Michael Wray Looking to Rebound and Challenge for 2018 Late Model Championship at Stafford Speedway

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Michael Wray Looking to Rebound and Challenge for 2018 Late Model Championship at Stafford Speedway.

(Stafford Springs, CT)---For many racers, a season where they scored one win, ten top-5 and fifteen top-10 finishes to go along with a 7^th place finish in the points standings would be considered a pretty good season.  But for Northford, CT native Michael Wray, driver of the #42 DMW Graphics Chevrolet, those season numbers registered as a disappointment.  Wray was coming off a 2016 season that saw him register two wins, fourteen top-5, and seventeen top-10 finishes, with ten of his fourteen top-5 finishes being podium finishes.  Wray is looking forward to getting back on the track in 2018 and returning to his 2016 ways.

“I think we were a little disappointed with how last season went for us,” said Wray.  “Coming off our 2016 season, we were on the podium something like 10 out of 17 races and we finished second in points.  Last year was still a good year but it wasn’t quite as good.  For 2018 we’ve went through some stuff and we’ve pretty much rebuilt the car from scratch so I feel like we’re in a much better positon than we were last year and I’m excited, I think we’re going to have a good season.”

Although the 2017 season might not have been up to Wray’s standards, the season got off to a promising start.  Wray posted top-5 finishes, including his lone win of the season, in each of the first 7 races of the season.  Wray’s good start to the year saw him sitting second in the points standings, only 4 points behind Glen Reen.  But then Wray and the #42 team ran into some struggles with their car and the next four races saw them fall from second down to fourth with only one top-5 finish in that 4-race stretch.  

“We were fast at the start of last year but around the halfway point we seemed to hit a midseason lull,” said Wray.  “The car kind of fell off the cliff a little and at the end of the year we found out that the frame was bent.  We’re not sure exactly when the frame got bent.  Might have bent it at the Fall Final but if it happened earlier in the year, that could have been part of our problem with the car around midseason.  I think another part of last season was that everyone else got stronger and there was a lot of speed on the track.  We still had some parts and pieces on the car from back when Jay Stuart was racing it and that kind of caught up to us a little.  We are taking this winter to make changes that we needed to make to try to get caught back up with the competition.  I travel for work so I was down in Virginia and had to miss a couple of races towards the end of last season.  I’ve spent the last three months down in Virginia for work so hopefully I have all my work travel done and out of the way so I won’t have to miss any races this season.  We’re excited and we’re looking to come back stronger in 2018.”

Wray’s main goal for 2018 will be to return to NAPA Victory Lane as many times as he can.  With Wray’s experience from the 2016 season, where he didn’t post a finish lower than 7^th all year long, and with his #42 machine gone through and overhauled in preparation for the 2018 season, Wray could also be considered as one of the favorites to be a championship contender. 

“At the end of the day we’re there to win races and whatever happens with the championship happens,” said Wray.  It would be cool to be a contender for the championship.  I’ve been going to Stafford since I was around 6 and a lot of the guys I’m racing now I grew up watching, so it would be pretty cool to be able to say I beat them to win a championship.  I think you’re always learning something every time you get behind the wheel. It’s good to have someone like Jay Stuart in our corner.  He knows all the tricks and he is a big help to us with the car.  It seems there’s always some races where you wish you would have done something different because you got outsmarted by a guy with 20 years experience.”

Although he might not have the amount of experience that some of his competition, Wray has shown to be quick study behind the wheel of his #42 car.  Wray ran three seasons in the Limited Late Model division before taking time off from racing to finish up his school.  Wray was the Late Model Rookie of the Year in 2015 and he has won a race in each of his three seasons of Late Model competition at Stafford.  Wray also has some good support on his car and behind the scenes in his shop.

“I have to thank my sponsors, DMW Graphics, my brother Dave does the wrap for the car every year and it always looks awesome, Torino Services, and Kennedy’s On-Site,” said Wray.  “I also have to thank my crew, especially my Dad.  While I’ve been working all these hours, he’s been the one working on the car these last three months.”

Wray’s first opportunity to add to his career win total will be at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. 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.  Discount Spring Sizzler® tickets will be available beginning in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores. Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release 

Stafford Speedway: Street Stock Purse to Increase in 2018

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---The 2018 season at Stafford Speedway is quickly approaching and changes for the renamed Street Stock division are starting to take shape.  Historically named the DARE Stock division, the rebranded Street Stock division will have their weekly lap count increased from 15 laps to 20 with the total weekly purse increased 30%.  The division will also have two extra distance events on the 2018 schedule, a 25-lap event Friday, May 11th, and a 30-lap event Friday, September 7th.  Both events will have increased payouts announced in the coming days.

“The DARE Stock and now Street Stock division is a very important part of racing at Stafford, and we are very excited to add these two events,” explained Stafford General Manager Mark Arute.  “We are extending the weekly racing distance, adding two extra distance special events, and also boosting the weekly payout.”

The Street Stock division morphed from Stafford’s “Left and Right” division in the early 90’s into the DARE Stocks and held that moniker until getting rebranded to Street Stock.  Historically the division has served as a division for affordable weekly racing and a place to get comfortable behind the wheel of a race car on the tricky half-mile. 

“Street Stocks are the ideal place to get your feet wet in racing,” continued Stafford General Manager Mark Arute.  “Take a look at Woody [Pitkat].  He got his first win in a Dare Stocks in 1996 and went on to win the NAPA Spring Sizzler® in 2015.  We want the division to be a place for drivers and teams to learn and have fun.  If the time comes when the team is comfortable and wants to move up, we have our ladder system into the Limited Late Models or SK Lights.”

Number registrations for the 2018 Street Stock season are underway. Two time defending champion Johnny Walker has registered his #01 for the new season but will have tough competition from some emerging young talent.  2017 rookies George Bessette in the #39 car and Travis Hydar in the #11 car both scored wins last season and are looking to compete for the championship in 2018.  Vince Gambacorta and Nicole Chambrello were also both feature winners in 2017 and are set to return for the 2018 season while Chris Bagnall, who finished a career high 4th in last season’s standings, is back searching for his first career win. 

More details regarding the Street Stock 25 and 30 lap events will be released in the coming days. 

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

Potter Joins ACT as Technical Inspector

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Waterbury, VT – American-Canadian Tour (ACT) officials announced today that Randy Potter has joined the ACT staff as a Technical Inspector. Potter will work alongside Director of Competition Pete Knights at all ACT Late Model Tour events throughout the 2018 season.

Potter has been involved in Northeast racing for more than three decades as a competitor. He raced full-time on the ACT Late Model Tour during the 2007-2012 seasons, winning one event and finishing in the top-10 in points each season. Knights served as Potter’s crew chief during his time on the Tour.

In addition, Potter was also a multi-time Late Model Champion at Speedway 51 in his hometown of Groveton, NH when it was known as Riverside Speedway. He began his racing career in 1983 in the track’s Super Stock division and has competed as recently as this past season.

“I raced against Randy for a number of years throughout the Northeast and have always known him to be an enthusiast, respectful, and stand-up person,” ACT co-owner Cris Michaud said. “Having raced and worked on ACT-type Late Models for so long, he comes to this position with the knowledge base that is essential for success. With Randy and Pete having a long history together as well, we’re excited about what both will bring to ACT.”

For more information, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com.

Glen Reen Ready for Challenge of Back to Back Championships

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---What a difference one year can make.  Wilbraham, MA native Glen Reen entered the 2017 season at Stafford Speedway with his experience in the Late Model division limited to a single season of limited starts.  At the conclusion of the 2017 season, Reen and the #31 LifeCare Family Chiropractic team owned by Rob Russell, Jr. were celebrating in NAPA Victory Lane as the 2017 track champions.  Reen and the #31 team are ready to tackle the challenge of showing up to the track as the defending champions and being the driver everyone else is looking to beat.

“The goal for us is to try to win back to back championships,” said Reen.  “It’s definitely going to be a different feeling for sure.  It sunk in, but it really hasn’t sunk in yet that we won the championship.  It’s still hard to believe.  Not that I didn’t have confidence that we could win it, but there’s some stiff competition in the Late Model division.  I know a lot of people thought a modified driver wouldn’t be able to jump in and in one season get to that level.  I still have a lot to learn and you can always learn something from someone, even if it’s what not to do.  Every year the competition gets tougher so I think this year will be more difficult than last season.”

For Reen and the #31 team, the chase for the championship last season was filled with new experiences.  The team as well as Reen were in the thick of their first championship chase and balance was the key in going back and forth between the SK Modified® and Late Model machines each Friday night. 

“I loved every single week getting out of one car and getting into another, I always like a challenge,” said Reen.  “You have to drive the cars completely different, there’s completely different competitors, and the driving styles are different.  I looked forward to it every single week and if I could drive 3 cars every Friday night I would.  I have to remind myself when I go out in the Late Model after driving the modified.  I remember a couple of times in 2016 I went hauling off into the corner in the Late Model and later when I came back to the pits the crew guys said they didn’t think I was going to stop and I told them I forgot what car I was driving.  You definitely have to be mindful of your braking points when you change cars.  Once you get into the rhythm of driving both cars for a couple of weeks, you know what to expect.”

With the experience that Reen and the #31 team gained while fighting for the championship last season, Reen feels like they’ll be well prepared in their attempt to go back to back this season.

“Having won the championship last season definitely helps us in trying to win it again this year,” said Reen.  “You know how the game is played and what you have to do.  We have a lot of good momentum going and the guys at the shop are changing a lot of stuff.  Time will tell if we’re going in the right direction.  It wasn’t until the last couple of races that it began to sink in that we had a realistic opportunity to win the championship.  I was trying not to think about points but obviously in the back of my mind I kept thinking ‘I can’t screw this up tonight’.  You have to be at least conscious of it otherwise you’d throw it away.  I remember the final race I almost screwed things up because I was focused on one other car and how many spots I had to be within during the race.  I should have just worried about going out and driving the car.  But that is something else I learned about racing for a championship.”

For any driver to win a championship they need not only a good crew but they also need to have good support and Reen is very thankful for all the support he received during the 2017 season.

“A lot of it was Rob (Russell) and his guys gave me a great car every week, they made my job relatively easy,” said Reen.  “I also have to thank LifeCare Family Chiropractic, I couldn’t do any of this without Sean Noel, he’s an awesome guy, Rob Russell Chassis, Tony from T/A Engines for the great power and reliability, Buzzy Transmissions, Alpine Tree Services, Whelen Engineering, New England Race Fuels with John Holland is a big help, Travis Roy Foundation, Pioneer Valley Wheel Repair, Squid Decals, Ruby’s Liquors, and Todd Fisette and Ted Marsh for all of their help.”

While the team is busy preparing the #31 car for action this season, Reen is ready to get back to racing and trying to defend his championship.

“Defending the championship is what I’m most excited about for this season,” said Reen.  “The problem is for now we’re just sitting around.  I’m hoping I can run a couple of TQ races this winter so I can get my racing fix.”
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Reen will begin defense of his championship at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. 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.  Discount Spring Sizzler® tickets will be available beginning in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.

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

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Field Set for 'The Clash' at Daytona.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 11, 2017) -
  NASCAR fans get a double-dose of racing action to open the 2018 season on Sunday, February 11, with The Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway capping a day that starts with Coors Light Pole Award qualifying for the 60th Annual Daytona 500.
A star-studded lineup of elite drivers will battle in the 75-lap event which airs live on FS1, MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio at 3 p.m. ET. The annual preseason race will be run in two segments, with a competition caution at lap 25 separating the segments.



Eligible drivers are:
2017 Coors Light Pole Award Winners (14)
• Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Erik Jones, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Martin Truex Jr.
Former Daytona 500 Coors Light Pole Award Winners (3)
• Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick
2017 Playoff Drivers (3)
• Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman
Tickets for The Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying are available online at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Starrett Tools Joins Stafford's SK Modified® Contingency Program

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Starrett Tools Joins Stafford's SK Modified® Contingency Program

Stafford Springs, CT)---In recent years the racing in Stafford’s SK Modified® division has been second to none, with weekly excitement and jaw dropping finishes.  The 2018 season promises to be much of the same with a driver roster full of young talent and crafty veterans.  New for the 2018 season, Starrett Tools has signed on as a contingency partner for the entire season, awarding a $150 bonus each week to the winner of each SK Modified® feature.

