Opening Delayed for New London Speedbowl a Month After Owner's Arrest

NEW LONDON, CT - The New London-Waterford Speedbowl will not open as planned. The announcement comes not long after the arrest of its owner on sex-trafficking charges last month, which Patch previously reported on.

The racing facility was planned to open the weekend of May 6 for its first racing season, according to the SpeedBowl website. A post made Wednesday attributed the delay to unforeseen circumstances. (To sign up for New London breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Although much progress has been done to open for our Blast Off Event the recent findings of additional work needed on the grandstands and the unforeseen weather conditions of most recent has forced the New London-Waterford Speedbowl to postpone the 2017 Blast-Off event,” the post said.

Speedbowl owner Bruce Bemer was arrested in late March after being charged as the main client of an arrangement that lured to men who were typically mentally ill to have sex with other men. He is due to appear again in court on May 16.

The racing facility garnered more bad publicity after NASCAR announced on April 6 it would end its relationship with the Speedbowl.

Changes and updates to the 2017 schedule are set to be announced on the Speedbowl
website and Facebook page in the near future.

“We apologize for the unforeseen delay and thank all who have been patient while we push to begin our 2017 year,” the post said.

See also: Speedbowl Owner Charged in Sex Trafficking Ring Exploiting Young Men: Police

• NASCAR Ends Relationship with New London Speedbowl
• Speedbowl Owner Admitted to Paying for Sex With 'Boys' For Over 20 Years: Police

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