Plainville Stadium Reunion Scheduled For Saturday, October 10th
Berlin, CT — Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in New England for over 3-decades, hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, Dick Watson, and many-more all toured the tight, demanding oval during its long-history. In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their place in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller.
Saturday, October 10th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels present the “First Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion”. The event takes-place from 10am – 4pm at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, Ct.
It’s expected that many former Stadium’ racers will attend. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph from the personalities that made the much-missed oval so-special.
Many former Stadium competitors including Dave & Fred Alkas, the colorful Tony “Jap” Membrino, Richie Galullo, Danny Galullo, Jr. 1963 Champion George Hotchkiss, George Lombardo, Don Spazano, Don Moon, Jo-Jo Farone, Billy Harman and a host of others are expected to attend.
“This is shaping-up to be a wonderful event,” states Tom Ormsby, himself a former Plainville modified competitor, and now the man behind www.speedwaylinereport.com and several other racing websites. Currently residing in Florida, Ormsby is envious of those that will be able to attend the affair. “I know how much work and effort Gary Bienkowski, Dave Tracy, and Nick Kopcik of the Nutmeg Kart Club along with Dave Alkas and the Berlin Lions Club put into this affair,” states the transplanted Floridian. “Getting everyone together like-this after all these years is bound to be a lot of fun. They’ve done a great job. I’m unable to attend this year, but it will be an annual event that I will definitely attend next year,” he says.
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition including an “Old-Timers” race for former Plainville competitors in addition to events for Officials, Mechanics, and a “Powder-Puff Derby” for the ladies.
The appearance of several vintage race cars help-add to the days festivities.
Coming-off a successful inaugural season of competition on the Berlin Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the two organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event. Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free.
The rain date is Sunday, October 11.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club at garybien@snet.net
Sources: Dave Dykes/Plainville Stadium Union PR