Hammond Memorial at Speedbowl
Brockton, MA — He rose skyward, both arms extended, both hands pointing up . It seemed Randy Cabral, who had just won the first race following his best friend Shane Hammond’s death, was being pulled by some supernatural force.
It is hard to recall a more emotional Northeastern Midget Association result than Cabral’s triumph at Waterford Speedbowl on that wet Sunday in 2008. It came exactly a week after Hammond perished at Thompson Speedway.
It remains a classic photo, testimony to the bond between fellow warriors who were also best friends.
Emotions will be evident again Saturday night, July 24th, for the inaugural Shane Hammond Memorial Race. A number of financial incentives await what is expected to be an impressive field.
The NEMA Lites will help in the celebration as well.
Certainly the streaking Cabral would put a win atop his already incredible list of checkereds. It is at Waterford, a facility many believe to be the premier Midget facility in the East. Nobody in NEMA’s long history has won more at Waterford than Cabral. Bertrand Motorsports has been one of the most successful owners at the ‘Bowl.
Win or lose, however, Cabral knows a great battle would be the perfect tribute to Hammond.
Honoring a fallen warrior by doing well is the motivation in such events. Chris Leonard, a winner earlier this year at Waterford, heads up the entries. It includes Adam Cantor, Russ and Greg Stoehr, Chris DeRitis, Erica Santos, Jeff Abold, Jim Miller, Jeff and Mike Horn, Will and Aaron Wall, Barry Kittridge and John Zych Jr., all friends with the always smiling Hammond.
The 2004 Rookie of the year, Hammond actually made his midget debut at Waterford.
Back in 2008, Cabral asked the crowd to yell out Shane’s name. It responded, Hammond’s mom Deb Marvuglio hearing it all on her cellphone.
“Now is the right time to have a memorial race for Shane,” says Marvuglio.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR