Adam Cantor “Comfortable” On NEMA’s Contender List
Brockton, MA — For the first time since joining the Northeastern Midget Association as a 16-year old in 2001, Adam Cantor “feels confident in saying I’m a contender.” Pointing out “it’s all about confidence and seat time,” the Dix Hills, NY resident says “it is a matter of feeling comfortable” in his surroundings.
NEMA will return to action Friday night, June 26 at New Hampshire’s Lee USA Speedway. Fourth at Lee last year, Cantor points out “two definite grooves” makes Lee a challenge.
Cantor grabbed some interest with a hard-earned fifth in NEMA’s opener at Monadnock Speedway. Part of a first-lap incident that resulted in suspension damage, he came from last in a car “that was very difficult to drive.” One of the top cars in the first practice session, he’s convinced “we would have been one of the cars to watch.”
Monadnock also made contenders out of Mike Keeler (TSR Motorsports) and Wall Motorsports drivers William and Aaron Wall – the second, third and fourth finishers between winner Randy Cabral (Bertrand #47) and Cantor.
Nokie Fornoro (Jarret 4) , Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26b), Russ Stoehr (Angelillo 45) and Erica Santos (Breault 44) will go to Lee hoping to rebound after disappointments at Monadnock.
A “realist,” Cantor, who drives for his dad Allen, is aiming for consistency, believing “when you are consistent things take care of themselves.” He made great improvements as a driver last year, finishing fourth in both driver and owner points. He posted 10 top fives including a second in the season finale at Twin State Speedway.
Admitting he came to NEMA “with visions of grandeur,” the one-time go-Kart standout now understands “you go as far as your resources will take you. There comes a point when you realize you’ve done your best.” That’s when, he continues, “you set little goals and then go after them.”
A two-time winner, Cantor, part of the great young movement of ’01, remembers the feeling coming to NEMA. “I remember racing against guys like Drew Fornoro, Bobby Seymour, Russ Stoehr,” he says. “It was a privilege to race against them and you showed them great respect when they were around. It was always on my mind to not wreck them. You were there to learn from them.” He believes there is “much less respect” now.
Cantor’s last win came at Adirondack Speedway in 2005. He also won at All Star Speedway in 2003.
NEMA NUGGET: Among the happiest drivers at Monadnock was Doug Cleveland. He and his team arrived after practice and then broke before turning a lap in his heat. Starting last in the feature, he came to 10th at the checkered.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR