Fifth-Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion Slated for Saturday, October 12th
BERLIN, CT — Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of New England racing action for over 3-decades hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, the late Dick Watson, and many-more of the sports heavy-hitters all toured the tight, demanding oval during its colorful history.
Saturday, October 12th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels presents the Fifth Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion. The event takes-place from 10am – 4pm at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, Ct.
In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their places in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller. Pioneering driver & former Stadium Race Director Moe Gherzi is a 2012 HOF inductee. Popular championship car owner Ron Berndt, a longtime Plainville campaigner, will enter the Hall of Fame later this year at the 16th annual NEAR Hall of Fame Banquet Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Lodge at Manelley’s in South Windsor, CT.
Many popular former Stadium competitors including Dave & Fred Alkas, Richie Galullo, Danny Galullo, Jr. 1963 Champion George Hotchkiss, George Lombardo, Don Spazano, Don Moon, Jo-Jo Farone, Bill Harman, and a host of others are expected to attend.
It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph from the personalities that made Joe Tinty’s much-missed oval so-special.
“This is again shaping-up to be another wonderful event,” states Tom Ormsby, himself a former Plainville modified competitor, and now the man behind www.speedwaylinereport.com and several other racing websites. Now residing in Florida, Ormsby is envious of those that will be able to attend the affair. “I know how much work and effort Gary Bienkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club along with Dave Alkas Don Moon, and the Berlin Lions Club put into this affair,” states the transplanted Floridian. “Getting everyone together like-this every year is bound to be a lot of fun. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend this year, but I’ll certainly be there in spirit.”
Award-winning New England racing journalist and New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Pete Zanardi looks-forward to the show every year. “They just do a fantastic job with this reunion every year, and it seems to just get better & better” he stated recently. “With the memorabilia displays, it makes you realize that just about everybody involved in our region’s modified scene has some sort of connection to Plainville Stadium. It’s just a great event and something that’s become a can’t-miss affair.”
As one of the organizers of the event, Gary Bienkowski is also confident that this year’s edition will be better-than-ever. Prior events were very-successful.
“This year we have even more to offer attendees” he states. “It’s expected that there will be more memorabilia on display, and former official track photographer Phil Hoyt has again has stepped-up his display. There will also be historical videos documenting some of the greatest moments in Plainville history. We’ve again increased our efforts in reaching-out to the tracks former competitors in all the divisions including the Novice class. The response has again been very favorable.”
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition on New England’s only WKA Dirt Master track. Races include an “Old-Timers” event for former Plainville competitors in addition to others.
The appearance of several vintage race cars along with a display of classic & custom autos adds to the days festivities. The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) mobile Hall of Fame display is also expected to be present.
Coming-off another successful season of competition on the Berlin Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the two organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event. Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free. The rain date is Sunday, October 13th.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club at garybien@snet.net
Sources: Dave Dykes/NEAR PR