Bruno family promise new era at Devil's Bowl

Vermonters have always had a soft spot for auto racing. Small racetracks on farms and in empty fields—like the now defunct Otter Creek Speedway in Vergennes and Pico Speedway in Rutland—have existed throughout the state since the 1920s, when motor racing emerged from the shadows and became both a viable sport and a money-making business. Combining business acumen and racing enthusiasm, Mike Bruno of Rutland, along with his wife Alayne, are now the new owners of Devil's Bowl Speedway on Route 22A in New Haven. The Brunos just purchased the track from founder C.J. Richards. Richards opened the track back in 1967. To officially kick off the passing of the torch, the Brunos held a news conference at the Holiday Inn-Rutland Nov. 8 to introduce themselves to news writers and discuss plans for NASCAR's Whelen All-American Racing Series at the West Haven track. Last month, the Brunos held a town meeting-style gathering to introduce themselves to over 150 drivers, owners, and crew members. The track owners are handling the surprise transition with a lot of grace and professionalism; they promise to both elevate the speedway and carve out a bigger weekend entertainment share of Rutland and Addison counties as well as nearby New York counties. The Brunos manage Bruno Enterprises which operates towing services and auto repair shops in Rutland, Castleton, Poultney and Killington. Adding a NASCAR track to the mix may seem like a stretch, but in reality, it's an ideal business fit. "Today is a major milestone for me personally," Bruno said. "I've traveled all over the country to race, but my roots have been firmly planted at Devil's Bowl since I was young." Mike Bruno said he met his wife Alayne at Devil's Bowl. "That shows you just how deep the roots are," he quipped. While Alayne is active in the partnership, Mike does most of the talking. "Our plans will focus on the rebirth of Devil's Bowl," he said. According to Justin St. Louis, Devil's Bowl media and marketing director, the Bruno rebirth includes open-wheel, dirt-style 358-Modifieds and integrating them with the current crate-engine Sportsman Modifieds, as well as growing the American-Canadian Tour-legal Late Model division and the Renegade and Bomber support classes. "I met with NASCAR officials in Florida and our management team met with local competitors two weeks ago and made great progress," Bruno noted. "We're confident this transition will go smoothly for everyone." Bruno said NASCAR is committed to local tracks like Devil's Bowl, even as the organization's big track races—broadcast via television and radio—are still a national audience draw despite some decline in draw in recent years. "It's all about brand building," Bruno said. "You'll be seeing more of the NASCAR brand around here." Bruno also said that he wants to involve more of the community in Devil's Bowl; he suggested that community groups and individuals will be able to have fun trying their hand at racing during intermission. He said go-kart racing, a possible future dirt near the current paved track, and even non-racing events are being considered. To add the sizzle to the Devil's Bowl steak, the Brunos introduced the racetrack's top stars and biggest draws—drivers Ron Proctor, Hunter Bates, and Jessey Mueler. Veteran driver Proctor, who earned $10,000 in 2011 for his involvement in the NASCAR Whelen series, said he was excited about the new ownership. "We will build on our success," he said. Teen drivers Bates and Mueler are in the spotlight due to their rising successes. "I like the new owners," Bates said. "And Devil's Bowl has always been a great place to race." "Just to show you how young these guys [Bates and Mueller] are," said St. Louis, "they had to get special permission to leave school to be with us today."

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Bruno family promise new era at Devil's Bowl

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