February 5--- Flat track motorcycles, Tiger Sprint Cars, Go-Karts, and Kid's ATV's are a well rounded program of indoor racing at New England's newest indoor racing venue-Moto Town USA in Windsor, CT.  The first of three such events will take place on Sunday, February 18.  The two other tentative dates are set for Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, April 28. The latter two events will go off provided the initial event is successful. Pete Giammalvo of Sideways Promotions expects to have a total of 250 entries for the initial race.

KARTS

K1 Tiger Sprints Cubs ages 5-7
K2 Tiger Sprints ages 7-11
K3 Tiger Sprints JR Outlaw ages 11-14
K4 Tiger Sprints Outlaw ages 15 and up
K5 Briggs Lite Minimum Weight 305
K6 Briggs Heavy Minimum Weight 375

Mini Quads

Q1 0-50cc Stock Age 4-7
Q2 70-90cc Stock Age
Q3 0-50cc Mod Age 5-8
Q470-90cc Mod Age 7-11
Q5 110cc Super Mod Age 7-13
Q6 65-85cc Mini Shifter Age 8-14

Motorcycles

A 70- 80cc 4 stroke Age 6-12
B 50CC STOCK YOUTH AGES 4-6 - 2 or 4 stroke
C 50CC STOCK YOUTH AGES 7-8 - 2 or 4 stroke
D SPORTSMAN - Any expert that does not have a expert pro license can enter. Also they must have not applied for two years prior to there license. Trophies only
E 50CC MOD YOUTH - polini,lem,cobra full race etc or modified Honda CRF 50cc
F ADULT 100 - age 16+ 100-160 4 strokes only No CRFR's allowed
G 85CC YOUTH - 85cc 2 stroke or up to 160cc 4 stroke No CRFR's allowed
H SUPER DINOSUAR Age 47 +
I 125 AMT - 125 cc
J 65CC YOUTH - 65cc 2 stroke / 110cc 4 stroke stock motor 14" max wheels
L SENIOR 30+
M QUICK CHIX - Girls age 12+ age on 100-150 4 strokes only
N 250 AMT BIKE - 250cc only, Must be 12 to ride 250, 450's in open
O 250 PRO BIKE - 250cc only, Must be 12 to ride 250, 450's in open 100% payback
P OPEN AMT BIKE - 250cc+ must be 12 to ride 250,
Q OPEN PRO BIKE - 250cc+ 100% payback
R VINTAGE - 1980 or older bikes

    The classes are subject to change and or could be combined due to entries.  Depending on entries more Kart/Quads classes can be added to do a split program for the next two tentative races. Sign up is at 9 a.m., practice for all classes goes at 11 a.m. All heat races will start  at 12:30 p.m.  There's a $50 per class entry fee, $10 grandstand entrance fee, kids under are 6 free.

     For further information on the 2007 Sideways Promotions  Indoor Series contact Pete Giammalvo, phone 978-874-1732 or  e-mail peterg11@verizon.net on the internet. For a complete schedule of classes and times go to www.sidewayspromo.com or check out the facility www.mototownusa.com webpages on the internet.

        This week management of the first annual SpeedwayEXPO announced its Speedy Awards. With the racing community assembled, SpeedwayEXPO provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate New England racing by honoring its best.

        These recognition awards will be a tribute to the best racing competitors and organizations in the Northeast. Honors will be bestowed in 11 categories. The Speedy will be a prestigious distinction earned through the recognition of influential members of the racing community, their peers and the fans.

      "The Speedy awards are destined to be among the most prestigious in Northeast racing," said Speedway Illustrated Executive Editor Dick Berggren. "Those who win a Speedy in the first round will become a part of our history."

     Categories include Break-Out Racer Of The Year, Long Haul Award, Best Weekly Racer, Best Northeast Touring Racer, Best Weekly Show, Best Individual Performance In An Event, Best Individual Promotion, Best Series Or Track Coverage, Race Fan Of The Year, Outstanding Contribution Award and the Unsung Hero Award. The winners of the Speedy Awards will be honored during a special presentation on Sunday, March 4, at 3:00 p.m.

       In order to ensure that the Speedy Awards are true to the racing world, SpeedwayEXPO asks for the input of the entire racing community. Nominations for each category will be accepted on www.speedwayexpo.com.

     All members of the racing community are invited to nominate those deserving recognition in each Speedy Award category. All nominations will require a brief explanation of the nomineeâ?Ts merit. Nominations must be accompanied by the name and email address of the submitter. Nominations will be accepted until February 18, 2007.  A preliminary list of nominees for all Speedy categories has been compiled and may be viewed online at www.speedwayexpo.com.

     SpeedwayEXPO will provide an ideal blend of fan attractions and trade amenities. A broad mixture of cars from tracks around the Northeast will combine asphalt and dirt stock car racing with drag racing and other forms of motorsports. The trade portion of the event will be the main attraction for enthusiasts and racers. Vendors of performance parts and accessories will be a major part of SpeedwayEXPO. Events during the weekend include an all-star line-up of celebrity appearances, informative seminars and interactive displays. The first annual SpeedwayEXPO will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 2-4, at The Big E, the Eastern States Exposition, in West Springfield.

        Published reports tell of 2000 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Jerry Marquis of Rocky Hill, CT is now suddenly on the outside looking in! His ride evaporated because Mystic(CT) Marina Missile owner Bob Garbarino released his driver because he is currently without a crewchief. Jerry finished seventh overall in the 2006 WMT championship run.  There are other reports that the Boehler Racing Team, headed by Mike Boehler of E. Freetown, have closed up shop after 50 years in the Modified series. The Boehler clan have also released their driver Eric Beers to pursue other opportunities.

        John McCarthy, one-time Northeastern Midget Association president, made his wishes for his gravestone clear Sunday. "Seven words," said McCarthy, "'Member New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame." The NEAR Hall of Fame celebrated its 10th anniversary inducting 11 new members before a crowd of 435 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT. Joining McCarthy were car owner/crew chief Bob Johnson, drivers Jean-Paul Cabana, John Rosati, Dave Dion, Bob Potter and Bentley Warren and the late Westboro Speedway owner/promoter John Falconi Jr.

      Drivers the late Dick Garrett and Dick Egan and car owner/track builder George Barber were Veterans Committee selections.   Long time National Speedsport News writer Walter Renner received the Jack Ratta Memorial Media Award while Danny Pardi, a guiding force for the Hall since its inception, was given a recognition award.

      Many echoed McCarthy as the NEAR Hall of Fame membership reached 100. Potter, who has 11 championships between Waterford Speedbowl and Stafford Motor Speedway, put it on top of his many accomplishments.

       Johnson, Dion, Rosati and Warren all had similar reactions. Three-dozen Hall of Fame members were on hand to watch the proceedings under the guidance of New England Antique Racers President Pete Newsham and Master of Ceremonies Mat Buckler.

       Presenters included Dick Monahan (McCarthy), Jack Arute Jr. (Johnson), Tom Curley (Cabana), Bones Bourcier (Rosati), Lew Boyd (Falconi), Dave Moody (Dion), Pete Zanardi (Potter) and Russ Conway (Warren).

NEW ENGLAND AUTO RACERS HALL OF FAME MEMBERSHIP:

        Gene Angelillo 2006, Dick Armstrong 2005, Jack Arute Sr. 2001, George Barber  2007, Gene Bergin 1998, Len Boehler 2004, Red Bolduc 2005, Vic Bombaci 2006, Ron Bouchard 2000, Smokey Boutwell 2005, Hully Bunn 2001; Moon Burgess 2003, Jean Paul Cabana 2007, Fats Caruso 2000, Rene Charland 1998, Leo Cleary 1999, on Collins 2005; Russ Conway 2006, Robbie Crouch 2006, Joe Csiki 2005, Red Cummings 2006, Ralph Cusack 2001.

        Then Fred DeSarro 1999, Dave Dion 2007, Dick Dixon 2004, Beaver Dragon 2004, Homer Drew 2000, Dick Eagan 2007, Charlie Elliott 2000, Richie Evans 1998, Stub Fadden 2003, John Falconi Sr. 2007, Ed Flemke 1998, Red Foote 1999, Nick Fornoro Sr. 2002, Fred Frame 2004,Ernie Gahan 1998, Dick Garrett 2007, Sharky Gaudiosi 2006, Harry Grant 2005, Billy Greco 1999.

         Also Pete Hamilton 1998; Billy Harman 2004, Hop Harrington 1999, John Hoenig 2003, Dave Humphrey 2000,  Charlie Jarzombek 2004, Bob Johnson 2007, Booker Jones 2003, Bob Judkins 2003, Johnny Kay 2006, Buddy Krebs 2000, Sonny Koszela 2002, Don LaJoie 2000, Bob Libby 2006, Phil Libby 2006, Don MacLaren 2002, Don MacTavish 2001, Dick McCabe 2002, John McCarthy 2007, Jim McGee 2006, Jocko Maggiacomo 2000, Ray Miller 2002, Ralph Moody 2000.

       Also Ron Narducci 2000, Sammy Packard 2004, Bob Polverari 2003, Bob Potter 2007, Sonny Rabideau 2005, Billy Randall 2006, Oscar Ridlon 2005, Marvin Rifchin 1999, John Rosati 2007, Joe Rosenfield 2006, Fred Rosner 2001, Don Rounds 2001, Art Rousseau, 2001, S-Bobby Santos 2001, Ollie Silva 1998, Bill Schindler 2004, Boston Louie Seymour 2006, Bill Slater 1998, Ken Smith 2006, Joe Sostilio 2003, Ken Squier 2002, Bugsy Stevens 1998, Chick Stockwell 2001, George Summers 2000.  The rest are Harvey Tattersall 1998, Johnny Thomson 2002, Paul Tremaine 2004, Reino Tulonen 2005, D.Anthony Venditti 1999, Bob Vitari 2006, Bentley Warren 2007, Dick Watson 2003, Phil Walters (Ted Tappett) 2002, Bill Welsh 1998, Eddie West 1999, Bill Wimble 2002, Dick Wolstenhulme 2006, Dennis Zimmerman 2001.

      At the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona  the other week Hingham's R.J. Valentine co-drove a Porsche GT3 to a 17th place in class and 35th overall in that twice around the clock event. Some 70 starters started in that event. Valentine is the CEO of F1 Boston, the indoor Kart track, and F1 Outdoors in E. Bridgewater.

        The weather in southern New England turned into winter real quick following a milder than usual November, December and most of January. So if you have "cabin fever" and can't get down to Florida think about taking in this weekend's BooKoo US Open Arenacross which moves to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT this weekend. The Pro action starts this Friday night, Feb. 9 and continues on into Sunday, Feb. 10. The BooKoo Awards Banquet will take place this Sunday night, following the Amature events held earlier in the afternoon.

           Among the challengers in these two events are Robbie Marshall of Stow, MA and Bill Ainsworth of Columbia, CT who both ride entries for Chaplin Kawasaki in CT.  3DRacingMX.com will send two of their top riders to the Boo Koo Pro Series. They are Chris Wisniwski of Wellfleet, MA and Jake Morrison of Wareham, MA. Chris rides a Honda while Jake is aboard a Kawasaki.  Chase Burdett of Chelmsford will also ride a Amature entry for the 3D team.  Another Bay State contender  planning on a hard run in the BooKoo finale is Acushnet's Heath Francois who excelled in the NCSC Series at the Capeway Rovers track in Middleboro. In the Pro Series Marshall, Ainsworth, Wisniwski, Morrision and Francois will all have to run hard to transfer into the main events this weekend via the qualifying rounds. Because there are several top riders who compete in this coast-to-coast series every week. Two of them are Canadian Darcy Lang, who now calls Corona, CA home, and Texas standout Josh Demuth. Both have won several Pro events as well as a string of championships in ArenaX, Supercross and other related series.

    Lou Modestino is a long-time columnist and Public Relations person, working for numerous tracks in the northeast, and now writes for The Enterprise in Brockton, MA.  He may be reached at lmodestino@hotmail.com. 

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