NEAR Hall of Fame Nominations Sought
The list of nominees for the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame are “streaming in” according to Bruce Cohen, the organization’s vice president.
“We’re had a couple dozen or so and they’re still coming,” says Cohen. “They run the gamut from the real pioneers to the more recent guys. I have really been impressed.”
It is the result of an “outreach program” by Cohen and New England Antique Racers President Peter Newsham. The forms will be available wherever NEAR appears. Forms were sent out with the last NEAR newsletter. They are or soon will be on several websites.
Cohen will also accept nominations without a form as well, either at modman181@comcast.net or at 112 Central St, Apt. #2, Somerville, MA 02143. A short bio of the nominee is encouraged. Signatures will also be appreciated.
The nominee list includes Bobby Dragon, ‘Injun Joe’ Gerrior and Bernie Barrows, Jimmy Jorgensen, Johnny Styger, Bert Brooks, Walter Bale, Billy Simmons, Ev Pierce, George Clark, “Andy” Anderson, Jap Membrino, Dick Beauregard, Ted Stack, Joe Fiori Sr., John Grady, Bobby Devine, Danny Galullo and Donnie Ayer.
The selection committee will consider every nominee when it gathers on June 25. It will come up a ballot of 16 candidates. The selection committee and Hall of Fame members will then decide on eight for the Class of ’09.
The Veterans Committee will select three more.
“The response of Hall of Fame members has been impressive,” continues Cohen, “but there are no limitations on making nominations. Everybody is welcome. We encourage it.”
Sources:Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR