NEMA Point Battle Ends at World Series
Brockton, MA — Once again, the Northeastern Midget Association champions will be crowned at Thompson Speedway’s World Series. Russ Stoehr and the Dumo’s Desire team take a 50-point edge on Randy Cabral and Bertrand Motorsports into the scheduled 25-lap feature that will bring NEMA’s 58th season to a close.
“Thompson has always favored the veterans,” says NEMA President Mike Scrivani Jr. “It is a very fast place, the fastest track we visit. And, there’s so much history there.”
Both Cabral and Stoehr know their way around the ultra quick five-eighths oval. Cabral has eight Thompson wins including three World Series and a one earlier this year. His and owner Tim Bertrand’s 2008 and 2009 titles were secured at the World Series.
Second earlier this season, Stoehr has written much NEMA/World Series history, his battle with brother Greg in 1990 and with teammate Joey Payne Jr. in 2000 now folklore. He has won three times at Thompson including the ’94 World Series.
Championships aside, a World Series win is a jewel in itself and a number of contenders including Cole Carter in the Bertrand #39 are taking aim. Carter, a one-time USAC standout, has two straight top five Thompson finishes including a third earlier this year. He was fourth at last year’s World Series.
The World Series will end a NEMA season filled with surprises, the latest coming last weekend with Keith Botelho’s upset win at Seekonk’s DAV. He was the ninth winner of the campaign, the list including, in addition to Stoehr and Cabral, World Series entries Chris Leonard, Chris deRitis and Adam Cantor.
Greg Stoehr, John Zych Jr., coming off strong DAV performances hope to join the list. Other contenders include Jim Miller, Erica Santos and Mike Horn, the latter fourth earlier this year at Thompson. Miller and Santos had season-best seconds this year.
Anthony “Bug” Marvuglio will be driving the Pernesiglio #50.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR