All shows are archived to Listen at your
convenience!
Link to the Live Broadcast of Gary Danko's Speedway Line Report Radio Show is
available
Mondays at 5:50 P.M.
Show Starts at 6:00P.M.
Call in # is: (203) 757-1320Line
Report
May 20, 2013
Joining Gary and co-host Renee Dupuis from
the Carey & Coffey Radio Show Matt Carey and
Jay Coffey. Also, from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, its
2003 champion Todd Szegedy.
for
this week's Speedway Line Report Radio Rebroadcast.
Search The SpeedwayLineReport.com
Note:
Some of the linked
stories requires
Free Registration to the linked Newspaper or Web site.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
has no control over the contents
of these articles! Links will remain for one week from publication.
Friday 05/24/13 Phil
Smith's "Looking Back":Sixty-five years ago in
1948, Bill Baker was the Midget Feature at Avon's Cherry Park over Buddy
Chase and Rex Records also in the field was Sparky Belmont would would
become a familiar name in the Modifieds in the 50's and 60's. The B Feature
would see Johnny Kay take the win over Johnny Carpenter and Dick Eagan.
Sixty years ago in 1953, Rhode Island invader Freddie Luchesi scored a
one-two punch at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl as he won on Wednesday
and Saturday nights. Bob Tyson and Bob Cahoon who both began their racing at
the closed Kingston Fairgrounds in RI were the non-Ford winners. Fifty-five
years ago in 1958, Ray Moran was the 25 lap Modified winner at the New
London-Waterford Speedbowl. Charlie Webster made it three in a row in
non-Ford action at the Connecticut shoreline oval.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Phil Smith
Racin'
with Jason: East Longmeadow's Tom Fearn enjoying hot start to Late Model
season at Stafford Motor Speedway:
With 27 years of auto racing
experience, Tom Fearn knows not to put too much stock in a strong start to a
season. However, that doesn’t mean the veteran from East Longmeadow doesn’t
discount the way his 2013 Late Model campaign at Stafford (Conn.) Motor
Speedway has begun – with finishes of fifth, second and first. Following a
victory in last Friday’s 35-lap feature, Fearn is second in the standings in
an extremely deep division, two points behind defending champion Woody
Pitkat. “If we’re in contention coming down to the last race, that’s when
I’ll worry about it,” Fearn said Tuesday in a phone interview. “We just go
there and do the best we can every week.”
Springfield Republican-Jason
Remillard
Thursday 05/23/13 Waterford
Speedbowl Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday 5/22 Results:
Waterford Speedbowl beat Mother Nature and a
thickening mist and dampness to record another round of its Wild ‘n Wacky
Wednesday racing series. Scoring victories on the program included Giovanni
Giarratana of Newington in the Legend Cars feature, Randy Johnston of
Westerly, RI in the X-Car race and Jon Porter of Canterbury in the Super
X-Car event. Pawcatuck’s Jacob Perry bested the field in the Bandolero
division and Peter Pollard mastered the Wacky Race on the night. Giarrantana
was opportunistic in the 20-lap Legend Cars race. He made his way through
the field from the 14th starting position while first year drivers T.J.
Thompson and Michael Christopher Jr. battled out front. Thompson took the
race lead on lap-1 while Christopher rocketed into second position. Thompson
led Christopher by one car length before the second generation driver found
room to his inside down the front chute on lap-8.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Making
Ready For NEMA’s “Louie”:
If absence makes the heart grow
fonder, expect a banner field for the 16th running of the Northeastern
Midget Association’s Boston Louie Memorial Sunday, June 2 at Seekonk
Speedway. A victim of weather last year, “the Louie,” which includes
29 lap features for both NEMA and the NEMA Lites, is part of an “open wheel”
extravaganza that includes a 75-lap SK-Modified feature along with
appearances by the Pro Four Modifieds and the New England Mini Stock Tour.
Doug Coby, who’ll drive the Bertrand #39 in the NEMA event, and Keith Rocco,
slated to steer the Manafort 76 in the Lites race, will be doing double
duty. Both have SK rides as well.
SpeedwayLineReport.com Ted
Christopher Won’t Let Injury Slow Weekend Racing Schedule; Won’t Race Weekly
At Thompson Speedway:
Double duty Friday evening at Stafford Motor Speedway won’t
be a worry Ted Christopher. Never has been in the past, and despite
recovering from a right hand/wrist injury, it won’t this week. Christopher
is scheduled to compete in both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour TSI
Harley-Davidson 125 and the track’s regular weekly 40-lap NASCAR Whelen
All-American Series SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Motor Speedway.
For the time being, the Plainville driver will be wearing a special brace to
protect torn ligaments he suffered in an SK Modified division crash Saturday
at the Waterford Speedbowl. Christopher is running full-time on the Whelen
Modified Tour, along with full-time in the SK Modified divisions at Stafford
and Waterford in 2013.**Lee
Pulliam Tops NASCAR Whelen All-American National Standings; Keith Rocco
Cracks Top Five**On
Tap: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rolls Back To Stafford Motor Speedway**RaceDayCt.com- Shawn Courchesne
Wednesday 05/22/13 Dave
Dykes "Racing Through Time":
Another Wednesday In The Books…. Here’s a nice early-50s-era image of a
young Frank Belbusti in victory lane at Connecticut’s former West Haven
Speedway. A United Stock Car Racing Club-sanctioned tight fifth-miler, the
track was on the grounds of the old Savin Rock amusement park. Frank, who
passed-away on May 7th at age-85, was a United circuit and West Haven
Speedway champion during that track’s ultra-competitive heyday. Our sincere
condolences are offered to the entire Belbusti family and Frank’s many
friends on this somber occasion. He was one of the more popular & enduring
figures during the early days at the Connecticut shoreline’s “New
London-Waterford” Speedbowl. Captured here celebrating one of his many
triumphs in the Gordon “Slim” Ross #222 is the late Joe McNulty.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Dave Dykes
1999 New England Auto
Racers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
Tuesday 05/21/13 Phil
Smith's "Champ Trail":The Valenti Modified Racing
Series paid a visit to the Thompson on Sunday. Twenty eight Modifieds were
on hand. Unfortunately rain prevailed. The event will not be rescheduled to
a later date. Grandstand tickets and pit passes will be honored at the next
VMRS event. The Stafford Motor Speedway Friday night series saw Rowan
Pennink score his first ever win at the Connecticut oval. Pennink, who also
races at Thompson on a weekly basis plus the Valenti Modified Series and the
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, travels from Huntingon Valley, PA each and
every week in order to race. Shortly after the drop of the green in the 40
lap feature Pennink went to the lead past Michael Gervais and never looked
back. Sean Foster, who moved into the runner-up spot at the mid point of the
event, tried everything he could to get by Pennink, but Pennink held him off
at the checkered for his first career SK Modified® feature victory.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Phil Smith
Monday 05/20/13 Brian
Danko's New Britain Herald Auto Racing:
Wyckoff Looks Back On Winning Racing
Career;
Don’t let Ronnie Wyckoff’s easy
demeanor and quick smile fool you. As one of the most underrated drivers in
the northeast, it was easy to see why he was liked by hundreds of fans and
by car owners who wanted him to drive their car. He was a winner. Wyckoff
started driving in the bomber division in Florida when he was a mere 16
years old before moving north to Connecticut when he married his wife, whose
parents had moved back to the Nutmeg state. “I guess it was around 1959 or
so that we moved here. I raced down south but no one knew me up here so I
began building my own car to race,” Ronnie said. “I then got into an Alkas
family novice car and started at Plainville Stadium. I drove the 88 novice
car and Dave drove the 89.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Brian Danko
Granite
State Pro Stocks ready to invade Monadnock Speedway for the David’s House
106:
When the Granite State Pro Stocks
kicked off their inaugural season in 2012, it was at the high banks of
Monadnock Speedway that hosted the first ever event, the David’s House 106.
On Saturday, May 25, Monadnock will hose the second annual David’s House
106. With two events completed, Mike O’Sullivan leads the charge into
the Winchester, NH speed plant. In the two events contested, the
Springfield, MA native is coming off second and third place finishes, and
comes in as the defending winner of the David’s House 106.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Sunday 05/19/13 Kyle
James and Bruce Thomas, Jr. Take Down Speedbowl Wins:
Waterford Speedbowl hosted Scout Night Saturday
evening celebrating two American traditions, scouting and racing. The crowd
on hand was treated to a five-division NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
program. Scoring victories on the night included Kyle James of Ashaway, RI
in the SK Modifieds® and Bruce Thomas Jr. of Groton in the Bob Valenti Auto
Mall Late Models. A pair of defending champions earned their first 2013
wins, Ken Cassidy Jr. of Lisbon and Paul French of Andover in the Mini
Stocks and SK Light Modifieds, respectively. Ryan Waterman of Danielson was
a first-ever winner in the Street Stock feature. All five were first time
winners in 2013.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Dave
Darling doubles up, Bill Bernard blasts, Paul Lallier lasts & Branden Dion
discovers Victory Lane:
Dave Darling used a mid race restart
to find himself leading the pack and went on to pick up his second win of
the season. Darling started 16th in the 22 car field, and found himself in
the right place at the right time over and over again, avoiding several
incidents in front of him. By lap ten, he had cracked the top five, and was
sitting second on a lap 17 restart when leader Mike Brightman broke and
axle, allowing the defending champion to move his Bristol Toyota Scion Camry
to the top of the leader board. Once out front, Darling never looked back,
starting the season undefeated in the first two events.
SpeedwayLineReport.com Back
To The Front: Kyle James Wins SK Modified Feature At Waterford Speedbowl:
Worst to first was the story
Saturday night for Kyle James at the Waterford Speedbowl. The Ashaway, R.I.
driver started last in the 23-car NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK
Modified field, but when all the wrecking was done – and there was plenty of
it – James was the one celebrating victory in the 35-lap feature. “It was a
mess,” James said. “Especially starting from the back, but we kind of needed
it. We just needed to stay clean but get enough cautions to bring everyone
back together and get up front.” Todd Ceravolo of Gales Ferry was second and
Ed Puleo of Branford third. It was the third career victory for James and
first of the 2013 season.**Waterford
Notes: Bruce Thomas Jr. Reigns In Late Models; Paul French And Ryan Waterman
Get Wins**Toby
Wells Scores First Career Northeast Mini Stock Tour Win At Wiscasset
Speedway**RaceDayCt.com- Shawn Courchesne
Saturday 05/18/13 Pennick
Wins Career 1st SK Modified Feature At Stafford:
Stafford Speedway was back in Friday night
action with the DARE Stock division taking center stage for a 20-lap Xtra
Mart Xtra D feature, paying an extra $50 to each of the top-5 finishers.
Jeremy Lavoie was the big winner of the night, driving to his second
consecutive victory in the DARE Stock feature. Rowan Pennink picked up his
first career SK Modified® victory in the 40-lap feature, Tom Fearn was the
winner of the extra distance 35-lap Late Model feature, Tony Membrino was
the winner in the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature, and David Arute was the
winner in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature. In the 40-lap SK Modified®
feature event, Rowan Pennink went around Michael Gervais, Jr. to take the
lead with Ted Christopher moving into second. A melee broke out going into
turn 3 that involved several cars and brought the caution out.
SpeedwayLineReport.com Feisty
Duel Ends With Rowan Pennink Scoring First Career SK Modified Win At
Stafford:An
opportunity to win went by the wayside last week at Stafford Motor Speedway
for Rowan Pennink, when he was penalized for over aggressive driving
following a battle for the lead with Doug Coby. “We definitely had a car to
win,” said Pennink, who rallied to a ninth place finish last week. Friday,
Pennink made up for opportunities lost, and did it in dramatic fashion.
Pennink held off the charges of Sean Foster over the final 20 laps to win
the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Friday at
Stafford Motor Speedway. It was the first career SK Modified victory at
Stafford for Pennink, who was making his third start for car owners Bob and
Kelly Hitchcock. Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., also runs full-time on
the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Valenti Modified Racing Series.**Tom
Fearn Captures Late Model Victory At Stafford Motor Speedway**Tony
Membrino Jr. Rolls To SK Light Modified Win At Stafford Speedway**David
Arute Grabs Second Career Limited Late Model Victory At Stafford Speedway**Extra
Distance Works Fine For Jeremy Lavoie In DARE Stock Feature At Stafford
Speedway**RaceDayCt.com Shawn Courchesne
Frank
Belbusti Former United Stock Car Racing Club Champion Passes:
Frank A. Belbusti 85, of Woodbridge
beloved husband of Patricia Spragg Belbusti passed away on May 7, 2013 in
CT. Hospice. Loving father of Frank (Jill) Belbusti and George (Gina)
Belbusti all of Orange and the late Lynne Belbusti. Grandfather of Heather
Aportria, Frank Belbusti III and Anthony and Lucia Belbusti. Also survived
by 4 great grandchildren. Brother of Ann (Thomas) Coppla of Placida, FL John
(Jane) Belbusti of Oxnard, CA and George (Colleen) Belbusti of West Haven
and the late Eugene Belmont. Uncle of Kim Zabilowski and Gina Bohan. He was
a driver for the United Stock Car Racing Club becoming circuit and West
Haven Speedway Champ.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Wednesday 05/08/13 Former
Plainville Stadium Modified Driver Larry Crighton Passes at 69:Lawrence W. Crighton, passed away on his
69th birthday, at The Highlands Health Care Center in Cheshire. He was born
April 29, 1944 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late David and Judith (Dillon)
Crighton. Lawrence was employed as an auto mechanic at Wallingford Audi
prior to his illness. He served in the U. S. Air Force as a jet aircraft
mechanic. He was an avid Stock Car Racer racing at Plainville Stadium; he
was a NASCAR fan and attended several NASCAR events. He also enjoyed
spending time on his boat in Branford, CT. He was a member of the Prospect
V.F.W. and the Southington Elks Club.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Monday 05/06/13 Former
Modified Standout Jerry Wheeler Passes in Virginia at 81:
In a scenario becoming all too
familiar lately as the drivers of the "Golden Age" of racing are getting
older, Jerry Wheeler passed away at the age of 81 at the Walter Reed
Convalescent Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia on Saturday May 4th. Jerry was
born in Lewiston, Maine starting racing in 1951 on the dirt tracks of Maine.
Relocating to Connecticut in the mid 50's for a job at Electric Boat when
the submarine builder was in it's heyday during the cold war. Jerry started
racing at the local tracks in his own #33 winning races at Plainville
Stadium, Riverside Park and Waterford where he represented the Speedbowl in
the Race of Champions at Langhorne, Pa. Speedway. In an era of the Flat Head
Ford Modifieds and Non-Ford straight line engines, Jerry developed the Chevy
V8 for racing, which is still predominately the engine of choice for the
Modifieds today.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Sunday 05/05/13 Ageless
Hall of Famer Ray Miller Wins USAC Dirt Midget Feature at Bear Ridge
Speedway:
Ray Miller of East Granby CT couldn’t have
asked for a better birthday present then the one he gave himself Saturday
night at the Ridge. Starting on the pole for the opening night 25 lap
feature it was all about Miller. A first lap red flag in front of the flag
stand took out Bear Ridge Speedway’s 2012 champion Scott Holcomb, Jim
Mossman, David Rose, and Jeffrey Champagne. When racing resumed Miller set a
blistering pace over the field. Mid race found him being challenged hard by
Scott Viets of East Granby a car from the Miller Stable. Viets would be
unable to get under Miller, who was protecting the bottom and after trying
several attempts on the outside realized this would be all about Miller and
second was the next best place to be.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Oswego
Speedway Legend "Irish Jack" Murphy Passes at 85:
Jack Murphy's career in auto racing actually
began when the Liverpool, N.Y. native returned from the service. He teamed
up with Fred Sass and built a sportsman stock car to compete at nearby
Brewerton and Lafayette N.Y. race tracks in 1949. Jack was at home in a
Modified or Supermodified, on Dirt or Asphalt. Throughout his racing career
Jack's car was easy to distinguish while in competition as it was green and
white, boasting a shamrock and number six on both sides. This unique
combination made the "Wild Irishman" one of Central New York's premier
drivers of the day and a racing legend to be remembered. In August of 1951 a
new racetrack opened in Oswego, New York. Murphy ventured there with his
'Shamrock 6' and quickly made Oswego Speedway his home.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
REMEMBERING "BUDDHA"
Dave
Dykes, Remembering Al “Buddha” Gaudreau:
If you were a modified racing fan frequenting Connecticut’s Waterford
Speedbowl during the better-part of the 1970s you’ll most-certainly recall a
sharp-looking blue & silver #3. The driver was Dick Dunn, and the big man
turning the wrenches was a good-natured smiling guy by the name of Al
“Buddha” Gaudreau. His wife Peg was the owner of the car aptly-nicknamed the
“Buddha’s Bullet.” That itself was trend-setting during an era when the role
of the fairer-sex in racing consisted mostly of cheering from the stands.
Peg was truly a “hands-on” part of team. With ultra-smooth veteran Dunn
behind the wheel, the husband & wife duo won an impressive 5-consecutive
driver & owner championships 1972-76, in the process notching more feature
victories than anyone else during the decade. Also included were
open-competition triumphs running against the absolute-best in the business.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Dave Dykes
Waterford
Speedbowl, Former Speedbowl Championship Owner Al Gaudreau Passes:
Waterford Speedbowl management was
deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Al Gaudreau this past Saturday.
Gaudreau, of Norwich, CT, operated one of the most successful race teams of
all-time at the famed shoreline oval. He passed away at the age of 70. Al,
affectionately known as “Buddha” by the racing community, along with his
wife Margaret “Peg” Gaudreau owned Modifieds during the 1970’s with Dick
Dunn behind the wheel. Their number 3 car became widely known across the
northeast as “Buddha’s Bullet”. The combination won five consecutive
Modified division owner’s titles at the Speedbowl from 1972-1976 and more
races than anyone during the decade. In the 1990’s Gaudreau and his son
Tommy competed in the Late Model division. Tommy along with drivers such as
Tom Fox piloted the car to numerous more victories and championships.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Long
Time Car Owner Al "Buddha" Gaudreau Passes at 70:
Albert E. Gaudreau, 70, passed away in Norwich
on Saturday, April 27th with family by his side. He was born on June 23,
1942, the son of the late Albert J. and Annie (Mazarelli) Gaudreau. He was
the beloved husband of Margaret "Peg" (Rude) Gaudreau who survives him. They
celebrated their 50th Anniversary just last year. Albert was born and raised
in Norwich along with his brother Tom who now resides in Griswold with his
wife Mary (Frye) Gaudreau. Al graduated from NFA in 1960. After high school
he worked as a welder at Electric Boat and for the plumbers and pipe fitters
union. In 1976 he started Al's Quality Auto and Marine Electric in New
London which he ran until 2005. Al and his wife Peg were avid auto racers.
He built and owned many winning race cars in New England. He made many
lifelong friends in the racing community and affectionately earned the
nickname, "Buddha".
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Tuesday 04/16/13 Jimmy
Smith Obituary, March 30, 1951-April 13, 2013:
James Edward Smith, Jr., 62 of Woodstock, CT,
died unexpectedly on April 13, 2013. He was born on March 30, 1951 in
Norwalk, CT to Jean Smith and James Edward Smith, Sr. He is survived by his
wife and best friend of 35 years Debra T. Smith, daughter and son-in-law
Jenna and Jason Seymour and grandson Taylor James, daughter Jessica Smith,
sister and brother-in-law Lebris (Lee) Quinn Gamble and Travis Gamble,
sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pamela and Thomas Bannon, brother-in-law
and sister-in-law Matthew and Tracey Tedone and brother-in-law and
sister-in-law Thomas and Joyce Tedone. He also leaves nieces and nephews,
racing buddies Ernie Dupont and Damon O'Palick and mentor and friend of 30
years Stanley Matzak.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Chuck
Montville Obituary:Charles A.
“Chuck” Montville III, 56, a lifelong resident of Windsor Locks passed away
unexpectedly on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Born on June 7, 1956 in Sturbridge,
MA; he was the loving son of the late Charles A. Montville II and Teresa V.
Hayes. Chuck worked for Sign Pro Inc. in New Britain. Chuck a loving father,
is survived by his two daughters Stephanie L. Montville and Kristen N.
Montville. He is also survived by his loving girlfriend of fifteen years,
Debbie Marquis and step-father Larry Hayes. Chuck’s passion for asphalt
modified racing started at a very young age and carried him through four
decades. Chuck worked on numerous modified teams and was an accomplished
tire man and auto body painter. Chuck was very thankful for the people who
helped him along the way; co-owner Debbie, best friend and driver Les
Hinckley and the 06 CMR Modified Team.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Racing
With Jason: Valenti Modified Racing Series mourns loss of car owner Chuck
Montville:
On the eve of the opening of its 10th
season, the Valenti Modified Racing Series must mourn the loss of one of its
own. Longtime car owner Chuck Montville passed away unexpectedly Thursday at
age 56 of an undisclosed illness. Montville fielded the No. 06 car driven by
Les Hinckley III. That owner-driver pairing wasn't the most financially
stout outfit in the VMRS pits, but they did enough to enter 2013 second on
the series' all-time wins list with 17. "Chuck made no bones about it," VMRS
public address announcer and media relations director John Spence Sr. told
MassLive.com Friday. "He didn't bring a lot of money to the table, but his
dedication and his hard work made him on top of his game.
Springfield Republican-Jason
Remillard
Charles
Leroy Elliott Passes, New England Racing Hall-of-Famer had a creative 75
year career:He built three new
speedways with his own hands and refurbished three more. Some of the
greatest drivers in auto racing history thrilled hundreds of thousands of
fans on those race tracks, leaving decades of lasting memories. New England
Auto Racing (NEAR) Hall-of-Famer “Charlie” Elliott, 96, passed away in his
sleep today, March 20, at his home in Hernando, FL. Self-educated, his
common sense approach, quiet vice-gripe handshake and humor matched by a
determined work ethic were his characteristics, building a legendary career
from New England to Florida. He began racing open-wheel open-cockpit cars in
1936 on the old dirt Newmarket (N.H.) Speedway and later became involved in
midget car racing. Rather than drive he preferred working on cars becoming a
mechanic and expert welder. After working as a submarine welder through
World War II at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, he began operating race tracks
and building race cars.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Remembering Hall of
Fame Member Melvin "Red" Foote
"Eastern
Bandit" and New England Hall of Famer Melvin "Red" Foote Passes:Melvin “Red” Foote, 85, of Chesterfield,Va.
went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 3, 2013. Red is survived by his
loving wife of 45 years, Loretta Foote; his step daughter, Linda Strasburg;
step grandson, Michael (TiAnna) Talley; step granddaughter, Michelle
(Richard) King; Sisters-in-law, Rev. Beverly J. Samford and Julianna Duke.
Red enjoyed racing stockcars for 35 years, is formerly known as one of the
“Eastern Bandits” and was inducted into the New England Hall of Fame for
racecar drivers in 1999. After retirement he spent much time at Newpoint
Campground on his boat fishing. Red was devoted to his cats and his good
friends at Dutchgap. Red will be remembered for his quick wit, humor and
willingness to help others and will be greatly missed by all who knew and
loved him.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Monday 01/28/13 Long
time local NASCAR racing official Carl Merrill passes away:
A serious conversation about New England
motorsports cannot be conducted without the name Carl Merrill being
included. For over 60 years, Carl had his guiding hand in the sport at many
tracks including Westboro Speedway, Thompson Speedway, Monadnock Speedway
and most importantly, Norwood Arena Speedway. It was a warm Saturday
afternoon in 1949 when 24-year-old Carl Merrill was sitting in traffic on
Route 1 in Norwood. As he approached the cause of the traffic jam he
discovered that an auto racing event was taking place. He knew nothing about
the sport and just as much about cars in general, but he was curious and
followed the crowd. He was bitten by the racing bug and was in the stands
the following Saturday.
Brockton Enterprise-Lou Modestino
Former
Riverside Park Speedway Modified Competitor Charlie Jones Passes at 71:Charles Ernest Jones, 71, lifelong
Agawam resident, passed away Wednesday January 23rd at the VA Boston
Healthcare in West Roxbury, MA. Born in Ludlow to the late Ernest and
Veronica (Carnes) Jones, he attended Agawam Schools. Charlie served his
country honorably in the United States Navy and was employed as a Precision
Machinist for various local businesses throughout his career. He was an avid
golfer, enjoying all the local courses, and was active over the years in
modified racing at several area speedways. If Charlie could swing a golf
club from a race car, he would. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by
his sister, Jacquelene Czupta. He is survived by his two children; Charles
E. Jones, II of West Springfield and Tammie Gulker-Graham and her husband
Darryl and their children, Katie, Christopher and Gare of Florida.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
New
England Antique Racers (NEAR) Announce 2013 Schedule, Club Elections
Completed:NEAR has announced its 2013 schedule with the season
opener slated for Sunday, April 28th at the Berlin, Connecticut Fairgrounds.
A “rain or shine” Summer Knights still-show, sign-in starts at 8:00. NEAR
visits several New England speedways from Connecticut to Maine throughout
the 2013 season presenting both still and running shows. Also on the agenda
are several reunion events and auto shows. Newly-added for 2013 is New
England Auto Racing Hall of Famer Billy Greco’s First Annual NEAR Picnic.
The event takes place on Sunday, August 11th the Polish American Club, West
Spring Street in West Haven CT. A still-show highlights the day. A detailed
schedule with full information on each event now appears on the NEAR website
at www.near1.com.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Sondra
Grady, Former Public Relations for Albany Saratogo Speedway and Wife of
Racing Photographer John Grady Passes:
Sondra Briggs Grady NiskayunaSondra
Briggs Grady, 76, of Primrose Ln., died Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at the St.
Peter's Hospice Inn. Sondra was born in Poughkeepsie, a graduate of
Watervliet High School, and SUNY Albany, where she earned her BS and
master's in education. She was a high school teacher with the Niskayuna
School District for 22 years, retiring in 2000. At one time she was in
charge of public relations for the Albany Saratoga Speedway and had also
worked at the Fonda Speedway. She was a member of AAUW, a volunteer at
Proctors and a former member of Schenectady Business and Professional Women.
