Steve Kenneway and David Banta Reunite for 2017 Season at TSMP

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

Steve Kenneway and David Banta are no strangers when it comes to finding success in a Limited Sportsman at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP). Kenneway, who previously raced the No. 55 Limited Sportsman for Banta Racing, is switching gears to the No. 26 and is building a brand new car in conjunction with Banta Racing for the 2017 season. 

Kenneway has brought good fortune to the Banta team in years past. In 2012 he came in 4th in points after becoming the backup driver. In 2013 he celebrated his first large career milestone after winning the Limited Sportsman Division Championship at TSMP. In 2014 he finished 2nd in the division then shortly after parted ways with Banta Racing with Diego Monahan taking over the driving duties for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. 

Banta stated on the reconnection of Kenneway “After he (Kenneway) left, Diego took over. After the 2015 season, Diego was taking on the work load of the Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen All American Series which he didn't have time for the team after that....We tried to get Steve back during the summer of 2016, but he was also running his own races in his car.”

Kenneway is back for the 2017 season in a brand new car with the help of one of his “best friends” (Banta) who has committed to building and fixing the car. The pair share a common goal to "go out and win races" and "compete to win". 

He will begin his 2017 season at Icebreaker 2017, Friday, March 31 - Sunday, April 2. For more information on the Icebreaker, visit www.thompsonspeedway.com. 

Demo Derby Results from Daytona 500

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Kurt Busch Getty Image

Kurt Busch made a last-lap pass to win the 2017 Daytona 500, a crash-filled race that had 35 of the 40-car field involved in a wreck in some way or another.

1	Kurt Busch	41	-
2	Ryan Blaney	21	0.228
3	AJ Allmendinger	47	0.419
4	Aric Almirola	43	1.195
5	Paul Menard	27	1.564
6	Joey Logano	22	2.196
7	Kasey Kahne	5	2.288
8	Michael Waltrip	15	8.827
9	Matt DiBenedetto	32	9.452
10	Trevor Bayne	6	9.582 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 (FOX, 1 p.m. ET) – NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race – will carry a record purse of more than $19 million as well as a new contingency award that will payout $200,000 to the driver leading at the completion of Lap 100. The posted awards for “The Great American Race” are $19,142,601 with the winner collecting a minimum of $1,431,325. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,050,075, $759,600, $609,900 and $486,550.

1

Kurt Busch

41

-

2

Ryan Blaney

21

0.228

3

AJ Allmendinger

47

0.419

4

Aric Almirola

43

1.195

5

Paul Menard

27

1.564

6

Joey Logano

22

2.196

7

Kasey Kahne

5

2.288

8

Michael Waltrip

15

8.827

9

Matt DiBenedetto

32

9.452

10

Trevor Bayne

6

9.582

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 (FOX, 1 p.m. ET) – NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race – will carry a record purse of more than $19 million as well as a new contingency award that will payout $200,000 to the driver leading at the completion of Lap 100.

The posted awards for “The Great American Race” are $19,142,601 with the winner collecting a minimum of $1,431,325. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,050,075, $759,600, $609,900 and $486,550.

2017 Daytona Starting Line-Up

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

STARTING LINEUP: It will be an all Hendrick Motorsports front row. Chase Elliott will start on the pole for the second consecutive year after taking both pole qualifying last weekend and the first race of the Can-Am Duels Thursday. Dale Earnhardt Jr., in his first race after missing the second half of the 2016 season recovering from a concussion will start second. Brendan Gaughan, Elliott Sadler, Corey LaJoie and D.J. Kennington clinched spots in the field after Thursday's duels.
Here is the lineup for the 2017 Daytona 500 (car number in parentheses):
1. (24) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet.
2. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet.
3. (1) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet.
4. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota.
5. (4) Kevin Harvick, Ford.
6. (14) Clint Bowyer, Ford.
7. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford.
8. (41) Kurt Busch, Ford.
9. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota.
10. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet.
11. (6) Trevor Bayne, Ford.
12. (10) Danica Patrick, Ford.
13. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford.
14. (31) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet.
15. (22) Joey Logano, Ford.
16. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet.
17. (72) Cole Whitt, Ford.
18. (13) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet.
19. (19) Daniel Suarez, Toyota.
20. (38) David Ragan, Ford.
21. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota.
22. (95) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet.
23. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford.
24. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet.
25. (32) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford.
26. (5) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet.
27. (34) Landon Cassill, Ford.
28. (96) DJ Kennington, Toyota.
29 (23) Joey Gase, Toyota.
30. (15) Michael Waltrip, Toyota.
31. (83) Corey LaJoie, Toyota.
32. (33) Jeffrey Earnhardt, Chevrolet.
33. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet.
34. (77) Erik Jones, Toyota.
35. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota.
36. (21) Ryan Blaney, Ford.
37. (37) Chris Buescher, Chevrolet.
38. (47) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet.
39. (75) Brendan Gaughan, Chevrolet.
40. (7) Elliott Sadler, Chevrolet.
Failed to Qualify
(55) Reed Sorenson
(51) Timmy Hill

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsracin/article134691174.html#storylink=cpy

Who are you choosing to win ?

d more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsracin/article134691174.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsracin/article134691174.html#storylink=cpy

NEMA Lites Kick Off at ICEBREAKER; Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park to Offer “Bounty” to NEMA Lites

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Northeastern Midget Association has long considered Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) the ultimate 'separate the men from the boys (or girls!)' facility. While any Thompson checkered is a treasure, winning on opening day in the NEMA Lites feature at this year's ICEBREAKER event will be a goal high on the list of many attendees.

To add to the excitement, TSMP is offering a “bounty” of $150 to any teams that forfeit their qualified starting positions and drop to the rear of the field, and come through to win the feature event.
2016 Lites champion Jim Chambers will lead the field to Thompson. Chambers was battling for the lead last year, when disaster struck in turns three and four with another competitor, ending his day. In addition to Chambers, NEMA’s all time winner at TSMP Randy Cabral, will be on hand in his family owned #35. Ben Mikitarian, who had an impressive run last Fall at TSMP, will be on hand with his family owned RACE Depot sponsored machine.

In addition to Chambers, Cabral and Mikitarian, one cannot count out 2015 NEMA Lites Champion, Anthony 'The Tornado' Payne in the Scrivani owned #21. Son of legendary open cockpit mainstay, Joey Payne, the young Payne had impressive outings at TSMP last season.

A number of new teams are rumored to be at TSMP for the ICEBREAKER as well, including one of NEMA’s most famous families, the Coy’s, returning full time with Richie Coy at the helm.
With a twenty plus car field rumored, that's just the beginning of the list. Jeremy Decourcey will be debuting his new chassis at the ICEBREAKER, while the Cugini family will bring their two family owned vehicles to the event with brother and sister, Dan and Meg at the wheel. Dan is a multi time Lites feature winner at the Speedway, and always a threat to win.

Ryan Bigelow is set to return to Thompson in his ECOTEC powered BEAST chassis as well. Other entrants include PJ Stergios, a multi time NEMA Lite winner, set to run a full season in pursuit of a Championship in 2017, and p long time Northeastern racer, Chad Labastie.

Todd Bertrand, who had an impressive run last Fall at the World Series, in the Lites division will be on hand in his family owned Drinan chassis, as will long time NEMA owner Paul Scally in his Drinan Chassis.

Kevin Iannarelli will be on hand debuting his new BEAST chassis, hot off the lettering presses from 32 Signs, and Chris Vose is looking forward to his second season with the Lites kicking off at TSMP as well.

Thompson, known for its long straightaways and high banked corners presents a 'mental wrestling match from mid straightaway into the turns,' pointing out to be successful 'you have to pretty much keep your foot in it deep into the corner' says long time NEMA member and multi time winner Greg Stoehr.

