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2025 NEMA NEWS |
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A Tribute to Cynthia |
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By Erica Carlson Coutu - 7/8/25 |
Tonight we race in your memory !!!
Tonight, as cars are loaded and prepped for tomorrow’s race,
we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of someone
whose presence was far more powerful than the checkered
flag—Cynthia.
Cynthia began her journey as John, and
in 2007, she became who she was always meant to be. Through
that transformation, she found the freedom to truly live—and
in doing so, she helped so many others discover the strength
to grow, the courage to pursue, and the passion to race. She
was not just a race director. She was a mentor, a
truth-teller, a protector, and for many of us... family.
From ISMA to NEMA, Cynthia was a constant—steady in
voice, fierce in fairness, and endlessly generous in spirit.
She shaped the paths of countless drivers, offering not just
guidance, but wisdom. She told you what you needed to hear,
not just what you wanted to. And because of her, racers like
Dylan Coutu were given both the opportunity and the belief
to rise, even when the age- said wait. Cynthia was there
when he started to race against adults at just 13 and a
half. She was always there.
Through adrenaline, fear,
setbacks, and triumphs, Cynthia stood beside us all—her love
for this sport and its people unwavering.
Tomorrow,
we race with heavy hearts but fuller spirits, because
Cynthia’s voice still echoes in our ears and her legacy
lives in our laps. As engines rev and hearts beat, let every
turn of the track be a thank-you. Let every finish line be a
memory. Let her be felt in every moment we dare to chase our
dreams.
You will truly be missed, Cynthia. But your
track (both racing and Beetles loving) will never fade.
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Young Gun Brayden Egan
Entering the NEMA
Midgets Field
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When veteran driver and car owner, Jim Miller called
with the opportunity to race the iconic number 47
Bertrand/Linblad/Drinan Mid-Rail Chassis , it was a
life-changing moment for this rising star. Shocked but
grateful, Brayden Egan knew this was more than just a chance
to race; it was a chance to be part of something special. "I
understand what goes into a racing operation, especially at
this level, so to be asked to be behind the wheel was truly
an honor,".
Brayden was recently voted by his peers
the Mechanic of the Year Award. "It was an honor to receive
that award, knowing there are so many others who put so much
effort into their cars. To be recognized for my efforts
means a lot” Despite not yet having a long list of racing
achievements, he considers the award one of his proudest
accomplishments.
Looking ahead, he is aware of the
challenges that come with racing a more powerful car. "The
biggest challenge is getting used to the torque and
horsepower of the car. Learning to control that with my foot
will take some adjustment,". Additionally, adapting to the
differences between the Bertrand /Lindblad/Drinan chassis
and his previous Hawk NEMA LITES car, both from a mechanical
and driving perspective, is something he's focused on as he
prepares for the season. Fortunately, his familiarity with
the tracks and the drivers in the NEMA Lite series will give
him some much needed experience to make the adjustment.
Having joined a team with a history of success in NEMA,
he recognizes the value of that knowledge. "I can trust the
car and the owner, so I can focus more on my driving rather
than dealing with problems. I hope to one day add my name to
the list of wins they’ve achieved," he said.
When it
comes to his goals for the season, he remains grounded yet
ambitious. "My goals are to learn as much as I can, finish
races, gain respect, race clean, and progress both on and
off track throughout the year." Behind every successful
driver is a support system, and Brayden is no different.
"I’m lucky to have the support of my dad, my girlfriend,
Taylor, my friends, Anthony, Josh, Ben, TJ, Travis, and
Julian, as well as Pernesiglio Racing, Redline Motorsports,
Jim Miller, Circle Performance, my grandparents, and my
mom.” Brayden expressed the importance of the people who
help him both during and outside of race season.
As
he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his racing
career, there’s no doubt that with determination, support,
and passion for racing, this driver is one to watch in the
upcoming NEMA Midgets Series. Brayden
will make his NEMA Midget Debut at the Ray Kelley Memorial
Race at the New London Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday June
28th. Keep your eyes on this young gun and the new
youth movement in the NEMA Midgets, he will be fun to watch! |
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The Northeastern Midget
Association is proud to announce the "Jim Susi Memorial
Award" given to the Top Crew Member for the 2025 season.
This award, which will be voted on at the end of the
year by all NEMA registered members, includes a $300
cash prize, a NEMA crew jacket, and a memorial plaque.
Only NEMA registered crew members who submit their
membership application and dues
prior to August 1, 2025 will be eligible.
J im
"Chippy" Susi was born into a racing family, and he had the
privilege to work with some of the greatest drivers at both
Norwood Areana and Seekonk.
In the early 70’s, Chippy joined the Scrivani Racing
Team. His
knowledge and dedication were a tribute to the success of
the Scrivani Racing Team and to NEMA.
During the many decades he was associated with NEMA,
he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone on race
day. A graduate
of WPI and a self-employed Civil Engineer, we are honored to
present this award in his name at the 2025 NEMA Banquet on
January 24th.
Special thanks to Scrivani Racing and Dave Brown Truck
Repair as award sponsors.
Don’t
wait – get registered now as a crew member so you can
be eligible to vote and win this prestigious award!
Click
HERE for the NEMA membership form & instructions.
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FRIDAY, MAY 23rd |
In
Indianapolis for the 500, NEMA Photographer John DaDalt went
to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the The Carb
Night Classic that had two midget races on the card. John
sent along some shots of the NEMA racers participating.
There was a race for the All-Star Pavement Midgets which
are the NEMA LITES. Dylan Coutu in the #63 set fast time,
and Jake Trainor won the feature in the #29 Seymour car.
The National Pavement Midgets race was won by Kody
Swanson in the Bertrand Motorsports #5. Todd Bertrand raced
the #48. |
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JAKE TRAINOR |
Jake Trainor |
Dylan Coutou |
Jake Trainor |
Coutu & Trainor |
Zach Martinez |
Ben Mikitarian |
Trent Goodrow |
Chase Locke |
Kyler Valeri |
Tiana Kibbe |
Todd Bertrand |
Kody Swanson |
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Photos by
John DaDalt |
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SATURDAY, MAY 24th |
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Action Photo by
John DaDalt |
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Trainor Inherits
Second Little 500 Win
Story by Koty Geyer
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andersonspeedway.com
Anderson, IN – Jake Trainor
was declared the winner of the 77th Annual Unified Group
Services Little 500 Presented By UAW Saturday night.
Dakoda Armstrong took the checkered flag first after 500
laps, but failed post-race tech and was disqualified from
the event. The Massachusetts native inherited the win
after he cleared tech.
Official statement from
Anderson Speedway track owner Rick Dawson: “Unfortunately
in post-race tech, the No.1 car was found to have a digital
device mounted in the car which was in violation of the
rulebook for this event. Subsequently, the car was
disqualified from the event.”
The 20-year-old Trainor
is now a two-time Little 500 champion after winning the race
for the second time in three years, the first coming in his
rookie attempt. He made what would ultimately be the pass
for the win on Kyle O’Gara with 20 laps to go.
It was
career-best finishes for both O’Gara and Davey Hamilton Jr.,
who finished second and third to round out the podium.
Former winner Bobby Santos III and Jackson Macenko rounded
out the top-five. Rylan Gray earned 2025 Little 500 Rookie
of the Year honors with a 12 th place finish. |
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NEMA
Midgets
Attract
Young Talent |
In 2025 NEMA fans will have their eyes on an
exciting rookie, RJ Deighton, a rising star on the
motorsports scene. RJ has an impressive track record in the
NASCAR Youth Series, where he dominated with four
championships in a single season. RJ is now stepping up to
compete in the ultra-competitive Northeastern Midget
Association series and is poised for success! Most recently,
RJ showed off his skills in a restricted wingless 600 Racing
at Airport Speedway in Newcastle Delaware.
As RJ gets
ready for his debut in a NEMA midgets, preparation will be
key. RJ said his approach is multifaceted. "To prepare
myself, I go out to the garage and learn more about the
cars. That way, when I'm on the track, I can better
communicate with my dad about how the car is handling. I
also train on the simulator to get a feel for different
track conditions, so I know what to expect in real-world
racing". Staying mentally and physically prepared is just as
important as having a fast car, and RJ has a solid pre-race
routine. "Before each race, I scope out the track and figure
out what lines I can take to be fast".
One of the
biggest transitions facing RJ will be adjusting to the
handling and setup of the NEMA cars. But RJ is no stranger
to these types of adjustments. "The car handling is
definitely different than a micro 600, but they feel pretty
similar to a quarter midget". But he's not resting on his
laurels. He is continuing to hone his skills in key areas
like downforce management, and learning when to lift or push
depending on the track conditions.
With his first NEMA
season around the corner, RJ has set some lofty, yet
realistic goals. "My goal for the 2025 season is to earn
consistent top 5 or top 10 finishes." he says. "If I feel
like I'm really exceeding, I'd love to get a victory or at
least finish in the top 3". It's a humble, yet ambitious goal
for someone with such a strong foundation in racing. Every
young racer needs guidance, and RJ is fortunate to have some
of the best in the business in his corner. "I've been
learning a lot from Tim Bertrand, Avery Stoehr, and the
whole Bertrand Motorsports crew." When it comes to who he
looks up to in the NEMA division, RJ states "I really look
up to two teams: Bertrand Motorsports and Matt Seymour
Racing (MSR). Both teams have great drivers with amazing
skills, and I hope to race like them someday." Behind every
great racer is a strong support system, and RJ is no
exception. "I have a lot of people supporting me--my family,
friends, and everyone who helps me get faster in the car. My
dad is my biggest supporter. He's always there to help me
get better and better, race after race." This unwavering
support will be essential as RJ navigates the highs and lows
of his first season in the NEMA series.
While racing
is clearly RJ's passion, he also enjoys activities off the
track that help him stay physically and mentally sharp.
"Outside of racing, I like to play lacrosse and go to
football games," With his strong foundation in racing,
dedicated work ethic, and a team of experienced mentors
behind him, RJ Deighton is ready to make his mark in the
Northeastern Midget Association. RJ's Beast Gearte midget
will be exciting to watch for the 2025 season and beyond.
Keep an eye out for this rising star as he makes his debut
in the NEMA series. |
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