Eddie MacDonald’s “Flame” Car On Display At NE Motorsports Museum

Story By: DICK CASEY / NORTH EAST MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM – LOUDON, NH – The #17 Late Model “Flame” car driven by Eddie MacDonald to three ACT Invitational titles at NHMS, two Oxford 250 wins with countless victories throughout the northeast for over a decade took its place of honor in new North East Motor Sports Museum located a half-mile south of the entrance to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

“Words cannot describe how honored I am to have our car in this special place,” said Eddie Mac when delivering his car to the museum. “Dick Berggren came to the shop a few months ago to ask us to display the car at this incredible facility. Rollie (LaChance) and I quickly agreed that this car should be part of this historic collection of New England racing. It is truly humbling. I know racings fans who love our sport as much as we do will be thrilled sharing all the memories. This facility offers something for everyone.”

“Of course, this car and our success would not be possible without the help of many people including my family and Rollie’s family,” reflected Eddie Mac. “Through the years, we have been fortunate to have so many dedicated crew members who worked countless hours to prepare this car every time we raced. So many people supported our efforts especially Rob Grimm, our K&N team owner, Kenny and Scott Thompson from Hancock Electric, Derek Beatrice from EXIT Realty, and NEMO. It is special to share this today with my father and two “old” crew members Herbie Wing and Dick Casey who worked unbelievable hours so I could have all the fun. I have to give special thanks to the man responsible for the “Flames,” John Tiernan. We won a lot of races and I am forever grateful for all the people who helped get this car to its place of honor.”

According to the pamphlet, “The North East Motor Sports Museum was created by racers, race fans, their families and local contractors who donated their labor, skills, ideas, dollars and materials. The Museum was truly built by the racing community.” Dick Berggren, the moving force for the museum’s creation, shared some of the offerings given by racers, families, and race fans to make this facility a one of a kind in the northeast. Berggren was quick to point out the huge commitment both financially and construction involvement of legendary Supermodified driver Bentley Warren as an integral catalyst to get the project up and running.

The North East Motor Sports Museum is a non-profit, strictly volunteer operation in the beautiful 10,000 square foot facility featuring in addition to race cars and motorcycles, a huge display of trophies, pictures, equipment, and a library. The Museum will open its doors to the public on June 12. For a preview, go to NEMSmuseum.com and on Facebook.

“I encourage all the race fans to visit this museum the next time you are in the area,” said Eddie Mac. “To be part of this is awesome and I am so proud to have our car represent all the hard work and commitment of so many people. This museum is filled with stories just like ours that show the love people have for this sport.”