 NEMA and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park have a relationship that goes back to 1960, the legendary Dutch Schaefer the winner. Since then, Thompson has helped write a ton of NEMA history. Greg Stoehr, driving for John Zahar, passed brother Russ in the closing laps to win in 1994. In 2001, Joey Payne, who like Greg Stoehr started last, passed the same Russ Stoehr on the final lap en route to the checkered. The latter was the famed car owner Gene Angelillo's 100th NEMA win.

How the Can-Am Duels work, set Daytona 500 field

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Can-Am Duels are a pair of qualifying races held on Feb. 23 (starting at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) that will determine the bulk of the field for the 2017 Daytona 500 (Feb. 26, 2 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). NASCAR.com offers a look at how the twin qualifying races work and how they impact the Daytona 500.

Programming info for Can-Am Duels:
When: Feb. 23, starting at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Daytona International Speedway
TV: FS1
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

What is the format?There are two 60-lap, 150-mile races. Who is in which Duel is determined based on qualifying speeds from Sunday's single-lap qualifying runs.

How do the Duels set the Daytona 500 lineup?The Duels determine who will line up in spots 3-38 on the starting grid for the "Great American Race" after Sunday's qualifying speeds saw the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr. earn front row spots for the 2017 Daytona 500.

Drivers in the first Duel race will line up on the inside row for the Daytona 500 (odd-numbered starting position), based on the order in which they finish the first Duel race. Drivers in the second Duel race will line up on the outside row for the Daytona 500 (even-numbered starting positions), based on the order in which they finish the second Duel race. Remember, all 36 Charter teams are guaranteed spots in the Daytona 500.
RELATED: Which teams have Charters?

How can open teams make the Daytona 500?
Two open teams will make the field based on their qualifying speed from Sunday's single-car qualifying runs. The other two open spots come from the best finishing open teams in each Duel. Should the fastest qualifying open team driver earn a spot based on his or her Duel result, then the next fastest open team would get in based on qualifying speed.

Sadler and Gaughan had the fastest entries among the open teams in single-car qualifying and are locked into the Daytona 500 field.

RELATED: Sadler, Gaughan lock in spots

The open team entries that will battle for two Daytona 500 spots in the Duels are Timmy Hill (No. 51 Chevrolet), Reed Sorenson (No. 55 Toyota), Corey LaJoie (No. 83 Toyota) and DJ Kennington (No. 96 Toyota).

How important are the Duels for drivers locked into the front row?
Very important because of the race enhancements NASCAR announced last month. While a Duel win doesn't put you in the Chase, the top 10 drivers in each Duel will earn points heading into the Daytona 500. Points for Duel results have not occurred before this year.

Drivers locked into the front row need to avoid any sort of calamity to keep their starting spot. With qualifying day so early in Speedweeks and a multitude of practices over three days leading up to the Daytona 500, wrecks resulting in backup cars, engine changes and more are all likely to pop up at some point to affect the green-flag order once on the grid.

How are points awarded?
It's similar to stages in the 36 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races. Meaning the winner of each Duel will get 10 points down to the 10th-place driver, who will get one point. Two drivers -- each Duel winner -- will head into the Daytona 500 with a share of the point lead.

HOW POINTS ARE AWARDED FOR THE DUELS

PLACE IN DUELS	POINTS AWARDED
First	10 points
Second	9 points
Third	8 points
Fourth	7 points
Fifth	6 points
Sixth	5 points
Seventh	4 points
Eighth	3 points
Ninth	2 points
Tenth	1 point

What if the Duels are rained out?If both Duels are canceled due to weather, officials will use qualifying results to determine the four Open teams that would advance.

