Thompson Honors 2011 Champions
Thompson, CT: On Friday and Saturday, January 27 & 28, 2012, Thompson International Speedway crowned champions in its six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions. Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, took center stage on Saturday night as the Sunoco Modified champion. Late Model titlist Tommy O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, and Keith “Cam” McDermott of Scituate, RI, also received accolades.
In looking back on the 2011 season, despite significant weather problems, the Thompson Speedway faithful were treated to some truly exceptional racing. Week-after-week, the level of excitement was equal only to that of the level of competition. Championships in four of the six divisions were not determined until the very last Thursday night race event; some came down to the final laps.
The competition at Thompson Speedway is unparalleled; proving once again that a championship at the historic facility is a tremendous accomplishment.
Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, has become synonymous with winning at Thompson. The Sunoco Modified 2011 title was his second championship in three years at the Speedway (and third overall). The title was a hard-fought one for Rocco and company. Many nights the battle for victory came down to the final turn of the final lap. Intense competition from the likes of runner-up Ryan Preece, Woody Pitkat, Danny Cates, Rick Fuller, and Todd Ceravolo brought fans to their feet time and time again.
“Whether there are 10 cars or 30 cars, on the last lap the fans are always on their feet,” said the champion from the podium at the Raceway Golf Club, “because you never know what is going to happen. That is why I love racing here at Thompson.”
In sixteen races Rocco secured 15 top-five finishes including six victories. Despite the impressive numbers, the championship came down to the final point race. Mechanical woes on Rocco’s #57 early in the race made for some drama. In the end, Rocco earned his car owners Mark and Mike Payne and the M&M Stone Creations team the title by six points over Preece.
For his efforts, Rocco received a bronze eagle trophy from Thompson Speedway. He also received hardware from NASCAR and a champion’s jacket from Hoosier Racing Tires to commemorate his achievement.
Young gun Ryan Preece of Berlin, CT, took over the Falmouth Ready Mix #31 for owners Al & Cathy Moniz at the start of the 2011 season. It became evident early in the season that the new combination would be a force to be reckoned with; giving Rocco and others a run for the money. At season’s end, Preece had earned 15 top-five finishes in 16 starts including three wins. Danny Cates, of Chaplin, CT, continued to develop as an open-wheel driver posting 14 top-ten and 11 top-five finishes with one victory to finish third in the final point standings. Carl Oberg Sutton, MA, rode consistency to fourth place in the final point standings. He was also recognized as the divisions “Most Improved Driver”.
Former divisional champion, Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, had an eventful season taking over the potent ride for owner Jimmy Paige on June 16, 2011. After debuting with a victory, Pitkat went on to score 12 top-ten finishes, 11 top-five finishes and three additional wins; finishing fifth in the final point standings. George Wilkinson of Pawcatuck, CT, who finished eighth in the final point standings, earned Rookie-Of-The-Year honors.
Keith “Cam” McDermott of Scituate, RI, had been “the bridesmaid” finishing second in the TIS Modified championship chase two consecutive years. At the start of the 2011 season, his sheer determination to make the ultimate leap was evident. Each week, amidst a tight point battle, McDermott seemed to get more focused. And, after 15 top-ten and 14 top-five finishes (in 15 starts) including four victories, the championship accolades belonged to McDermott.
McDermott shared the limelight with his car owners, parents Keith and Calista McDermott.
“We left Little ‘T’ six years ago, “said McDermott, a former quarter midget competitor, during his acceptance speech. “The first time we drove into the big track we had no clue what we were doing. It took us three years to figure it out. For the last three years we have been in contention. My parents stuck with me through it all. This championship would not have been possible without them.”
McDermott also acknowledged that the advice and assistance from Charlie, Chris, and Carl Pasteryak was instrumental in his success.
McDermott also received champion’s laurels from Thompson Speedway, NASCAR, and Dave Lind Racing.
Only four points was the difference between first and second place in the Thompson Modified Division’s final standings. Glenn Boss gave it a valiant effort with 15 top-ten and 13 top-five finishes and six wins. He claimed victory in the final point race only to come up four-points (two positions) short in the season-long chase for the championship. By virtue of his six wins in 2011 Boss’ career win total is now 52; placing him in the top-5 of all-time winners at Thompson.
Another former champ R.J. Marcotte of Millville, MA and two up-and-comers Jason Sundeen of Douglas, MA, and Ryan Morgan of Mystic, CT, rounded out the top-five in the final Thompson Modified point standings.
At Thompson, the Most Improved Driver Award is not decided simply by the advancement in points from year-to-year but by careful consideration by both track officials and fellow competitors. In the Thompson Modifieds Ryan Morgan was recognized as the division’s “Most Improved Driver”. Again, at Thompson, the Rookie-of-the-Year is not simply the rookie driver finishing the highest in points at year’s end. It is the driver that exhibits skill, respect, and sportsmanship. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr. was honored as such in the Thompson Modifieds for the 2011 season.
Sunoco Modifieds (Top 15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 2. Ryan Preece, Berlin, CT; 3. Danny Cates, Chaplin, CT; 4. Carl Oberg, Sutton, MA; 5. Woody Pitkat, Stafford, CT; 6. John Catania, Agawam, MA; 7. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 8. George Wilkinson, Pawcatuck, CT; 9. Rick Fuller, Auburn, MA; 10. Shelly Perry, Westerly, RI; 11. Rick Shawn, Bradford, RI; 12. Andrew Charon, Thompson, CT; 13. Joe Allegro, Jr., Vernon, CT; 14. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 15. David Morgenstein, Taftville, CT.
Thompson Modifieds (Top 10) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith McDermott, Scituate, RI; 2. Glenn Boss, Danielson, CT; 3. R.J. Marcotte; Millville, MA; 4. Jason Sundeen; Douglas, MA; 5. Ryan Morgan; Mystic, CT; 6. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr., Milford, MA; 7. John Studley, Framingham, MA; 8. Brian Tagg, Oxford, CT; 9. Chad Labastie, Uxbridge, MA; 10. Denis Legere, N. Reading, MA.
-end-
In looking back on the 2011 season, despite significant weather problems, the Thompson Speedway faithful were treated to some truly exceptional racing. Week-after-week, the level of excitement was equal only to that of the level of competition. Championships in four of the six divisions were not determined until the very last Thursday night race event; some came down to the final laps.
The competition at Thompson Speedway is unparalleled; proving once again that a championship at the historic facility is a tremendous accomplishment.
Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, has become synonymous with winning at Thompson. The Sunoco Modified 2011 title was his second championship in three years at the Speedway (and third overall). The title was a hard-fought one for Rocco and company. Many nights the battle for victory came down to the final turn of the final lap. Intense competition from the likes of runner-up Ryan Preece, Woody Pitkat, Danny Cates, Rick Fuller, and Todd Ceravolo brought fans to their feet time and time again.
“Whether there are 10 cars or 30 cars, on the last lap the fans are always on their feet,” said the champion from the podium at the Raceway Golf Club, “because you never know what is going to happen. That is why I love racing here at Thompson.”
In sixteen races Rocco secured 15 top-five finishes including six victories. Despite the impressive numbers, the championship came down to the final point race. Mechanical woes on Rocco’s #57 early in the race made for some drama. In the end, Rocco earned his car owners Mark and Mike Payne and the M&M Stone Creations team the title by six points over Preece.
For his efforts, Rocco received a bronze eagle trophy from Thompson Speedway. He also received hardware from NASCAR and a champion’s jacket from Hoosier Racing Tires to commemorate his achievement.
Young gun Ryan Preece of Berlin, CT, took over the Falmouth Ready Mix #31 for owners Al & Cathy Moniz at the start of the 2011 season. It became evident early in the season that the new combination would be a force to be reckoned with; giving Rocco and others a run for the money. At season’s end, Preece had earned 15 top-five finishes in 16 starts including three wins. Danny Cates, of Chaplin, CT, continued to develop as an open-wheel driver posting 14 top-ten and 11 top-five finishes with one victory to finish third in the final point standings. Carl Oberg Sutton, MA, rode consistency to fourth place in the final point standings. He was also recognized as the divisions “Most Improved Driver”.
Former divisional champion, Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, had an eventful season taking over the potent ride for owner Jimmy Paige on June 16, 2011. After debuting with a victory, Pitkat went on to score 12 top-ten finishes, 11 top-five finishes and three additional wins; finishing fifth in the final point standings. George Wilkinson of Pawcatuck, CT, who finished eighth in the final point standings, earned Rookie-Of-The-Year honors.
Keith “Cam” McDermott of Scituate, RI, had been “the bridesmaid” finishing second in the TIS Modified championship chase two consecutive years. At the start of the 2011 season, his sheer determination to make the ultimate leap was evident. Each week, amidst a tight point battle, McDermott seemed to get more focused. And, after 15 top-ten and 14 top-five finishes (in 15 starts) including four victories, the championship accolades belonged to McDermott.
McDermott shared the limelight with his car owners, parents Keith and Calista McDermott.
“We left Little ‘T’ six years ago, “said McDermott, a former quarter midget competitor, during his acceptance speech. “The first time we drove into the big track we had no clue what we were doing. It took us three years to figure it out. For the last three years we have been in contention. My parents stuck with me through it all. This championship would not have been possible without them.”
McDermott also acknowledged that the advice and assistance from Charlie, Chris, and Carl Pasteryak was instrumental in his success.
McDermott also received champion’s laurels from Thompson Speedway, NASCAR, and Dave Lind Racing.
Only four points was the difference between first and second place in the Thompson Modified Division’s final standings. Glenn Boss gave it a valiant effort with 15 top-ten and 13 top-five finishes and six wins. He claimed victory in the final point race only to come up four-points (two positions) short in the season-long chase for the championship. By virtue of his six wins in 2011 Boss’ career win total is now 52; placing him in the top-5 of all-time winners at Thompson.
Another former champ R.J. Marcotte of Millville, MA and two up-and-comers Jason Sundeen of Douglas, MA, and Ryan Morgan of Mystic, CT, rounded out the top-five in the final Thompson Modified point standings.
At Thompson, the Most Improved Driver Award is not decided simply by the advancement in points from year-to-year but by careful consideration by both track officials and fellow competitors. In the Thompson Modifieds Ryan Morgan was recognized as the division’s “Most Improved Driver”. Again, at Thompson, the Rookie-of-the-Year is not simply the rookie driver finishing the highest in points at year’s end. It is the driver that exhibits skill, respect, and sportsmanship. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr. was honored as such in the Thompson Modifieds for the 2011 season.
Sunoco Modifieds (Top 15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 2. Ryan Preece, Berlin, CT; 3. Danny Cates, Chaplin, CT; 4. Carl Oberg, Sutton, MA; 5. Woody Pitkat, Stafford, CT; 6. John Catania, Agawam, MA; 7. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 8. George Wilkinson, Pawcatuck, CT; 9. Rick Fuller, Auburn, MA; 10. Shelly Perry, Westerly, RI; 11. Rick Shawn, Bradford, RI; 12. Andrew Charon, Thompson, CT; 13. Joe Allegro, Jr., Vernon, CT; 14. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 15. David Morgenstein, Taftville, CT.
Thompson Modifieds (Top 10) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith McDermott, Scituate, RI; 2. Glenn Boss, Danielson, CT; 3. R.J. Marcotte; Millville, MA; 4. Jason Sundeen; Douglas, MA; 5. Ryan Morgan; Mystic, CT; 6. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr., Milford, MA; 7. John Studley, Framingham, MA; 8. Brian Tagg, Oxford, CT; 9. Chad Labastie, Uxbridge, MA; 10. Denis Legere, N. Reading, MA.
-end-
DIRTcar 358 Modifieds to Tour Asphalt in 2012
Unique four-race series to give teams additional options
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - Jan. 21, 2012 - Based on the success of the program that New York promoter Mike Perrotte has built at his own Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, DIRTcar Racing is announcing a four-race series based on DIRTcar 358-Modified rules.
The division has seen a successful car count hovering in the 30-car range at the Plattsburgh half-mile near Lake Champlain and the Quebec, Canada, border.
"We have a built a program that offers racers and fans something unique on asphalt," Perrotte said. "We recognized how exciting this was and approached DIRTcar officials about it. They took it and placed a race last year at Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, which opened up the opportunity for us to build a series with room to grow."
DIRTcar officials along with Perrotte and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, N.Y., have partnered to put a four-race program together.
"Our goal is to have something that enhances our weekly DIRTcar programs, which will remain our focus, but also give fans something truly unique to see on asphalt," said DIRTcar Racing's Joe Skotnicki. "Mike (Perrotte) has done a tremendous job of creating a rules package that doesn't permit purpose-built asphalt cars to compete, which really makes the racing exciting. We're excited to once again expand our brand of racing to include these two facilities."
The series will consist of the opener at Airborne on Wednesday, June 20, with Dunn Tire Raceway Park as host to the next two events on Tuesday, June 26, and Tuesday, August 21. The series will wrap up with Airborne's traditional season-ending finale on Sunday, Sept. 9.
"We're excited to be on board with this series, along with Airborne and DIRTcar," said Dunn Tire Stock Car president Tim Packman. "This provides us with a great opportunity to have an event with one of the most recognized sanctions in motorsports and in our area one of the most recognized cars with the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds. We're looking forward to our two events and can't wait to get going."
2012 DIRTcar 358-Modified Asphalt Series
Wednesday, June 20 - Airborne Park Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY (www.airborneparkspeedway.com)
Tuesday, June 26 - Dunn Tire Raceway Park, Lancaster, NY (www.dunntireracewaypark.com)
Tuesday, August 21 - Dunn Tire Raceway Park, Lancaster, NY (www.dunntireracewaypark.com)
Sunday, September 9 - Airborne Park Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY
-end-
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - Jan. 21, 2012 - Based on the success of the program that New York promoter Mike Perrotte has built at his own Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, DIRTcar Racing is announcing a four-race series based on DIRTcar 358-Modified rules.
The division has seen a successful car count hovering in the 30-car range at the Plattsburgh half-mile near Lake Champlain and the Quebec, Canada, border.
"We have a built a program that offers racers and fans something unique on asphalt," Perrotte said. "We recognized how exciting this was and approached DIRTcar officials about it. They took it and placed a race last year at Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, which opened up the opportunity for us to build a series with room to grow."
DIRTcar officials along with Perrotte and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, N.Y., have partnered to put a four-race program together.
"Our goal is to have something that enhances our weekly DIRTcar programs, which will remain our focus, but also give fans something truly unique to see on asphalt," said DIRTcar Racing's Joe Skotnicki. "Mike (Perrotte) has done a tremendous job of creating a rules package that doesn't permit purpose-built asphalt cars to compete, which really makes the racing exciting. We're excited to once again expand our brand of racing to include these two facilities."
The series will consist of the opener at Airborne on Wednesday, June 20, with Dunn Tire Raceway Park as host to the next two events on Tuesday, June 26, and Tuesday, August 21. The series will wrap up with Airborne's traditional season-ending finale on Sunday, Sept. 9.
"We're excited to be on board with this series, along with Airborne and DIRTcar," said Dunn Tire Stock Car president Tim Packman. "This provides us with a great opportunity to have an event with one of the most recognized sanctions in motorsports and in our area one of the most recognized cars with the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds. We're looking forward to our two events and can't wait to get going."
2012 DIRTcar 358-Modified Asphalt Series
Wednesday, June 20 - Airborne Park Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY (www.airborneparkspeedway.com)
Tuesday, June 26 - Dunn Tire Raceway Park, Lancaster, NY (www.dunntireracewaypark.com)
Tuesday, August 21 - Dunn Tire Raceway Park, Lancaster, NY (www.dunntireracewaypark.com)
Sunday, September 9 - Airborne Park Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY
-end-
‘Rapid Roman’ Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot Into History
New York Star Won Nine NASCAR Modified Series Titles In Hall Of Fame Career
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Richard Ernest “Richie” Evans certainly was the face of NASCAR – and modified racing – in the northeast, winning an estimated 475 times in approximately 1,300 starts. It equates to a win in every three starts (a 36.5% clip), something unheard of in modern racing at any level.
Description: Description: C:\Users\mforde\Desktop\HOF Releases\Owen Releases\NHOF-Inductee2012_Evans_4C_PRT.jpgEvans will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, one of five members of the Hall’s third class comprised of the New York native, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, team owner Glen Wood and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. He is the first of 15 inductees without a connection to NASCAR’s premier series.
The 2012 enshrinement ceremony kicks off NASCAR Acceleration 2012 weekend, which includes the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, where fans can interact with the sport’s legends and current stars in person, get autographs and catch a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Fans can go to NASCARacceleration2012.com for more information.
Nicknamed the “Rapid Roman” by virtue of racing out of Rome, N.Y., he found a home in the modifieds – a car fashioned from pre-World War II coupes and sedans powered by high horsepower engines.
Evans won nine NASCAR national modified championships over a 13-year span, including eight consecutive titles from 1978-85. His signature No. 61 orange race car was a magnet for fans and a terror to his fellow competitors.
He worked on his own cars – up to 100 hours a week – and raced virtually every night of the week.
“Working with the car and working on it in the garage every week is an advantage,” Evans once said. “While I’m working on the car, I’m thinking about every lap I rode in that thing. It’s not like the mechanic who stood and watched it during the feature and then has to make some decisions.”
Evans lost his life at age 44 while practicing at Martinsville Speedway for the 1985 season finale of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. He’d earlier locked up the series’ first championship along with a fourth consecutive Whelen All-American Northeast Region title.
He was named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers” in 1998.
On Jan. 10, the New York State Senate adopted a resolution honoring Evans’ NASCAR Hall of Fame induction “remembering his extraordinary accomplishments in the racing area that were a direct result of his skill, dedication and commitment.”
“We are just so thrilled and excited. He has received a lot of rewards but this is the ultimate,” said his widow, Lynn, commenting on her husband’s election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “I know he is looking down and smiling ear to ear.”
Evans, one of six brothers and sisters, left his family’s Westernville, N.Y. home at the age of 16 to work as a gas station mechanic. In 1964 Evans began racing hobby stocks at Utica-Rome Speedway.
Evans’ first NASCAR championship came in 1973 – after a number of seasons winning race after race regardless of sanctioning body. The title snapped a two-year reign by fellow Rome resident Jerry Cook, who won four more championships before Evans reclaimed a crown in 1978 that he relinquished only after his passing.
The Evans-Cook rivalry was legendary – although they weren’t the only prominent figures in NASCAR modified racing, which included future NASCAR Sprint Cup star Geoffrey Bodine, Maynard Troyer, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, George Kent and Tom Baldwin Sr.
But they lived in the same town and each had a separate set of fans. Evans and Cook got along fine; the fans, however, were a different story. And they won every NASCAR Modified Series championship between 1971 and 1985.
The two also had distinctly different personalities. “The only thing we had in common was racing and there were times we didn’t even talk to each other,” said Cook, who became a NASCAR official following a racing career that ended in 1982 with nearly 350 victories. Cook currently is NASCAR’s Competition Administrator. “But we put on a show with it.
“He didn’t win everything. I beat him and other drivers beat him so it wasn’t like he won every single thing. But he did real well at it, that’s for sure.”
Evans won regularly and won with style and grace. He also was a promoter’s dream, his presence putting hundreds of additional folks in the grandstands.
“He was a hard-core guy, racing to put food on the table,” said John Bisci, a high school student who watched Evans race at Lancaster Speedway in New York and became the track’s program editor in 1976. Bisci is Public Relations Manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “You could talk to him any time. After the races he would give you an autograph and never said, ‘I’m too busy kid; come back later.’
“No matter how many times he won, nobody booed. He never disparaged the other drivers and told the fans, ‘I’m glad you were cheering for me.’ He was a ‘party guy’ but when it came time to race he was all business.”
NASCAR Sprint Cup owner Tommy Baldwin Jr., whose father competed against Evans, brought his No. 36 car to a recent event with an Evans retro paint scheme. “Richie was someone we all looked up to and when he came to town we knew we had to beat him to win,” said Baldwin. “He made us work harder and I think that prepared a lot of us for the Sprint Cup level.”
The color orange may not have made Evans’ cars go any faster – but it probably gave him a psychological edge in an era when few race cars were brightly painted. “He had a fast orange car in a sea of stock Detroit colors. There was no mistaking him for anyone else,” said Bisci. “You’d see him in the rear view mirror and you knew it was him that was coming.”
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Richard Ernest “Richie” Evans certainly was the face of NASCAR – and modified racing – in the northeast, winning an estimated 475 times in approximately 1,300 starts. It equates to a win in every three starts (a 36.5% clip), something unheard of in modern racing at any level.
Description: Description: C:\Users\mforde\Desktop\HOF Releases\Owen Releases\NHOF-Inductee2012_Evans_4C_PRT.jpgEvans will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, one of five members of the Hall’s third class comprised of the New York native, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, team owner Glen Wood and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. He is the first of 15 inductees without a connection to NASCAR’s premier series.
The 2012 enshrinement ceremony kicks off NASCAR Acceleration 2012 weekend, which includes the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, where fans can interact with the sport’s legends and current stars in person, get autographs and catch a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Fans can go to NASCARacceleration2012.com for more information.
Nicknamed the “Rapid Roman” by virtue of racing out of Rome, N.Y., he found a home in the modifieds – a car fashioned from pre-World War II coupes and sedans powered by high horsepower engines.
Evans won nine NASCAR national modified championships over a 13-year span, including eight consecutive titles from 1978-85. His signature No. 61 orange race car was a magnet for fans and a terror to his fellow competitors.
He worked on his own cars – up to 100 hours a week – and raced virtually every night of the week.
“Working with the car and working on it in the garage every week is an advantage,” Evans once said. “While I’m working on the car, I’m thinking about every lap I rode in that thing. It’s not like the mechanic who stood and watched it during the feature and then has to make some decisions.”
Evans lost his life at age 44 while practicing at Martinsville Speedway for the 1985 season finale of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. He’d earlier locked up the series’ first championship along with a fourth consecutive Whelen All-American Northeast Region title.
He was named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers” in 1998.
On Jan. 10, the New York State Senate adopted a resolution honoring Evans’ NASCAR Hall of Fame induction “remembering his extraordinary accomplishments in the racing area that were a direct result of his skill, dedication and commitment.”
“We are just so thrilled and excited. He has received a lot of rewards but this is the ultimate,” said his widow, Lynn, commenting on her husband’s election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “I know he is looking down and smiling ear to ear.”
Evans, one of six brothers and sisters, left his family’s Westernville, N.Y. home at the age of 16 to work as a gas station mechanic. In 1964 Evans began racing hobby stocks at Utica-Rome Speedway.
Evans’ first NASCAR championship came in 1973 – after a number of seasons winning race after race regardless of sanctioning body. The title snapped a two-year reign by fellow Rome resident Jerry Cook, who won four more championships before Evans reclaimed a crown in 1978 that he relinquished only after his passing.
The Evans-Cook rivalry was legendary – although they weren’t the only prominent figures in NASCAR modified racing, which included future NASCAR Sprint Cup star Geoffrey Bodine, Maynard Troyer, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, George Kent and Tom Baldwin Sr.
But they lived in the same town and each had a separate set of fans. Evans and Cook got along fine; the fans, however, were a different story. And they won every NASCAR Modified Series championship between 1971 and 1985.
The two also had distinctly different personalities. “The only thing we had in common was racing and there were times we didn’t even talk to each other,” said Cook, who became a NASCAR official following a racing career that ended in 1982 with nearly 350 victories. Cook currently is NASCAR’s Competition Administrator. “But we put on a show with it.
“He didn’t win everything. I beat him and other drivers beat him so it wasn’t like he won every single thing. But he did real well at it, that’s for sure.”
Evans won regularly and won with style and grace. He also was a promoter’s dream, his presence putting hundreds of additional folks in the grandstands.
“He was a hard-core guy, racing to put food on the table,” said John Bisci, a high school student who watched Evans race at Lancaster Speedway in New York and became the track’s program editor in 1976. Bisci is Public Relations Manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “You could talk to him any time. After the races he would give you an autograph and never said, ‘I’m too busy kid; come back later.’
“No matter how many times he won, nobody booed. He never disparaged the other drivers and told the fans, ‘I’m glad you were cheering for me.’ He was a ‘party guy’ but when it came time to race he was all business.”
NASCAR Sprint Cup owner Tommy Baldwin Jr., whose father competed against Evans, brought his No. 36 car to a recent event with an Evans retro paint scheme. “Richie was someone we all looked up to and when he came to town we knew we had to beat him to win,” said Baldwin. “He made us work harder and I think that prepared a lot of us for the Sprint Cup level.”
The color orange may not have made Evans’ cars go any faster – but it probably gave him a psychological edge in an era when few race cars were brightly painted. “He had a fast orange car in a sea of stock Detroit colors. There was no mistaking him for anyone else,” said Bisci. “You’d see him in the rear view mirror and you knew it was him that was coming.”
Modifieds and ASA Late models to headline 2012 season
By Tom Cummings
Tioga Center, NY - The ownership and officials at Shangri-La II Motorspeedway in Tioga Center, NY have been extremely busy putting together an aggressive and exciting schedule for the 2012 racing season.
The fourth season of competition at the ASA member track, also known as “The Concrete Castle” will see the return of Modified racing on the half mile high banks.
The Modifieds will share headline division status with the ASA Late models. Sportsman and Street Stocks will return to the weekly racing menu and they will be joined by two new divisions. 4 Cylinder Stocks and Junior 4 Cylinders will compete weekly as entry level classes. The rules for these new divisions are posted on the track’s website.
“The emphasis for 2012 is for everyone to have fun” stated track manager, Amy Stilson. “We believe we are putting together a schedule which will showcase some of the best racing talent in the region as well as give some who have dreamed of racing, the opportunity to give it a try in an economical starting class”.
The track has put together a 16 race schedule. The Modifieds are scheduled to have six races, three of which are Race of Champions events. The ASA Late Models are scheduled to appear in ten events, and will not race on the same dates as the Modifieds. The Sportsman and Street Stocks will compete weekly. The rules packages have been reviewed with no changes in the Modified, Late Model and Sportsman divisions.
There have been a couple minor changes in the Street Stocks. Those changes are shown in the Rules section of the track website in red type. As for some of the highlights in the 4 Cylinder class rules – The minimum age for the 4 Cylinder Stocks is 17. The class is designed to be an amateur class and the competitors cannot race in any other division.
The Junior 4 Cylinders are restricted to competitors 14 – 17 years for age or 12 years and up with previous racing experience (i.e. Microds, Bandoleros, etc...) Drivers may not compete in any other division. Drivers with previous racing experience in any other division (i.e. Street Stocks, SST, etc...) are not eligible. Over competitive cars or drivers may be moved to Senior Division. This is the track’s first time setting up a new class, and there may need to be some adjustments to the rules as the season progresses.
There will be on-going development of the Shangri-La II Truck division in 2012. One idea that has track management excited is the possibility of is building a fleet six cylinder race trucks which lucky fans will have the chance to come out of the stands and run competitive laps around the track. The track crews are also evaluating the work to be completed in 2012 which includes installing between 58 and 60 new lights for the racing surface, completing the restrooms and working on the track surface.
“The track had two racing grooves at the end of 2011, and I know that we could easily have three competitive grooves” said owner/promoter George Swansborough. “The track surface has held up remarkably well the past three winters, and the concrete has cured excellently. Now we have to get out there and complete some maintenance which will make the competition even more exciting”. The schedule is in the final stages of completion, but some of the highlights are as follows:
Shangri-La II Motorspeedway has a practice day scheduled for Saturday May 12th.
Additional practice sessions will be scheduled prior to May 12th depending on the weather. Mother’s Day Madness will open the 4th season of competition on Sunday May 13th. The first of six Modified features will headline the season opener.
The Modifieds will be joined on track by the Sportsman, Street Stocks 4 Cylinders, Junior 4 Cylinders and Trucks. The first Race of Champions Modified race for the season will be held on Sunday May 20 as the ROC-N-Concrete Rumble returns. Saturday night racing will begin on Memorial Day weekend, May 26th featuring the first ASA Late Model race of the year.
The two remaining dates for the Race of Champions Modifieds are the ROC-N- Concrete Rumble Returns on July 29th and third event will be part of the Fall Brawl weekend on September 23rd.
A traveling series which wants to give the concrete high banks a try is the Must See Racing Extreme Sprint Cars. They will bring their winged warriors to the fans in the Southern Tier on July 5th.
Keep up on all the news by logging in to the speedway website at http://shangrila-2.com.
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Tioga Center, NY - The ownership and officials at Shangri-La II Motorspeedway in Tioga Center, NY have been extremely busy putting together an aggressive and exciting schedule for the 2012 racing season.
The fourth season of competition at the ASA member track, also known as “The Concrete Castle” will see the return of Modified racing on the half mile high banks.
The Modifieds will share headline division status with the ASA Late models. Sportsman and Street Stocks will return to the weekly racing menu and they will be joined by two new divisions. 4 Cylinder Stocks and Junior 4 Cylinders will compete weekly as entry level classes. The rules for these new divisions are posted on the track’s website.
“The emphasis for 2012 is for everyone to have fun” stated track manager, Amy Stilson. “We believe we are putting together a schedule which will showcase some of the best racing talent in the region as well as give some who have dreamed of racing, the opportunity to give it a try in an economical starting class”.
The track has put together a 16 race schedule. The Modifieds are scheduled to have six races, three of which are Race of Champions events. The ASA Late Models are scheduled to appear in ten events, and will not race on the same dates as the Modifieds. The Sportsman and Street Stocks will compete weekly. The rules packages have been reviewed with no changes in the Modified, Late Model and Sportsman divisions.
There have been a couple minor changes in the Street Stocks. Those changes are shown in the Rules section of the track website in red type. As for some of the highlights in the 4 Cylinder class rules – The minimum age for the 4 Cylinder Stocks is 17. The class is designed to be an amateur class and the competitors cannot race in any other division.
The Junior 4 Cylinders are restricted to competitors 14 – 17 years for age or 12 years and up with previous racing experience (i.e. Microds, Bandoleros, etc...) Drivers may not compete in any other division. Drivers with previous racing experience in any other division (i.e. Street Stocks, SST, etc...) are not eligible. Over competitive cars or drivers may be moved to Senior Division. This is the track’s first time setting up a new class, and there may need to be some adjustments to the rules as the season progresses.
There will be on-going development of the Shangri-La II Truck division in 2012. One idea that has track management excited is the possibility of is building a fleet six cylinder race trucks which lucky fans will have the chance to come out of the stands and run competitive laps around the track. The track crews are also evaluating the work to be completed in 2012 which includes installing between 58 and 60 new lights for the racing surface, completing the restrooms and working on the track surface.
“The track had two racing grooves at the end of 2011, and I know that we could easily have three competitive grooves” said owner/promoter George Swansborough. “The track surface has held up remarkably well the past three winters, and the concrete has cured excellently. Now we have to get out there and complete some maintenance which will make the competition even more exciting”. The schedule is in the final stages of completion, but some of the highlights are as follows:
Shangri-La II Motorspeedway has a practice day scheduled for Saturday May 12th.
Additional practice sessions will be scheduled prior to May 12th depending on the weather. Mother’s Day Madness will open the 4th season of competition on Sunday May 13th. The first of six Modified features will headline the season opener.
The Modifieds will be joined on track by the Sportsman, Street Stocks 4 Cylinders, Junior 4 Cylinders and Trucks. The first Race of Champions Modified race for the season will be held on Sunday May 20 as the ROC-N-Concrete Rumble returns. Saturday night racing will begin on Memorial Day weekend, May 26th featuring the first ASA Late Model race of the year.
The two remaining dates for the Race of Champions Modifieds are the ROC-N- Concrete Rumble Returns on July 29th and third event will be part of the Fall Brawl weekend on September 23rd.
A traveling series which wants to give the concrete high banks a try is the Must See Racing Extreme Sprint Cars. They will bring their winged warriors to the fans in the Southern Tier on July 5th.
Keep up on all the news by logging in to the speedway website at http://shangrila-2.com.
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Brothers set for rookie season at Stafford
(Stafford Springs, CT)---Stafford Motor Speedway’s modified rosters will have a pair of brother rookie competitors during the 2012 season.
Nick Boivin will join the SK Modified® rookie class, while his younger brother, Joe, will be joining the SK Light Modified rookie class. Both Boivin brothers have been behind the wheel of racecars since a very early age and they will look to become the first brothers to each be Rookies of the Year in the same season in Stafford Speedway history.
Nick will be behind the wheel of the #11 Millrite Machine Ford in the SK Modified® division, while Joe will be piloting the #21 Ford of Northampton Ford in the SK Light ranks. Both Nick and Joe began their racing careers driving Wild Thing Karts and their career progression has brought them to Stafford Motor Speedway’s modified divisions. While both Nick and Joe will be modified rookies at Stafford, Nick has an edge over Joe in the experience department as Nick raced in the SK Light and Tour-type Modified divisions at Monadnock Speedway last season before driving an SK Light at the CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend. Joe will be driving a modified for the very first time in his career.
“This will be my first time in a modified,” said Joe. “I have high hopes for the SK Light division, but there is definitely going to be a learning
curve for me. I’ve never driven a car with this much power before.”
“I think I should be ok with experience,” said Nick. “I’m going from a car with about 520 horsepower down to a car with about 460 horsepower, so that shouldn’t be a problem. I think the biggest thing for me is going to be getting used to the competiton in the SK Modified® division and how much you can lean on other cars and how much other cars will lean on you.”
While both Boivin brothers will be rookie drivers this season at Stafford, they are both well versed in winning races and championships. Joe won several races in the Mini Stock division in 2011 and he won 8 times in the Sportsman division at Monadnock in 2010, while Nick has 13 championships and nearly 100 feature victories to his name in his young racing career. But both brothers are cautious about their approach to their rookie seasons at Stafford and interestingly enough, they each have the same goal.
“My goal for the season is to stay out of wrecks and get as many top-10 finishes as I can,” said Joe. “I know the SK Light field is a tough field and not having a lot of experience in that type of car or with the track is going to make it tough for me, but I’m looking forward to the season. I’m a little nervous because when you get into a wreck in a modified, it’s usually not a minor wreck with the wheels out in the open. As a driver, you’re always looking for a win but we’ve never done this before, so I don’t know how long it will take for us to pick things up. But you can only win Rookie of the Year once and we’d definitely like to do that.”
“My first goal is to finish races,” said Nick. “We feel like we have good enough equipment and a good enough team to go for Rookie of the Year. Winning races and the championship are unrealistic goals, so we’re just looking to get some top-10 finishes, accumulate points, and hopefully we can win Rookie of the Year.”
While Joe will be driving the same car that Nick drove at the CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend, he says that any notes might not be of help in determining a setup as he has a different driving style than his brother.
“I’ll have the same car, but we have different driving styles,” said Joe. “I think that having a baseline setup will help initially, Nick likes a loose car where I like the car to be a pinch tight, so a setup that works for me might not be the same as Nick had when he drove the car.”
And where Nick has plenty of Modified experience under his belt as he approaches his rookie season, he says that the difference between Stafford and Monadnock will take some getting used to.
“This will be my first time driving on the big track at Stafford,” said Nick. “At the Fall Final, it took me a couple of practice runs to figure out a line to run. I was used to diving into the corner and hitting the brakes and then getting back on the gas, so I was expecting to be able to go into the corners high and then dive down to the bottom, but I found out quickly that didn’t work. I was surprised at how low you had to be in turn 1 to get the car to work. We were pretty good in turns 3 and 4, so I think if we can get turns 1+2 figured out, we should have a pretty fast car. It’s a new car and a new team, but we’ll have help from Kenny Barry from Spafco, so our hopes are high and with everyone’s support we’re hoping to have a great rookie season.”
While Nick may have an experience advantage over his brother, Joe has the market on nicknames cornered.
“When I was younger in go karts, I would fall asleep in the car and my parents would wake me up for the feature and then I would fall asleep in the car after the race was over, so my dad started calling me Sleepy Joe,” said Joe. “As I got older, I was concentrating more on what I needed to do and I don’t fall asleep in the car any more.”
The Boivin brothers will be wide awake and ready to hit the track running when the 2012 season kicks off with the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler on April 27-29. Tickets for the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler are available and on sale now through the SMS Box Office. Tickets are priced at $38.50 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 will be priced at $42.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.
For more information on the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net 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.
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Pallai Jr. returning to SK mods at Stafford
(Stafford Springs, CT)---Richie Pallai, Jr. will return to competition in Stafford Motor Speedway’s premier SK Modified® division, racing a partial schedule in a car owned by 7-time Stafford SK Modified® champion Ted Christopher.
What began as a joke between the two drivers will now play out into a reality during the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season at Stafford Motor Speedway with Pallai behind the wheel of the #93 Christopher owned SK Modified®.
“I’ve been joking with Teddy for a while that I would someday drive a car for him,” said Pallai. “Over the winter, Teddy got in touch with my father and we ended up putting a deal together to drive an SK at Stafford. It’s not too often that a guy like Teddy comes to you and says that he would like you to drive one of his cars, so it’s a pretty cool deal. Teddy has top notch equipment and his shop is right across the street from ours, so we’re hoping to have a lot of fun in the SK car this year.”
Plans call for Pallai to race Christopher’s SK Modified® car between 5-8 times during the 2012 season with a focus on the premier events of the 2012 SK Modified® season at Stafford.
“The plans is to do between 8-10 races this season,” said Pallai. “We’re not going to do any SK races that interfere with the [Whelen Modified] Tour car. Our plan is to do the big races and the week before the big races.”
And the SK Modified® plans are not all Pallai has in store for himself this season. Pallai has plans to race on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for his third season as well as traveling to different race tracks throughout New England for open Modified races. Pallai and his Bosch Spark Plugs team have made some changes to their equipment for the 2012 season and have two cars ready to go.
“Our plans are to do at least 10 Tour races this season,” said Pallai. “Our main goal is to have some fun again on the Tour this year. We really enjoy racing on the Whelen Modified Tour, but we struggled with our car last year, so that kind of took away from the fun. We have a new motor program with Bob Bruneau doing our engines, and we have two cars that are put together. We’re a lot further along with our program than we have been in years past. We’re also looking at doing some races at Riverhead this season as well as traveling to some of the open Modified shows across New England. If everything turns out like we have it planned, we should be doing about 25-30 races this year. I’m ecstatic about our plans for the year, I’m looking forward to getting back racing and it will be nice to be able to do some other shows”
Pallai will get his 2012 Stafford season started with his Whelen Modified Toru car in the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, scheduled for April 27-29, 2012. Tickets for the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler are available and on sale now through the SMS Box Office. Tickets are priced at $38.50 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 will be priced at $42.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.
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What began as a joke between the two drivers will now play out into a reality during the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season at Stafford Motor Speedway with Pallai behind the wheel of the #93 Christopher owned SK Modified®.
“I’ve been joking with Teddy for a while that I would someday drive a car for him,” said Pallai. “Over the winter, Teddy got in touch with my father and we ended up putting a deal together to drive an SK at Stafford. It’s not too often that a guy like Teddy comes to you and says that he would like you to drive one of his cars, so it’s a pretty cool deal. Teddy has top notch equipment and his shop is right across the street from ours, so we’re hoping to have a lot of fun in the SK car this year.”
Plans call for Pallai to race Christopher’s SK Modified® car between 5-8 times during the 2012 season with a focus on the premier events of the 2012 SK Modified® season at Stafford.
“The plans is to do between 8-10 races this season,” said Pallai. “We’re not going to do any SK races that interfere with the [Whelen Modified] Tour car. Our plan is to do the big races and the week before the big races.”
And the SK Modified® plans are not all Pallai has in store for himself this season. Pallai has plans to race on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for his third season as well as traveling to different race tracks throughout New England for open Modified races. Pallai and his Bosch Spark Plugs team have made some changes to their equipment for the 2012 season and have two cars ready to go.
“Our plans are to do at least 10 Tour races this season,” said Pallai. “Our main goal is to have some fun again on the Tour this year. We really enjoy racing on the Whelen Modified Tour, but we struggled with our car last year, so that kind of took away from the fun. We have a new motor program with Bob Bruneau doing our engines, and we have two cars that are put together. We’re a lot further along with our program than we have been in years past. We’re also looking at doing some races at Riverhead this season as well as traveling to some of the open Modified shows across New England. If everything turns out like we have it planned, we should be doing about 25-30 races this year. I’m ecstatic about our plans for the year, I’m looking forward to getting back racing and it will be nice to be able to do some other shows”
Pallai will get his 2012 Stafford season started with his Whelen Modified Toru car in the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, scheduled for April 27-29, 2012. Tickets for the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler are available and on sale now through the SMS Box Office. Tickets are priced at $38.50 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 will be priced at $42.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.
-end-
WCIS remembers 2011, ready for 2012
By: Steven Petty
PERRY, NY… The racing season at Wyoming County International Speedway (WCIS) is only a short time away and teams are gearing up for the 2012 campaign at the Adrian Road speed plant.
Any interested drivers and crews are invited to the Tuff Toys Racing Team shop in the village of Perry on Sunday afternoons in January and February to talk chassis set up and theory.
The X-Cel Wireless #14 SST Super Stock of Daniel Majchrzak is now in the reassembly stage for the upcoming season at the Bullring. Teams with questions or wanting some simple conversation are invited to come to the shop located at 86 South Main Street in Perry and are encouraged to call WCIS Promoter Jim Majchrzak at 585-245-2123. Topics of conversation may include chassis set up for all WCIS divisions including the Vintage Late Models, rule parameters for the late models and marketing and racecar promotions for the spring motorsports shows.
WCIS threw the checkered flag on the 2011 season with the running of the Fall Shootout where TJ Zacharias, Phil Alhart Jr. and Brian Johnson were crowned champions in the SST Modifieds, Super Stocks and 4 Cylinder Stocks respectively.
The 52nd season of racing at Wyoming County International Speedway was completed in early October with the running of the Fall Shootout. In total, there were five rainouts this past season in which two of them were the first two weeks of the season. When the season got underway on the weekend of May 20th, Jimmy Zacharias won his first of three feature wins of the season in the SST Sportsman Modifieds. Daniel Majchrzak won his only SST Super Stock feature of 2011 on Opening Night and it was a special night as the entire family was on hand to celebrate with Daniel in victory lane.
Charles Buchanan won his first of three 4 Cylinder features on Opening Night as well at the Bullring. 2010 SST Modified champion Andy Jankowiak won three straight features in June on his way to four total wins in 2011. Another driver with four feature wins on the season was Candor, NY’s TJ Zacharias. TJ went on to win his first ever track championship in his first full season of racing in Perry. Other winners this year in the SST Modifieds included Jim Love and Patrick Emerling.
The SST Super Stocks was very competitive and proved to be some great racing each and every race night. Jay Canonico and Joe Mancuso won three times each in 2011 including their career firsts. Austyn Fugle won twice and Super Stock mainstay Jay Mudra visited victory lane at “the Bullring” as well in 2011. Fairport, NY’s Phil Alhart Jr. won four times including the Jim Roberts Memorial on his way to defend his track championship in the Super Stocks.
The wild and wacky 4 Cylinders proved once again that you never know whats going to happen when they take to the track. Second generation driver Matt Druar won three times this season including winning on Labor Day Weekend as well as the Fall Shootout. Druar’s teammates Tom Lalomia Jr and Kirk Sherwood each won two times as the Lalomia Transport, Bainbridge Welding Racing Team was very successful at the Bullring in 2011. Track veteran Bob Bogner made a visit to victory lane during the middle of the season at WCIS. Castile, NY’s Brian Johnson visited victory lane three times during the season to clinch his second track title in three years.
Check out WCIS online at www.wyomingcountyinternationalspeedway.com or follow the speedway on Facebook. Wyoming County International Speedway can be reached via telephone at (585)-237-2580 or on race day at (585) 237-2510.
-end-
PERRY, NY… The racing season at Wyoming County International Speedway (WCIS) is only a short time away and teams are gearing up for the 2012 campaign at the Adrian Road speed plant.
Any interested drivers and crews are invited to the Tuff Toys Racing Team shop in the village of Perry on Sunday afternoons in January and February to talk chassis set up and theory.
The X-Cel Wireless #14 SST Super Stock of Daniel Majchrzak is now in the reassembly stage for the upcoming season at the Bullring. Teams with questions or wanting some simple conversation are invited to come to the shop located at 86 South Main Street in Perry and are encouraged to call WCIS Promoter Jim Majchrzak at 585-245-2123. Topics of conversation may include chassis set up for all WCIS divisions including the Vintage Late Models, rule parameters for the late models and marketing and racecar promotions for the spring motorsports shows.
WCIS threw the checkered flag on the 2011 season with the running of the Fall Shootout where TJ Zacharias, Phil Alhart Jr. and Brian Johnson were crowned champions in the SST Modifieds, Super Stocks and 4 Cylinder Stocks respectively.
The 52nd season of racing at Wyoming County International Speedway was completed in early October with the running of the Fall Shootout. In total, there were five rainouts this past season in which two of them were the first two weeks of the season. When the season got underway on the weekend of May 20th, Jimmy Zacharias won his first of three feature wins of the season in the SST Sportsman Modifieds. Daniel Majchrzak won his only SST Super Stock feature of 2011 on Opening Night and it was a special night as the entire family was on hand to celebrate with Daniel in victory lane.
Charles Buchanan won his first of three 4 Cylinder features on Opening Night as well at the Bullring. 2010 SST Modified champion Andy Jankowiak won three straight features in June on his way to four total wins in 2011. Another driver with four feature wins on the season was Candor, NY’s TJ Zacharias. TJ went on to win his first ever track championship in his first full season of racing in Perry. Other winners this year in the SST Modifieds included Jim Love and Patrick Emerling.
The SST Super Stocks was very competitive and proved to be some great racing each and every race night. Jay Canonico and Joe Mancuso won three times each in 2011 including their career firsts. Austyn Fugle won twice and Super Stock mainstay Jay Mudra visited victory lane at “the Bullring” as well in 2011. Fairport, NY’s Phil Alhart Jr. won four times including the Jim Roberts Memorial on his way to defend his track championship in the Super Stocks.
The wild and wacky 4 Cylinders proved once again that you never know whats going to happen when they take to the track. Second generation driver Matt Druar won three times this season including winning on Labor Day Weekend as well as the Fall Shootout. Druar’s teammates Tom Lalomia Jr and Kirk Sherwood each won two times as the Lalomia Transport, Bainbridge Welding Racing Team was very successful at the Bullring in 2011. Track veteran Bob Bogner made a visit to victory lane during the middle of the season at WCIS. Castile, NY’s Brian Johnson visited victory lane three times during the season to clinch his second track title in three years.
Check out WCIS online at www.wyomingcountyinternationalspeedway.com or follow the speedway on Facebook. Wyoming County International Speedway can be reached via telephone at (585)-237-2580 or on race day at (585) 237-2510.
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Thompson releases 2012 racing schedule
THOMPSON, CT. The 2012 NASCAR racing schedule at the Thompson International Speedway has been released. The twenty race lineup has generated considerable excitement as it contains a wide variety of racing programs for both competitors and fans.
The 2012 racing season at Thompson will kick off with the traditional Icebreaker event on the weekend of April 14-15 which will mark the opening of both the Thompson season and that of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The season will conclude with the traditional World Series of Speedway Racing in October. Competitors and fans are urged to download a copy of the 2012 schedule so that they can see the entire, season-long lineup of racing action at the historic speedway.
Some of the highlights of the all-new Thompson race schedule include four events for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour including the return of the UNOH Showdown event that features both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. The format will remain similar to the inaugural UNOH Showdown including the 50-lap, $50,000.00+ showdown between the two tours. There will also be two appearances of the Modified Racing Series, extra distance races for each NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions plus the addition of the Lite Modified division as part of the track’s Thursday Night Thompson Thunder lineup. The popular Mini Stock Northern Twin Challenge will return for the third time in 2012 and some additional events are still in the works by track management for the Thursday night weekly race programs.
In adding the Lite Modifieds to the weekly lineup, track owner, Don Hoenig, said that the Lite Modifieds had been part of both the Icebreaker and the World Series recently and the positive response from both competitors and fans made the decision to add the Lite Mods to the weekly program an easy one. “This is an exciting division to watch and it has caught the imagination of all of us. We are looking forward to having the Lite Modifieds join us on a weekly basis and we anticipate that the division will grow and become a real fan favorite,” said Hoenig.
In other off-season activity, Thompson’s web site has the 2012 general safety rules that apply to all divisions along with the specific rules for each of the tracks NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race cars. Late Model competitors will also want to become familiar with the proposed rules for their division in 2013-2014.
The track is accepting car number registrations in all divisions. Racers are reminded that car numbers should be renewed by January 15th if they wish to keep their car number. Competitors who earned NASCAR points in 2011 will have their car numbers held until the January 15th date. However, after that date, any numbers not renewed will be available on a first come, first served basis. Renewal forms are available for download from the Thompson web site.
Thompson’s Banquets of Champions are scheduled for Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th. Tickets are available to all competitors that finished in the top ten in points in their respective divisions. The tickets are going fast and race teams are urged to contact Thompson’s Office Manager, Mary Ann Rossi, to place their orders.
The 2012 racing schedule, car number renewal forms and racing rules are all available on the track’s web page. www.thompsonspeedway.com
-end-
The 2012 racing season at Thompson will kick off with the traditional Icebreaker event on the weekend of April 14-15 which will mark the opening of both the Thompson season and that of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The season will conclude with the traditional World Series of Speedway Racing in October. Competitors and fans are urged to download a copy of the 2012 schedule so that they can see the entire, season-long lineup of racing action at the historic speedway.
Some of the highlights of the all-new Thompson race schedule include four events for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour including the return of the UNOH Showdown event that features both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. The format will remain similar to the inaugural UNOH Showdown including the 50-lap, $50,000.00+ showdown between the two tours. There will also be two appearances of the Modified Racing Series, extra distance races for each NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions plus the addition of the Lite Modified division as part of the track’s Thursday Night Thompson Thunder lineup. The popular Mini Stock Northern Twin Challenge will return for the third time in 2012 and some additional events are still in the works by track management for the Thursday night weekly race programs.
