Frank Maratta Auto Show Successful In Springfield, MA

Column By: MATTHEW WIERNASZ / RPW – WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Frank Maratta Auto Show returned to the Eastern States Exposition this weekend featuring customs classic cars, hot rods and race-a-rama. Fans are getting excited about the 2017 as some of the tracks and touring series from New England were on hand.

Brett Meservey had his Pro 4 Modified on display in the New England Pro 4 Modified booth. Meservey’s car will be a tribute to Tiger Tom Baldwin this season. Baldwin drove the 7NY in modifieds for years. Baldwin passed away in August 2004.

Art Barry was at the show on Friday night and said he would be returning this season. Barry thought the 2016 season would be his last as he has been involved in racing for many decades in the modifieds. He has had a lot of great memories in modified racing with some of the best drivers such as Rick Fuller, Mike Stefanik and Mike Ewanitsko. Barry is unsure of who drive the 21 this season but that he would be racing on the EXIT Realty Modified Touring Series. His grandson Tyler had his bandolero in the New London-Waterford Speedbowl booth.

Racing will start in New England and hopefully the warm weather will be here in just a few weeks when the Icebreaker will return to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on March 31st-April 2nd with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Pro All Star Series Super Late Models and much more.

Stay tuned to raceproweekly.com as we will have some of the season previews for the 2017 season across the short tracks here in the New England region.