It was a living history class that anyone who respects New England’s rich racing heritage should attend at least once.
Racing journalist Mark "Bones" Bourcier (left) presents Modified racing legend Reggie Ruggiero with his plaque of induction into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Jan. 29 at East Windsor, Conn. At rear is Manchester Journal-Inquirer racing writer Matt Buckler.To understand the present, you need to have knowledge of the past.
That’s something I’ve prided myself on since I started this column nearly eight years ago. I didn’t start actively watching auto racing until 1998, but I jumped headlong into the sport’s history as soon as I became a fan.
The New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame induction ceremony last month was a master’s level course for me, as I was able to meet and mingle with many of the names I had only heard of or written about.
The biggest thrill for me was hearing Mark “Bones” Bourcier – a noted racing writer for Speedway Illustrated – say he had heard of my work. Someone who has written books about Richie Evans and others knows of a part-time racing writer from little old Springfield.
Congratulations again to all the inductees: Moe Gherzi, Jerry Humiston, Jim Jorgenson, Joey Kourafas, Roland Lapierre Sr., Irene Venditti, Reggie Ruggiero and Mario Fiore. A hearty thank you to past NEAR president Al Fini for introducing me to everyone. I will remember that day for a long time.
It was a living history class that anyone who respects New England’s rich racing heritage should attend at least once.
THE GAMBLER: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour regular Erick Rudolph drove to victory last Saturday in the “Gamblers Classic” – an indoor race for Three-Quarter Midgets – at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Wilbraham’s Glen Reen came in 15th in the 40-lap, 20-car feature.
Ted Christopher opened the festivities last Friday by holding off Northeast Midget Association competitor Joey Payne Jr. for the victory in a 30-lap preliminary feature.
Many of the same drivers will meet again at the “Coffee Cup” March 10-11 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.
SILLY SEASON: In recent weeks, a clearer picture has developed as to who will be driving what car on the Whelen Modified Tour this season.
In late January, Woody Pitkat and Mike Stefanik became the two latest dominoes to fall. The Hartford Courant reported Pitkat has hooked up with car owner John Lukosavage, while seven-time champion Mike Stefanik has entered a peculiar arrangement with two owners.
Stefanik will drive part of the season in equipment fielded by Ed Marceau and part in cars from Christopher Our. It will technically be one team but with two owners each providing their own equipment. Stefanik has driven for Marceau in the past in the Valenti Modified Racing Series, but is unfamiliar with Our.
As of press time, 2010 Tour champion Bobby Santos III is still without a ride. Bob Garbarino, owner of the No. 4 “Mystic Missile” that Santos has driven the past two seasons, is unsure of his 2012 plans. Santos, however, has plenty of options to fall back on with his USAC Asphalt Midget schedule and driving the July Nationwide Series race at Daytona for Tommy Baldwin Racing.
GIVING BACK: Barry Fluckiger knows how to win races and championships in the DARE Stock division at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway.
Now, he’d like to pass that expertise along to others in his new business venture. The 2007 and 2008 DARE Stock track champion has opened Fluckiger Race Chassis, a company specializing in building chassis for Late Models, Limited Late Models and DARE Stocks.
“What started out as a hobby for me has now turned into a business,” said Fluckiger, whose shop is in Somers, Conn. “I’ve helped several guys get to victory lane as well as winning championships, so if you’re looking to get your car into victory lane, give us a call, we’d be glad to help you out!”
PUTTING ON A SHOW: The annual “Racer’s Expo” takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Royal Plaza Hotel on Route 20 in Marlborough. A similar show – the “Need for Speed Motorsports Expo” – was set for next month at the Big E in West Springfield but has been canceled.
Jason Remillard can be reached at jremillard@repub.com