Archive for the 'NEMA' Category

NEMA Returns to Monadnock

Published at June 17, 2013 in Monadnock, NEMA and NEMA Lites. Closed

Brockton, MA — Randy Cabral and Carl Medeiros Jr. take narrow point leads into the Northeastern Midget Association’s Iron Memorial Saturday night at Monadnock Speedway. NEMA returns to the Granite State oval after an absence of two years.

NEMA and the NEMA Lites will each go 30 laps on a program that memorializes legendary Midget car owner Iron Mike Scrivani.

After three podium finishes, defending champion Cabral has a 31-point advantage on Bertrand Racing teammate Todd Bertrand. John Zych, a winner two weeks ago at Star, Anthony Marvuglio and Greg Stoehr are bunched together in positions three through five.

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‘Comfort’ Key for John Zych

Published at June 13, 2013 in NEMA and Star. Closed

Brockton, MA – John Zych Jr. says the key in becoming a Northeastern Midget Association contender is “comfort.” Zych in the black #9 will be looking for a second straight win when NEMA vsits Monadnock Speedway Saturday night, June 22, for the Iron Mike Scrivani Memorial.

It’s been a “long haul” for Zych and his car-owner dad John Sr., a couple of ‘stick and ball’ guys who first came to NEMA back in 2007.

“I feel comfortable in how I drive,” explains Zych. “And, I’ve been around long enough to know what I want to feel when I’m in the race car. It’s just time and experience.”

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Remembering Iron Mike

Published at June 12, 2013 in Monadnock, NEMA and NEMA Lites. Closed

Got some time to spare? Like a funny story? If the answer is “yes” to both, catch Northeastern Midget Association president Mike Scrivani Jr. and request a tale about his late dad “Iron Mike” Scrivani Sr. Be prepared to laugh.

Saturday night June 22 NEMA and the NEMA Lites will run the “Iron Mike” Memorial at Monadnock Speedway.  The affair memorializes one of the club’s most iconic characters, a charter member of NEMA who left behind a host of “stories” on his passing on Feb. 28, 1983.

Proprietor of the legendary “Mike’s Truck Stop” in Waltham, MA, Scrivani’s car-owning career began in the 1930s with the Big Cars and it included a successful run with the Modifieds in the late 1960s and early 70s, but Midgets, were clearly his first love.

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Zcyh NEMA’s Best at Star; Barrows Rules in Lites

Published at June 9, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Star. Closed

Epping, NH –  John Zych Jr. went from third to first in one move en route to a convincing victory in the Northeastern Midget Association’s Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race Saturday night at Star Speedway.

Andy Barrows edged Carl Medeiros Jr. to claim NEMA Lites honors.

Coming from the ninth starting spot, Zych (Zych 9) took command moving past both Joey Payne Jr. (Breault 44) and Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26b) on the back stretch on lap 10. Only a caution with 13 laps remaining interrupted Zych’s journey to his second career checkered.

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NEMA Moves On to Star

Published at June 5, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Star. Closed

Brockton, MA — Star Speedway has hosted the Northeastern Midget Association more than any other facility. Saturday night’s 25-lapper Marvin Rifchin Trophy Race will be the 151st feature NEMA has run on the Granite State oval.

The NEMA Lites will be making their second 2013 appearance at Star, Carl Medeiros Jr. (Medeiros 51) looking to make it two straight.
Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) and Joey Payne Jr. (Breault 44) are the active win leaders at Star with 10 and eight respectively. Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47) has a couple including last year’s visit when he posted laps in the high 11s. Cabral rides a streak of two-straight seconds into Star chasing home Bertrand Motorsports teammates each time – Todd Bertrand at Waterford and Doug Coby last weekend at Seekonk.

Fifth at the Louie, Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 38) is a definite threat along with Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26), John Zych Jr. (Zych 9) and Ian Cumens (Seymour), the latter two coming off strong efforts as well. Other threats include one-time Star winner Jim Miller (Miller 3m), Boston Louie Hard Charger Anthony Marvuglio (Bourbeau 380), Bethany Stoehr (Stoehr 5b) Seth Carlson (Feigel 710) and James Santa Maria (Santa Maria 99).

