THOMPSON, Conn. -- Twenty racing pioneers central to the success of the sport in New England during its formative era will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 18 at the Speedway Clubhouse located on the grounds of the Hoenig family’s history-rich Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Connecticut.

With voting administered by a blue ribbon committee of the region’s racing history experts, the list of inductees is expected to read like a “Who’s-Who” of the early days of the sport. The tally presently near completion, a complete list of the inductees will be published in the very-near future.

Many past HOF inductees have confirmed that they’ll be taking-in the Pioneers Induction Banquet.

In addition to the inductions, among the day’s other activities will be a good-natured “Roast” of the Hall’s members to be administered by some of the region’s top raceway media figures including among others, Rollie Jacobs, John Spence, Pete Falconi, Ben Dodge, and Matt Buckler.

Several memorabilia exhibits will be part of the celebration, and the popular Pronyne Mobile Museum will be present for attendees desiring an “up-close & personal” view of the sports beginnings via our region’s only museum. Renowned Eastern racing photographer John Grady is attending, and with him he’ll bring his vast file of racing photographs. Lew Boyd’s Coastal 181 Publishing will also set-up shop for those looking to add to their personal auto racing libraries.

Doors open at 10:00 am, with dinner to be served at 1:00. Tickets are economically-priced at $35.00. Reservations may be made by sending payment to NEAR Pioneer Banquet, Box 172, Milldale, Connecticut, 06467.

For additional information, contact NEAR President Val LeSieur at 508.238.7797 or email vallesieur@aol.com

Since 1998, NEAR has inducted over one-hundred individuals into the New England Auto Racers Hall Of Fame, which is administered by the New England Antique Racers. Notable inductees include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco among others.