Speedway Rules Meetings Scheduled To Begin This Week

Speedway Rules Meetings Scheduled To Begin This Week
Todd Baptista
In preparation of its 63rd annual auto racing season, Seekonk Speedway will begin its off-season rules meetings for all divisions this week. “These meetings will give our competitors the opportunity to voice any ideas, concerns, or questions that they wish to share,” Assistant General Manager and Race Director David Alburn explains. “We have no significant changes planned for any of our divisions heading into the new season. With costs escalating and the economy sluggish, we don’t foresee making changes that will force our teams to spend more money. We are, however, open to ideas and encourage discussion that will benefit short track racing as a whole.”
All meetings will take place at the American Legion Hall, located at 350 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk. The speedway’s second tier Late Model division will meet on Wednesday, November 14, at 6:30 PM, and be followed by the Pro Stock division meeting at 8:15 PM. Sport Truck competitors are invited to attend on Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 PM, with Street Stock owners and drivers slated to meet at 8:15 that evening. Seekonk Youth Racing Association teams will meet with speedway officials on Wednesday, November 28 at 6:30 PM with Pure Stock teams following immediately thereafter at 8:15 PM.
In the weeks following the conclusion of the 2007 racing season, speedway officials have been planning the new season’s schedule, solidifying sponsorship associations, and actively building a new team to carry the 1/3-mile oval into the future. Alburn will return to the race director’s post in the New Year, replacing Len Ellis, Jr. Longtime pit area official Georgianna Bolduc has been promoted to the position of chief pit steward, the first female appointee to the role in the track’s long history. Additional changes in marketing, entertainment, and concessions have also taken place. “We are grateful for the service our team members have given in the past,” Vice-President and General Manager Francis Venditti states. “There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to manage a business in today’s economy. Addressing costs incurred, the need to keep up with the competition when vying for a portion of the public’s entertainment budget, and the importance of maintaining a cohesive and streamlined team all enter into these decisions.”
Mr. Alburn is expected to announce that the Hoosier Racing Tires which were tested by the speedway late in the season will become the tire of choice for the Sport Truck division in 2008. “There are a number of rumors that have circulated, as can be expected any time changes take place,” Alburn admits. “There are no plans to consolidate our Pro Stock and Late Model divisions, and no sale of speedway buildings or facilities is in the works.” The popular True Value Modified Racing Series and Northeastern Midget Association touring classes are expected to return for multiple visits to the Cement Palace in 2008, along with the annual Open Wheel Wednesday and Francis Farm Mid-Season Championship events, among others. Mr. Venditti has also declared his continued support for the fledgling Fast Friday Series for Pure Stock, SYRA, and Go-Kart classes. “We are all in agreement that the future of our Saturday night program rests in the development of young talent as featured in the Fast Friday Series,” Alburn echoes, “and are dedicated to forging ahead with these divisions as well.”
For additional information on the upcoming rules meetings, please contact the speedway office directly at (508)-336-9959.

Longtime Seekonk Speedway competitor Antonio "Tony" Cortes

Longtime Seekonk Speedway competitor Antonio "Tony" Cortes, died in North Smithfield, RI on November 8, 2007 after a period of failing health. He was 72 years old. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 12, at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home at 2599 Cranberry Highway (Route 28) in Wareham, MA from 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Seekonk Speedway sends its condolences to Tony's wife, Kristyne, daughters Sandra and Susan, his siblings, and six grandchildren.