Perley Looks Ahead to NEMA Challenge
Seekonk, MA – Seekonk Speedway, many claim, is “the ultimate momentum track.” Five-time ISMA champion Chris Perley couldn’t agree more.
“When you are in a good car,” says Perley, “it is the place you want to be. It is one of my favorite tracks.”
Perley joins a host of open-cockpit experts competing in the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association Showdown of Champions event at Seekonk Open Wheel Wednesday, July 21.
The “Rowley Rocket” is no stranger to the Midgets. He was a winner at the prestigious Oswego Classic back in 2005.
A stellar field that also includes six-time ISMA king Russ Wood Sr. will be in NEMA Lite cars. Drew Fornoro, Jon Heydenreich are ready along with Lou Cicconi and Joey Payne Jr., the latter two replacing the previously announced Bentley Warren and Nokie Fornoro.
NASCAR Modified kings Mike Stefanik and Ted Christopher and Seekonk regulars Vinnie Annarummo, Fred Astle, Jr. and Rick Martin have rides as well.
“Everybody is interested in seeing what they can do,” says Perley, a two-time Seekonk ISMA winner. “Looking at the field, there’s some bragging rights up for grabs.”
It is an accomplished field. Payne and Cicconi have won in TQs, Midgets and Supers. Christopher’s’ resume includes TQ, Midget and Super wins. Stefanik added a TQ success to his list last winter. Heydenreich, the 1990 Chili Bowl winner, is also accomplished in Sprints and Super Crown cars.
When Perley calls Seekonk “a superspeedway for the midgets,” he knows of what he speaks. Back in 2005 he had a third at Seekonk, part of a limited NEMA schedule driving for Don Berrio.
Wood is no stranger to the Midgets either. His son Russ Jr. is a regular competitor in the Lites division.
A 25-lap NEMA feature and a 100-lap Modified event are also on the Open Wheel Wednesday agenda.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR