08/16/2004

NEMA History Unfolds at Seekonk

Seekonk, MA -- The Northeastern Midget Association makes it’s long awaited return to Seekonk Speedway on Saturday night, August 21, 2004.  This will be the first appearance of the Midgets at Seekonk since October 7, 2001.

“Seekonk is arguably the best track for Midget racing in the New England,” said NEMA President, Mike Scrivani.  “We are all very excited to be back here, to race for such great midget fans and for the Venditti Family.” 

To show their appreciation, NEMA will treat the fans to a number of exciting trackside promotions including an autograph session and a surprise contest that could prove to be lucrative to a few lucky fans.  Mike Jarrett of Helping Hands of America, fresh off a hefty contribution to the purse of the Boston Louie Seymour Memorial Classic last weekend at Waterford, has once again stepped up in a huge way to support the Northeastern Midget Association. With his help CAT Country Radio 98.1 FM out of Providence will be hosting a live remote at the Speedway beginning at 3:00 PM.  Fans are encouraged to partake in all the festivities leading up to the race, which promises to be exciting. 

The last time the NEMA Midgets made an appearance at the “Cement Palace” Randy Cabral of Plymouth, MA put on a tremendous performance to take down the win.  The young driver needs to execute a similar feat this year to keep pace with point leader, Ben Seitz of Monument Beach, MA. 

Seitz is on fire thus far this season.  A win in the prestigious Boston Louie Seymour Memorial Classic at Waterford last weekend increased his win tally to a club-leading three feature wins in 2004. 

The young guns have been hard to beat thus far with youngsters like Seitz, Cabral, Tim Heath and Bobby Santos, III dominating the win list; but it could just be the cagey veterans in the winner’s circle on Saturday night.  In fact, Nokie Fornoro of Stroudsburg, PA might be the odds on favorite to win.

As the winningest Midget driver at Seekonk, the PA native has earned 6 career wins here.  The most recent came on October 13, 1996.  Fornoro has a win earlier this year at the Stafford Motor Speedway in the Don Berrio owned #2 and will be looking to use his experience at the ‘Konk to join Seitz as the only repeat winner this year.

Other current NEMA drivers to post victories at Seekonk Speedway include Russ Stoehr, who trails Nokie with 5 wins, Drew Fornoro, Mark Buonomo.  Thanks to Cape Cod Aggregates all the teams and drivers have even more incentive this weekend, as they will vie for nearly $9,000 in prize money. 

Seekonk Speedway has a long and chronicled history with the Midgets.  The story continues to unfold on Saturday night; August 21 when the grandstands open at 5PM. Adult general admission is only $17 and children 12 and under are admitted for $ 5.  The Midgets join a full race card that includes four divisions of NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competition and the Seekonk Youth Racing Association. For complete information visit www.seekonkspeedway.com.

Source:  Mike Scrivani/NEMA PR
Posted:  August 16, 2004