Sonny Rabideau

Competitor
CLASS OF 2005

Moran “Sonny” Rabideau served in the military from 1949-1951, and upon his return began his racing career after his brother convinced him to become partners in a race team. Sonny became the driver and first raced at West Brattleboro Speedway & Hinsdale Airport Speedway. In 1954-1955, he took down 4 feature wins, and expanded to the Chesire Fairground track.

By the time the 1960’s rolled in, Sonny was an established veteran. He became a 5-time champion on the dirt oval at Claremont Speedway (1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1970).

A member of the Claremont Speedway Hall of Fame, Sonny’s 71 dirt wins makes him the all time Claremont dirt winner. He’s been the man to beat wherever he’s raced, including Hinsdale, Devil’s Bowl, Lebanon Valley, Millers Falls and Stafford Speedway. Sonny’s also raced at Mallets Bay, Colchester (VT),

Two of the many competitors that Sonny has raced with and against stand out in his mind. “Rene Charland and Ernie Gahan (both NEAR Hall of Famers) were two of the best”, Sonny says. “The NEAR Hall of Fame is a great honor, and a fantastic way to cap off my career.”