As we open the books on our 2016 season, let’s take a moment and remember some of those that we lost since we last got together in October:
Steve Gustafson was a long time competitor, also known as The Bulldog. His wife Sandy was one of our scorers for many years, as was his daughter Tammi. He passed in October.
Ron Bouchard was a five time champion, and was one of the original inductees onto the Seekonk Speedway WPRO Wall of Fame. He passed in December.
Joe Brady was one of the long time car owners in the North East, fielding cars for many of the best modified drivers to compete, including Wall of Famer Bugs Stevens, Leo Cleary, Ted Christopher, and many, many others. He was a 12 time World Series Champion car owner at New Smyrna Speedway, but here, he will always be remembered for his Brady Bunch Pinto.
There are others in our families that have left us since, and to each of their families, our heartfelt condolences from all of us here at Seekonk Speedway.
Looking at our 71st season, it is my 22nd in the tower, and as we do each year, we look at some of the changes for the year.
On the facility side, there will be the all new pavilion in turn one, allowing our partners a unique experience at the speedway. As you may or may not have noticed, the upper grandstands in turns one and two have been removed to make room for this improvement.
Our guests will have the opportunity to catch all of the action on the speedway, in addition to having their corporate event separated from the hustle and bustle that occurs on a regular basis. If you and your company would like to learn more about this experience, call Ed St. Germain in our office for more information.
I hope you had the chance to see the all new championship banners located around our Wall of Fame, located behind the main tower. It looks great, and it’s a great way to honor our 2015 champions.
Speaking of Wall of Fame, on Saturday, May 21st, we induct our newest members into a special circle. Leo Cleary and Dave Humphrey were two pioneers in the sport, and more importantly, here at Seekonk, that laid the groundwork for today’s youth. I was one of the many young fans watching them show everyone how to get around the speedways around the northeast. Join us in honoring these two gentlemen.
Our schedule for the season is an aggressive one, giving our fans an opportunity to catch a few touring divisions that haven’t been at the 1/3 mile oval in quite some time.
At the top of the list is of course the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. It has been about a decade since the best in the open wheel division has visited the Bay State Oval, and the Anytime Realty 150 will allow our fans to experience the Groundpounders competing at one of the most exciting race tracks in the region. Anyone who remembers the last time they competed will say it was a great show. The return of the NWMT is Saturday, September 10th. Be sure to get here early to get a seat.
Although many of the drivers have competed here over the past several years, competing in both the Valenti Modified Racing Series and at the Open Wheel Wednesday event, both that have become highlights of our yearly schedule.
The VMRS returns for their yearly event on Saturday, June 4th. This will be a great tune up for the Open Wheel Wednesday, which is on Wednesday, June 29th. With $10,000 to win, this once again will be a match of the best of the best in the North East.
Also back on the schedule after a many year absence is the American Canadian Tour with the Propane Plus 150. Some of the best Late Model competitors will show up to the last Massachusetts speedway on July 16th. Joey Pole sat in Everett’s Auto Parts Victory Lane the last time Tom Curley’s gang came to the Cement Palace, but there will be a handful of locals that will try to keep the winner’s trophy at home.
These events will make this summer one of the hottest on record.
The Phil’s Propane Triple Crown will once again keep our regulars on their toes. The Triple Crown kicks off on May 28th, and continues weekly until all of our competitors get a chance to close it out in September.
Our Fast Fridays return in June, and will continue the education of many a young competitors. The Seekonk Youth Racing Association has seen many drivers move up through the ranks and win championships in many of our other divisions. The Sport4 and Pure Stocks continue to grow, as does the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends.
These divisions have seen some great competition and action over the years, and this year is sure to be no exception. Be sure to check them out once they kick off their season on Friday, June 3rd.
The South Coast Power Equipment Spectator Drags Series returns once again, with many shows continuing as part of our NASCAR Whelen All American Series Saturday Nights. This was a competitive one on one drag series, and will continue once again.
Then, there are the thrill shows, a staple of our seasonal schedule for over 50 years. It has been, and will continue to be a fan favorite with non stop action from beginning to end. From the Spectator Drags, to Enduro Racing, Powder Puff racing, Monster Trucks, Fireworks, and the Pumpkin Smash, there is something for everyone. Check out the schedule to see what is happening at each of the events.
Our 71st season is shaping up to be a great one. Be sure to join us as often as you can. I know I will be here. Will you?