Denny Zimmerman at the wheel of his NASCAR Modified when he raced up-and-down the East Coast with the Eastern Bandits. (Credit: Shaney Lorenzet photo.)
By Lou Modestino
One of the famed Eastern Bandits, Denny Zimmerman of Connecticut, has committed to attend the 11th Annual Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South Reunions set for Sunday, June 7, at Bezema Motors on US Rt. 1 in Norwood from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He was among three other members of that group that traveled the eastern seaboard back in the 60’s.
The quartet of drivers also included the late Rene Charland, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Ernie Gahan. Those four drivers burned up the NASCAR circuit both in the northeast and southeast carting off all the top prize money. So much so, that the points they earned got Charland the NASCAR Sportsman Championship and Gahan the NASCAR Modified Championship several times. Zimmerman also finished high in the standings for a few years in those divisions.
The lone survivor of the group, Zimmerman ended up leaving the NASCAR Modified and Late Model scene for the USAC Indy Car circuit. He ended up winning the Indy Car Rookie of the Year in 1972 after a fifth place finish at the Brickyard. He was driving a race car sponsored by Worcester Mack Trucks.
” I won a lot of money racing and took it all and learned to fly big airplanes. Before he retired, he admitted “to logging over 25,000 hours all over the world”, he said. Among the big planes he flew were the huge Boeing 747 freighters.
Fans who attend can look forward to see lots of race cars, oval and drag, as well as hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars and motorcycles. There will be trophies awarded for the top three in those four categories. Also, dash plaques will be given to the first 50 entries that turnout. All vintage and contemporary race and classic cars are welcome.
Fans should also bring their scrapbooks, photos and other collectibles as this event is always an opportunity to get autographs as many of the Norwood Arena Speedway and New England Dragway South turnout every year for this event. You can meet all of those drivers and talk racing. Also, bring your cameras to take pictures of the competitors and fans. As in past years, the Bezema family will provide a light lunch via Boston Baddest Burgers & Sandwich, Co and Mainely Lobstah. It’s an annual happening where those who remember the great racing at that venue entertained the fans on Friday and Saturday nights.
DJ Jay will also provide some great music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s era. Also, vendors will be on hand offering lots of items for the gear heads. All such vendors are welcome at no charge. Also expected is Don Thomas who is the webmaster of the Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South webpages. All fans and attendees are also welcome and admission is always free. The event will be begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m.
Bezema Motors is located at 401 Providence Hwy., US Rt. 1 southbound, in Norwood, MA on the well known Auto Mile. For further information, call the Bezema dealership at 781.769.4700.