Seekonk Speedway is Set to Induct First Nominees Onto Wall of Fame
SEEKONK, MA — Seekonk Speedway is set to induct the first group onto the Seekonk Speedway/630 WPRO am Wall of Fame. In a fan vote done from January through March, eight individuals have been elected to represent over 60 years of racing.
On Saturday, July 13, the founder of Seekonk Speedway, D. Anthony Venditti, the Godfather, will join his wife, the First Lady of NE Motorsports as the first to rightfully take their place, at the top of the Wall of Fame.
D. Anthony wasn’t afraid to take on an issue that would benefit the overall good for the sport. He was an innovator, a pioneer in the sport that is rarely seen. He created A.R.C., which stands for Auto Racing Club, to compete with the many groups that were out there competing. He created the Pro Stocks in 1977, which continues to lead the action at Seekonk.
Irene Venditti continued to lead the charge after his death in 1992, but she was the reasoning force behind the iron fist. She made everyone feel like they were part of the family, with her personal touch.
On Wednesday, July 17, as part of the 9th Annual Open Wheel Wednesday Modified Madness, Ron Bouchard, George Summers, and Carl “Bugsy” Stevens will join D. Anthony and Irene onto the Wall.
Bouchard is the first driver to record 5 championships at the famed 1/3 mile oval, and never fails to talk about the great times he had competing with some of the best drivers.
George Summers is the unofficial all-time win leader, with over 100 victories. After retiring in 1982, he returned to compete in an antique modified race in 2004, in one of his most famous Vegas, and showed that he could still get the job done if need be.
Carl Berghman, better known as “Bugsy” was arguably the most popular drivers to ever compete at Seekonk. From his first championship in 1965, to his Pro Stock title in the late 80’s, he always had a joke or a smile, or some time for a young fan.
On Saturday, July 20, Four-time Champion Norm Holden, 2-time Champion Len Ellis, and longtime photographer Johnny Mercury will be inducted onto the Wall of Fame.
Norm won his first title in 1971, in the B division, but it wasn’t until 1983-85 that he made history, becoming the first 3-time Pro Stock Champion. Norm continued to win races until the mid 90’s, when he retired.
Len Ellis was always an underdog, from his early years in LM racing, to his final year behind the wheel. But his knowledge on the car, his understanding of the little things helped set him apart.
Johnny Mercury was the official photographer for over 30 years, and captured much of the careers of each of the inductees. He became personal friends to each competitor and official at the speedway in his three decade plus career.
The inductions will be held 30 minutes before the green flag drops on each event. Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, July 20 inductions will start at 5:30, while Open Wheel Wednesday inductions will be at 6:30.
Be sure to check out seekonkspeedway.com for more information, or check us out on Facebook.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR