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(Brockton, MA) Young, but already a winning
veteran racer with impressive credentials, Bethany Viets makes her
NEMA Lites debut later this month at the Waterford Speedbowl. Part
of an on-going “Youth Movement” within the division, she’ll be
wheeling the Charles Gunther-owned Drinan chassis entry.
The Lites are part of the Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blastoff on March 27
& 28. The division will run qualifying and a 25-lap feature on
Saturday.
Started in 2008, the Lites Series has become a melting pot for up &
coming talent. Viets is typical of the youthful open-wheel
competitors drawn to the division with its affordable “spec” rules,
and a diverse schedule that includes an assortment of tracks
throughout New England.
“We’re looking very-forward to running the NEMA Lites Series this
year,” states East Granby, CT. resident Viets, who belying her
youthful status, has years of experience running on the dirt of Whip
City Speedway in Massachusetts. “We ran weekly at Whip City for a
number of seasons. I started driving at age-12 in the Micro Stock
class in a car owned by my older brother John, eventually advancing
to the Midgets. The Lites schedule involves some traveling, and
that’s part of the allure of the division for us. It’s going to be
great to run at some different tracks. Our team is excited about
2010 – it’s an opportunity for new experiences.”
A third-generation racer, Viets’ family has a long history in the
sport. Both her grandfather Mike, and father Scott are former
drivers.
Car owner Gunther of Vernon, CT. is also optimistic about the
upcoming campaign. He says enlisting the talent of the young driver
to wheel his Midget in 2006 was an easy decision. “She’s got a
tremendous degree of talent, and her record at Whip City certainly
shows that,” states Gunther, a former driver himself with decades of
experience in a myriad of divisions including Supers, Modifieds, and
of-course, Midgets. “I raced against Bethany, and I guess I just got
tired of her beating-me,” he laughs.
Lites Series Race Director Steve Grant expects a good-showing for
the division at the Bowl’ opener. “Interest in the Lites is
ever-increasing, esp. with the younger drivers that are trying to
break-into Midget racing,” he says. “It’s an affordable opportunity
for these kids to gain experience at a variety of tracks. There’s a
lot of talent out-there, and this is the perfect place for them to
start. We’re very-pleased with the way things are shaping-up for
2010.”
For more information on the NEMA Lites Series, visit
www.nemaracing.com |
