Fourth-Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion Approaching Quickly
Berlin, CT — Some years-ago, a few former racers from Connecticut’s long-shuttered Plainville Stadium met to discuss the possibility of holding a reunion for the funky little oval opened in 1948 as “Joe Tinty’s Flying Ranch” by its namesake, the late Joe Tinty.
His vision was “To provide the community a place for family entertainment.”
First holding horse shows and circuses, before-long stock car racing became the main attraction.
Regarding the reunion? It’s doubtful that any of the organizers envisioned the success that would follow. In the realm of these type of nostalgia-driven events, this one has turned-into one that fans of New England modified racing simply don’t want to miss.
Saturday, October 13th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels presents the “Fourth-Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion”. The event takes-place from 10am – 3pm at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, CT.
Officially closed at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in the region for over 3-decades hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, the late Dick Watson, and many-more all toured the tight, demanding oval during its long-history.
In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their place in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller.
As-in previous years many of these former New England modified racing greats are expected to attend.
Organizers including track alumni Alkas, Moon, and Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club have again worked very-diligently to make this racing reunion among the best in New England. In addition to the many Plainville memorabilia displays expected to be present, veteran photographer Phil Hoyt will have a booth offering an assortment of photos for sale. Hoyt was the official track photographer for many seasons recording the action each & every week. His images remain simply timeless, representing a real slice of Connecticut auto racing history.
The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) is also slated to be present with its mobile Hall of Fame display & museum.
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition including an “Old-Timers” race for former Plainville competitors in addition to events for Officials, Mechanics, and a “Powder-Puff Derby” for the ladies.
Coming-off the 4th season of competition on the Berlin Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the two organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event. Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free.
The rain date is Sunday, October 14.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club at garybien@snet.net or visit Tom Ormsby’s www.speedwaylinereport.com
Sources: Dave Dykes/NEAR PR