites Series
has served as both an economic starting-point for new drivers to
get involved in what remains one of the countries “purest” forms
of open-wheel competition, and also as a venue for some of the
most-seasoned of NEMA competitors. Utilized in the division are
economical “sealed” engines. Only a few other subtle differences
separate the Lites cars from their “full” Midget counterparts.
The competition is both thrilling and equal, setting the stage
for a great deal of “side-by-side” racing. |
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Join the SHBF at On Track Karting in Wallingford, CT for the
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Second Annual
"SHANE RACE for FUN"
New Date - March 13th
Info
& Registration PDF Form Here
Note: Anyone under 18 needs a parental
consent form.
Parental
Consent Form
You will enjoy a minimum of 2 full races with
a chance for the Championship round.
Complimentary Pizza, Soda & Water
$75.00 for racers ages 8-100 and $25.00 for non racers.
Deb Marvuglio
Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
www.shanehammond.org
508-245-0689 |
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| NEMA, ‘Bowl Share Exciting
History |
Brockton, MA –
Two-time defending champions Tim Bertrand and Randy Cabral were
competitors before they were teammates. They shared the podium
at the 2002 Boston Louie at Waterford Speedbowl.
Bertrand, in the family car, was second and Cabral, also in a
family ride, third to Bobby Santos III in a Seymour machine. It
was the first Midget victory for Santos, now a USAC standout. It
is a part of NEMA's long history at the Speedbowl. NEMA opens
its 58th season at the three-eights oval on March 27-28.
The Speedbowl has been hosting Midgets since its opening in
1953. Johnny Thomson, considered still to be the area's premier
open cockpit racer, was the winner.
Cabral is NEMA's all-time NEMA winner at Waterford with eight,
six of them coming in Bertrand equipment. Back in '02, however,
things were different. Bertand was a winner earlier that year,
beating both Cabral and Santos. Cabral's first Waterford win
came later that season.
While the Cabral/Bertrand combo didn't win at the 'Bowl last
year, it did post the fastest feature lap, a sizzling 13.075
effort. The team will debut its new Honda power in the opener.
Adam Cantor and Russ Stoehr were Waterford winners last year.
Both are back, part of a strong field that will include a pair
of promising youngsters - 2009 Rookie of the Year Chris DeRitis
in a Lou Cicconi machine and one-time NEMA Lites standout Jesse
State who takes over the Power Point #99 car.
Since 1953, there have been 42 winners in 81 NEMA features at
Waterford. Active NEMA drivers in addition to Cabral, Russ
Stoehr and Cantor with at least one Speedbowl victory are Nokie
Fornoro, Jeff Horn, Barry Kittredge, Jim Miller and Greg Stoehr. |
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| Optimism Thrives As NEMA Lites
Series Enters Third Season |
(Brockton, MA) It all
starts at the Waterford Speedbowl’s season-opening Budweiser
Blast-Off weekend on Saturday March 27, and concludes at Seekonk
Speedway’s DAV Memorial Festival of Racing on the weekend of
October 9 & 10.
In-total, the NEMA Lites Series will appear at five different
New England speedways ranging from the Connecticut shoreline’s
Waterford Speedbowl to New Hampshire’s Twin State Speedway.
Also on the slate are trips to Seekonk, Monadnock, and Lee
Speedways.
Additional dates may be added to what’s already shaping-up to be
the division’s most aggressive campaign to-date.
Considered almost a “perfect venue” for the Midgets, the
Speedbowl offers-up a true multi-groove surface for the
division. The track has a long association with NEMA dating back
to 1953 when Bill Eldridge took the first-ever NEMA event staged
at the Speedbowl. Eldridge narrowly defeated Sid Cook and Elmer
Gunnerson in the 25-lap Memorial Day event.
In addition to Seekonk’s season-ending DAV Memorial Festival of
Racing and the Boston Louie Classic on August 28, the Lites will
also be part of the “Fast Friday” shows on June 4, 18, July 23,
and August 13 at the track known affectionately as the “Cement
Palace.” Like Waterford, the Seekonk Speedway has a decades-rich
history of hosting some of the best Midget racing in the
Northeast.