Should only the second Can-Am Duel be canceled due to weather, the highest finishing Open team from the first Duel would earn a starting berth, with the remaining three positions determined based on qualifying results.
In the event of a complete rainout of the Duels where the event is not rescheduled, the full field will be set according to the NASCAR Rule Book. Source: R J Kraft NASCAR.COM

Patrick adds more history to her Daytona resume

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Patrick adds more history to her Daytona resume !

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Danica Patrick stood on Daytona International Speedway pit road early Sunday afternoon smiling after a fourth-place finish in the NASCAR season-opening, 75-lap Advance Auto Parts Clash exhibition race.

Even she was quick to remind the gathered press this wasn't a points event.

But, she conceded it was a nice way to competitively start a season and that can't be a bad thing.

Her fourth-place showing didn't earn her any points, but it did mark the highest finish for a woman in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at Daytona. And she was the top performer Sunday on the Stewart-Haas Racing team -- something her team owner Tony Stewart recognized following the race, stopping by for a congratulatory pat on the back and some words of encouragement.
As she walked into the garage to prepare for Daytona 500 qualifying a couple hours later, there were loud and rousing cheers from fans acknowledging her work.

"If you're gonna have one track where I've had good races, you kind of hope Daytona is one of them or maybe the one," Patrick said. "It would be great to get a 500 win, but it's great to run up front."

In fact, Patrick's work in six years of NASCAR starts on the Daytona high banks has been both historic and praiseworthy.

She sat on the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500 and has two top-10 finishes in nine starts here -- including an eighth-place in the 2013 Daytona 500.

"We definitely had some luck on our side today with a couple cars spinning down below (on the last lap)," Patrick said. "It felt like a 'Days of Thunder' moment where you see the smoke but hold it wide open and hopefully come out the other side. But that's the name of the game.
"There were certain times I felt like we were competitive and running up there and certain times I felt like I got pushed out. That's the nature of this racing. As there were less cars out there, it got harder and harder to recover from those moments where someone hung you out.

But we had a good result and that's what we show up for."
Source: Holly Cain NASCAR

Eric Berndt Ready to Challenge for SK Modified® Championship at Stafford

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Stafford Springs, CT) --- With the 2017 season on the horizon at Stafford Motor Speedway, Cromwell native Eric Berndt is preparing to embark on his 23^rd consecutive season of SK Modified® competition at the half-mile facility.  Berndt began his modified career in 1995 at the age of 16 and has been part of the SK Modified® landscape at Stafford ever since. 

Berndt has finished in the top-5 of the points standings 6 times in his career and the top-10 13 times.  He has recorded 6 consecutive top-8 finishes in the points standings and he is looking to build some consistency in order to capture his first career Stafford championship with his #66 Cos Williams owned Cos’ Central Auto / North End Auto Parts machine.

“We had a pretty good 2016 season so we’re hoping we can take some of what we had towards the end of the season with a couple of wins and build on that for a stronger 2017,” said Berndt.  “We’re looking to get out of the gate good because the first race of the season can be a make or break race. Last year we were in the top-4 and we lost an engine about a month and a half before the season ended and that kind of set us back.  We’re close, we just need to have a little more consistency.  You definitely don’t want to have to dig yourself out of a hole at the beginning of the year.  If we can have a good Sizzler and roll into some top-5’s from there, hopefully we can be a contender for the championship.”

Berndt has collected 17 SK Modified® feature wins at Stafford during his career and his best career finish in the points standings came in 2003 when he finished second behind Kerry Malone.  With one career championship to his name coming back in 2003 at Thompson, Berndt knows what it takes to be in contention for and win a championship, but with the level of competition in Stafford’s SK Modified® division, the degree of difficulty is at an all-time high.

“The SK Modifieds® at Stafford are tough because you know you have no room for error,” said Berndt.  “I don’t even know if [defending track champion Rowan Pennink] had one DNF last season.  If you’re having a bad night, you have to try to get it turned around and still try to get a top-10 finish if you can.  But that isn’t easy to do because the competition at Stafford is so strong.  In the past 6 or 7 years at Stafford, there always seems to be that one car every year that is really fast and hard to catch.  Whether it’s Ryan Preece, Rowan Pennink, Teddy Christopher, or Keith Rocco, there’s always that one car that you’re chasing.  We’d sure love to be that car this year and string together a 5 or 6 win season.”

