Lee, NH. (August 10, 2009) — The fastest short track race cars in America
make their way to Lee USA Speedway Friday night. August 14, when the
International Supermodified Association (ISMA) makes its annual trek to New
Hampshire for the running of the "9th annual Ollie Silva Memorial Classic
75" for the winged, methanol burning, 900 horse powered race cars.
The race is run annually at Lee in honor of legendary racer Ollie Silva, the
first inductee into the New England Racing Hall of Fame. Silva, considered
by many to be one of the greatest short track drivers in American
motorsports history, was best known for his success in supermodifieds.
Silva captured over 500 feature races in 12 states throughout his legendary
career.
During the winter of 2002, Lee USA Speedway announcer John Spence approached
then track manager Peter Watson about recognizing Silva by naming the
"Summer Classic" ISMA race in his honor. Watson liked the idea, track owners
Red and Judy MacDonald liked it, and the decision was "let's do it."
"I wanted Ollie to be long remembered. I knew the day would come when he'd
leave us, I wanted to make sure his legacy would always live on." Spence
said.
Spence wanted the reunion to be a special night for Silva and his fellow
racers. "Red and Judy were so supportive. I wanted to invite many of the
drivers Ollie raced with. The MacDonald's made it even better turning the
thing into a pre-race barbeque before the race. The drivers from the old
URDC circuit and NESMRA are guests of the speedway for the special race."
Spence added, "It is heartwarming to see those guys just sitting their
reminiscing."
Silva was in attendance the first two years. He passed away in August 2004.
The race named changed to the "Ollie Silva Memorial Classic" that year. "I
make no secret that Ollie was my idol. It pleases me that Red and Judy keep
his name alive. They'll be plenty of "Big 0" stories going around Friday
night and that's a good thing."
This year's race serves as a homecoming for many area racers that travel the
ISMA circuit. Former Lee USA Speedway regular, Jeffrey Locke, Candia, NH;
scored his first ever ISMA win last weekend in Delaware, Ontario. He'll
return to Lee where he has enjoyed success.
Former "Silva Classic" winner and 2008 ISMA champion Chris Perley, Rowley,
MA; will be on hand. Pelham, NH. great Russ Wood is also expected.
Other ISMA drivers expected include former Lee regulars, Dan Lane, David
Duggan, Dave Sanborn, and Jamie Timmons.
Rob Summers, Nokie Fornoro, and Canadian aces Mike Lichty and Dave McKnight
are expected to make the trip.
In addition to the ultra-powered supermodifieds, the tracks NASCAR
All-American Weekly Series will also be in action. featuring the E-Keys 4
Cars Late Models, PB Chop Shop Supermodifieds, The Prime Storage Late Model
Sportsman, The Roadrunners , presented by David's Race Cars and Components,
The Hobby Stocks, and American Used Car + Parts Ironman division, all part
of the special program.
Race time is 7:15 PM.