Semi-Monthly Racing Commentary with
LEW BOYD
JANUARY 16:
DINNER
WITH TONY
This Web Site Designed By
Established 1981
The New England Antique Racers club is a non-profit organization that
supports the history of New England auto racing. NEAR has been in existence since 1981 and
has a growing membership of approx. 350-400 members and 80 antique race cars. Members live
throughout New England and are available, on a no charge basis, for exhibition events
at local race tracks in New England and several tracks in the New York area, with
both original and historical replica race cars.
Since 1998, we have inducted 102
individuals into the New England Auto Racers Hall Of Fame,
which is administered by the New England Antique Racers. Some very notable inductees
include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, Rene Charland, Pete
Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Note the meetings are now the THIRD Tuesday of the month from the 1st and the new
time of 7:30 from 7:00.
Triple A Restaurant
1209 Main St. (Rt. 5)
East Hartford, CT
<<Click Here>> For Directions
2012 NEAR Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
Sunday January 29, 2012
LaRenaissance Banquet Hall 53 Prospect Hill Road East Windsor,
CT.
Tickets are priced at $45.00 per-person Click Here to Download Order Forms
CLUB NEWS
NEAR Releases 2012
Schedule
15th Annual New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductions Go-Green This
Sunday
The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) have mapped-out a
busy 2012 schedule with events scheduled at a wide variety of the regions
speedways. Also on the slate is the 15th Annual New England Auto Racing Hall
of Fame Induction Ceremony to take place this Sunday, January 29.
The season kicks-off on Saturday, March 31 at Connecticut’s famed Thompson
Speedway, and concludes at the 3rd Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion to be
held at the Berlin Fairgrounds in Berlin, Ct. on Saturday, October 13. Among
other stops on the “NEAR 2012 Tour” are Seekonk, Stafford Springs, New
Hampshire International Speedway, Monadnock, Lime Rock, Bear Ridge, Lee,
Canaan Fair, Twin State, and White Mountain. Also included on the agenda are
dates at The Norwood, Danbury, and Pines reunion events. More dates may be
added in the near future. Access the full print-ready schedule including
dates & times at www.near1.com
Drivers Reggie Ruggiero, Joey Kourafas, Moe Gherzi, Jerry Humiston, and
Roland Lapierre Sr., owner/mechanics Mario Fiore and Jim Jorgensen and track
operator Irene Venditti will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing
Hall of Fame on this Sunday, Jan. 29 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall at 53
Prospect Hill Road in East Windsor, CT. For more detailed information, visit
www.near1.com
Since 1998, NEAR has inducted over 100 individuals into the New England Auto
Racers Hall Of Fame, which is administered by the New England Antique
Racers. Some very notable inductees include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, Bugs
Stevens, Bill Slater, Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke,
Sr. and Billy Greco.
In other NEAR news, New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Val LeSieur
has been named club President. Formally the publisher of Speedway Scene, one
of the Northeast region’s most-popular racing weekly’s, LeSieur brings a
deep knowledge of New England auto racing history to NEAR. Filling the
position of Vice President is the club’s Paul Masse.
Other members of the 2012 NEAR governing body include Mare Harlow
(Secretary), and Rhonda Blanchette (Treasurer). Serving on the Board of
Directors are Jim Splettstoezer, Brain Bancroft, Bill Henry, and Dave Dykes.
Serving as Board Advisors are New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member
Pete Zanardi and, Rod Seller.
15th Annual New
England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Takes Center
Stage On January 29 Moe Gherzi
The 15th annual New England Auto Racing Hall of
Fame Induction Banquet takes place on Sunday Jan. 29 at the
LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.
Traditionally a sold-out affair, more information on this year’s
event including details on ticket purchase, can be found at
www.near1.com
Driver Reggie Ruggiero and car owner Mario Fiore, at one time a
powerful force on the modified scene, head up the New England Auto
Racing Hall of Fame class of 2012. Drivers Joey Kourafas, car
owner/mechanic Jim Jorgensen and track owner Irene Venditti are also
members of the class. A trio of modified racing pioneers – Moe
Gherzi, Jerry Humiston and Roland Lapierre, Sr. are the 2012
Veterans Committee inductees.
