The Future Of American-Canadian (ACT) Tour Looks Bright

Column By: MATTHEW WIERNASZ / RPW – WATERBURY, VT – It was announced a couple weeks ago that Cris Michaud and Pat Malone have purchased the ACT Tour.

” It came up for sale with Darla (Hartt) and our feeling is there is a need for this type of racing and these cars throughout New England and Quebec..” Michaud Said

Michaud and Malone wanted to continue Tom Curley’s vision on running the ACT Tour with it being affordable with the crate motors etc.

ACT Tour President and Founder Tom Curley passed away in May after a long battle with COPD. Michaud and Malone were not worried about not having an ACT Tour after this past year.

” Darla has been by Tom’s side. She knew what Tom’s philosophy was and what ACT meant to Tom. I am sure it would of continued whether he had purchased it or not. I know Darla would of made sure of that.” Michaud Said

Michaud believes that the Southern New England tracks such as Thompson, Waterford, and Seekonk are great supporters of the ACT rules package as well as White Mountain Motorsports Park and Speedway 51 in New Hampshire. Michaud would love to get up into Maine and try to get established up there.

” I think there is a place for this type of car up there. You know Tommy Mayberry has the Pro All Star Series which does very well up in Maine and throughout New England and I think we can just compliment each other on these type of car that we both have. I think there is room for both.” Michaud Said

Michaud believes that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is the showcase for New England and everyone wants to go back there.

” This year I personally wasn’t at the race. I probably have been to every other New Hampshire race and they always have been incredible. You know its hard to judge a series off of one race. I think New Hampshire a spot something we look to do it in the future.” Michaud Said

Tom Curley had been apart of the sport of auto racing for four decades. Michaud knows Curley would be proud that he is now running the ACT Tour. Michaud knows Tom Curley and Ken Squier went out of their way to find the right people to purchase Thunder Road.

There is quite a few memories Michaud had of Tom Curley from being called to the back of the trailer quite a few times when he was a driver. His favorite memory was off the track when they we’re both talking one day and throws him his keys and says to Michaud to go up to his beach house. for four to five days and it was something Michaud did for years. Whenever Michaud saw Tom Curley, he would always ask what week are you taking the beach house.

To Michaud, it feels weird to him that Tom Curley is no longer here. They would talk endlessly during the winter for hours and talking racing. Curley would give his thoughts. There was a few times this past summer, Michaud would loved Curley’s advice on a few things on how to handle them.