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NEMA Win ‘Another Good Thing’ for Coby

Published at June 4, 2013 in NEMA and Seekonk. Closed

Brockton, MA — The list of Modified drivers who have won a Northeastern Midget Association feature is very short. Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified champion Doug Coby became the third member of the club Sunday winning NEMA’s premier event – the Boston Louie Memorial at Seekonk Speedway.
Coby, driving a Bertrand Motorsports Autocraft-powered Drinan, passed defending champion and Motorsports teammate Randy Cabral with a daring outside move in turn one late in the race.

“It is what it is,” says Coby. “You can add it to a lot of good things that have happened to me. Hopping into the car and winning shows that I’m a versatile race driver. I think that’s something all drivers want to show people.”

The Modified Tour and an SK-Modified commitment at Stafford Motor Speedway remain his priorities and opportunities to get back in the Midget are limted. Seekonk’s Open Wheel Wednesday July 17 is the next possibility. Still, there’s reason to celebrate.

Now, how about the winning move? “It was the only move,” Coby explains. “I’ve driven enough modified races at Seekonk to know it’s a two-lane place.” So with the lap clicking down Coby went to the outside of Cabral exiting four.

[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape

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Coby Captures NEMA’s Boston Louie

Published at June 3, 2013 in NEMA and Seekonk. Closed

Seekonk, MA — Doug Coby, in only his third Northeastern Midget Association ride, added the Boston Louie Memorial to his resume Sunday at Seekonk Speedway. The National NASCAR Whelen Modified champion got by Bertrand Racing teammate Randy Cabral with four laps remaining in the 29-lap event.

Starting sixth, Coby chased Cabral, who took the lead on lap four, for 14 circuits before assuming command with an outside pass heading into turn one. The move came three laps after the third and final restart – each featuring an epic battle.

Cabral (Bertrand 47) was second followed by John Zych Jr. (Zych 9), Ian Cumens (Seymour 9) and Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39). Zych was a definite challenger on the final two restarts.

[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape

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Bertrand Celebrates a Successful Louie

Published at June 3, 2013 in NEMA and Seekonk. Closed

Brockton, MA – While some members of the Bertrand family “had their eyes closed,” Tim Bertrand was enjoying the battle for first between his two cars Sunday at the Northeastern Midget Association’s Boston Louie Memorial at Seekonk Speedway. Modified champion Doug Coby (in the 74) and defending NEMA kingpin Randy Cabral (47) were going at it.

“With two guys that good there is no way one takes the other out,” says Bertrand. He is not exactly a stranger watching his cars battle for the lead. Cabral has battled Bertrand teammates Cole Carter and Ryan Newman in the past.

Coby, the reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified king, won with an outside pass of Cabral in the closing laps. Bertrand had three spots in the top five including fifth place Todd Bertrand. All three cars are different right down to the motors.

[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape

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NEMA/Grand Marshall Bentley Warren at Seekonk “Meet and Greet”

Published at May 29, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Seekonk. Closed

SEEKONK, MA — The Northeastern Midget Association will conduct a driver “Meet and Greet” autograph session on Sunday at Seekonk Speedway during the “Boston Louie”. The session will be held behind the front straightaway bleacher area with NEMA drivers Lou Cicconi and Ian Cumens as well as NEMA Lite standouts Christian Briggs and Carl Medeiros Jr., Star’s feature winner.

Supermodified star and Indy 500 veteran Bentley Warren is also scheduled to appear. Warren is the event’s Grand Marshal.

Fans are encouraged to bring along hats, t-shirts or other small items they wish to have signed. Taking photos is also welcome.

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Boston Louie Memorial Classic at Seekonk Sunday

Published at May 28, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, NEMST, Pro 4 Mod and Seekonk. Closed

SEEKONK, MA – The Boston Louie Memorial Classic returns to Seekonk Speedway on Sunday, June 2. Both of the NorthEastern Midget Association’s divisions – NEMA Midgets and NEMA Lites – will be on hand for their traditional 29-lap events.

For the first time since 2000, the SK/SK Light-type Modifieds will compete at Seekonk. At the end of the 75-lap event, the winner will go home with $5,000 of the $25,000 purse. The last time the SK Modifieds competed here, Ted Christopher captured the victory over Ron Yuhas, Jr. and Roger Godin.