Starting at Plainville Stadium, Ruggiero went on to score well over
200 feature wins, including 44 on the Modified Tour and a record 93
at Riverside Park. Between The Park, Stafford, New Smyrna and
Monadnock Speedways he claimed 10 championships. In addition to
Fiore, “The Reg” drove for the likes of Mike Greci, Ed Close, Bill
Pelley and Tony Moffo compiling a resume that included a Race of
Champions triumph and wins at some 20 different tracks including New
Hampshire International, Martinsville and Oswego Speedways.
The 200 NASCAR Modified crown with Jerry Marquis aboard tops Fiore’s
statistics. The list of drivers, in addition to Ruggiero, includes
Greg Sacks, Rick Fuller, Mike Stefanik, Mike Ewantitsko and Doug
Heveron and among the 200 plus victories are two Race of Champions,
two Spring Sizzlers, and a Thompson 300. In addition to wins at
Oswego, and NHIS, the Riverside Park product claimed nine track
titles. <<FULL
STORY>>
NEAR Member Cho Lee
Passes At 58
Cho Lee passed-away on Saturday, December 10. Cho was a
good friend to all involved in the preservation of New England auto racing
history, and was a walking-encyclopedia on racing in the Northern region. He
was an active member of the New England Antique Racers (NEAR), and served on
the Veterans Selection Committee. NEAR and its members send their sincerest
condolences are offered to Cho’s family & many friends. Cho's Obituary
follows.
BARRE - Cho E. Lee, 58, of Clifton Street passed away
unexpectedly en route to his passion, which was racing, a banquet on
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, in Topsham.
Born in Barre Feb. 15, 1955, he was the son of the late Cho Kong and Eva
(Wheeler) Lee.
Cho attended Barre schools and was a graduate of Spaulding High School,
class of 1972, and continued his education at Norwich, graduating in 1977 as
a cadet. After his schooling, he was a teacher at Twinfield School in
Marshfield. His last employment was at the Barre Food Bank in Websterville.
In 1981, he married Susan Carbonneau in St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre.
They later divorced but remained close friends.
His memberships include New England Antique Racers and AARP.
Cho was an avid historian with "Thunder Road" and developed numerous
black-and-white pictures of Thunder Road Racing. He also enjoyed football
games and Norwich hockey games.
Survivors include two daughters, Sheena Dawn Lee and her companion, Amanda
Morgan, of Barre, and Cassandra Grant, of Calais; his ex-wife, Susan Wilbur,
of Barre; two grandchildren, Jaimen Lupien and Casey Holmes Jr., both of
Barre. He is also survived by one brother, Wing Lee, of Seattle.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the
Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre. The Rev. Leopold J. Bilodeau, pastor of
St. Monica Catholic Church of Barre, will officiate the service. Family and
friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Burial will follow the service at Hope Cemetery in Barre.
In keeping car racing alive, contributions in Cho's memory may be made to
Lloyd Hutchins, P.O. Box 752, Barre, VT 05641.
Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer
St., Barre.
Published in Times Argus from December 12 to
December 13, 2011
Walt Renner
Racing Journalist Passes At 90
Recipient of NEAR Hall of Fame
Jack Ratta Memorial Media
Award
Walt (right) accepts the New England Auto
Racers Hall of Fame Jack Ratter Media Award in 2007 from Lew
Boyd.
Howie Hodge Photo
Walter H. Renner, 90, of Holyoke, was called safely home
on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. He was born in Chicopee, son of the late
Daniel and Bertha (Gerhardt) Renner, and lived in Chicopee before moving to
Holyoke, where he has resided for the past 67 years. Walter was a 1939
graduate of Chicopee Trade High School, upon his graduation he immediately
began working as a machinist at B.F. Perkins and Son in Willimansett, and
remained there for 47 years until his retirement. Walter was a United States
Army Veteran of World War II, a member of American Legion Post 353 in
Willimansett, and a charter member of Edward Drake Chapter 41 of the
Disabled American Veterans of Holyoke. He enjoyed music, and was the manager
of his daughters all girl rock band The Timbres. Walter was an avid racing
fan, who along with his late wife Ronnie, worked as representatives with
Chris Economaki's National Speed Sport News, Riverside Park Speedway,
Stafford Motor Speedway, and Thompson International Speedway. <<MORE>>
Gherzi, Humiston,
Lapierre
Hall of Fame Inductees
Moe Gherzi
Jerry Humiston
Roland Lapierre, Sr.
Click on photo
for Full Size
A trio of modified racing pioneers – Moe Gherzi, Jerry
Humiston and Roland Lapierre, Sr. – are the veterans committee selections to
join the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Class of 2012. The trio will
be inducted along with drivers Reggie Ruggiero and Joey Kourafas,
owner/mechanics Mario Fiore and Jim Jorgensen and track operators/promoters
Irene Venditti and Donald Hoenig at the 15th annual Hall of Fame Banquet on
Sunday Jan. 29 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT. Ticket
information and order forms will be available soon on the NEAR website
(www.NEAR1.com).
The colorful Gherzi was one of Southern New England’s first racing stars.
Driving for a number of owners including the Scambato and Garuti families,
Gherzi, who started in the Midgets, built an impressive stock car resume in
the formative years at Plainville Stadium, Riverside Park and the Waterford
Speedbowl. Following his 25-plus years in the cockpit, Gherzi was racing
director at Plainville.
Humiston was one of the United Stock Car Club’s brightest stars for over two
decades driving both Modifieds and Grand American cars. While the Bay State
native is usually associated with Riverside Park (three championships, two
500 wins), his prowess stretched throughout the northeast with wins as far
away as Utica-Rome Speedway.
The popular Lapierre is associated with the number 134 which he picked up
when he was the 134th car in line at Lonsdale Arena during the late 1940s.
“Pappy” scored his first victory at Lonsdale in 1950 and his last at Norwood
Arena in 1969, four years before he retired. In between the Rhode Island
native raced at over 25 venues finding success at now legendary ovals like
Keene, NH, the Medford Bowl, and Westboro, West Peabody and Seekonk
Speedways.
Kathleen "Kathy"
Brady LaJoie passed peacefully into Our Lord's arms Saturday October 15th,
one day before her 72nd birthday, following a valiant 2 year battle with
liver cancer. Born and raised in Norwalk, Kathy is survived by "The Love of
Her Life" Donald LaJoie, whom she met while in high school. Don and Kathy
have been married for 53 years. Kathy, passionately referred to as "Memere",
loved her time as a volunteer at St. Joseph's Parochial School throughout
her children's early school years. Kathy LOVED being a Mom, not only for her
own children but to so many others as well. Kathy was the ultimate lifelong
cheerleader for her husband's auto racing career then her son Randy's NASCAR
career and most recently her grandson Corey's.
<<MORE>>
NEAR At Danbury
Racearena Reunion
By Bill Henry On
Sunday September 25, 2011 the tenth annual Danbury Racearena Reunion was
held at the P.A.L. building in Danbury CT. This marked 30 years since the
famed race track at the Danbury State Fairgrounds had a wheel turned at the
track. The Southern New York Racing Association (S.N.Y.R.A.) also marked its
sixty (60) annivarsary.
The Danbury race track was known by the title " The East's most beautiful
racing plant. " This was seen on several shirts being worn in the crowd. The
words that were frequently spoken by many of the attendees was " there will
never be another Danbury".
Danbury hosted more than just the cars of the SNYRA, It was also a midget
track and hosted three boat races a fact unknown by the generations that
only knew stock cars.
Aspart of the celebration the reunion committee was fortunate to have stock
cars that raced at Danbury as well as a few midgets and a boat the raced
there on dispaly this year.
