It was a family reunion as 112 members of the "Norwood Arena Speedway family" spent the evening looking at numerous photo displays, memorabilia, the Norwood Arena.com web site and reminiscing about the once great speedway that is now only a fond memory.

To the surprise of veteran driver Bill Schulz, upon arrival he found the car that he raced at Norwood Arena in the early 1960's had been restored to it's original paint scheme by James Fitzgibbons of Goosebrook Garage in Norton, along with help from a group of Bill's friends.

It was common to see groups of people gather around drivers such as Bugsy Stevens, Bill Slater, Reino Tulonen, Andy Anderson, Bill Singersen, Rick Healey, Jack Darlington and many more to listen to stories of times past.

Long time Bill Slater fan, Ken Blaisdell of Mansfield, was thrilled to get his 1960's vintage photo of Slater in his V8 autographed by the racing legend. Another fan grinned as he spoke of meeting Reino Tulonen, "a hero of his for many years."

Drivers and fans alike lined up to have Bugsy Stevens autograph copies of his book. Bugs sold out of the 10 copies of the book in only a few minutes.

Other drivers seen comparing race stories at the "photo gallery" included Fred Briggs, Fran Voss, Buddy Cook, George Summers, Bill Bechtel, Bobby Sprague, Jim Darlington, Paul Gariepy, Mike Theriault, Jerry Capozzoli, Pete Des Jardins, Dave MacEachern and others.

Officials present included Carl Merrill and Starter Mike Favulli.

The reunion was hosted by Norwood Arena.Com.
Bill Schulz poses with the car he ran at Norwood Arena in the early 1960s.
(left to right) Bill Singersen, Russ Healey, Rick Healey and Terry LeLacheur watch as Bugsy Stevens autographs a copy of his book.
Former Starter Mike Favulli (center) trades stories at the photo gallery.
The buffet was given rave reviews, with several requests to hold the next reunion at the same location.
Bill Slater and "First Turn Fan Club" President Lois Thomas talk over "the good old days."
Even the centerpieces became collector items as Rick Healey points out pictures of cars on it.