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By Dave Dykes
Twenty racing pioneers central to the success of the sport in New
England during its formative era will be inducted into the New
England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 18 at the
Speedway Clubhouse located on the grounds of the Hoenig family’s
history-rich Thompson International Speedway in Thompson,
Connecticut.
With voting administered by a blue ribbon committee of the region’s
racing history experts, the list of inductees is expected to read
like a “Who’s-Who” of the early days of the sport. The tally
presently near completion, a complete list of the inductees will be
published in the very-near future.
Many past HOF inductees have confirmed that they’ll be taking-in the
Pioneers Induction Banquet.
In addition to the inductions, among the day’s other activities will
be a good-natured “Roast” of the Hall’s members to be administered
by some of the region’s top raceway media figures including among
others, Rollie Jacobs, John Spence, Pete Falconi, Ben Dodge, and
Matt Buckler.
Several memorabilia exhibits will be part of the celebration, and
the popular Pronyne Mobile Museum will be present for attendees
desiring an “up-close & personal” view of the sports beginnings via
our region’s only museum. Renowned Eastern racing photographer John
Grady is attending, and with him he’ll bring his vast file of racing
photographs. Lew Boyd’s Coastal 181 Publishing will also set-up shop
for those looking to add to their personal auto racing libraries.
Doors open at 10:00 am, with dinner to be served at 1:00. Tickets
are economically-priced at $35.00. Reservations may be made by
sending payment to NEAR Pioneer Banquet, Box 172, Milldale,
Connecticut, 06467.
For additional information, contact NEAR President Val LeSieur at
508.238.7797 or email vallesieur@aol.com
Since 1998, NEAR has inducted over one-hundred individuals into the
New England Auto Racers Hall Of Fame, which is administered by the
New England Antique Racers. Notable inductees include Richie Evans,
Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton, Fred
DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco among others. |
