Cabral, Stoehr Chasing NEMA History
Brockton, MA — Neither will admit to any concern, but Randy Cabral and Russ Stoehr, running one-two atop the Northeastern Midget Association points battle, are flirting with history. There are two major races looming in August – NEMA’s participation in Waterford Speedbowl’s Wings & Wheels on the 14th and the heralded Boston Louie Memorial at Seekonk on the 28th.
After three wins this year in the Bertrand 47, two-time defending champion Cabral is a win away from sole possession of sixth on NEMA’s all-time win list. He is currently tied with Johnny Mann with 29. Stoehr, a two-timer so far this summer in the Dumo’s Desire 45, sits fourth with 42 wins, three behind Nokie Fornoro.
Cabral, insistent that he “doesn’t belong” with the drivers ahead of him, dismisses the subject quickly. Still, second-generation driver Cabral and third-generation competitor Stoehr, who has won two of the last three races, are fully aware of the role history plays in the 58-year old club.
Stoehr, a five-time champion who has been winning NEMA races since 1989, is highly motivated in carrying forth the traditions set by the late Gene Angelillo. The two wins bring the Angelillo total to 108. Still, in the few years they’ve been together, the Cabral/Bertrand statistics take a back seat to none.
Waterford and Seekonk are NEMA’s “come home,” venues with few secrets and high possibility for surprises. Classic testimony to the latter – Cabral’s first win, the 2000 Boston Louie at Seekonk in a family car that was older than he was. A surprise of more recent vintage is Chris Leonard’s first-ever win in this year’s season opener at Waterford.
Over the years Waterford has produced a number of first time wins. High on the list of possibilities this time are Chris deRitis and Mike Horn, both having impressive runs this season. The deRitis car is part of the Bertrand stable. Horn, third at Seekonk, will benefit from the addition of father Jeff to his team. Jeff, who crashed badly at Monadnock, will be “taking some time off” as a driver.
Greg Stoehr, who chased his brother home at the recent Hammond Memorial at Waterford, Adam Cantor, a winner earlier this year, and Jim Miller, are top contenders as well. Lou Cicconi Jr., who dominated Seekonk’s Open Wheel Wednesday show, and Jeff Abold are also strong possibilities for Waterford.
NEMA NUGGETS – After winning six of seven and four in a row (including the ’08 Wings and Wheels), Randy Cabral has just two podiums in the last five races at Waterford…The Seymours and the Bertrand 47 have identical records in the last seven shows at Seekonk, three wins and two seconds…Anthony Nocella won his second Lites feature of the year and sixth over two years at Monadnock. The 17-year old has made one NEMA start (at Waterford) and gets high praise from the Seymours who have been instrumental in the careers of Bobby Santos III and Jeff Abold…NEMA has produced a new winner in every year but one since 1997, that being 2009. It started right away this year with Chris Leonard’s win at Waterford…
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR