Editor’s Note: This story was published at 7:30 pm on January 2, 2021. At 8:30 pm on January 2, 2021 management of the New London-Waterford Speedbowl posted a 2021 schedule to Facebook.
On Saturday management of the Granite State Pro Stock Series announced that the division will host an event on July 24, 2021 at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
Odd about the Saturday announcement by the Granite State Pro Stock Series is that New London-Waterford Speedbowl management has made no public statements about anything having to do with a 2021 schedule at the shoreline oval.
The Speedbowl ran a condensed schedule in 2020 with the track opening for Saturday night racing on Aug. 8. The track ultimately ran 10 Saturday night events and then its finale weekend Oct. 24-25. Operations were overseen in 2020 by first year general manager Mike Marfeo.
It’s unclear at this point if Marfeo is returning to the track for the 2021 season. Multiple sources close to track management have described that there was allegedly a falling out between track owner Bruce Bemer and Marfeo following the conclusion of the 2020 season. (Editor’s Note: Mike Marfeo was listed as the Speedbowl general manager on the track’s Facebook posting announcing the schedule which was posted one hour after this story was published).
Three sources close to the Speedbowl have said that the track’s 2021 schedule was completed in November, but Bemer has been reluctant to announce details for a 2021 season at the facility.
Bemer was in the news earlier this week after he was stabbed multiple times during a domestic family incident at his residence in Glastonbury. According to his lawyer Anthony Spinella, Bemer’s injuries from the attack were not life threatening.
In June 2019 Bemer was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted in April of that year of five felony charges, including participation in a sex trafficking ring involving drug addicted and mentally ill young men.
Bemer has been free on bond since his sentencing awaiting a decision on his request to appeal his conviction. Bemer’s argument for appeal was heard before the state Supreme Court in October. Justices have not yet rendered a decision.
In arguing for the appeal, Bemer’s lawyers have claimed that no evidence was presented during trial proving that Bemer knew the victims involved were being trafficked. Bemer’s lawyers are also arguing whether the jury on the case was properly instructed on the legal definition of coercion. A decision on whether or not the court will allow an appeal typically takes numerous months.
I don’t get it. I know there is a certain displeasure with this publication saying anything about the owner’s continuing issues. It still makes no sense to not use the one and only Connecticut racing media outlet to promote the resurrected Speedbowl.
Great article Shawn. Nice to see the full story printed with all the facts.
Bruce Bemers, being the property owner of the speedbowl, makes his personal life pertinent to any news regarding the facility.
His actions, or the actions of others against him could have dire consequences.