11 Different Winners for NEMA Lites
It was the busiest and the most competitive season yet for the six-year old Northeastern Midget Association’s Lites Division. There were 11 different winners in 17 events with point battles that went down to the final checkered.
Three-time feature winner Carl Medeiros Jr., 17, is the first count-all-the races champion, finishing with a 27- point edge on Danny Cugini. The Cugini No. 51 is, however, the top car, a scant eight points better than the Medeiros 50.
The top-15 owners and drivers will all be recognized at the NEMA Awards Banquet Saturday night, Nov. 16 at White’s of Westport, in Westport, MA. |
The “winningest” car was the Bill Stergios 11, brothers P.J. and Jake Stergios driving it to a combined four checkereds and a third in the final standings. P.J. Stergios and Medeiros share the “winningest” driver laurels.
Ian Clemens and Avery Stoehr, with two apiece, were also multiple winners. Each had a “big track” win as well, Seymour family driver Clemens prevailing at Airborne while third generation performer Stoehr, was successful at Stafford Speedway. Stoehr is slated to join cousin Bethany Stoehr in NEMA’s premier division next season.|
The “biggest” big plum, belongs to Oswego Speedway winner Richie Morocco. Others with a single win, in addition to Jake Stergios, are Cugini, who won the season finale at Lee, Andy Barrows, Scott Bigelow, Randy Cabral and Kenny Johnson.
Stoehr and Johnson, both teenagers, finished third and fourth in the final point standings. Twenty-one year old Cugini, part of a two-car team that also included sister Megan, is the oldest among the top four, testimony to the division serving its intended purpose.
Consistent all year, Logan Rayvals finished fifth in driver points.
Medeiros, Cugini and Johnson all had 10 top-five finishes, Medeiros’ three victories making the difference in the final figuring.
The Stoehr 15a and the Johnson 46 were fourth and fifth in the final owner standings.
NEMA Nuggets:
Unlike last year when Medeiros won three straight, the Lites had no back-to-back winners this year.
Last year’s Hoosier Tire Challenge winner Ian Cumens wound up 12, collecting two seconds and a third to go with the two victories.
Anthony Payne, son of NEMA standout Joey Payne, made his midget debut with eight starts in the Scrivani 21, sixth his best result.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR