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Howie Hodge Photo
WATERFORD — According to the theme song of the legendary TV show Cheers, sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and you’re always glad you came.
For Terry Baribeault, the mother of Speedbowl announcer Dave Baribeault, that place was the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
“My mother loved the Speedbowl,” said Baribeault who has been an announcer since 2006. “She knew everybody, and everybody knew her. She thought she was the Queen of the Speedbowl.”
When Mrs. Baribeault passed away on November 30th, 2022, the next day Dave started organizing plans for a tribute race for his mother, at the Speedbowl, where she had so many memories.
Then when his first sports hero, Billy Greco, passed away in April, he became even more determined to create a special event. The result will take place this Saturday night August 5th, when the green flag flies on the inaugural Billy Greco/Terry Baribeault SK 43 Memorial. “Billy Greco was my first sports hero,” Baribeault said. “I don’t think I would have ever become an announcer if it wasn’t for Billy’s influence. Not only was he a hero, but a family friend. Some of his advice was used to create this race. The 43 lap, $2,500 to win race is not short enough to be a sprint, but long enough for some strategy to be involved.”
“This is the type of race my mom and Billy would love to see.”
It will also be a festive occasion; two restored #43 cars will be in attendance and with a hand carved trophy for the winner. “This will be a trophy that every SK driver would love to win,” said Baribeault. A lot of people stepped up to the plate with donations to make this race a reality with adding to the purse and special awards for the drivers. On the flag stand to throw the green flag will be Dave’s long time partner, Sharon Augur.
A great turnout of SK Modifieds are expected to be on hand, and when the winner is determined, chances are everyone will know their name.
Event details can be found on our social media channels and at www.SpeedbowlCT.com
