New London Waterford Speed Bowl 2017 Racing Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

He's Back ! Welcome back Todd. Photo by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

Happy Birthday Louis Chevrolet

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The second child of Joseph-Félicien and Marie-Anne Angéline, née Mahon, Louis-Joseph Chevrolet was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel, a center of watchmaking in northwestern Switzerland. In 1886, Chevrolet's family left Switzerland to live in Beaune, in the Côte-d'Or département of France. There, as a young man, Louis developed his mechanical skills and interest in bicycle racing.

Louis Chevrolet in a Buick he designed, circa 1900.

Early career

Louis Chevrolet in a Buick racer in Crown Point, Indiana, during the Cobe Cup Race in 1909.

Chevrolet worked for the Roblin mechanics shop from 1895 to 1899. He then went to Paris, where he worked for a short time before emigrating to Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1900 to work as a mechanic. The following year, he moved to New York City, where he worked briefly for a fellow Swiss immigrant's engineering company, then moved to the Brooklyn operations of the French car manufacturer de Dion-Bouton.
In 1905 he married Suzanne Treyvoux; the couple had two sons. In the same year, he was hired by FIAT as a racing car driver. In 1907, Chevrolet was hired by The Autocar Company in Philadelphia,^[2] probably for a secret project to develop a revolutionary front-wheel-drive racing car.
His racing career continued as he drove for Buick, becoming a friend and associate of Buick owner William C. Durant, founder of General Motors. He raced at the Giants Despair Hillclimb in 1909.
With little in the way of formal education, Chevrolet learned car design while working for Buick and started designing his own engine for a new car in 1909. He built an overhead valve six-cylinder engine in his own machine shop on Grand River Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan.^]

Chevrolet car company[On November 3, 1911, Chevrolet co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company with Durant and investment partners William Little (maker of the Little automobile) and Dr. Edwin R. Campbell, son-in-law of Durant and friend of Samuel McLaughlin of the McLaughlin Car Company of Canada Ltd. The company was established in Detroit. One story tells the choosing of the company's logo as a modified Swiss cross, to honor Chevrolet's homeland.^[5] Another story tells of the Chevrolet logo as a design taken from the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room where Louis once stayed.

Chevrolet had differences with Durant over the car's design, and in 1915 sold Durant his share in the company and started McLaughlin's Company in Canada building Chevrolets. By 1916 the trading of Chevrolet stock for GM Holding stock enabled Durant to repurchase a controlling stake in General Motors, and by 1917 the Chevrolet company that Louis had co-founded was merged as a company into General Motors after the outstanding Chevrolet stocks were purchased from McLaughlin in 1918. The McLaughlin Car Company then merged with his Chevrolet Motor Company of Canada Ltd. to become General Motors of Canada Ltd. in 1918, prior to the incorporation of the General Motors Corporation in the U.S. when General Motors Company of New Jersey dissolved.

Frontenac and American car companies

American Motors Corporation advertisement in the journal Horseless Age, May 15, 1918.

In 1916, Louis Chevrolet and his brothers founded the Frontenac Motor Corporation to make racing parts for Ford Model Ts.
Also in 1916, an American Motors Corporation (apparently unrelated to the more famous later corporation of the same name) was formed in Newark, New Jersey, with Louis Chevrolet as vice president and chief engineer.^[6] By 1918 it was producing cars in a plant at Plainfield, New Jersey.^[7] In 1923 it merged with the Bessemer Motor Truck Company of Pennsylvania into Bessemer-American Motors Corporation, which lasted less than a year before merging with the Winther and Northway companies into Amalgamated Motors. The latter company apparently ceased soon after.

Auto racing

By the mid-1910s, Louis Chevrolet had shifted into the racing car industry, partnering with Howard E. Blood of Allegan, Michigan, to create the Cornelian racing car, which he used to place 20th in the 1915 Indianapolis 500 automobile race. In 1916, he and younger brothers Gaston and Arthur Chevrolet started Frontenac Motor Corporation, designing and producing a line of racing cars. They became well known for, among other things, their Fronty-Ford racers.
Louis drove in the Indianapolis 500 four times, with a best finish of 7th in 1919. Both Louis and Gaston competed successfully with racing Sunbeams achieving a number of third places in 1916.^[8] Arthur competed twice, and Gaston won the race in 1920 in one of their Frontenacs, going on to win the 1920 AAA National Championship. He also raced for the Buick racing team.^{[citation needed]}

Death

Chevrolet died on June 6, 1941, in Detroit as a result of complications from his leg amputation and is buried in the Holy Cross and Saint Joseph Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.^[9]

