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By Dave Dykes
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BERLIN , CT. ) Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut ’s
¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in New England for
over 3-decades, hosting some of the biggest names in the business.
Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny
Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, Dick
Watson, and many-more all toured the tight, demanding oval during
its long-history. In 2008, Plainville ’s all-time winner Dave Alkas
and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their place in the New
England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted
members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller.
Saturday, October 10th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the
Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels present the “First Annual
Plainville Stadium Reunion”. The event takes-place from 10am – 4pm
at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road , East Berlin ,
Ct.
It’s expected that many former Stadium’ racers will attend. It’s the
perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph from the
personalities that made the much-missed oval so-special.
Many former Stadium competitors including Dave & Fred Alkas, the
colorful Tony “Jap” Membrino, Richie Galullo, Danny Galullo, Jr.
1963 Champion George Hotchkiss, George Lombardo, Don Spazano, Don
Moon, Jo-Jo Farone, Billy Harman and a host of others are expected
to attend.
“This is shaping-up to be a wonderful event,” states Tom Ormsby,
himself a former Plainville modified competitor, and now the man
behind
www.speedwaylinereport.com and several other racing
websites. Currently residing in Florida , Ormsby is envious of those
that will be able to attend the affair. “I know how much work and
effort Gary Bienkowski, Dave Tracy, and Nick Kopcik of the Nutmeg
Kart Club along with Dave Alkas and the Berlin Lions Club put into
this affair,” states the transplanted Floridian. “Getting everyone
together like-this after all these years is bound to be a lot of
fun. They’ve done a great job. I’m unable to attend this year, but
it will be an annual event that I will definitely attend next year,”
he says.
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition
including an “Old-Timers” race for former Plainville competitors in
addition to events for Officials, Mechanics, and a “Powder-Puff
Derby” for the ladies.
The appearance of several vintage race cars help-add to the days
festivities.
Coming-off a successful inaugural season of competition on the
Berlin Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the
two organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event.
Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free.
The rain date is Sunday, October 11.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart
Club at garybien@snet.net |
