Rehoboth Mourns Icon Bugsy Stevens

The Board of Selectmen paid tribute to town native Carl Steven Berghman, affectionately known as “Bugsy Stevens” to his fans. The race car legend died on Monday at the age of 90.

Selectman Lenny Mills said Stevens was an “icon” and “gave us bragging rights.”

Selectman George Solas said Stevens was a “cut-up” and “fun to be with.”

“We were proud to say he was from Rehoboth,” Mills noted.

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 also has an auto business in Freetown that is named in his honor.

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.”