NEAR HOF Inductee Fred Luchesi Plans to be at Norwood Reunion


NORWOOD, MA.  Some of Fred Luchesi's peers felt that he retired from racing
too early.  The Pawtucket, RI  racer had a very  impressive resume. Consider
that he was a NASCAR Champion back in 1948 the year that sanctioning body
was formed for his string of wins at the Kingston Fairgrounds in RI. From
that point on Luchesi won a number of features at such venues as Lonsdale
Arena in RI, Westboro, Norwood Arena, Thompson in Conn., Dover, NH and
Seekonk Speedway among several other tracks.  As a matter of fact, a
knowledgeable observer revealed that Luchesi won just about every feature at
Lonsdale in 1955 right up through Hurricane Carol which inundated the venue
that ultimately resulted in the demise of that oval.


     Fred's ability to win on both dirt and paved ovals proved his
versatility. He even took in the big dirt track at Langhorne Speedway in
Penn. "I was in that very famous wreck that took out a bunch of cars. The
film clip hit all of the newsreels in theaters and the TV news programs at
that time," he said. The Ocean State driver wasn't just limited to racing in
New England and the northeast, either. He managed to take major events in
Ontario, Canada. Towards the end of his career, Luchesi confined his efforts
to a two car team which raced at Seekonk Speedway with Fred driving one
while the late Bobby Sprague of Foxborough, MA drove the
other.


    During that era it was common to see drivers and teams competing on dirt
tracks and taking the same machine to paved tracks. The only changes
required were grooved tires for dirt and slicks for paved tracks and some
minor adjustments to suspension systems. Unlike today where a pavement car
is much different than one especially built to race on dirt.  Some observers
feel that the 50's, 60's and into the early 70's were the best of times for
stockcar racing. Racing several nights a week all over New England and the
northeast were the norm.


     Antique racecars from three separate clubs have been invited. In
addition, all racecars are welcome to the Annual Norwood Arena Reunion.
Interest is very high on the co-featured car show that features street
antiques, muscle cars and classics will be part of the show. Dash plaques
will be given out to racecars, street antiques, muscle cars and classics to
the first 60 entries. There will also be a trophy for the best racecar and
street machine awarded by peers.


     Coastal 181, a publishing company, is expected to bring new motorsports
books to the 4th annual show which depict racing during it's very best years
at tracks all over New England and the northeast. Collectable vendors are
also expected. Don Thomas, the Norwood Arena Webmaster,  plans to his have
his vast array of equipment so that fans, drivers, car owners and officials
will be able to check the latest information on his website.


       Host Marty Bezema, Sr. will welcome the crowd who can remember the
fantastic racing days at the Norwood Arena Speedway. It's set to get
underway at 11 a.m. and to be completed by 4 p.m. Rain or shine, on Sunday,
June 1. This is a must attend event if your an old race fan as well as new
to the sport. If you have any pictures, news stories or scrapbooks bring
them along. A table will be provided for that purpose. Hot Dogs and
Hamburgers will be served free in Marty's Cafe on the property of the Bezema
dealership.


For further information call Bezema Buick, Pontiac, GMC at 781-769-4700. The
Bezema dealership is located at 401 Providence Hwy. (US Rt. 1) in Norwood,
MA on the Auto Mile. (End)