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NEMA’s ’08 Slate Biggest in 20 Years
With the recent additions
of two New Hampshire ovals – All-Star (Epping) and Twin-State
(Claremont) –Northeastern Midget Association competitors will
face a 19-race agenda in 2008. Eight tracks are involved in
NEMA’s largest schedule in 20 years.
The 56th NEMA campaign gets
underway at Thompson Speedway’s traditional season-opening
Icebreaker on April 5-6. The winged wonders are part of
Waterford Speedbowl’s Modified Nationals on April 12-13.
“Over the winter tracks were coming to us,” says president Mike
Scrivani Jr. “Good fields of talented drivers and excellent
equipment makes NEMA one of the best tours in the northeast. We
are excited at the prospect of showing it off.”
All-Star (the former Star Speedway) has had more NEMA races than
any other track. Ben Seitz won the 138th NEMA race at All Star
last September. Kyle Carpenter won the last visit to Twin State
back in 2005, besting Joey Payne Jr. and Adam Cantor.
Charter members Waterford Speedbowl (four dates), Seekonk
Speedway (4) and Stafford Motor Speedway join Thompson (3),
Monadnock (3) and Lee USA (2) Speedways are on the busy agenda.
The schedule includes traditional headliners Xtreme Tuesday July
8 at Stafford, Open Wheel Wednesday at Seekonk on July 16 and
the Boston Louie also at Seekonk on Aug. 9.
The traditional triple header finale – Waterford’s Finale Oct.
4-5, Seekonk’s DAV Memorial Oct. 11-12 and Thompson’s World
Series Oct. 17-19, is also intact. |
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NEMA
Establishes New “Lite” Series
Coming off a sensational 2007 season, the Northeastern Midget
Association has decided to “invest in the future” with the “NEMA Lite
Series.” The series, approved by the NEMA Contest Board, is gaining
momentum.
NEMA LITE Page HERE
Called a “feeder class” by NEMA Vice President Tim Bertrand, the series
is designed to introduce new competitors to winged midgets “in very low
cost, less powerful cars.” Competitors can use any chassis that
currently meets NEMA specifications but engines will be limited to Ford
Focus and Oldsmobile Quad4. All the cars will have starters.
Plans are for the “Lites” to run in conjunction with regular short track
NEMA events. Bertrand said, “NEMA is putting in place incentives for
tracks to run the Lite Series cars. We are aware of the time factors and
economics involved. We have to make it attractive for them. We believe
we have done that.”
Bertrand says as many 20 teams have expressed intentions to compete.
“Most are Focus and Quad4 owners who can’t afford Esslinger and Gaerte
motors and are looking for a way to go,” he says. “We are talking about
$8-to $10,000 cars in this series. The equipment is definitely available
out there.”
The plan allows for competitors, when they are ready, to “move up” to
the fulltime NEMA status with more powerful (and more expensive) motors.
Bertrand admits “a lot of sportsman type divisions are popping up all
over the country” claiming potential NEMA competitors. “Other divisions
were the only thing they could afford,” he says. “This is an effective
plan to keep them in winged Midgets.”
A number of “established” Midget regulars including Steve Grant and
former champions Bobby Seymour and Butch Walsh will be consultants for
the new series. |
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Optimistic Payne Set For NEMA’s Opener
Joey Payne Jr. returns to the Northeastern Midget Association and
Thompson Speedway’s season Icebreaker on April 4-5-6. He admits to
“looking forward” to the new season, his 24th.
“I’ve been down the road a lot of times,” says Payne who’ll steer Gene
Angelillo’s #45 for the fifth straight season. “I know that better times
are coming. Last year really sucked so, yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
The Icebreaker kicks off a 19-race agenda for NEMA, the most in 20
years. The “Jersey Jet” comes off a strong indoor TQ season.
Payne’s objective is the 2008 championship. He did that back in 2003,
his first season with Angelillo. Doing it again will not be easy.
“I’ll tell you what,” he insists, “on any given night 15 cars can win
the feature.” He admits “the advancing technology has pushed the speeds
up a little,” but it is the increase in competition that makes NEMA “the
premier touring division in the northeast right now whether people want
to admit it or not.”
Among the drivers poised to end the championship run of Ben Seitz is
Nokie Fornoro, back in the Jarret #4. Erica and Bobby Santos III
are back, Erica in Esslinger-powered #44 and Bobby in the family #98.
Jeremy Frankoski, the ’07 Rookie of the Year, moves into the Seamon #63.
Veterans Adam Cantor and Greg Stoehr and youngster Chris Leonard are
other threats. Randy Cabral will be a factor in the Bertrand #47,
although not a contender since a new job will force him to miss several
events.
Payne is ready. “Considering the way last year ended,” he says, “a win
at Thompson would be very nice. Winning the first race can bring a lot
of momentum to a team.”
And, it would soften a difficult memory. Payne and the Angelillo team
had the championship in view at Thompson in last year’s season-ending
World Series when an overheated engine forced them to retire and accept
second place in the final standings. It was the third time in the last
four seasons Payne has been second in driver points.
Payne actually made his midget debut as an 18-year old in the 1984
Thompson World Series. Since then he has had a “love/hate” relationship
with NEMA’s “separates the men from the boys” track. “There is a point
where the right foot has to connect with the brain and
knowing that can make a big difference there too,” he adds.
Back in 1998 an early crash in the World Series cost Payne the ISMA
championship. And two years later, in a back-up car, he gave Angelillo
his 100th career victory. Since taking the ride in 2003, he has given
Angelillo 14 more checkereds.
“When I finish at Thompson I usually finish up front,” says Payne. He’s
been second at Thompson four times and third twice. He also had a second
at Thompson before joining Angelillo.
Thompson, says Payne, is loaded with quirks. “The stands separate on the
front stretch,” he says. “There’s a walkway there and on breezy days the
wind comes right through. It hits the wing, loads the left
rear and the right front comes right up off the ground. It can really
get your attention.”
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Nokie Fornoro
Takes Aim At Another NEMA Crown
Things seem to be in order for Nokie Fornoro – all the things necessary
to capture the Northeastern Midget Association championship for himself
and owner Mike Jarret.
“I’m going after it,” declares Fornoro, about to start his 34th season.
“I have no other commitment. I don’t have to worry about missing races.
It’s about time. I haven’t had a championships in over 10 years and that
sort of bothers me.”
NEMA opens its 19-race schedule April 4-5-6 at Thompson International
Speedway. A spot on Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Modified Nationals
follows a week later (April 12-13). A large and impressive entry list
compliments the agenda.
He expects a “quick” start to his quest. The cooler temperatures mean
faster speeds at Thompson he says. Motors will run better and the
banking will have more affect. “Thompson is always faster when you can
use the banking. I love the speed you get there.”
He and Bobby Santos III were “down in the seventeen seconds” at last
year’s. World Series. “The Midgets,” he declares, “are “scary fast” at
Thompson.
Fornoro’s last championship was the 1995 ARDC title, one of several he
owns including the 1981 NEMA crown. His last Midget victory, the 105th
of his career, came last August at the Waterford Speedbowl. With his
father Nick and his brother Drew, Nokie is part of one of Midget
racing’s most successful families.
“Considering the caliber of cars we have now – 12-to-15 cars can win any
given night – you have to have one heck of a maintenance program to win
a championship,” says Fornoro. “I believe money can’t
buy you wins. Yea, it can help you get the best stuff but if you don’t
have a maintenance program, you’re in trouble.”
He gives owner Peter Valeri, the champ three of the past four years
(driver Ben Seitz won four in a row) “all the credit in the world. Every
race, no matter what happened, they went through the car and that’s
what you have to do.”
Fornoro has always “been blessed with good owners” and Jarret is one of
them. “Whenever Mike gets involved he does it wholeheartedly,” says
Fornoro. “There is nothing this team should lack; there is no reason why
we shouldn’t do well. I feel we’ve got the best stuff.”
The present operation, including Mike Scrivani Jr., is a carry over from
the glory days of early 1980s when Fornoro dominated in cars owned by
Hall of Famer Mike Scrivani Sr., the larger than life character known as
‘Iron Mike.’ Both Jarret and Mike Jr. were key parts of an operation
that produced the NEMA title and a couple of his five ARDC crowns.
Fornoro vividly recalls his first Thompson run way back in 1976, a sixth
place finish after a confrontation with Joey Coy. Since then he has
“hundreds and hundreds of laps” around the historic oval in both Midgets
and SuperModifieds. He was an ISMA winner there is 2006.
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Early NEMA Win Key In Cabral’s Objective
Randy Cabral is not given to exaggeration. The Northeastern Midget
Association hot shoe keeps a tight reign on his expectations.
“I want to win at least one race,” says Cabral who will be in the
Bertrand #47 for the third straight year. “Ever since my second year in
NEMA (2000) I’ve won at least once. I’d like to keep that streak going.”
NEMA starts its very ambitious 19-race agenda at Thompson Speedway’s
Icebreaker on April 5-6 and heads to Waterford Speedbowl for the
Budweiser Modified Nationals April 12-13. NEMA will help Seekonk
Speedway open its season on May 4. “They are the best Midget tracks in
the East,” Cabral insists. “I’ve had side-by-side battles at all three.”
Eleven of Cabral’s 12 wins have come at those three tracks, four each at
Thompson and Waterford. He won the closers at the latter two last year,
his effort in the Speedbowl’s “Finale” near flawless. The team has made
few changes. “The car was so good we didn’t want
to touch it,” Cabral says.
“Hopefully we can get the win in the first three races and then go back
to having fun like we did last year,” continues Cabral who followed his
father Glen into the sport. He has, in fact, done that the past two
years.
Cabral is part of a NEMA cast that includes Erica and Bobby Santos III,
veterans Joey Payne Jr. and Nokie Fornoro, Adam Cantor and youngsters
Jeremy Frankoski and Chris Leonard.
His first win came in the 2000 Boston Louie at Seekonk in family-owned
equipment but it was the Thompson Icebreaker victory in 2001 that
ignites him still. “I’ve been watching races there since 1988, watching
my dad,” he explains. “It’s a special place and I’ve always wanted to
race there so to actually win there was unbelievable.”
When it comes to his best race, however, only the Boston Louie win
compares with last year’s “Finale” at Waterford. “I couldn’t do anything
wrong at Seekonk,” he says. “The car was nothing fancy. We bought it
that year, pulled it out from under a tarp, put a motor in
it and went racing. Seven races in we won.”
He says people tell him he drives Waterford all wrong. “’You can’t go
into one that way,’ they say,” he explains. “You’re wrong and you need
to do it this way.’ I tell them I can’t get my way out of my system
and I’ve been pretty successful with the way I do it.”
Thompson, he insists, is “very intimidating” and “demands respect.” He’s
sure “people don’t realize the speeds we go there. When things happen
they happen really big.”
He’s made four-wide passes on both the bottom and the top at the
Speedbowl “and there’s no other track where you can do that,” he adds.
While speeds have definitely increased, it’s the improved competition
that makes NEMA “the premier touring division in New England,” he says.
“When I got my first win people said there were maybe 10 cars that could
win a NEMA feature. Now there are 20-25 and everybody is so hungry.”
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Drew Fornoro ran the #63 in
the Oct. 7, 2007 Seekonk DAV (Norm Marx Photo) |
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TSR Motorsports
Taps NEMA Rookie of the Year Jeremy Frankoski For Driving Duties
While Jon Seaman Jr. Concentrates on Engineering Studies |
(Future Stars In Racing PR)
Southbury, Ct. – While Jon Seaman Jr. devotes time to his
Mechanical Engineering studies at Rochester Institute of
Technology, TSR Motorsports has named 2007 NEMA Rookie of the
Year Jeremy Frankoski to fill the driver’s seat of the No. 63
Midget for the 2008 season.
“TSR Motorsports feels very fortunate to have Jeremy on their
team for the upcoming 2008 season,” commented team principal Jon
Seaman Sr. “His focus and determination will blend well with the
young but experienced crew Jon Jr and TSR Motorsports have
built.”
Frankoski started racing at age nine in five-hp ‘microd’ karts,
and
has since methodically worked his way up to the top ranks of
open
wheel racing. He has many wins and podium finishes already and
TSR
Motorsports would like to give him a few more while Jeremy
climbs his way to the top tier of professional auto racing.
The first race on Jeremy’s schedule is the ‘Ice Breaker’ at
Thompson,
Conn., the initial race on the NEMA midget calendar for 2008.
The eventual teaming of Seaman Jr and Frankoski promises to
become one of the outstanding young teams in NEMA competition
for the 2008 season and beyond with both young racers building
off the other’s strengths.
Seaman is being helped in his career by training from Future
Stars in
Racing Academy. The Academy helps prepare young drivers for
success outside the car in public speaking; sponsor
presentations; working with the media and behavior on and off
the track. Future Stars in Racing is the exclusive driver
development partner with the ASA Late Model Series. The Academy
features a staff with decades of experience in all aspects of
motorsports. To learn more about John Seaman and the Academy, go
to
www.futurestarsinracing.com. |
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Marilyn A. Bertrand
December 30,
1949 - January
23, 2008
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Marilyn A. (Luko)
Bertrand, 58, of Suffield, the beloved wife of 36 years to Gilles
Bertrand, entered peacefully into eternal life surrounded by her loving
family on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at her home. She was born on
December 30, 1949 in Hartford,
CT,
a daughter of Jeanette and the late Anton Luko. She resided in Suffield,
CT for the past 20 years and prior to that in Stafford and Enfield, CT.
Marilyn was a graduate of Hartford High School Class of 1967 and
received her degree in Education from
Central Connecticut
State
University
in 1971, during which time she was president of her sorority, Lambda
Kappa Nu. She continued on to receive her Masters Degree from
Central Connecticut as well. Marilyn was employed by the
Enfield Board of Education and spent her entire 37 year career as a
teacher at Fermi
High School, where she was the head of the
Business Department and was also an advisor for FBLA (Future Business
Leaders of America).
Marilyn is survived by her
devoted husband, Gilles, her loving children, Tim Bertrand and his wife,
Cara of Sturbridge, MA, Patrick Bertrand, Lindsay Bertrand and Todd
Bertrand all of Suffield, her mother, Jeannette (Luko) Mulready of West
Hartford, CT a sister, Gilberta Calegari and her husband, James of E.
Hartford, CT, a brother, Stephen Luko and his wife, Annette of
Terryville, CT along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, as
well as her grand-dogs, Tessa & Toby.
Marilyn dedicated her life
to her family and friends, always putting others needs before her own.
She loved her yard, her pool, her flower gardens and her home. She
loved being the oldest of a group of much younger Soccer parents,
cheering on her son Todd and his teammates, and her presence at all of
the games will be missed. She spent many years enjoying all of her
children’s pursuits and talents, as well as supporting Gil in his love
of auto racing. Marilyn enjoyed the good things in life – dancing,
singing, boating, laughing, cheering and crying. A White Russian will
never be drunk without thoughts of Marilyn in the future.
Memorial donations
in her memory may be made to the
Eye Melanoma Research Fund at the
Kimmel
Cancer Center
at Jefferson
University.
Kimmel
Cancer Center
C/O Ms. Helen Lane
1050B BLSB
233 S. 10th St.
Phiadelphia,
PA 19107 |
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It is with deep
sorrow that we report the passing of Nick Fornoro,
a former champion, long time flagman and the father of NEMA champions
Nokie and Drew Fornoro.
In recent years, armed with a host of racing stories, Nick was always
welcome at NEMA events.
A member of the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, the New Jersey
native won an ARDC (1950) and a NASCAR (1953) championship over a
10-year career that ended in 1956. He went on to become one of the
sport’s premier flagman, advancing to Chief Starter for the Championship
Auto Racing Teams Indy Car Series from 1979-1992. He was the honorary
starter for the 1993 Indianapolis 500.
In addition to Nokie and Drew, he is survived by his wife of 59 years
Elizabeth (Bette), daughter Cindee Bertling, sisters Celeste Weisgerber
and Constance Abdalla, brother Billy Fornaro and seven grandchildren:
Jessica Fornoro, Nofri, Lanson and Jarett Fornoro, Tara and J.J.
Bertling and Marie Fornoro, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the
Checkered Flag Fan Club Injured Drivers’ Fund; P.O. Box 79; Kutztown, PA
19530 or the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, Inc. (15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ
07834) that provides direct assistance to families in need during
catastrophic illness.
Cards may go to
Nokie Fornoro, RR3 - 3578,
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
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Marilyn Angelillo was,
officially, the Northeastern Midget Association’s secretary for many
years. Unofficially, she was the club’s social director, points keeper,
publicity agent, organizer, sounding board, problem solver and, most
importantly, its conscience
Marilyn passed away Tuesday after a brave bout with cancer.
“Her contributions to our club over the years are many, far too many to
count,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani. “Saying she will be missed
seems trite at this point, but Marilyn touched so many of us in positive
ways. Whatever the problem, she was there for us. It is a sad time.”
She came to NEMA with her husband Gene in 1980. It was Marilyn who named
the team “Dumo’s Desire” in memory of Gene’s father.
Working with Gene, she helped engineer a NEMA surge in the 1990s. She
fought fiercely for those competitors loyal to the club. Perfect
attendance trophies, she believed, were to be valued as much as
championships.
She had a number of awards including the coveted Johnny Thomson
Memorial.
In addition to her husband, Marilyn is survived by her daughter and
son-in-law Laura and Curt Kibbe, granddaughters Tiana and Brooke and
brother and sister-in-law James and Catherine Zukauskas. NEMA extends
its condolences to all her family and friends.
Calling hours are Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 at Chase Parkway
Memorial, 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury. The funeral will be at St.
Michaels Roman Catholic Church in Waterbury on Friday at 10 AM.
Rooms are available at the Hampton Inn in Waterbury 203-753-1777.
Mention NEMA membership.
The family requests contributions be made in Marilyn’s memory to the
Harold Leever Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT (www.leevercancercenter.org)
or to NEMA.
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John Blewett, III
1973-2007
NEMA
sends our thoughts and prayers to the
Blewett family, race team, friends and fans.
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Bill Balser photo - from left: Black LaMacchia, Mike Scrivani,
starter Frank Ferrara, Dave Humphrey (in car), Mike Scrivani Jr.
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NEMA Pres
Recalls Hall of Famer Dad
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Asking Mike Scrivani Jr. to come up
with a No. 1 memory of his dad is both unfair and impossible. The
Northeastern Midget Association president has a host of fond memories of
the bigger-than-life character remembered as “Iron Mike.”
It is fair to say there are hundreds of stories about the late Mike
Scrivani who will be inducted into the New England Antique Racers (NEAR)
Hall of Fame Sunday, January 27th at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in
East Windsor, CT.
A charter member of NEMA (Jerry Russo drove his car in the club’s
first-ever race at Seekonk on May 30, 1953), Scrivani's auto racing
connections went back to the Sprint Cars of the late 1930s. Although he
was also successful in Modified racing, “his heart was always with the
Midgets and Sprints,” reports Mike Jr.
Based at the legendary “Mike’s Truck Stop” in Wrentham, MA, Scrivani,
who passed away on Feb. 28, 1983, wrote a ton of New England racing,
adding particularly to NEMA’s story. Butch Walsh and Nokie Fornoro won
championships in Scrivani cars. The Scrivani-Fornoro combination remains
one of the most potent combinations in both NEMA and ARDC history.
NEMA has had co-champions just once – 1970 – and the Scrivani operation
played a major role. “The old man didn’t have a steady driver,” Mike Jr.
recalls, and despite sitting in second place in the driver points, Dave
Humphrey (“the old man called him ‘kid’”) didn’t have a ride for the
final event at Thompson Speedway.
Humphrey, Mike Jr. points out, was actually three-for-three in the car,
the former Johnny Thomson-driven MacLeod Curtis Craft/Offy. “They worked
it out and Humphrey showed up at Thompson,” continues Mike Jr. “Back
then,” he continues, “you asked Dave ‘How is it?’ and all he said was
‘OK.’ He would sit on the race car, smoke a cigar and then go out and
race.”
He went out and “stuffed” the car into the sandbank that then bordered
the turns at Thompson. “They pulled him out, started him last and we win
the main,” says Mike Jr. He finished in a tie with Lou Fray for the
championship.
A year earlier at Thompson Gene Bergin drove the car to a memorable win.
“It was co-sanctioned with ARDC,” Mike restarts. “Johnny Coy and Ken
Brenn and all the big guns were there.” Bergin, he says, “haunted my
father, ‘give me a ride in the midget’” and it actually made a
difference. “My father said ‘you want a ride in my car, you have to
speak up.’”
Just out of the hospital (an auto accident), long-time Scrivani
associate, Blackie LaMacchia showed up. “Blackie sees the car,” says
Mike Jr. “I’m there, Gene’s there and he asks ‘how’s the car?’ ‘It feels
good’ Gene said but Blackie says ‘do this, do that’ and we changed it a
little.”
Starting behind the ARDC cars, Bergin won the race, passing Johnny Coy
Sr. with five left heading into one. “What a race that was,” says Mike
Jr., still enjoying it.
Al Herman, Burt Brooks, Ray Burke, Al Pillion, Bill Eldridge, Hank
Williams and Leigh Earnshaw and Coy Sr. also won in the car. Coy’s win
is one of the most memorable in both NEMA and Scrivani family history.
There were two family cars, the upright wrenched by Mike Jr. and a
Badger under the care of long-time family confidant Hop Harrington. It
amounted to a car in each of two warring camps. They came to Stafford,
stockcar ace Geoff Bodine in the Badger and Coy in the upright. Coy
passed Bodine on the last lap to win.
“Hop came unglued,” says Mike Jr. “’You beat the hometown favorite’ he
said and the place would have gone nuts if Bodine had won.” Coy,
however, wanted none of it and Mike Jr. was in the owner’s championship
battle (which he won).
At first, he says, “the old man didn’t care. It was a good race.” Then,
rethinking it, he offers, “he always was an upright guy. He loved the
uprights. He used to call the badgers door wedges. He liked what
happened.”
Drivers Dave Alkas, Dave Darveau, Dick Batchelder and
The late Howie Brown, Fred Luchesi, George Lombardo and Johnny Gammell,
car owner Joe Brady, the multi-talented Dr. Dick Berggren and writer
Pete Zanardi will also be inducted.
Ticket forms for the 11th annual NEAR Hall of Fame banquet will be
available on the New England Antique Racers website
www.near1.com in the near future.
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Fourth NEMA Crown
Best Yet For Seitz |
A student of history, Ben
Seitz rates the 2007 Northeastern Midget Association Drivers
Championship, his fourth straight, as the best. “Well,” he
explains, “nobody has ever done it before.”
The 27-year old admits, four straight “was looming around in the
back of my mind” most of the season. Seitz and car owner Pete
Valeri, powered by an Esslinger/Beast combo, didn’t lay claim to
the championships until the checkered fell on the final event of
the season at Thompson Speedway’s World Series.
They nosed out Joey Payne Jr. and Gene Angelillo in a situation
almost identical to the 2005 battle that went to final checkered
at Waterford Speedbowl. It is the sixth NEMA season for the
Seitz-Valeri team that actually started in Legend Cars.
Valeri, a one-time Legend driver as well, was a major force in
Seitz, a New Jersey native, winning the 2001 New England
championship.
This year’s World Series appearance capped off a sensational
15-race NEMA season. There were eight winners – Randy Cabral (3
wins), Lou Cicconi Jr. (3), Payne (2), rookie Jeremy Frankoski,
Erica Santos, Nokie Fornoro, and Greg Stoehr in addition to Seitz (3).
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High car counts and
an extraordinary rookie class were also factors in what
many believe was among the best year in the club’s
55-year history. “It is one of, if not the toughest open
wheel divisions in the country,” says Seitz. “Check out
the lap times. The last two or three races of the season
there were honestly 12 cars that could win.”
But, most were watching
point leader Payne and Seitz, separated by six points
and starting 12th and 11h at Thompson. After two or
three laps, Payne began to pull away. “There was no
emotion,” says Seitz. “I knew right away my car was not
right (brake problems). I had to slow down.” |
And, there was no emotion
when he went by the broken Payne (“I saw the water blowing out”)
in the backstretch on lap 16. Finishing sixth, more than enough
to secure the championship, “there was a sigh of relief but not
excitement because Joey had had such a bad race. It was only
after five or ten minutes that I stated to absorb what
happened.”
It is not the hardest title he’s won – the 2005 trophy earns
that honor. He won the final race that year, beating Payne on
the track and in the standings. “Joey Payne Jr.,” Seitz insists,
“is the toughest competitor I’ve ever raced against anywhere.”
This one is “the most difficult” because of all the
“off-track stuff. There were a lot more distractions.” An
on-track incident with Nokie Fornoro at Waterford Speedbowl’s
Finale followed by some action of which he is not proud was
troublesome. The statistics are impressive – 11 top fives
including three wins. Over the championships run, he’s won 13
features.
Seitz, who holds an Associates Degree from New Jersey’s Raritan
Community College, says the addition of long-time open cockpit
wrench Dickie Bean was a vital ingredient this year, joining
Valeri, Bucky Gilbert and Jimmy Miraggio on the crew. Mom and
dad (“major influences”), cousin Laurie and girl friend Lauren
are also contributors.
“I’m grateful,” said Seitz, who says “working well with Valeri”
is the cornerstone of the team’s success. “The equipment, a good
team, a great sponsor (Cape Cod Aggregates ) - I am fortunate to
be around that. I know there are a lot of guys that could sit in
the seat I do and come away with the same results. I am indeed
fortunate.”
“In no way” does he put himself in the same group with Dave
Humphrey and Russ Stoehr, the other two
drivers who have won three straight titles. “Russ was champion
my first year in a Midget,” he explains. “Looking back, he was
just an unbelievable racecar driver, so smart, so smooth.”
Valeri and Seitz, the latter moving to Massachusetts’ Cape Cod
in 2001, joined NEMA in ’02, picking Midgets over Modifieds
“because the Midgets ran harder but cleaner. You didn’t have to
rebuilt a car each week.” They came with a Volkswagon-powered
Hawk chassis purchased from the Seymour family.
“Just being around Bobby and Mike definitely shaped me as a
driver,” says Seitz. “I just heard so many stories; picked up so
many tips.”
Switching to a Beast chassis and Gaerte power, Seitz and Valeri
tasted victory at the 2004 opener at Waterford. “That gave us
all confidence that we belonged in the series; that we could
compete every week. We started 12th and came to the front. It
was a career changing win.”
They have, of course, continued. “Peter gets mad at me but
within five minutes of a win I’m looking toward the next race,”
Seitz says. |
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NEMA Banquet for 2007 Season 11-10 HERE


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Frankoski Leads
Strong NEMA Rookie Group
by Pete Zanardi
Growing up, Jeremy
Frankoski’s dad insisted he play different sports. He played baseball,
some hockey and actually captained his high school hockey team.
“All I wanted to do was race,” says Frankoski, the Northeastern Midget
Association’s leading rookie heading into Seekonk Speedways DAV
Memorial. “My father was worried as I grew up my passion would change so
I played other sports.”
Still, the “worst part of each year was putting up the car. I dreaded
it. I hated it. Hockey was a way to pass the winter,” says Frankoski, a
defenseman who had his share of penalty minutes. There is no longer any
doubt about his passion.
Part of an impressive group of Rookies, the 21-year old Frankoski has
been racing since age nine, moving through NYSMA Microds, Tobias
Slingshots and Mini Sprints. Some years, he says, the season was only 10
or 15 races, making his 40-plus wins and two championships even more
impressive.
In addition to Frankoski, who drives the Marine Engine-sponsored Power
Point Race Cars #99, the rookie list includes Chris Leonard in the
family owned Hawk Autocraft #22, John Zych Jr. in the
family owned Hawk #9; Aaron Wall in the
Seymour
#29 and 17-year old Bobby Kuiken, the latter in the family-owned
Stealth-Fontana.
