Field Set for NEMA Challenge
Seekonk, MA – The field is set for Northeastern Midget Association 25-lap Showdown of Champions at Seekonk Open Wheel Wednesday. The 10 drivers, who will compete in NEMA Lites cars, fit comfortably into three categories.
The Challenge is part of busy agenda that includes a 100-lap Modified feature and a full NEMA program.
Seekonk regulars Vinnie Annarummo, Fred Astle, Jr. and Rick Martin will defend the home turf. The trio has a combined 14 track titles.
The invasion includes two of the premier Modified drivers in the country – nine-time National NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik and the incredibly versatile Ted Christopher.
A heralded quintet will represent the open-cockpit fraternity – multipule ISMA champions Russ Wood Sr. and Chris Perley, 1990 Chili Bowl winner Jon Heydenreich, three-time ARDC king Lou Cicconi Jr. and 2003 NEMA champ Joey Payne Jr.
All come with experience on the demanding third-mile. “You always look forward to coming to Seekonk,” says Payne.
Little is not represented in a field that combined lays claim to dozens of championships and hundreds of victories. “Looking at the names, there’s some bragging rights up for grabs,” says Perley, no stranger to the Midgets. Likewise Wood, whose son Russ Jr. is a regular Lites competitor, has Midget experience.
The categories, in fact, overlap. Christopher, owner of multiple track and national Modified championships, is also at home in open cockpit cars having won in Go Karts, Supermodifieds, Midgets and TQs. His “go-to-the front” style could be a major factor in the race.”
Stefanik thinks a Showdown win will go well beside the TQ success he scored last winter in nearby Providence, RI.
Long time foes, veterans Payne and Cicconi have major wins in TQ, Midget and Supermodified action. They have a combined eight Seekonk NEMA wins. A Hut 100 winner, Heydenreich’s resume also includes success in Sprint Silver Crown cars.
Sources:Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR