Miller, Greg Stoehr, Zych Set for NEMA Opener
Brockton, MA – A midget win at Oswego Speedway can inspire a competitor. It is among the division’s ultimate tests.
“No doubt about it, but I can’t complain about the entire season, says 57-year old Jim Miller, one of 10 2012 winners returning to Northeastern Midget Association action in 2013. NEMA begins its 61st season April 6-7 at Waterford Speedowl’s Blast Off Weekend.
Defending champion Randy Cabral (Bertrand) and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire), who sit third and fifth on NEMA all-time win list, lead the list of returnees. In addition to Miller, the list also includes Greg Stoehr, Todd Bertrand, Anthony Marvuglio, Seth Carlson, Anthony Nocella and John Zych Jr. Adam Cantor will not drive but will return as part of the Cantor No. 33 crew.
Miller, part of NEMA since the 1989s, dominated at Oswego and finished second in the finale at Lee. With Shawn Torrey turning the wrenches, Miller and Lee Bundy will be teammates in 2013 with Shawn Torrey the crew chief. Pointing out he “doesn’t feel like 57,” Miller, who “wants to have some fun,” has no plans for retirement.
Greg Stoehr isn’t talking retirement either. He plans on a full season in the #26b but can’t guarantee it because “the emphasis,” will be on daughter Bethany. “Maintaining two cars can be expensive so it he comes down to me or her needing something, Bethany will get it,” he says
NEMA’s win list includes brothers, a brother and sister and some father-and-sons. The addition of a father-daughter combo could be another milestone in the Stoehr family’s storied career.
Zych, last year’s Blast Off winner, was actually the point leader in early going last year. Then weather and rescheduling problems caught up with the Louisville, KY-based Hershey Company executive. Still, six top fours in nine starts in the Esslinger/Drinan #9 is amble evidence they’re solidly in the contender category.
Ryan Preece, Bobby Santos III and Lou Cicconi Jr. will all be in the Cantor #33 Reider this year. “All have given me dates that can run the car,” says Cantor. “It’s likely others will drive it as well.” Adam’s dad Allen will be the “running the show.”
Cantor 2012 win at Lee came a couple days before the passing of his stepfather Joe DeMonte. It was a key factor in Cantor, part of NEMA since 2001, getting out of the cockpit. “There is no other race I could win that would mean as much as that one did,” he says.
As promised, the Betrand team expects to have a third car ready for NASCAR national Modified champion Doug Coby to drive at Blast Off. Coby was a crash victim in last year’s fnale at Lee.
Sources: NEMA PR