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EPPING, NH- Back in the late 1970's and early '80's the
"Open Show" format was highly popular for pavement
Modifieds up and down the east coast, and Star Speedway
was a part of that. This Saturday night and 30 years
later, those memories will be rekindled by a new
generation of stars.
With drivers like 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee
Richie Evans from Rome, New York and Brian Ross, who ran
a few races at Star some 30 years ago from his Ballston
Spa, N.Y., home at the request of Evans, these type of
shows thrived in most instances.
"Richie was instrumental in making those races
successful," Ross recalls. "I don't know whether the
promoters called on him for help or if he did it on his
own. He would call up different guys or see guys at the
races and say hey come on up to the show at Star.
"Usually if he asked you or hinted that it would be fun,
you kind of followed up with it. He had that leadership
and charisma. He used his leadership role very, very
well."
The 2012 version of this Exeter Decorating SBM 125
Modified Open at Star will count only green flag laps,
with a pit stop to change one tire allowed, bringing the
potential for a race never seen at Star before. This
just might be a race that fans will remember 30 years
into the future.
Drivers such as Mike Stefanik, Matt Hirschman, Jon
McKennedy, Jacob Dore, Josh Cantara, Louie Mechalides
and Bobby Santos have visited victory lane at Star, and
are familiar with the surroundings. Others like Todd
Szegedy, Richie Pallai and Brian Loftin will compete for
the first time, while Doug Coby, Ryan Preece and Les
Hinckley will be in less familiar territory, but
talented just the same.
"I looked forward to going there just because it was a
different place to go, where you might get a different
group of guys you're racing against," Ross noted. "Those
shows were always fun. It was something different. It
gets you out of your regular routine and your points
chasing deal. Richie liked the shows that put up a good
purse and were fun to be at."
The Grand Marshall for the event, and former car owner
Mario Fiore is one of many fans who will be at Star on
Saturday for the first time in many years. These types
of events were always among his favorites. Fiore's most
memorable win came in the Race of Champions Modified
Open at Flemington, N.J., when a guy he didn't even know
at the time, Billy Pauch filled in as a last minute
driver replacement, and he won the race.
"It should be really interesting," Fiore remarked. "I
enjoy watching them race on a small track. I'm looking
forward to it."
The Saturday program begins with an abbreviated concert
at 4:50 PM, featuring Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks
Kelly. At 5:30 PM racing begins with heat races for the
Outlaw Late Models, Strickly Stocks and Roadrunners,
with the Exeter Decorating SBM 125 qualifying heats to
begin just after 6:00 PM. The main event is slated for
approximately 8:30 PM.
Admission for this special event is only $25 for adults,
with seniors and juniors aged 11-15 admitted for $15.
Kids 10 and under are FREE with a paid adult. For more
information log onto:
www.star-speedway.com,
call the track at (603) 679-5306, or check out the
official Star Speedway Facebook page. |