Leonard at 16 is the youngest of the rookes and holds several karting
championships.
Zych, 24, has won two of his last three heats. He’s on asphalt for the
first time. Kuiken comes from eight years in go karts. His best was a
sixth at Epping,
NH. Wall, a Focus product, was fourth at
Waterford.
“An outstanding rookie class,”
understates NEMA President Mike Scrivani.
The Rookie prize would top a Frankoski resume that includes “an awesome”
victory at Beech Ridge earlier this year. Starting on the pole, he
recalls working hard to “keep calm.” Only two other rookies have won a
feature in NEMA’s long history.
Frankoski finished second in the All-American Driver Challenge in
February – a program that whittled down 75 drivers to 10 and then to a
single winner. “There was lots of exposure, lots of encouragement and it
helped me land the deal with Power Point Racing,” he says of racing in
front of evaluators like John Andretti, Bob East and Rick Benjamin.
On the asphalt for the first time in a decade, it’s been a major
transition. “It’s been more than I expected,” says Frankoski, who holds
an associate degree from Brome Tech in
New York. “You say, ‘yeah, I can run with these
guys’ then you get into it and you find out what it takes to run out
front consistently; what it take to win.”
Everybody agrees NEMA is “one of the toughest clubs out there.” But,
says Frankoski “there is a huge amount of help available. I came here
like a huge sponge. I tired to learn as much as I could. I’m out of my
league and I’m there to listen.”
Everybody, he says, is ready to talk, “especially the veterans-Joey
Payne, Nokie Fornoro, the Bertrand drivers, Lou Cicconi Jr. and Randy
Cabral. Any problems you have you can go to these guys and that has been
a huge part of the success we’ve had this year.”
Frankoski comes to Seekonk off a hard earned 13th. Losing a motor in
practice at Waterford’s Finale, they
packed up and headed for Circle Performance in
Massachusetts
where John Andruk had just completed the team’s second motor. “John gave
us the key to the shop and we were there till 9:30 at night,” Frankoski
says. “It was 11:30 when we got back to the track that we had something
to eat.”
Without the heat, he started the feature in 29th. “I can't complain a lot
about that,” Frankoski summed up. |
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Driver Spotlight Page
by Todd Baptista
now featuring
NEMA
ACE RANDY CABRAL
"Hard-charging Plymouth, MA
native Randy Cabral is unquestionably one of the most exciting
and popular drivers in New England’s open wheel ranks today,
having emerged as a threat to win each time he takes to the
track in the Bertrand Motorsports #47 Northeastern Midget
Association ride. At 28, the second-generation star can boast
five years of top three finishes in the NEMA championship
standings. Those who know and respect Randy, however, know that
boasting isn’t a part of his makeup. A sense of pride in his
accomplishments, a dedication to his craft and team, and a
sincere appreciation for his backers, family, crew members, and
supporters are key elements to Cabral’s composition, and have a
lot to do with the degree of success and respect he’s earned.
Randy’s uncle, Alan Cabral was the first member of the clan to
compete, running a VW at Norwood Arena. His dad, Glen, served as
a crew member on Bob Cadarette’s Mini-Modified Volkswagen in the
early 1970s and eventually decided to try his luck in Norwood’s
Hobby class in 1972. After Norwood closed its doors, Glen built
a 1965 Mustang Late Model which he rode to a second place points
finish at Lakeville Speedway."
Full Page HERE |
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Jon Seaman Moving
Ahead to NEMA Midgets
Jon Seaman, after a brief and successful career in the USAC Ford Focus
Midget Series, Jon Seaman Jr. has decided to move his career on to the
next stage.
“The NEMA car is almost ready, reported Seaman. “It’s time to move on to
another challenge. We’d like to make the race at Waterford, but we’re
not going to bring the car out until it’s ready so we may wait until the
end of the month.”
The decision was not easy to make, according to the engineering student.
“The Ford Focus series is a great way to start racing open wheelers, we
just decided it was time to take on a new challenge.
“I’m excited to run in the NEMA series,” he adds. “I’m looking forward
to having double the horsepower and learning to run with a wing.”
Seaman’s most recent race, Saturday at Waterford Speedbowl was a
challenge for the driver and his team. “This was the weekend that showed
how good our team is,” he commented. Following a crash in practice, the
team had to replace a broken shock absorber, the front axle and ensure
that the car was aligned properly, all in only twenty minutes, so that
Seaman could make the heat race to earn a starting berth in the feature.
“It was good. Everyone in the team was on it,” he added, praising the
team.
“By the feature, the car was one of the fastest cars out there. We
started seventh in the feature and made it up to fourth,” he reported,
adding that he just couldn’t get a good run on the third-place car, in
spite of having a quicker car.
Seaman is being helped in his career by training from Future Stars in
Racing Academy. The Academy helps prepare young drivers for success
outside the car in public speaking; sponsor presentations; working with
the media and behavior on and off the track. Future Stars in Racing is
the exclusive driver development partner with the ASA Late Model Series.
Marketing partners include Safety-Kleen, Awesome Racewear and Sunbelt
Web Solutions. |
NEMA To Celebrate Two
of Its Finest at Seekonk This Sat. 5/19 on
National Midget “Driver of the Year” Night;
Abby Martino on the Mend
Manchester, CT (May 14, 2007): The long-awaited second event of the 2007
season for the Northeastern Midget Association has finally arrived. This
weekend, the NEMA Midgets head to the Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, MA,
with added zeal. On Saturday, May 19, the
25-lap NEMA feature event will honor two of NEMA’s finest, Stu Murray of
Wirtgen America and Mike Jarret of Helping Hands of America. The two men
spearhead the companies that proudly serve as the Northeastern Midget
Association’s title sponsors.
“An exciting race at Seekonk Speedway is the best way for us to show how
much we appreciate their support and friendship,” said NEMA President
Mike Scrivani.
With a rich history that includes exciting finishes and fierce
competition, the Seekonk Speedway is the ideal venue for such an
important race for the NEMA competitors and fans.
Stu Murray and Mike Jarret have been instrumental in the recent and
ongoing success of the Northeastern Midget Association. Both have
provided financial support of the Club, to individual teams, and to
individual races. Purse increases, additional activities and events,
enhanced promotional opportunities and added exposure over the last
several years can be attributed to their contributions.
With encouragement of these two very active sponsors, NEMA has
experienced an influx of talented young drivers, embraced new technology
and witnessed increased levels of competition while maintaining the
dynamics of a competitor-driven governing body. The result is more
marketability and additional exposure.
Their Series sponsorship tells only half the story. Mike Jarret and Stu
Murray share a genuine interest in the well being of the Club and its
members.
With his hands on approach, Jarret is a fixture at each and every race.
As a cheerleader, motivator, administrator or salesman, Jarrett is a
driving force with the every day, behind- the-scenes running of the
Northeastern Midget Association.
