Bertrand Celebrates a Successful Louie
Brockton, MA – While some members of the Bertrand family “had their eyes closed,” Tim Bertrand was enjoying the battle for first between his two cars Sunday at the Northeastern Midget Association’s Boston Louie Memorial at Seekonk Speedway. Modified champion Doug Coby (in the 74) and defending NEMA kingpin Randy Cabral (47) were going at it.
“With two guys that good there is no way one takes the other out,” says Bertrand. He is not exactly a stranger watching his cars battle for the lead. Cabral has battled Bertrand teammates Cole Carter and Ryan Newman in the past.
Coby, the reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified king, won with an outside pass of Cabral in the closing laps. Bertrand had three spots in the top five including fifth place Todd Bertrand. All three cars are different right down to the motors.
[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape
“If this car is meant to win anywhere, it’s Seekonk,” Bertrand said of the Autocraft-powered Drinan chassis. Indeed, the car and driver were a perfect combo, Bertrand pointing long-time friend Coby “did an awesome job. He was smooth and patient all day and gave great feedback all day.”
Cabral, who drives the Esslinger-powered #47, was quick to point out the 74 “handles a little tighter and that’s exactly what was needed today.”
Coby and Bertrand have been friends since racing quarter midgets at Thompson’s Little-T track.
“I have lots of friend from the quarter midget days and Tim is one of them,” says Coby. “We’ve kept in touch. He told he was putting a car together and I told him I wanted to be on the guest list. I wanted to see what it’s like driving a Midget. That was five years ago.”
They got together last fall. They won Sunday.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR