RGeeProductions
05-06-2013, 12:03 AM
Racer Steve Barrett honored during opening ceremonies of May 4 event program
With not a cloud in the sky above, a
memorable opening ceremony embarked on those gathered at the Waterford
Speedbowl on Saturday. A group of enthusiasts within the Speedbowl
community unveiled what countless hours of passion and dedication can do
to show their appreciation to a returning soldier, Speedbowl racer Steve
Barrett. Barrett was surprised with a brand new Street Stock racecar
before the Speedbowl community, his extended family and friends, creating
a touching moment that exhibited the best in humanity.
Barrett, of Preston, destroyed his car competing in a Street Stock race at
the Speedbowl last year in late April. His unit, the National Guard’s
1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group based out of Groton,
was activated for duty in June and deployed to Afghanistan in July 2012.
Barrett spent the next 10 months overseas defending freedoms for his
country. In his spare time, he purchased a remote control car to tinker
with as he contemplated the future of his wrecked racecar and racing
career. Back home, friends and loved ones spent that same time building
Barrett a new car, unbeknownst to him.
“Racers for a Soldier” was born, the idea of Jeff and Julie Winsor of
Moosup. After consulting with Barrett’s wife Teresa, a pit steward at the
track who ultimately blessed and supported their idea, the Winsors went to
work. Jeff and Julie began fundraising at the track and through raffles
and spaghetti dinners, while Jeff spearheaded a team of individuals to put
in the volunteer hours necessary to fabricate the car. In all, well over
1,000 hours done largely by a group dubbed “The Fab 5” went into the
project that started with a bare frame donated by a fellow racer. A new
roll cage and body were created by hand. A completely rebuilt drivetrain
was donated from the most well-known builders in their trades. It all
culminated in the surprise unveiling before Saturday’s racing.
Barrett’s unit returned from duty April 27th. He was lured to the front
stretch before the crowd on Saturday to lead everyone in the Pledge of
Allegiance after being welcomed home and recognized for his service. What
Barrett didn’t know was more was in the works. As Barrett was presented
with other gifts including a brand new firesuit and even an invitation to
renew wedding vows from his wife, Jeff Winsor got into the driver’s seat
of his dream and wheeled it out the third turn gate onto the track
boasting an American flag.
With a large crowd gathered on the front stretch around Barrett, his new
racecar didn’t come into his view until it rounded turn four. The car,
numbered Barrett’s customary #14, stopped in front of him to the rousing
applause from the Speedbowl crowd and loved ones gathered by his side. In
what turned out as a “you had to be there” moment to garner its full
impact, the Speedbowl community behind “Racers for a Soldier” pulled off
one of the most inspiring and rewarding, as well as best kept secrets, in
the track’s storied 63-year history.
Only fitting, the Street Stock division was the highlight of the night’s
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program. The division was scheduled for
a 50-lap feature, double its normal distance, well before Barrett’s return
date was even learned. Barrett’s car was even practiced at the track
earlier in the week to be certain it was in race trim if he decided to
race. Like a true racer and warrior, Barrett put the emotional enormity
of what had just transpired aside to make the decision to strap in and
compete. He was granted 10 laps of practice during the program by
Speedbowl officials prior to the division’s feature, the nightcap on the
event. Barrett stayed out of trouble all race and finished all 50 laps in
11th position, cementing his return home.
Brian Darling
With not a cloud in the sky above, a
memorable opening ceremony embarked on those gathered at the Waterford
Speedbowl on Saturday. A group of enthusiasts within the Speedbowl
community unveiled what countless hours of passion and dedication can do
to show their appreciation to a returning soldier, Speedbowl racer Steve
Barrett. Barrett was surprised with a brand new Street Stock racecar
before the Speedbowl community, his extended family and friends, creating
a touching moment that exhibited the best in humanity.
Barrett, of Preston, destroyed his car competing in a Street Stock race at
the Speedbowl last year in late April. His unit, the National Guard’s
1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group based out of Groton,
was activated for duty in June and deployed to Afghanistan in July 2012.
Barrett spent the next 10 months overseas defending freedoms for his
country. In his spare time, he purchased a remote control car to tinker
with as he contemplated the future of his wrecked racecar and racing
career. Back home, friends and loved ones spent that same time building
Barrett a new car, unbeknownst to him.
“Racers for a Soldier” was born, the idea of Jeff and Julie Winsor of
Moosup. After consulting with Barrett’s wife Teresa, a pit steward at the
track who ultimately blessed and supported their idea, the Winsors went to
work. Jeff and Julie began fundraising at the track and through raffles
and spaghetti dinners, while Jeff spearheaded a team of individuals to put
in the volunteer hours necessary to fabricate the car. In all, well over
1,000 hours done largely by a group dubbed “The Fab 5” went into the
project that started with a bare frame donated by a fellow racer. A new
roll cage and body were created by hand. A completely rebuilt drivetrain
was donated from the most well-known builders in their trades. It all
culminated in the surprise unveiling before Saturday’s racing.
Barrett’s unit returned from duty April 27th. He was lured to the front
stretch before the crowd on Saturday to lead everyone in the Pledge of
Allegiance after being welcomed home and recognized for his service. What
Barrett didn’t know was more was in the works. As Barrett was presented
with other gifts including a brand new firesuit and even an invitation to
renew wedding vows from his wife, Jeff Winsor got into the driver’s seat
of his dream and wheeled it out the third turn gate onto the track
boasting an American flag.
With a large crowd gathered on the front stretch around Barrett, his new
racecar didn’t come into his view until it rounded turn four. The car,
numbered Barrett’s customary #14, stopped in front of him to the rousing
applause from the Speedbowl crowd and loved ones gathered by his side. In
what turned out as a “you had to be there” moment to garner its full
impact, the Speedbowl community behind “Racers for a Soldier” pulled off
one of the most inspiring and rewarding, as well as best kept secrets, in
the track’s storied 63-year history.
Only fitting, the Street Stock division was the highlight of the night’s
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program. The division was scheduled for
a 50-lap feature, double its normal distance, well before Barrett’s return
date was even learned. Barrett’s car was even practiced at the track
earlier in the week to be certain it was in race trim if he decided to
race. Like a true racer and warrior, Barrett put the emotional enormity
of what had just transpired aside to make the decision to strap in and
compete. He was granted 10 laps of practice during the program by
Speedbowl officials prior to the division’s feature, the nightcap on the
event. Barrett stayed out of trouble all race and finished all 50 laps in
11th position, cementing his return home.
Brian Darling