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Rehoboth native, NASCAR modified legend, Bugsy Stevens passes away

Published

2 months ago

May 20, 2024

Ken Paiva

Photo courtesy of Nascar

A local man who was a racing legend has passed away.

According to a social media post, Rehoboth native Carl Steven Berghman, better known as Bugsy Stevens, died on Monday after just turning 90 on May 11.

“Our Bugsy passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side. We are gutted but also incredibly thankful to have been blessed by such an incredible man who was larger than life as the patriarch of our family. His presence is already missed. We will post memorial details in the coming days. Take your eternal victory lap Pop, you’ve earned it. We love you.”

Stevens is a member of Seekonk’s Wall of Fame and also was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in the class of 1998. He even has an auto business in Freetown that bears his name.

NASCAR released a statement Monday on the passing of Stevens.

“Bugsy Stevens was one of the greatest to race a modified, winning three consecutive NASCAR National Modified Championships (1967-69), and countless championships across tracks in the Northeast including Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Stafford Motor Speedway, and Seekonk Speedway. A fan favorite who drew crowds to his races, he was one of the legendary drivers who piloted the iconic “Ole Blue” No. 3 car that still races today on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Our thoughts are with Bugsy‘s family and friends as we honor his life.”

Services have yet to be announced.