2013 Seekonk Speedway Wall of Fame Nominees Announced
Seekonk Speedway is proud of it long heritage and traditions in the sport of Short Track Racing. For almost 70 years the Speedway has been at the forefront of the racing community. In 2013 we are introducing the Seekonk Speedway Wall of Fame in an effort to immortalize some of the Drivers and Crew that have made a profound impact on the Sport and Community in the last several decades. We will induct 5 members in the initial class and 3 members every year going forward. Nominations will be gathered throughout the season and then narrowed down by our WOF committee. Nominees will be introduced at the Banquet and voting will continue to March 1st. Please take a minute to vote for those you feel have helped make our sport and Speedway the best there is.
To be elegible for the Seekonk Wall of Fame you must have made an impact on the racing community and be retired from racing for 3 years if you are a driver.
D. Anthony Venditti: Anthony Venditti was a racing fan who convinced his father to turn the family chicken farm into a ¼ race track. From 1946, when he was the youngest promoter in the country, until his death in 1992, his innovations and ideas transcended the sport of auto racing. He was the National Motorsports Promoter of the Year in 1979, when he introduced the region to the Pro Stocks.
Irene Venditti: Behind every great man is a great woman. This has never been truer than with Mrs. Venditti. It was with her help that her husband was able to create Seekonk Speedway. It was her personal touch that helped make Seekonk Speedway a family. She loved the competitors, and she made sure they knew that. She ran with an iron fist and a tender heart. For over 40 years, she was the behind the scenes backbone.
Carl “Bugsy” Stevens: If there was ever a driver that could capture the eyes of the youth, Bugsy was the man. One of the most versatile drivers to compete at Seekonk, Bugsy won in the modifieds and Pro Stocks, picking upchampionships in both divisions. One of Seekonk’s all time most popular drivers also picked up championships at other northeast speedways, including 3 National NASCAR Modified C
Championships.
Ron Bouchard: Ron became Seekonk Speedways first 5 time champion, 4 in the modified ranks. While he only amassed 29 wins, his short Seekonk career made him one of the most successful driverswinning his only Cup race at Talladega Speedway in a thrilling 3 wide finish. He was back at Seekonk only weeks later competing.
Norm Holden: Norm Holden was as tough of a competitor as there was at the Action Track of the East. Norm was a standout in the modified division, winning the B division championship in 1971. His career got a second breath with the Pro Stock division, growing his win total to 28, and becoming the division’s first three-peat champion. Dominating the division for those handful of years, he helped solidify the foothold of the division.
Leo Cleary: His nickname was The Lion, because he never backed down from a challenge. He first ventured to Seekonk’s Victory Lane in 1955, and continued his winning ways until 1987, just after he won the Pro Stock Crown. A 4time Champion, Leo was feared wherever he raced. He was a winner at many tracks in the Northeast, but continued at Seekonk until his unofficial retirement after 1988.
Wayne Dion: Wayne was a fan favorite for over 20 years. Wayne won his first Championship in the Street division in 1974, the same year he won his first race. He backed that up in 77, winning the Cadet title, and picked up the Pro Stock crown in 1982. He had a strong fan base, which followed him until he competed in his final race in the 2010, when he came out of retirement. Over his 30+ year career, he amasses 56 wins, including his final checkered in 2003.
Len Ellis: Len was one of those drivers that things didn’t seem to come very easily. He started winning races in 1976, winning the in LM division. But it was the Pro Stocks where Len felt at home. He started in the division when it began in 1979, and continued there until he retired in the late 2000s. In that time, he became a two time Pro Stock Champion, and won over a dozen races in his career. He continues as a car owner in the Pro Stocks, and continues to campaign for the underdogs.
Don Dionne: Don started winning in the late 60’s, competing in, and winning in the B division, winning the championship in 1970. He moved into the Modifieds in 75, driving for the Hendrickson Bros, winning several races over the next few years. When the Pro Stocks debuted in 1978, he took over and became the classes’ first champion in 1979. He followed that up with his second Pro Stock crown in 1981. Over his 20+ year career, he was crowned champion three times, and won 32 times.
Dan Meservey: Dan is known as the Father of the Pro4 Mods. He began his winning ways at Seekonk in 1978, in the mini stock class. When the division evolved, he was at the forefront. Over a short career, picking up only a handful of wins and one championship, he helped the division grow into what is now known as the Pro4 Modifieds.
Mickey Gill: Mickey has gone down in the record books as the first Official Champion of Seekonk Speedway, but it was 1950 when the track finally crowned one. He won two races in 1950 and 51.
George Summers: While the lack of records cannot support it, it is believed that George Summers has accrued well over 100 wins in his career at Seekonk, making him the speedways winningest driver. His first win coming in the late 1950s, carrying through until his last win in 1982, the year he retired from competition. In that time span, he picked up the track titles in 1967 and 74. He came out of retirement to win a S.T.A.R. race in the mid 2000’s.
John Tripp: In a 30 plus year career, Tripp showed his tenacity behind the wheel, picking up 31 wins. John competed in the modifieds throughout New England, spending many years behind the wheel for some of the best owners in the business. It wasn’t until 1988 when he finally won his one and only championship, in the Pro Stocks.
