Remember Riverside Park Speedway

Where were you on October 17, 1999? Many fans, drivers and race crews were in attendance for the FINAL RACE event at Riverside Park Speedway. That day ended a race era for Western Mass. that had begun in1948. It was a Budweiser sponsored day, that cold Sunday at the quarter mile track in Agawam, Massachusetts.

The day began with the antique racers, all winners. These cars, drivers and crews are the roots of Modified racing. It was quite a show, filled with history and fond memories. The day moved fast as racing days do. There were four feature events that day. The Teddy Bear Pool Truck Division was the first feature on the roster. It was 51 laps, caution-free race, close right down to the line. Rob Valerio, the winner in the yellow truck #76. That was the final truck race at Riverside. The second feature was the Sportsman Division. Another 51 lap race with Beau Lebeau the winner in black and orange car #66. That was the final Sportsman Division race at Riverside. Each lap of these races had lap sponsors and there were no pit stops during the race. Barry Gray, in colorful car #29, won the third feature, the Pro Stock Division. Barry stayed in the top 3 throughout this, the last Pro Stock Division race at Riverside. It was a great night and spirits were high.

The big fourth feature was a100 lap Modified Division race. This was to be the very last race at Riverside. The track was filled with anxious revving engines and competition was fierce. Ownership of the first place spot changed places several times during that race as the day closed into night. Car #711 stayed in the top 6 cars for most of the race. There were eight laps to go. The first and second place cars spun out and restarted in the rear. Bob Polverari in white car #711 was in first position for the single file restart on lap 92.

An honor, a privilege a great memory to hold, veteran driver, Bob Polverari held onto that spot winning the FINAL RACE at Riverside Park Speedway.

The dark night closed in and an empty cold chilled the hearts of the dedicated race crowd, blanketing their spirits as the sun set on the racetrack sounds at Riverside Park Speedway, forever.

What kind of guy is Bob Polverari, the last race winner? Great guy. He ended the 2002 season a 48 year racing veteran. Retired, he now spends 12 to 15 weeks a year, racing. He owns and operates his own car and crew. Bobby races because of the thrill of the competition and the comrade with fans, drivers and all the crews. His most challenging race was his first 500lap race in 1971 at Riverside Park and the Spring Sizzler at Stafford Speedway in 1981. Another interesting fact is that Bobby won the 1st race in 1976 when Nascar initially came to Riverside Park Speedway. He has won 5 Championships and holds the track record at Thompson International Speedway.

“The Park” carries especially fond memories for Bobby. When he was a child, he and his Dad went to many races there. Bobby even raced in Soap Box Derby’s at age eleven. Racing just stayed with him.

Bobby and his wife Barbara have been married for 44 years. They have two children, son Rob and daughter Liz.

When Bobby is not racing, he enjoys golfing. He has a 15handicap. He and his family also spend time at hunting and fishing camp he built in 1988.

Personable is the one word to describe Bob Polverari. He has or makes time for everyone and everyone is his equal.