Brotherly Tribute: Anthony Marvuglio Wins NEMA Shane Hammond Memorial At Waterford Speedbowl

WATERFORD – As of Friday morning Anthony Marvuglio’s plan for Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl involved a lot of things, just not racing.

Anthony Marvuglio and his mother Deb Marvuglio celebrate his win in the NEMA Shane Hammond Memorial event Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl (Photo: Mark Caise/Waterford Speedbowl)

Despite being the defending champion of the Northeastern Midget Association Shane Hammond Memorial at Waterford – the event that bears the name of his late brother – Marvuglio was without a ride for the race.

Hammond was killed during a NEMA Midget feature at Thompson International Speedway on April 6, 2008. The Shane Hammond Memorial helps support the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation.

Marvuglio, had motor issues with his primary ride following an event at Stafford Motor Speedway on June 29 and has been without a ride for the series.

“I woke up [Friday] and I was just going to enjoy my brother’s race and I was going to talk to people and try to sell raffle tickets and try to sell t-shirts and try to get the foundation name out there,” Marvuglio said. “Then about 4 or 5 o’clock yesterday I got a phone call.”

The call came from fellow NEMA competitor Todd Bertrand of Suffield.

“He was like ‘Everything all good to go?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ And he said ‘We want you to drive the 74 car tomorrow,’” Marvuglio said.

And Marvuglio took the borrowed Bertrand Motorsports ride to victory lane in the 27-lap memorial event. Bertrand was second and John Zych of Louisville, Ky. third.

“To drive this car, it’s just an honor,” Marvuglio said. “I can’t thank the Bertrand’s enough. From going from no ride to this and winning the race, it’s just awesome. I can’t thank them enough. … I’m living a dream right now.”

Said Bertrand: “I don’t care, this is like a win to me.”