NASCAR has ended its sanctions with the New London-Waterford Speedbowl after allegations that its owner was involved in a human trafficking ring.
The announcement was made after the Speedbowl's owner, 63-year-old Bruce Bemer, of Glastonbury, was charged with patronizing a trafficked person. The charge is linked to a human trafficking ring out of Danbury that, police said, may have been operating for decades.
Because of the termination of these sanctions, the Speedbowl needs to remove all NASCAR and Whelen Engineering branding immediately. Drivers will also need to reassign their NASCAR license to another track, or they are eligible for a refund.
The facility was closed on Thursday, despite winter hours usually being 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Since the announcement, seven Speedbowl officials have resigned, according to the Norwich Bullentin. Despite several attempts, NBC Connecticut could not independently confirm.
A former concession manager, Lynn Ivory, who worked for Bemer, said several drivers and fans frequent her Hamilton Market in New London.
Local
"It’s going to affect us as well (if the Speedbowl closes)," Ivory said. "It was shocking. It really was shocking. I mean, I would have never expected that."
Dave Trudeau has been racing at the Speedbowl since 1998. He doesn't think it will be open this season and he's planning on taking his NASCAR license and race to Thompson Speedway with his son.
"It’s a shame because of what he was doing with the track. Cleaned it up a bit," Trudeau said. "I never thought anything like this. It’s absurd."
An attorney for the Speedbowl said that they are disappointed about NASCAR's decision and they're in the process of responding to the organization.
Bremer's attorney, John Droney, said he and his team are looking into everyone who made an allegation to figure out why they filed the claims and assess whether they're credible.
NBC Connecticut also discovered U.S. Legend Cars and INEX have terminated their sanction agreements and races with the Speedbowl, too.
