Story By: MICHELLE CLOUTIER / MONADNOCK SPEEDWAY – WINCHESTER, NH – It was three years ago that long-time local racer and Nashua, New Hampshire businessman Norman Wrenn Jr contemplated buying Monadnock Speedway, the quarter-mile high-banked race facility, based in Winchester, New Hampshire, but the time wasn’t right for everyone involved until this past spring.
Wrenn finalized the purchase on Thursday, December 13, buying the facility from Larry Cirillo, and Fred Pafumi, track owners since 1984.
“About a month before the track opening this past spring we met and negotiated a deal that would work for them, me, and my family, said Wrenn, who purchased Lee USA Speedway, in Lee, NH, last February.
Wrenn furthered, “We would have finalized the sale sooner but the application process for permits and licenses would have delayed the start of the season. We signed a purchase and sales agreement and agreed it would be best to finalize the sale after the season ended.” Wrenn added, “I have to thank Jeff Zuidema. If it wasn’t for his persistence it wouldn’t have happened.” Zuidema will serve as a special consultant.
Cirillo, a one-time modified racer himself, won a season ending open competition 100-lap race at Monadnock in September 1983 and then went and bought the racetrack for the following season. 35 seasons later Cirillo says it was time. “I’m ready for the change. It’s time for me to go – time for a new regime to come with new ideas. I’m glad Norman bought the race track I believe it’s in the right hands. I’ve accepted that it was time.”
The track will continue to carry the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series sanction, and in addition to their weekly divisions will host the Valenti Modified Racing Series, Granite State Pro Stock Series, Tri-Track Open Modified Series, International Super-Modified Association, and Northeastern Midget Association.
Wrenn also noted long-time Monadnock manager,Michelle Cloutier, will return with the new owners and serve as the tracks operations manager.
The speedway will open its season on Saturday, May 4th with traditional Spring Dash featuring the Valenti Modified Racing Series marking the 49th year of operation.
Fans and competitors can expect upgrades at Monadnock. Brand new bleachers including handrails will be in place for the new season. Track personnel plan to have the 2019 schedule announced with two weeks.
