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By Dave Dykes
 (BERLIN,
CT.) Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile
Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in New England for over
3-decades hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers
such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie
Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, the late Dick Watson,
and many-more all toured the tight, demanding oval during its
long-history. In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and
2-time champion George Lombardo took their place in the New England
Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members
Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller.
Saturday, October 13th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the
Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels presents the Fourth Annual
Plainville Stadium Reunion. The event takes-place from 10am – 3pm at
the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, Ct.
It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph
from the personalities that made Joe Tinty’s much-missed oval
so-special.
Many former Stadium competitors including Dave & Fred Alkas, the
colorful Tony “Jap” Membrino, Richie Galullo, Danny Galullo, Jr.
1963 Champion George Hotchkiss, George Lombardo, Don Spazano, Don
Moon, Jo-Jo Farone, Bill Harman, and a host of others are expected
to attend.
Award-winning New England racing journalist and New England Auto
Racing Hall of Fame member Pete Zanardi looks-forward to the show
every year. “They just do a fantastic job with this reunion every
year, and it seems to just get better & better” he stated recently.
“With the memorabilia displays, it makes you realize that just about
everybody involved in our region’s modified scene has some sort of
tie to Plainville. It’s just a great event and something that’s
become a can’t-miss affair.”
As one of the organizers of the event, Gary Bienkowski is also
confident that this year’s edition will be better-than-ever. Both
prior editions were very-successful.
“This year we have even more to offer attendees” he states. “It’s
expected that there will be even-more memorabilia on display, and
former official track photographer Phil Hoyt has again has
stepped-up his display. There will also be historical videos
documenting some of the greatest moments in Plainville history.
We’ve also increased our efforts in reaching-out to the tracks
former competitors in all the divisions including the Novice class.
The response has been very favorable.”
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition on New
England’s only WKA Dirt Master track. Races include an “Old-Timers”
race for former Plainville competitors in addition to events for
IROC Juniors, Officials, Mechanics, and a “Powder-Puff Derby” for
the ladies.
The appearance of several vintage race cars adds to the days
festivities. The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) mobile Hall of
Fame display is also expected to be present.
Coming-off another successful season of competition on the Berlin
Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the two
organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event.
Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free.
The rain date is Sunday, October 14.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart
Club at garybien@snet.net |
