Getting to know by Jim Snape

Valenti Modified Racing Series driver Roy Seidell, Jr.

 

Both photos by simply the Best, Crystal Snape

Not many race car drivers could ever hope to be active in this sport for as long as the one highlighted here. Imagine manhandling a potent modified, week after week, season after season for an incredible 38 years. Just think of the changes, the innovations that have taken place and think about the people that have drifted in and out of this incredible sport.

Roy Seidell, Jr. has seen it all. With the physical difficulties Roy has faced recently, his goal now is just to have fun at the track and enjoy being around the people he respects most.

Name

Roy Seidell, Jr.

age 62

hometown.

Easthampton, Mass.

occupation

lab maintenance technician.

Girlfriend.

Chris Majewski

car number 22

current division.

VMRS

when did you first start your racing career?

1963 with quarter midgets at Hamden Ponds, Holyoke, Mass.-Cook's Motors, Chicopee, Mass. many fairgrounds around New England at that time hosted midget race cars. Then in 1977 I started my modified career.

Awards

promoters award, Riverside Park- rookie of the year, Monadnock Speedway. Many awards were destroyed by ex-wife as she burnt them in a wood stove, including all my midget awards.

Where have you previously raced?

Riverside Park, Monadnock, Thompson, Stafford and Waterford.

Who was/is your inspiration for getting into the driver seat?

Bob Polverari and Ed Kennedy, I watched both of these guys for years.

How does any of your past careers/service jobs compare/assist with racing?

I spent 39 years full-time in the Massachusetts air National Guard, the dealing day in and day out of working with different personalities that you were in constant competition. Sometimes a lot of fun. Sometimes not so much.

What moment in racing put your heart in your throat?

The very first time I started on the pole at Riverside Park as the green flag dropped I lost control and spun around and went down the front stretch backwards and never got hit.

Of all the divisions you have driven in which is your favorite?

Modified's, there is nothing that you really compare it to, what an awesome rush.

Favorite track.

Thompson Speedway, Thompson, CT.

Engine builder

Most all of the motors are built and rebuilt at my home by myself.

Chassis builder

Troyer

car owner.

Roy Seidell Jr.

crew chief

Shaun James

crew names.

Ken Shaw – Dave Donnis – Bob Farrington – Mario Perfito – Brian Gorczycki

spotter

Bob Farrington, Jr.

sponsor

Freedom Cycle, Chicopee, Mass.

favorite type of music.

Rock 'n roll

favorite sport, other than racing.

Remote control aircraft – boating.

What are your plans for the 2015 season?

We have a few irons in the fire for sponsorship, I would like to run at least 10 shows with the VMRS.

What is the best advice you ever got?

Follow your dreams.

photos by Crystal Snape