NEW ENGLAND MOTORSPORTS SOUTH
By Lou Modestino (for 2/3-2/5/12
The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) have mapped-out a busy 2012 schedule with events scheduled at a wide variety of the regions
speedways. The season kicks-off on Saturday, March 31 at Connecticut’s famed Thompson Speedway, and concludes at the 3rd Annual
Plainville Stadium Reunion to be held at the Berlin Fairgrounds in Berlin, Ct. on Saturday, October 13.
Among other stops on the “NEAR 2012 Tour” are Seekonk, Stafford Springs, New Hampshire International Speedway, Monadnock, Lime
Rock, Bear Ridge, Lee, Canaan Fair, Twin State, and White Mountain. Also included on the agenda are dates at The Norwood, Danbury,
and Pines reunion events. More dates may be added in the near future.
Drivers Reggie Ruggiero, Joey Kourafas, Moe Gherzi, Jerry Humiston, and Roland Lapierre Sr., owner/mechanics Mario Fiore and Jim
Jorgensen and track operator Irene Venditti were inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on this Sunday, Jan. 29 at the
LaRenaissance Banquet Hall at 53 Prospect Hill Road in East Windsor, CT.
Since 1998, NEAR has inducted over 100 individuals into the New England Auto Racers Hall Of Fame, which is administered by the New
England Antique Racers. Some very notable inductees include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, Bill Slater, Rene Charland,
Pete Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco.
In other NEAR news, New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Val LeSieur has been named club President. Formally the publisher
of Speedway Scene, one of the Northeast region’s most-popular racing weekly’s, LeSieur brings a deep knowledge of New England auto
racing history to NEAR. Filling the position of Vice President is the club’s Paul Masse.
Other members of the 2012 NEAR governing body include Mare Harlow (Secretary), and Rhonda Blanchette (Treasurer). Serving on the
Board of Directors are Jim Splettstoezer, Brain Bancroft, Bill Henry, and Dave Dykes.
Serving as Board Advisors are New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Pete Zanardi and, Rod Seller.
The New England Antique Racers club is a non-profit organization that supports the history of New England auto racing. NEAR has been in
existence since 1981 and has a growing membership of approx. 350-400 members and 80 antique race cars. Members live throughout New
England and are available, on a no charge basis, for exhibition events at local tracks.
Early entries for the 3/4 Indoor Midget races on Feb. 3-4 at the Atlantic City Convention Hall in NJ include: Ryan Tidman, Ted Christopher
(Plainville, CT), Billy Pauch Sr., Steve Craig, Frank Fischer, BJ MacDonald and Jonathan Reid. All are among those who have also joined
Paul Lotier Jr., who was the first entrant for the early March event at Providence, RI's Dunkin Donuts Center.
Franklin's Bobby Santos, III got some good news. He's been hired to drive a NASCAR Nationwide Series car for Tom Baldwin Racing. He'll
do that on July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Santos has been looking for an opportunity to move up into NASCAR's top tier
series. This came from StockCarGazette.com.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway sent out the word that the sales of tickets for it's NASCAR Sprint Cup races for 2012 are up for both the
July and September events. NHMS GM Jerry Gappens revealed that it's been very difficult to sell tickets during this recession and is hopeful
at this change. Gappens also stated that there are still good seats available at NHMS for both events.
Stafford Speedway’s SK Modified division will welcome another new member for the 2012 season as Danny Cates will join the division.
Cates has several top-5 points finishes in the modified division at Thompson Speedway, finishing as high in the points standings as second.
Cates came to Stafford for the 2011 CARQUEST Fall Final in preparation for a full season of SK Modified® racing in 2012, where he
intends to run for Rookie of the Year honors.
Former Wild Thing Kart driver Tyler Hines is the newest addition to the ever growing SK Light rookie class at Stafford Speedway for the
2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season. Hines will take the reins of the #19 Gunsmoke Stables Ford that was driven the past
several seasons by Steve Greer for his rookie season in the SK Light division. It was thanks to an association with the Greer family and a
phone call from Steve Greer that will see Hines living his dream during the 2012 season.
For the 2012 season at Stafford Motor Speedway, the paddock area will have a new look as SPAFCO Race Chassis will become the new
parts vendor, taking over a position that Reliable Welding and Speed had occupied for the past 9 seasons.
Stafford Motor Speedway has announced that it will once again partner with the very best in tires and wheels to bring racing fans the 12th
Annual Town Fair Tire Summer Blast-Off on Friday, June 15th. The 2012 season will mark the 14th consecutive season that Town Fair Tire
has been partnered with Stafford Motor Speedway’s race program.
A Superior Court judge has overturned a jury verdict that would have forced New Hampshire Motor Speedway to pay nearly $1 million in
damages to the Motor Racing Network Inc., according to the speedway's general manager. "We really feel like we went through the legal
system and that justice was done," Jerry Gappens, who also is the speedway's executive vice president, said Thursday night. In late
September, a Merrimack County Superior Court ordered the speedway to pay Motor Racing Network $993,724 in damages for an alleged
termination of a broadcasting agreement without three years' notice.
