Speedbowl hosting 2 major events
WATERFORD — The off-season promises to be a busy time at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. That’s because there are two major events taking place on the Speedbowl calendar — the 5th annual Racers 4 Racers Holiday Toy Drive, scheduled for Dec. 4 at Langley’s Restaurant in Waterford at 6:30 p.m. and the annual Speedbowl Awards Banquet, set for Feb. 9 at the Mystic Marriott.
The toy drive has become a Speedbowl tradition. Last year more than 200 toys were donated by Speedbowl drivers, crew members, officials and fans to Kinship 4 Kids, an organization that helps out foster children.
All those attending this year’s party are asked to donate one unwrapped toy.
Linda J. Cote, who founded Kinship 4 Kids 32 years ago, says the Speedbowl family has always come through in the past.
“There are a lot of good, warm people from the Speedbowl,” Cote said. “I’ve never had a person say that they couldn’t help us out.”
When Kinship 4 Kids started 20 years ago, it helped out 20 foster children in Connecticut. That number has grown to more than 400.
“We plan events for foster children, like Christmas parties, birthday parties and summer camps,” Cote said. “We also provide furniture for those who are ready to leave foster care — anything we can do to help.
“Because of the people who donate, we give many children a chance that they wouldn’t ordinarily have. So many foster children and children of single parents benefit.”
The bottom line is that hundreds of children in the area will have a better Christmas thanks to the Racers 4 Racers Toy Drive.
Another tradition will take place on Feb. 9 at the Mystic Marriott, home of the Speedbowl Awards banquet since 2016.
Banquet information, including how to purchase tickets, will be released shortly. It will be posted online on the track’s website, speedbowlct.com, and on the track’s Facebook page,The Speedbowl (@theactiontrack)
The seven Speedbowl 2018 track champions will be honored, and many special award winners will be announced.