“All of us here at Starrett are looking forward to supporting the SK Modified® division at Stafford,” explained Jim Taylor, VP, L.S. Starrett Co.  “The SK Modified® division has been thrilling fans with excellent racing the last few seasons and we are excited to partner with Stafford to bring a weekly bonus for the winner.”

The Athol, Massachusetts based Starrett Tools has shown that they are committed to Modified racing in the Northeast.  Last month Starrett announced title sponsorship of the August 3^rd NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Starrett 150 at Stafford as well as the continued backing of Whelen Modified Tour drivers Matthew Swanson, Timmy Solomito, and Jimmy Blewett. 

“We are really honored that Jim and the whole Starrett team have joined our weekly contingency program,” explained Stafford General Manager Mark Arute.  “As we always stress, weekly racing is our focus and supporters like Starrett make that possible.  With another $150 weekly bonus to the SK Modified® division, the SK purse continues to grow.  All of us at Stafford want to thank Starrett for their investment in the program.”

The 2017 SK Modified® season was one to remember.  In a classic young gun versus veteran story, two-time Stafford SK Champion Keith Rocco edged former SK Light competitor Chase Dowling for the 2017 track championship in a battle that came down to the final race of the season.  Both drivers are set to return in 2018 to chase the track championship

“Starrett Tools is definitely making a name in local auto racing from the Whelen Modified Tour down to Stafford Speedway,” said 2017 SK Modified® track champion Keith Rocco.  “It’s great to have a big name company like Starrett coming on board to help support the SK Modified® division.  I know $150 might not seem like a lot of money, but if you win 5 races, that adds up in a hurry and it’s a big help for teams.”

Founded in 1880, Athol, Massachusetts based Starrett Tools has set the standard for fine precision tools for over 138 years. Starrett Tools is best known for their wide product line of precision measuring tools, levels, electronic gages, dial indicators, gage blocks, and custom engineered products.  For more information about Starrett Tools, please visit them online at www.starrett.com. 

The 2018 season gets underway at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler April 28th and 29th.  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. All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax. Discount tickets will be available in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores.

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

Andy Marchese Back In The Groove With Stafford Limited Late Model

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---When the first green flag of the 2018 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season is dropped at Stafford Speedway, Tolland native Andy Marchese will be making his return to full-time racing in the Limited Late Model division.  Marchese will be piloting the #5 car that is owned by DP Motorsports with sponsorship from NAPA Tolland, Big Haus USA, and Casagrande Builders.  Marchese has made only 9 starts over the last three seasons in Stafford’s Late Model division, but he is looking forward to getting back into full-time competition.

“I got started in the Street Stock division and it took me a while to learn how to drive the car and I managed to win a couple races,” said Marchese.  “I had an opportunity to move up to the Late Model division in 2015 and although I’ve raced a couple of times a year the last few years, I’ve basically been out of racing for the last 3 seasons.  The Late Model was a massive step up for me.  Between helping Kevin Gambacorta with his #23 car and going racing in Wild Thing Karts with my daughter Dominique, I didn’t have the time to fully commit to it.  After this past season ended, an opportunity came up with DP Motorsports to run a full season in the Limited Late Model division so now I can get some seat time and experience and get back in the groove.  Honestly I think the Limited Late Model division is where I belong, I was way over my head in the Late Model division.”

With his relative lack of racing during the last three seasons, Marchese is not setting any lofty expectations for himself.  Marchese’s focus will be on getting track time and building his confidence behind the wheel back to the level it was during his stint in the Street Stock division.  

“I’m not setting the bar real high for myself this year,” said Marchese.  “My main goal is to get some seat time and experience to get my confidence back.  I’m going to take things one race at a time and see how things go for me.  It’s a big step for me to get into a Limited Late Model but I’m really looking forward to it and I’m excited to once again be a part of the full-time schedule on Friday nights at Stafford.  I would like to thank DP Motorsports for giving me the opportunity to drive the car this season.”

