Despite Weather, RaceArama an Unqualified Success
11 March 1999
West Springfield, MA; -- Racearama kicked off the 1999 racing season in grand style this past weekend. Visitors were treated to a variety of motorsports exhibits. Hundreds of beautifully prepared competitive race vehicles where merged throughout a trade floor in the Better Living Center that featured the newest in racing technology. The Young Building catered to the race fan offering a large assortment of diecast and memorabilia vendors.In it's 19 year history Racearama has continued to grow, from it's beginnings as a static car show display, to today's complete motorsports production. This year's trade floor was expanded to accommodate the needs of the hard-core racers. While the veteran vendors like Spraker Enterprises and Capital Speed continue to be the backbone of Racearama a number of new vendors were on hand including CV Products, Track Fresh, Fastner Specialties, and AMB i.t.
This year all exhibitors, tracks, organizations, race teams, and vendors, took their displays to another level this year. The job of selecting this year's honors was a difficult task for the panel of judges. The most prestigious award, The Best of Show, was presented to Stafford Motor Speedway on behalf of Rick's Auto Body of Springfield. Stafford Motor Speedway's booth, designed with the assistance of Drew from Fountainblue Landscaping, incorporated running water fountains among cars from each of their competitive divisions. Fellow track exhibitor, Seekonk Speedway, was bestowed with the Best Speedway honors. Frank Ferrera Springworks honored the Springtime-theme of the booth which included tulips and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The Junior Best of Show Award was added to the '99 show in response to the increased participation of the Youth divisions in Racearama over the years. The goal of the Junior Best of Show, sponsored by Pinnacle Raceway, is intended to recognize the efforts of the young drivers in New England and to help bolster their racing careers. The inaugural award was presented to go-kart competitor Matt Fenn.
Diamond RV Centre's Best Independent Car Display was taken home by Todd Owen, who's two car display included a beautiful cobblestone landscape that was created and built by Todd and his team. The Best Use of Paint & Design Award, presented by Limberger Trailers, went to repeat winner Tony Bordoni of Bodyworks for his beautiful 1978 Camaro. The Best Commercial Display Award was presented to AirBorn Coatings on behalf of Track Masters. Airborn Coatings is a long-time vendor at Racearama. This year the addition of the Airborn sprint was the finishing touch to this beautifully designed exhibit.
On Saturday night, despite poor weather conditions, a packed house watched ten teams compete for the COLDFIRE Pit Crew Challenge Crown. Defending champions Team Donaco, headed up by Riverside Park Truck team of Kris Valerio-Sellers, put on up a battle for their title defense. They came up a few seconds short as the Gulf Racing Team headed by 44 Racing's crew chief Paul Clapprood, came on strong and claimed the title. The Pit Chicks, an all female cast, displayed a tremendous amount of ability during their shot at the clock.
Other winners on the weekend included Mike Flagler of Monadnock Speedway who took down the win in the Creeper races. Denise Audley of Shelton, CT won the Ultimate Season Pass. Denise will receive tickets for herself and a guest to visit 16 tracks this season.
Racearama was once again an unqualified success with the cooperation of vendors, fans, and the entire racing community. Look forward to Racearama 2000 as a huge 20th Anniversary celebration is being planned.