Confident Bobby Santos, III, Prepared for NAPA Spring Sizzler®

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Confident Bobby Santos, III, Prepared for NAPA Spring Sizzler®

(Stafford Springs, CT)---When it comes to Bobby Santos, III and the NAPA Spring Sizzler® at Stafford Motor Speedway, not many drivers can claim a better record.  In only 8 career starts in “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring,” Santos has recorded 3 wins, 4 top-5, and 5 top-10 finishes for an average finish of 10.9.  Santos has also led in four of his eight career Sizzler starts with a total of 488 laps led in those 4 races.  With the NAPA Spring Sizzler® taking the green flag this weekend, Santos is ready to try to add a fourth Sizzler win to his racing resume and tie Mike Stefanik for 2^nd place on the All-Time Sizzler Winners List.

“Another Sizzler win would be pretty cool,” said Santos.  “Winning at Stafford means a lot and the Sizzler is such a big race.  To be in any category alongside Mike would be meaningful.  He’s done a lot in a modified and it would be neat to be tied with him in anything.  The Sizzler is such a tough race to win that just to be in contention will be nice.  I always look forward to Stafford, it’s one of my favorite tracks.  I definitely have some good history at Stafford and I like the 200-lap race.  Our goal is to be able to put ourselves into position to win and it’s been far too long since we won at Stafford, I feel way overdue for a Stafford win.”

If Santos is going to add a fourth Sizzler win to his credit this year, he and the #44 Tinio Corporation team will have to figure out a different race strategy than in years past as teams will only be allowed to change one tire per pit stop.  Santos is relishing the prospect of race strategy playing a large part in who is battling for the win in the closing laps of the NAPA Spring Sizzler® and he likes his chances of being one of the cars in the mix for the win.

“The one tire deal really does change things and puts some strategy into the race,” said Santos.  “I feel like for the last 5 or 7 years the races have become pretty predictable with the fast guys all pitting together and there’s a race off pit road.  I like the multiple pit stops and multiple opportunities to get on to different strategies during the race.  Any time strategy gets involved, it certainly can give someone that maybe doesn’t have the fastest car an opportunity to win the race.  Typically you look at the rules and think about what you want to do but at the end of the day you just have to take the race as it comes with the yellow flags.  I’m confident we’ll be competitive and there’s a lot of good teams and drivers so anything can happen.  If we do a good job, I think we’ll have just as good a shot at winning the race as anyone else.  It’s all thanks to the Tinio Family, Olivas Market, my dad and my family, Danny my car chief, and really all the guys who volunteer their time to help us go racing.”

Santos and the Tinio team are not running the full NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule in 2018, which may come in handy during the race with pit strategy calls.  Santos and his team have the freedom to make whatever calls they want from pit road without worrying about how a call might affect their finishing position.

                                    

“We’ve done a partial schedule last year and this year and in a weird way it seems like there’s less pressure,” said Santos.  “We always come to the track trying to win no matter what but it seems like it’s more relaxed and less tension for us than the guys who are racing for points.  I don’t think it really hurts us.  With our team situation I think that maybe it helps us where we’re not spreading ourselves too thin and we’re better prepared for the races that we go to.  I might not be racing a modified 16 or 17 times a year like some of the other drivers but I’m racing other divisions and I think that driving other cars only helps.”

The 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® takes the green flag this weekend, 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.  Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Discount Tickets are now available at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.  For a full list of the 72 participating locations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, please call the speedway office or point your web browser to www.staffordmotorspeedway.com/participating-napa-auto-parts-stores.

Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release 

Race Chatter Line-Up for 4-23-18...

News, Results, Standings, Driver Changes, Sponsor Changes and Driver Interviews too !

E-Mail from now thru the show at waynewnri@yahoo.com with and Questions, Comments or Congratulations...

Free Seekonk Speedway Tickets tonight too !


Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, NH  opening night results on a very full racing card.


Tentatively Scheduled will be.

6:05pm Valenti Modified 2017 Champion and Saturday night's winner, Anthony ( The Ant) Nocella

6:30 pm  Geoff Rollins who only won two different races Saturday night

6:50 pm our "Woman in Racing " newest member for 2018, Miss Jessica O'Leary

Monadnock Speedway Spring Dash on for April 21. 2018

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

Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, New Hampshire

Monadnock Speedway Gearing Up for Spring Dash!

Winchester, NH: This past Saturday, race teams braved the cold weather and heated up the track at the high banks of Monadnock Speedway at  the annual Test and Tune Session.  There were a dozen or more Valenti Modified Racing Series teams present shaking down their cars  in preparation of their return this Saturday for the Spring Dash 100.  

All Monadnock Speedway divisions were represented with quite a few teams coming out in the Sportsman Modified and Mini Stock divisions. The management of the speedway stated the Sportsman Modified field should be strong this year and a new champion will be crowned as the 2017 champion of Todd Patnode has decided to return to the Valenti Modified Racing Series.  The Sportsman Modified division has lost a few other competitors of Cameron Sontag (competing in VMRS) and Nathan Johnson (competing in a dirt modified) however, the field will see addition of new drivers of Mark Hayward and Ray Sherrick along with returning drivers of Joe Kendall and JT Cloutier making their return after a short break from competition. 

The Mini Stocks also will see a new champion as Alexander Pearl has moved up and will compete in a Sportsman Modified on a limited basis.  The 2015 Super Stock champion, Dennis Stange, has returned to try to capture his second title after a break from competition last few years.  Hillary Renaud, the 2017 Lightning Stock champion, has stepped up to a Thunder Stock and the  2017 Thunder Stock champion, Jason Kozacka, has also moved up and will be wheeling the #43 Super Stock.  

The season opener, Spring Dash 100, will be Saturday - April 21, 2018 at 5PM.  The Valenti Modified Racing Series will compete for 100 laps.  Included in the special event is all the speedway's divisions; Sportsman Modifieds, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, Lightning Stocks, Thunder Stocks and Young Guns.  Advanced tickets are available online through the speedway's website at monadnockspeedway.com.  

NAPA Auto Parts posts $1,000 Rookie Bonus for SK Mod and Late Models

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---For the 3rd consecutive season NAPA Auto Parts will post $1,000 in NAPA Auto Parts store credit for the 2018 SK Modified® and Late Model Rookie of the Year winners.  Entering their 5th season as Stafford Speedway’s Elite Corporate sponsor, NAPA Auto Parts has become synonymous with Stafford Motor Speedway, serving as title sponsors of 3 of the most prestigious short track racing events in New England including the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler, NAPA Auto Parts SK 5K, and the NAPA Auto Parts Fall Final.  The additional support for Stafford’s rookie program exemplifies NAPA Auto Parts’ support of short track racing and the home town, local race teams that compete there.

“We are going to continue supporting the Rookies of the Year for both the SK Modified® and the Late Model divisions this year,” said Geoff Watson, General Manager of NAPA Connecticut.  “We are firm believers in recognizing great young talent and helping them develop.  We hope a little NAPA Know How can help them continue their development.”

The storylines create themselves in both the chase for the 2018 SK Modified® and Late Model NAPA Auto Parts Rookie of the year title.  The SK Modified® division has 9 rookie drivers registered for the 2018 season headlined by 3 graduates of Stafford’s SK Light Modified division.  2017 SK Light Champion Cory DiMatteo is set to make his SK Modified® debut at the NAPA Spring Sizzler along with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers Daniel Wesson and David Arute.  DiMatteo, Wesson, and Arute are set to carry their intense battle for the 2017 SK Light Modified title into the 2018 quest for the prestigious title of NAPA SK Modified® Rookie of the year. Along with the SK Light graduates, Late Model driver Matt Vassar has made the move to the SK Modified® division after one season in the Late Models.  Zach Leone, Marcello Rufrano, Nick Giardina, Kyle Trayner, and Timmy Jordan have all registered to compete in 2018.

In the Late Model division, twin brothers Cliff and Albert Saunders are preparing for their first season in the highly competitive Late Model division.  Both graduates of Stafford’s Street Stock [Dare Stock] and Limited Late Model divisions, the Saunders brother will compete against each other for the 2018 NAPA Auto Parts Rookie of the Year crown.  Rookies have done well in the Late Model division with 2017 NAPA Late Model Rookie of the Year Paul Arute scoring a victory in his first season behind the wheel of a Late Model.  Expect both Saunders cars to be in contention for wins by years end.

NAPA Auto Parts is the title sponsor of Stafford Speedway’s season beginning NAPA Spring Sizzler® and season ending NAPA Fall Final as well as the NAPA SK 5k on June 29th. NAPA will also present the 3rd Annual NAPA Intrepid Fallen Heroes Track Walk on July 20^th.  Last year’s track walk raised over $7,500 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which supports military personnel who have been wounded or injured in service and their families.

The race to become 2018 Rookies of the Year kicks off with 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.  Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Discount Tickets are now available at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.  For a full list of the 72 participating locations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, please call the speedway office or point your web browser to www.staffordmotorspeedway.com/participating-napa-auto-parts-stores. Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release

Bertrand NEMA Lites back to back Ice Breaker Victories at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

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

Todd Bertrand didn't let the cold temperatures slow down his hot streak at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park's ICEBREAKER, as he won the event for the second year in a row. Bertrand beat back Randy Cabral and Jim Chambers in a late race restart to take down the victory.

In the early stages of the race, Ryan Locke jumped out into an early lead, only to be pressured immediately by third place starter Bertrand. The caution and then red flag would fly on lap two, when Anthony Burr and Paul Scally made contact. Scally was able to continue, but later spent time in the pits for repairs. Burr was taken away by ambulance to a nearby hospital, suffering injuries to his face, and other injuries that left him in a lot of pain.