Dave Humphrey: Dave started his career at Seekonk, and became the speedway’s first 3-time champion, winning the titles in 1951, 52 and 59. While those titles and a majority of his 37 wins came in the Jalopies, he made a career out of racing in open wheels. His first win came in 1949, and he continued to visit Victory Lane until October, 1986, when he picked up the NEMA win.
Eddie Casterline: Eddie was a fixture in Victory Lane at Seekonk in the opening year, picked up a dozen victories from May of 1946 until May of 1947. In that opening season, an official champion was not declared, but it widely known that Casterline was the top driver of that time, giving him the distinction of being the “Unofficial” champion of that first season. His final win came just one week before he succumbed to injuries sustained at Seekonk Speedway.
Oscar Ridlon: While he only has one career win at Seekonk, it will go down as the highest ranking win in history, THE FIRST! On May 30, 1946, Seekonk Speedway opened it’s gates for the first time, with The Cannonball being the very first winner.
George Murray: In May of 1966, George Murray picked up the first of his 32 wins. His career lasted about 30 years, but in that time, the Tiverton, RI native showed he could adapt. He picked up his first two titles in the Modified class, but in 1980, he became the first driver to move from the modifieds to the Pro Stocks, and win titles in both classes.
Fred Luchesi: A 13 time winner at Seekonk, the 1956 champion spent his weekends traveling from track to track, all along the east coast. The Pawtucket, RI native won his first race at Seekonk in ‘54, and his final in ‘62. In that time, he could be found behind the wheel of anything he could get his hands on.
Rick Hanatow: Rick’s career compared to many was relatively short. It was in 1986 when he won his first race, a Street Stock win that propelled him to the championship. In 1988, he picked up his second Street title. Rick really made his mark in the Charger class, now known at the Late Models. He won 3 consecutive titles from 1990 through 1992, and held the record of 10 wins in a season until 2011, when it was broken.
Ray Souliere: Ray was the all-time win leader for the Street Stocks for many seasons. He picked up 54 checkered flags over the course of 25 plus years. In that time, he picked up three championships, one each in the Street Stocks, the Charger class, and the Sport Trucks, making his the only driver to win championships in three different classes.
Joe Rosenfield: In May of 1954, Joe Rosenfield picked up the first of his 25 wins, his final coming in 1967. In that time, he sat as Champion 4 times, becoming the tracks first 4-time champion, all in the “A” class.
Al Cuhna: While not a competitor, Al was one of the original officials at the speedway. He spent time doing just about anything that needed to be done. He was best known as the starter of the speedway, but was instrumental in the early years, helping form Seekonk Speedway.
Rusty Rushton: Rusty picked up a half dozen wins in the early 50’s, but made his mark on the speedway in the pit area, as the handicapper of the speedway. It was his influence that put into place the handicapping system that was used for over 50 years at the speedway. He was one of the few trusted advisors of D. Anthony.
Wally Saleeba: For over 30 years, he was known simply as “The Voice of the Speedway.” His banter could be heard, as he talked about what was going on behind the scenes as well as what was on the track. It was his easy going style, his conversationalist style that kept the fans entertained. He created a card system that is still in use today, helping the announcer with sponsor, crew and personal information.
Johnny Mercury: If a photo is worth a thousand words, this man could create a library with his eyes. John spent over 30 years as the photographer at Seekonk Speedway. With one eye looking through the lens and the other looking at the cars coming toward him, there wasn’t a shot he wasn’t willing to take. He would have one foot on the edge of the grass, trying to take that perfect shot. He would continue to point his camera at the cars as he ran the other way when something went wrong.
Jim Powers: Known as the Power in the Tower, his booming voice could be heard whether the loudspeakers were on or not. He had a way of captivating the crowd and getting them pumped up in anticipation. His experience throughout the Northeast would often play a vital role in helping young announcers learn the ropes.
Ron Manfredo: Ron has spent the better part of his life at the speedway. For years, he could be found in the pit area, working and owning cars with some of the best behind the wheel. Over the years, he became the chief starter, working on the speedway until an on track incident brought him away from the starters stand. From there, he became the Race Director, helping keep the show moving smoothly and working with the officials, crews, drivers and owners to keep the peace.
Deke Astle Sr: In a 19 year period, Deke picked up 28 wins, and the 1966 Class A Championship. He continued his career until the late 70’s, competing the All Pro division just before it became the Pro Stocks.
Hop Harrington: Hop Harrington was regarded as one of the best drivers at Seekonk in the 50’s and 6o’s. He competed through the first few years of the 70’s, winning his final event in August of 72. Hop is a 1999 inductee of the New England Hall of Fame.
George Smaldone: While unofficially picking up 13 career wins at Seekonk, he became the speedways first 3 time champion, winning the titles in 1953, 54, and 55.
Manny “Pops” Silvia: Manny picked up his first win in 1962, on the way to the B class title. He followed that up with the 64 B Championship, but it was the Mini Stocks where he became well known, picking up half of his 28 wins, along with the 1976 Mini Stock title. He won his final race in June, 1978.
Sources: SeekonkSpeedway.com