First SpeedwayEXPO is a Resounding Success

West Springfield, MA (March 7, 2007): The first annual SpeedwayEXPO presented by Town Fair Tire is now history. After a weekend heaving with activity dedicated to auto racing, exhibitors and visitors alike were left hoping that history will repeat itself.

“We were delighted to hear from so many people who said they had a good time at SpeedwayEXPO,” said Dick Berggren, executive editor of Speedway Illustrated Magazine, which hosted EXPO. “The celebrities who came to sign autographs, the pedal car races, motorized beer cooler races, seminars and car displays were all hits. Every vendor I talked to said they want to come back next year. So, we’re looking forward to the 2008 SpeedwayEXPO and are planning an even bigger event.”
Those walking through the doors of the three-day event were greeted with a large and varied assortment of exhibits. The center aisle fairly vibrated with authentic race cars from the likes of New Hampshire International Speedway, Thompson International Speedway, Bear Ridge Motor Speedway and Lebanon Valley Dragway & Speedway, as well as groups such as the Quaboag Riders, the WKA Northeast Pavement Series, the Killington Sports Car Club and a host of others, including the Northeast’s top touring series, the ACT Tour and the growing True Value Modified Racing Series.
Exhibitors ranged from chassis builders to high-performance parts retailers to vendors of fanware. For the hard-core racer there were displays from Seals-It, Impact Racing Products, Jones Racing Products, Sherwood Racing Wheels, Safety FX, RH2Way Communications, Seymour Enterprises, Spraker Racing and many others. Presenting sponsor Town Fair Tire had an impressive lineup of street tires, wheels and accessories. And C&C Racing Souvenirs, Dave’s Racing Collectibles and Pit Road Racing Collectibles were a few of the vendors who offered a huge selection of fan memorabilia.
“We wanted to offer something for everyone involved in auto racing, at every level,” said Cal Green, head of exhibit sales. “Whether you’re a competitor, a die-hard enthusiast or a more casual fan, you could find your niche at SpeedwayEXPO.”
SpeedwayEXPO honored outstanding exhibits with show awards in several categories. The weekend’s big winner on was STAR, the Senior Tour Auto Racers, whose 1950s theme infused their display of vintage race cars and took “Best of Show” honors. The WKA Northeast Pavement Series was honored with “Junior Best of Show” for a landscape design that showed off their immaculate go-karts. A large gear was the backdrop of Jones Racing Products’ “Best Commercial Display” winner, and Thompson grabbed “Best Track/Racing Organization” honors. Thanks to a tremendous effort, the Boivin Racing family earned the trophy for “Best Independent/Individual Car Display.”
In the vehicle categories, 12 teams were honored for their beautifully prepared racers. Winners included Les Hinckley and Chuck Montville for the “Best Open-Wheel”; Mike O’Sullivan for “Best Full-Bodied Car”; Gerry DeGasparre, Jr. for “Best Late Model/Pro Stock”; Bobby Melvin for “Best Street/Strictly Stock” and Tommy McVay for “Best Mini Stock.” “Best Drag Racer” went to Ronny Deedy while the “Best Touring Division Racer” was Matt Kobyluck’s Mohegan Sun Busch East Series entry. Jaime Martel, daughter of Supermodified competitor Scotty Martel, scored “Best Go-Kart/Quarter Midget” honors and Jim Lowrey, Jr.’s nostalgic car won “Best Vintage Racer.” Kenny Barry of SPAFCO Race Chassis received the “Fabricating Marvel” Award and Jimmy Phelps and H&H Motorsports were honored with the “Best Presentation of Paint & Design” award.
“The show was packed with cars and vendors,” wrote attendee John Sirko of Enfield, CT, in an email after EXPO. “I hope you will have the 2nd annual SpeedwayEXPO next year. I look forward to coming back year after year! Congratulations on a great show.”
For a complete look at the weekend’s events, log on to www.speedwayexpo.com.