When the race resumed, Bertrand marched out into the lead. Avery Stoehr in the Scrivani 21 moved into second place, and behind him, Danny Cugini, Randy Cabral, Jim Chambers and Anthony Nocella in the Manafort 76 were dicing through the field.

Cugini made a bid for second with two laps remaining, but made contact with Stoehr, sending them both into the turn three fence, collecting Anthony Nocella along with them. Nocella was unable to continue.

Erasing Bertrand's nearly four second lead, on the restart, Cabral advanced by Chambers, and then set his sights on Bertrand. However, Bertrand would pull away to a comfortable six car length lead over the final circuits enroute to his first victory of the season and second in a row at TSMP's ICEBREAKER.

"The car was perfect all race long. I didn't have to change anything inside of the car. I'm happy that I got up front - We've got a bunch of competitive cars in this class so you've just got to get out into clean air as much as possible and luckily we were able to have a good starting spot and I kept my nose clean," Bertrand said in victory lane. Despite the strong start Bertrand said he would not run a full NEMA Lite season, instead planning to chase a title in the NEMA Midgets.
 Bertrand told the reporters that the car was good in practice and just had to move the wing position up one notch to seal the deal. The # 38 Ryan Locke midget won my best appearing midget of the field and will snatch a victory in 2018 as he matures. I picked the "ANT" Anthony Nocella to grab the Gold Medal today but had his troubles with two laps to go and salvaged a hard earned 9th place finish. I think the " ANT" could drive anything like Bobby Santos, Woody Pitkat, Jonathon McKennedy, Cory Hutchings have shone in their stellar New England short track careers.

NEMA picks its schedule back up with the New London Waterford Speedbowl's Opening event on May 5th.

NEMA LITES TOP-10:
1. Todd Bertrand (Danielson, CT); 2. Randy Cabral (Kingston, MA); 3. Jim Chambers (Atkinson, NH); 4. Meg Cugini (Marshfield, MA); 5. Avery Stoehr (Lakeville, MA); 6. Matt Janisch (Nazareth, PA); 7. Jim Cataldo (Sterling, MA); 8. Dan Cugini (Marshfield, MA); 9. Anthony Nocella (Woburn, MA); 10. Ryan Locke (Raymond, NH) Source: NEMA Press Release.

Monday night line up.....

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

News, Results, Sponsor Changes, Schedules and Driver Interviews too !!!!
Seekonk Speedway tickets tonight and e-mail us live from now thru the broadcast at waynewnri@yahoo.com

One of these two guys won the Daytona 500 a few times.

Tonight tentatively scheduled will be 2017 Limited Sportsman Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Champion and the 2018 Ice Breaker winner, Shawn Monahan

$500 Bonus Posted for Whelen Modified Tour Events in Honor of Ted Christopher

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

(Stafford Springs, CT)---When the 2018 season at Stafford Speedway begins, the paddock area will be different.  For the first time in nearly 30 years the winningest driver in Stafford Speedway history, Ted Christopher, will not unload his signature #13 SK Modified®.  After tragically losing the racing legend last fall the racing community is coming together to continue the legacy of TC in the only way we know how, through racing.  

 

Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour car owner George Bierce has posted $500 bonuses for each of the three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events being held at Stafford Speedway this season.  Starting with the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® 200 on Sunday, April 29th, competitors will be eligible for the bonus which will be paid throughout the field.  The 13th place qualifier, 13^th place car on lap 13, and 13th place finisher will each receive a $100 bonus while the winner will receive $200 for a total bonus of $500.

“I wanted to do something to honor Teddy,” explained George Bierce, owner and operator of Major Motion Transport.  “I’ve known Ted for a long time.  I sponsored his cars when he ran for Billy “Bear” Calicchio and raced against him for a long time.  He was a fierce competitor and a friend, we’ll miss him. I’m glad we can put up a bonus in his honor."

The $500 bonus will be paid out for each of the three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events held at Stafford, including the April 29th NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler®, the August 3rd Starrett 150, and the September 29th NAPA Auto Parts Fall Final.  Bierce, a long time supporter of short track racing, has had a long list of modified talent compete in his signature #19 modified.  Drivers including Ted Christopher, Jimmy Blewett, Eric Beers, Ron Silk, and 5-time champion Doug Coby have all piloted the Major Motion Transport #19.  

“2018 will be a tough season without our friend Teddy at the track,” said Stafford General Manager Mark Arute.  “We appreciate the generous bonus that George is posting to honor Ted’s memory and contribution to auto racing at Stafford Speedway.”

The bonus posted by George Bierce adds to the weekly SK Modified® bonus posted by Kevin Harvick and KHI Management in honor of Ted Christopher.  In addition, the Stafford management is working on a special SK Modified® event in memory Ted Christopher scheduled for Friday, July 13th in honor of the Stafford legend. 

The 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® takes the green flag 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.  Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Discount Tickets are now available at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.  For a full list of the 72 participating locations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, please call the speedway office or point your web browser to www.staffordmotorspeedway.com/participating-napa-auto-parts-stores.
Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release