The Texas Roadhouse North East Mini Stock Tour and Pro 4 Modifieds of New England will be competing at Waterford Speedbowl in Saturday night’s Four Cylinder Fury program. Both tours will be joining Seekonk’s Sunday card for 50-lap and 25-lap features, respectively. The Texas Roadhouse North East Mini Stock Tour will make its second ever appearance at the Cement Palace. Chris McKinstry won Seekonk’s only race in 2010. The Pro 4 Modifieds will return to their old stomping grounds for the first time in two years as well.

Advance adult admission is $20 online at SeekonkSpeedway.com. On Sunday, adult admission is $25. Children ages 6 to 12 are $5, while children under age 6 are free.

See Event Schedule and Purse Information Below

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Boston Marathon Tribute to Open Boston Louie Memorial Race

Published at May 28, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, NEMST, Pro 4 Mod and Seekonk. Closed

Modified Stars Set To Shine In Special SK-Type Race

Seekonk, MA — A tribute to the Boston Marathon with a special opening ceremony will highlight this Sunday’s 16th annual ‘Boston Louie Memorial Classic’ at Seekonk (MA) Speedway. The June 2nd race program will feature Midgets, SK-Type Modifieds, Pro-Four Modifieds, and Mini-Stocks.

Race producer Gary Sagar has invited ‘Team Hoyt’ for the opening ceremonies. Rick Hoyt, a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, and his father Dick, will participate in pre-race festivities bringing their “Yes You Can” message to the special event.

Since 1977, the father and son team with Dad pushing and Rick leading the way, have completed over 1,000 races including marathons, duathlons, and triathlons.

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NEMA’s Louie, Seekonk A Perfect Combination

Published at May 27, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Seekonk. Closed

Brockton, MA — The Midgets at Seekonk Speedway is a love affair that’s been going on for almost 70 years. The Northeastern Midget Association’s 16th Boston Louie Memorial Sunday, June 2 in the latest chapter in the on-going tale.

“The Louie,” honoring the memory of Hall of Fame car owner Boston Louie Seymour and featuring 29-lap features for both the full Midgets and the NEMA Lites, is part of a busy afternoon. A 75-lap SK-Modified race along with the Pro 4 Modifieds and the New England Mini Stock Tour are also on the agenda.

Started by the Seymour family, the Louie is NEMA’s premier event. The 29 lap distance recognizes the number Louie Seymour made famous.

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Boston Marathon Tribute Opens the Boston Louie Memorial Classic at Seekonk Speedway

Published at May 20, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, NEMST and Seekonk. Closed

SEEKONK, MA — A tribute to the Boston Marathon with a special opening ceremony at the Boston Louie Memorial Classic will begin this exiting auto racing program on Sunday June 2nd at Massachusetts’s only race track, Seekonk Speedway at 4pm. Race promoter Gary Sagar of Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment, Inc. has invited Dick & Rick Hoyt of Team Hoyt, www.teamhoyt.com and will be joined by members of their Boston Marathon Race Team and others who will circle the 1/3 mile oval carrying American Flags during the playing of our National Anthem. We will also be joined by the Seekonk Fire Department and the Seekonk Police Department Honor Guard with Seekonk Fire and Police Chaplin John Amaral. Donations to the One Fund-Boston, www.onefundboston.org will be accepted and forwarded with an additional donation from the race promoter. For the latest race information, www.krazespeedequipment.com, www.seekonkspeedway.com or www.BostonLouieSeymour.com.

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Making Ready For NEMA’s “Louie”

Published at May 19, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Seekonk. Closed

Brockton, MA — If absence makes the heart grow fonder, expect a banner field for the 16th running of the Northeastern Midget Association’s Boston Louie Memorial Sunday, June 2 at Seekonk Speedway.

A victim of weather last year, “the Louie,” which includes 29 lap features for both NEMA and the NEMA Lites, is part of an “open wheel” extravaganza that includes a 75-lap SK-Modified feature along with appearances by the Pro Four Modifieds and the New England Mini Stock Tour.

Doug Coby, who’ll drive the Bertrand #39 in the NEMA event, and Keith Rocco, slated to steer the Manafort 76 in the Lites race, will be doing double duty. Both have SKs rides as well.

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The Women of NEMA

Published at May 6, 2013 in NEMA. Closed

Part 2: ”For Sale” – “A Message” – ”Passion”

You’ve heard the ole cliché, “behind every good man, there’s a great women”. Similarly, “behind every good Auto Racing club, there’s a great group of women.” As the Northeastern Midget Assoc. enters it’s 61st year, it does so on the shoulders of a number of dedicated hard working women. In 1953, NEMA’s inaugural year, women had no shot of even getting into the pits; nowadays, they’re calling the shots.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a candid conversation with a number of NEMA’s dedicated females whose duties range from officials to sales person to one who loves to drive very fast.

Cyndy finally said yes to the question, “you want to go to the races”? The question came from NEMA president Mike Scrivani back in 2008. Shortly after, the two were wed and Cyndy became part of a family with a long racing history. But, Cyndy Scrivani confesses that initially she really had no interest in racing, but that was then. Today, she is now fully entrenched in the club and her duties as merchandise salesperson, responsible for the purchasing and marketing of hundreds of caps, tees, decals, key chains, etc. Ever since 2010, the job has put this “blond with the never ending smile” one-on-one with the fans as the merchandise trailer is parked directly in the speedway’s paddock area so she can easily wheel and deal with the fans. Her duties prior to NEMA sales, “provided all with plentiful food and drink”, a task she still performs at the close of each race weekend. Over in the RV park, where the campfire is as tall as the stories being told, there is Cyndy, still providing that food and drink for all that attend. Similarly, at the annual NEMA picnic, Cyndy plays a major roll in the organization and set up of tents, serving tables, grills, coolers, menu,…..and when the evening closes down in the very early hours, there she is helping with the clean up. And even though she loves to escape occasionally to the Rhode Island beaches, the family atmosphere keeps her tied to NEMA. So in 2011, to show their appreciation for her dedication, the club presented Cyndy with the Marilyn Angelillo award; a very deserving honor.

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One Night…for a Rising Star

Published at April 16, 2013 in NEMA. Closed

“Excitement, purely excited about Todd running with the top guys, this is his shot.” Gill Bertrand spoke those words recently at a benefit dinner when asked what it meant to him to have son Todd race in the “Night Before The 500” at Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indiana in May. “I just know he can do it”, Gill added.

The dinner, designed to help defer the cost of entering this major USAC midget race, was attended by a large throng of Bertrand Motorsports family and friends dining on American and Italian fair while purchasing chances on over 50 raffle and door prizes. Todd himself took over the MC duties by taking the stage and thanking all in attendance for their help and support.

The team has had this race on the 2013 calendar since last year when then driver, Cole Carter, was crashed on the first lap. For this year’s IRP event, the Bertrand’s built a new chassis and will enter the event with high expectations for the their young 22 year old driver and a crew comprised of brothers Tim and Patrick among others.

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Testing at Monadnock Speedway

Published at April 14, 2013 in Monadnock, NEMA and VMRS. Closed

Most of the cars were just happy to be out and take a shake down trip around the track a few times. The 81 NEMA car was checking the car over after Waterford last week, found a problem with the wheel. It is all good now and he was enjoying the seat time.

Sean Boudreau was behind the wheel of the 45 Modified. Looks like Mike Stebbins has upgraded from Mini Stock. He was loading when I got to his pit, but took a quick shot of his #66. Being so early in the season, there were a few cars without numbers and/or lettering. Among the familiar faces were Beth Adams, Julia Raymond, Joe Kendall, Tyler Jarvenpaa, Kim Rivera, Bill Kimball, Robert Thompson, Ernie Boudreau, Bruce Clark, Hillary Renaud, and John Lavoie. Next week Monadnock will host the Valenti Modified Racing Series.

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1974 NEMA Championship Car Owner Dewey Cali Passes at 88

Published at April 10, 2013 in ARDC and NEMA. Closed

August 6, 1924 – April 5, 2013

CALI Dewey J. Cali of Staten Island, NY and Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away Friday in Jensen Beach at the age of 88.

Mr. Cali was born and raised in Dongan Hills, Staten Island where he spent most of his life. He is survived by his daughter, JoAnn Cali of Jensen Beach, Florida. “He had a “BIG” personality”, said his daughter-when he was in a room, you knew it-he was also a very meticulous man who strove for perfection in everything that he did and expected the same from everyone around him.

He proudly served our country in the army during WWII in the European theater and upon his return spent his career in the automotive industry.

During his career, he taught auto mechanics at several vocational schools, and later founded, ATECO a company that designed and built automotive test equipment, with his best friend.

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Todd Bertrand NEMA Blastoff Winner

Published at April 8, 2013 in NEMA and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT – Taking advantage of the caution he was “hoping for,” Todd Bertrand captured the 25-lap Northeastern Midget feature Sunday at Waterford Speedbowl’s Blast Off Weekend. Bertrand described the run to his third career NEMA win, all of them at Waterford, as “methodical.”

Bertrand (Bertrand 39) was in complete control after beating Anthony Marvuglio (Bourbeau 38)) into turn one on a lap 15 restart. Marvuglio held on for second followed by Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47), Seth Carlson (Feigel 71) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) as NEMA opened its 61st season.

Following three side-by-side laps with fellow front-row starter Carlson, Marvuglio took command. The patient Bertrand, second by lap five, was catching the leader. “I wanted a restart,” explained Bertrand. “I didn’t want to wear out my tires. I knew my tires were going to be cooler than his.”

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘Todd Bertrand NEMA Blastoff Winner’

Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Results – April 7th

Published at April 7, 2013 in NASCAR WA-AS, NEMA, NEMA Lites, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — The 63rd season opener at Waterford Speedbowl wrapped up Sunday with six main events as part of the track’s Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. A total of 13 divisions were on hand for the three-day event, culminating with Sunday’s Valenti Modified Racing Series feature, NEMA Midget race and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing. Sunday’s winners included Steve Masse of Bellingham, MA in the 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series event, the popular northeastern tour’s 10th anniversary season opener. In NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action Keith Rocco of Meriden scored wins in both the SK Modified® and Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model division races, the second consecutive season he has opened the year with wins in each division. Corey Hutchings of Salem was the Street Stock winner and Garrett Denton of Hope Valley, RI won the Mini Stock feature. Todd Bertrand of Suffield took down a popular win in the Northeastern Midget Association race.

Masse made a late race charge in the 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series event to come out on top. He started in 13th position and bided his time much of the race. He began his march to the front of the field following a lap-64 caution period for race leader Richard Savary, who spun while working lapped traffic.

Masse restarted the race in fifth position and used another restart following a lap-83 yellow flag to challenge for the top-three. He passed Rowan Pennink for second position on lap-90 and was on leader Todd Annarummo’s bumper by lap-92. The pair made contact racing to lap-93 causing Masse to back off and regain his momentum. He was back to Annarummo’s bumper on lap-95 and made an outside bid for the lead a lap later. After one lap side-by-side, Masse completed the move out of turn two on lap-97 and motored away the final three laps for the victory. Annarummo placed second ahead of Anthony Nocella, Pennink and Mike Holdridge.

 Photo Galleries:
[Sat.] by Adam Fohlin
[Sun.] by Adam Fohlin

[Fri.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sat.] by Nicholas Teto
[Sun.] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Results – April 7th’

NEMA Notes: 2013 Budweiser Blastoff

Published at April 2, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Some notes on NEMA upcoming campaign:

The Northeastern Midget Association opens its 61st season at this weekend’s Blast Off at Waterford Speedbowl. NEMA and the NEMA Lites are both on the two-day show. The Lites feature will be on Saturday night and the full midgets on Sunday. Both will qualify on Saturday.

The Midget win list at Waterford starts with Johnny Thomson, still regarded as New England’s premier open-cockpit driver. Thomson, a Lowell, MA product, won a fog- shortened 15-lapper in June of 1951 and a month later captured a 35-lapper. Late that year before Art Cross, another Midget legend, won an AAA-sanctioned 100 lapper George Tichenor grabbed the pole with a 17.920 run. Anthony Marvuglio had last year’s fastest feature lap time (12.910). Carl Medeiros’ 13.871 was the Lites best.

