Whip City Standout Bethany Viets To Make NEMA Lites Debut At Speedbowl Opener
Brockton, MA — Young, but already a winning veteran racer with impressive credentials, Bethany Viets makes her NEMA Lites debut later this month at the Waterford Speedbowl. Part of an on-going “Youth Movement” within the division, she’ll be wheeling the Charles Gunther-owned Drinan chassis entry.
The Lites are part of the Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff on March 27 & 28. The division will run qualifying and a 25-lap feature on Saturday.
Started in 2008, the Lites Series has become a melting pot for up & coming talent. Viets is typical of the youthful open-wheel competitors drawn to the division with its affordable “spec” rules, and a diverse schedule that includes an assortment of tracks throughout New England.
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“We’re looking very-forward to running the NEMA Lites Series this year,” states East Granby, CT. resident Viets, who belying her youthful status, has years of experience running on the dirt of Whip City Speedway in Massachusetts. “We ran weekly at Whip City for a number of seasons. I started driving at age-12 in the Micro Stock class in a car owned by my older brother John, eventually advancing to the Midgets. The Lites schedule involves some traveling, and that’s part of the allure of the division for us. It’s going to be great to run at some different tracks. Our team is excited about 2010 – it’s an opportunity for new experiences.”
A third-generation racer, Viets’ family has a long history in the sport. Both her grandfather Mike, and father Scott are former drivers.
Car owner Gunther of Vernon, CT. is also optimistic about the upcoming campaign. He says enlisting the talent of the young driver to wheel his Midget in 2006 was an easy decision. “She’s got a tremendous degree of talent, and her record at Whip City certainly shows that,” states Gunther, a former driver himself with decades of experience in a myriad of divisions including Supers, Modifieds, and of-course, Midgets. “I raced against Bethany, and I guess I just got tired of her beating-me,” he laughs.
Lites Series Race Director Steve Grant expects a good-showing for the division at the Bowl’ opener. “Interest in the Lites is ever-increasing, esp. with the younger drivers that are trying to break-into Midget racing,” he says. “It’s an affordable opportunity for these kids to gain experience at a variety of tracks. There’s a lot of talent out-there, and this is the perfect place for them to start. We’re very-pleased with the way things are shaping-up for 2010.”
For more information on the NEMA Lites Series, visit
Sources: Dave Dykes/NEMA Lites PR