The floor also had on display SK modifieds, dirt track cars, a race truck,
go karts and soap box derby racing vehicles and a boat that had raced at
Danbury. Outside the facility were displays of restromods, street rods,
classic cars, radio control cars and The New England Antique Racer Museum.
There was food and drink for those who wished to purchase.As quite a few
folks noted 'too bad there is no fied dough and remember those french
fries.'
Walking through the crowd were former race drivers, crew members and most
importantly the fans who arrived some wearing the jackets and shirts of
those by gone days.
One of the crowd events that always amazes is the autograph sessions. People
line up to get their autgraphs like it was the old fairgrounds. NASCAR could
not get a crowd of fans like those in attendance collecting their special
signatures. Don Lajoie, Chick Stockwell, Bill Greco were a few of the
drivers observed speaking with fans and recolling events like it was
yesterday. As members of the New England Antique Racers Hall of Fame Greco,
Lajoie and Stockwell were crowd favorites. The NEAR organization would like
to thank the Danbury reunion committee for inviting our members to show
their cars. Dan Evon brought the Sean Donnelly # 52 the car to win the last
sportsman race held at danbury. Also contribting were Alan Benicaso with his
SK fresh from the track at Waterford with few hours of sleep
George Cleveland who brought the flat head powered Buddy Krebs # 5 coach of
Riverside speedway also there was the 1 CT of Pete Ballard which is an old
Danbury car known as #45 coach driven by Denis Pierce. Mike Flanagan had the
151 of Chick Stockwell, Jim Torok had the 009 of Lou Funk, Todd Britton
brought the car of Lou Prior. (This car is for sale information in the
classifieds at NEAR1.com) . Don Lajoie had his 7 11 as Don Moon had brought
his # 9 Pinto
Programs and tee shirts were for sale just like the midway stand run by Ed
White. So for those who missed it this year and for who came watch the
NEAR1.com wesite and the Ci Conneciticut Criuse news for the date of next
years reunion which will be held in the fall just like the fair at the PAL
building in Danbury CT. More Photos
<<CLICK HERE>>
Ruggiero, Fiore
Atop NEAR Hall of Fame List
By Dave Dykes Driver
Reggie Ruggiero and car owner Mario Fiore, at one time a powerful force on
the modified scene, head up the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame class
of 2012. Driver Joey Kourafas, car owner/mechanic Jim Jorgensen and track
owner Irene Venditti is also member of the class.
The group, along with three choices from the Veterans Committee, will be
inducted at the NEAR’s 15th annual banquet Sunday Jan. 29 at the
LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT. The Veterans Committee will
meet in October.
Ticket information will be forthcoming.
Starting at Plainville Stadium, Ruggiero went on to score well over 200
feature wins, including 44 on the Modified Tour and a record 93 at Riverside
Park. Between The Park, Stafford, New Smyrna and Monadnock Speedways he
claimed 10 championships. In addition to Fiore, “The Reg” drove for the
likes of Mike Greci, Ed Close, Bill Pelley and Tony Moffo compiling a resume
that included a Race of Champions triumph and wins at some 20 different
tracks including New Hampshire International, Martinsville and Oswego
Speedways.
The 200 NASCAR Modified crown with Jerry Marquis aboard tops Fiore’s
statistics. The list of drivers, in addition to Ruggiero, includes Greg
Sacks, Rick Fuller, Mike Stefanik, Mike Ewantitsko and Doug Heveron and
among the 200 plus victories are two Race of Champions, two Spring Sizzlers,
and a Thompson 300. In addition to wins at Oswego, and NHIS, the Riverside
Park product claimed nine track titles.
Tabbed “The Kid” after winning the prestigious Oxford 250 at age 21, Bay
Stater Kourafas went on to an outstanding career. Coming out of Norwood
Arena, he became a NASCAR North stalwart with championships at Airborne and
Thunder Road Speedways. The 1974 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman North
championship and the 1987 Busch Grand National title and some 50 victories
up and down the Atlantic Coast top his list of accomplishments.
Irene Venditti, one of New England’s grand ladies, joins her late husband D.
Anthony in the Hall. “Mrs. V” was, in fact, at her late husband’s side since
the track beginning in 1946, handling duties like publicity and handicapping
in the pre-computer days. Laboring in the interests of the “cement place”
into the mid 1990s, she has an incredible rapport with generations of
competitors.
A near-miss at the Indianapolis 500 in 1969 capped Jorgensen’s career.
“Jorgy” took an impressive list of achievements to the Indy car circuit
including success with the Flying Zero Modified at Riverside Park in the
late 1950s and early 1960s with drivers Buddy Krebs and Gene Bergin. He
moved on to the URC sprints winning with driver Bill Brown before teaming
with Buzz Harvey to form the Bulldog Stables in 1968. The team was first
alternate at Indy in 1969.
Recap of September 6, 2011 meeting with Dick Berggren
At
NEAR’s monthly meeting held September 6, 2011, Dick Berggren was in
attendance as an invited guest to discuss the proposed NORTHEAST MOTORSPORTS
MUSEUM to be located on the property of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and
to try and alleviate concerns that NEAR might have regarding said Museum.
Many of the NEAR members present participated in the discussion and raised
many valid concerns/questions:
· Who will own the building and the contents of the Museum?
· Who will maintain the building and surrounding grounds?
· What involvement will Bruton Smith and/or NASCAR have in the Museum?
· How long will NASCAR continue to include Loudon on the schedule?
· Admission fees?
· Do they want the Hall of Fame?
Each of the above questions and more were addressed by Dick Berggren to the
satisfaction of the NEAR members present at the meeting. The bottom line is
that Dick Berggren and his group wants the support of NEAR for their vision
of a Museum located in Loudon, New Hampshire dedicated to preserving all
types of racing (i.e. stock cars, midgets, dragsters, motorcycles, etc.) in
New England, not only stock car racing which is the main focus of NEAR & the
Hall of Fame. Dick’s group in no way wants to take the Hall of Fame away
from NEAR, they only want NEAR to support and promote them if asked about it
by anyone. Of course, if individual members want to loan their personal
racing collection items to the Museum in the future that would be between
the individual and the Museum.
Inviting Dick Berggren to speak at our meeting was probably the best thing
the Club could do to iron out the issues.
Raymond
"Hully" Bunn, 91, of Bristol died Thursday, (August 25, 2011) surrounded by
family. A lifelong resident of Bristol, Hully was born on April 14, 1920.
His passion for racing spanned over 60 years. He won the first 100 Mile
Langhorne National Open for Modifed Sportsman Stock Cars, which is now known
as the Race of Champions. He also won the first race ever held at Lebanon
Valley Speedway in New York. His winning spirit on the racetrack carried
through to him professionally as owner of B&M Machine Shop and B&M Gem Shop,
as well as a proud member of the 7th armored division commanded by Gen.
Patton during World War II. Hully leaves his family and friends with many
happy memories. He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Pringal) Bunn; son
Ronald Bunn and daughter-in-law Celina of Bristol, daughter Holly Bunn and
son-in-law Mark Russo of New Hartford; and brother Charles and sister-in-law
Virginia of Bristol. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Lauren McCarthy of
Bristol, and Mitchell McCarthy of New York City; and several beloved nieces
and nephews. Hully was predeceased by sister Norma Kozlak, brother Donald
Bunn, and his first wife Helen (Radke) Bunn.