Since its inception in 2008, the Lites division has continually
provided fans with some of the most exciting open-wheel racing
in New England. Started with only a handful of competitors, the
class has served as both an economic starting-point for new
drivers to get involved in what remains one of the countries
“purest” forms of open-wheel competition, and also as a venue
for some of the most seasoned of NEMA competitors.
2009 saw Lites events drawing increased car-counts, proof that
the division has filled a niche in the realm of Midget racing.
Other than sporting a less-costly “spec-type” powerplant,
there’s little-difference between a Lites Series car and a
“full” Midget. The class offers-up the same degree of action
that fans of one of auto racing’s oldest and historically-rich
divisions have come to know and love.
The intensity of the Lites competitors is no-less than that of
their “full” Midget brethren.
2009 winners included Anthony Marvuglio, PJ & Jake Stergios,
Anthony Nocella, and Russ Wood. |
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Restored
Midget Displayed at the The Racin' Preview
February 19-20 - The Portland Expo |
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Jesse State, Chris Desrosiers
Eye NEMA Success |
Brockton, MA – Jesse
State, a standout in the Lites two seasons ago, will move into
Chris Desrosiers’ #99 Power Point Racing car for the 2010
Northeastern Midget Association season. NEMA will open its 58th
campaign at Waterford Speedbowl on March 26-27.
“It’s the opportunity I’ve been looking for,” said State who
replaces Chris DeRitis in the Mazda-powered Spike chassis. A
junior at Rensselair Polytechnic Institute, the soon to be
21-year old will be making his “full midget” debut.
“An obvious choice,” said Desrosiers, “especially after looking
at the success he had with the Lites. We expect to do well. We
don’t expect rookie results.”
State spent three years in Ford Focus cars before a five-win
season with the Lites in ’08. He was an accomplished go karter
for eight seasons, winning five grand national crowns and two
national titles. The New Hyde Park, NY resident is looking
forward to the step up in horsepower.
Pointing to the influence of Bobby Seymour and NEMA President
Mike Scrivani, Desrosiers said State “comes highly recommended”
to the four-race old Spike car. With DeRitis aboard, the car was
fourth quickest at Seekonk’s DAV last fall. DeRitis, the ’09
Rookie of the Year, will drive a Lou Cicconi–owned car this
year.
About to start his sixth season with NEMA, Desrosiers said the
engine has been redone. “I can’t say enough about Spike, Circle
Performance and our sponsor Marine Engines,” added the Freemont,
NH resident. “We are optimistic.”
Pointing out “you carry a lot of speed at Waterford and the wall
comes up quickly,” State hopes to get some testing in before the
opener.
Jesse State and Lites driver Shaun Gosselin are in
the same fraternity house at RPI. While pointing out nothing
beats seat time, State, a mechanical engineering major, says the
academic side “helps you stay focused and also helps in
understanding what the car is doing.”
State had a Wednesday night win at Waterford in 2008. |
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| Russ Stoehr won Angelillo's 107th
NEMA feature last summer at Waterford. |
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| Gene and his
late wife Marilyn, who was so much a part of his racing career. |
Angelillo Set To Begin
30th NEMA Campaign |
Brockton, MA – Gene Angelillo’s 30th
consecutive season as a Midget owner will begin when the
Northeastern Midget Association opens its 58th season March
27-28 at Waterford Speedbowl. He returns with veteran driver
Russ Stoehr.
Stoehr and Angelillo “reunited” last season,
coming back from a devastating crash in the opener at Monadnock
to finish fourth in owner and driver points respectively. “The
crash really hurt us and we were frustrated by motor problems
all year,” says Angelillo. “And, Russ was back after five years
of not driving. We all should be better.”
The opener is part of a 15-race 2010 agenda that includes “old
standbys” Monadnock, Lee, Seekonk, Thompson and Stafford as well
as Waterford. “That serves us well but it’s good for the others
too,” says Angelillo. “We’re preparing the car (Esslinger/Beast)
expecting a competitive season.”
They’ll be out to duplicate a success at Waterford last season.
It was the teams only ’09 victory but the 107th career NEMA win
for Angelillo. The first came on August 2, 1981 with Drew
Fornoro at Hudson Speedway in NH. A 14-time NEMA owners
champion, Angelillo’s “regular” drivers have been Fornoro (an
incredible 20-year relationship), Stoehr, Joey Payne Jr. and
Stoehr again.
“Marilyn’s Passion” will again be prominent honoring Gene’s late
wife. Crew member Kurt Kiermont came up with Marilyn’s Passion
idea. It shares space on the car with two other things
associated with Angelillo – “Dumo’s Desire” and the number “45.”
“Marilyn insisted on the other two right from the start,”
Angelillo says. Dumo’s Desire acknowledges Angelillo’s dad, a
big fan who was constantly trying to convince his son to buy a
race car. Angelillo had just turned 45 when, in the winter of
1980-81 he purchased his first midget from Ohio’s Lyle Corcoran.
Dumo had passed away by then.
Midget legend Johnny Kay convinced Angelillo, part of a brief
sprint car venture a dozen years earlier, to go midget racing.
The biggest heartbreak of ’09 was being forced out of the first
Angelillo-sponsored Marilyn’s Passion Race by motor problems
last season. The race, honoring Marilyn’s long service to NEMA,
will be at Waterford in ’10 (Sept 11) and the Angelillo crew
expects to be fully armed.
Angelillo’s resume includes an ARDC
championship as well. In addition to his “regulars,” Nokie
Fornoro and Ted Christopher have won NEMA features in Angelillo
equipment. His cars have won NEMA features on 18 different
tracks with six different motors – VW, Datson, Mazda, Pontiac,
Gaerte and now Esslinger. |
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NEMA
Announces 15-Race Schedule |
Brockton, MA – A
challenging 15-race schedule will mark the Northeastern Midget
Association’s 58th season. NEMA kicks off the 2010 agenda at
Waterford Speedbowl’s season-opener on March 27-28.
While familiar venues highlight the schedule – four races at
Waterford and three for both Monadnock and Seekonk – it includes
a new challenge as well. NEMA will tentatively be returning to
Albany-Saratoga Speedway (Sunday, May 9) for the first time
since 1977.
Thompson and Lee USA Speedways will also host NEMA in 2010. The
NEMA Lites division, heading into its third season, will be part
of 10 programs including the season-opener.
“We think we have an excellent schedule considering the economic
environment,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani Jr. “We
certainly know how to get around the places we’ll visit and that
insures another very competitive season.”
Stopping two-time champions Randy Cabral (driver) and Tim
Bertrand (owner) will be the object of what promises to be an
outstanding field.
NEMA’s traditional headliner, the Boston Louie Memorial, is
scheduled for Seekonk on Saturday night, Aug. 28. Two other
memorial races return for their second season – the Marvin
Trophy Race at Thompson on Thursday, July 1 and the Marilyn’s
Passion Race at Waterford on Saturday, Sept. 11.
Keeping with tradition, the club will be part of several of New
England’s major events including the Carquest Xtreme Tuesday
June 6 at Stafford Motor Speedway, Open Wheel Wednesday at
Seekonk July 21 and Waterford’s Wings & Wheels on Saturday, Aug.
14.
The traditional finale is intact as well, Seekonk’s DAV (Oct.
9-10) and Thompson’s World Series (Oct. 16-17) bringing things
to a close.
Waterford will host the earliest season debut in NEMA’s history
… It will be the sixth time since 1999 that NEMA has opened the
season at the Connecticut oval … Defending champions Randy
Cabral (driver) and Tim Bertrand (owner) will be looking for a
third-straight season opener including 2008 at Waterford.
Drew Fornoro has won the most NEMA season openers – seven.
With the exception of Albany-Saratoga, only Nokie Fornoro and
Bobby Santos III have won a NEMA feature at every track on the
2010 schedule. Russ Stoehr and Cabral have missed only at
Stafford.
It will be NEMA’s 19th visit to Albany-Saratoga. Lee Smith won
the last visit on July 1, 1977. |
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| Top Rookie DeRitis Gets Cicconi
Ride |
Brockton, MA – Chris
DeRitis, the Northeastern Midget Association’s 2009 Rookie of
the Year, will be driving Lou Cicconi’s #75 Esslinger-powered
Drinan chassis in 2010. The three-year old car will be housed at
Bertrand Motorsports, Tim Bertrand serving as Crew Chief.
The car will be ready for NEMA’s opener March 27-28 at Waterford
Speedbowl. “We tested there in October and it was damn cold,”
said Chris’ father Dan. “Chris turned times that compare
favorably with those set by the fastest cars during the warm
months.”
DeRitis, 22, made his
full-midget debut last summer in the Chris Desrosiers’ Power
Point car, finishing fifth in points with eight top tens in 14
starts. He had a fourth at the Speedbowl.
“Power Point is a great team and we enjoyed it very much,”
continued DeRitis. “We now look forward to input from both Lou &
his Dad and Tim & his Dad.”
Bertrand, no stranger to Esslinger or Drinan, is NEMA’s two-time
defending owner champion. Cicconi drove the car a couple times
in 2008.
The move continues the tight relationship between Cicconi and
DeRitis. “Lou got us involved with the TQs,” DeRitis said, “and
he was instrumental in Chris’ ride with Power Point.”
Young DeRitis brought a strong ACTQMRA resume to NEMA beginning
with a Rookie of the Year effort in 2006. He was second in
points in 2007, third in 2008. Dan was the 2008 owner champion.
“No doubt he proved himself in ’09,” said Bertrand, part of a
very successful team with two-time driving champion Randy
Cabral. “Chris is a talented driver and it is a good car. I am
looking forward to an exciting season.”
Albany-Saratoga Speedway on May 9 is the only newcomer on the
2010 schedule – the Speedbowl, Lee USA, Monadnock, Lee, Stafford
and Thompson Speedways all returning. |
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NEMA Champ
Bertrand Installs
Honda Power for 2010 |
Brockton, MA -
Two-time Northeastern Midget Association champion Bertrand
Motorsports will march to a different beat in 2010. Honda will
power the #47 when Randy Cabral begins his quest for a third
straight driving title in the season opener at Waterford
Speedbowl
on March 27-28.
“It is, of course, a major change and challenge for us,” says
owner Tim Bertrand of the enhanced Dual Overhead Cam Honda “K
series” motor. Engineered by Stewart Racing Engines of
Indianapolis, it is found under the hood of the Honda CRV SUV.
Over the past 50 years no Midget group in the country has been
more forward thinking than NEMA. Bertrand, after a third
straight owners crown, sees a movement that could be the equal
of the “stock block” revolution of the 1960s when, among others,
the Falcon, Pinto and Chevy II motors were dominant.
“It utilizes a block and a head directly out of a street car and
has incredible reliability,” says Bertrand of the new motor. He
points out Greg Stoehr’s similarly powered Circle Performance
Mazda #26b has already provided an example of stock block
reliability.
“There have been no failures attributable to any major component
in better than 1000 miles of both racing and testing,” Stewart
says of its “USAC/NEMA” motor.
The Bertrand endeavor will bring added luster to the 2010
season, a 15-race (six tracks) journey that will run into
October. Only Albany-Saratoga Speedway, back for the first time
since 1977, is not well known. There are few secrets left at
Waterford Speedbowl and at, Monadnock, Lee USA Speedway, Seekonk
and Thompson Speedways.
“We fully expect to run well with the Honda but we also expect a
very competitive season,” says Bertrand. “Considering the
equipment and the talent, the mix of veterans and youngsters,
and the speeds we achieve, this is as good as NEMA has been in a
while.”
The owners championship went to the final laps a year ago.
“However it may appear, nothing is easy in NEMA,” says Bertrand.
The competition includes motors. Honda will be doing battle with
some established powers. Esslinger was the number one winner in
’09 but Gaerte, Autocraft, Mopar and Mazda sat in Victory Lane
as well.
Bertrand is quick to point out that he is still committed to the
Esslinger Engineering, as a second and possibly third car will
still carry that power plant. “This was a great opportunity for
Randy and our team to expand our horizons with a new
opportunity, but we will still regularly run the Esslinger power
plant in our team cars,” said Bertrand.