Since 1999, the Waterford Speedbowl has hosted the NEMA season-opener nine times. On four occasions there was a first-time winner including last year when John Zych Jr. prevailed. Others to do it were Rudy Boetticher (2000), Ben Seitz (2004) and Chris Leonard (2010).

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Speedbowl Ready for Blastoff!

Published at April 1, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, NETS, New England Truck Series, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Large turnout for open practice this past Saturday

Waterford, CT — A large contingent of racecars and on-lookers turned out this past Saturday at Waterford Speedbowl. Over 125 racecars representing many divisions jammed the pit area to test and tune for the 2013 race season. The Speedbowl opens the New England racing season this coming weekend with Budweiser Blastoff, the track’s 63rd season opener.

The largest turnout on Saturday was made by the Valenti Modified Racing Series. The popular open-wheel series will begin its 10th anniversary season at the Speedbowl as part of Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. Approximately 25 teams attended the practice day to put down laps on the shoreline oval. Series officials anticipate well over 30 teams for Budweiser Blastoff. Race teams from the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) and NEMA Lites, plus the New England Truck Series joined several Speedbowl racers in attendance Saturday.

Budweiser Blastoff Weekend takes over the Speedbowl April 5th – 7th. The weekend is highlighted by a 100-lap feature for the Valenti Modified Racing Series and a special 63-lap race for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modifieds®. Thirteen divisions in total will each be after the first checkered flags of 2013.

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Coby Among NEMA Threats at ‘Bowl

Published at March 31, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA – Pointing out “It is good to challenge myself with something different,” National NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Doug Coby will get back in a Midget at this weekend’s Blast Off at Waterford Speedbowl.

The Northeastern Midget Association and the NEMA Lites are both part of busy two-day agenda. The 25-lap Lites feature is scheduled for Saturday night while the full midgets are on the Sunday agenda. Both will qualify on Saturday.

Coby will be in a “custom” chassis designed by Danny Drinan and Tim Bertrand. “The car has been re-done from head to foot, a very nice piece,” reports Bertrand.

The car did experience motor problem in last Saturday’s practice and will have a new Autocraft engine this weekend.

Continue reading ‘Coby Among NEMA Threats at ‘Bowl’

Ellie Seymour Passes at 84

Published at March 25, 2013 in NEMA, USAC and USAC Silver Crown. Closed

Elena A. (Birri) Seymour, 84, of Marlborough, died Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after an illness.

Ellie Seymour, matriarch of one of the country’s premier racing families, passed away Saturday at age 84. The widow of the legendary “Boston Louie” Seymour, “Miss Ellie” had an immeasurable influence on three generations of the Marlboro, MA based family.

Married to Louie for 44 years, she leaves behind five children – sons Michael and Bobby and daughters, Marylou Todd, Lois Seymour and Celeste Mikitarian – and eight grandchildren.

“She was always giving,” said Bobby. “It was always about us.”

Northeastern Midget Association President Mike Scrivani Jr. argues it went much further. “She had such an infectious smile,” says Scrivani, a long-time Seymour associate. “You could not help returning that smile. Miss Ellie made you feel good.

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Ellie Seymour Passes at 85

Published at March 24, 2013 in NEAR, NEMA, NEMA Lites and Nostalgia. Closed

Elena A. Seymour

Ellie Seymour, widow of New England Auto Racing and National Sprint Car Hall of Famer ‘Boston’ Louie Seymour, passed away Saturday in Boston. She was the mother of NEMA Midget champions Bobby and Mike.

Elena A. (Birri) Seymour, 85, of Marlborough, died Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after an illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and are in the care of the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main St., Marlborough.

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Briggs Speeds to Recovery in Time for Waterford’s Blastoff

Published at March 23, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA — When Christian Briggs was 9 years old, he and his (late) father, Charlie, drove down to the Coca Cola 600 together. It was one of “the best memories” with his father. Upon returning to the car, to start the fourteen hour ride home, however, Briggs did not feel well. Something was not right. He was “ill” for the entire ride home.