Harrison Burton added to 51 KBM team lineup:

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced that 16-year-old Harrison Burton will compete in six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races behind the wheel of the #51 Tundra in 2017. Burton's six-race schedule begins April 1 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and also includes Dover (Del.) International Speedway June 2, Iowa Speedway in Newton June 23, Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio July 19, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway Aug. 16 and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway Oct. 28. The NASCAR Next product competed full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2016, earning one pole and a seventh-place finish in the final point standings as a rookie. Burton collected three Super Late Model victories this year, including a Southern Super Series victory at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., and also earned a third-place finish in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Iowa Speedway in Newton. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, made his Truck Series debut with KBM at Martinsville in October of 2016. After qualifying 17th, Burton methodically maneuvered his way through the field and was running in the ninth position just past the halfway mark of the event when he got spun from behind and ended up losing a lap while he was stuck on the curb. He ended the event with a 22nd-place finish, but earned the praise of KBM owner Kyle Busch. The talented youngster's list of racing accomplishments includes three Quarter Midget championships, winning the pole for a Pro Late Model race at the age of 11 and wining a race at the age of 12. In 2015, he became the youngest driver ever to compete in the K&N Pro Series West race (15 years, eight days old) and earned a sixth-place finish in the event. In 2014, he became the youngest winner in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series history with a victory at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway. An announcement of the final driver that will share driving duties behind the wheel of the #51 Tundra with Burton (six races), Busch (five races) and Todd Gilliland (four races) is forthcoming as well as an announcement on Burton's sponsors.Source: (Kyle Busch Motorsports)(12-23-2016)

The Modified Touring Series is proud to announce our 2017 schedule.

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Photo by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

The Modified Touring Series is proud to announce our 2017 schedule. 

1. April 22: Monadnock Speedway, Rain date April 23rd. laps 125.

2. May 6: New London Waterford Speedbowl, Rain date TBA, laps 125

3. June 2: Stafford Motor Speedway, laps 125

4. June 10: Seekonk Motor Speedway, laps 125

5. June 17: Riverhead Raceway, Rain date June 18, laps 125

6. July 1: Monadnock Speedway, Rain date July 2, laps 125

7. July 21: Stafford Motor Speedway, laps 125

8. August 19: Monadnock Speedway, Rain date August 20, laps 125

9. September 9: New London Waterford Speedbowl, Rain date TBA, laps 125

10. September 16: Monadnock Speedway, Rain date September 30, laps 125

Valenti Modified Racing Series 2017 Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

  

Jan. 21st & 22nd, 2017 Auto Parts Swap N’ Sell W. Springfield, MA 

Feb. 3rd & 4th, 2017 Racer’s Expo & Annual Mtg. Marlboro, MA

Mar. 10th - 12th, 2017 Frank Maratta’s Auto & Race-A-Rama W. Springfield, MA 

2017 10 Race Schedule

May 19, 2017 Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT

May 27, 2017 Lee USA Speedway Lee, NH

June 17, 2017 Speedway 51 Groveton, NH

July 7, 2017 Claremont Speedway Claremont, NH

July 21, 2017 Lee USA Speedway Lee, NH

August 12, 2017 New London Waterford Speedbowl Waterford, CT

August 19, 2017 Beech Ridge Motor Speedway Scarborough, ME

September 1, 2017 Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT

October 7th & 8th, 2017 Lee USA Speedway Lee, NH

October 13th & 14th, 2017 Thompson Motorsports Park Thompson, CT

December 2, 2017 ** 2017 Championship Banquet ** Manchester, NH

Martinsville Speedway breaks ground to install lights, unveils new 70th anniversary logo

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Hey, got a light?
Martinsville Speedway does – or more precisely, will have a lot of lights soon.
And you know what that means, right?

        NIGHT RACING!
The oldest track in NASCAR broke ground Wednesday to install lights around its .526-mile paper clip shape. While it has not yet been determined when the first race under the lights will be held, when that decision comes about, the Speedway will be ready to flick the “on” switch.

   The first night race will be ran by the NASCAR Late Model Stock Car series.
The Speedway also debuted a new logo to celebrate its 70th anniversary of its opening in 1947, which takes place in 2017. The logo highlights the phrase “The Original,” in honor of it being the only track still hosting NASCAR races from the 1949 season.
“Seventy (70) years is something to be really proud of and something we’re taking great pride in,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said in a statement. “We wanted to give an iconic look to such an iconic place; a place that’s a true piece of NASCAR history. I think the logo does just that by focusing on the past, while also celebrating the present.”

Petty Racing Downsize in 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Statement from Brian Moffitt, CEO Richard Petty Motorsports: "At the conclusion of the 2016 season, we evaluated how to best improve our on-track product. We feel that it's in the best interest of our partners and for Richard Petty Motorsports to focus our resources on the No. 43 Ford Fusion and Aric (Almirola) in 2017. A concentrated effort on one team will position us for improvement while giving us adequate time to reestablish our two-car team in 2018. For the interim, we will lease one of our two charters."(Richard Petty Motorsports)(12-16-2016)

Seekonk Speedway Announces 2017 Race Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


The Street Stock Division will now be called the Sportsman Division in 2017

3 Great Modified Racing Cards and the exciting Nema Midgets return too !

Stafford Speedway and Dunleavy’s Truck & Trailer Repair to Host Biggest SK Light Modified Race of All-Time

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---Stafford Speedway has once again teamed up with passionate modified racing supporter Doug Dunleavy of Dunleavy’s Truck & Trailer Repair to bring fans and drivers the biggest SK Light Modified race in the history of the division.  Boasting a guaranteed purse of $10,000, the SK Light Modified teams and drivers will be the showpiece of the Friday May 26th event which will also see an increased purse for the SK Modified® division. 

“The SK Light drivers are the future of the sport and I have always wanted to give them their own night,” explained Doug Dunleavy. “This event will be 40 laps, double the distance of a regular SK Light feature and will pay a guaranteed $1,750 to the winner.”

The SK Light division has been a breeding ground for talent since its inception in 2006.  Drivers such as Stephen Kopcik, Chase Dowling, Matt Galko, Michael Gervais, Jr., D.J. Burnham, Mike Christopher, Jr., Tyler Hines, and Ronnie Williams have all graduated from the SK Light Modifieds to run in the Stafford Speedway’s premier SK Modified® division on a weekly basis. 

“This show is going to be big,” continued Dunleavy.  “We will cap the night off with a fireworks display to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend and will have special admission pricing for all veterans and active military.  This will be a show to mark on the 2017 calendar.  I know the SK Light guys are excited, we are going to put them on the big stage, it will be their night.”

The excitement for the event is already brewing.  Engine builder Don Wood of R.A.D Automachine has committed to $1,500 in bonus money for the top 3 finishers in the SK Light race with R.A.D motors, with $750 going to the top R.A.D finisher, $500 to the 2^nd, and $250 to the 3^rd bringing the potential winning payout to $2,500.  In addition to the increased purse money additional bonuses will be added and announced in the coming months.  

In addition to the increased purse in the SK Light Modified division, the SK Modifieds® will also have over $4,000 added to their normal weekly purse and will compete an additional 10 laps, bringing their feature to 50 laps.

“We are excited to announce this event for our SK Light teams,” explained Stafford COO/GM Mark Arute.  “This is an excellent purse throughout the entire field.  We’re just as excited as Doug to showcase the SK Lights and this will be a fun night.  The SK Lights will be the headliner and if last year’s SK Light racing is any indication the racing will be spectacular.”

The Inaugural Dunleavy’s Truck and Trailer Repair Modifiedzz Night is scheduled for Friday May 26^th.  The SK Modified® division will run 50 laps, SK Lights 40, Late Models 30, Limited Late Model 20, and Dare Stock 15.

For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

NEMA Tentative 2017 Schedule of Events

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

April 2017
1st Thompson - Icebreaker - Lites only

May 2017
6th Waterford - Lites only
7th Waterford - NEMA Midgets only
20th Wiscasset

June 2017
3rd Riverhead - Alan Cantor Memorial
14th Thomson - Lites
17th Star
28th Seekonk - Boston Louie Memorial

July 2017
8th Star
15th Seekonk - Lites only

August 2017
TBA the 5th or 12th - Waterford - Wings and Wheels
9th Thompson - NEMA Midets only
19th Star
26th Waterford - Lites only

September 2017
2nd Monadnock - Iron Mike Memorial
9th Waterford - Lites only (tentative)
23rd Wiscassett - Lites only  - 75 laps
30th Star - The Star Classic

October 2017
14th Thompson - NEMA Midgets only
15th Thompson - Lites only

At the present time the club is still waiting on responses from Waterford, Speedway 51, and White Mountain.

Joey Cipriano Returning to Weekly Competition at Stafford Speedway in Late Model Division

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---The 2016 season was a year of absence for 22-year old Waterbury native Joey Cipriano from his home track of Stafford Speedway.  Cipriano, who was a regular in the SK Modified® and SK Light divisions since the 2010 season, will make his return to the half-mile for the 2017 season behind the wheel of a Late Model.

“I’m really excited to get back to racing every Friday at Stafford no matter if it’s a modified or a late model,” explained Cipriano.  “I only have one race in a fendered car so it’s going to be something new for me and something different.” 

Cipriano will be behind the wheel of the Chris DuPont owned #33 Late Model campaigned on a part-time basis by Peter Thickett and P.J. Zarella during the last few season.

“We’re really looking forward to working with Joey and everybody with his team, we’re looking to go out and run competitively,” explained car owner Chris DuPont.  “Cliff Burrell from AVI International is a big part of this and we can’t thank him enough for what he’s doing for us.  We started talking towards the end of the year once I found out what P.J. and Peter’s plans were going to be and we weren’t’ going to be able to be full time with them.  We want to run for points so we started working on a deal and Joey was right at the top of our list of drivers we wanted to put in the car.”

The #33 team is looking to get to NAPA Victory Lane and compete for the 2017 Late Model championship with Cipriano behind the wheel.  Joey is familiar with NAPA Victory Lane, scoring 7 victories across 2 seasons in the SK Light division. The 2010 and 2011 seasons saw countless battles between 3 young guns, Cipriano, Matt Galko, and Tommy Barrett.  Cipriano is confident his Stafford experience will translate into success in the full fender Late Model division.

“It’s still a racecar, I know it’s a smaller tire and heavier car so there will definitely be a learning curve,” said Cipriano.  “I actually drove Chris’ car once before in 2012 and I’m just going to take it as it comes.  I’ll watch some tape and talk to some guys to try to figure out as much as I can before the season gets started.  Hopefully I can get things figured out pretty quickly and we can be running up front and challenging for wins.” 

The 2017 season won’t be the first season the young driver has made a transition to a new division.  Cipriano campaigned a family owned SK Modified® at Stafford for multiple seasons and came close on several occasions to a win in the ultra competitive division.

“If someone were to call me to run a few races in the SK’s, I’d be open to that,” said Cipriano.  “I’d really love to find a ride for the big NAPA SK 5k in July.  Other than that, the Late Model will be my number one focus.  We want to run well and try to win some races and go for the championship."

Though the season is still months away it appears the Late Model division will have a competitive field of cars in 2017.  On top of a strong group of drivers returning after the 2016 season two other drivers have announced their plans to compete in the Late Model division in 2017. The 2015 champion Michael Bennett has announced he will run the entire season and 5-time Limited Late Model winner Paul Arute has also announced his move to the Late Models.  Cipriano is excited to run with a strong group of competitors and is confident they can get a win in 2017.

“The goal is to run as well as we can as quickly as we can and hopefully we can win some races,” said Cipriano.  “If we do our job during the year, the points will fall where they fall.  The big focus will be trying to win some races, which was the big thing that Chris and I discussed.  We both want to win.  I think if we can run in the top-5 weekly and get a top-5 finish in the points, that would be a good year for us.”

Cipriano will have longtime local crew member Ted Legendre Jr. as a crew chief with sponsorship from The Simon Foundation Inc., AVI International Inc., Siemon Company, Resource Development Associates, Village Market and Gas in Lebanon and Goshen, IMTI, Jannetty Racing Enterprises Inc. and Litchfield County Marine and Auto. 

“There’s a lot of new sponsors for me to learn for when we hopefully get on the podium,” said Cipriano.

The 2017 season at Stafford will kick off with the 46^th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler on April 28-30.  Stafford will play host to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for the 200-lap Spring Sizzler, its five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions, and the New England Truck Series.  Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are available and on sale now.  Tickets are priced at $40.00 for adult general admission, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.  Reserved seating is priced at $42.00 for all ages.  As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.  All tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax. 

For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

Rocket Robin Berghman Crowned New England Pro 4 Modified Champion

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

 Robin Berghman of Seekonk,Ma. was crowned the 2016 New England Pro 4 Modified series champion Saturday evening December 3rd at the 39th annual banquet at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk, Ma. This was her second championship, the first one was 2013.

   Berghman received the champions jacket from series sponsors R.F.Logic and Bot-L-Gas then thanked her car owner Phil Lausier, her crew, sponsors, competitors, family and fans for their continued support. She then surprised some in attendance by announcing her retirement from motor sports, but wouldn't mind trying out a Valenti modified at some point.

   The top ten owners and drivers were recognized and received awards from series officials. Specialty awards were also presented.

