Norwood 1949

norwoodarena.com-The stands were filled as the first season of stock car racing at the track neared its close. Drivers from around New England converged on Norwood Arena for the October 12, 1949 race. The cost for a ticket was $1.20 for the bleachers and $1.80 for the reserved box seats. In 1949, stock cars made their first appearance at Norwood Arena under the New England Stock Car Racing Association. NESCRA was formed by local midget owner/driver Ed Stone, along with Andy Anderson and others. Stone was President and ran the operations (Officers: Bud Tatro, Fran Bannister, Ed Stone, Ira Keizer, Newton Fowler with Technical Committee Frank Litwin and Hank Tatro). Like the midgets, NESCRA was a touring organization that ran several tracks weekly. These early low cost and less sophisticated stock cars (compared to the midgets) quickly grew in popularity and number. It was not uncommon for 150+ cars to sign in for a race night. It also became clear that the local racing landscape was about to change forever. As for the midgets, they continued as a touring organization with Len Thrall winning the last Midget race run at Norwood Arena on May 31, 1969. The season opener in April 1949 was literally a marathon. The 24 hour race covered 3,572 laps (893 miles) through rain and snow showers. Each car had 2 drivers. One rested on the cots in the bar while the other drove. Red Cummings and Red Keizer won the event that included a new 1949 Ford sedan. Although this race sounded like a good idea, the crowds were thin and a race of this length was too much for fans that were accustomed to fast 30 lap feature events.Rule Book-http://www.norwoodarena.com/Track/1949_Rule_Book.html