One race that Berndt and his crew have their eyes on is the 4^th Annual NAPA SK 5k set for July 7.  Berndt has had success in extra distance races in the past, winning the SK Modified® 100 at Stafford back in 2003 and he has several extra distance wins at Waterford.  A win in the big money, big prestige race could be just the boost that the team needs to put themselves into championship mode during the 2017 season.

“We’d definitely love to win the 5k,” said Berndt.  “Not only for the payout but just the prestige of that race, we’d love to put that notch in our hats.  Last season was the closest we’ve come to winning that race and we ended up finishing third.  The longer races have always seemed to be a strong point for us in my career.  We’ve hit a couple of the 100 lappers, but we don’t have a 150 win or a 5k win yet.  My grandfather won a championship with Teddy at Waterford and I won at Thompson, so Stafford is next.  We’ve finished second in points before, so we’ve been close, just a couple of hiccups here and there that kept us from winning.  It would be great because I still have a couple of guys who have been with me for 10-15 years.”

In addition to his SK Modified® duties, Berndt will also be busy on Monday nights with his kids racing in the Wild Thing Kart Series.  His oldest daughter Brooke is taking a year away from racing but his son Parker and his youngest daughter Summer will be taking to the Stafford Mini-Mile.

“Brooke is taking a year off because she’s getting into dance but my son Parker will be in the primary car and my youngest Summer will be getting started this year,” said Berndt.  “It’s a lot of family fun racing with my kids and you can never get that back so that’s something I always look forward to.  It’s always fun to have the the who did better that week discussion in the shop with them as well.”

Berndt and the rest of the SK Modified® field will get their first on track experience of the new year in the 46th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler on April 28-30.  Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office.  Tickets are priced at $40.00 for adult general admission tickets, $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 on the 46th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler, or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

The 2017 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The 2017 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona will consist of:
2016 Coors Light Pole Winners
Past Event winners
Past Daytona 500 pole winners
2016 Chase drivers
Updated 2-15-2017

THE RACE, Saturday, February 18, 2017

TV: FS1 at 8:00pm/et

Green Flag Scheduled: approx 8:29 pm/et

Format: 75-lap, 187.5-mile race, two segments.
A competition caution at Lap 25 will separate the segments.

Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) & SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90

Key changes in NASCAR for 2017

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Participation Guidelines

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers with more than five years of full-time experience are limited to 10 races in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and seven in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Those guidelines also prohibit those drivers from participating in the final eight events of the season for the XFINITY and Truck Series -- that stretch includes the regular-season finale and all playoff races. The guidelines do not apply to drivers with fewer than five years of full-time experience in the top series.

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park News

Posted by Wayne G. Barber &  Photo by Wayne G.Barber

Ray Parent Going for TSMP Late Model Championship in Anytime Realty Entry

The 2017 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Ray Parent. After winning the 2016 D. Anthony Vendetti Fall Classic at Seekonk Speedway in his No. 17 Ford Fusion Late Model, Parent decided it was time for a change of pace, with support from a new primary sponsor, Anytime Realty. Parent will be driving the No. 98 Ford Fusion Late Model for Don Parsons Racing and Anytime Realty in pursuit of a Divisional Championship at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
  2016 first time late model champion William Wall will have his hands full in 2017 with the addition of Ray Parent and Woody Pitkat joining the late model field in the #91 ride piloted in 2016 by Larry Gelinas

Parent has been active in motorsports since he was 16 years old, becoming one of the most popular Late Model drivers in New England. The veteran racer has many accomplishments to his credit, including a 1996 Formula Four Championship at Seekonk Speedway, D. Anthony Venditti Fall Classic Late Model race wins in 2010 and 2016, and American-Canadian Tour wins at Airborne (2012) and New Hampshire Motor Speedway (2012).