He again plans on a series of guest drivers for the #39. Last
year, Ryan Newman and Cole Carter were among the nationally
known drivers competing for Bertrand in NEMA races. |
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NORTHEASTERN MIDGET
ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING
DECEMBER 6, 2009
THOMPSON SPEEDWAY CLUBHOUSE
REVISED
AGENDA RESULTS PDF HERE
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A NOTE from
the NEMA PRESIDENT on Rule 7.16 |
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Dear Members,
We understand that there is a good deal of confusion around a
particular rule (7.16) that was released by the Board on Tuesday
AM.
It was not our intent to create confusion - but to create a rule
that would encourage car count.
The board and I will be taking it under advisement and will
issue a formal position mid next week.
SEE PDF REVISED 12/31/09
ABOVE
Have a nice Holiday,
Mike Scrivani - NEMA President |
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Fast Track
MEDICAL RESPONSE
SYSTEMS, LLC
www.fasttrackmrs.com |
|
Hello NEMA Family,
The
Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
has once again received a very generous contribution from
Fast Track Medical Response Systems.
NEMA members will receive the 2010 membership free. Safety is
the foundations focus & Fast Track medical bracelets provide all
the information needed in the event of a medical emergency.
Please review the procedure to get your free 2010 membership:
When on the Fast Track Medical Response Systems web sites
payment screen enter the following in the promotional code
section.
VIP-nema
(your last name)
Example:
Vip-nemamarvuglio
More Registration Info HERE
Thank you Fast Track for supporting the Shane Hammond Believe
Foundation to provide continued safety options for NEMA members.
Believe,
Deb Marvuglio |
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER
21st
WHITE'S OF WESTPORT
Westport, MA |
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The
2009 NEMA Champions
Randy Cabral and Bertrand Motorsports |
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Ferrara (tallest) with car owner
John Givans and driver Johnny Kay circa 1967. |
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Ferrara Named to
NEAR Hall of Fame |
Frank Ferrara, the
Northeastern Midget Association starter for seven years
(1965-71) and currently the co-owner of Whip City Speedway is
part of the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame’s Class of
2010.
Ferrara, already a member of the NEMA Hall of Fame, will be part
of the 13th annual induction banquet on Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at
the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.
Starting as an owner/mechanic Springfield, MA native Ferrara has
served New England motorsports for well over 50 years. A
stockcar owner at Riverside Park in the early 1950s, he became
involved with Midgets following military service. He was also a
starter at Stafford Motor Speedway and a race sponsor through
the family business (Ferrara Spring) before becoming part of the
Whip City operation.
A number of NEMA and NEMA Lites drivers have come through Whip
City.
Other members of the Class of 2010 include drivers Geoff Bodine,
Mike Murphy, George Savory and Pete Fiandaca and car owners
Billy Simons, Bob Garbarino and Vic Miller
Ticket forms will be on the New England Antique Racers website (www.Near1.com)
in the near future. |
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safetysolutions.com
Full Info Here
|
At the Seekonk "Open Wheel Wednesday" NEMA
event, Deb Mavuglio of the Shane Hammond
Believe Foundation and Paul Boeske from
Safety
Solutions presented Nokie Fornoro with a composite Hybrid
Pro Head and Neck Restraint as the top finishing driver without
one.
In association with the
Hammond Foundation Safety Solutions will also award a Hybrid Pro
at the NEMA 2009 Awards Banquet on November 21st at White's of
Westport.
In addition, Safety Solutions through it's dealer
The Race
Depot is offering the discounted price of $599.00 on the
composite Hybrid Pro Head and Neck Restraints to NEMA
competitors. NEMA will require SFI 38.1 restraints in 2010 for
all drivers. |
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PREVIOUS 2009 STORIES on the
2009 NEWS PAGE HERE |
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HELPING HANDS RETURNS AS
2010 CORPORATE SPONSOR |
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Fast Track
MEDICAL RESPONSE
SYSTEMS, LLC
The
long awaited answer to the unpredictable environment of a race
track
Computer chip with vital
medical information in a lightweight bracelet
www.fasttrackmrs.com
Note Free Membership for NEMA members below
. |
Happy New Year fellow
racers! We would like to make you aware that your 2009 Fast
Track Medical Response membership has expired.
Your black or red bracelets are no longer active. With the
tremendous growth of Fast Track and its members, we are
encouraging everyone to renew your memberships for 2010 as soon as possible! This will make
things easier for yourself and your supporting tracks.
