Idle the past three weeks, the Northeastern Midget Association returns to Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night. Rain washed out Seekonk Speedway’s opener last weekend but it failed to cool the ambitions of the NEMA drivers.

A trio of announced championship contenders – veterans Joey Payne Jr., Nokie Fornoro and Greg Stoehr – are anxious to continue their bids on what many consider the premier Midget track in the east. Payne and Stoehr were second and third at the Speedbowl back at the Modified Nationals on April 12th in the only feature NEMA has run so far this season.

All three agree, there is great equity in NEMA and “catch up” is a most difficult game to play in point chasing. “You don’t want to fall too far behind on the track or in the standings,” says Payne. “You have to go to the front as quickly as possible especially at the Speedbowl.”

Although he is not a championship contender, the winner at the Nationals – Randy Cabral – is right where he wants to be. He insists his goal every year is at least one victory and everything else is icing on the cake. Based on laps in the 12.8 range a month ago, Cabral and the Bertrand #47 is the combo to beat.

Cabral set a new standard with a 12.848 circuit. Speeds at the Speedbowl have soared this year in all divisions and the Midgets return with great anticipation. Is more speed possible?

Erica Santos, who became NEMA's first female winner last season at Stafford, brings her quest for that all-important second triumph. She appeared to be headed for it in the Breault #44 before rain interrupted the show at the Nationals. Admitting to a mistake on the resumption of the feature, she is all the more determined.

Adam Cantor and William Wall return after impressive runs – fourth and sixth – at the Nationals.

Erica and Bobby Santos III are very popular at the Speedbowl as is Fornoro, the latter seeking his first championship in over 20 years. Fornoro’s Mike Jarret #4 had troubles at the Nationals. He was, however, impressive in his heat and he returns with great anticipation.

Jeremy Frankowski, now is the Seamon #63, is another who hopes to erase breakdown memories at the Modified Nationals.

Source: Pete Zanardi, NEMA Public Relations