Gene Bergin, one of the initial inductees into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998, is currently confined to the Flagler Pines nursing home following some medical issues. According to Gene’s son he is extremely depressed and is hoping cards from his many friends and fans will help cheer him up. Cards will reach Gene at: Gene Bergin, Flagler Pines, 300 South Lemon St., Bunnell, Florida 32110.
Gene Bergin was one of the most versatile drivers in New England auto racing history, having driven Modifieds, Midgets, Sprint cars, Indy cars, and Grand National cars in his career.
Bergin first started racing in the early 50′s at the Riverside Park Speedway collecting many feature event wins and the 1962 Modified track championship.
He then in 1964 moved on to the Stafford Motor Speedway winning several features on the still dirt surface driving Sharkey Gaudiosi’s #44, and also holds the distinction of being one of only two drivers to win a feature event on both the dirt and asphalt surfaces at Stafford, ( The other being Ernie Gahan).
Continue reading ‘Hall of Famer Gene Bergin Hospitalized’
Leonard L. “Blackie” Hilliard Sr.
MANCHESTER — Leonard L. “Blackie” Hilliard Sr., 84, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta.
He was born in Turner on Nov. 30, 1925, the son of Leroy and Lena (Gavin) Hilliard.
He attended Turner-area schools and served in the Army during the Korean War, stationed at the Artillery and Guided Missile Base in Fort Sill, Okla. He owned and operated Hilliard’s Garage in Manchester for more than 35 years, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed deer hunting and was a member of American Legion Post 207, Augusta.
Blackie raced motorcycles and cars in the midwest and south Florida in the early 1950s. Upon returning to Maine, he won several hundred races on tracks in Belfast, Oakland, Beech Ridge and his favorite, Unity Raceway, where he won 12 track championships and several Governor’s Cups during the 1950s and ’60s. Blackie was among the first inaugural inductees in the Maine Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Continue reading ‘Hall of Famer “Blackie” Hilliard Passes at 84′
Norwood, MA — While the unstable weather kept the classic car show down to 30 entries, a banner group of former race drivers, car owners and officials made it to the gathering of the faithful for the 6th Annual Norwood Arena Reunion on Sunday, June 6. The NEAR and STAR Antique racecar clubs produced more than a dozen vehicles. It all took place at Bezema Buick/GMC on the AutoMile in Norwood.
Among a banner field of former drivers on hand included many time NASCAR Modified Champion Bugs Stevens of Rehoboth, Bobby Clark of Lakeville, Leo Cleary of Hanover, Lew Boyd of Newburyport, Deke Astle of Westport, Jim Rosenfield of Middleboro, Don McCullough of Walpole, Denny and Daryl Stampfl of Norwood, Jerry Capazzolli of Stoughton, Jeff Horn of Ashland, Jim Holt of Attleboro, Bill Statham of Sharon, Jim Holt of Attleboro and Bobby Healy of Stoughton while Jim McGuire came up from NJ. Car owners Joe Brady and Augie Walathis, both of Brockton and Buddy Cook of Wrentham made the event. Demo Derby King Bobby Anderson of Brockton represented that segment. Former Norwood NASCAR Chief Steward Carl Merrill also attended the festivities.
Continue reading ’6th Annual Norwood Arena Reunion Bucks the Unstable Weather at Bezema Buick/GMC with Success’
Noel A. Lapierre
BURRILLVILLE- Noel A. Lapierre, 87, of Douglas Pike, died Sunday, May 30, 2010 at home. Devoted father and husband, loved by all who knew him, he was married sixty-two years to the late Aurore M. (Plouffe) Lapierre who recently passed on April 26th.
Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Philemon and Anna (Lefebvre) Lapierre.
Mr. Lapierre worked over twenty years as a truck driver for the former Nelson’s Freightways and Laramee Trucking, both in Woonsocket. He also worked for twelve years as a burner/grinder for Electric Boat, retiring in 1987. A WWII Army Veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and the Teamsters.
He is survived by four children, Leo Lapierre and his wife, Simonne of No. Smithfield, Jacqueline Dionne and her husband, Richard, Victoria Tootell and her husband, Donald and Edward Lapierre and his wife, Sandra, all of Burrillville, nine grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Eugene, Roland, Robert, Normand and Edward Lapierre.