Marchese began his Stafford career in the Street Stock division in 2011 and he raced Street Stocks from 2011-2014.  The 2015 season saw Marchese move up the Late Model division where he ran a limited schedule totaling 9 starts during the 2015-2017 seasons.  Marchese enjoyed his best season in 2014 while in the Street Stock division where he won 2 races and finished 7^th in the points standings.  The #5 car that Marchese will be driving in 2018 was formerly Al Saunders’ #04 car.

“I’m really excited about the the opportunity to race in the Limited Late Model division,” said Marchese.  “With drivers like Alexandra and Ryan Fearn, Duane Provost, and Justin Bren, there’s a lot of talent but those drivers don’t have the level of experience like the guys in the Late Model division.  When I moved to the Late Model division, I think I tried to run before I could walk.  I hope I can be competitive with the Limited drivers and have some fun again this year.  It’s Al Saunders old car, which has won races and also won a championship.  If everything works out for us we can be a real good story this season.  It would be awesome to win a race 2018.  We have the right people and equipment in place and I think I’m at the level I should be at in the Limited Late Model division.  It would really mean a lot to me if I could get back into victory lane.”

Marchese will get his first on track opportunity of 2018 at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. 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.  Discount Spring Sizzler® tickets will be available beginning in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.

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

Saunders Twins Make Move to Stafford’s Late Model Division

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Saunders Twins Make Move to Stafford’s Late Model Division

(Stafford Springs, CT)---Hometown drivers Al & Cliff Saunders have announced that they will move from the Limited Late Model division to the Late Model division for the 2018 season at Stafford Speedway and compete for NAPA Rookie of the Year Honors.  Both Saunders twins are former Stafford track champions with Cliff winning the 2012 Street Stock title and Al Saunders taking the 2015 Limited Late Model crown.

“We were going to make the move for the 2017 season, but we both wrecked at the Fall Final in 2016 and with having to fix the cars along with changing divisions was going to be too much,” said Al Saunders.  “We ended this past season good so we’re making the move now.”

The Saunders twins will once again continue a hometown theme in 2018 with sponsorship from American Sleeve Bearing in Stafford, which is also where both twins are employed.

“Our sponsor, American Sleeve Bearing, has been asking us for a couple years now if we wanted to move up to the Late Model division and they’ll be back on the cars again this season,” explained Cliff.  “ASB and Howard Buckland have sponsored us since we got started and we’re happy to be able to continue our partnership with ASB.  They’ve been on board with us since we started racing at Stafford and knowing that they’re back with us each season keeps us from having to go out and search for sponsors during the off-season.  Also, they’ve been great working with us so that we can get our hours in earlier in the week so we can take off early on Fridays to get to the track.”

In addition to both twins having a track championship to their name, they are also both familiar with Stafford’s NAPA Victory Lane, with Al having racked up 20 career wins (12 Limited Late Model, 8 Street Stock) and Cliff has 17 wins (8 Limited Late Model, 9 Street Stock).  Despite their successes, both Saunders twins know they face an uphill climb in learning a totally brand new car.

“We know that things are going to be a lot harder than they look in the Late Models,” said the Saunders twins.  “Maybe towards the end of the season we can start to be a contender for race wins, we’ll see how things go for us.  One of the biggest challenges for us will be to get the car perfect every week with the setup and trying to not make any mistakes.”

One area where the Saunders boys will struggle is a lack of experience compared to some of Stafford’s Late Model teams that have been around for years and have a wealth of experience already built up.  That’s where the twins will lean on their crew chief and car owner Barry Fluckiger, who has helped Corey Hutchings and several others to reach NAPA Victory Lane in the Late Model division.

“The Late Model division has a lot of guys who have been racing a long time with a lot of experience with good cars and if we’re off just a little bit, we’re going to be pretty far behind those guys on the track,” said the Saunders twins.  “Working with Barry will help make things easier for us.  When we first made the move from Street Stocks to Limited Late Model, Barry really helped make the car better after a couple of races and he’s won Late Model races with a couple of different drivers in the past, so working with him will be a big plus for us.  We’re not really sure what to expect because we’ve never driven a Late Model car before.  Those first couple of practice sessions are going to be real important for us to get a baseline to work with for the season.”

With the brothers both making the move into the Late Model division at the same time, they will be directly competing with each other for NAPA Rookie of the Year honors.  While one might think that things could get heated between drivers who are also brothers, the twins say that is the furthest thing from the truth.

