Grand Opening of Norwood Arena-This Day in Norwood History-June 14, 1948

12,000 Jam Arena At Midget Racing Inaugural Monday

The long‑awaited debut of the Norwood Arena drew an extraordinary crowd of twelve thousand spectators on Monday night, marking what officials described as the largest turnout ever recorded for any event in this region. The Grand Opening featured a full slate of midget auto racing on the newly completed hot‑top track along Route 1, a surface that drivers and race officials immediately praised as among the safest and fastest in the nation.

The evening’s program opened with a dramatic demonstration of speed and precision, captured in a high‑speed strobe photograph showing New England Champion Joe Sostilio of Natick in a borrowed No. 21 car battling Dick Shuebruk of Scituate in No. 2 as they approached the finish line. The image, taken at 1/10,000 of a second, highlighted the intensity of the competition on the Arena’s inaugural night. Shuebruk’s No. 2 machine was the former No. 54 in which Sostilio had captured the 1947 New England title.

The feature race of the evening, a five‑mile event, was won by Johnny Bernardi of Framingham, driving a Davison Offy. Johnny Thompson of Lowell finished second, with Dick Shuebruk of Brighton taking third. Wild Bill Randall of Wakefield, who had secured the pole position, was forced to withdraw after only two laps due to mechanical trouble.

Despite the high speeds and the nine‑race program, the opening night passed without any major accidents, a fact that brought relief to car owners whose midget racers cost between $7,000 and $10,000 each. The most dramatic moment occurred during the sixth race, a 15‑lap semi‑final, when Red Cummings of Wenham spun out on the eleventh lap while attempting to improve his position. With nine other cars tightly grouped behind him, the crowd witnessed a remarkable display of driving skill as the pack successfully avoided a collision while Cummings slid into the infield. Bill Randall, who had been running second, went on to win the race in 3:37.41. Jim Florien, racing with Bob Hamer as part of the Pollack team, finished second, followed by Shuebruk.

Bernardi, who later won the night’s feature, encountered mechanical trouble in the pits before the final semi‑final. A radiator connection required welding, delaying the start of the race. Once repairs were completed, he returned to the track and won the event in 3:33.13.

Among the crowd favorites was Bobby Blair of Dedham, regarded as the closest thing to a hometown representative until a Norwood driver emerges. Blair, piloting an Offy, won the fourth qualifying heat in 2:27.07. The evening’s program included four qualifying heats, a special event, two semi‑finals, a consolation race, and the feature. Winners of the 10‑lap qualifiers were Bill Randall, Joe Sostilio of Newton, Johnny Thompson, and Bobby Blair. Ray Janelle of Pawtucket, driving a two‑cylinder motorcycle‑powered car, captured the 10‑lap consolation race in 2:55.78.

The feature race had originally been scheduled for 25 laps, but officials reduced it to 20 after discovering that the new track surface, not yet worn smooth, was wearing down tires at an unusually rapid rate. Many drivers expressed concern that they did not have sufficient rubber to complete the longer distance.

After rain forced the cancellation of the planned opening the previous Monday, the Arena’s true debut benefited from ideal weather. Cars began filling the parking lots at 6:30 p.m., and spectators were still arriving after the first race began at 8:00. By then, every section of the stands surrounding the quarter‑mile oval was filled. Police Chief Thomas C. Lydon, supported by a large detail of regular and special officers, confirmed that the crowd was the largest Norwood had ever seen. Although the heavy influx of vehicles caused some delays entering and exiting the grounds, Arena officials quickly identified and addressed traffic issues.

The Arena grounds were decorated for the occasion, with bunting and a sweeping blue searchlight illuminating the night sky above the half‑million‑dollar sports and recreation complex. Many spectators commented on the impressive facilities, including the $150,000 clubhouse featuring a cocktail lounge and 75‑foot bar on the first floor, and a refreshment booth, bar, and patio on the second floor. All areas were heavily patronized throughout the evening.

Bob Hamer, who transitioned from radio into racing, served as announcer and entertained the crowd with lively commentary over the public address system. After the races, he continued performing informally in the cocktail lounge.

With the inaugural program concluded, preparations immediately began for the second night of racing, scheduled for the following Monday and advertised as featuring “all the cars and all the stars.”

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)