She will be remembered as an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
and a member of the Business, Marketing Educators Assoc. She is survived by
her husband of 52 years, John D. Grady.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Former
Driver and Flagman Joe "Cast" Castellucci Passes:
JOE CAST, (Joe Castellucci) started racing in
1949 running most of the many tracks in the Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Area, including Medford, Hudson, West Peabody, Norwood, Manchester, and
Westboro where he was the long time Starter throughout the 70's after his
racing career ended. This was a time when racing 3 and 4 times a week was
the norm. Unfortunately most of these tracks have long since closed. Joe won
3 Championships and finished 2nd and 3rd on several occasions racing against
some of the best at the time including legendary Ollie Silva. Joseph T.
Castellucci, 80, died unexpectedly Thursday, November 8, 2012, in the
Addison Gilbert Hospital. He was the husband of Dorothy F. (Caulk)
Castellucci. As an automotive mechanic, Joe owned and operated M & J
Truck Repair in Gloucester for twenty years. In keeping with his love of
automobiles, Joe was a member of the Atlantic Auto Racing Association and
enjoyed racing for over twenty years.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Charlie
Mitchell, Popular Norwalk Hour Sports Editor and Auto Racing Writer, Passes
Away:Northeastern Auto
Racing lost a real power Thursday when Charlie Mitchell, the long-time
sportswriter for the Norwalk Hour, died. Charlie was the dean of New England
racing writers. The respect he had from competitors, from promoters, from
fans and, especially from other media members, remains unparalleled. Having
Charlie in the press box signified that it was indeed an event worthy of
coverage. He brought the skills he used covering other sports to auto
racing. He was one of a tiny group that was instrumental in making our sport
part of the general media scene. In that regard, he was a revolutionary
figure in New England auto racing history. Charlie and his wife Mimi became
close friends with my wife Jane and me. We will miss him. We extend our
condolences to son Charles, James and Dennis and their families. Pure and
simple, Charlie was a decent human being, dedicated and loyal to his
friends. If Charlie had an enemy, if there was somebody out there that
didn’t like him, he’s been hiding for decades. Plain and simple, if you were
one of the host of Charlie’s friends you were blessed.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Former
Riverside Park and Speedbowl Competitor Glen Reilly Passes at Age 60:Glen (Smiley) Reilly, 60,
of Island Pond,VT formerly of Northford, CT passed away on Sunday, October
21, 2012 surrounded by his family. Son of the late Francis Reilly and
Shirley Harvey Reilly (East Haven). Husband of the beloved Cheryl Perrella
Reilly. Father of devoted daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Dennis Bozzuto.
Dedicated and Proud Grandfather of Austin (Buddy). Dilan (Buddy) and Lacey
(his Little Girl). Brother of Elizabeth (Betty) and Paul Gertsch (Paul and
Scott), Francis (Frank) and Debbie Reilly, Robin and Rich Pollock (Tori and
Cameron), Nicholas Reilly (Angelica and Elizabeth), foster brother of Steve
Olander. His dog Snickers stayed by his side. In the 90’s-2003ish his dream
came true and he raced Riverside Park in a Strictly Stock #99. When
Riverside Park closed he raced a Late Model at Waterford Speedbowl in the
#09 and #99. Always having to compete with his wife Cheryl on who was a
better racecar driver (she raced Mini Stock #99). His joy for racing was
once again fulfilled when his three grandchildren began racing Quarter
Midgets at Silver City in Meriden for the past 3 years. He was the crew
chief, the most competitive member of our crew!!
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Former
Modified Driver Mark Zimmerman, Brother of Hall of Famer Denny Zimmerman
Passes At 65:
Mark was a NEAR member, former
Modified Driver and the younger brother of the 1971 Indy 500 Rookie of the
Year Denny Zimmerman. The Speedway Line Report sends our condolences to our
friend Denny and the entire Zimmerman family. Mark E. Zimmerman, 65, of
Glastonbury, died Monday October 15, 2012 at home following a long illness.
Born March 18, 1947 in Hartford, son of the late S. Edward Zimmerman and
Gertrude (Carleton) Zimmerman Maramarco, he was a lifelong resident of
Glastonbury. Mark was an insurance agent for New York Life until starting
the Zimmerman Insurance Agency in the early 1980’s which he operated until
his retirement in 2011. Mark was a member of the Mystic Mudhead Sailing
Association, the Swiss-American Association and the Glastonbury Chamber of
Commerce. He raced Modified cars along the East Coast and was the Soapbox
Derby National Champion in 1959.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
1965
West Haven Speedway Champion Red O’Keefe Passes-Away:
Red O'Keefe former West Haven Speedway
champion Red O’Keefe passed-away on August 9, 2012. Red, who had turned 80
earlier this year, was a standout New England modified competitor for many
seasons claiming feature events at a number of the regions speedways. He was
the 1966 West Haven Speedway track champion and nearly repeated in ’67
placing second to fellow United Stock Car Racing Club star, the late Johnny
“King” Cambino. The winning margin for that’s years title race was a scant
single point. In reminiscing about Red’s career, family friend Mike Guerette
stated “Red probably had his best years at West Haven competing in the tough
Non-Ford division. He also built his own cars, always with an emphasis on
safety. He added innovations like front & rear firewalls, a fire
extinguisher, and a full roll cage not unlike today’s NASCAR designs. In
addition to his championship, he also received many other awards at West
Haven such as “Top Driver/Mechanic” and “Most Popular Driver.”
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Bill
Slater Obituary:
Bill Slater, of Manchester, died
Sunday, (July 15, 2012) in Manchester. The son of the late Clarence and
Winona Slater, he was born in Norwich on Aug. 4, 1928. He drove Modified
race cars for two decades, winning over 100 events from Maine to New Jersey
including major events at Trenton, NJ and Langhorne, PA. He won track
championships at Waterford Speedbowl, at Norwood Arena and at Stafford and
Thompson Speedways. A competitor at Daytona Speedway, he was a member of the
New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame. Following his driving, Slater worked
at both Stafford and Thompson Speedways. He leaves sons Willam Jr. and his
finance Cynthia Poudrette, and Robert and his wife Bette; and grandchildren
Holly, Nicole, Brian, Suzanne and Amanda; sisters Joyce and Barbara and
devoted companion Karen Slater. He was predeceased by a brother and two
sisters.
SpeedwayLineReport.com
New
England Auto Racing Hall Of Fame Member “Wild Bill” Slater Passes At Age 83:
It was learned Sunday, July 15 that
New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member “Wild Bill” Slater has
passed-away. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. A member of the
first-class inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998,
Slater drove his first race at Lonsdale R.I. in 1949 and for the next twenty
years he won at tracks from Oxford Plains Maine to Trenton New Jersey. He
was a four time champion at the Norwood Arena and a two-time Sportsmen
champion at Thompson. He won on the dirt at Stafford and on the pavement
everywhere. He was often a top-three finisher in the NASCAR National
Sportsman championship run, even though he raced against full time drivers
while he held down a weekly job.
SpeedwayLineReport.com-Dave Dykes Former
Modified Driver Bill Slater Dies:
Former Modified Driver Bill Slater
Dies. Slater, of Manchester, was 83. “Wild” Bill Slater, a Norwich native,
began a 20-year career driving racecars in Lonsdale, R.I. in 1949. He was
part of the inaugural class of the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in
1998. Slater won championships at Stafford Motor Speedway, Thompson
International Speedway and the Waterford Speedbowl. He won races at Stafford
while the track was still dirt and also asphalt. He was a 4-time champion at
the old Norwood (Mass.) Arena and also. Slater scored victories up and down
the East coast at some of the nation’s most legendary short tracks and also
competed in Sportsman events at NASCAR’s highest levels. In 1960 he competed
in the first World 600 at the then newly opened Charlotte Motor Speedway,
sharing a ride that day with fellow Modified driver Ernie Gahan. The tandem
recorded a 13th place finish in the event. Slater was most recognized for
driving the Vitari-Bombacci owned V8. RaceDayCT.com-Shawn Courchesne
Tom
Ormsby's "Racing Remembrances":
Driver Profile: Billy Harman
On
Sunday April 15, 1951 a 7th grader
watched the first ever race at the New London
/Waterford Speedbowl. That 7th grader
was also attending his first race. Bob Swift
would go in the record books as the first winner
at the new racetrack. Young Billy Harman would
become hooked on racing after that first race,
never to miss a Wednesday or Saturday race for
many years to come at the Speedbowl. Like many a
youngster after attending their first race, Bill
knew he wanted to be a race driver.
In his sophomore year of high school Bill would
build his first race car in the high school’s
shop class, a 1938 six cylinder Chevy Coupe.
After school Bill would take the 38 Chevy to the
Morgan Farm, about a mile from the Speedbowl.
There were some weekdays Bill would drive the
car from the farm to the Speedbowl and sneak on
the racetrack. Bill recalls, “This was my first
opportunity to drive the race car”.**Don Rounds Victor At New London Speedbowl-1951**Mordino, Hill Win At Plainville-1971**New Breed Strikes At Stafford Springs Again
- 1972SpeedwayLineReport.com-Tom
Ormsby