"I think we’ll be fine, we’re both out there to beat everyone else and not focus on each other,” said the twins.  “If we can do something to help each other beat everyone else, that makes a lot more sense for us than racing each other.  So far we’ve never both had a good season in the same year.  The way it’s gone is one of us is good but not really consistent and the other is consistent but not really that good.  Usually one car would be up in the top-3 of the standings and the other car would be around 6^th in the standings.  We’ve never really battled each other in the points so that could be something new for us this season.”

Al & Cliff Saunders along with the rest of the Late Model division will get their first taste of action in 2018 during the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. The NAPA Spring Sizzler® gets underway Friday, April 27 with a practice session for Stafford’s weekly divisions, Mr. Rooter Trucks, and Vintage All-Star cars. The practice session will be open to the public at no charge. Action continues on Saturday, April 28 with Coors Light Pole Qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour cars, along with heat and consolation races. Saturday will wrap up with feature events for the Limited Late Model, DARE Stock, Mr. Rooter Trucks, and Vintage All-Stars. NAPA Spring Sizzler action continues on Sunday, April 29 with the NAPA Auto Parts Pit Party from 11am-12noon followed by Stafford’s SK Modifieds®, Late Models, and SK Lights joining the Whelen Modified Tour in feature action.

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. All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Discount tickets will be available in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores.

For more information, 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: Scott Running, Stafford Speedway Press Release 

Troy Talman Teaming with Steve McCarthy for 2018 SK Modified® Season at Stafford

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

Talman celebrating his Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in 2017

(Stafford Springs, CT)---As the days continue to tick away and count down towards the start of the 2018 season, Oxford, MA native Troy Talman has announced he will team with Steve McCarthy for the 2018 SK Modified® season at Stafford for a run for at the championship behind the wheel of the #2 SPM Motorsports machine. The McCarthy/Talman combination has deep roots as McCarthy is longtime family friends with Talman’s family.

“I grew up with the Tagg family and in 1988 I helped out Tom Tagg in the Late Model division and Mike Talman was also part of the crew and that was before he married Sharon (Tagg),” said McCarthy.  “I started talking with Troy when he was racing Keith Rocco’s cars at Thompson and Paul Pytko actually got the two families together to talk things over and now here we are.”

“It’s really cool, our families have known each other for a long time,” said Troy Talman.  “We’ve been talking with Steve for a while now, I’ve always had my eye on Steve’s car whenever I saw it around town and thought it would be cool to one day drive it.  I think we have the potential to be something really good,  The car is a CD chassis and we have a new T/A Engine.”

Talman, a graduate of Stafford’s SK Light Modified division, won’t enter the 2018 season totally blind as he made 3 starts in McCarthy's #26 machine during the 2017 season. While the combination missed out on top-10 finishes in their three starts, the car was fast on the speed charts and Talman says it’s all about maintaining their speed throughout a race night.

“Those couple races we ran last year will be a big help because we got to know each other, how Steve sets the car up and how I drive the car,” said Talman.  “We already have good communication and I think communication is a crucial part of any successful race team. It would be awesome if we could show up and be in the top-5 right away at the Sizzler.  We had some speed last year in the couple of races we ran, we just have to maintain the speed we showed in practice throughout a night.”

Whereas most drivers have goals or expectations for a brand new race season, Talman is looking to take things one race at a time and see how things go.  One thing Talman is sure of is the high level of competition he will face to put the #2 machine in NAPA Victory Lane.

“I’m not really big into setting preseason expectations,” said Talman.  “I like to go race to race and do the best we can.  Only time will tell if we can be a contender.  The competition will be at an elite level this season, which it always is at Stafford.  When you show up to Stafford, you really have to be on your game and have all your ducks in a row.  It’s the cream of the crop when you get to the front at Stafford in the SK Modifieds® and if you can do that, you’re at the top of the New England racing level.  There’s no reason why we can’t do that this season.  I think we had a good start with the couple races we ran last year and we just need to continue to trend in the right direction.”

Should Talman be able to pull off a victory this season, it would be a special moment for everyone involved.

“If we could get a win this season, that would mean that we arrived,” said Talman.  “If we can have a top-5 car speed wise, there’s no reason why we couldn’t hang around one night and be able to sniff out a win.  A win would be huge for us and winning is why we go racing.”

Steve McCarthy has the same sentiment when it comes to victory lane at Stafford.

“My son Michael, who is Troy’s car owner, really pushed to get Troy in the car and he’s seen photos from back in the day in victory lane at Stafford and it would be special to be able to win a race with him as part of the crew,” said McCarthy.  “I’m sure the look on his face would be priceless if we could get a win this season.  He’s heard all the stories about how we used to win races and he wants to have his own story in victory lane at Stafford.”

Talman will have Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) as a sponsor and the team is in search of additional marketing partners for the 2018 season.

“I’d like to thank DCU for continuing to support me,” said Talman.  “They’ve been with me since my SK Light days and we’re on the hunt for more sponsors to help us get through the season.”

Talman and McCarthy will kick off their 2018 season at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. 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.  Discount tickets will be available in March at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.

For more information on the 47th 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: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release

Stafford Open Mod 80 Rules and $24K Purse Announced

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

(Stafford Springs, CT)---For the first time since the late 1970’s, non sanctioned open modified races are included in the Stafford Motor Speedway schedule.  The two events, both set for the traditional “Sizzler” distance of 80 laps, will pay $3,500 to win and $660 to start, with a total purse of $24,000 for 26 starters.  Both events will be held in conjunction with Stafford's 5 weekly racing divisions on Friday June 8th and Friday July 13th.

“Open modified racing is back at Stafford in 2018,” explained Stafford General Manager Mark Arute.  “We decided to put these events together to give all the open modified teams an opportunity to run Stafford in a non sanctioned event with a strong purse.  We should see a great field of Modifieds for these events and expect many of our weekly SK Modified® guys to double up and run both races.  The 80-lap distance has worked well in the past for these type of cars and these races are a great addition to our 2018 schedule."

                               

The 80-lap features will have a draw for qualifying starting position and will use a plus/minus system of handicapping from the qualifying for the 26 car feature starting line-up.  Each registered team will be allotted 6 tires for the event with no restrictions on changing tires during the 80-lap races.

The rules package for the Open Modified events have been carefully crafted by director of competition and former Modified and Late Model competitor Tom Fox to include multiple motor packages used throughout northeast modified racing.

“We worked with multiple teams and engine builders to come up with a good package for this event,” explained Stafford Director of Competition Tom Fox.  “The end result are rules that allow a wide variety of teams to participate while also promoting a high level of competition.  Between the rules package and the $24,000 purse, these are events to circle on the calendar."  

Modified drivers throughout the Northeast are looking forward to this new event.  2017 Modified Racing Series Champion Anthony Nocella already has both the June 8th and July 13th event on his 2018 schedule after winning the May VMRS race at Stafford last season.

“I saw those two races on the Stafford schedule and they definitely got my interest,” said Nocella.  “We always like racing at Stafford, we’ll be there for those shows.  We have a lot of fun at Stafford, it’s one of the nicest tracks that we race at and there’s a lot of prestige that comes with a Stafford win.  We’ve had some really good cars at Stafford lately so we’ll be looking forward to running in those races.”  

Jimmy Blewett, whose last NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory came at Stafford in August 2016, is also looking forward to the open modified events.

“I believe we’ll be at Stafford for those two shows,” said Blewett.  "I think they’ll be different shows because there will be a lot of different drivers.  I think the VMRS and ROC tours have a lot of drivers with a lot of talent who just can’t afford to run the Whelen Modified Tour.  When there are open shows like Stafford is going to have, it opens up things for those guys who can’t afford to go Tour racing and they can show their talents against guys who run the Tour.”

Teams interested in running the June 8th and July 13th events are required to register for participation in the events.  Registration is now open, teams can register online at by following this link: http://staffordmotorspeedway.com/2018-sms-open-modified-80-number-registration, or by calling the track office at (860)-684-2783.  Rules for the two Open Modified 80 shows can be found here: http://staffordmotorspeedway.com/2018-open-modified-rules/.

Happy Birthday to the Rocco Twin's.....

Born January 3, 1985

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