In adding the Lite Modifieds to the weekly lineup, track owner, Don Hoenig, said that the Lite Modifieds had been part of both the Icebreaker and the World Series recently and the positive response from both competitors and fans made the decision to add the Lite Mods to the weekly program an easy one. “This is an exciting division to watch and it has caught the imagination of all of us. We are looking forward to having the Lite Modifieds join us on a weekly basis and we anticipate that the division will grow and become a real fan favorite,” said Hoenig.
In other off-season activity, Thompson’s web site has the 2012 general safety rules that apply to all divisions along with the specific rules for each of the tracks NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race cars. Late Model competitors will also want to become familiar with the proposed rules for their division in 2013-2014.
The track is accepting car number registrations in all divisions. Racers are reminded that car numbers should be renewed by January 15th if they wish to keep their car number. Competitors who earned NASCAR points in 2011 will have their car numbers held until the January 15th date. However, after that date, any numbers not renewed will be available on a first come, first served basis. Renewal forms are available for download from the Thompson web site.
Thompson’s Banquets of Champions are scheduled for Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th. Tickets are available to all competitors that finished in the top ten in points in their respective divisions. The tickets are going fast and race teams are urged to contact Thompson’s Office Manager, Mary Ann Rossi, to place their orders.
The 2012 racing schedule, car number renewal forms and racing rules are all available on the track’s web page. www.thompsonspeedway.com
-end-
Simplified Points System To Be Instituted In NASCAR Regional Touring Series
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2011) – NASCAR announced today that the points system all NASCAR national series began using this year will be instituted in the regional touring level for 2012.
The points system was simplified to make it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
Beginning in 2012, the system will be integrated into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and NASCAR Mexico Series.
The new structure awards points in one-point increments. As an example, race winners earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the win. Drivers also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing the race-winning total to a possible maximum of 48 points.
All other drivers in a finishing order are separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher earns 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on.
“Implementing the simplified points system at the regional touring level will make the points structure consistent with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “The change at the national level was welcomed in the industry this year and has provided a points system that is much easier for everyone to understand.”
This year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup ™ demonstrated that use of the new points structure is viable with a shorter schedule, such as with each touring series.
“Considering the tight competition in NASCAR’s touring series, we anticipate that with the new points system in place we will see close championship battles similar to the ones this year in all NASCAR national series,” Silbermann said.
The move to bring the simplified points system from NASCAR’s national series to the regional touring level is part of an effort to integrate uniform race formats and procedures throughout the NASCAR ranks. Earlier this year, two race procedures were changed to bring the touring series in line with the national series. One of those procedures stipulated that if a green-white-checkered finish is necessary, a maximum of three attempts will be made. The other change directed that on all restarts, passing will not be permitted until the car reached the start-finish line.
In some cases, race procedures developed at the touring level have been adopted at the national level. In 2009, the double-file restarts that had come about in the regional series, became a part of the national series race procedures.
-end-
The points system was simplified to make it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
Beginning in 2012, the system will be integrated into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and NASCAR Mexico Series.
The new structure awards points in one-point increments. As an example, race winners earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the win. Drivers also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing the race-winning total to a possible maximum of 48 points.
All other drivers in a finishing order are separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher earns 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on.
“Implementing the simplified points system at the regional touring level will make the points structure consistent with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “The change at the national level was welcomed in the industry this year and has provided a points system that is much easier for everyone to understand.”
This year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup ™ demonstrated that use of the new points structure is viable with a shorter schedule, such as with each touring series.
“Considering the tight competition in NASCAR’s touring series, we anticipate that with the new points system in place we will see close championship battles similar to the ones this year in all NASCAR national series,” Silbermann said.
The move to bring the simplified points system from NASCAR’s national series to the regional touring level is part of an effort to integrate uniform race formats and procedures throughout the NASCAR ranks. Earlier this year, two race procedures were changed to bring the touring series in line with the national series. One of those procedures stipulated that if a green-white-checkered finish is necessary, a maximum of three attempts will be made. The other change directed that on all restarts, passing will not be permitted until the car reached the start-finish line.
In some cases, race procedures developed at the touring level have been adopted at the national level. In 2009, the double-file restarts that had come about in the regional series, became a part of the national series race procedures.
-end-
Pasteryak To Be Crowned VMRS Champion Saturday
Canaan, N.H. – Lisbon, CT., driver Chris Pasteryak will be honored this Saturday night when the Valenti Modified Racing Series presents it’s 9th Annual Awards Banquet at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, West Springfield, MA. Pasteryak will be crowned series champion for the second time. He was the 2008 champion.
The 31-year-old second generation driver won three races in 2011. He opened the season with a victory at Waterford, CT., in April, followed it with a win at Lee, NH., in July, and a popular victory at Stafford, CT., in September. Pasteryak drove to nine top-five finishes.
The MRS annual “Achievement” awards will be presented. Hoosier Tire East, Sunoco Hard Charger, Mountainside Graphix Rookie of the Year, SPAFCO Most Improved Driver, Tough Luck, Sportsmanship, Crew Member of the Year, Above and Beyond, and Dedication to Racing awards will be handed out. The recipients are chosen by series officials.
The prestigious “7-11” award, created by New England Hall of Fame driver and modified great, Bob Polverari, will be presented for the 7th year to the driver that represents modified racing in a professional manner on and off the racetrack. Jack Bateman, Dwight Jarvis, Ed Dachenhausen, Vinnie Annarummo, Jimmy Dolan, and Rob Goodenough, are former recipients.
Achievement presentations will be made to the top15 drivers and car owners. Drivers Les Hinckley, Rowan Pennink, Mike Holdridge, Norman Wrenn, Louie Mechalides, Rob Goodenough, Dwight Jarvis, Joe Doucette, Max Zachem, Tim Jordan, Jon McKennedy, Jacob Dore, Ken Barry and Todd Annarummo,
finished second through fifteenth
The top15 car owners are: CCP Inc (Pasteryak), CMR Racing (Chuck Montville), Gary Casella, M&D Racing (Holdridge), Advanced Gas Distributors (Wrenn), Kevin Stuart, Ron Goodenough, Daniel Cabral, Max Zachem, Patrick Jordan, Bonnie Jarvis, Jack Bateman, Jon McKennedy, Robert Worell, and Vinnie Annarummo.
Series President Jack Bateman will announce a tentative schedule for the 2012 season.
Social hour begins at 4:45 PM with dinner being served at 6:00 P.M. Award ceremonies will begin at 7:30 P.M.
-end-
The 31-year-old second generation driver won three races in 2011. He opened the season with a victory at Waterford, CT., in April, followed it with a win at Lee, NH., in July, and a popular victory at Stafford, CT., in September. Pasteryak drove to nine top-five finishes.
The MRS annual “Achievement” awards will be presented. Hoosier Tire East, Sunoco Hard Charger, Mountainside Graphix Rookie of the Year, SPAFCO Most Improved Driver, Tough Luck, Sportsmanship, Crew Member of the Year, Above and Beyond, and Dedication to Racing awards will be handed out. The recipients are chosen by series officials.
The prestigious “7-11” award, created by New England Hall of Fame driver and modified great, Bob Polverari, will be presented for the 7th year to the driver that represents modified racing in a professional manner on and off the racetrack. Jack Bateman, Dwight Jarvis, Ed Dachenhausen, Vinnie Annarummo, Jimmy Dolan, and Rob Goodenough, are former recipients.
Achievement presentations will be made to the top15 drivers and car owners. Drivers Les Hinckley, Rowan Pennink, Mike Holdridge, Norman Wrenn, Louie Mechalides, Rob Goodenough, Dwight Jarvis, Joe Doucette, Max Zachem, Tim Jordan, Jon McKennedy, Jacob Dore, Ken Barry and Todd Annarummo,
finished second through fifteenth
The top15 car owners are: CCP Inc (Pasteryak), CMR Racing (Chuck Montville), Gary Casella, M&D Racing (Holdridge), Advanced Gas Distributors (Wrenn), Kevin Stuart, Ron Goodenough, Daniel Cabral, Max Zachem, Patrick Jordan, Bonnie Jarvis, Jack Bateman, Jon McKennedy, Robert Worell, and Vinnie Annarummo.
Series President Jack Bateman will announce a tentative schedule for the 2012 season.
Social hour begins at 4:45 PM with dinner being served at 6:00 P.M. Award ceremonies will begin at 7:30 P.M.
-end-
Blewett sweeps Turkey Derby modifieds
PROMOTERS ANNOUNCE NEW THREE YEAR LEASE DEAL
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Shortly after promoters Diane and Cliff Krause announced that they have secured a deal to lease Wall Stadium for at least the next three years, Jimmy Blewett of Howell found a way to celebrate big time by winning both main events for the Modified stock cars during Turkey Derby XXXVIII.
Blewett’s victories and all of the two days of racing events came in front of a near capacity crowd and under warm and sunny skies.
When the 150-lap Touring Modified feature was complete, Blewett was the first to admit he did not have the best car in the race. Still, he was able to lead and then stay in contention as Doug Coby, Matt Hirschman and Rowan Pennink took turns pacing the pack.
The turning point in this one came late during a string of cautions caused mainly by front-runners spinning due to worn tires. Blewett, however, had stopped earlier in the test for new tires and that may have proven to be his winning move. Anthony Sesely of Matawan, Freehold’s Steven Reed, Chuck Hossfeld and Danny Bohn of Mooresville, N.C. completed the top five.
“My crew made me win this race,” a thrilled Jimmy Blewett said after the event. “We did not have the best car today, but my crew just kept digging. The tire change was big and they just kept working on the car to get it better. Near the end things just kept opening up for me on the track, but if it wasn’t for the crew we wouldn’t have been there to take advantage of it.”
The 100-lapper for the SK/Wall Modified cars saw Blewett’s second mount run flawlessly from start to finish. Hirschman and Woody Pitkat were among his challengers in this one, but Blewett was never headed. Hirschman ended up second in this accident-plagued event, with Chas Okerson of Freehold, Pitkat and Howell’s Ken Woolley, Jr. wrapping up the top five.
“My crew also made me win this race,” Blewett said. “They took ever little thing we learned in the first race and made the changes to this car to make it better. They are never satisfied.”
Canadian racer Stewart Friesen was at the top of his game winning both dirt Modified/Sportsman 40-lap main events in a Blewett Motorsports entered car. On Friday, John McClelland, Joey Payne, Steve Folk and Dom Buffalino completed the top five. On Saturday Mike Iles, Zach Aubertine, Tom Carberry and McClelland were second through fifth.
Howie Conk of Jackson won an accident marred 50-lapper for the Street Stocks on Saturday, with Shannon Mongeau of Bradley Beach, Dieek Stachecki, Joe Oliver and Mike O’Sullivan wrapping up the top five. Robin Johnson of Wayne, Pa. won the TQ Midget 25-lapper on Saturday while Jon Gamboti, Zach Martini, Ian Cumens and Randy Cabral completed the top five.
Kevin Eyres of Colts Neck came from the rear of the 25-car field to win the 50-lap Sportsman race on Friday. Brothers Zack and Trevor Alspach, both of Willingboro, were second and third, with Brick’s Robert Sutphin and Holmdel’s Andrew Krause wrapping up the top five.
Mike Alcaro came from the rear of a 29-car field to win the 35-lapper for the Legend Cars on Friday, Todd McCollume, Coby Frye, Billy Cole and Casey Robicheau were second through fifth.
Shannon Mongeau of Bradley Beach won Friday’s 40-lapper for the Factory Stocks leading a field of 36 starters across the finish line. Jim Downey, Howard Bott, Joey Helberg and Glen Osborne were second through fifth.
Jerrod Hayes was tops in the Late Modified 50-lapper on Friday, leading Wayne Helliwell, Rob Ormsbee, Greg Kleila and Scott Wylie to the finish.
Wall Stadium management and staff are already working on plans for the 2012 season. Information will be released as it becomes available.
-end-
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Shortly after promoters Diane and Cliff Krause announced that they have secured a deal to lease Wall Stadium for at least the next three years, Jimmy Blewett of Howell found a way to celebrate big time by winning both main events for the Modified stock cars during Turkey Derby XXXVIII.
Blewett’s victories and all of the two days of racing events came in front of a near capacity crowd and under warm and sunny skies.
When the 150-lap Touring Modified feature was complete, Blewett was the first to admit he did not have the best car in the race. Still, he was able to lead and then stay in contention as Doug Coby, Matt Hirschman and Rowan Pennink took turns pacing the pack.
The turning point in this one came late during a string of cautions caused mainly by front-runners spinning due to worn tires. Blewett, however, had stopped earlier in the test for new tires and that may have proven to be his winning move. Anthony Sesely of Matawan, Freehold’s Steven Reed, Chuck Hossfeld and Danny Bohn of Mooresville, N.C. completed the top five.
“My crew made me win this race,” a thrilled Jimmy Blewett said after the event. “We did not have the best car today, but my crew just kept digging. The tire change was big and they just kept working on the car to get it better. Near the end things just kept opening up for me on the track, but if it wasn’t for the crew we wouldn’t have been there to take advantage of it.”
The 100-lapper for the SK/Wall Modified cars saw Blewett’s second mount run flawlessly from start to finish. Hirschman and Woody Pitkat were among his challengers in this one, but Blewett was never headed. Hirschman ended up second in this accident-plagued event, with Chas Okerson of Freehold, Pitkat and Howell’s Ken Woolley, Jr. wrapping up the top five.
“My crew also made me win this race,” Blewett said. “They took ever little thing we learned in the first race and made the changes to this car to make it better. They are never satisfied.”
Canadian racer Stewart Friesen was at the top of his game winning both dirt Modified/Sportsman 40-lap main events in a Blewett Motorsports entered car. On Friday, John McClelland, Joey Payne, Steve Folk and Dom Buffalino completed the top five. On Saturday Mike Iles, Zach Aubertine, Tom Carberry and McClelland were second through fifth.
Howie Conk of Jackson won an accident marred 50-lapper for the Street Stocks on Saturday, with Shannon Mongeau of Bradley Beach, Dieek Stachecki, Joe Oliver and Mike O’Sullivan wrapping up the top five. Robin Johnson of Wayne, Pa. won the TQ Midget 25-lapper on Saturday while Jon Gamboti, Zach Martini, Ian Cumens and Randy Cabral completed the top five.
Kevin Eyres of Colts Neck came from the rear of the 25-car field to win the 50-lap Sportsman race on Friday. Brothers Zack and Trevor Alspach, both of Willingboro, were second and third, with Brick’s Robert Sutphin and Holmdel’s Andrew Krause wrapping up the top five.
Mike Alcaro came from the rear of a 29-car field to win the 35-lapper for the Legend Cars on Friday, Todd McCollume, Coby Frye, Billy Cole and Casey Robicheau were second through fifth.
Shannon Mongeau of Bradley Beach won Friday’s 40-lapper for the Factory Stocks leading a field of 36 starters across the finish line. Jim Downey, Howard Bott, Joey Helberg and Glen Osborne were second through fifth.
Jerrod Hayes was tops in the Late Modified 50-lapper on Friday, leading Wayne Helliwell, Rob Ormsbee, Greg Kleila and Scott Wylie to the finish.
Wall Stadium management and staff are already working on plans for the 2012 season. Information will be released as it becomes available.
-end-
Stafford Motor Speedway announces 2012 slate
(Stafford Springs, CT)---Stafford Motor Speedway has announced its 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series event schedule, and the new schedule carries with it a distinct new flavor.
The 2012 schedule has been diversified to include a wide array of races that has transformed the Stafford schedule into a variety of never before seen events at the Connecticut half-mile facility.
New for the 2012 season is a spectrum of double feature and extra distance races for Stafford’s SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions. For the first time in track history, those divisions will enjoy the same perks as the track’s premier SK Modified® division and Late Model division with each division taking two opportunities on center stage to shine under the Friday night spotlights. Stafford’s SK Lights will race 25 laps on July 6 and will race twin 15-lap features on August 24, the Limited Late Models will race 25 laps June 29, and they will race twin 15-lap features on August 10, and the DARE Stock division will race 20 laps on May 18, and twin 12-lap feature events on August 17th.
Stafford’s SK Modifieds will partake in their traditional 100-lap extra distance event on June 8, and the CARQUEST SK 150, scheduled for July 20, has undergone a metamorphosis that will see the SK Modified® cars compete in twin 75-lap feature format for the first time in Stafford history. Stafford’s Late Models will also get their share of the extra distance and double feature pie with a special 40-lap extra distance feature on May 11 and a twin 20-lap feature night on July 27.
Continuing the extra distance theme during the 2012 season, for the first time ever at Stafford, all five divisions will race extra distance laps in the same night with a special mid-season event on July 13. Called the Five Star Series Mid-Season Stretch, Stafford’s SK Modifieds®, Late Models, SK Lights, and Limited Late Models will each have their feature distance extended by 2 laps, with the DARE Stocks running one additional lap for a full night of extra distance racing.
Having been absent from the Stafford schedule since the ‘70s, Saturday night racing will make a revival with Stafford’s CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday event moving to Saturday to become CARQUEST Super Saturday. CARQUEST Super Saturday will once again showcase the ISMA Supermodified cars, along with the NEMA Midgets, Pro-4 Modifieds, and CARQUEST Champions For Charities event.
SMS will host a total of 23 racing events, with the 2012 NASCAR season kicking off with the 41st Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 27-29, and concluding with the 40th Annual CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend on September 28-30. In addition to the season beginning CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler and the season ending CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will make an additional two stops to Stafford for the Connecticut Classic 125 on May 25 and the Stafford 150 on August 3 for a total of four races during the 2012 season.
The Valenti Modified Racing Series will once again make two stops to Stafford with the VMRS 80 on June 22 and the Shark Cycle 80 on August 31. Stafford Motor Speedway will illuminate the sky with fireworks twice during the 2012 season with the 12th Annual Summer Blast-Off on June 15, and an Independence Day celebration on July 6.
The USHRA Monster Trucks return to Stafford Motor Speedway in 2012 with two shows on Saturday, July 28, and one show on Sunday, July 29. SMS will host four different Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meets on Sunday, April 1, Sunday, June 24, Sunday, August 12, and Sunday, October 28. Stafford will host two Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meets on Sunday, April 15 and Sunday, October 21.
Stafford Motor Speedway has 2012 Season Passes available now, which are good for all NASCAR Race events, as well as the CARQUEST Super Saturday program, but do not include admission for Monster Truck shows, Swap Meets, or Monday night Wild Thing Kart events.
Stafford Motor Speedway’s complete 2012 NASCAR schedule is available by visiting the SCHEDULE section of SMS Online located at www.staffordmotorspeedway.com. For more information about the 2012 Stafford Motor Speedway schedule of events, including Season Pass Applications, call
the speedway office at (860) 684-2783, or visit SMS Online at www.staffordspeedway.com.
