Billy “Bear” Calicchio In His Own Words On His Legendary Relationship With Ted Christopher And More

Modified racing lost a legend and part of the fabric of Southern New England motorsports on Wednesday with the passing of Billy “Bear” Calicchio.

The 62 year old Calicchio was a fixture of Modified racing since the 1980’s as team owner, crew chief and crew member for a long cast of some of the most familiar names in local racing.

In a 2021 Unmuffled Podcast interview, Calicchio explained that his love for racing developed as a child.

“I had a passion for racing at like six or seven years old and it never stopped. …

“My father, back in the day, in the 60’s, he used to work on Ray and Richard Garuti’s car that Eddie Flemke [Sr.] and Smokey Boutwell drove. That was the No. 14 that Jack Arute Sr. actually was partners with. I used to go to the race car shop on Saturday’s.”

Asked what kept him in the sport for so long Calicchio said: “What do you want me to do, go play golf? I’m a racer.”

LISTEN: Billy “Bear” Calicchio In His Own Words On His Legendary Relationship With Ted Christopher And More

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