NEMA - Northeastern Midget Association

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NEMA Announces VIP Fan Initiative as Part of 2012 Market Expansion
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. Each week, we will pick one fan the Monday before each NEMA race 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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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* 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 & Photos from 2002, 2003 2004, 2005 & 2006 HERE

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NEMA ANNUAL MEETING
RESULTS REPORT
- with rule changes from the 12-11-11 meeting -
Note: The Board is still reviewing and finalizing the
Time Trials procedure. It will be posted shortly.


*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.

2/5/11 "Coffee Cup" Action

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...

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.

Consistency Keys Cabral’s NEMA Crown

Randy Cabral, the Northeastern Midget Association driving champion for the third time in four years, vividly recalls a dinner conversation with his dad Glen. Like his dad, he wanted to drive Midgets and hoped to become “somebody’s that’s noticed.”

The weekend after clinching the title with a second at Thompson’s World Series, Cabral at Lee Speedway’s Octoberfest. “Everybody was talking about the NEMA champ being there,” Cabral says. “It was kind of nice.”

Cabral and car owner Tim Bertrand, together since 2006, will be the guests of honor at NEMA’s annual Awards Banquet Saturday, Nov. 19 at Whites of Westport in Westport, MA.

It is, Cabral continues, “a privilege to be the champion because so many drivers have fought so many times and missed out by just a little. To have one championship is amazing. Never did I consider three.”

Point chasing and defending championships are, however, not something Cabral or Bertrand enjoy. “Tim says ‘looking at points can lead to bad things,’” Cabral declares. “This season we didn’t pay attention to points, not even after we took the lead. This year was more about having fun.”

Nothing was more fun than the last race – he was second to Russ Stoehr in a classic performance for both. It pleased Cabral to no end. “I went to Thompson extremely excited,” he explains. “I wanted no one to fall out of the race. I wanted this to come down to a great race for the fans.”

He takes pride in how close he and Stoehr ran, both aware of what the slightest bump could do. “I did have the most to lose,” adds. Cabral and Bertrand wound up with a 25-point edge on Stoehr and Dumo’s Desire racing, the latter five time winners.

The sixth second of the campaign (he won twice), the World Series capped an amazing season that didn’t start that well. “We had small issues because of a new motor. We had some handling problems. As usual, Tim figured it out and we got going pretty good.”

Stoehr won the first three races – Waterford, Thunder Road and Stafford. Cabral, 11th at the latter when a sparkplug wire fell off, recalls thinking “Ok, we know who’s going to win the championship.” He and Bertrand agreed to “let’s just go racing.”

They were second to Jeff Abold at the Boston Louie, the turning point of the season. While Cabral had a “perfect car,” Stoehr had a horrible finish. Cabral and Bertrand took over the point leads.

Victory wise, it was the worst season since 2006 for Cabral/Bertrand. It terms of consistency, nine podiums in 13 starts, 2011 was astonishing. More often than not, his seconds were sensational, chasing Mike Horn home at Thompson and teammate Todd Bertrand at Waterford examples. More often than not, his seconds were sensational, chasing Mike Horn home at Thompson and teammate Todd Bertrand at Waterford examples.

Over the last eight races, he was on the podium seven times.

“We really had good set ups wherever we go and we made adjustments once we got there,” explains Cabral. He also believes “I drove better this year once the car got to handling. I was communicating better.”

He is noticed.

Bertrand’s NEMA Success
Based on Communication

Brockton, MA - Communication and history, claims car owner Tim Bertrand, makes championships. Bertrand and driver Randy Cabral are the Northeastern Midget Association champions for the third time in the past four years.

With two this season, the combination has won 24 features since coming together in 2006. The Dumo’s Desire team, with drivers Joey Payne and Russ Stoehr, is next with 14.

“People think it is equipment,” says Bertrand, a former driver. “It isn’t.” It is, he insists “welding” the knowledge of setting up the car with Cabral’s wants as a driver. “We are always trying to make the car go faster,” says Bertrand. “We think about set up all the time. Not a week goes by that we don’t talk five times about the car.”

Pointing out the #47 is already apart, Bertrand adds it goes on in winter as well as summer. Boldly, Bertrand suggests the communication ranks with the best in NEMA’s long history.

“You know when I know I have a good idea?” he asks rhetorically. “I will go to Randy or to (Randy’s dad) Glen with an idea and they will say ‘you know, I was thinking the same thing.’” That, he says, goes on a lot at the track.

“We go into every race without expectations and with a sense of nervousness,” Bertrand continues. “I believe it’s true for all competitors regardless of the sport. Without that sense of nervousness, you don’t have your edge.”

The team’s at-track history of heroics is becoming legendary.

Bertrand swears he predicted it all the first time Cabral drove his car in a Thursday practice session at Waterford Speedbowl in 2005. Bertrand, who had stopped driving the year before, was having a tough season. Mark Buonomo and Ted Christopher had both crashed the car. It was after the Christopher crash that Cabral, who was driving for his father, approached Bertrand.

“I didn’t think he was serious at first,” Bertrand remembers. “Still, it kind of stuck in my mind and finally I called him.” They met and after laps in the 12.9 seconds range, Bertrand told Randy and his mother Marie “if we make this deal, we’re going to win a lot of races.”

Cabral actually crashed (after breaking a Heim joint) in his first ride for Cabral – the 2005 DAV. What impressed Bertrand, however, was seeing the whole Cabral family in tears. After consultation with his family, Bertrand decided to move forward.

“We found a 1999 Drinan chassis in a barn out in the Midwest and made a commitment,” Bertrand says. He recalls Glen Cabral actually being a little apprehensive about the Drinan. Arguably the first successive winged Drinan, it remains the top car in the Bertrand stable.

“The shocks came with the car in 2005,” Bertrand points out. “We just replaced the rear this year. And we haven’t crashed the car a lot.” Glen Cabral, one of NEMA’s dedicated low buckers for years, is a factor as well. “Glen,” Bertrand claims, “doesn’t like to spend a dime on anything.”

In terms of winning, 2011 was equal to 2006. Consistency wise – nine podiums, including six seconds, in 13 starts – it was sensational. Bertrand points to, in fact takes pride in, NEMA’s drive for equity. There were eight different winners – three first timers.

The decision to run the Esslinger “spec engine” was a factor as well. There’s less power, but you get 30 to 40 races out of engine and then it’s 30% less to refresh. “Considering those stats, I’ll take nine podiums happily,” says Bertrand.

Brother Todd was one of the first-timers, winning at Waterford in the family car with Cabral second. Bertrand’s only win came at the ‘Bowl as well.

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