Recently, Parent sold his No. 17 ACT Late Model after his previous sponsorship ended which put him on the search for a new sponsor.

“I lost a sponsorship and was looking for a new sponsorship when Don approached me about driving. I knew from the moment we spoke I was all in,” Parent explained.

Don Parsons, Principal of Anytime Realty, shared the sentiments with Parent. Describing their relationship, Parsons explained, “I heard that Ray was looking for sponsorship for the 2016 season and, I believe I reached out to him on Facebook, or gave him a call and we came to an agreement to put Anytime Realty as the primary sponsor for his ACT Late Model for the rest of the 2016 season. A few weeks later, a seat became available in my Super Late Model and Ray was willing to jump in and help me out while I was in the process of selling it and we did very well. I was happy with how his team and family work together, and have great chemistry on and off the track. They are really great people; so after Ray had sold his car in victory lane after winning the DAV Fall Classic at Seekonk, I decided to put together a brand new ride for the 2017 season and have him as my primary driver.”

Jointly, Parent and Parsons have the same goals for the 2017 season: to keep the car in one piece en route to the Late Model Championship at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park .

“We have a great driver, great crew, the best car money can buy, and I try to do everything I can financially so we have what we need to win with the best of the best,” Parsons enthusiastically explained.

The Don Parsons Racing/Anytime Realty entry will begin their Championship quest at the 43rd running of the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, schedule for Friday, March 31 - Sunday, April 2. For more information, visit www.thompsonspeedway.com, and follow us on social media.  

Stafford Speedway News

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(Stafford Springs, CT) --- After competing in the Mini Stock division the past four seasons at the Waterford Speedbowl and Thompson Speedway, Putnam native and second generation driver Chris Viens will transition to Stafford Speedway and join the 2017 SK Light rookie class.

“My grandfather worked on modifieds and my father Mike drove Mini Stocks, so I’ve been around racing my entire life,” said Viens.  “I started racing in the Mini Stock division at Thompson in 2013 and ran those for the last four years.  I tested a modified at Waterford last year and while I was driving the car I had an epiphany that modifieds is what I wanted to be racing.  We have a new Spafco chassis and we’re planning on running the full season at Stafford.  We’re also fortunate to have a lot of our sponsors from last year coming back with us, Portraits By Nan, Gerry G's Lawn Care, Coastline Fire Protection, Mainely Seafood, Shippee Solar, Gilman Villaud Funeral And Cremation Services, and Floors By Jimmy Buffit. I also have to give a special thanks to Ray Phillips, Joe Brockett, Nathan Broader, Cam and Zack Robinson, Eric Bourgeois, and my Mom and Dad.”

Viens becomes the 10^th rookie driver to register for the 2017 season, joining Alexander Pearl, Rob Dow, Glenn Bartkowski, Jacob Taylor, Glenn Korner, Chris Bagnall, Ed Chicoski, Dan Giustina, and Geoff Nooney. Viens has set modest goals for the 2017 season but despite his lack of experience both driving an open wheel car and competing at Stafford, he is excited to get his rookie season started.

“This season will be the first time I’ve ever driven around Stafford in a race car,” said Viens.  “Stafford has a great environment, a great facility, and this is the most excited I’ve ever been to get a season started.  The big thing for me is to keep the car together so I can learn, we feel confident we can build a fast car and I think I’ll adapt. If we can safely crack into the top-10, around the 2^nd or 3^rd race that would be great. We’re not really focused on winning races yet because that would be pretty far fetched for us at this point.  There’s a lot of good talent in the SK Light division at Stafford between guys like Marcello Rufrano, Joey Ferrigno and all of the cars that Paul French sets up.”

Another aspect that has Viens excited about his rookie season is the Dunleavy’s Modifiedz Night on May 26.  The SK Lights will race a 40-lap feature for a guaranteed purse of $10,000 with the winner taking home a guaranteed $1,750.  Additionally Don Wood from R.A.D. Automachine has put up a $750 bonus for the highest finishing car with a R.A.D. engine. Combined with other first place contingency awards, the winning driver will win over $2,500 if they have a R.A.D. engine, which Viens has under the hood of his #33 machine.

“Oh yeah, we’re pretty stoked about that race.  We have a huge group of people coming to that race and along with Fall Final, that race is the race we’re going to focus the most on.  We’re already working on our tire strategy so hopefully we can have three fresh tires for that race and we’re already working on how we’re going to run that race.  I think our plan will be to start in the back and if we can survive the first couple of cautions and pass a few guys and get into the top-10 that would be a huge result for us as a new team.”

As he prepares for his rookie season at Stafford, Viens keeps himself sharp by going out and racing go karts.  Viens typically races with some of the drivers that he will be racing on the track in the SK Lights this season and he says that racing the karts is a great way to keep his reactions sharp during the off-season.

“I go to On Track Karting and I race with Mike Christopher, Jr., Bryan Narducci, Cassandra Cole, and a lot of other guys. We usually mess around but it teaches you car control, how to pass, and how to not scrub off speed, so I think it makes you a better driver,” said Viens.  “I try to keep myself in pretty good shape with weight training and cardiovascular work and I’m focused on my goals.  I think we usually spend around 6 hours a night in the garage looking at the car and seeing what we can make better.  When we show up to the track, we want the car to be right so we can do the best we can with what we have.”

Viens will make his SK Light debut at the 46th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler on April 28-30.  Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office.  Tickets are priced at $40.00 for adult general admission tickets, $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 on the 46th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler, or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.
Source: Stafford Speedway Press Release

Harley J. Earl trophy for winning the Daytona 500

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Who Was Harley ?

If there's one trophy a driver dreams of putting his hands on, it's the Harley J. Earl trophy. Awarded to the winner of the Daytona 500, the Harley J. Earl trophy is one of the most prized possessions in motorsports. Named after Harley J. Earl, a famous General Motors designer and friend of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., the Harley J. Earl Perpetual Trophy rests year round inside The Daytona 500 Experience , "The Official Motorsports Attraction of NASCAR," and bears the name of every Daytona 500 champion.
Each year, the Harley J. Earl Perpetual Trophy makes a trip outside the attraction to the hallowed grounds of Gatorade Victory Lane at the "World Center of Racing" for a meeting with the Daytona 500 champion.
While the Daytona 500 champion doesn't take home the Harley J. Earl trophy, the winner of the "Great American Race" is awarded a replica Harley J. Earl trophy, which has a black base with a scaled-down replica of the Firebird One that Earl created in 1954 at the peak of his career with General Motors.
For the 50th running of the Daytona 500, the trophy was painted gold. The Harley J. Earl trophy is just one of three trophies awarded on the day of the Daytona 500.
The winning crew chief of the Daytona 500 champion is awarded the Cannonball Baker trophy, which is named after the famous coast-to-coast racer who was elected the first national commissioner of NASCAR in 1948 while the owner of the winning Daytona 500 champion is awarded the Governor's Cup.(DIS PR)
Richard Earl, a former Wall Street broker and youngest grandson of Earl, makes his living selling Harley Earl-designed cars. " 'Motoramic masterpieces' is how I like to refer to them," he said.

Who are you picking to win the 2017 Daytona 500 ?

MTS Title Sponsor Press Release

Posted by Wayne G. Barber   Photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

EXIT REALTY ANNOUNCES 2017 SPONSORSHIP OF THE MODIFIED TOURING SERIES

EXIT Realty has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Modified Touring Series for 2017. The sponsorship is backed by five EXIT Realty Regions where the Modified Touring Series will be racing in 2017 including Connecticut, Down State New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Upper New England (NH & VT). EXIT Realty isn’t a stranger to racing as Derek Beatrice, owner of EXIT Realty Beatrice Assoc., has been involved in motor sports for a number of years sponsoring billboards at several speedways, as well as assisting several race teams. Some of these ventures with EXIT Realty included sponsorship of drivers Eddie MacDonald in a Sprint Cup Car he ran at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and John McKennedy of the Valenti Modified Tour, both champions in their own right. EXIT Realty will make their presence at each event informing spectators of their services and loyalty to the sport.

Gary and Alichia Knight, founders of the series, would like to welcome EXIT Realty as the Title Sponsor for the new and exciting Modified Touring Series. Gary, former race car driver turned promoter, has been working very hard to promote the series and looks forward to working with EXIT Realty to give them maximum exposure.

The EXIT Realty Modified Touring Series will have a ten-race schedule for the 2017 season with regional involvement from the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, NH, VT, and downstate New York EXIT Realty locations. The format for each one of the 10 scheduled events will include qualifying heat races, consolations (if needed), and a 125 lap green flag feature event. The payoff is structured so that most modified teams will, at a minimum, meet their expenses for the event.

What looks to be some of the most exciting news in Modified racing in years, the EXIT Realty Modified Touring Series will run in NH, MA, CT and NY promising the best racing entertainment in 2017.

For further information go to www.modtouringseries.com.

Seekonk Speedway News

Posted by Wayne G. Barber  & Photo by Wayne G. Barber

Seekonk Speedway is excited to announce the appointment of Ron Manfredo to the position of Race Director for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing on Saturday nights at Seekonk. Tim Bolduc will take over Friday Night Racing and be charged with all racing decisions and rule enforcements for Fast Friday Seekonk Speedway Divisions. The tandem will replace Cory Boudreau who is stepping down from the Seekonk Race Director position for personal reasons.
Ron Manfredo has been involved in auto racing for over five decades in almost every level at Seekonk Speedway. Over time Manfredo has held positions as Pit Steward, Chief Starter and Race Director. In 2014 Ron was inducted into the Seekonk Speedway Wall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of Stock Car racing. Ron has long been a part of installing a culture at Seekonk of integrity, respect and passion for racing.
” I’m very excited to get back to the job of race director. I’m looking forward to bringing a better relationship between the racer and the track. I have a few new ideas that I think will work in both directions and look forward to implementing them. I will also be available to the racers at the track office 3 days during the week with Monday being the most important to help resolve any issues the racers may have had the previous week” stated Mr Manfredo when asked about his new position. Competition Director David Alburn noted that “Ron brings with him a solid reputation and vast amount of knowledge, we look forward to seeing him in race control.”.
Tim Bolduc has been a part of the Seekonk landscape since the early 90’s. Tim started attending races and working on Pro Stock pit crews in the 90’s until 2006 when he began his career as a starter. Tim was quickly promoted to Chief Starter and has been instrumental to racing at Seekonk since. Tim has been managing F1 karting in Boston as well as occasionally flagging at tracks such as Watkins Glen, New Hampshire and Summit Point for the SCCA. Tim will continue in his role as Chief Starter on Saturdays in addition to his role as Race Director on Fast Fridays.
“Excited and thankful for the opportunity. Looking forward to helping the Friday night program get better and continue to grow. I know its going to be a new challenge, and a different perspective from flagging but I’m ready to go.” Says an excited Bolduc regarding his promotion from the flag stand. “Tim has shown the consistency and awareness needed for the race Director job, we look forward to seeing Tim in this next step in his racing career” adds David Alburn.
Seekonk Speedway is a NASCAR sanctioned race track in Seekonk, Massachusetts that has been operating since 1946. The Action Track of the East is the Home of the Pro Stocks as well as 8 other divisions competing weekly every Friday & Saturday Night from May till October.