AWARDS PRESENTED AT 2015 NEAR ANNUAL MEETING January 13, 2015 |
(WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA) On Sunday afternoon January 11th, the New England Antique Racers (NEAR) conducted its 2015 annual meeting at the Dante Club in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
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President, Paul Masse |
Recently-elected club President Paul Masse presided over the event, which included the presentation of a number of awards.
Several teams were honored for their exceptional 2014 event participation. NEAR members reside throughout New England and are available, on a no charge basis, for exhibition events at local race tracks in New England and several tracks in the New York area, with both original and historical replica race cars.
Presented to an individual displaying a record of dedication & hard work to NEAR is the decades-running Charlie Stebbins Award named in-honor of one of the original organizers of the club. For her continued & timely efforts in updating and maintaining the NEAR website, club member Judy Poirier was this year’s recipient of that coveted award.
Also announced were a number of 2015 NEAR events with additional dates still in the preliminary stages. Several car shows and raceway reunions round-out a busy schedule. Hall of Famer & New England Modified racing Great Billy Greco will also host a movie party on Saturday, March 28th, with additional details on that event to be conveyed in the near future.
Retiring officers Al Fini, Bill Henry, Rhonda Blanchette, and Mare Harlow were recognized in-honor of their dedication and outstanding service to NEAR.
The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) club is a non-profit organization that supports the history of New England auto racing. NEAR has been in existence since 1981 and has a growing membership of approx. 350-400 members and over 80 antique race cars.
The New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame is administered by the New England Antique Racers. Some very notable inductees include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, “Wild Bill” Slater, Bugs Stevens, Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco.
By Dave Dykes