   The Paul Roach Memorial trophy and plaque was awarded to Brett Meservey. The Harry Kourafas Jr. trophy was presented to Chase Dowling. The R.F.Logic Triple Crown trophy was awarded to Norm Wrenn III and Mark Charette. Most improved driver was Brett Meservey. Rookie of the year was Doug Meservey Jr. Hard charger for 2016 was Robin Berghman. Hard luck was claimed by Tom Royer. Mechanic of the year went to David Berghman (Pro 4 Mod.division) while Keith and Ken Harwood claimed mechanic of the year in the Lite division. Sportsman of the year was Sarah Lemay.

   Top ten 

1   07X   Robin Berghman   679

2   1M    Norm Wrenn III     666

3   07     Phil Lausier          605

4   67     Doug Meservey    544

5   5       Brett Meservey     411

6   93     Randy Clark         400

7   0       J.R.Gorman         365

8   11A   Dan Meservey Sr. 349

9   60     Andy Major          314

10  73    Randy Cabral        241

Mark Charette Claims Pro 4 Lite Championship.

   Charette's 505 points gave him the New England Pro 4 Lites championship over second and third place Allen Rieser (504) and Tom Royer (502) respectively.

Victories at New London/Waterford Ct., Monadnock N.H. and Thompson Ct. along with 4 second place finishes, 4 third places and a 4th, 5th and 7th earned the owner/driver the champions hardware for 2016.   

story by James Snape

photos by Crystal Snape  

2017 Schedule Announced For NASCAR Unified Whelen Modified Tour

Posted by Wayne G. Barber  Photo from Wayne G. Barber Collection

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – From South Carolina to Connecticut, the 2017 schedule announced today for the unified NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will test the best Modified drivers over 17 races and two special events at some of East Coast’s most historic venues.
The new era will kick off on Saturday, March 18, with the season opener at Myrtle Beach Speedway. South Carolina’s semi-banked half-mile oval held its first NASCAR event in 1958. The champion will be crowned at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, as the .625-mile hosts the 55th Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing on Sunday, Oct. 15.
The schedule includes 17 championship points races across seven states, including companion events with NASCAR’s national series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July and September, and Bristol Motor Speedway in August. The summer weekend at New Hampshire will also be highlighted by the invitational, non-points All-Star Shootout, and the fall will feature a non-points special event on the quarter-mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“NASCAR is committed to growing and enhancing the profile of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of weekly & touring series. “The 2017 calendar is a mix of some of the best race tracks for the exciting brand of racing that Modified fans have loved for more than 60 years. We are looking forward to a championship season worthy of the likes of Richie Evans, Jerry Cook and others.”
“Whelen Engineering is extremely excited about the direction NASCAR is taking with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and our commitment to the tour is unwavering,” said Phil Kurze, vice president of motorsports for Whelen Engineering. “We truly feel the racing is some of the best in NASCAR, and the tracks that the tour will visit will provide fans a great experience as the drivers fight for the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship.”
After Myrtle Beach, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to New England for two of the staple weekends of the early racing season: The 43rd Annual Icebreaker at Thompson and the 46th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler at Connecticut’s Stafford Motor Speedway.
May will include a second race at a southern venue to be announced at a later date.
The tour schedule also features stops at a pair of bullrings known for their high-intensity, close-quarters Modified action: New London-Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut and twice at Long Island’s Riverhead Raceway.
The tour will also make returns to Seekonk Speedway in Massachusetts and Oswego Speedway in upstate New York after very successful inaugural visits to the two venerable tracks in 2016.
In more great news for Modified competitors and fans, several tracks have signed three-year sanction agreements for their events. They include Thompson’s three races, Brisol, and both championship points races at New Hampshire.
In combining the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tours, NASCAR will offer competitors close to $500,000 in year-end point fund money through support from Whelen Engineering and contingency sponsors. NASCAR will also make available more than $230,000 in owner-plan money. As part of this, NASCAR has reallocated what was formerly the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour year-end point fund in the form of non-qualifier money and a champion/owners plan for the teams who competed in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour in 2016.
The visibility of the tour and the money available to the competitors is unmatched in asphalt Modified racing. In addition, NASCAR is continuing to look at other ways to help teams reduce costs from a competition standpoint.
“It’s very important to us, as we bring these two tours together, to keep in mind the financial realities of racing on the touring series level,” said Brandon Thompson, Senior Director of NASCAR Touring Series. “Since the end of the 2016 season, we have met with drivers and owners across all series, and will continue to have an open dialogue to work to provide what is best for everybody involved in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.”
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour television broadcast schedule on NBCSN will be announced at a later date.