Judge Richard B. McNamara had ruled prior to the trial that the agreement between the parties was not an enforceable contract, but
allowed the case to go to trial solely on the issue of whether New Hampshire Speedway made a promise to Motor Racing Network, that the
radio broadcaster relied on that promise and incurred damages as a result of its being broken. The speedway immediately appealed the
jury's verdict to McNamara; on Thursday he reversed it, Gappens said. "I was stunned in September. I walked out of the courtroom in
disbelief," he said. "I wasn't surprised today, but I'm certainly very pleased."
According to court records, Motor Racing Network broadcast races at the speedway from approximately 1990 through 2008. Speedway
Motorsports Inc. bought the track in January 2008 and replaced Motor Racing Network with its own radio network, Performance Racing
Network, according to court records. This report came from the Manchester Union Leader of NH.
NEMA announced that former championship driver and race director for the 2011 season, Tom Fox, has been promoted to its Director of
Race Operations. Fox, and a team he will be assembling, will be responsible for all on track and off track operations each week. “It’s
about organization and showmanship. We are going to step up our game,” said NEMA President Mike Scrivani of Brockton. “Putting on the
best show we can each week, working with the promoters and their staff while at the race track, and coming prepared with the best possible
show every week is our goal in 2012 and beyond. Having Tom on board to run this end of the business for us is both incredibly helpful and
welcomed,” said Scrivani.
A machinist and fabricator by trade, as well as a storied NASCAR Late Model, Modified and Busch East driver, Fox comes prepared for the
task at hand in 2012 with NEMA. “I have been a fan of NEMA since the first time I watched them compete at Waterford back in the mid 70's.
I always thought of the drivers as being true "daredevils", and almost 40 years later I see that it's true. NEMA is a true racers club, all of the
members are passionate about Midget racing, and most of them have ties that go back a generation (or several),” said
Fox.
Fox believes that NEMA has a bright future ahead of itself and that the NEMA Lite series has helped to “future proof” the series. “The
creation and adoption of the Lite series a few years ago has created an affordable venue for talented young racers to get Midget
experience. It's a true "feeder" division for the Midgets, and kids coming from Quarter Midgets and Karts can pursue their open wheeled
dreams in an organized and affordable series,” said Fox.
When asked about his thoughts on taking on the role for the 2012 season, Fox says that …”The "Club" is what has kept this division
arguably the strongest Midget Group in the Country, but every one of us recognize that we need to change the culture of the group in
order to keep our Northeast prominence, and to enhance our fan appeal. I'm going to work hard, along with the rest of the members, to
increase our "brand" awareness, and strive to make the NEMA program one of the most professional and efficient Touring programs
available to fans and Promoters. We are continually looking at Rules and Procedures to streamline our product regarding on-track
efficiency and the true cost of competing.”
Fox will lead NEMA into the opener at the Waterford Speedbowl, kicking off on March 31. (end)
By Lou Modestino (for 1/27-1/29/12)
After taking the 2011 season to “learn & reflect,” 2012 will mark Adam Cantor’s return to the driver’s seat as a championship
contender in Northeast Midget Association competition. “I can’t wait for the green flag to drop at Waterford’s opener in late March,”
states Cantor. “I’m really looking forward to running against the likes of Randy Cabral Russ and Greg Stoehr as well as Joey Payne
all season long.”
Cantor calls the 2011 season “the most difficult of his life,” having been the first time in 22 years not behind the wheel of a racecar.
As much as it was difficult, Cantor also learned a great deal as well as he spent much of his time “watching the races unfold, learning
each driver’s tendencies, strategy, and taking the time to understand chassis set up at a much deeper level.”
Cantor Racing returns with its long time sponsor of ten years, IGA Reichert Group. “It has been a pleasure to have been able to
work with Charlie Reichert and his family. I consider us truly blessed to have been able to have their support and friendship,” says
Cantor.
A family operation at its core, Cantor credits his parents, Allan Cantor (team owner) & Kim (team manager) and Joe Demonte (head
mechanic) for much of his career success. “They have never questioned any of the decisions I have made and have supported
every single decision I have made whether they liked it or not,” states Cantor. Cantor also credits long time mentors, including karting
legend Charlie Cressi, for his success.
Highlighting Monadnock & Twin State as his favorite tracks, he has nothing against any of the tracks on NEMA’s schedule in 2012.
“Once you dislike a track, you are better off staying home,” says Cantor. Cantor and NEMA kick their season off at Waterford
Speedbowl on March 31..
Northeast Midget Association action has been as hot in the off season,as it was on the track in 2011. Last week, 2003 NEMA
champion and long-time open wheel standout Joey Payne announced that he will be returning full time to the circuit in 2012 aboard
the Ed Breault owned #44.
“I had a decent year in 2011,” stated Payne. “We raced Oswego full time, finishing 6th in points with one win. We also had some bad
luck, after falling out of the $10,000 to win Mr. Supermodified race with a flat while leading with 20 laps to go. The Classic was
another let down, running 2nd for 100 laps and losing the rear end. Ed Breault asked me to drive the last three races of the year,
and we didn’t have good luck either, but we had a blast,” said Payne.
With plans to run full time schedules with NEMA, at Oswego (Muldoon Racing) and quarter midgets with his son Anthony at Wall
Stadium, Payne will certainly have his hands full this season. His goals are also very clear, “I’d like to win some races at Oswego, and
make it back to victory lane with NEMA,” said Payne.
Citing his father as his biggest inspiration in racing & his family for their support, Payne also heads up a long list of NEMA
competitors that credit their families with their success & passion for the sport.
As for the familiar, blue Breault #44, the car will carry its flagship Crown Collision banner, in addition to Seymour Enterprises, No
Regrets Ink and Bell Helmets. Ed & Lou Breault will continue to take care of the car during the week, in addition to assistance from
Mike Scrivani, Dave Shore and Jason Parsons.
Payne, with the addition of Adam Cantor, recent champions Randy Cabral and Russ Stoehr, and 2nd year standouts Todd Bertrand
& Anthony Nocella will undoubtedly produce excitement for the fans in 2012.
We ran into Dick Houlihan of Bridgewater at the Seekonk Speedway banquet the other week. Houli told us that he's planning on
returning to the Pro Stock action at the Cement Palace when that track opens for the 2012. And he revealed that he might have a
ride at the Thompson Speedway for the Thursday Night Thunder and the special events on selected Sunday's beginning with the
Icebreaker in early April. He wasn't specific about which division.
Following a partnership agreement signed in December between New Jersey Motorsports Park and Princeton businessman and
racer Clayton Keeler, New Jersey Motorsports Park is purchasing 100 acres from the City of Millville as the site for a world-class
motorcross facility.
According to NJMP co-managing partner R. J. Valentine, "The goal is to obtain municipal approval within the next month and open
the "Field of Dreams" motorcross facility this summer", and that, "The two most frequent questions from park users are about plans
for motorcross and RallyCross facilities." RallyCross, or RallyX, are timed car races held on dirt or grass. He added that research and
customer input indicate a huge demand for the planned facility. The agreement calls for Keeler to take ownership of the land and
manage the motorcross facility, who noted that the motor cross vehicles use mufflers to restrict noise.
New Jersey Motorsport Park, located in Millville, NJ, General Manager Brad Scott noted that, "The NJMP facility will give dirt bike
riders a superior facility where they can ride year-round, legally in a location that is safe and controlled."
Track owner Richard Valentine of Hingham, MA further announced, "The motor cross facility is just the first of five 2012 NJMP
initiatives to further our goal of becoming a more comprehensive entertainment destination, a facility that already enjoys a national
reputation and attracts significant audiences and participants from throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond." Valentine also
owns F1 Indoors on Wood Rd. in Braintree and F1 Outdoors on Rt. 18 in E. Bridgewater.
When the green flag is unfurled for the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler at Stafford Speedway on April 28 & April
29, it will mark the beginning of the 27th consecutive season that CARQUEST Auto Parts and Stafford have been partners in racing.
CARQUEST Auto Parts is practically synonymous with Stafford Speedway and the relationship between the two is one of the longest
running associations anywhere in motorsports.
Val LeSieur of North Easton, Mass., was elected President of the New England Auto Racing (NEAR) Antique Race Car Tour at the
club's recent meeting. The well known LeSieur was past publisher of the now-defunct weekly newspaper, Speedway Scene. His
vision for the NEAR club was made known recently. "For short term goals, I've got a lot of ideas on how to make the club grow.
We need to get more members into the club because it's been flat for the past five years." He went on to say, "I'm also concerned
that some of the nine members of the NEAR Board of Directors have not been at our meetings. It's going to be my top priority to get
them to attend every meeting. They need to get some direction in order for us to move forward.
Also, the NEAR mobile Hall of Fame is another one of my priorities which will give our club a lot of visibility. I'm looking to improve the
publicity for the NEAR HOF, which has improved somewhat recently. All of those things are on my To Do List." The Antique Race
Car Tour also has the prestigious NEAR Hall of Fame under its umbrella.
LeSieur stated that it was important for NEAR to represent all of New England racing and not just one particular area of the region.
"That was a problem when NEAR first started years ago. Then NEAR reached out to all over New England for good candidates, and
we will continue to maintain that strategy."
"Also I want to promote the NEAR Newsletter. I feel that it should go out to other people beyond the NEAR membership to promote
our agenda. We also need to improve health and welfare programs for injured competitors by selling T-shirts and hats in order to
raise funds, and to give our club the visibility.
This is a very ambitious undertaking. We can try to do these things simultaneously. But every member is a volunteer and it may not
move quickly. It may take longer than I want, so we will have to readjust our priorities. But motivating the membership will be the key
to NEAR's success." NEAR will induct the Class of 2012 this Sunday, January 29, at the La Renaissance Banquet Facility in East
Windsor, Conn.
We heard from a reliable source that the Motorsports Expo which was an attempt to revive the old Racearama and Speedway Expo
event on 3/2-3/4/12 has been scratched. C& D Promotions from downtstate Connecticut could be shooting for the revival in 2012 at
the Big E in W. Springfield, MA.
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