The 4th Annual Norwood Arena Reunion Goes Off on June 1 at Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC
Norwood, MA — It’s getting to be that time again! The 4th Annual Norwood Arena Reunion goes Sunday, June 1 at Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC on Rt. 1-The Automile. If you missed the last three editions then you have another chance to meet up with old friends and acquaintances. It’s hard to believe that it’s another gathering of the clanof drivers, car owners, officials and fans to reminisce about the long shuttered track. Back then the gear heads couldn’t wait for Saturday nights from the late 40’s to September of 1973 when the fast quarter-mile, banked oval was shut down to make way for an industrial park. And if the events were canceled due to rain from late April through the month of September it was a big disappointment. In fact it was close to depression for some who lived and breathed the action at Norwood Arena.
Attendees this year can expect to see the likes of legendary Modified race drivers such as Bill Slater of W. Hartford, Conn. who ruled the roost at Norwood Arena for many years. Multiple NASCAR Modified Champions such as Ernie Gahan of Dover, NH and Bugs Stevens of Rehoboth will join Slater. Also Leo Cleary of Hanover who was able to find and run the upper groove of Norwood Arena first, just inches from the wheel fence. Leo was the first to try it and successfully win races where others feared to tread. Pawtucket, Rhode Island standout Fred Luchesi, one of the Pawtucket, RI racing standouts, is expected to make his first appearance at the 4th Annual Norwood Arena Reunion as will noted car owner Joe Brady of Brockton who is still fielding front line Modified cars for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour after five decades. All of those mentioned drivers and owners are members of the New England Antique Races Hall Of Fame.
And speaking of NEAR, that organization will be out in force with several restored antique racecars that will jog the memory of attendees in the same livery when those Modifieds and other divisions raced at Norwood Arena about a mile south on US Rt. 1. Also the STARS Antique Club will also be on hand with many of their members and restored racecars. In addition members of the ACOT club are also expected. Most of them are owners of restored midgets from a bygone era. By the way, all contemporary racecars are welcome at this event.
Dash plaques will be given out to the first 60 racecars, classic cars, antiques and muscle cars. A trophy will be awarded to the best racecar and street machine judged by peers.
Coastal 181 principal Lew Boyd will be on hand with numerous racing books written by him and other well-known authors. HOT CARS, COOL DRIVERS written by Boyd depicts tracks like the Norwood Arena in its pages along with rare pictures. Collectable vendors will also be on hand that day.
NorwoodArena.com webmaster Don Thomas will be there to showcase his collection of pictures and stories on his website. Attendees are encouraged to bring their collection of memorabilia and scrapbooks to the annual get together. A table will be provided for that purpose.
Host Marty Bezema, Sr., who raced in various divisions at the Norwood Arena, will be there to welcome his former adversaries during the glory days of that high-banked quarter-mile oval. It all gets underway at 11 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m., Rain or Shine.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served free in the on-site Marty’s Cafe for attendees. Don’t miss this event and make sure that you have it on your social calendar.
For further information call Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC at 781.769.4700. The Bezema dealership is located at 401 Providence Hwy. (US RT. 1)in Norwood, MA on the Auto Mile.
Sources: Lou Modestino/Norwood Arena Reunion PR