Over 100 Vehicles, Former and Current Drivers as well as Race Fans Turned Out for the 5th Annual Norwood Arena Reuion at Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC last Saturday
Norwood, MA — A combination car show comprised of vintage race cars, street legal antique, classic and muscle cars was one of the many highlights of the Fifth Annual Norwood Arena Reunion held at the Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC dealership on the Auto Mile in Norwood last Sunday afternoon. In addition to restored Modified stockcars on display there were also cut downs forerunner of the Super Modified cars as well as a Super-Modified, Late Model and a few drag machines. Besides hosting stockcar action on Saturday nights, the defunct Norwood Arena held eighth-mile drag races adjacent to the 1/4 mile oval on Friday nights.
Among those notables that attended the show last Sunday were former NASCAR Chief Steward Carl Merrill. Among the drivers were Daryl Stampfl, Jack Malone, Don McCullough, Midget Hall of Famer Dave Humphrey, Lew Boyd, multiple Norwood Arena track champion Bill Slater, Leo Cleary, Joey Kourafas, Jeff Horn, Lenny Cleaves, George Savary, George Summers and Bugs Stevens among others. Also present was car owner Joe Brady who is still fielding Modified mounts for drivers on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Also coming out for the annual bash was Demo King Anderson who started his smashing career at Norwood and is still at it various Demo Derbies in New England.
The first 80 cars, street legal and race cars, to arrive were given dash plaques. There were three trophies given out, as well. A total of over 102 vehicles participated in the event. Larry Johnson of Walpole and his slick looking restored Super-Modified took home the the best race car award while Rick Ollis, also of Walpole, got the trophy for the best classic, antique and muscle car for his ’67 Hurst Olds 442. Dave Bezema won the best motorcycle trophy for his racy looking street machine.
Among the presentations were Norwood Arena Webmaster Don Thomas, photographer John Grady, a portable slot car track, Lew Boyd’s Coastal 181 motorsports book tour and assorted racing collectable vendors and personal displays of miniature and model race cars. The New England Antique Racers(NEAR) mobile Hall of Fame was also on display.
Sources: Lou Modestino/Norwood Arena Reunion PR