Stu Murray has played integral role in attracting up and coming
drivers to midget racing, most notably the NEMA Midgets. The support of
Stu Murray and Wirtgen America adds credence to NEMA. As a long-time
supporter of “big time” racing he has become known for his uncanny
ability to recognize talent. By association with Wirtgen America, the
racing community and the media pay attention to the quality of the
drivers and the competition at NEMA.
“Without people like Mike (Jarret) and Stu (Murray) -- NEMA would
simply not be what it is today,” said car owner Tim Bertrand. “Their
investment in our series has led to more professional competitors and a
more professional series on the whole. The tracks take notice, the fans
take notice, and NEMA appreciates their assistance in an extraordinary
way.”
Wirtgen America, the world leader in asphalt recycling and base
stabilization equipment, has served as the Series sponsor since 2003.
The company’s marketing strategy has utilized motorsports successfully
for nearly 20 years traditionally in the open-wheel ranks including
associations with Mark Kinser and Danny Lasoski in the World of Outlaws.
Wirtgen America, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is the world’s
largest manufacturer of pavement milling machines; offering a full line
of asphalt and concrete milling machines/profilers, hot and cold
recyclers, and mixers for the pavement recycling and reconstruction
industries. Wirtgen America products are available through a network of
representatives and dealers throughout North America.
The Helping Hands of America Foundation is a private corporation that
solicits tangible goods (autos, trucks, boats, etc.) for donation with
portions of all liquidation proceeds directly benefiting the associated
charities including the Lupus Foundation of Massachusetts, Sacred Heart
Community Missions, the Association of Blind Citizens and the
Massachusetts Chapter of the A.L.S. Association.
Helping Hands of America, through a personal investment by founding
partner Mike Jarret of Bellingham, MA, began their support during the
2004 season.
As always, Jarret will be on hand for the celebration while Stu and
Connie Murray will travel from his home in Tennessee to be part of the
festivities.
“NEMA would not be where it is without (Stu) and (Mike) and I am very
thankful that they have come and stayed aboard with us throughout the
years,” said driver Shane Hammond. “What better place than Seekonk to
dedicate a race to two great sponsors. It would be a great honor to take
down a victory at this race.”
All of the drivers share the sentiment
of fellow competitor Hammond but none more than Nokie Fornoro and Aaron
Wall. Fornoro, the winning-most driver at Seekonk and a two-time winner
in 2006, will pilot the beautifully prepared #4 owned by Jarret. Rookie
Aaron Wall will be behind the wheel of the Wirtgen-sponsored #29 for
Bobby Seymour. After his strong performance in his NEMA debut at
Waterford and with many laps under his belt at Seekonk in a Focus
Midget, a top finish is not out of the question for the Wirtgen America
driver.
Saturday night’s race at Seekonk is also one of five National Midget
“Driver of the Year” promotional nights to be held at various tracks
around the country. The awards group will be adding a minimum of $300
cash along with product certificates to the purse.
NEMA Rookie Abby Martino will be missing
from the field as she continues to mend after her devastating wreck in
the season opener at Waterford.
“The doctor told me that at this point if everything is still healing
well I may go to using only one crutch,” said Martino. “So it looks as
if I have at least another 5-6 weeks using the crutches and then
probably a few weeks walking with the brace after that but we will have
to see!”
The racing community eagerly awaits this young ladies return to NEMA
competition. |
Seekonk
Speedway Announces NEMA Open Wheel Action
by Todd Baptista |
Seekonk Speedway announced today that the
Northeastern Midget Association will return to the 1/3-mile Bay State oval for four points
events in 2007. The open wheel aces will make their first appearance of the season on
Saturday night, May 19, joining the tracks weekly Pro Stock, Late Model, Sport
Truck, and Street Stock divisions on the bill. The race will be the second of 15 points
events on this seasons NEMA calendar.
The midgets will also return on Wednesday, July 18, as part of the third annual Open Wheel
Wednesday event, highlighted by a 100-lap $10,000 to win Modified Madness open competition
race. The crown jewel in the Northeastern Midget Association schedule, the Boston Louie
Seymour Memorial Classic, honoring the memory of Louie Seymour (1927-1996) of Marlboro,
MA, will take place at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday, August 25. Seymour, the man who
towed a million miles, spent almost a quarter of a century competing in open-wheel
racing, traveling across the country with Midgets, Sprint Cars, and Silver Crown Cars. The
fourth and final NEMA visit of the season will coincide with the season-ending D. Anthony
Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7.
The Cement Palace and the mighty midgets share a storied history that goes all the way
back to the glory days of local short track racing. The then-quarter mile oval hosted
nothing but midgets on the weekly racing program from 1946 through 1948. NEMA, the
sanctioning body for the touring open wheel stars, held its first ever event at Seekonk on
Memorial Day weekend in 1953. Today, the cars sport wings atop the roll cages for added
speed and agility, and are safer than ever before.
Plymouth, MAs Randy Cabral and Bobby Santos III of Marlboro, MA captured the May and
October NEMA events at Seekonk in 2006, while Stroudsburg, PA veteran Noki Fornoro wheeled
Mike Jarrets machine to Victory Lane in July and August, bringing his Seekonk career
win total to eight. Defending NEMA champion Ben Seitz of Monument Beach, MA also has two
career wins at the Action Track of the East and is expected to be among the front-runners.
For more information, please visit online at www.seekonkspeedway.com. |
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The NEMA Booth at

www.SpeedwayEXPO.com
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Club President Mike Scrivani
took a turn in the dunk tank
The Anger Management Charity Event at SpeedwayEXPO.
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"Midget Racer Having Fun on Track"
Shane Hammond at
Boston.com |
SAD NEWS...
Fred
Meeker, the winner of the very first NEMA race, has passed away at age
eighty. |
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WELCOME TO...
Benjamin Harold O'Brien
Sue O'Brien gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy March 14th,
2007 at
1:02 PM.
He weighs 8lbs. 11oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long.
Congratulations Sue and Matt!
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Bobby Santos
Sr.
"the Frito Bandito"
passed away on
Thursday, Dec. 21st, 2006

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"MAZDA
PETE IS A GRANDFATHER"
MICHAEL PETER PERNESIGLIO
BORN 7 LBS 1 OZ
11:06 AM - DEC 17th, 2006
Congratulations to Pete and Angela
on their first! |
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Seitz Set to Wear NEMA Crown Again
Manchester, CT (November 27, 2006): Ben Seitz of Monument Beach, MA has rightfully earned
his place in the record books of the Northeastern Midget Association. On January 13, 2006
at Whites of Westport in Westport, MA, Seitz formally will be crowned with his
third-straight Northeastern Midget Association championship. He will join only two other
drivers-Dave Humphrey and Russ Stoehr-to earn the distinction in the 54-year history of
the Club.
I would never even put myself in their category, said Seitz of his fellow
record-holders. Just to be mentioned in the same breath with Dave Humphrey and Russ
Stoehr is a huge honor.
Like Stoehr before him, Seitz has won the consecutive titles for a single car owner. He
has earned each of the championships driving the potent #17 for Peter and Lynne Valeri.
With Seitzs raw talent and Valeris wisdom along with their matched hunger for
victory, the two have shown to be a perfect compliment and proven to be a winning
combination.
Dedicated families and a handful of hardworking volunteers solidify the efforts of the
duo. The Valeri team also enjoys the steadfast support of sponsors like Cape Cod
Aggregates and the Sam Lorusso Family that allows them the resources to compete among the
powerhouse teams in NEMA.
This is truly a team effort. I like to think that Pete and I do our part, said
Seitz, but we would not have gotten this far without the support of a bunch of other
people that more than pull their weight with this team. I have to thank my entire family,
Buck Gilbert, Jimmy Morragio, Eddie Parker, Dick Bean and, of course, Mike Scrivani.
Our team is fortunate to have the very best equipment thanks to Esslinger and Bob
East, continued Seitz. We have the strongest chassis and engine combination in
Midget Racing with these two companies and their amazing staffs.
Unlike years past, the 2006 season was not a dominating one for the Peter Valeri-owned
race team. It was a consistent season with two victories, six top-five and nine top-ten
finishes in 11 starts.
It was a slow and steady season, said Seitz. This one was won more in
the shop than on the race track.
With only one DNF (did not finish) during the entire season, it seems that the maintenance
program was the key to the success of the team this season.
We did not run exceptionally well this year, said Seitz modestly. We
ran okay at most tracks but we struggled on the short tracks like Seekonk and Waterford
this year. We sort of backed into this one.
Joey Payne was definitely the man to beat in 2006. Without the wreck at Stafford the
Angelillo team would definitely be the champs. They were unbelievable this season.
Despite missing two races, Payne and Angelillo finished an astonishing fourth in the final
point standings. Their record-two wins and seven top-five finishes in nine starts.
The 2006 season was one of the most competitive in recent memory. A total of six drivers
visited victory lane. No driver scored more than two wins. The champ scored his two
victories of the 2006 season at the two biggest tracks on which NEMA competes-the Stafford
Motor Speedway (April 30) and Thompson International Speedway (October 15).
The noted highlight of the season for Seitz was the win in the XTRA-Mart World Series of
Stock Car Racing at Thompson International Speedway in October.
The October race at Thompson was the best race of the year for us, said Seitz.
It was crunch time and we handled the pressure and came home with the win.
Other drivers doubling up included Randy Cabral, Nokie Fornoro, Joey Payne and Bobby
Santos III. The only other winner in 2006 was Mike Keeler. These numbers speak for the
parity in the top tier of NEMA competition.
Randy Cabral, in his first full season driving for owner Tim Bertrand, came home second in
the final point standings with two wins, eight top-five and nine top-ten finishes in 11
starts. Nokie Fornoro, who missed a race due to a conflict with the International
Supermodified Association (ISMA) schedule, to which he also competes, managed to finish
third in the final point standings also with two victories, seven top-five and eight
top-ten finishes in 10 starts. Shane Hammond had a standout season rounding out the
top-five, one spot behind Payne.
This championship was a little bit more nerve-racking than the others. Toward the
end, Randy (Cabral) and Nokie (Fornoro) were right there point-wise and on the track Joey
(Payne) was a huge threat.
Like the championships that came before, Seitz and company were able to withstand the
pressure of a heated point race with tremendously talented rivals to take home the biggest
honor in NEMA.
They are all special, responded Seitz when asked how this championship
differed from the others. They all will be with us forever.
Winning one title is a great accomplishment but three is a tribute to everybody on
this team.
And winning never gets old. |
| Johnny Coy Sr. passed away Saturday,
Oct. 29th at 6 AM. A long-time competitor in ARDC and NEMA, he won many NEMA races. His
son Johnny Jr. was also a NEMA racer. |
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July
20, 2006 |
NEMA would like to congratulate
Randy Cabral and Tim Bertrand on their second win of 2006 at Thompson International
Speedway on July 6th, and also Bobby Santos III and his family on their win at Stafford
Speedway on July 11th.
We also had a few teams return to competition over the last few races. We would like to
say thank you and welcome back to the Dolan family with the 15 car and Doug Cleveland in
the 87.
Also, congratulations to BJ Macdonald and family on the birth of their son, John Matthew,
on Saturday the 15th. BJ is also donating a $150 gift certificate per race for LEAF
Racewear for the 6th place finisher. Thank you BJ!
As you all may know from Stafford, it has been decided that the August race at Stafford
will be a NON points combined show with USAC and ARDC. The show will be run wingless and
it will be governed by NEMA and NEMA rules with the exception of the Toyota motor
rule for obvious reasons. The tire rule will allow for a 7.3RR or 7.8RR tire, and NO
STICKER TIRES for the feature.
Hopefully all of our members will support this race as Stafford has been increasingly
generous to NEMA over the past three seasons, and we hope to continue that relationship
with even more races in 2007, and
There will be a $12,000 purse for this event!
Gates will open at 11AM, with a round robin style practice from 1PM to 6PM for
the Midgets, Trucks and Big Cars.
PLEASE REGISTER ASAP at WWW.STAFFORDMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM to show your support for the race.
Please help!
As for an update on Joey Payne, he was released early in the morning following the
Stafford race with bruises and a concussion.
Joeys accident brings up the next issue that we would like to discuss, which is
safety. Investing in safety equipment such as good seats, head and neck devices, and so on
will keep all of our valued drivers and friends safe on the racetrack.
Bobby Seymour is happy to discuss the options for adding additional safety features to
your race cars such as Kirkeys bolt on head rests, shoulder restraints and head/neck
protection devices.
Our next race is at Seekonk Speedway on July 26th and then the race after that is at
Waterford on August 5th.
We hope to have a great turnout at Seekonk and
Waterford. Please encourage members who you are speaking with to get out to the track
every car counts!
See you soon!
Best regards,
Patty and the NEMA Board |
Payne
on the Mend After
NEMA Crash at Stafford
Comeback Certain But Not the Date |
Manchester, CT (July 17, 2006): Joey Payne is
recuperating at his home in Fairlawn, NJ after a devastating wreck at Stafford Motor
Speedway on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 in the Northeastern Midget Association feature during
Xtreme Tuesday presented by CARQUEST. The veteran racer sustained a severe concussion and
injuries to his arms and legs when the rear axel sheared off his racer sending him
careening into the outside wall.
Im doing okay, said Payne on Monday. My knee and shoulder hurt
quite a bit. My knee is really swollen and my shoulder is severely bruised. But my head is
better, that is the good thing. It was a hard shot for sure.
A hard shot might be the understatement of the season. It is believed that
Payne was traveling at speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour in the open-cockpit Midget
when the crash occurred. During the impact both Paynes head and shoulder made
contact with the outside retaining wall.
Payne was transported to Johnson Medical Center and then airlifted to Hartford (CT)
Hospital, where he spent the night. He remembers little about the accident.
I knew something broke and the next thing I remember was bang
I think the bang
was my helmet hitting the wall.
His helmet is broken in two places. Payne, who owns a Safety Solution R-3 head restraint,
admittedly in poor judgment, was not wearing it at the time of the accident.
When I do come back, I will surely make some changes to my safety equipment. I will
definitely be wearing my Safety Solution R-3 from now on. It is a great device and I
should have been wearing it. I will have it on next time I race and every time after
that, added Payne wisely.
All other safety precautions were in place.
Everything did what it was supposed to do, continued Payne of his equipment.
I have to thank Gene and Marilyn Angelillo for spending their money to keep me safe
in their racecar. No other car in NEMA has a Joie of Seating seat. It is the Cadillac of
seats. It saved my life.
Unfortunately for Payne and his owners, the Angelillos the car is a total loss.
I went to see it (the car) the other day, said Payne, I walked in and
said Wow, I cant believe I survived this.
Despite the severity of the incident, Joey Payne will be back behind the wheel as soon as
possible.
I am not giving up, said the diehard racer. It would take a lot more
than that to make me want to stop racing. Racing is my life. I have been doing it my whole
life. I dont want to go out like that. To go out like that just would not be
right.
I will be back as soon as Gene gets me a new car, added Payne with a sense of
determination.
The time frame for the teams return is uncertain. A brand new car will have to be
procured.
All the good parts that are left from the car fit into a box the size of an oil
case, added Payne. Everything in the car is destroyed.
The next event for the Northeastern Midget Association is scheduled for Wednesday, July
26, at Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, MA.
Unless a miracle happens we will miss Seekonk, said a dejected Payne.
It will be the first time in many years that a Gene Angelillo racer will not be in the
field for a NEMA Midget event.
The silver lining in the entire incident is the outpouring of support that Payne and his
family have received.
The racing community is a family, said Payne. I am glad to be part of a
family that cares so much about everyone. Everybody from NEMA has called
My phone is
still ringing.
The track crew at Stafford was phenomenal, said Payne full of gratitude.
Everyone was amazing that night-from the fire department to the EMTs to the MedEvac
team, just everyone. It is strange to be in that position and have so many people care so
much.
Everyone in the racing community is wishing Joey Payne a speedy recovery and the Dumo's
Desire Team a quick return to competition. Cards of well wishes can
reach Joey Payne at 68 Pomona Ave., Fairlawn, NJ 07410. |

NEMAs
Pernesiglio (the other one!) Making Strides Down South |
Former NEMA driver, turned announcer
Derek Pernesiglio has been making big strides in the world of motor sports broadcasting.
This year hes pit reporting for selected ASA Late Model Challenge Series events on
the Mens Channel and iDrive TV. This is an incredible opportunity for me,
explained Pernesiglio. I left the Northeast in 2000 for a job in motor sports and
its been quite a ride! I have to thank Rick Benjamin, Joe Ligon and the folks at
Visioncast Inc. for a marvelous opportunity to pit report in selected ASA Late Model
Challenge Series events this year. The ASA Late Model Challenge Series has 13
televised events on the Mens Channel and iDrive TV beginning in September of this
year. Check your local cable provider for times and air dates.
Pernesiglio is the son of legendary open-wheel car owner Mazda Pete
Pernesiglio and younger brother of NEMA veteran driver Pete Pernesiglio. Dereks
career has run the gamut in motor sports. He began racing go-karts at 15, moving up to the
Pro-4 Modifieds and eventually driving the family ride until 1999. In 2000 Pernesiglio
made a career change, moving to the announcers booth at the Seekonk and Thompson
Speedways.
It was early in 2001 when Derek got an opportunity to move down South to work for Wheeler
Television on the long running Raceday show on the old TNN Network. That same
year Pernesiglio moved over to NASCAR Images in their Corporate Motorsports department,
becoming a producer of the NASCAR Banquet ceremony videos.
Pernesiglio still works for NASCAR Images but as the Associate Producer of the Trackside
Live show that airs weekly on Speed Channel from each Nextel Cup Series venue.
It wasnt until earlier this year that Pernesiglio got a call from Joe Ligon, the
producer for the ASA races on the Mens Channel and iDriveTV to help the broadcast
crew on pit road for the first race of the ASA Late Model Challenge Series season.
Its funny how it all happened, Joe and I worked together at NASCAR Images in
the past and he knew I wanted to do some on-air work. Rick Benjamin and I had worked
together in the booth once before for a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Martinsville.
He and Joe talked, and then Joe called me on a Friday afternoon to work pit road at the
Nashville Music City Motorplex the following evening. Their regular pit reporter fell ill
and they needed a substitute. Joe told me years earlier, this is how breaks happen,
someone cant make a show and youre called upon at the last minute.
Pernesiglio got his second break this past weekend when the ASA Late Model Challenge
Series made their first ever trip to the Oswego Speedway near the Canadian border. Oswego
is a regular stop on the NEMA Midget series and the laps Pernesiglio had turned there in a
midget over the years would benefit him on pit road. Ive got a bunch of laps
in a midget there, said Pernesiglio, The drivers and I spoke before practice. We talked
about which line to run, where the bumps are and how the sun can blind you going into turn
one. It helped me earn the drivers respect at the end of the day. WalTom Racings
Development driver Kelly Bires won the event before the ASA Late Model Challenge Series
headed to Berlin, MI for another televised event on Wednesday.
So where does Derek Pernesiglios television career go from here? Not even he knows.
Joe and the rest of the ASA folks like what I do on pit road and told me theyd
like to see me on pit road for more broadcasts this year. Pernesiglio explained, How many
times I get the opportunity to work with Joe, Rick Benjamin and Visioncast is uncertain, I
never expected to even get on air once this year and Ive got two out of three
televised shows under my belt so far this season. If I dont get another chance this
year Id still be happy
once is better then never and twice is better than
once.
The ASA Late Model Challenge Series races begin airing in September on the Mens
Channel and iDriverTV. If youd like to keep up with Derek Pernesiglios
progress, contact your local cable or Dish Network provider in your area. |
USAC Race at Indianapolis Raceway Park
Santos Dominates in the Indy
"Night Before The 500" Feature
05-27-06 CLERMONT, Ind. Bobby Santos scored a dominating victory
Saturday in the Night Before the 500 classic for the USAC National Midget Car
Series at Indianapolis Raceway Park, as the Franklin, Mass. native won his second straight
race.
Santos, this week in the No. 4 Beast/Ford owned by Janice East, finished more than four
seconds ahead of Ron Gregory in the 61st edition of the race, capping a week in which he
suffered problems with the car in two races but came away with victories twice. |
USAC Race at Concord Motorsports Park
No Rivalry Here: Bobby Santos Wins Midget Race in
Sisters Car
"MIDLAND, N.C. Sibling love was taken to new heights Sunday at Concord
Motorsports Park, one that could have made USAC history.
Moments after hitting the wall and suffering a broken rear end and break in the No. 4 Ford
Racing Midget chassis, Bobby Santos III took the generous offer from older sister Erica to
drive the family-owned for the feature.
Just a couple of hours later, he put the family machine in Victory Lane.
Fighting to gain the point after more than 30 in the Top 3, Bobby Santos overtook longtime
leader Brad Loyet and gave himself his first career USAC National Midget Car Series
victory after four years of trying."
FULL STORY AT
USACRACING.COM |


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