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Providence, RI: On March 10 & 11, 2012, the
Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI, will host the annual Coffee
Cup Indoor Auto Racing featuring the small but powerful
Three-Quarter Midgets (TQs). And when guests enter the facility to
enjoy the annual event they will get an up-close view of a “sister”
racer, a full-scale Midget, courtesy of the Northeastern Midget
Association.
The racecar owned by Ed Breault that will be campaigned by Joey
Payne, Jr. of Fairlawn, NJ, on the Northeastern Midget Association
during the 2012 season will be in the entrance of the Dunkin’ Donuts
Center allowing fans to get a good look at a very similar car that
will be in competition during the two-day event.
“We are happy to be here in support of the Coffee Cup,” said NEMA
President Mike Scrivani. “This is an excellent way to introduce fans
to a race car that they may not be all that familiar. It is also a
great way for us as a racing organization to say thank you to
everyone at Dunkin’ Donuts, the Dunkin Donuts Center, and event
organizers, Area Auto Racing News, for providing both competitors
and fans with an incredible racing event.”
The event will also feature the Champ Karts.
The Northeastern Midget Association will run a special promotion to
support their involvement with the indoor racing spectacular.
Indoor racing provides an intense experience for both fans and
competitors. Top-ranked drivers from around the northeast from a
variety of different racing backgrounds gather together for the
bragging rights of winning indoors. In Providence, the track size is
roughly 1/10th mile. In the tight quarters, speeds reach in excess
of 70 miles per hour; providing plenty of thrills. The racing
surface is coated with cola syrup to enhance the grip on the track,
helping to ensure a fast and furious race to the checkers. Two- and
sometimes three-wide racing leads to some pretty spectacular spills.
During any normal indoor event, the likes of Ted Christopher and
Mike Stefanik from the Tour Modified ranks, dirt trackers like Billy
Pauch Sr., Stuart Friesen and Mike Dicely are joined by
Supermodified aces like Mike Lichty, characters like Timex Morgan
and a host of weekly racing series competitors to comprise one of
the most diverse and entertaining rosters found in racing.
The Northeastern Midget Association will be well represented on the
track as well. Payne, the 2003 NEMA champion, is among the drivers
considered favorites during the indoor circuit. Payne is a six-time
winner indoors.
Payne will be joined at the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts
by NEMA regulars including up-and-comer Todd Bertrand of Suffield,
CT and B.J. MacDonald of Pipersville, PA. A part time competitor
with NEMA, Lou Cicconi, Jr. of Lester, PA, is also a favorite. He
currently has seven (7) indoor victories.
Multi-time and reigning NEMA champion Randy Cabral of Plymouth, MA,
has competed indoors over the last couple of years. The talented
driver is still searching for a ride in Providence
In the support division, the Champ Karts will feature a group of
third generation drivers as the children of brothers Russ & Greg
Stoehr-Avery, Bethany, and Kathryn are scheduled to compete. Russ
Stoehr is a multi-time NEMA champion. He and his brother Greg
finished second and third respectively in the point standings in
2011.
Tickets for the Coffee Cup presented by Dunkin’ Donuts are on sale
now through Ticketmaster. Tickets range in price from $25-$45. The
Dunkin’ Donuts Center is located at One LaSalle Square in
Providence, RI 02903.
Previous TQ winners of the indoor event at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center
include Mike Iles, Ted Christopher (’09 & ’11), Mike Lichty, and
Mike Stefanik. In the Champ Karts Chris Daley is a two-time winner.
Also scoring victories have been Justin Bonsignore, Ryan Kendall,
and Brian Shields,
On February 10&11 many of the same competitors will compete in the
Len Sammons Motorsports Production’s Gambler’s Classic in Atlantic
City. The Three-Quarter Midgets will be joined by the 600 Micros,
Slingshots and Champ Karts
He may not be racing but NEMA’s own Keith Botelho summed it up
nicely for those who cannot compete in Providence.
“I'll be racing,” said Botelho, “racing down I-95 on my way to watch
the races.”
Botelho is a regular competitor with NEMA; finishing fourth in the
final point standings in 2011. |