2017 NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR SCHEDULE

Date	Track	Location
18-Mar	Myrtle Beach Speedway	Myrtle Beach, S.C.
2-Apr	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
30-Apr	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
13-May	TBA	TBA (southern race track)
14-Jun	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
24-Jun	Riverhead Raceway	Riverhead, N.Y.
14-Jul	New Hampshire Motor Speedway*	Loudon, N.H.
15-Jul	New Hampshire Motor Speedway	Loudon, N.H.
22-Jul	New London-Waterford Speedbowl	Waterford, Conn.
4-Aug	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
9-Aug	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
16-Aug	Bristol Motor Speedway	Bristol, Tenn.
26-Aug	Seekonk Speedway	Seekonk, Mass.
2-Sep	Oswego Speedway	Oswego, N.Y.
16-Sep	Riverhead Raceway	Riverhead, N.Y.
23-Sep	New Hampshire Motor Speedway	Loudon, N.H.
1-Oct	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
5-Oct	Charlotte Motor Speedway*	Concord, N.C.
15-Oct	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.

*non-points, special events

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Source: NASCAR HOMETRACKS MEDIA PRESS RELEASE

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Announces 2017 Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Announces 2017 Schedule

Season Opener Icebreaker set for March 31-April 2

Thompson, CT (December 5, 2016) – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park today announced dates for the 2017 racing schedule, celebrating its 77^th season on the high banked oval.  The 2017 seven event NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) schedule is highlighted by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the return of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

“This year’s schedule balances our commitment to tradition and innovation,” states Josh Vanada, General Manager of TSMP.  “The 2017 schedule preserves fan favorites while introducing unique and creative events and promotions.”

The speedway will continue to showcase Sunoco Modifieds, which will compete in eight points-counting races supported by the Late Models, Limited Sportsman and Mini Stocks, who will all have seven points-counting races. The Lite Modified Division will race in five of the seven events, but will not race under the NWAAS sanction.

Several touring series will be making appearances at TSMP in 2017.  At the top of the list will be the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour visiting the track four times followed by NEMA Lite making three stops. NEMA, the North East Street Stock Tour and Mr. Rooter ProTruck Series will all be appearing twice.  The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, American-Canadian Tour, Pro All Stars Series, International Super Modified Association, Valenti Modified Racing Series, Granite State Pro Stock Series, North East Mini Stock Tour, New England Pro 4 Modifieds, Vintage Outlaws, and Senior Tour Auto Racers will make single stops at the track throughout the season.

The 2017 season of racing kicks off Friday, March 31^st with the 43^rd Annual Icebreaker.  Eleven divisions will be featured in TSMP’s season opener, headlined by Thompson’s 135^th NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race.  The Race of Champions has been added to this year’s event, featuring our four NWAAS champions. They will face off in equally prepared cars from The Racing School.  Bragging rights are on the line to determine who the champion of the champions will be.  The highly-anticipated Fan Appreciation Party and Champion’s Banner Raising will be held on the last day of the event.

Sunday, May 21: 2nd Annual Limited Sportsman Long Distance & Military Night

Wednesday, June 14: 3rd Annual NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 125

Friday, July 7-8: Inaugural NASCAR Busch North Throwback

Wednesday, August 9: 28th Annual Bud ‘King of Beers’ 150         

Sunday, September 10: 2nd Annual For the Fans Event; 4th Annual Sunoco Modified 20/20 Sprint

Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15: 55th Annual Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing

About Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP), “Indianapolis of the East”, the famed 5/8 mile, high banked, oval and motorsports facility is tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Thompson, CT.   Our 2017 Schedule includes seven exciting events: March 31-April 2 (Icebreaker), May 21 (Limited Sportsman Long Distance& Military Night), June 14 (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 125), July 7-8 (NASCAR Busch North Throwback 100), August 9 (Bud ‘King of Beers’ 150), September 10 (For the Fans Event; Sunoco Modified 20/20 Sprint), October 13-15 (Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing).  To purchase tickets or a season pass, call 860.923.2280 or visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.  Follow TSMP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube for the latest news and events.

NASCAR & Monster Energy in 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


NASCAR announced on Thursday at Wynn Las Vegas a multi-year deal that will make Monster Energy only the third entitlement sponsor (RJ Reynolds/Winston and Sprint/Nextel) in premier series history. The length and terms of the deal were not disclosed, but both parties hailed the partnership as the perfect fit for both brands. "Monster Energy is a brand built on excitement and enthusiasm, qualities that align with NASCAR," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. "This sponsorship position is the most unique in all of sports and entertainment, and we are thrilled to have a partner that will help us further elevate the series. Today's announcement is the culmination of a thorough search, one that resulted in the right partner at this important time in our sport's history."
Monster Energy has existing sponsorships with a number of motorsports sanctioning bodies, athletes and teams, but the NASCAR deal signals the biggest sponsorship step in the company's history. "Monster has built its brand on racing and motorsports, and NASCAR is the pinnacle of motorsports in America," said Mitch Covington, vice president of sports marketing at Monster Beverage Company. "It's American racing; we're an American brand that's a global company, and NASCAR is, too. When the opportunity came along to further associate yourself with a sport like NASCAR, it was the perfect fit for us. ... NASCAR is just a hard-hitting, close-racing, fun property to be associated with."
Along with naming rights to NASCAR's top series, Monster Energy will also hold race sponsorship to the NASCAR All-Star Race and become the Official Energy Drink of NASCAR. Monster Energy also said it will continue to sponsor Stewart-Haas Racing's #41 Ford of Kurt Busch.
Thursday's announcement is the culmination of a lengthy and thorough search by NASCAR to find the successor to Sprint, whose entitlement sponsorship will end on December 31, 2016. Steve Phelps, NASCAR executive vice president and chief global sales and marketing officer, said that the sanctioning body spoke with numerous companies throughout the process, ultimately choosing Monster Energy for a number of reasons, not the least of which was its lifestyle culture. "We have the good fortune of finding a brand that we believe works for our sport," Phelps said. "They're going to bring their lifestyle to their activation. ... They're going to bring their brand, their excitement, their energy to this partnership, and the fans are going to be the winners. It's all about engaging the fans and having the fans have unique, fun experiences whether at the race track or through different mediums, through social, digital, content." Phelps said a number of ancillary details will be announced in the coming weeks. Among those still under discussion is the name of the series, the series mark and the championship trophy. Under the agreement, energy drink sponsors already involved in NASCAR may remain in place. Potential sponsors from the energy drink category will not be eligible for future sponsorship if not already involved in the sport. Source: NASCAR Media Press Release (12-1-2016)
UPDATE2: Monster will carry "official energy drink" status and any energy drink not currently sponsoring a driver in Sprint Cup will not be able to sponsor a Cup car, NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said. Higdon would not talk about the details of the grandfather clause and whether 5-Hour Energy, sponsor of Erik Jones at Furniture Row Racing, would be included -- as an energy shot, it is slightly different from an energy drink. 5-Hour Energy, according to the agency that handles its NASCAR marketing, has not gotten details yet from NASCAR on whether it will be affected. Source; NASCAR Media Press Release (12-2-2016

Chase Dowling Returning to Weekly Competition in Stafford’s SK Modified® Division for 2017 Season

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

NASCAR GETTY IMAGE

(Stafford Springs, CT)---After two years away from weekly competition, 2014 SK Modified® Rookie of the Year Chase Dowling will return to Stafford’s premier division in 2017 behind the wheel of the #50 Les & Tina Skowyra owned modified.  Dowling has spent the last two years running on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour after an impressive 2014 season in the SK Modified® division which etched his name in the record books as the youngest SK Modified® winner in track history.

            “Adam Skowyra and I have talked over the past couple of years and it was just trying to find a sponsor,” explained Dowling.  “As everyone knows S+S Asphalt Paving has been a huge part of my racing, they’ve been my backbone and I definitely wouldn’t be racing today if it weren’t for them.  Adam and I talked and I took care of everything on my end and I’m really excited about coming back to my home track and to be racing weekly on Friday nights.  Adam is working on building a new Troyer car and it’s going to be a blast again to be racing against guys like Ted Christopher, Keith Rocco, and Rowan Pennink.”

            Dowling will have some big to shoes as he fills the #50 seat that has been driven by one of the best Stafford drivers of all-time, Woody Pitkat.  The #50 team scored two wins and was a contender each week throughout the 2016 season with Pitkat behind the wheel.

“I have some pretty big shoes to fill with Woody being in that car the last couple years,” continued Dowling. “I think we can be there at the end of the season for the championship, we have everything we need with the car and the motor and we have all the pieces of the puzzle, we just have to show up every week and give our best effort.”

            Dowling will have to have his A-game when he makes his SK Modified® return at the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler as the SK Modified® field is arguably the toughest weekly racing division in the country.

            “Everyone knows SK Modified® racing at Stafford is some of the hardest competition around,” explained Dowling. “The only word I can use to describe the racing is competitive and you’re not going to be the best unless you beat the best and you’re racing against the best every Friday night at Stafford.”
            Dowling is also excited to have another shot in the biggest SK Modified® race in the country the NAPA Auto Parts SK 5k.  Chase finished 8th in the inaugural SK 5K in 2014 and turned in a strong run in the 2015 edition before being taken out in a late race incident.

            “I have to thank Mark Arute and the whole Stafford team as well as NAPA Auto Parts and Doug Dunleavy for putting the money up for this race,” said Dowling.  “Every racer, we’re not making money doing this and when there’s big purses on the table, everyone wants to race in that race and win.  The car counts have been really good the last couple years and it’s only going to grow.  It’s awesome that Doug, Mark, and everyone at Stafford puts in the effort that they do to make big races happen for us racers.”

            “I also have to thank Adam for giving me the opportunity to drive the #50 car and I hope I can bring the best for him and his crew,” continued Dowling.  “I get along with all of his guys and I’m looking forward to getting started.  I think everything will come back to me pretty quick and we can be a top running car.  We’re going to try our best to win races and the championship and I think we can come close to achieving those goals

Preece to return to XFINITY Series in 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Preece to return to JD Motorsports

JD Motorsports will have some familiar faces in its camp next year. Lead driver Ross Chastain is returning to the #4 car, with 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece back in the #01 car as well. "We're trying hard and we have a lot of great people behind us," Preece said. "We're hoping that next year, we can keep on digging. We want more sponsorship and make a lot more great things happen." Chastain's return to the team comes as he caps off his second full-time season with JD Motorsports. However, he failed to finish in the top 10 this year. "Before, the [No.] 01 car was leaps and bounds over the [No.] 4 car on the racetrack and business-wise," Chastain said. "To have equal racecars is a big deal. I'll be back in the #4 car next year. Me and Johnny shake hands and we're racecars who want to go racing. We want to do it at the highest level possible, and we're trying to get this car up the leaderboard." While the two drivers are confirmed to be returning, Garrett Smithley is unclear of whether or not he will return to pilot the team's #0 car in 2017. "Nothing is solid yet," Smithley said. "We're still working on sponsors and everything. I think we will be."Source: (Frontstretch)

(11-28-2016)

Toyota Wins All Three Manufacturer's Championship Titles in 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Toyota wins first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturer's Title: Toyota secured its first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) manufacturer's championship with a sixth-place finish by Kyle Busch at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday to capture the title in Toyota's 10th year of Cup competition. Camry drivers won 16-of-36 races to take the NSCS manufacturer's championship in the season finale. The championship is the first manufacturer's title for Toyota in the Cup Series, and Toyota has now secured the manufacturer's title in all three NASCAR national touring series.
"Capturing our first Cup Series manufacturer's title is a tremendous accomplishment, and one that has been a goal for Toyota since entering the series 10 years ago as underdogs in this ultra-competitive series," said Ed Laukes, Vice President of Integrated Marketing Operations for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. "With the partnership of great teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Furniture Row Racing, Toyota has been able to breakthrough and become the first different manufacturer to earn this championship in 13 seasons.
   Toyota has now won manufacturer's championships in all three NASCAR national touring series, and to have reached this amazing milestone really speaks to Toyota's commitment to not only NASCAR, but also to motorsports endeavors around the globe. We're proud of the effort put forth by each of our Toyota teams, and all of the Toyota team members that have allowed us to reach this goal."
Five Camry drivers collected 16 wins over 36 races during the 2016 season, including 12 wins by Joe Gibbs Racing and four by Furniture Row Racing. Busch and Martin Truex Jr. led the group with four wins a piece, while Carl Edwards (three victories), Denny Hamlin (two), and Matt Kenseth (two) also recorded triumphs in 2016.

In addition to securing the 2016 NSCS manufacturer's championship, Toyota claimed the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) manufacturer's title at Phoenix International Raceway and the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) manufacturer's championship at Homestead. Toyota drivers also won multiple championships across the NASCAR national touring series, with Daniel Suarez winning the driver's championship in the NXS and Kyle Busch Motorsports taking the owner's title in the NCWTS.
Toyota first entered NSCS competition in 2007 and the 2016 season marks the Camry's 10th year competing at NASCAR's highest level. Since joining NSCS competition, Toyota has won 95 races and captured 90 poles in 360 races.(Toyota Racing)(11-21-2016)