No Sizzling Rivarly For Stoehr Brothers
Greg and Russ Stoehr will be Northeastern Midget Association foes again for the first time since 1994. The sons of Paul Stoehr, they make up the second winingest brother combination in NEMA history.
When NEMA opens its 57th season May 23 at Monadnock Speedway, Greg will be in the Mazda-powered #26 that he drove to a pair of wins in ’08. Over the past two seasons, Greg has won twice at Monadnock.
Russ, back in the seat after five years away, returns to the Angelillo #45 team. That combination produced nine victories and three-straight championships (2000-2002). His last win came at Thompson’s World Series in 2002.
The Bridgewater, MA-based Stoehr brothers are part of NEMA’s strong “veteran class” that includes Nokie Fornoro, Jeff Horn, Doug Cleveland and defending champion Randy Cabral, the latter a winner every year since 2000.
They’ll do battle over a 17-race agenda on eight different tracks. Russ has won on five of them.
“The theory remains the same; the corners are all in the same place,” says Russ concerning the layoff. The speeds, however, are considerably faster – “like a full second at Thompson.”
They’re both championship contenders. “There are things you just know when you accept that ride,” Russ says of the Angelillo relationship. Greg hopes to bring acknowledgement to engine builder Circle Performance Machine.
Still, don’t expect any sizzling sibling rivalry from the co-owners of Motor Cars International in Bridgewater, MA.
It is home, in fact, for the #26. “We’ve done this before,” says Russ.
The 1993 Thompson World Series remains the greatest brother v. brother battle in NEMA history, Greg, in the Zahar #38B, passing Russ, in the Beane #26, on the last lap. “I do owe him for that one,” says Russ who has not driven since taking a couple rides in 2003.
Greg, who won twice at Seekonk in ’94, was mostly watching when Russ won championship No. 2 with Beane in 1997 and three, four and five with Angelillo. Russ’ first title came at age 26 with Beane in 1990.
“We worked together well, always communicated well,” remembers Russ, who replaced Drew Fornoro in the Angelillo car. “We just jelled and put in all together for three years.”
The relationship with Beane remains close. Russ was very much involved with Greg’s return. “We decided to use the Mazda engine Bruce helped to develop,” says Russ. “It is still in the car.”
Last fall, Russ “had no interest” when Angelillo approached him about driving again. He found himself having second thoughts and talked it over with wife who responded with “if that’s what you really want to do, then do it.” He then got back to Angelillo and informed him
“if the opportunity comes up again…”
He replaces Joey Payne Jr., the guy who replaced him in the Angelillo seat.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/NEMA PR