It was the place to be on Saturday nights, fans would come in and watch the modifieds, and theyd have their favorites to cheer for, said Matt Wiernasz. But it's been 15 years since Riverside Park Speedway disappeared from the Southern New England Racing landscape. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. EAST WINDSOR, Conn. - The legacy of Riverside Park Speedway lives on. This scenario was played out Saturday evening at Riverside Park Speedway, where Kelly Moore put on a superb display of racing enroute to a 2nd place finish. Bay Area Modifieds bringing IMCA Racing back to Emerald Coast, Rivalry Renewed: Lanigan & Richards Set To Face Off In 2015 As Richards Returns To Full-Time World of Outlaws Competition, Track Promoters Get FREE Promotion with RacingIn.com's Track Directory and Race Dates Page, Interest in Grassroots Racing Grows 40% in 2014 With Great Opportunities Ahead in 2015, Fans of Fast Name Their Favorite Track of 2014. much I appreciate everything you and your staff did for our group. Riverside Park. - Gallery - Ron Wetzler | racersreunion.com EAST WINDSOR, Conn. The legacy of Riverside Park Speedway lives on. While Riverside Park Speedway is gone, local racing fans do have plenty of options to see live racing. After the Wall Street crash drove Riverside Park into foreclosure, one of New Englands first drive-in theaters opened on the property in 1937. Matt Wiernasz is an auto racing journalist and photographer himself, and has fond memories . This page is not available in other languages. Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam drew in racing fans from throughout the Northeast for about 50 years. Sprintcarstats. Stock Car Racing Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. It seems like just yesterday the laps were being turned for the last time in the shadow of the Thunderbolt roller coaster. KGM RACING VIDEOS - Tripod Drivers such as Ted Tappet, Benny Germano, Jocko Maggiacomo, Jerry Humiston, Ed Flemke and Buddy Krebs were the drivers to beat throughout the 1950s. FEEL FREE TO LET US KNOW! The first top-5 finish for the Tic-Tac Pontiac Grand Prix team pushed Moore, the 1995 Busch Grand National North Series champion, up 14 spots to 13th in the championship point battle, a mere 88 points out of the top spot.For the 2nd consecutive week Moore was unable to crack the top-10 in qualifying, this evening he was 16th fastest among the 30-car field. by ScottKo in RacingIn News, Track Promoters Get FREE Promotion with RacingIn.com's Track Directory and Race Dates Page He resided in West Springfield and, He was an avid race car fan, a member of NASCAR. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing began sanctioning events at Riverside Park Speedway in 1976. Triad Technologies is an industrial distributor and value added provider. He was currently employed at Boardwalk Auto Sales in South Windsor, CT. Agawam, MA Racing on a tight track for 150 laps with 25 veteran competitors can sometimes be an unmistakable comparison to a championship boxing match, toe-to-toe for 15 rounds. We were there last Wednesday, with 25 teenagers, and they all From seventhto secondTO THE LEAD Dale Nottestad is our featured driver on this weeks Fight For The Flag for his rebound performance at the Big 8 Late Model Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway. Before I had my license, my dad would drive me to the races and the big deal on my birthday was when I would have my friends over to the house for my moms spaghetti and meatballs, and then wed go to Riverside Park and cheer for our favorites, Berggren said. Five-time track champion Bob Polverari won the final race, after which participants started digging up pieces of the track asphalt for souvenirs. Organists - Forgotten Roller Rinks of the Past Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam drew in racing fans from throughout the Northeast for about 50 years. Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam, MA - RacingIn.com NOTE: ANY RACE DATES POSTED ON THIS PROFILE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON WEATHER, TRACK CONDITIONS, AND MANY OTHER THINGS. Photo courtesy of John Mahoney, USAC. - hosted events on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, making it possible for some of Riverside Park's early stars to race in the area almost every night of the week. It was common to have up to 60 modifieds in the pits, all vying for spots in a 50-lap feature that started only 20 cars because the track was so small. SITE DESIGN BY. There will be a host of Riverside events throughout EXPO, including autograph sessions. and well maintained, and the staff was so nice and very helpful and He resided in West Springfield and Agawam all his life. BRINKMANN RECORDS BEST BMARA FINISH OF SEASON It could trace its roots to just after the Civil War, when Gallup's Grove opened as a picnic area in Agawam, nearly across the Connecticut River from the industrial city of Springfield, Mass. The Rocky Hill, Conn, driver was a crowd favorite at the old Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam, where he won three track championships (1979, 1984, 1988) and a record 93 feature races over 23. He was born in West Spring-field, son of the late John and Mafalda Mich-novetz and graduated from West Springfield High School Class of 1962. Matts father, Mark Wiernasz was a track announcer there, in addition to working for decades as our assignment manager here at 22News. Vintage photos: Riverside Park in Agawam - masslive.com First, let me tell you how It was exactly what youd hope to have in an announcer. 1960's. The drivers are as listed: #12 Skip Barna, #111 Ronnie Mayer,#2x Charlie Brayton, #20 Jack Lecuyer, #98 Ray Sharron, #83 Al Jansing. One unforgettable element of racing at Riverside was the annual 500-lap races for cars competing as two-car teams. Ruggiero, who drove for 19 different car owners in a career that began in the late 1960s, noted the special bond the two will have as driver and owner and as Hall of Famers. Sign Up For The PRI eNewsletter to get the latest in racing industry news, special events, new product information and more directly to your inbox. Following the park's 1999 season, Premier Parks, Inc. made several major changes that directly affected the speedway. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. For the 2nd consecutive week Moore was unable to crack the top-10 in qualifying, this evening he was 16th fastest among the 30-car field. 1948 - RIVERSIDE PARK SPEEDWAY To capitalize on the nations new found attraction to Auto Racing following the 2nd World War, Riverside Amusement Park owner Richard J Caroll demolished a dance hall in 1948. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Henry J. Perkins. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Wow!!! by KyleBrinkmannRacing in KyleBrinkmanRacing, a racer from Elkhorn, WI, Top Tips For Online Race Track Promotion 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Riverside Park Speedway - David Allio | Racing Photography Archives YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Racing-reference.info is part of the NASCAR Digital Media Network. He was born in West Spring-field, son of the late John and Mafalda Mich-novetz and graduated from West Springfield High School Class of 1962. (Dick Berggren photo), The Motorsports Authority - Copyright 2014-2023 - Turn 3 Media, LLC All Rights Reserved. Riverside Park in Agawam, Massachusetts began as a trolley park in 1840. Dodge is credited with improving the payout to Riversides racers during the same time when the year-round profitability of amusement rides was increasingly threatening the future of auto racing. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. BRINKMANN RECORDS BEST BMARA FINISH OF SEASON, KyleBrinkmanRacing, a racer from Elkhorn, WI. Berggren recalls seeing the same stock cars that dotted garages and gas stations in his hometown of Manchester, Conn., flailing away around Riversides diminutive oval. Legendary Riverside Park - SPEED SPORT NEAR To Host Riverside Park Speedway ReunionPerformance Racing Industry Route 322 Detour Update. best birthday ever!!! Auto Racing Research Assoc. NEAR To Host Riverside Park Speedway Reunion, Candidates Named for 2024-25 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, Trackhouse Announces Ownership Of NC Karting Motorplex. I think I just ran the car too hard and Im very fortunate that I didnt end up in the qualifying race. Moore and his team checked everything on the car after qualifying to ensure that nothing was wrong with the chassis setup. 01001 (413) 786-3876. The park was shuttered during the Great Depression, but was reopened by Edward Carroll in 1940. The first top-5 finish for the Tic-Tac Pontiac Grand Prix team pushed Moore, the 1995 Busch Grand National North Series champion, up 14 spots to 13th in the championship point battle, a mere 88 points out of the top spot. My last year, 1996, the paid attendance in the grandstand was 143,000 people. by ScottKo in Profile Tips For Users, Interest in Grassroots Racing Grows 40% in 2014 With Great Opportunities Ahead in 2015 However, both men chose to set aside their differences on their special day. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}42217.7N 723642.96W / 42.038250N 72.6119333W / 42.038250; -72.6119333. The 79-year-old Agawam, MA native began his career at the old. . RIVERSIDE PARK STADIUM STOCK CAR RACING Agawam MA Admission Ticket 1.25 +.25 tax Pre-Owned $25.00 or Best Offer Free 4 day shipping Sponsored Enjoying The Day At Riverside Park, Agawam, Massachusetts, Posted VTG. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement. We had bigger numbers on a Saturday than the amusement park did. We Thank You Very Much for making this Carlys Riverside Speedway was a NASCAR short track that was inside of Riverside Fun Park in Agawam, Massachusetts. A local entrepreneur named Ed Carroll began a family dynasty at Riverside Park by buying it in 1939. When amusement park giant Six Flags took over Riverside Park in Agawam, one of the first steps it took was eliminating a local icon - the famed quarter-mile speedway. A / V Equipped Rooms, Franchise Info| Partner Program|Corporate Partnerships|Fundraisers & Donations|Contact|Employees, 2023 K1Speed Inc. All rights reserved. He started his interest in racing with Leo Matte at Riverside Park with the likes of George Lombardo, Ed Patnode and Labbee Brothers Racing. NASCAR adopted the tour-type format and Riverside was a regular stop for 200-lap modified mains. In addition to that, the purses were increased. riverside park agawam for sale: Search Result | eBay Riverside Park Speedway Demolition Derby & Figure 8 Racing Agawam Mass As Berggren recalled, Riverside had an inspired business plan: Getting inside the park was free, you only paid admission for individual rides or to enter the speedway. Ten years ago. WE MAKE IT EASY TO PLAN He declined, citing his growing family, and the seat was offered to an up-and-comer from Missouri named Rusty Wallace. by KyleBrinkmannRacing in KyleBrinkmanRacing, a racer from Elkhorn, WI, BMARA RACERS HELP EACH OTHER The bleacher seating surrounding the track was also removed to make way for the 6,200 chair back seats. The teams decision to forgo any changes paid great dividends as the Pontiac Grand Prix ran fast and consistent on long runs throughout the evening. Kanawha Valley Dragway. One of them was future FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Joy, who announced at Riverside while still in college. He was an avid race car fan, a member of NASCAR. Of those six, two will never be more closely linked to one another than the driver-owner combination of Reggie Ruggiero and Mario Fiore. Do you remember Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam? - WWLP Invaders that raced at "The Park" seeking NASCAR National Modified Championship points included Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Geoff Bodine, Jim Spencer, John Blewitt Jr and "Captain Sizzle" Mark Malcuit from Ohio, some would go on to become champions in several of NASCAR's top series. In its place laid out a flat 1/5-mile oval track, pit area and grandstand alongside the Connecticut River. This one is Riverside Park, Agawam, Ma. Agawam, MA Racing on a tight track for 150 laps with 25 veteran competitors can sometimes be an unmistakable comparison to a championship boxing match, toe-to-toe for 15 rounds. (Republican file photo) Staff-Shot 20 / 28 Republican file photo Vintage photos:. Looking for Riverside Park Speedway Photos - YankeeRacer.com All rights reserved (About Us). Riverside Park Speedway memories never die - masslive.com Riverside Speedway was a NASCAR short track that was inside of Riverside Fun Park in Agawam, Massachusetts . Use THIS BUTTON to share this track's profile with your friends! The track's last decade, the 1990s, saw more racing stars earn their stripes on the high banks at Riverside Park, including Marquis, who captured 3 consecutive modified championships from 1991 to 1993, Featherlite Modified Series stars Dan Avery and Chris Kopec and NASCAR Winston/Nextel Cup star Steve Park. Riverside Rides Again will feature fascinating displays dedicated to the proud history of Riverside, complete with race cars from every era, photos, videos, memorabilia and many of the people who raced there. The 1999 season featured the NAPA Modifieds as the NASCAR Winston Racing Series feature division, along with the Serv-U Auto Supply Pro Stocks, Teddy Bear Pools Trucks, Sportsman, Super Stocks and Figure 8's. In both cases, few could argue with the results. of my heart, thank you! Riverside Park Speedway - Facebook Courchesne, Shawn (June 17, 1999) "Final Lap for Riverside Speedway", Last edited on 30 December 2022, at 17:44, Riverside International Speedway (West Memphis, Arkansas), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Riverside_Park_Speedway&oldid=1130538742, This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 17:44. Riverside Park in Agawam was a gathering spot for fun as far back as the late 19th century when it was known as Riverside Grove (and Gallups Grove before that). There was no back gate fee. Rene Charland, affectionately known to many racing fans simply as The Champ could use some well-wishes from his fans. Click on the race number to see the results of that race. WWLP-22News 57.9K subscribers Subscribe 2.9K views 4 years ago Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam drew in racing fans from throughout the. Spawned by the popularity of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the Teddy Bear Pools Truck division proved to be an instant success in 1998. Sun, 01/30/2022 . "Riverside Park was like Daytona to me," Reggie Ruggiero recalled. Instagram Link As Riverside Park Speedway joined NASCAR to celebrate the past 50 years of auto racing in 1998, a new division was rolled out onto the Speedway. Rene Charland - AKA "The Champ" - won three NASCAR national Modified titles in the 1960s. It needed help to survive. Tracks - Racing-Reference Created with Sketch. Agawam, MA This event marks the tenth annual appearance of the NASCAR Busch North Series at Riverside Park Speedway. Later years were with Tom Rosati, Rene Charland, Bob Polverari, Reggie Ruggerio and Jerry Marquis. The great Reggie Ruggiero closed the books with 98 modified feature wins, about a quarter of his career total, leading all drivers. We had sponsorship for every race. ", "We had what I would call one of the most successful team events at K1 Speed Austin just last night. Beckley Speedway USA. Born in Ludlow to Read more Barbara (Cimino) Stefanik Passes at 69 By admin December 21, 2012 Riverside Park Speedway Postcard Pre-Owned $16.50 Was: $22.00 25% off or Best Offer +$4.50 shipping Sponsored WITH FRIENDS! 711. Riverside Park Speedway memories abound at New England Auto - masslive Birthdays, Mitvahs, Bachelor(ette), Team Building, Catered Lunches Rt 305, 307 and 322 streets will detour due to an event in Forest Park. Fiore shared stories of how his team would often struggle to get back home after races they had won, since most payouts were made by check and no banks were open late at night. Moore, the Busch North Series all-time Pole winner, has yet to display his qualifying expertise thus far in 1998. Bobby Dragon of Milton, Vt. won the first NASCAR Busch North Series event at Riverside Park Speedway on August 29, 1988. Glossary Tweet. Pennsboro Speedway. Riverside Park Speedway Formerly Known As: Riverside Park Stadium.250 mi./0.402 km. "I would like to Thank You so much for making Carlys 17th birthday party GREAT!!!! Reigning AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp is trying to hit a grand slam this season. KGM Video has been the leader in Racing Video Productions since 1981 and has a vast library of videos from 1980's, 1990's to the Present, plus Vintage Videos dating to the 1950's.KGM Video has produced videos of racing action at the Riverside Park Speedway, Stafford Motor Speedway, Thompson Speedway and others. navigation, search. Race Date . The Riverside Park track expanded every time Carroll repaved it, first to an almost-quarter with a little banking. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Riverside Park Speedway was one of the most successful short tracks in America between 1992 and 1996. While the focus of the auto racing world will be on Daytona Beach, Florida this weekend, there is plenty of racing heritage here in western Massachusetts. This scenario was played out Saturday evening at Riverside Park Speedway, where Kelly Moore put on a superb display of racing enroute to a 2nd place finish. Riverside Park, Agawam, MA - History With Photos With a track championship for the late Richie Evans, named in 1998 as one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers of all time. Under the sanction of the UNITED Stock Car Racing Club, Gene Bergin, Ed Patnode, Danny Galullo, Billy Greco and others emerged as contenders, Krebs and Greco piled up victories. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Agawam, MA Gary J. Michnovetz, 65, died suddenly on Tuesday. Moore, the Busch North Series all-time Pole winner, has yet to display his qualifying expertise thus far in 1998. West Virginia International Speedway. The 1998 Riverside Park Modified Champion was Jimmy Broderick, Driving the Pruchnik Motorsports #42 Modified owned By Denis Pruchnik. He is a member of the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame . New Detour. I had some AWESOME comments about your facility. Riverside Park. The reunion will be held on Aug. 31 at the Polish Club in Agawam. RIVERSIDE PARK SPEEDWAY - speedwayandroadracehistory Riverside Park Speedway | Stock Car Racing Wiki | Fandom It was a cant-miss business proposition, until amusement rides became more profitable than packed pits and stands. Galex Fox, left, and Dave Darland, right. I went in there and changed practically everything they did, and thats when Ed Carroll Jr. asked me to become the director of auto racing. All rights reserved (About Us). To capitalize on the nation's new attraction to auto racing following World War II, park owner Edward J. Carroll demolished the dance hall that had burned down in 1948. He later was a crew member with Bill Pelley and Reggie Ruggerio before moving on to 44 racing with Jerry Marquis and Mari Fiore and was part of their National Modified Championship of 2000. Racin' with Jason: Mario Fiore and Reggie Ruggiero - masslive Truex Jr. Ends 54-Race Winless Streak At Dover, WoO LMS Notes: $50,000 To Win In Wisconsin, More Than 60 Hours Of Indy Coverage On NBC Platforms, Perez Leads Red Bull One-Two In Azerbaijan. The track's final reconfiguration and repaving to15 degree banking would be added in the mid 1980s. The track closed at the end of the 1999 season. This would have been around 1984. Pace Bus - Route 322 legend Roland Pappy Lapierre Sr., car and engine builder Jim Jorgenson, 1987 Busch North Series champion Joey Kid Kourafas and Irene Venditti, widow of Seekonk Speedway founder D. Anthony Venditti.

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