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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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Champs Honored At NEMA Banquet |
Westport, MA - Repeat champions
Tim Bertrand (owner) and Randy Cabral (driver) topped the award
winners Saturday night at the Northeastern Midget Association’s
Awards Banquet at White’s of Westport.
Cabral, noting the “crazy changes” his life has taken over the
past two years, dedicated his championship to Marvin Rifchin and
his grandfather Henry, both of whom passed away in 2009, and to
the soldiers “fighting the wars.”
“I go to the races not to win races or championships but to hang
out with people, with my friends,” said Cabral who thanked a
number of people including his and the Bertrand family.
“My biggest secret is my crew,” added Bertrand, adding, “we’ll
definitely be back next year.”
Bertrand, who won the owners title by four points over Mike
Jarrett, also thanked a number of people.
Mike and Lu Jarret, who are retiring as car owners, won the
coveted Johnny Thomson Award. The Jarrets, a vital part of the
club over the past half dozen seasons as both owners and
sponsors, were also given Lifetime Memberships and the Jarret
crew captured the Mechanic of the Year trophy.
“I’m 65 and feeling real good,” Jarret told an appreciative
crowd. “We decided we’re going to start enjoying ourselves. It’s
time to move on.” Pointing out they’ve already accepted delivery
of a new motor home, the Jarrets plan to “start traveling.”
Dick Monahan won a spot in the NEMA Dick Gallagher Hall of Fame.
Chris DeRitis won the Ed Clotheir Rookie of the Year Award. Abby
Martino (Joe Csiki Most Improved Driver), Lee Bundy (Ray
Roberts), Laura Kibbe (Wen Kelley), Linda Cleveland (Marilyn
Angelillo), Ed Breault (Never Say Die Award), Paul Scally (Ralph
Miller - Outstanding and Continuing Perseverance), Jim Miller
(Evans/Thrall Owner/Driver) and Anthony Nocella (Pat Thibodeau
Youth and Determination) also captured traditional hardware.
Appreciation awards went to Kurt Kibbe, Norm Marx, Bill Roberts,
Deb Marvuglio, Bob Blanchette, Rick Terry, Pete Pernesiglio,
John Dadalt, Linda Cleveland and Pete Falcone. Jarret, Gene
Angelillo, Power Point Racing, Cantor Racing, Lee Bundy and Tim
Bertrand were honored for perfect attendance.
Mazda Motorsports Awards were presented to John Zych Sr., Greg
Stoehr and Power Point Racing.
The Angelillo, Jarret and Cabral crews received awards from Wild
Child Design.
Paul Luggelle, Matt Seymour, Bob Chick, Bill Stergios, David
Rose, Shawn Torrey, Glen and Randy Cabral, Gil Bertrand, Russ
Wood, Kevin Park, Ted Smith and Eddie LeClerc made up the top-15
Lites owners. Seymour and Luggelle were honored for perfect
attendance
Russ Wood Jr., voted the division’s Most Improved Driver, Paul
Luggelle and Anthony Marvuglio were first-time winners. Eddie
LeClerc Jr. was the Shane Hammond Sportsmanship Award winner.
Shawn Torrey, Bobby Seymour and Steve Grant were recognized for
their contributions to the Lites.
Pete Falconi, who served as master of ceremonies, said the
season was highlighted by three emotional wins. He singled out
Marvuglio’s Lites win at the Boston Louie (wearing his brother’s
Shane Hammond’s gloves), Greg Stoehr’s victory at the Marilyn’s
Passion race at Monadnock and Nokie Fornoro’s drive in what was
Jarret’s last race at the Thompson World Series. |
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