Coby Captures NEMA’s Boston Louie
Seekonk, MA — Doug Coby, in only his third Northeastern Midget Association ride, added the Boston Louie Memorial to his resume Sunday at Seekonk Speedway. The National NASCAR Whelen Modified champion got by Bertrand Racing teammate Randy Cabral with four laps remaining in the 29-lap event.
Starting sixth, Coby chased Cabral, who took the lead on lap four, for 14 circuits before assuming command with an outside pass heading into turn one. The move came three laps after the third and final restart – each featuring an epic battle.
Cabral (Bertrand 47) was second followed by John Zych Jr. (Zych 9), Ian Cumens (Seymour 9) and Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39). Zych was a definite challenger on the final two restarts.
[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape
“The car was really hooked through three and four,” said Coby. “I thought if I could stay on Randy’s right rear I had a chance and I really let it sail into one.” He quickly opened an advantage and won the 16th edition of NEMA’s premier event by five car lengths.
Driving different cars, Cabral and Coby had different problems. “The restarts killed me,” said Cabral, pointing out “my car was good only on short runs.” He went into “survival” mode after the car started to go away eight laps in.
“Actually, we also had trouble with the restarts,” said Coby. “It was skipping and it needed three or four laps to clear out.” That was evident on the second restart with 10 laps remaining. Zych, startling behind Cabal, actually took second briefly. Running on the outside, Coby regained second a lap ahead of the final yellow.
The winning move surprised neither Cabral (“I knew he was coming”) or car owner Tim Bertrand. “It had to come on the outside because Randy was really protecting the bottom.” Coby, Bertrand added, “did an awesome job. He was smooth and patient and gave great feedback all day.”
Zych, who started ninth, was pleased with third “coming from where we did” but in the end “just didn’t have enough for those guys.” Anthony Mavuglio came from 14th to a spot in the top 10, earning the hard charger award.
Pole sitter Jim Miller led the first three laps before Cabral took over. Zych and Cumens were the heat winners.
NEMA returns to action Saturday night for the Rifchin Trophy race at Star Speedway.
NEMA NOTES – Coby could not make the traditional Louie Victory Lane ceremonies because of a ride in the accompanying 75-lap SK feature…Ted Christopher was the last predominately Modified driver to win a NEMA feature. Coby’s next goal is to tie Gene Bergin on the list. The Late Bergin won twice…Flagman Steve Grant started the Boston Louie from the track, kicking into gear the memories of several old timers…There were a total 43 midgets on hand, 23 of them Lites.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR