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For
Immediate Release:
Excitement Abounds
for NEMA with Preparation for Stafford's Sizzler
Manchester, CT (April 20, 2006):
On April 29 & 30, the Northeastern Midget Association
(NEMA) will take part in the 35th Annual Tech Net Spring
Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway. To NEMA the Sizzler is
more than just the second race of the 2006 schedule. It is
an occasion. The addition of the Sizzler to the NEMA
schedule in 2005 was a huge boost to the Club and
continues to be a great source of pride for the entire
organization.
"Stafford is an extra special place for me,"
said Andy Shlatz driver of the Rafferty Fine Grading #22,
echoing the sentiment of many NEMA competitors. "As a
kid I went to Stafford every Friday night to watch Bugsy
Stevens and all the great Modified drivers race. It was a
dream come true when NEMA finally got to race here."
The
prestigious event is a perfect fit for an organization
that is laden with racing tradition. The Northeastern
Midget Association is thrilled to be able to take part in
an event that holds such a special place for race fans and
competitors alike.
Last
year the Sizzler victory went to Ben Seitz of Monument
Beach, MA. This season there are several drivers gunning
for the defending champion and race winner including his
'nemesis' opening day winner Joey Payne. Other contenders
will include Randy Cabral, Nokie Fornoro, Adam Cantor and
Bobby Santos III.
Since
the return of the Midgets to Stafford in 2004, there have
been no repeat winners. In 2004, Nokie Fornoro scored the
win while Seitz and Jeff Horn shared top honors in 2005.
Each one of those drivers would like to change that
statistic.
At
Stafford; however, you cannot count out the 'dark horse'.
Pete Pernesiglio, who was very disappointed to miss
opening day at Waterford, is very hungry and ready to win
for his host of new sponsors. Other drivers poised to
return to victory lane include Keith Botelho, Ryan Dolan
and Barry Kittredge. This race could also prove to be the
breakout event for such young drivers as Mike Keeler and
Shane Hammond.
In fact,
Hammond of Bridgewater, MA, is especially excited to get
to the Spring Sizzler. Hammond heads to Stafford with
enthusiasm and a new level of confidence.
'I broke
a rocker arm adjuster at Waterford while leading,"
said Hammond. "But the car is ready to go for
Stafford. As disappointed as I was when it broke, I am
also so excited that the car is capable of running up
front."
The
anticipation will come to an end on Sunday, April 30th
when the mighty midgets roar into Stafford Motor Speedway
for their 30-lap feature event. Qualifying heat races for
the Northeastern Midget Association will be held on
Saturday afternoon, April 29 following time trials for the
Whelen Modified Tour. For a complete schedule of the
weekend's events log on to www.staffordmotorspeedway.com.
"Stafford is one of the nicest, well-run places that
we run at," said Tim Bertrand, car owner for Randy
Cabral, "couple that with thousands of fans in the
stands and the presence of other great touring series
there, the Spring Sizzler is poised to be one of the
better events of 2006."
For a
comprehensive look at everything NEMA check out the Club's
website at www.nemaracing.com.
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