Buzz & Dolores Perri

[oldweirdherald]

Sad news... Buzz & Dolores Perri, owners of Buzz-A-Rama in Brooklyn New York for 56 years, have both left us.
They were true icons to the hobby of slot car racing, and enriched the lives of generations of kids of all ages who had visited their raceway.

Dolores C. Perri (1939 - 2021) passed away on April 30, 2021 after contracting covid-19.

Frank "Buzz" Perri left us on May 13, 2021.

Their son Frank Perri Jr. posted that his father died of a broken heart. They were married 61 years, and were inseperable.


A nice tribute to Buzz & Dolores Perri by Slot Car Superstar:



"My deepest condolences to the Perri family for the passing of Buzzy and Dolores Perri. The slot car world just lost one of the most iconic figures I ever met. Always with a smile on his face, Buzzy was a true slot car enthusiast who kept BUZZ-A-RAMA open since 1965, at the same address in Brooklyn. Dolores was always with him, what a beautiful experience it was to witness the relationship they shared, very inspiring. Buzzy was also very inspiring, believing that slot car racing was a wonderful way to teach kids, dexterity, sportsmanship, math and science all in one hobby! I had the opportunity to have long conversations with both of them, memories that I will treasure forever! What beautiful souls they both were, Rest in Peace Buzzy and Dolores Perri."


Reggie Corum Jr posted:



"The racing world has lost 2 icons In a weeks time. Sad news that Buzz Perri has died.
His lovely wife Dolores past last week.
Raceway opened in 1956 and I found it in 1970 . Rest in peace my friends."


I will be reposting some of the wonderful videos below, featuring Buzz & Dolores Perri and their iconic raceway in Brooklyn NY.

[oldweirdherald]

Buzz-a-rama - The Movie

Buzz-a-Rama, by Brooklyn, NY filmmakers Johnny Freeman, Will Hall and Robert J. King, is a beautifully crafted telling of Frank "Buzz" Perri's dream created in 1965 and still active today. Slot car parlors were all the rage in the 1960's. Families would gather as friendly competition took place on the slots.

Over the years, the activities that engage young people have changed and people seemed to forget about Buzz-a-Rama. There are the loyalist and occasional visits from people now bringing in their kids, but age and the cost to keep the shop open has put a strain on Frank and his family. We are sad when the favorite and fantastical haunts of our youth close, but will that be Buzz-a-Rama's fate?

Watch the movie on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/BuzzaramaTh...37067446795891


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[oldweirdherald]

Do they Pass or Fail??? Eric Shirey and Ron Hershman take the Buzz-A-Rama Drivers “Test” to be awarded their Buzz-A-Rama “Drivers License”.

The test was to make 10 laps on Black Lane on the American Yellow Windsor track in one minute without falling off.

No “retakes” on the same day if you fail. It’s “Do or Die” time for Eric and Ron.

https://slotcargallery.com/slot-car-videos/buzz-a-rama-drivers-license-test/



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[oldweirdherald]

Slot Car Track Owner Has Been Living His Dream for 50 Years

Tucked away in an unassuming Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood is Buzz-a-Rama, a slot car racing track that’s been in business for over half a century. “I will never retire,” proprietor Frank “Buzz” Perri told InsideEdition.com.

Racers used to come from the neighborhood, “But the neighbors changed, and now they come from Jersey and Connecticut.

They have to travel now,” he said. Buzz continued, “I run a tight ship here. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I'm still here.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpQiqseaYBA



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[oldweirdherald]

Buzz Perri Buzz-A-Rama Interview

A quick and short Interview by Ron Hershman with Buzz Perri, owner of Buzz-A-Rama Raceway in Brooklyn NY since 1965.

Some inside info regarding Buzzy’s American Raceways Emperor Track and history behind that track Buzz has tucked away in the basement at Race A Rama.

https://slotcargallery.com/slot-car-videos/buzz-a-rama-interview-with-buzz-perri/



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[oldweirdherald]

Buzz-A-Rama - An oral history of Brooklyn's last slot car racing venue, Buzz-a-rama, as recalled by the proprietors and longtime patrons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir0rXxys7Lc



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[oldweirdherald]

Buzz-A-Rama: The Last Slot Car Raceway in New York City


Buzz Perri owns and operates the last running slot car raceway in New York City. For 49 years Buzz has provided New Yorkers "5 to 95 years old" the chance to race authentic slot cars on a variety of tracks. Buzz-A-Rama is located in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Kensington and can be rented for Birthday parties.

Shot and Edited by Clayton Ashley



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[oldweirdherald]

Buzzarama from "New York Originals"

Buzz-a-Rama - New York Originals by Jamie McDonald


During the halcyon days of slot car racing, Buzz-A-Rama was known worldwide as one of the preeminent stops on the slot car racing circuit.

Lines outside the door and 24-hour rallies were common, thanks to the hospitality and good- natured fun of Buzz Perri, and his wife, Dolores.

At one point, there were more than 40 slot car shops in the New York metropolitan area.

Now, only Buzz-A-Rama remains.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utHT4T8z2W4



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[oldweirdherald]

Buzz-A-Rama in Kensington: Sector B

Bric TV

It's a blast from the past: Step inside Buzz-A-Rama 500 in Kensington and suddenly you are in 1965: slot cars are still burning rubber and kids (and adults) are still trying to make them crash!From Episode 27 Original air date 05-19-2009

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP_yhwCEpNY&t=32s



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[oldweirdherald]

I Am Brooklyn - The heyday of slot car racing may be long gone, but Frank "Buzz" Perri at Buzz-A-Rama keeps his cars finely tuned in Kensington, Brooklyn. For more than 50 years Buzz and his wife Deloris have been hosting races and providing hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. Today he says past customers are brining their kids and introducing a new generation to a beloved pastime. I got to race some cars with buzz for this segment of I Am Brooklyn.

Make sure to check out the segment every Thursday on PIX 11.


Watch on Facebook here:

https://fb.watch/5ttTON73Py/


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[oldweirdherald]

Keeping Slot Car Racing Alive

Great Big Story

At one time there were thousands of slot car racing enthusiasts.

But now, excitement around the sport has dwindled, and there is only one place left in New York City to race.

Welcome to the mean racetracks of Buzz-A-Rama.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRnMAfljHyo



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[tlbrace]

Buzzy, Oscar Koveleski, John Cukras, John Ford. It’s been a tough few months.