NEMA Thompson Winner To Receive Rifchin Trophy
Brockton, MA — The 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association feature at Thompson Speedway on Thursday night July 2 will be the “Marvin Rifchin Race” and the winner will take home the “Marvin Rifchin Trophy.”
Rifchin, owner of M&H Tire, died on June 3 at age 94. He was an intrical part of NEMA from its inception in 1953. “The number of people he touched directly; the influence he had on our club is immense,” says long-time NEMA competitor and official Bruce Beane.
“We want to thank Thompson promoter Don Hoenig for his participation in honoring Marvin,” said NEMA president Mike Scrivani Jr. “Marvin’s generosity not only with his product but with his time and expertise has made NEMA a better organization.”
Scrivani pointed out the M&H logo was part of NEMA’s image for many years. He said plans are for the “Rifchin Trophy” race to become a yearly event.
Although his auto racing association started with open cockpit cars, Rifchin’s influence stretched over the entire spectrum of the sport. His association with Don Garlits is part of drag racing folklore. He played a key role in Modified racing’s glory days of the 1960s and 70s.
Rifchin’s influence is evidenced by his membership in several halls of fame including NEMA’s. He’s in the National Hot Rod Association, New England Auto Racers and Specialty Equipment Manufactures Association (SEMA) halls as well.
Rifchin was Involved with his father Harry in the recapping business. M&H (the H stands for Harry) was one of the first companies to make tires specifically for racecars. Over some five decades his influence grew to enormous proportions.
“Over the years a lot of guys raced because of Marvin’s generosity,” said 11-time owner champion Gene Angelillo. “He really had a special place in his heart for the competitor. Near the end of his life he was at a lot of our races and that was really good for NEMA. The guy loved the Midgets.”
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR