8/22/2019
STOEHR CRUISES TO THOMPSON VICTORY
The NEMA Midgets took to the track on a midweek Thompson Speedway event which featured the likes of legend Sammy Swindell in the iconic #47 Orange and black machine. With a star-studded field of NEMA drivers the competition proved to be on the level with the best in the business. It was a beautiful 70 degree night for racing at the famed 5/8 mile oval on the Northern side of Connecticut. The stands were full to the tune of some 5000 fans who were on hand for the event. Thirteen midgets took the green flag on a well-rubbered up race track thanks to the previous Whelan Modified 150 lapper that preceded the midget feature.
Mike Horn took the early lead as the green flag fell with the #48 of Todd Bertrand right in tow. Bertrand would quickly take the lead on lap 4 and started to click off laps nearing 18 seconds flat consistently and built up a sizable lead which he would hold till lap 13 until mechanical woes would end his night abruptly.
While Bertrand was clicking off perfect laps Lakeville's Avery Stoehr was working his way through the pack in his typical high side flat-out circuits around the very fast Thompson Speedway. You could see his level and experience knocking down the competition one at a time. Multi-time NEMA champ Randy Cabral quietly had worked his way in to second with his ever-so-smooth style but trailed Stoehr at lap 15. Mike Horn was third at this point and holding his own. The trio would hold position lap after lap as they came to the white flag.
In a daring last lap effort Dangerous Paul Scally would throw caution to the wind and manage an impossible pass to put himself on the podium in third. Scally who recently became a Dad for the first time showed his years of experience in getting to the podium.
Avery Stoehr expertly cruised to the victory picking up his 3rd win of the season and second in a row. Stoehr has seemed to hit his stride at midyear and holds a strong point lead over second place finisher on the night Randy Cabral. Finishing 4th was early leader Mike Horn and 5th went to local female star Bethany Stoehr.
Young Jake Trainor debuting in the #50 Pernesiglio machine had a stellar effort which had people talking afterword. The Pernesiglio pit was all smiles over the 6th place effort of the rookie.
Swindell in the #47 car appeared to have handling woes throughout the night and finished 7th. Rounding out the field was Andy Lundt in the #18 Christian Briggs owned race car.
The NEMA midgets will be right back at it 48 hours later at LEE Speedway Friday night for more torrid action with Sammy Swindell in the field certain to show the NEMA iron why he is a national champion.... So stay tuned and come out and watch them battle it out on the historic Lee Speedway.
Article Credit: Timothy Bertand