According to his wishes, services will be held privately by the family. A
gathering of his family, friends and the racing community will be announced
at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
American Heart Association , 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492
Published in the Hartford Courant 8-31-11
New England Auto Racing
Hall of Famer "Sonny" Rabideau Dies at Age 82
Moran H., "Sonny" Rabideau, 82 of Walker Place died
unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, August 9, 2011 at his home following a
period of failing health. Mr. Rabideau was born in Brattleboro on May 16,
1929 the son of Henry and Lena (Burdo) Rabideau. He was raised and educated
in town and had attended Saint Michael's Parochial School. He proudly served
his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War stationed in Austria. He
returned home to Brattleboro following his honorable discharge from active
service in 1951. Mr. Rabideau had been employed as a machinist working at
Tri-State Automotive where he retired from following 42 years of faithful
service with the company. On a part-time basis he plowed snow during the
winter months for Chester Majdak. An accomplished stock car driver known as
the "Flying Frenchman", he competed throughout the New England circuit
winning 109 feature races in the 1950s, 60's and 70s. To his credit, he won
five New England Dirt Track championships, four Vermont Dirt Track
championships and in 2005 was inducted into the New England Antique Racers
Hall of Fame. <FULL STORY CLICK HERE>
New England Auto Racing
Hall of Famer Raymond "Hully" Bunn dies at 91
Raymond “Hully” Bunn of Bristol died at age 91 on
August 25 at Bristol Hospital after an illness. Bunn won more than a hundred
Stock Car races in a career that lasted from 1949 to 1965 and was inducted
into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2001.
Bunn was motivated to get into racing by a medical diagnosis he received
when he mustered out of the Armed Forces shortly after World War II. The
examining physician took him aside and told him that he had a bad heart and
needed to take it easy. “I thought, what the hell, if I’m going to die soon
any way I might as well enjoy myself, so I started racing,” Bunn recalled.
His first race was during the 1949 season at Plainville (CT) Stadium. His
biggest win may have been the first 100 Mile Langhorne National Open for
Modified Sportsman Stock Cars (now known as the Race of Champions) at
Langhorne, PA on October 14, 1951 with relief from his friend and colleague
Dick Eagan. In that race, Bunn defeated such luminary fellow pioneers as
Bobby Myers, Frankie Schneider, Dutch Hoag and Steve Danish. He went back to
Langhorne in the spring of 1952 and won another extra distance race, and in
the Spring of 1954, he won the first race ever held at Lebanon Valley
Speedway in New York.
<FULL STORY CLICK HERE>
New England Auto
Racing Hall of Fame Member Val LeSieur Hospitalized
Hall of Fame Car Owner
Richie Garuti Passes Richie (left) and Ray Garuti
being inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame by Jackie Arute
Richard
Garuti Sr., 83, of Kensington, passed away Monday afternoon at Hospice in
Branford with his loving wife of 57 years, Rose (Daddabbo) Garuti by his
side. Born in New Britain, the son of the late Joseph and the late Julia (Catabrigga)
Garuti, he graduated from New Britain High School, served in the US Army in
Korea and in the Connecticut National Guard, and was part-owner of Ray's
Garage with his brother for 40 years before his retirement in 1989. Inducted
into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, he and his brother were
considered New England auto racing pioneers, and were known throughout New
England for building midget and stock cars. They built their first stock car
for Plainville Stadium in the early 50's and continued to construct winning
cars for the next two-plus decades, scoring on both the United Stock Club
and NASCAR circuits at Riverside, Cherry Park, Agawam, Thompson, Stafford
Springs, Waterford, and many other tracks. He enjoyed traveling, watching
football and basketball games and automobile racing, and was a great lover
of dogs, especially his boxers Duke and Sarge. Loving all children, he will
be remembered for his kindness and generosity. In addition to his wife, he
is survived by a son, Richard Garuti Jr. and his wife Marjorie of
Plantsville, a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and John Sayers of Berlin, his
beloved grandchildren, Katie Parafati and her husband Enzo and their
daughter Remi Carina Parafati, Sarah Griffin and her husband Richard and
their daughter Lilly Joy Griffin, Karen Garuti, John Richard Sayers, and
Richard Garuti III, a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Irene Garuti of
Southington, two sisters, Eve Andre of Silver Springs, Maryland, and
Geraldine Mokulis of Southington, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces,
and great-nephews. His family would like to thank Apple Rehab in Plainville,
Connecticut Hospice, and family and friends, for their care and support.
A graveside service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in West Lane Cemetery on
High Road, Kensington. Friends and relatives are invited to call at Porter's
Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington, on Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
Directions to the funeral home can be found at:
www.portersfuneral.com
Published in the Hartford Courant 6/15/11
2011 New England
Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Plays To Packed House
NEAR….the Beginning
By Al Fini
NEAR was started by the single-handed efforts of one man, Ed
Clark. This article attempts to trace the motivation and the actions that
started NEAR.
In my opinion, NEAR’s
conceptioncan be traced tothe racing career of George Clark,
Sr. George was a racer’s racer of the post WWII period when so many
daredevils took to the early bullrings without any regard to safety or
sanity. He started racing motorcycles in 1939 and when he got home from the
War he started driving the notoriously dangerous homemade “Big Cars” that
were the fore-runners of today’s sprint cars. Later, he was among the first
to drive the “jalopies” and then drove modifieds until a broken shoulder
side-lined him in 51. Then he had a long career in the “strictly stock” late
models that became popular in the United Stock Car Club of Harvey Tattersall
and NASCAR with Bill France. In 1950 the Cavano Bros. bought him a brand new
Oldsmobile from an East Hartford dealer that they took to NASCAR and Daytona
Beach.
George lived to race.
George loved to race and he always raced for money, not trophies. It is very
difficult today to document his career. He often won races in other driver’s
cars using fictitious names or as a fill-in for other drivers. Ed says his
dad has the credentials that the Veteran’s Committee should look at as a
nominee to the NEAR Hall of Fame. <<Click Here For Full
Article>>
NEW ENGLAND AUTO RACERS HALL OF FAME MEMBERSHIP
Dave Alkas 2008, Gene Angelillo 2006, Dick Armstrong 2005, Jack Arute Sr. 2001
Bob
Bahre 2009, George Barber 2007, Art Barry 2009, Dick Batchelder 2008, Gene
Bergin 1998, Dick Berggren 2008, Len Boehler 2004, Red Bolduc 2005, Vic Bombaci
2006, Ron Bouchard 2000, Smokey Boutwell 2005, Joe Brady 2008, Bert Brooks 2009,
Howie Brown 2008, Hully Bunn 2001; Moon Burgess 2003
Jean Paul Cabana 2007, Fats Caruso 2000, Rene Charland 1998, Leo Cleary 1999, on
Collins 2005; Russ Conway 2006, Robbie Crouch 2006, Joe Csiki 2005, Red Cummings
2006, Tom Curley 2009, Ralph Cusack 2001
Dave Darveau 2008, Fred DeSarro 1999, Dave Dion 2007, Dick Dixon 2004, Beaver
Dragon 2004, Bobby Dragon 2009, Homer Drew 2000
Dick Eagan 2007, Charlie Elliott 2000, Richie Evans 1998
Stub Fadden 2003, John Falconi Sr. 2007, John Fitch 2009, Ed Flemke 1998, Red
Foote 1999, Nick Fornoro Sr. 2002, Fred Frame 2004
Ernie Gahan 1998, Johnny Gammell 2008, Dick Garrett 2007, Sharky Gaudiosi 2006,
Harry Grant 2005, Billy Greco 1999.
Pete Hamilton 1998; Harold Hanaford 2009, Billy Harman 2004, Hop Harrington
1999, John Hoenig 2003, Dave Humphrey 2000
Charlie Jarzombek 2004, Bob Johnson 2007, Booker Jones 2003, Bob Judkins 2003
Johnny Kay 2006, Buddy Krebs 2000, Sonny Koszela 2002
Don
LaJoie 2000, Bob Libby 2006, Phil Libby 2006, Rollie Lindblad 2009, George
Lombardo 2008, Fred Luchesi 2008
Don
MacLaren 2002, Don MacTavish 2001, Dick McCabe 2002, John McCarthy 2007, Jim
McConnell 2009, Jim McGee 2006, Jocko Maggiacomo 2000, Ray Miller 2002, Ralph
Moody 2000
Ron Narducci 2000
Sammy Packard 2004, Bob Polverari 2003, Bob Potter 2007
Sonny Rabideau 2005, Billy Randall 2006, Paul Richardson 2009, Oscar Ridlon
2005, Marvin Rifchin 1999, John Rosati 2007, Joe Rosenfield 2006, Fred Rosner
2001, Don Rounds 2001, Art Rousseau, 2001
Bobby Santos 2001, Ollie Silva 1998, Bill Schindler 2004, Mike Scrivani Jr.,
2008, Boston Louie Seymour 2006, Bill Slater 1998, Bertha Small 2009, Ken Smith
2006, Joe Sostilio 2003, Ken Squier 2002, Bugsy Stevens 1998, Chick Stockwell
2001, George Summers 2000
Harvey Tattersall 1998, Johnny Thomson 2002, Paul Tremaine 2004, Reino Tulonen
2005,
D.Anthony Venditti 1999, Bob Vitari 2006
Bentley Warren 2007, Dick Watson 2003, Phil Walters (Ted Tappett) 2002, Bill
Welsh 1998, Eddie West 1999, Bill Wimble 2002, Dick Wolstenhulme 2006
Kathleen "Kathy"
Brady LaJoie passed peacefully into Our Lord's arms Saturday October 15th,
one day before her 72nd birthday, following a valiant 2 year battle with
liver cancer. Born and raised in Norwalk, Kathy is survived by "The Love of
Her Life" Donald LaJoie, whom she met while in high school. Don and Kathy
have been married for 53 years. Kathy, passionately referred to as "Memere",
loved her time as a volunteer at St. Joseph's Parochial School throughout
her children's early school years. Kathy LOVED being a Mom, not only for her
own children but to so many others as well. Kathy was the ultimate lifelong
cheerleader for her husband's auto racing career then her son Randy's NASCAR
career and most recently her grandson Corey's.
At
NEAR’s monthly meeting held September 6, 2011, Dick Berggren was in
attendance as an invited guest to discuss the proposed NORTHEAST MOTORSPORTS
MUSEUM to be located on the property of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and
to try and alleviate concerns that NEAR might have regarding said Museum.
Richard
Garuti Sr., 83, of Kensington, passed away Monday afternoon at Hospice in
Branford with his loving wife of 57 years, Rose (Daddabbo) Garuti by his
side. Born in New Britain, the son of the late Joseph and the late Julia (Catabrigga)
Garuti, he graduated from New Britain High School, served in the US Army in
Korea and in the Connecticut National Guard, and was part-owner of Ray's
Garage with his brother for 40 years before his retirement in 1989. Inducted
into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, he and his brother were
considered New England auto racing pioneers, and were known throughout New
England for building midget and stock cars. They built their first stock car
for Plainville Stadium in the early 50's and continued to construct winning
cars for the next two-plus decades, scoring on both the United Stock Club
and NASCAR circuits at Riverside, Cherry Park, Agawam, Thompson, Stafford
Springs, Waterford, and many other tracks. He enjoyed traveling, watching
football and basketball games and automobile racing, and was a great lover
of dogs, especially his boxers Duke and Sarge. Loving all children, he will
be remembered for his kindness and generosity. In addition to his wife, he
is survived by a son, Richard Garuti Jr. and his wife Marjorie of
Plantsville, a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and John Sayers of Berlin, his
beloved grandchildren, Katie Parafati and her husband Enzo and their
daughter Remi Carina Parafati, Sarah Griffin and her husband Richard and
their daughter Lilly Joy Griffin, Karen Garuti, John Richard Sayers, and
Richard Garuti III, a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Irene Garuti of
Southington, two sisters, Eve Andre of Silver Springs, Maryland, and
Geraldine Mokulis of Southington, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces,
and great-nephews. His family would like to thank Apple Rehab in Plainville,
Connecticut Hospice, and family and friends, for their care and support.