Plenty of Hardware At NEMA Banquet
Westport, MA — Champions Randy Cabral (driver) and Tim Bertrand (owner) shared the spotlight at the Northeastern Midget Association 2008 Banquet Saturday night at White’s of Westport. The event celebrated the club’s 56th season.
The #47 team won eight of 17 events during a season that started tragically with the loss of Shane Hammond at Thompson Speedway. Pointing out his friend was on his mind constantly; Cabral nonetheless turned his acceptance speech into a celebration for his entire crew in particular and the club in general.
The #47 crew, which was led by Bertrand and Glen Cabral, shared Mechanic of the Year honors while Cabral took away the Most Improved Driver Trophy.
The announcement that Helping Hands of America would continue its support of the club in 2009 received a great response. President Mike Scrivani Jr. said next season’s schedule is very near complete.
The coveted Johnny Thomson Award, presented by Bill Estabrook Sr, Bill Estabrook Jr., Sam Weisberg and Bruce Beane, went to Nokie Fornoro. Long-time owner Ralph Miller was inducted into the NEMA Hall of Fame.
Deb Marvuglio was the Woman Behind the Men winner while Peter Pernesiglio, Ellie Seymour and Hammond were named Lifetime Members. The Hammond’s #36G was also retired.
Based on his strong finish in the final standings, William Wall grabbed the Rookie of the Year prize. Other award winners were Linda Cleveland (Wen Kelly), Doug Cleveland (Ray Roberts), Mike Jarret (Never Say Die), Greg Stoehr (Top Owner Driver)and John Zych Jr. (Ralph Miller Perseverance).
Appreciation Awards went to Lu Jarret, Mike Jarret, Norm Marx, John Dadalt and Ellen Pernesiglio. Mazda Motorsports Awards went to Stoehr, John Zych Jr. and Power Point Racing.
A number of Lites competitors got away with trophies including win leader Jessie State and Mechanic of the Year P.J. Stergios. Stephanie Doty was Female Driver of Year; Andy Shlatz won the Sportsman Award and Russ Wood Jr. the Hard Luck Award, the latter based on Beech Ridge. The Good Guy Award went to Kevin Park.
Also honored were “Last Minute Jake” Stergios for his win at Twin State Speedway; Shaun Torrey for his first-ever feature win at Waterford, Anthony Marvuglio, for his “Outstanding Performance” at Seekonk and Todd Bertrand, for his “Zero to Hero” antics at Waterford’s Finale.
Paul Luggelle won the Best Heat Racer Award while Mike Luggelle was recognized as the oldest Lites driver.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR