NEMA to Support Providence Indoor Races – Off the Track & On
Providence, RI — On March 10 & 11, 2012, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI, will host the annual Coffee Cup Indoor Auto Racing featuring the small but powerful Three-Quarter Midgets (TQs). And when guests enter the facility to enjoy the annual event they will get an up-close view of a “sister” racer, a full-scale Midget, courtesy of the Northeastern Midget Association.
The racecar owned by Ed Breault that will be campaigned by Joey Payne, Jr. of Fairlawn, NJ, on the Northeastern Midget Association during the 2012 season will be in the entrance of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center allowing fans to get a good look at a very similar car that will be in competition during the two-day event.
“We are happy to be here in support of the Coffee Cup,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani. “This is an excellent way to introduce fans to a race car that they may not be all that familiar. It is also a great way for us as a racing organization to say thank you to everyone at Dunkin’ Donuts, the Dunkin Donuts Center, and event organizers, Area Auto Racing News, for providing both competitors and fans with an incredible racing event.”
The event will also feature the Champ Karts.
The Northeastern Midget Association will run a special promotion to support their involvement with the indoor racing spectacular.
Indoor racing provides an intense experience for both fans and competitors. Top-ranked drivers from around the northeast from a variety of different racing backgrounds gather together for the bragging rights of winning indoors. In Providence, the track size is roughly 1/10th mile. In the tight quarters, speeds reach in excess of 70 miles per hour; providing plenty of thrills. The racing surface is coated with cola syrup to enhance the grip on the track, helping to ensure a fast and furious race to the checkers. Two- and sometimes three-wide racing leads to some pretty spectacular spills
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During any normal indoor event, the likes of Ted Christopher and Mike Stefanik from the Tour Modified ranks, dirt trackers like Billy Pauch Sr., Stuart Friesen and Mike Dicely are joined by Supermodified aces like Mike Lichty, characters like Timex Morgan and a host of weekly racing series competitors to comprise one of the most diverse and entertaining rosters found in racing.
The Northeastern Midget Association will be well represented on the track as well. Payne, the 2003 NEMA champion, is among the drivers considered favorites during the indoor circuit. Payne is a six-time winner indoors.
Payne will be joined at the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts by NEMA regulars including up-and-comer Todd Bertrand of Suffield, CT and B.J. MacDonald of Pipersville, PA. A part time competitor with NEMA, Lou Cicconi, Jr. of Lester, PA, is also a favorite. He currently has seven (7) indoor victories.
Multi-time and reigning NEMA champion Randy Cabral of Plymouth, MA, has competed indoors over the last couple of years. The talented driver is still searching for a ride in Providence.
In the support division, the Champ Karts will feature a group of third generation drivers as the children of brothers Russ & Greg Stoehr-Avery, Bethany, and Kathryn are scheduled to compete. Russ Stoehr is a multi-time NEMA champion. He and his brother Greg finished second and third respectively in the point standings in 2011.
Tickets for the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets range in price from $25-$45. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center is located at One LaSalle Square in Providence, RI 02903.
Previous TQ winners of the indoor event at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center include Mike Iles, Ted Christopher (’09 & ’11), Mike Lichty, and Mike Stefanik. In the Champ Karts Chris Daley is a two-time winner. Also scoring victories have been Justin Bonsignore, Ryan Kendall, and Brian Shields.
On February 10 & 11 many of the same competitors will compete in the Len Sammons Motorsports Production’s Gambler’s Classic in Atlantic City. The Three-Quarter Midgets will be joined by the 600 Micros, Slingshots and Champ Karts.
He may not be racing but NEMA’s own Keith Botelho summed it up nicely for those who cannot compete in Providence.
“I'll be racing,” said Botelho, “racing down I-95 on my way to watch the races.”
Botelho is a regular competitor with NEMA; finishing fourth in the final point standings in 2011.
Sources: NEMA PR