RGeeProductions
04-06-2012, 10:45 PM
8TH ANNUAL NORWOOD ARENA REUNION SET FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 3 AT BEZEMA MOTORS IN NORWOOD, MA
The Norwood Arena Reunion held at Bezema Motors on the Auto Mile in Norwood has become an annual party for race fans in celebration of the famous but shuttered Norwood Arena. The quarter-mile oval was torn down in 1972 to make way for the current industrial park. The NASCAR-sanctioned venue was the scene of many fierce and exciting races on its high banks on Saturday nights during the racing season.
As in previous years celebrations, many drivers who used to race at the arena will be present once again on June 3. Also partaking in the event will be those die-hard fans who didn't think of being anywhere else when that short track was going strong offering exciting racing every single Saturday night. The reunion is hosted by the Bezema family who are responsible for making this event happen on the first Sunday in June every year. They also generously provide a free light lunch for attendees in their adjacent Marty's Cafe. The late Martin Bezema, Sr., raced at Norwood Arena for many years, and this is a tribute to him as well as to the other competitors.
Norwood Arena was the scene of some hotly contested midget, cutdown, modified, late model, sports car and motorcycle races from 1948 through 1972. In later years the gravel parking lot was paved and turned into a 1/8-mile drag strip dubbed the "New England Dragway South."
Attendees on Sunday, June 3, can expect to see restored vintage oval track race cars, sports cars, motorcycles and drag racing machines as well as classic, muscle cars and hot rods. The celebration has drawn over 110 vehicles for an auto show which awards trophies for the best race car, street classic car and motorcycle. Each vehicle is also given a dash plaque as a souvenir of the event along with a goody bag.
Also expected again is Don Thomas, the Norwood Arena webmaster, who flies in every year to display his work and to take pictures to update his webpage. Fans are encouraged to bring old programs, pictures, etc. to the reunion to share viewing with others in attendance. Various collectable vendors will also be on hand. Also expected is the NEAR mobile Hall of Fame truck in concert with the Pro9 racing museum of Pawtucket, RI. Former drivers are always eager to sign autographs on pictures and programs.
The Norwood Arena Reunion, held on the first Sunday in June every year, starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m., rain or shine. This year's event is set for Sunday, June 3, at Bezema Motors on the Auto Mile, Route One, in Norwood. For more information, contact Bezema Motors at 781-769-4700, or organizer Lou Modestino at 781-784-7857 in Sharon, MA. Invitations to this party have gone out to various competitors, officials and fans.
Lou Modestino
The Norwood Arena Reunion held at Bezema Motors on the Auto Mile in Norwood has become an annual party for race fans in celebration of the famous but shuttered Norwood Arena. The quarter-mile oval was torn down in 1972 to make way for the current industrial park. The NASCAR-sanctioned venue was the scene of many fierce and exciting races on its high banks on Saturday nights during the racing season.
As in previous years celebrations, many drivers who used to race at the arena will be present once again on June 3. Also partaking in the event will be those die-hard fans who didn't think of being anywhere else when that short track was going strong offering exciting racing every single Saturday night. The reunion is hosted by the Bezema family who are responsible for making this event happen on the first Sunday in June every year. They also generously provide a free light lunch for attendees in their adjacent Marty's Cafe. The late Martin Bezema, Sr., raced at Norwood Arena for many years, and this is a tribute to him as well as to the other competitors.
Norwood Arena was the scene of some hotly contested midget, cutdown, modified, late model, sports car and motorcycle races from 1948 through 1972. In later years the gravel parking lot was paved and turned into a 1/8-mile drag strip dubbed the "New England Dragway South."
Attendees on Sunday, June 3, can expect to see restored vintage oval track race cars, sports cars, motorcycles and drag racing machines as well as classic, muscle cars and hot rods. The celebration has drawn over 110 vehicles for an auto show which awards trophies for the best race car, street classic car and motorcycle. Each vehicle is also given a dash plaque as a souvenir of the event along with a goody bag.
Also expected again is Don Thomas, the Norwood Arena webmaster, who flies in every year to display his work and to take pictures to update his webpage. Fans are encouraged to bring old programs, pictures, etc. to the reunion to share viewing with others in attendance. Various collectable vendors will also be on hand. Also expected is the NEAR mobile Hall of Fame truck in concert with the Pro9 racing museum of Pawtucket, RI. Former drivers are always eager to sign autographs on pictures and programs.
The Norwood Arena Reunion, held on the first Sunday in June every year, starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m., rain or shine. This year's event is set for Sunday, June 3, at Bezema Motors on the Auto Mile, Route One, in Norwood. For more information, contact Bezema Motors at 781-769-4700, or organizer Lou Modestino at 781-784-7857 in Sharon, MA. Invitations to this party have gone out to various competitors, officials and fans.
Lou Modestino