Thompson World Series Officially Underway
Thompson, CT — The traditional World Series of Speedway Racing got underway on Friday night at Thompson International Speedway with qualifying action for eight of the 14 divisions in competition…
Read more38th Annual Stafford Awards Banquet Set for Nov. 16, 2007
Stafford Springs, CT — With the 2007 Stafford Motor Speedway season concluded, the speedway will honor its 2007 track champions at its 38th annual Stafford Motor Speedway Champions Awards Ceremony…
Read moreEntry Forms Now Available for Jan. 18-19 ‘Gamblers Classic’ Indoor Auto Racing Events
Atlantic City, NJ — Entry forms are now available for the Sixth Annual “Gambler’s Classic” Indoor Auto Race presented by Pepsi.
The popular, mid-winter indoor racing extravaganza is set for Jan. 18 & 19, 2008 on the concrete floor inside Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
Again, the combined M&R Products Three Quarter Midgets/600cc Micro-Sprints will headline the racing activity, with the Slingshots and Champ Karts filling out the three-division card.
Modified Racers Reunion Set for New Smyrna on Feb. 15, 2008
We are pleased to announce Florida’s first of its kind event to honor the pioneers of Modified racing. We are hosting a Northeast Modified drivers Reunion, to be held at New Smyrna Speedway on Friday, February 15th. 2008. This is the date of the annual Richie Evans Memorial 100, during Speedweeks. It will be an afternoon event, so as not to conflict with the racing programs being held at New Smyrna Speedway, Volusia Speedway Park and Daytona International Speedway.
Initial response has been tremendous, with participation by both Asphalt and Dirt racers. In only one month of preparations, we have received entries from Dutch Hoag, Bugs Stevens, Bill Wimble, Pete Hamilton, Doug Heveron, and dozens more.
October Swap Meets to Close Out 2007 Schedule of Events at Stafford
Stafford Springs, CT — With the 2007 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing season concluded at Stafford Motor Speedway, the track still has several events left on its 2007 calendar. Stafford…
Read morePASS South To Bring Super Late Models Back To Greenville-Pickens
Concord, NC — One thing Greenville-Pickens Speedway in
One tradition that has been missing from Greenville-Pickens Speedway for years is the power of true Super Late Model racing. That tradition, however, will reemerge in October however, as full-blown Super Late Models will return to the half-mile speedway, when the PASS South tour makes its inaugural visit to the historic track. “The Howler” event will feature a 150-lap event for PASS Super Late Models on Saturday, October 27th.
Season Reflection
How did your season go? Did it unfold the way you expected? Most times when we take a moment and look back, we see things in a different light. Let us look back and see if we can see the blessings we have received. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I sent the word out this week wanting to hear from our local chaplains. As I receive their reports I’ll share them. This week we hear from Chuck McNeil out at Anderson Speedway in
Former Car Owner & NEAR Treasurer Daniel Gaudiana Passes at 85
Daniel J. Gaudiana, 85, of
Dan worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years, retiring in 1968 and more recently, for The State of CT retiring in 1978. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, he saw action in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, and he was a four star veteran, a life member of DAV, VFW Post # 2138, American Legion Post 0200, a member of Postal Union # 86. Dan owned several stock cars for racing including # 999 and he was one of the founders and board member, and former Treasurer of NEAR Auto Club.
Danbury Legends Chat this Sunday in New Fairfield
Don’t forget this Sunday, October 14th at 2:00p.m. – a “Chat” Session with some of the drivers – 12 or 13 of them will be at the
Paul Baker will moderate the session, and as of now those drivers who will attend are: Art Davis, Bones Stevens, Don LaJoie, Lou Funk, Jr. John Jenkins, Lloyd Agor,Billy Boo, Dan Evon, Lou Pane, Evie Pierce, Gino Spada, Harry Hansen, Jr.and Irv Straiton. Should be fun – come out and enjoy. Free – open to public. You know how great the stories can be when these drivers get together!!!! Don’t miss it!!
Sources: Danbury-Racearena.com Message Board
ACTion News 10/10/07
Jean-Paul Cyr made himself an American-Canadian Tour legend a long time ago, winning races and championships and setting records in virtually every place he ran, but Saturday evening at Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway, Cyr turned his status into “immortal” standing. The 41 year-old Milton, VT driver etched his name onto the ACT Champions Trophy for the seventh time at the conclusion of the New England Dodge Dealers 150 on Saturday, surpassing a record he shared with Brian Hoar for his fifth-straight championship, and moving ahead of all-time ACT King Robbie Crouch with his seventh overall crown.
Fornoro Boys Story Headed To Thompson
The Fornoro boys – Drew and Nokie – are together again and coming to Thompson Speedway’s World Series this weekend.They bring some Northeastern Midget Association history to a spot already loaded with it.
The point battle - Joey Payne Jr. and owner Gene Angelillo come to the World Series with an eight-point edge on Ben Seitz and owner Peter Valeri – takes center stage. There are a number of “stories” accompanying what will be the 67th NEMA feature on the storied five-eights. The Fornoros are one of them.
NEAR Movie Party Set for November 10
NEAR’s annual movie party will be held on Saturday November 10, 2007 at the Dante Club. The location is across from the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds at
For more info, go to NEAR1.com
Sources: Pete Newsham/NEAR PR
Dick Houlihan to make final career start at Xtra/Mart World Series
Berkley, MA – When the checkered flag falls on the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season at Thompson this Sunday it will mark the end of an era in New England auto racing. Dick Houlihan, who began his racing career in 1972 at the now closed Lakeville Speedway (MA), will climb from his racecar for the final time.
Since that first start “Houly” has raced at tracks all around New England, the east coast, as far west as Indiana and even in Canada. Throughout his career he has driven for many car owners including Danny Fournier, Jim McCloud, Sam Medeiros, Frank Procopio, Bill Ambrosio, Dan Andruck, John McKenna, Lenny Ellis, Greg Paquin and Wayne Darling. Along the way Dick won over 150 Features and 9 championships including 3 NASCAR Weekly Series titles, one at Thompson in 1996 and back to back titles at Seekonk in 2002 and 2003. He was also voted the Most Popular Driver at Seekonk in 2001 and 2002.
Turning the Corner Just in Time
Win At Stafford Has Stefanik Looking At Thompson With Optimism
And then came the Fall Final.
The seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion arrived at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway having muddled through a season that had produced just three top fives and six top 10s in 14 starts. Title No. 8, a goal in the offseason, was never a serious consideration after a 34th in the season-opener at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway for the No. 16 Diversified Metals Pontiac.
Joey Logano Wins the NHIS Busch East Series Track Championship
Loudon, NH — Joey Logano of Middletown, Conn. has won the 2007 Lincoln Electric/Merriam-Graves Track Championship at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series.
Driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Driven Chevrolet, Joey won from the pole at the New England 125 in June and completed his “sweep” by winning the Aubuchon Hardware 125 presented by HardwareStore.com in September. He has also captured the 2007 NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series Championship. At age 17, Logano is the youngest driver ever to win a Lincoln Electric/Merriam-Graves Track Championship at NHIS.
Donny Lia Captures the NHIS Whelen Modified Tour Track Championship
Loudon, NH — Donny Lia of Jericho, N.Y. has captured the 2007 Lincoln Electric/Merriam-Graves Track Championship at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Driving the famous No. 4 Mystic Missile Dodge for legendary car owner, Bob Garbarino, Donny won the New England 100 in June and was third at the New Hampshire 75 in September. Lia has also been crowned as the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion. This is Bob Garbarino’s first NASCAR Touring Championship since he established Mystic Missile Racing. Donny was third in the standings in the Speedway’s Whelen Modified Tour Track Championship in 2004.
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Rowe Family is In the Driver’s Seat for SLM North Championship Battle
In the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Models this season, it has often been a competition between a father and his son for much of the 2007 season.
Supermodified Procedures Set for Inaugural East-West Shootout
Lexington, NC — Early this year when C&C Racing Promotions announced the addition of the Supermodifieds to the already-exciting race card of the 5th Annual John Blewett
After working tirelessly with the various Supermodified groups that will be represented at the East-West Supermodified Shootout, a fair and equitable set of rules were developed. Handley worked with officials and competitors from the International Supermodified Association (ISMA), the Midwest Supermodified Association (
Annual RAC Banquet Open to Public
Westbrook
Similar to regular awards banquets, the Racing Against Cancer™ (
Banner Field of Race Cars Expected for Thompson’s World Series
Thompson, CT — Hundreds upon hundreds of racecars will gather on October 12th, 13th, & 14th for the biggest auto racing event in the northeast. The sprawling complex that is the Thompson International Speedway will be filled, wall-to-wall with well over five hundred racecars that will be ready to compete in the 34th annual XTRAMART World Series of Speedway Racing. It is an incredible sight whether flying over, driving by or walking through the grounds of the Thompson Speedway. No other race track even comes close to hosting an event the size of Thompson’s the World Series and it’s this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Fourteen different and distinct divisions of racecars will compete in this three-day racing extravaganza. It’s an event that race fans have waited a full year to see. Headline divisions include the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the Winged Super Modifieds of ISMA, the mighty Midgets of NEMA and Thompson’s Super Six NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions. Add to this the extremely quick Pro Four Modifieds, The American Race Trucks and three Outlaw divisions and you have one of the most diversified race programs to be found anywhere.
Hudon, Casper, Annarummo Share Spotlight In Seekonk DAV Events
Seekonk, MA — A record 232 race cars and trucks converged upon the 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway for the Bay State facility’s season-ending D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing, an…
Read moreWest Coast’s AJ Russell Visits The East Coast for a Test Drive
Oswego, NY — With anticipation building for the East-West Supermodified Shootout that will take place at Concord Motor Speedway on November 2 and 3 as part of the North-South Shootout action, A.J. Russell of Clovis, CA made a long trip to do some testing recently. Russell hauled his West Coast Super number 7 to Berlin Raceway on Sept. 29 to compete with the ISMA and MSA regulars. While not meeting his expectations finish wise, Russell none-the-less gained some insight into the east coast racing and he also enjoyed himself. So much so that he will also compete at Thompson Speedway’s World Series of Racing on Oct. 13-14.
Russell, used to running tracks like Meridian (ID), Rocky Mt. and Spokane (WA), Madera (CA), Douglas (OK) and TRP (AZ), brought the slick number 7 out of the hauler in Michigan and with the help of ISMA tech officials, made the car ready to race. While there are similarities between the West and East Coast built supermodifieds, there are differences – mainly that of the minimum weight. That may not be an issue at Concord.
Annarummo Takes Seekonk, Alexander Clinches Championship
Seekonk, MA — Vinnie Annarummo of Swansea, Mass. passed Kirk Alexander of of Swanzey, N.H with just three laps remaining to win the D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing True Value Modified Series 100 lap event at Seekonk Speedway. Alexander’s second place finish clinched the 2007 series point championship.
It was the third win at Seekonk this season for Annarummo and a hard fought victory. After starting the event in third he was placed to the rear of the field following a lap 2 accident with Andy Seuss. Annarummo methodically worked his way back to the front to take the lead on lap 81. Alexander then retook the lead on lap 86 and held off the challenges of Annarummo for the next 11 laps before the final pass for the win.
Sonny “King” Richards Memorial Award to be Presented at Thompson World Series
Thompson,
Previous winners have included Art Barry, Tony Ferrante, Sr., Ralph Solhem, posthumously Tom Baldwin, Sr., and Jerry Marquis. The most recent recipients, photographers Howie & Mary Hodge, continue to represent the Tour with a pride and dignity reminiscent of the King himself.
PASS North Portion of All-Star Speedway Show is Rained Out
Naples, ME — The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Model portion of Saturday night’s show at All-Star Speedway (NH) was rained out. The PASS Modifieds and Pullen Heavy Industries Sportsmen races, which were also a part of the show, ran their events before the weather turned bad.
Loftin wins race, L.W. Miller wins championship at Caraway
Asheboro, NC — NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour driver Brian Loftin won the battle on Saturday night by scoring a dominating victory in the Whelen Southern Modified Tour 150. It was L.W. Miller, however, that won the season-long war capturing the 2007 Whelen Southern Modified Tour championship.
It was Loftin’s second straight victory from the pole position at Caraway and he did it in convincing fashion by leading 138 laps and taking the win over Tim Brown who finished second in both Saturday night’s race as well as the championship race.
Adams a Surprise ACT Winner at Oxford Plains Speedway
Stock car racer Travis Adams of Canton, ME was a threat to win the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) New England Dodge Dealers 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday evening, but the he went about it was a surprise. Adams battled with Colchester, VT driver Scott Dragon for the lead throughout the event, but was resigned to second place as the final laps approached. With nine circuits remaining, however, the lapped car of Doug Coombs spun directly in front the leaders, and Dragon’s Jeffords Steel & Engineering Chevrolet slammed into Coombs’ car. Both drivers were uninjured, but Dragon’s bid for the win was over. He was credited with the 29th finishing position.
Following the restart on lap 141, Adams picked up where Dragon left off, and lead the race uncontested on the way to his first career ACT Late Model Tour win. Adams led the race on three occasions, and finished on the ACT podium for the second time in 2007 – the Oxford Plains Speedway Track Champion was a third-place finisher in ACT’s Time Warner Cable 100 in August.
Seuss, Abele & Annarummo Heat Winners at Seekonk
Seekonk, MA — Andy Seuss of Hempstead, N.H., Tom Abele, Jr. of Norwich, Conn. and Vinnie Annarummo of Swansea, Mass were the winners of the True Value Modified Racing Series qualifying races at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday. Those drivers will make up the first three starting positions in Sunday’s 100 lap D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing event.
Dale Evonsion, Jimmy Dolan and current point leader Kirk Alexander will start in positions 4-6. Les Hinckley, currently only 14 points behind Alexander, will start 14th. Dave Berghman the defending champion of this event will start 10th.
NEAR Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2008
Four drivers, two car owners and two media members make up the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Class of 2008.
Drivers Dave Alkas, Dave Darveau, Dick Batcholder and the late Howie Brown, car owners Joe Brady and the late Mike Scrivani Sr., the multi-talented Dr. Dick Berggren and writer Pete Zanardi will be inducted at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT on Sunday, January 27th.
127 Cars Practice in Preparation for Seekonk’s DAV Finale
Seekonk Speedway 62nd annual season comes to a spectacular conclusion the weekend of October 6-7, with over 650 laps of green flag racing, 10 different divisions, and in excess of…
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