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 (BERLIN,
CT.) Some years-ago, a few former racers from Connecticut’s
long-shuttered Plainville Stadium met to discuss the possibility of
holding a reunion for the funky little oval opened in 1948 as “Joe
Tinty’s Flying Ranch” by its namesake, the late Joe Tinty.
His vision was “To provide the community a place for family
entertainment.”
First holding horse shows and circuses, before-long stock car racing
became the main attraction.
Regarding the reunion? It’s doubtful that any of the organizers
envisioned the success that would follow. In the realm of these type
of nostalgia-driven events, this one has turned-into one that fans
of New England modified racing simply don’t want to miss.
Saturday, October 13th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the
Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels presents the “Fourth-Annual
Plainville Stadium Reunion”. The event takes-place from 10am – 3pm
at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin,
CT.
Officially closed at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile
Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of racing in the region 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, the late 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.
As-in previous years many of these former New England modified
racing greats are expected to attend.
Organizers including track alumni Alkas, Moon, and Gary Beinkowski
of the Nutmeg Kart Club have again worked very-diligently to make
this racing reunion among the best in New England. In addition to
the many Plainville memorabilia displays expected to be present,
veteran photographer Phil Hoyt will have a booth offering an
assortment of photos for sale. Hoyt was the official track
photographer for many seasons recording the action each & every
week. His images remain simply timeless, representing a real slice
of Connecticut auto racing history.
The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) is also slated to be present
with its mobile Hall of Fame display & museum.
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.
Coming-off the 4th 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 14.
For more information, contact Gary Beinkowski of the Nutmeg Kart
Club at garybien@snet.net or visit Tom Ormsby’s
www.speedwaylinereport.com |