Hello NEMA Members,
This is a friendly announcment for anyone who may be having
problems renewing your Fast Track membership. Please do not
hesitate to contact us for assistance. We want to assure you
that your transaction will go smoothly. If you are having issues
with your renewal, you can either call us at (860) 818-1957 or
email us at ---sales@fasttrackmrs.com---
Just to review the renewal process:
1) Go to www.fasttrackmrs.com click the --Sign-Up-- tab, and
then click on your group's tab.
2) Your User Name and Password will be the same that you have
been using.
3) If you are a member but forgot your password, click on the
--Forgot Password-- tab.
4) If you are signing up for the first time or changing groups
click on the --Register Here-- tab.
5) When on the Fast Track Medical Response Systems web sites
payment screen enter the following in the
promotional code section:
VIP-nema (your last
name)
Example:
Vip-nemamarvuglio
(See the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
note below)6) If you still need help , click on the --Need Help?-- tab.
Otherwise review and make any changes if needed to your
profiles. After you complete the sign-up procedure you will be
ready to purchase your 2010 membership. Again, if you are still
having a problem please contact us.
Thank you - Fast Track Medical Response
Systems |
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Fast Track
MEDICAL RESPONSE
SYSTEMS, LLC
www.fasttrackmrs.com |
|
Hello NEMA Family,
The
Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
has once again received a very generous contribution from
Fast Track Medical Response Systems.
NEMA members will receive the 2010 membership free. Safety is
the foundations focus & Fast Track medical bracelets provide all
the information needed in the event of a medical emergency.
Please review the procedure to get your free 2010 membership:
When on the Fast Track Medical Response Systems web sites
payment screen enter the following in the promotional code
section.
VIP-nema
(your last name)
Example:
Vip-nemamarvuglio
Thank you Fast Track for supporting the Shane Hammond Believe
Foundation to provide continued safety options for NEMA members.
Believe,
Deb Marvuglio |
|
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Celebration of
Life Service for
Shane's Anniversary on
Sunday, April 5th |
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Thank you for your love & support through this difficult year
Deb & Family & The Shane Hammond Believe Foundation |
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Previous Stories on
the News Pages HERE
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2008-9 YEARBOOK
- $ 3.00 |
Hats in Several
Styles & Colors |
Shirts in Several
Designs & Colors |
NEMA Merchandise
Mike Jarret
386 Wrentham Rd.
Bellingham, MA 02019
508-883-4899 |
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nmarx-dtp@comcast.net |
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2008-9
NEMA Yearbook
$
3.00
Mike Jarret
508-883-4899
 NEMA T
Shirts, Hats, &
Sweat Shirts
Mike Jarret
508-883-4899
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
2008
18 - Twin State
17 - Thompson
16 - Seekonk
15 - Waterford
14 - Beech Ridge
13 - Monadnock
12 - Waterford
11 - Boston Louie
10 - Waterford
9 - Monadnock
8 -
Seekonk
7 -
Stafford
6 -
Thompson
5 -
Lee USA
4 -
Monadnock
3 - Waterford
2 - Waterford
1 - Thompson
2007
15 - Thompson
14 - Seekonk
13 - Waterford
12 - Seekonk
11 - All-Star
10 - Monadnock
9 - Seekonk
8 - Boston
Louie
7
- Waterford
6 -
Beech
5 -
Stafford
4
- Thompson
3
- Waterford
x - Monadnock
2 -
All-Star
1 - Waterford
Race Results
and Photos
from
2002,
2003
2004, 2005
& 2006
HERE
2009 President:
Mike Scrivani
day:
781-356-1445
night:
508-584-7748
The NEMA Tracks
Waterford
Thompson
Star
First Time Wins
Stories on
NEMA RACERS
from
MAGAZINE
HERE
2003
Issue of
Trackside:
NEMA
Evolution
Full Story
July 2002
Issue of
Trackside:
Boston Louie
Special for
Barry
Kittredge
Full
Story
May 2002
Issue of
Trackside:
NEMA History:
Celebrating its 50th
birthday, the Northeastern
Midget Association
has never been
healthier.
Full Story
|
