Lee USA
Speedway
- Friday, August 14, 2009 |
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The
top three, at the Ollie Silva ISMA Summer Classic at Lee USA,
are presented trophies by Miss Massachusetts. From left, Russ
Wood second place finisher, Miss Massachusetts, winner Mark
Sammut and third place Chris Perley |
Jim Feeney
Photos |
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ISMA Supermodfieds Headline
Silva
Classic Friday 8/14 At Lee |
Lee, NH. (August 10, 2009)
-- The fastest short track race cars in America make their way
to Lee USA Speedway Friday night. August 14, when the
International Supermodified Association (ISMA) makes its annual
trek to New Hampshire for the running of the "9th annual Ollie
Silva Memorial Classic 75" for the winged, methanol burning, 900
horse powered race cars.
The race is run annually at Lee in honor of legendary racer
Ollie Silva, the first inductee into the New England Racing Hall
of Fame. Silva, considered by many to be one of the greatest
short track drivers in American motorsports history, was best
known for his success in supermodifieds. Silva captured over 500
feature races in 12 states throughout his legendary career.
During the winter of 2002, Lee USA Speedway announcer John
Spence approached
then track manager Peter Watson about recognizing Silva by
naming the "Summer Classic" ISMA race in his honor. Watson liked
the idea, track owners Red and Judy MacDonald liked it, and the
decision was "let's do it." "I wanted Ollie to be long
remembered. I knew the day would come when he'd leave us, I
wanted to make sure his legacy would always live on." Spence
said.
Spence wanted the reunion to be a special night for Silva and
his fellow racers. "Red and Judy were so supportive. I wanted to
invite many of the drivers Ollie raced with. The MacDonald's
made it even better turning the thing into a pre-race barbeque
before the race. The drivers from the old URDC circuit and
NESMRA are guests of the speedway for the special race." Spence
added, "It is heartwarming to see those guys just sitting their
reminiscing."
Silva was in attendance the first two years. He passed away in
August 2004. The race named changed to the "Ollie Silva Memorial
Classic" that year. "I make no secret that Ollie was my idol. It
pleases me that Red and Judy keep his name alive. They'll be
plenty of "Big 0" stories going around Friday night and that's a
good thing."
This year's race serves as a homecoming for many area racers
that travel the ISMA circuit. Former Lee USA Speedway regular,
Jeffrey Locke, Candia, NH; scored his first ever ISMA win last
weekend in Delaware, Ontario. He'll return to Lee where he has
enjoyed success.
Former "Silva Classic" winner and 2008 ISMA champion Chris
Perley, Rowley, MA; will be on hand. Pelham, NH. great Russ Wood
is also expected. Other ISMA drivers expected include former Lee
regulars, Dan Lane, David Duggan, Dave Sanborn, and Jamie
Timmons. Rob Summers and Canadian aces Mike Lichty and Dave
McKnight
are expected to make the trip.
In addition to the ultra-powered supermodifieds, the track's
NASCAR All-American Weekly Series will also be in action.
featuring the E-Keys 4 Cars Late Models, PB Chop Shop
Supermodifieds, The Prime Storage Late Model Sportsman, The
Roadrunners , presented by David's Race Cars and Components, The
Hobby Stocks, and American Used Car + Parts Ironman division,
all part of the special program.
Race time is 7:15 PM. For additional information call
978-462-4252. |
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