Soon after, Briggs went back to school. His grades fell off. He couldn’t hit a baseball anymore. Something was wrong, and both he & his family knew it… That summer he admitted to Childrens Hospital and was diagnosed with two aracnoid cysts on his brain and spinal chord. While waiting for surgery he had a stroke and seizure and was rushed into the operating room. The surgery was successful and the cysts were removed. He could not drive anything for a year and made a full recovery. His only limitation was no football… ever. So he chose racing, and that’s where it began.

Fast-forward 20 years to the NEMA banquet. While celebrating a great season, Briggs was once again not feeling like “himself”, he blacked out and hit his head. This along with a crash at Beech Ridge, Briggs swears “may have saved his life”. The crash at Beech Ridge triggered what was about to happen. His helmet had bent the seat 2 inches. He was “out of it” on the way home but thought he was concussed and would be fine. The night of the banquet, upon being rushed to the Hospital, he had a catscan and the ER doctors found a massive cyst where the old ones were. His worst fear had come true.

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Budweiser Blastoff Weekend Event Schedule Published

Published at March 20, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Budweiser Blastoff Event Schedule

NEMA Kicks of Season at Bowl’s Blast Off

Published at March 18, 2013 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA — Coming off one of the most competitive seasons in its 60-year history, the Northeastern Midget Association opens its 2013 campaign April 6-7 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. Both NEMA and the NEMA Lites are part of the busy agenda.

Defending champion Randy Cabral (Bertrand #47), one of 11 winners a year ago, heads up the entry list. John Zych Jr. (Zych #9), Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire #45), Jim Miller (Miller #3m), Todd Bertrand (Bertrand #39), Seth Carlson (Feigel #71) and Anthony Marvuglio (Bourbeau #38), all 2012 winners as well, will also be back.

The 25-lap feature, slated for Sunday, kicks of a 15-race NEMA schedule. The Lites, scheduled to go 25 laps on Saturday night, will race 17 times this summer. Both divisions will qualify on Saturday.

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Miller, Greg Stoehr, Zych Set for NEMA Opener

Published at March 16, 2013 in NEMA and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA – A midget win at Oswego Speedway can inspire a competitor. It is among the division’s ultimate tests.

“No doubt about it, but I can’t complain about the entire season, says 57-year old Jim Miller, one of 10 2012 winners returning to Northeastern Midget Association action in 2013. NEMA begins its 61st season April 6-7 at Waterford Speedowl’s Blast Off Weekend.

Defending champion Randy Cabral (Bertrand) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire), who sit third and fifth on NEMA all-time win list, lead the list of returnees. In addition to Miller, the list also includes Greg Stoehr, Todd Bertrand, Anthony Marvuglio, Seth Carlson, Anthony Nocella and John Zych Jr. Adam Cantor will not drive but will return as part of the Cantor No. 33 crew.

Continue reading ‘Miller, Greg Stoehr, Zych Set for NEMA Opener’

NEMA Veteran Scally Readies for 2013 Waterford Blastoff

Published at March 13, 2013 in NEMA and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA — One of NEMA’s long time mainstays, Paul Scally, has spent the winter preparing for the 2013 season. A mix of mechanical improvements and concentrated efforts around the “finer details” made up Scally’s busy off- season.

An open wheel competitor since the early 1990’s, Scally made his mark running early on with the Granite State Mini Sprint club, and later came to NEMA. Like many NEMA teams, Scally’s is no different in that most of his racing career has been spent with family, mainly his father. “Me and my dad have been racing together since 1990. We have had some success, and a lot of fun. My Dad and I have different skill sets mechanically,” states Scally. “What I lack he excels at and vice versa. So it makes working on the car very practical. I could not even maintain a car with out him.”

Scally has also had new additions to the crew over the past few years, one of the most important being his girlfriend, Rachel LeClerc. “Rachel is like a breath of fresh air for us. She is from a racing family and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty,” said Scally. “For example, she doesn’t let the car go on the race track without checking the wheels to ensure they are tight.” A mistake far too many NEMA teams know, from experience, can be very costly and dangerous.

Continue reading ‘NEMA Veteran Scally Readies for 2013 Waterford Blastoff’

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