December 9, Brockton, MA--- The Northeastern Midget Association will celebrate its 56th season with at least one date at three of the club’s charter members. The 16-race 2008 schedule, a possible 18 dates, kicks off on April 5-6 at Thompson Speedway’s Icebreaker. Seekonk Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl, each set for four races in 2008, hosted the first two events in NEMA history in 1953. Stafford, which welcomes NEMA back for its open cockpit show in July, was also on the ’53 schedule. Thompson Speedway and Monadnock each have three dates. Both have long NEMA history as well. There are tentative dates at Lee USA Speedway (June 2 and Sept. 13) and Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (Sept.20-21).

“NEMA has always celebrated its history so we are very excited about the schedule,” says President Mike Scrivani Jr. “The club had an incredible 2007 as far as winners (eight) and car counts were concerned. The’07 season wasn’t even over yet and tracks were calling us for dates.” NEMA’s headline event, the “Boston Louie” is Aug. 9 at Seekonk .The traditional season ending “triple crown” is also intact – the Speedbowl’s Finale Oct. 4-5, Seekonk’s DAV on Oct. 11-12 and Thompson’s World Series on Oct. 18-19. The Modified Nationals April 12-13 will be the first of NEMA’s Speedbowl visits. Including last year’s Finale, won by Plymouth's Randy Cabral, there have been 75 NEMA races at the Speedbowl. Starting with Fred Meeker’s win in NEMA’s first-ever race on May 30, 1953 through Joey Payne’s triumph in the ’07 DAV, Seekonk has hosted 70 races. There have been 31 NEMA shows at Stafford.

The Thompson NEMA win list starts with the immortal Dutch Schaefer in 1960 and runs through Cabral at last year’s World Series – 67 races in all. Monadnock’s NEMA legacy started in 1972. Greg Stoehr, of Bridgewater, won at Monadnock last summer. Ben Seitz of Monument Beach was Lee’s last NEMA winner in 2004, that association going back to 1966 and including 24 races. Joey Payne Jr. won NEMA’s last race at Beech Ridge in 2004.

Inclement weather resulted in the postponement of NEMA’s annual meeting Sunday. It has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Thompson Clubhouse.

2008 NEMA SCHEDULE
April 5 – 6 Thompson (World Series)

April 12 – 13 Waterford (Modified Nationals)

May 3 Seekonk (Practice) May 4 Seekonk

May 10 Waterford

May 24 Monadnock

June 2 Lee (Tentative)

July 3 Thompson

July 8 Stafford

July 9 (rain date)

July 16 Seekonk

July 23 (rain date)

July 26 Monadnock

August 2 Waterford

August 9 Seekonk (Boston Louie)

August 30 Monadnock

September 13 Lee (Tentative)

September 20 – 21 Beech Ridge (Tentative)

October 4 – 5 Waterford (Finale)

October 11 – 12 Seekonk (DAV Memorial)

October 18 – 19 Thompson (World Series).

While things have been progressing behind the scenes for the 2nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO, some of its team members have been very much in the limelight lately. Dick Berggren recently was honored with the Bobby Isaac Memorial Award and SpeedwayEXPO itself was recognized by Racing Against Cancer for its involvement with the program in 2007.

On October 12, Berggren received the Bobby Isaac Award during pre-race ceremonies for the Busch Series race at Lowe’s. The award is presented annually by Lowe’s Motor Speedway to an individual in recognition of outstanding contribution to short-track racing.

“Much like Isaac, [Berggren] possesses a strong passion for short-track racing,” said President and General Manager, Humpy Wheeler, “and fortunately [he] has been willing to share that passion with race fans around the world through [his] work as a writer, editor and broadcaster. [His] dedication to the local racer and promoter has never waned, and the industry is much stronger for it.”

The Bobby Isaac Award dates back 30 years and past winners include; Chris Economaki, Dick Trickle, Hugh Deery, Tommy Houston, Jack Ingram and others.

Then, on November 10, Cal Green, Director of SpeedwayEXPO Sales, accepted an award on behalf of Speedway Illustrated, the racing magazine that produces EXPO, from Racing Against Cancer. R.A.C.’s ’07 fund-raising kicked off on a high note when more than $1,766 was raised at the display provided by SpeedwayEXPO last March. At the ceremony, Dick Cyr, founder of David’s House, a haven for terminally ill children receiving treatment through Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a beneficiary of the R.A.C. Program, called the racing community “the most generous and most caring people [he] had ever worked with.”

To help boost the organization’s efforts, SpeedwayEXPO had named R.A.C. the beneficiary of a rather unorthodox fund-raiser. The “Anger Management” charity event gave fans and competitors—who may have seen things differently at the race track a time or two—the opportunity to “pay back” a group of good-natured track officials. For a $5 donation, participants got the opportunity to sink the officials in a dunk tank at the show. Corey Boudreau of Seekonk Speedway; Andy Christmas from Monadnock Speedway; Mike Parks of Twin State Speedway and Mike Scrivani of the Northeastern Midget Association each took a turn in the tank and raised hundreds of dollars for R.A.C.

With activities like “Spin to Win” for prizes such as T-shirts, M&Ms candy, buffet meals at Foxwoods Resort Casino, subscriptions to Speedway Illustrated and other items, as well as a raffle for two go-karts courtesy of General Electric, the R.A.C. Team raised a further $1,250 through the generosity of EXPO fans.

SpeedwayEXPO is looking forward to working with the Racing Against Cancer Team again in 2008, and is looking for volunteers or nominations for the Anger Management event. Replies can reach the EXPO staff at racinpr@aol.com.

The entire staff of SpeedwayEXPO shares in the excitement of these two great honors. The sense of pride that each has instilled will reinforce the team as they continue to build the 2nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO. The racing community is invited to follow the show’s progress online at www.speedwayexpo.com.

Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway 2008 Season Tickets are available and on sale now, but time is running out to take advantage of the track’s early bird discounts on all of its season ticket packages. After December 15, 2007, all season tickets will increase in price. Season Ticket options for the 2008 racing season at Stafford Motor Speedway include Paddock Passes, Stadium Chair-Back Reserved, Top Row Reserved, General Admission, and the Jack Arute’s Kids Club. Each season ticket option includes admission to all 2008 NASCAR and ISMA Racing events at Stafford Motor Speedway. Stafford’s Season Paddock Passes offer admission to Stafford’s paddock area as well as the general admission grandstands, and they also offer the greatest amount of savings to drivers, team members, and fans alike. A season paddock pass purchased before December 15, 2007 is $400; after December 15, the price increases to $450.

Stafford’s Reserved Seat Season Pass offers a season long seat in the top row (Row 25) or the Gold Chair-Back section, and is priced at $345 if purchased before December 15. After December 15, the Reserved Seat Season Pass will increase to $375. Stafford’s General Admission Season Pass grants season long admission to the general admission seating in the main grandstand, and is priced at $295 if purchased before December 15. After December 15, the General Admission Season Pass will increase to $325.

For all children up to age 14, there is the Jack Arute’s Kids Club option. Children can join the Jack Arute’s Kids Club for $50 before December 15. After Dec. 15, the price will increase to $60. Membership in the Kids Cluboffers admission to all 2008 SMS racing events ($115.00 value), a free Kids Club tee-shirt, access to Kids Club only meetings with Stafford Motor Speedway NASCAR drivers, and much more. Kids Club Applications can be picked up at the SMS track office, or on the web by clicking on the Kids Club logo found at www.staffordspeedway.com. Children must be accompanied by an adult to gain entrance to the track. Stafford Motor Speedway also has electronic gift cards available. Gift cards can be used towards the purchase of tickets and/or merchandise at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Gift Cards may be purchased in any dollar amount. The gift card will be debited with each use and the remaining balance on the card will be shown on the customer receipt. Stafford Motor Speedway Gift Cards have no expiration date. Season tickets and gift cards make a great holiday gift for the NASCAR fan on your shopping list. Season tickets and Gift Cards can be ordered by mail or over the phone by calling the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783. Season Ticket Order forms can also be faxed to SMS at 860-684-6236. All 2008 Stafford Motor Speedway season ticket order forms can be downloaded from Stafford Motor Speedway’s website by clicking on the BOX OFFICE or DOWNLOADS sections of www.staffordspeedway.com. For more information on gift cards or season ticket packages, including pricing and a seating chart, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783, or visit the “BOX OFFICE” section on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

NASCAR Busch East Champion Joey Logano of Middletown, Conn. will compete in Geoff Bodine's Jan. 3-5 Bobsled Challenge at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, NY. Plus three time race winner Boris Said of Stamford, Conn., who also races in NASCAR, will return to defend his crown on a bobsled, which was designed by Bodine, down the icy chute.

From the New England Dirt Track Racing Series comes word that there will be ice racing at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge starting the first Sunday in January until March 9, ice permitting. For more info check the NEDTS webpage at www.sidewayspromo.com on the internet.

SK-Modified champion Rob Janovic Jr. will share center stage with four other champions at the 2007 Waterford Speedbowl Awards Banquet Saturday night, Jan. 12 at the Groton Inn & Suites in Groton, CT. Fellow champions Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Models), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman), Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stock) and Michael Gervais Jr. (Saturday Night Legends) will also be honored as the Speedbowl puts the cap on the’07 season.

The top 15-finishers attending in each division will be getting away with trophies and point money. A host of other awards (including Rookies of the Year, Pit Crews of the Year, Sportsmen of the Year and Most Improved Drivers) will also be presented. Activity begins at 6 p.m. with the dinner following promptly at 7.

Ticket order forms (including dinner choices) are available on the website or by calling the Speedbowl office at (860) 442-1585. Tickets are $45 per person. Dancing featuring the Dyn-O-Myte Dance Revue will follow the awards

Waterford Speedbowl Final Point Standings SK MODIFIEDS –1. Rob Janovic Jr., Waterford, 988 (3);2. Dennis Gada, Salem, 978 (7); 3. Jeff Pearl, Salem,870 (4); 4. Tyler Chadwick, Ledyard, 764; 5. Jeffrey Paul, Ledyard, 760 (10; 6. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill,756 (1); 7. Don Fowler, Clinton, 742; 8. Shawn Monahan, Waterford, 734 (2): 9. Frank Mucciacciaro Jr., Milford, 644; 10. Wendell Dailey, Gales Ferry,624; 11. Dennis Charette (1), 612; 12. Tom Fox, 520(2); 13. Jay Miller, 434; 14. Kenny Horton, 388 (1);15. Glenn Pressel III, 366. Other Winners: Todd Ceravolo

LATE MODELS: 1. Bruce Thomas Jr., Groton, 1088 (12);2. Ernie Bertrand, N. Branford, 934; 3. Ed Reed Jr., Waterford, 872 (3); 3; 4. Larry Goss, N. Windham, 832(1); 5. Vin Esposito, Seymour, 802; 6. Dave Zemke, Guilford, 734; 7. Tim Jordan, Norwich, 680 (5); 8.Rich Duranti, Quaker Hill, 662; 9. Richard Staskowski, Hope Valley, RI, 622; 10. Anthony Macrino, Waterford,536; 11. Allen Coates, 488 (1); 12. Duane Noll, 420;13. Ron Yuhas, 392; 14. Michael Kluczinsky, 372; 15.Terry O’Brien, 312.Other Winners: Dennis Botticello (2)

SPORTSMAN: 1. Dwayne Dorr, 1050 (6); 2. Al Stone III,1028 (3); 3. Jim Procaccini, 872 (2) ; 4. Jack Aquilina, 870 (5); 5. Josh Galvin, 734 (1); 6. Walter Hovey, 658 (1); 7. Dan Emery, 654; 8. Chuck Rogers,556; 9. Joe Nogiec, 542; 10. John Puglisi, 520; 11. Ed Clark, 514; 12. Bill Gertsch Jr., 504 (3); 13. Ed Lamb Jr., 384; 14. Mark LaJoie, 366 (1); 15. Ed Giles, 350.

MINI STOCKS: 1. Ken Cassidy Jr., 1032 (6); 2. Danny Field, 1018 (5); 3. Joe Godbout III, 992 (5); 4. Phil Evans, 912 (5); 5. Randy Churchill, 882 (1); 6. Kyle James, 818 (1); 7.Louis Bellisle, 802; 8. Jack Aquilina, 692; 9. Soup Civardi, 576; 10. Nate Appell,566; 11. Ben Bargnesi, 564; 12. Chris Williams, 556;13. Mark Panaroni, 484; 14. Ian Brew, 446; 15. Chuck Rogers, 436.

LEGENDS: 1. Michael Gervais Jr. 540 (2); 2. Chris Bakaj, 510 (3); 3. Jason Palmer, 462 (1); 4. Mark Bakaj, 458 (5); 5. Brian Quimette, 436; 6. Ed Field, 412; 7. Max Zachem, 350; 8. Justin Rau, 334; 9. Dan Bisignano, 322; 10. Artie Moran Jr., 314; 11. Adam Gada, 302; 12. Joe Gada, 272; 13. Carl Blandina; 14.Justin Holmes, 252; 15. Ben Erlandson, 232. Other Winner: Glen Billings (1)

Coming off a sensational 2007 season, the Northeastern Midget Association has decided to “invest in the future” with the “NEMA Lite Series.” The series, approved by the NEMA Contest Board, is gaining momentum. Called a “feeder class” by NEMA Vice President Tim Bertrand, the series is designed to introduce new competitors to winged midgets “in very low cost, less powerful cars.

” Competitors can use any chassis that currently meets NEMA specifications but engines will be limited to Ford Focus and Quad 4 Oldsmobiles. All the cars will have starters. Plans are for the “Lites” to run in conjunction with regular short track NEMA events. Bertrand said, “NEMA is putting in place incentives for tracks to run the Lite Series cars. We are aware of the time factors and economics involved. We have to make it attractive for them. We believe we have done that.” Bertrand says as many 20 teams have expressed intentions to compete. “Most are Focus and Quad4 owners who can’t afford Esslinger and Gaerte motors and are looking for a way to go,” he says.

“We are talking about $8-to $10,000 cars in this series. The equipment is definitely available out there.” The plan allows for competitors, when they are ready, to “move up” to the fulltime NEMA status with more powerful (and more expensive) motors. Bertrand admits “a lot of sportsman type divisions are popping up all over the country” claiming potential NEMA competitors. “Other divisions were the only thing they could afford,” he says. “This is an effective plan to keep them in winged Midgets.” A number of “established” Midget regulars including Steve Grant and former champions Bobby Seymour and Butch Walsh will be consultants for the new series.

NASCAR will hold their 2007 season ending Whelen Modified Tour and Busch East Series Awards Banquets at the Mohegan Sun this weekend. The Mod Tour event goes this Friday night at 6 p.m. while the Busch East is scheduled for Saturday night at the same time. Connecticut's Joey Logano and will cart off the big awards for his championship efforts. Don Lia of Jericho, NY will be honored for his title in the WMT.

    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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