Continue reading ‘Noel Lapierre Passes Away at 87′
Carmine Charles Benincaso Jr., age 74, died on June 1st, 2010 at Norwalk Hospital with his family by his side. A lifetime resident of Norwalk, he was born on February 14, 1936 to the late Carmine Benincaso Sr. and Mary Cocchia Benincaso.
He went on to serve in both the Army and the Active Reserve from 1961-1962 and worked at Gardella Transportation and the Italian Center of Stamford.
He also was an active member of Southern New York Racing Assoc. team located in Danbury and raced with the New England Antique Racers.
Continue reading ‘Danbury Racearena Standout Carmine Benincaso Passes At 74′
Former drivers, officials and fans of the Westboro Speedway gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westboro for the third reunion on Saturday. Although 25 years have passed since the final checkered flag fell on Westboro, people still recall fondly their Saturday nights spent at the historic Rt. 9 speedplant.
Before the sound of horsepower was silenced by urban sprawl for a shopping center, Westboro Speedway operated between 1947-1985. Originally built for Midget racing, the high-banked 1/4 mile oval saw its first race on August 5, 1947 when Joe Sostilio picked up the Midget win. Until the track closed in September 1985, the track hosted open wheel Modifieds, Mini Modifieds, Supermodifieds and Stock Cars.
Many hall of fame drivers were successful at Westboro throughout its storied history. A showcase venue for Midgets, stars like Bert Brooks, Joe Csiki and Dave Humphrey all excelled there. Racers from the dangerous Cutdown era included Red Bolduc, Red Cummings, Hop Harrington, Fred Luchesi. Fred Borden was the all-time winner there. A staple of the Modified circuit for many seasons, victory lane saw Ronnie Bouchard, Fats Caruso, Leo Cleary, George Savary, Fred Schulz, and Bugs Stevens win on many occasions.
Westboro’s place in history is secure as longtime owner and promoter John Falconi, Sr. is a NEAR Hall of Fame inductee along with some of the drivers and owners that made “The Fastest Quarter-Mile in the East” their home for many years.
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Continue reading ‘Westboro Speedway Reunion 2010′
Milldale, CT — Since 1998, the New England Antique Racers (NEAR), has inducted over-100 individuals into its prestigious New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame. The time has come for NEAR to start focusing on it’s next class of inductees, and the club is seeking input from those interested in making an impact on 2011 selections.
“As-always, we’re looking for input from the New England racing community to help aid in the lengthy selection process that we embark-on yearly,” states NEAR’s Bruce Cohen. “It won’t be-long, and the Selection Committee will begin a series of communications that will ultimately result in the choice of individuals included in the HOF class of 2011. It’s important for the racing community to know that while there’s an established-criteria followed regarding eligibility, anyone interested in casting a vote for someone who’s notably contributed to our sport in a historical-sense can certainly do-so. Every vote counts.”
For those wishing to contact Cohen directly with nominations, he may be reached at modman181@comcast.net.
Continue reading ‘NEAR Seeking Nominations For 2011 New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame’
Richard Burgess – DURHAM – Richard “Moon” Burgess, 81, of Durham, beloved husband of Rita Dolores Corradino; father, grandfather, and friend, passed into the loving arms of heaven on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, surrounded by family.
Born Dec. 15, 1928 in a speeding ambulance in Meriden, he was the son of Dorothy and Frances Burgess. A standout stock car driver in the 40′s and 50′s, Moon was inducted into the Riverside Park Speedway Hall of Fame in 1999 and the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2003. He retired from racing to marry and raise a family, and went on to own and operate Valley Auto Supply in Plantsville, until his retirement in 1989.
Visit Guest Book
Continue reading ‘Richard “Moon” Burgess Passes at 81′
Durham, CT — Pioneering New England stock car racer Richard “Moon” Burgess passed-away on Wednesday, March 17 after suffering a serious stroke earlier in the month.
Burgess started his career in the midgets during the 1940’s, switching to stock cars later in the decade. He competed with success at virtually every track in the region including Thompson, Waterford, Plainville, Riverside Park, Kingston, Candlelight Stadium, Cherry Park, West Haven, and others,
Teamed with car owner Joe Fontana, Burgess experienced his greatest degree of success while behind the controls of the potent “Flying Eagle” #1 coupe.
He retired from the sport in 1953 after a relatively brief but spectacular career in which he won over 200 races including 63 feature events in addition to a track championship.
Continue reading ‘New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Member Richard “Moon” Burgess Passes-Away’
Norwood, MA — Since the Annual Norwood Arena Reunion started five years ago, the event has grown. Adding a street classic, muscle and antique car show complimented the gathering of race cars, drivers, car owners and officials. Last year’s superb weather resulted in a total of 105 combined race cars, street classic, muscle and antique race cars. Last year the addition of motorcycles resulted in some great looking bikes in attendance. Dash plaques went to the first 100 entries into the reunion and trophy was awarded to be best looking race car, street car and motorcycle. The Bezema family, owners of the dealership on the well known Auto Mile in Norwood, plan to continue on with this event every year on the first Sunday in June. The loss of patriarch Marty Bezema, Sr. last year didn’t put a damper on the festivities planned last June. “My father would have wanted this event to continue,” said Erik Bezema, the principal of the dealership.
With that said, fans attending this year’s event on Sunday, June 6, 2010 can look forward to a another large turnout of oval race cars, drag cars, classic street vehicles and motorcycles. Over the years memorabilia collectors and vendors have requested space. More turn out every year coming from all over New England to show and display their wares.
Continue reading ‘The Sixth Annual Norwood Arena Reunion at Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC on Sunday, June 6, 2010′
Literally hundreds of victories and dozens of championships are represented in the New England Auto Racer’s Hall of Fame “Class of 2010.” The 13th annual celebration takes place on Sunday Jan 31 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.
The deadline to purchase tickets for this traditionally sold-out event is January 16. Please visit the NEAR website at www.near1.com for information on reserving your tickets.
Drivers Geoff Bodine, Mike Murphy, George Savory and Pete Fiandaca, car owners Billy Simons, Bob Garbarino and Vic Miller, contributor Frank Ferrara will be inducted. NEAR Veterans Committee inductees are the late race official Archie Blackadar, open-cockpit star, the late Chuck Arnold, and pioneering car-builder Marty Harty.
Continue reading ‘Ticket Purchase Deadline For NEAR Hall Of Fame Induction Approaching Quickly’
Maine Resident Was The 1966 National Champion
Daytona Beach, FL — Ernie Gahan, the 1966 NASCAR Modified national champion, passed away Thursday night at his home in Cranberry Isles, Maine at the age of 83.
Gahan, originally from Dover, N.H., got his start in auto racing at his hometown track – Dover Speedway – in 1948 after serving more than two years as an Army military policeman in Germany following Word War II. After getting his start at Dover, Gahan competed in the NASCAR Sportsman division until 1965, when he moved over to Modifieds.
Gahan compiled 6,560 points during his 1966 run to the title to distance himself from runner-up Bugs Stevens and third place Ray Hendrick. Driving a 1936 Chevrolet coupe, Gahan won 15 of the 71 races he entered that season, but led Hendrick by just 48 points heading into the season finale in Atlanta, Ga. Hendrick was caught up in an early race accident and Gahan crossed the line 10th to earn the crown.
Continue reading ‘Modified Champion Gahan Passes’
Paterson, NJ — Municipal officials and school administrators here are finishing plans to rehabilitate Hinchliffe Stadium since city voters here overwhelmingly approved a $15 million allocation towards the historic midget and stock car venue Nov. 3.
Patersonians voted, 3,433 to 891, for a non-binding referendum whereby the city will pay for Hinchliffe’s revamping with 15- to 20- year bonds. $13.8 million would go to the 77-year-old stadium’s rebuilding for future sports, recreation and entertainment use. Some stadium space will go towards a Paterson Public School district-run sports management academy.
The remaining $1.2 million would be split between the Paterson Armory and nearby Bauerle Field – the latter a gridiron used for high school football games.
Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres said he would make a bond issue application appointment with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Local Finance Board.
Continue reading ‘Patersonians OK Hinchliffe Rehab’
Ralph “Trigger” Watson, the Clown Prince of the cutdown era, passed away on October 18 in Newburyport, MA.
Trigger was a real gasser, tough as nails. Leo Cleary recalls that “the only way to beat him was over the head.” His best years came in 1955 and 1956 when, aboard his infamous ’34 Ford mini-sedan aptly labeled “the Thing”, he won eighty features, including the Canadian American Classic in Toronto.
Watson was also a character through and through who approached his racing with an infectious joy. He was the promoters’ dream, the kids’ hero.
He was 82.
Hundreds of victories and dozens of championships are represented in the New England Auto Racer’s Hall of Fame “Class of 2010.”
Drivers Geoff Bodine, Mike Murphy, George Savory and Pete Fiandaca, car owners Billy Simons, Bob Garbarino and Vic Miller and contributor Frank Ferrara will be inducted at the 13th annual induction banquet on Sunday, Jan 30, 2010 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.
Still to be announced are the inductees from the Veterans Committee and the Jack Ratta Memorial (media) winner.
Continue reading ‘NEAR Hall of Fame Class of 2010′
Gino Spada passed way Saturday September 19th after a battle with cancer. A long time Modified Driver Gino competed at Stafford, Thompson and was a multi-time feature winner at both Danbury Racearena and Plainville Stadium. The long time owner of Red Barn Radiator in Berlin, Ct., Gino prepared many radiators for a number of racers in the area. Gino was also the owner of the NEMA Midget driven by his son Tommy and a long time member of the New England Antique Racers (NEAR). Gino’s late brother John was a long time car owner at the Danbury Racearena fielding cars for Kenny Webb, Don Moon and Gino.
Continue reading ‘Modified Standout and NEMA Car Owner Gino Spada Passes at Age 64′
Berlin, CT — Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in New England for over 3-decades, hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, Dick Watson, and many-more all toured the tight, demanding oval during its long-history. In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their place in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller.
Saturday, October 10th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels present the “First Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion”. The event takes-place from 10am – 4pm at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, Ct.
It’s expected that many former Stadium’ racers will attend. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph from the personalities that made the much-missed oval so-special.
Continue reading ‘Plainville Stadium Reunion Scheduled For Saturday, October 10th’
Fans of Milton, VT racer Beaver Dragon recently got a chance to meet and spend time with one of their auto racing heroes at a hometown greet and book signing on Saturday August 8th at Four Seasons Real Estate in Milton, VT. Beaver and many of his friends, including Short track historian, webmaster of catamountstadium.com and “To Beat the Beaver” author Bill Ladabouche, enjoyed meeting fans and racers. Several race cars were on display. Beaver was thrilled to meet so many fans and sign so many autographs and copies of his new book. Fans enjoyed the up-close looks at race cars of past and present along with food and drink.
Newburyport, MA, July 10, 2009 – Motorsports publisher Coastal 181 announced today the upcoming release of I’LL NEVER BE LAST AGAIN, the autobiography of Bill Wimble. The long-awaited memoir of the legendary racer from Lisbon, New York, was written in concert with award-winning journalist, Lew Boyd.
Bill Wimble enjoyed a meteoric career during the prime era of sportsman-modified racing on the East Coast. He was NASCAR National Sportsman Champion in 1960 and 1961 and won seven state and fourteen track titles throughout the ’60s. The lion’s share of Wimble’s wins came aboard the state-of-the-art, signature red, black and white # 33s fielded by McCredy Motors in Sherburne, NY. The Wimble/#33 combo grew into one of the most popular and lasting brands in the history of short-track racing.
Continue reading ‘Coastal 181 to Release Long-Awaited Autobiography of Bill Wimble, July 22′
Coastal 181 is proud to announce the upcoming release of the much-anticipated autobiography of Bill Wimble, one of the most respected figures in American racing.
The two-time NASCAR National Sportsman Champion spins tales of his incredible journey from a New York dairy farm near the Canadian border to the short tracks and superspeedways along the East Coast, to his honored career as an entrepreneur in New York and Florida.
I’LL NEVER BE LAST AGAIN is an American success story, full of poignant messages for all of us.
Continue reading ‘Coastal 181 Publishers New Book on Racing Legend Bill Wimble Being Released In July’
