NEMA’s Cantor Set For Speedbowl Opener
Brockton, MA — Coming off his best campaign yet, Adam Cantor begins his tenth season with the Northeastern Midget Association March 27-28 at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off.
NEMA’s 58th season opener is part of a busy Blast Off agenda that also includes the NEMA Lites. Both NEMA and the Lites will qualify on Saturday, the Lites running their feature on Saturday night, NEMA on Sunday.
“For the first time I feel no pressure to do anything but go out and have some fun,” says Cantor, a two-time winner last season en route to a third place in the point standings. One of the wins came at Waterford.
The Long Islander, part of NEMA since 2001, returns with the MOPAR-powered Beast chassis that netted six podium finishes a year ago.
“The more determined we were to have fun the better we did,” he continues. “I believe in my heart we can win the championship. If I didn’t believe that I wouldn’t be doing this.”
Two-time champion Randy Cabral, the Speedbowl’s all-time top winner, heads up those expected at the opener. The list also includes Russ Stoehr and Jim Miller, both Speedbowl winners in the past.
Cabral and owner Tim Bertrand will be showing Honda power for the first time, one of several changes for NEMA this season. Chris DeRitis, the 2009 Rookie of the Year, will be making his debut in a Lou Cicconi machine while Jesse State will begin his rookie of the year quest in the Power Point No. 99. Also expected at Waterford are Greg Stoehr, Erica Santos, William Wall, John Zych Jr., Lee Bundy, Paul Scally and Chris Leonard.
“I’ve always loved racing at the Speedowl but I never thought of it as one of my best tracks,” says Cantor. “Well, I won the last time we were there so I’m really looking forward to going back.”
Pointing out “everybody comes to Waterford knowing they have to be strong,” Cantor says “getting off with a good finish is important.”
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR