NEMA’S Nocella Advances to Valenti Modified Series for Three Races
Canaan, NH. — NEMA midget hot shoe Anthony Nocella, of Woburn, MA., knows a thing or two about open-wheel race cars. He has enjoyed success and lots of it in go-karts, mini-sprints, and the two NEMA sanctioned midget divisions.
When the Valenti Modified Racing Series opens it’s ninth season March 31, and April 1, at Connecticut’s Waterford Speedbowl, at the annual Budweiser Blastoff Weekend, Nocella will give the ground-pounding open-wheel modifieds a shot, thanks to car-owner Kevin Stuart, of Lowell, MA.
“He comes with a nice resume`, was recommended, and has lots of ability,” said Stuart. “Bobby Seymour spoke very highly of Anthony and feels the kid could
make a lot of noise in open-wheel racing, and has a bright future.”
Nocella will take his young career to the next level when he wheels the second car in the Stuart stable, formerly driven by NASCAR ace Keith Rocco.The plan
is the opener at Waterford, the Monadnock race in April, and the Thompson race in May,” said Stuart. “If all goes well we hope to go for the series rookie of the
year title.”
Stuart will field a brand new Troyer Chassis for veteran Louie Mechalides, of Tygnsboro, MA., a five-time series winner. Last years car had battle scars. “It was
time. The hard crash at Loudon, the hard hit at Martinsville, it was really bent,” said Stuart.
Stuart also has secured the services of veteran modified crewman Kevin Crowley, of Billerica, Mass., for the 2012 season.
Nocella is one of many first time competitors registered for the 2012 campaign. Melissa Fairfield, of Wakefield, NH., Joey Cipriano, Waterbury, CT., Larry Barnett,
Moosup, CT., and Todd Szegedy, of Bethel, CT., will also compete with the series this season.
The Valenti Modified Racing Series has an open practice session from 5:00pm to 6pm on Friday, March 30. Pit admission is $25.00. On Saturday, March 31, The VMRS will practice from 1:15pm 2:00pm. Qualifying starts at 3:00 PM. A Pit-Party is slated for Sunday at 9:30 AM with feature races at 12 noon.
Sources: John Spence, Sr/VMRS PR