STAFFORD SPEEDWAY 2012 NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SUN. APRIL 1 Connecticut Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet
SUN. APRIL 15 26th Annual Spring Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
SAT. APRIL 21 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER REHEARSAL - RAIN DATE SUNDAY, APRIL 22
FRI. APRIL 27 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER PRACTICE (Grandstands Open to the Public FREE of charge)
SAT. APRIL 28 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER QUALIFYING + SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. APRIL 29 41st Annual TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER presented by CARQUEST; 200-lap Whelen Modified Tour Event, SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30)
FRI. *MAY 4 5 STAR SERIES OPENING ACT; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. *MAY 11 LATE MODEL XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (40), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. *MAY 18 DARE STOCK XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (20)
FRI. *MAY 25 22nd Annual CONNECTICUT CLASSIC 125; Whelen Modified Tour Event (125), SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JUNE 1 5 STAR SERIES; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JUNE 8 39th Annual SK Mod® 100 XTRA D; SK Mod® (100), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. JUNE 15 12th ANNUAL SUMMER BLAST-OFF; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15) + FIREWORKS
FRI. JUNE 22 2nd ANNUAL Valenti Modified Racing Series 80; VMRS (80); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. JUNE 24 Connecticut Summer Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
FRI. JUNE 29 LTD. LATE MODEL XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (25) & DARE (15)
SAT. JUNE 30 9th ANNUAL CARQUEST SUPER SATURDAY; ISMA Supermodifieds (50), NEMA Midgets (30), Pro-4 Mods (25), CARQUEST Champions For Charities Race (15)
FRI. JULY 6 SK LIGHT XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (25), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (15) + FIREWORKS
FRI. JULY 13 5 STAR SERIES MID-SEASON STRETCH; SK Modified® (42), Late Model (32), SK Light (22), Limited Late Model (22) & DARE Stock (16)
FRI. JULY 20 9th ANNUAL CARQUEST SK 150 TWIN 75-LAP SK MODIFIED® FEATURE EVENTS; Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JULY 27 LATE MODEL DOUBLE DUTY; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (Twin 20’ s), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SAT. JULY 28 USHRA MONSTER TRUCK JAM 2012 - Tickets On Sale June 2011
SUN. JULY 29 USHRA MONSTER TRUCK JAM 2012 - Tickets On Sale June 2011
FRI. AUG. 3 22nd ANNUAL STAFFORD 150; Whelen Modified Tour Event (150); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. AUG. 10 LTD. LATE MODEL DOUBLE DUTY; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (Twin 15’s) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. AUG. 12 Connecticut Late Summer Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
FRI. AUG. 17 DARE STOCK DOUBLE DUTY; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (Twin 12’s)
FRI. AUG. 24 SK LIGHT DOUBLE DUTY; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (Twin 15’s), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. AUG. 31 3RD ANNUAL SHARK CYCLE 80; VMRS (80); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 7 5 STAR SERIES; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 14 5 STAR SERIES CLOSING ACT; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 28 CARQUEST FALL FINAL PRACTICE (Grandstands Open to the Public FREE of charge)
SAT. SEPT. 29 CARQUEST FALL FINAL QUALIFYING, SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20), Dare Stock (15), & Paradiso-Muska DARE Stock Shoot-Out (8)
SUN. SEPT. 30 40th Annual CARQUEST FALL FINAL WEEKEND; WMT Event (150), SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30)
SUN. OCT. 21 39th Annual Fall Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet (For more information call 1-860-649-3697)
SUN. OCT. 28 Connecticut Fall Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
*May Is Youth Organization Month! For The Entire month of May All Children (Ages 6-14) Wearing A Youth Organization, Team Shirt Or Uniform (Scouts, Little League, Etc) Is Given Free Admission When Accompanied By An Adult!
ALL DATES, DISTANCES AND FORMATS ARE TENTATIVE & SUBJECT TO CHANGE ALL SK MODIFIED®, SK LIGHT, LATE MODEL, LIMITED LATE MODEL, AND DARE STOCK FEATURES WILL BE GREEN FLAG LAPS ONLY, CAUTION LAPS WILL NOT COUNT TOWARDS FEATURE TOTAL.
-end-
The 2012 schedule has been diversified to include a wide array of races that has transformed the Stafford schedule into a variety of never before seen events at the Connecticut half-mile facility.
New for the 2012 season is a spectrum of double feature and extra distance races for Stafford’s SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions. For the first time in track history, those divisions will enjoy the same perks as the track’s premier SK Modified® division and Late Model division with each division taking two opportunities on center stage to shine under the Friday night spotlights. Stafford’s SK Lights will race 25 laps on July 6 and will race twin 15-lap features on August 24, the Limited Late Models will race 25 laps June 29, and they will race twin 15-lap features on August 10, and the DARE Stock division will race 20 laps on May 18, and twin 12-lap feature events on August 17th.
Stafford’s SK Modifieds will partake in their traditional 100-lap extra distance event on June 8, and the CARQUEST SK 150, scheduled for July 20, has undergone a metamorphosis that will see the SK Modified® cars compete in twin 75-lap feature format for the first time in Stafford history. Stafford’s Late Models will also get their share of the extra distance and double feature pie with a special 40-lap extra distance feature on May 11 and a twin 20-lap feature night on July 27.
Continuing the extra distance theme during the 2012 season, for the first time ever at Stafford, all five divisions will race extra distance laps in the same night with a special mid-season event on July 13. Called the Five Star Series Mid-Season Stretch, Stafford’s SK Modifieds®, Late Models, SK Lights, and Limited Late Models will each have their feature distance extended by 2 laps, with the DARE Stocks running one additional lap for a full night of extra distance racing.
Having been absent from the Stafford schedule since the ‘70s, Saturday night racing will make a revival with Stafford’s CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday event moving to Saturday to become CARQUEST Super Saturday. CARQUEST Super Saturday will once again showcase the ISMA Supermodified cars, along with the NEMA Midgets, Pro-4 Modifieds, and CARQUEST Champions For Charities event.
SMS will host a total of 23 racing events, with the 2012 NASCAR season kicking off with the 41st Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 27-29, and concluding with the 40th Annual CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend on September 28-30. In addition to the season beginning CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler and the season ending CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will make an additional two stops to Stafford for the Connecticut Classic 125 on May 25 and the Stafford 150 on August 3 for a total of four races during the 2012 season.
The Valenti Modified Racing Series will once again make two stops to Stafford with the VMRS 80 on June 22 and the Shark Cycle 80 on August 31. Stafford Motor Speedway will illuminate the sky with fireworks twice during the 2012 season with the 12th Annual Summer Blast-Off on June 15, and an Independence Day celebration on July 6.
The USHRA Monster Trucks return to Stafford Motor Speedway in 2012 with two shows on Saturday, July 28, and one show on Sunday, July 29. SMS will host four different Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meets on Sunday, April 1, Sunday, June 24, Sunday, August 12, and Sunday, October 28. Stafford will host two Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meets on Sunday, April 15 and Sunday, October 21.
Stafford Motor Speedway has 2012 Season Passes available now, which are good for all NASCAR Race events, as well as the CARQUEST Super Saturday program, but do not include admission for Monster Truck shows, Swap Meets, or Monday night Wild Thing Kart events.
Stafford Motor Speedway’s complete 2012 NASCAR schedule is available by visiting the SCHEDULE section of SMS Online located at www.staffordmotorspeedway.com. For more information about the 2012 Stafford Motor Speedway schedule of events, including Season Pass Applications, call
the speedway office at (860) 684-2783, or visit SMS Online at www.staffordspeedway.com.
STAFFORD SPEEDWAY 2012 NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SUN. APRIL 1 Connecticut Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet
SUN. APRIL 15 26th Annual Spring Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
SAT. APRIL 21 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER REHEARSAL - RAIN DATE SUNDAY, APRIL 22
FRI. APRIL 27 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER PRACTICE (Grandstands Open to the Public FREE of charge)
SAT. APRIL 28 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER QUALIFYING + SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. APRIL 29 41st Annual TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER presented by CARQUEST; 200-lap Whelen Modified Tour Event, SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30)
FRI. *MAY 4 5 STAR SERIES OPENING ACT; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. *MAY 11 LATE MODEL XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (40), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. *MAY 18 DARE STOCK XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (20)
FRI. *MAY 25 22nd Annual CONNECTICUT CLASSIC 125; Whelen Modified Tour Event (125), SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JUNE 1 5 STAR SERIES; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JUNE 8 39th Annual SK Mod® 100 XTRA D; SK Mod® (100), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. JUNE 15 12th ANNUAL SUMMER BLAST-OFF; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15) + FIREWORKS
FRI. JUNE 22 2nd ANNUAL Valenti Modified Racing Series 80; VMRS (80); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. JUNE 24 Connecticut Summer Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
FRI. JUNE 29 LTD. LATE MODEL XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (25) & DARE (15)
SAT. JUNE 30 9th ANNUAL CARQUEST SUPER SATURDAY; ISMA Supermodifieds (50), NEMA Midgets (30), Pro-4 Mods (25), CARQUEST Champions For Charities Race (15)
FRI. JULY 6 SK LIGHT XTRA D; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (25), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (15) + FIREWORKS
FRI. JULY 13 5 STAR SERIES MID-SEASON STRETCH; SK Modified® (42), Late Model (32), SK Light (22), Limited Late Model (22) & DARE Stock (16)
FRI. JULY 20 9th ANNUAL CARQUEST SK 150 TWIN 75-LAP SK MODIFIED® FEATURE EVENTS; Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. JULY 27 LATE MODEL DOUBLE DUTY; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (Twin 20’ s), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
SAT. JULY 28 USHRA MONSTER TRUCK JAM 2012 - Tickets On Sale June 2011
SUN. JULY 29 USHRA MONSTER TRUCK JAM 2012 - Tickets On Sale June 2011
FRI. AUG. 3 22nd ANNUAL STAFFORD 150; Whelen Modified Tour Event (150); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. AUG. 10 LTD. LATE MODEL DOUBLE DUTY; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (Twin 15’s) & DARE Stock (15)
SUN. AUG. 12 Connecticut Late Summer Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
FRI. AUG. 17 DARE STOCK DOUBLE DUTY; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Ltd. LM (20) & DARE (Twin 12’s)
FRI. AUG. 24 SK LIGHT DOUBLE DUTY; SK Mod® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (Twin 15’s), Ltd. Late Model (20) & DARE (15)
FRI. AUG. 31 3RD ANNUAL SHARK CYCLE 80; VMRS (80); SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 7 5 STAR SERIES; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 14 5 STAR SERIES CLOSING ACT; SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20) & DARE Stock (15)
FRI. SEPT. 28 CARQUEST FALL FINAL PRACTICE (Grandstands Open to the Public FREE of charge)
SAT. SEPT. 29 CARQUEST FALL FINAL QUALIFYING, SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20), Dare Stock (15), & Paradiso-Muska DARE Stock Shoot-Out (8)
SUN. SEPT. 30 40th Annual CARQUEST FALL FINAL WEEKEND; WMT Event (150), SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30)
SUN. OCT. 21 39th Annual Fall Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet (For more information call 1-860-649-3697)
SUN. OCT. 28 Connecticut Fall Motorcycle Swap Meet (Call 860-978-2861 or 860-604-7528 for info)
*May Is Youth Organization Month! For The Entire month of May All Children (Ages 6-14) Wearing A Youth Organization, Team Shirt Or Uniform (Scouts, Little League, Etc) Is Given Free Admission When Accompanied By An Adult!
ALL DATES, DISTANCES AND FORMATS ARE TENTATIVE & SUBJECT TO CHANGE ALL SK MODIFIED®, SK LIGHT, LATE MODEL, LIMITED LATE MODEL, AND DARE STOCK FEATURES WILL BE GREEN FLAG LAPS ONLY, CAUTION LAPS WILL NOT COUNT TOWARDS FEATURE TOTAL.
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