Art Barry (right) has been responsible for giving winning Modified race cars to drivers for over six decades. (Credit: Jim Dupont photo)
By Lou Modestino
Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, New York completed his goal Saturday night, December 6, when he officially became the 2014 Valenti Modified Racing Series champion at the 11th annual VMRS Awards Banquet at Best Western Executive Inn, Manchester, NH.
The 26-year-old driver shared the podium with car owner Art Barry.
Bonsignore thanked his pit crew for their hard work and dedication, crew chief Kenny Barry, Spafco Race Cars & Parts, Spearpoint Racing, series sponsor Bob Valenti Auto Mall, VMRS officials, and gave a heartfelt thank you to car-owner Barry for making it possible and for giving him the opportunity and privilege to be part of a race team loaded with successful history for over 60 years.
Bonsignore becomes the fifth champion in the 11-year series history.
Barry of Preston, CT, when introduced, received a rousing standing ovation for his second series title and for his dedication to modified racing. An emotional Barry thanked all for their support and was read a special message from his wife, Deb, who for the first time was unable to attend due to illness.
Additionally, the top 14 drivers in the standings received recognition and awards from series President Jack Bateman including; runner-up Rowan Pennink, Richard Savary, Chris Pasteryak, Max Zachem, Mike Willis. Jr, Steve Masse, Keith Rocco, Norm Wrenn, Todd Szegedy, Dylan, Kopec, Tommy Barrett, Woody Pitkat, Matt Mead and Ted Christopher.
2014 Specialty Awards, chosen by series officials were presented to
Spafco Most Improved Driver: David Schneider
Tough Luck Award: Matt Mead
Sportsmanship Award: Willie Doucette
Mechanic of the Year: Kenny Barry
Rookie of the Year: #38 Michael Willis Jr
Dedication to Racing Award: Norm Wrenn
Volunteer of the Year Award: Ryan Doucette
Above and Beyond Award: Warren Alston
Bob Polverari 7-11 Award: Norm Wrenn
Bateman announced a 17-race tentative schedule for 2015. Any races at Waterford Speedbowl will be announced at a later date.
2015 Tentative Schedule
Show Dates / Event / Location
Jan. 17th & 18th Auto Parts Swap ‘N Sell, Big E Living Center
W. Springfield, MA
Feb. 6th & 7th The Racer’s Expo, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA
Feb. 7th VMRS Annual Meeting held @ Racer’s Expo,
Marlborough, MA
Feb. 28th & March 1st Frank Maratta’s Auto Show & Race – A – Rama Big E Living Center, W. Springfield, MA
Race Date / Track Location / Laps
TBD The Series Hopes To Secure Three Dates At Waterford
Waterford Speedbowl Waterford, CT 100 Laps
April 18th Monadnock Speedway Winchester, NH 100 Laps
May 22nd Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT 80 Laps
May 30th Airborne Speedway Plattsburgh, NY 100 Laps
June 6th Seekonk Speedway Seekonk, MA 100Laps
June 19th Lee USA Speedway Lee, NH 100 laps
June 26th Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT 80 Laps
July 4th Monadnock Speedway Winchester, NH 100 Laps
July 24th Devil’s Bowl Speedway Fair Haven, VT 100 Laps
August 1st Beech Ridge Speedway Scarborough, ME 100 Laps
TBD Waterford Speedbowl Waterford, CT 100 Laps
August 22nd Monadnock Speedway Winchester, NH 100 Laps
August 29th Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford, ME 100 Laps
September 4th Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT 80 Laps
October 10th & 11th Lee USA Speedway Lee, NH 100 Laps
October 17th Thompson Speedway Thompson, CT 50 Laps
TBD Waterford Speedway Waterford, CT 100 Laps