Tag Archives: Norwood Arena

NEAR hosts the 17th Annual HOF Induction Class of 2014

The late Bob Tasca, Sr. a nationally known Ford dealer and drag racing pioneer from Cranston, RI was inducted into the NEAR HOF Class of 2014. Credit: Tasca Family collection.)

The late Bob Tasca, Sr., a nationally known Ford dealer and drag racing pioneer from Cranston, RI, was inducted into the NEAR HOF Class of 2014. Credit: Tasca Family collection.)

By Lou Modestino

On Sunday, November 16th, the New England Antique Racers (NEAR), presented the 17th annual New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Conducted at Manelley’s Banquet Hall in South Windsor, CT., the HOF celebrates literally hundreds of feature victories, championships, and untold contributions to the sport of auto racing within the New England region. Instituted in 1998, the HOF now boasts membership of well-over 100 deserving individuals. Continue reading →

10th Annual Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South at Bezema Motors goes Sunday, June 1

Pete Hamilton was one of the more prominent drivers to hit the big time after racing at Norwood Arena and won the 1970 Daytona 500. Credit: NASCAR photo

Pete Hamilton was one of the more prominent drivers to hit the big time after racing at Norwood Arena and won the 1970 Daytona 500. Credit: NASCAR photo

 

By Lou Modestino

Bezema Motors on US Route 1, the AutoMile in Norwood, is pleased to host the Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South Reunions for the tenth year in a row. For the past decade on the first Sunday in June, the Bezema family has hosted this event for the well known Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South. The Bezema family will once again serve lunch to attendees courtesy of Norwood’s newest restaurant, Boston’s Baddest Burgers and Sandwich Co.

This year’s celebration will be another opportunity to meet legendary competitors who raced at the long-shuttered racing venue. New this year trophies will be awarded to the top three classes for oval race cars, drag racing cars, classic cars and motorcycles. Attendees will be able to to share their memorabilia, programs, pictures and autographs. They will also get the opportunity to take photos of race cars, hot rods, classics and motorcycles featured at this event. It’ll also be a chance to get autographs for those picture and programs that are unsigned.

Brendan King will bring his ’63 Dodge Coronet facsimile Norwood Arena pace car, and all race cars, muscle cars, classic cars and motorcycles are welcome. There will be fun and memories of one of the greatest short oval tracks and the 1/8 mile drag strip in the northeast. In the midst of the socializing, DJ Jay will play nostalgic music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The Norwood Arena operated from 1948-1972, while the New England Dragway South drag strip operated in later years. Vendors are welcome to this event free of charge.

Last year notable drivers such as 1970 Daytona 500 winner Pete Hamilton, Leo Cleary, Don McCollough, Jerry Capazzolli, Bob Healey, Bill Singersen, Jack Malone and others came to meet and greet their fans.

The first 110 vehicles to attend the event will receive a souvenir dash plaque, while trophy awards will be awarded for best in show. The 10th Annual Norwood Arena/New England Dragway South Reunions will get underway at 10 a.m. and will run to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, rain or shine.

For further information call Bezema Motors at 781-769-4700 or the event organizer at 781-784-7857.