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Born Carl Steven Berghman, he assumed
the alias when he drove his first race at the Pan American Speedway
in Texas in 1957 while he was stationed in the service and his
racing was unauthorized. He kept the name when he returned to a New
England racing career that eventually lead to his winning 3 NASCAR
National Modified championships in 1967 through 69 driving the Len
Boehler #3.
Along the way he went on to become
Stafford Motor Speedway’s winningist driver with 72 modified feature
victories. He often ventured down to Martinsville Va. where he had 7
wins.
His numerous track championships
include Stafford Motor Speedway (4), Seekonk Speedway, (3), Norwood
Arena, (2), Albany Saratoga, Catamount and Thompson. His big wins
include the 73 Spring Sizzler, a pair of 500 lappers at Thompson and
several victories at Trenton and Martinsville.
His sudden switch in rides with
fellow Hall of Famer Fred DeSarro, to the Koszella #15 was a major
media event. Bugsy was a darling of the media and his last modified
race at Stafford in 87 was a premier event.
In 1970 Stevens tried his hand at
Grand National (now Winston Cup), driving at the Atlanta,
Darlington, and Charlotte super speedways. His sixth place finish at
the World 600 earned him rookie of the race honors. |
