Northeast Motorsports Expo changes hands for 2010
Tim Attaya passes torch to Steve Perry after 21-year run
AUGUSTA, Maine (Jan. 2, 2009) – After a successful 21-year run that brought some of the biggest names in auto racing to central Maine, promoter Tim Attaya is turning over the reigns of his Northeast Motorsports Expo & Trade Show.
Held at the Augusta Civic Center every January since 1989, the Northeast Motorsports Expo has become a tradition among northern New England's racing enthusiasts. Effective at the conclusion of this year's 21st annual show, the event will be managed and run by well known and respected motorsports personality Steve Perry.
Perry, of Windham, Maine, is best known as the host of "Mainely Motorsports," a weekly television show on Time Warner Cable that showcases all forms of motorsports action. Racing insiders also know Perry from his days as half of the famed SP2 Motorsports team, for which Maine racing legend Mike Rowe drove with great success on the Pro All Stars Series.
Attaya and wife Cathy have been synonymous with the Augusta show since they founded it over two decades ago. Unlike other racing-related shows, Attaya chose to include all forms of racing vehicles in his event, bringing in everything from vintage and current stocks cars, pulling tractors, motocross bikes, drag cars, snowmobiles and go-karts. If it had an engine and raced within Maine, New Hampshire or even Vermont, Attaya welcomed it to the show.
At the official announcement, Attaya spoke with passion about his "baby," and how much he enjoyed the show despite the countless hours of work involved to put it on. He talked about his choice for a successor and what it meant to host the unofficial kickoff to each new year of short track excitement.
"I had three possible buyers for the show," explained Attaya. "I chose Steve because I felt he would do the most with it. He's ambitious, has good ideas and has a good working knowledge of the sport. I had 21 great years, thanks to a lot of help from a host of dedicated sponsors, staff and fans. I wish Steve all the best in the future and feel confident he will take the show to new heights."
Attaya says planning for each year’s show was time-consuming, but also led to many lasting friendships from people involved in the sport. The show became a big part of his life, but he will cherish the memories from those many weekends in the Civic Center.
"It was very rewarding for me see the reactions from fans when meeting big-name drivers. We were lucky to have had some of the sport’s biggest heroes come up here to Maine. Fans loved it, and I enjoyed seeing them smile when getting an autograph or taking a photo."
Perry has been a life-long race fan and has years of experience in various aspects of the sport. Just prior to the announcement of this venture, he spoke about the vision he has for the show and how he hopes to rejuvenate this once-prestigious annual gathering.
"I was honored when Tim approached me to see if I was interested in taking over the show," Perry said. “I know what he put into it for 21 years, and he didn't want just anybody at the helm. I'm excited about this opportunity to not only continue a great motorsports tradition, but to bring back the excitement this show once had by making it attractive to national racers, their sponsors and of course more fans."
Perry says Attaya's philosophy of including all forms of racing vehicles and displays is similar to that of his television show. That philosophy will not change under the direction of SP2 Promotions.
"I feel the inclusion of all types of racing into the show has always worked. It keeps it interesting for fans and racers from all those groups. Our goals for the first couple of years are to enhance the displays, add new vendors and try to bring in a national star people will want to come see. It will take time and money to achieve these goals, but with hard work to attract new sponsors and build momentum, I believe we can bring this show back to where it was during its heyday."
The dates for the 22nd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo & Trade Show were also announced here Friday. The show will be held on Jan. 8-10, 2009. To stay informed throughout 2009 regarding news and plans, visit the show’s Web site at www.northeastmotorsports.net.