Payne Out, Stoehr Returns To Angelillo NEMA Car
Wolcott, CT — Joey Payne Jr. is out of Gene Angelillo’s #45 Northeastern Midget Association car. Russ Stoehr, one of the club’s all-time winners, is back in.
“It is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” says New Jersey resident Payne who won 15 races and a championship (2003) over the past five year’s in Angelillo equipment. “I’ve known Gene almost my whole life. He’s like family but NEMA’s midweek shows have presented me with a very difficult economic situation. It is the right decision for me.”
Bay Stater Stoehr, who won three straight (2000-2002) championships and nine features with Angelillo, will be back in the #45 when NEMA opens its 57th season Saturday night, May 23 at Monadnock Speedway.
Payne, who will be driving the Pat Strong #99 Supermodified at Oswego this year, pointed out his two sons, both racers, and daughter, a softball standout, “deserve more of my time as well.” He does hope to grab a Midget ride now and again.
“I hate to lose Joey but I completely understand his situation,” says Angelillo, NEMA’s all-time winner with over 100 features. “It is a matter of priorities for him. We’ll miss him.”
Payne was aboard in Angelillo’s 100th win at Thompson on Oct. 15, 2000. Stoehr, in a second Angelillo car, was second.
Stoehr’s last victory – July 4th, 2002 at Thompson (his 39th NEMA win) – came in Angelillo’s car. He all but left the driver’s seat at the end of that year and over the past couple of years has been listed as the crew chief of brother Greg Stoehr’s car.
“Having Russ back is exciting,” continued Angelillo. “He clearly is one of NEMA’s best as both a driver and mechanic. We’ve had a lot of success together and we’ve looking forward to more.”
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR