It was another of racings “Feel Good” events taking place in East Windsor, CT. as NEAR hosted it’s tenth annual Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall on Sunday afternoon. Joining the ranks of our regions greatest racing personalities as members of the 2007 class are John McCarthy, Bob Johnson, Jean-Paul Cabana, John Rosati, John Falconi Sr., Dave Dion, Bob Potter, and Bentley Warren.

Veteran Inductees were Dick Garrett, Dick Eagan, and George Barber. The Jack Ratta Media Memorial Award was presented to Walt Renner.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since the first class was inducted, and the hard-working people behind the scenes at NEAR are to be commended for their dedication in making all of this possible.

Of particular interest to Waterford fans has to be Bob Potters place among the “Class of 2007”. A true Waterford Legend, Potter set the standard for consistency at the shoreline during a career that spanned over three decades. Multiple track championships coupled with astonishing victory record places the Taftville, Ct. resident among the best Modified drivers in New England. He joins fellow Speedbowl alumni Don Collins Bill Slater, & Dick Watson as a member of the HOF.

Interestingly enough, Collins, Slater, Watson & Potter all shared a number of common traits in their driving skills. This group was of the fast & smooth variety, rarely in trouble on the track preferring to race with their competitors rather than drive through them. A lot of today’s drivers could learn a few lessons from the likes of these guys…..

Again, kudos to NEAR for putting on a great event in front of yet another sell-out crowd.

Among those sighted at the festivities; Billy Harmon, Ray Miller, Billy Greco, Bill Wimble, Leo Cleary, Ray Miller, Ron Bouchard, – the list is seemingly endless.

You know what’s cool about Hall Of Famer Billy Greco? He’s still the same guy I badgered for autograph more years ago than I want to admit. Truly one of racings nice guys….

The ageless Freddie Beaber made the trip up from the shoreline, and was recognized by inductee Bob Johnson as one of the people that gave him his first opportunity in the game. Beaber, who owned & campaigned the famous checkerboard #716 entries for what seems like forever at Waterford, was the starting point for some of the best in the business.

Unfortunately absent (and very much missed) was the original “Connecticut Valley Rocket” Bill Slater, who’s lately been feeling a bit under the weather. Bill, get well soon as it just wasn’t’ quite the same without you there!

Waterford Modified veteran Don Fowler decided to take in the event, and was seen to be mingling amongst the elite of Modified racing history. Donnie assured me that he was having a great time, and that the affair was going to become a regular part of his future racing schedule.

Fowler, who got his start at the Speedbowl in the full-fender ranks back in the 70’s had to say the least, an interesting 2006 season. After missing several events while recuperating from serious (and very unexpected), health issues midway through the campaign, the former Grand American Champion came back strong at the tail-end of the season to post several top finishes. It was perhaps the most inspiring story of the year at the Speedbowl.

Things are really progressing at the Speedbowl, as management is putting the finishing touches on what looks to be one of the best seasons in many a moon. Waterford will be well-represented at the newly-resurrected Racerama, slated to take place during the first weekend of March. Be sure to stop by the display & meet some of the key-players behind what’s known as “The New Waterford Speedbowl”.

If the atmosphere at the this years Speedbowl Awards Banquet a few weeks ago is any indication of things to come, it looks as if the old girl may once again be entering a very prosperous period. Particularly encouraging to hear was the comments made by several former Bowl’ regulars that have plans on returning to the shoreline oval in 2007.

Also cool is the news that Kenny Horton is going to be in the SK field every week. Horton as many of you know, has the tricky 1/3-miler pretty-well figured out and is bound to be a force to be reckoned with in 2007.

One of the most difficult subjects yours truly ever had to write about was the pending retirement of Speedbowl PR Guru (and close friend), Pete Zanardi. Fortunately for all of us (especially me), he’s decided to stay on as a consultant. While it’s pretty much old news at this point, his successor in the press box is to be none other than some Speedbowl regular by the name of Dave Dykes. Filling the shoes of a guy like Mr. Zanardi is going to be no doubt a tough gig, but after having been his shadow for the last decade or so, I’m pretty sure I picked up a few hints from the Old Master. Opportunities like this seldom come along, and to say that I’m elated would be an understatement.

Get Well wishes go out to our Webmaster Tom Ormsby, who joins Slater in the “Under The Weather Department”, In addition to not feeling that great lately, Tommy suffered the indignity if having Mother nature take a shot at his computer system via a nasty lightning strike. Tom, a lot of folks at the HOF banquet were asking about you – give us a shout, OK?

And with that, it’s sign-off time.

Contact me at ddykes@originnet.net