40 Cars Expected for Inaugural Shark Cycle 100 Modified Racing Series Event at Stafford Speedway

Stafford Springs, CT — With the Modified Racing Series making its debut appearance at Stafford Motor Speedway for the Shark Cycle 100 on Sept. 10th, the track expects to have 40 modifieds on hand. The expected entry list is made up of a wide variety of drivers with experience levels at Stafford that range from novice to expert.

Of the 40 drivers expected to vie for one of the 28 starting spots in the Shark Cycle 100, 15 of them have won a race at Stafford Motor Speedway in their racing careers. The list of Stafford feature winners that are expected for the Shark Cycle 100 inlcude Ted Christoper, Ken Barry, Ronnie Silk, Eddy Spiers, Doug Coby, Dave Etheridge, Norm Wrenn, Keith Rocco, Mike Stefanik, Shelly Perry, Bobby Santos, III, Jeff Malave, Todd Owen, Ryan Preece, and Tom Bolles.

There are also several drivers who, although have yet to record a win at Stafford, have Modified Racing Series feature victories to their credit. Those drivers include Jacob Dore, Les Hinckley, Rob Goodenough, Todd Annarummo, Steve Masse, Jack Bateman, Rowan Pennink, Dwight Jarvis, Chris Pasteryak, Eric Goodale, Jimmy Dolan, Jimmy Kuhn, Jon McKennedy, and Louie Mechalides.

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Judkins 2x Modified Returning to Stafford Speedway with Ryan Preece for Inaugural Shark Cycle 100

Stafford Springs, CT — When the Modified Racing Series makes its debut appearance at Stafford Motor Speedway on Sept. 10 for the Shark Cycle 100, there will be a car very familiar to Stafford fans of yesteryear attempting to make the starting lineup. Returning to Stafford will be the red #2x Bob Judkins owned machine, driven by his grandson Ryan Preece. Preece has run the 2x previously at New Smyrna Speedway, but this will mark the first race in the North for the driver/car combination. The 2x has seen some of modified racing’s best drivers behind the wheel throughout the years including Rene Charland, Ron Bouchard, Geoff and Brett Bodine, and Jerry Marquis.

“That number has been in my family for a long ti me and it would be really nice to have the car going good at Stafford,” said Preece. “I ran the 2x at New Smyrna and won with it down there, but this will be the first time running the car up north. I’m sure that a lot of fans from way back when will be at Stafford for the race and I’m sure those fans will like seeing the 2x on the track. It would be very special to me if we were able win the race, I’m definitely looking forward to it and hopefully we can have a good run.”

Among the expected 40 entrants for the Inaugural Shark Cycle 100, Preece can count himself among the experienced drivers at Stafford with 1 victory and 2 poles in Whelen Modified Tour competition over the past four seasons. Preece has also made 10 starts thusfar in the SK Modified® division at Stafford and he has come tantalizingly close to victory lane.

“I think that the guys who have experience will usually prevail,” said Preece. “I think the last race at Thompson showed that the Modified Tour guys had an advantage, but there are some good drivers on the MRS and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are 8-10 cars that will be racing for the win at Stafford.”

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Stafford Speedway Receives First Whelen Modified Tour Entries for 38th Annual CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has received its first Whelen Modified Tour entries for the 38th Annual CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend, scheduled for Oct. 1-Oct 3. The first entries for the 2010 CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend are Mike Stefanik, Richie Pallai, Jr., and Ken Heagy. Pallai is chasing Justin Bonsignore for 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors while Stefanik is chasing after Ted Christopher and Bobby Santos, III in an effort to secure what would be his 8th career Whelen Modified Tour championship.

Stefanik has owned the CARQUEST Fall Final with 8 of his 20 career Stafford Whelen Modified Tour victories coming in the fall classic event. Stefanik had a streak of 2 wins in a row in the CARQUEST Fall Final broken last season by Donny Lia. Stefanik currently sits third in the 2010 Whelen Modified Tour championship standings, 61 points behind championship leader Bobby Santos, III and 29 points behind Ted Christopher, who is second in the standings.

Former Stafford SK Modified® competitor Pallai is currently sitting second in the 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year race behind Justin Bonsignore and he is currently 15th overall in the 2010 championship standings with 1 top-10 finish to his credit in 11 starts this season. Pallai will also be handing out free CARQUEST Belts & Hose Tee-Shirts during the CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party on Sunday, Oct. 3.

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Todd Owen Looks for Change of Fortunes in Modified Racing Series Shark Cycle 100 at Stafford Speedway

Stafford Springs, CT)—For Stafford Motor Speedway SK Modified® regular Todd Owen, when it comes to his limited forays into the Modified Racing, Series this season, he hasn’t had the best of luck on his side. In his two Modified Racing Series starts this season, Owen has recorded finishes of 21st at Waterford and 25th at Thompson after losing a transmission and getting caught up in a wreck. Owen will be behind the wheel of the #29 Luther Hosmer owned car at Stafford and he hopes that his experience will help him to his second career Modified Racing Series victory.

“The car always runs good at Thompson, so we’re hoping that we can have another good run at Stafford,” said Owen. “It’s going to be a tough race for sure. There will be a variety of guys who are coming to Stafford for the first time versus guys with a lot of experience at Stafford. I think the guys with the experience will have a big advantage over the guys with no experience. Stafford is a tough track and you have to know the line and how to run that line to be fast. But there’s several guys who run well no matter what track the Modified Racing Series is at, so it’s going to be an interesting race to see.”

Before one can win the race, they must first get qualified for the race. There will be 40 cars racing for 28 spots in the Shark Cycle 100. The Modified Racing Series teams draw for their heat race starting positions and they must start the race on the tires that they qualify on, which can lead to some exciting racing.

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Fri., Sept. 3rd NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Race Event Cancelled at Stafford

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has cancelled its Friday, September 3rd NASCAR Whelen All-American Series event.

The track returns to racing next Friday night September 10th with the debut appearance of the Modified Racing Series for the Inaugural Shark Cycle 100.

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Speedbowl ready for the ‘Thunder’ on Saturday

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl is ready and waiting to add to last year’s inaugural Thunder on the Sound event. This year the event returns with more thunder on the racetrack and in the sky with a show fans are sure to talk about long after. Eight races on the night are highlighted by a 100-lapper for the Modified Racing Series. The event, also Military Appreciation Night, is presented by Connecticut National Guard who will have a few treats for the Speedbowl crowd as well.

“You won’t find a more competitive racing tour around than the Modified Racing Series or a more competitive track for them to compete on than the Speedbowl” offered track promoter Terry Eames. The ‘Bowl’s smooth two-groove race surface make it extremely popular with both fans and competitors alike.

The Modified Racing Series returns for their third and final appearance at the shoreline oval this season. Doug Coby of Milford won the 100-lap race during Budweiser Blastoff Weekend back in March, New England’s kickoff to the racing season. At the Speedbowl’s popular Wings ‘n Wheels event in August, Stephen Masse of Bellingham, MA closed out the 100-lap race on a roll, going on to his first Speedbowl win. In 10 previous series events held at the ‘Bowl, only Coby has scored a repeat win.

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Beal, D’addario and Brouwer claim Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday Championships; Garbo, Sowa, Moran, D’addario and Brouwer in winner’s circle

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl was in action Wednesday evening to close out its Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday season, crowning its final three champions. Charles Beal of Ledyard finished 10th in the Super X-Car to clinch the title, while the race was won by Preston’s Taylor-Marie Moran. Dan D’addario of Columbia came out on top of a wild X-Car race to take the win and the championship. Richard “Bubby” Brouwer of Waterford took the X-Modified win and championship, his second title in the division. Stonington teenager David Garbo Jr. won his second Legends Cars race in three weeks and Nick Sowa of Middletown took his fifth Bandolero win of the year.

Veteran racer Carl Blandina led the early laps of the 20-lap Legends Cars feature before Dennis Pantani took over on lap-5. Nick Ladyga moved inside Blandina for second position out of turn four when contact saw Dan Butler go around and collect George Dorothy Jr. and George Whitney just behind.

Ladyga challenged Pantani following the restart with Garbo and Troy Talman also joining the mix. Ladyga took a peek outside the leader, but Garbo filled the hole opened by Ladyga to go by both leaders and into the race lead on lap-12. Just as Garbo cleared the leaders, contact between Ladyga and Talman saw both go around in turn one and draw caution once again.

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Guaranteed Starting Spots North-South Shootout up for Grabs

Lexington, NC — With the season winding down there is plenty on the line for teams chasing race wins and track titles. C&C Racing Promotions raised the stakes when they announced their schedule of qualifying races for the 8th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout TM. Each of the races on the schedule carries a berth for the winning car owner in the tradition-laden event scheduled for November 5&6, 2010 at Concord Speedway in Concord, NC. Northern Tour-Type Modified teams will vie for spots in six (6) qualifying races while there are three (3) spots open for the Southern Modified competitors. Five (5) berths are up for grabs for the competitors of the SK-Type Modifieds.

North of the Mason-Dixon, races carrying an owner’s guaranteed starting spot include the Modified Shootout scheduled for this week, September 2, 2010 at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, CT. Labor Day Weekend will also find Shangri-La Speedway in Tioga Center, NY, playing host to a Modified qualifying event. Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford, CT, will host qualifying race events for both the Modified Racing Series during their inaugural visit on September 10, 2010 and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on October 3. The traditional “King of the Mountain” at Sundance Vacations Speedway on October 10 will wrap up the qualifying race schedule for the Northern Mods.

Southern Modified competitor Brian King has already secured his spot for his car owner R.D. Adams with his victory in C&C Racing Promotion’s Frostbite Modified event that was run on March 20, 2010 at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC. Joining King will be the winning car owners of the September 6 event at Ace Speedway and the Southern Whelen Modified Tour event scheduled for October 14, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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Dixon, Kanaan Usher in “New Breed of Speed” at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Loudon, NH —  A “New Breed of Speed” stormed into New Hampshire Motor Speedway Tuesday, August 31, when two of the top teams from the IZOD IndyCar Series completed the first official testing laps in preparation for next year’s return of IndyCar racing to New England.

The teams, with drivers Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon, are participating in a two-day Firestone Tire Tests. The test wraps up Wednesday.

In just a little less than a year, the IZOD IndyCar Series will race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 14, 2011.

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TheRaceDayRaffleSeries.com and NHMS Partner Up for the Camping World Truck Series Race on Sept. 18

Loudon, NH — New Hampshire Motor Speedway announced today that The Charity Splits Company, of Joliet Ill., will sponsor TheRaceDayRaffleSeries.com 175 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, September 18.

Charity Splits has been established in motorsports by benefitting multiple NASCAR Charities and Foundations including: The Tony Stewart Foundation, Victory Junction, The Petty Family Foundation, The Greg Biffle Foundation, The Ryan Newman Foundation, The Dale Jarrett Foundation, and The Kyle Busch Foundation.

This new and innovative model for charitable fundraising is a win-win for NASCAR enthusiasts. Not only do fans have the opportunity to support their favorite drivers’ foundations, but this fall, they will also have the chance to get a big win for themselves, a brand new Camping World RV courtesy of Camping World of New Hampshire.

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Speedbowl’s final Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday of 2010 on Tap

Waterford, CT — With summer season winding down and kids headed back to school, there is still unfinished business to take care of at Waterford Speedbowl. The track’s Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday program celebrated its 10th season in 2010 and has staged fabulous weekly battles, great racing and quickly paced events all summer long. The final night of competition in the popular mid-week series takes place this Wednesday evening. While two champions have already been crowned, three more will be settled Wednesday.

In the Super X-Car division, Ledyard’s Charles Beal and Quaker Hill driver Mike Maskell are fighting for the championship. Beal holds a 17-point advantage headed into the final race, meaning a seventh place finish or better will wrap things up regardless of what Maskell is able to accomplish in the final race event.

Maskell needs to finish nine positions ahead of Beal on the track to claim the title or, if he’s able to pull out his first win of the season, the difference would be cut to seven positions better than Beal. Beal holds the tie-breaker if the pair finishes with the same point total. Both drivers are seeking their first championship.

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Astle Wins, Gains Breathing Room in Championship Race

987545899 AQfMu S Astle Wins, Gains Breathing Room in Championship RaceSeekonk, MA — Flyin’ Fred Astle was living like his nickname, Saturday night at Seekonk Speedway. The Pro Stock multi- champ from Westport stormed his way to the front of the Phil’s Propane 75-lap race by lap 10 and refused to relinquish the top spot all the way to the checkered flag. It was a new jewel in Astle’s crown, as he had not yet won a 75-lap race at the Cement Palace.

The win also granted him breathing room over his nemesis this season, David Darling of Rehoboth. The duo entered the evening just one point apart in the standings and had see-sawed the lead over the past few weeks. Astle held two victories while his antagonist had nabbed three. Darling’s eleventh place finish, exacerbated by losing a tire on-track due to body metal rubbing the right front, will allow Astle some breathing room with three races remaining, but not much.

E for Effort honors on the evening go to Berkley, MA hot shoe Jake Vanada who came up to seriously hound Astle throughout the latter stages of the event. Vanada, who has seen a win on the year, has suffered a yin-yang series of fortunes with mechanical problems on his Pro Stock. It was running like a clock on the evening and Vanada was taking full advantage of his fortune.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

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Series Title Run Turns into Four Way Battle for Waterford Saturday

Waterford, CT. – With only five races remaining on the 2010 schedule, the Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.com, returns to the Waterford, CT., Speedbowl Saturday night, September 4, with one of the hottest battles for the series championship in the seven year existence of the tour.

Engine issues for the point leader, an off night for the series defending champion, a dedicated car-owner and hard working pit crew, a well deserved win fought by one of the series young stars, last week at Thompson, CT., has created a log jam at the top of the standings.

Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT., suffered engine problems during practice at Thompson forcing the point leader and former series champion out of the event. Jon McKennedy, East Chelmsford, MA., second in the standings, was off the mark and involved in a late race incident resulting in a 24th place finish, leaving him in a first place tie with Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT.

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Andy Seuss Gains Maximum Points in NASCAR WSMT Title Fight by Winning at Caraway Speedway

New Hampshire Driver Leads Every Lap in Race to Be Televised This Week

Hampstead, NH — There’s no real secret formula or shortcut when it comes to trying to win a championship. If you need to gain points, the best way to do that is to just work hard and win everything in sight.

So as Andy Seuss chases the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour championship, he did exactly what he needed to do on Saturday night at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, North Carolina. Driving the #47 Q Racing Oil/Rockingham Boat Modified fielded by Riggs Racing, Seuss set fast time, led every lap of the race and won the event.

“We are going to have to go all out to win this championship,” said Seuss. “All that we are concerned about is going after the best result that we are capable of and the rest will take care of itself. That’s what we did on Saturday night and that’s what we are trying to do in the last three races of the year.”

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Changes Made to Late Model Order of Finish from August 27th NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Program at Stafford Speedway

Stafford Springs, CT — Following post race technical inspection from the August 27th NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature events at Stafford Motor Speedway, the following change has been made to the official Late Model order of finish.

Unofficial Late Model second place finisher Scott Cook was penalized for a rules infraction. Cook’s car exceeded the maximum allowable left side weight percentage and he was penalized from his finishing position of 2nd place to the last place finishing position of 22nd. Cook’s car was found to measure out to 55.33% left side weight, or 9.9 pounds over the allowable limit.

There was also a change made to unofficial third place finisher Michael Bennett in the Late Model feature. Due to overaggressive driving and contact with Tom Fearn on the final lap of the race, Bennett was penalized back to the 8th place finishing position, one position behind Fearn in the finishing order.

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Fast Laps and Open Wheels Return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway; Tuesday’s IZOD IndyCar Series Firestone Tire Test Free for Fans

Loudon, NH — Preparation for next year’s return of the IZOD IndyCar Series begins in earnest tomorrow as two top teams and drivers participate in a Firestone Tire Test Session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Popular IZOD IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan will be driving his Andretti Autosport No. 11 7-Eleven Slurpee Honda. Kannan has a total of 13 career IndyCar Series wins and 10 IndyCar Series poles. He also was the 2004 IZOD IndyCar Series champion.

Scott Dixon will also be taking on “The Magic Mile,” piloting the No. 9 Target Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. The two-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner has an impressive total of 22 wins and 17 poles.

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News & Notes: Championship Race Tightens

Top Southern Modified Tour contenders head to Langley

For the third consecutive race, there has been a change atop the leaderboard for the points championship.

After suffering a blown motor at Bristol Motor Speedway, L.W. Miller (No. 36 John Baker Plumbing & Utilities Pontiac) rebounded to take the lead after finishing second to Andy Seuss this past Saturday at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C.

James Civali (No. 79 Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/LeBleu Water Dodge) finished with a solid top-10 run, but still fell to third when a new name surfaced in the battle for the top spot in the overall points standings.

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Johnny Benson at Seekonk for Racing Against Cancer

Seekonk, MA — Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment, Inc. and Seekonk Speedway, jointly announce an early entry for” Racing Against Breast Cancer” on October 2nd, at the famous 1/3 mile Bay State oval. 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, Johnny Benson Jr, will join the cars and stars of ISMA in a 100 lap Super Modified Race. Johnny will be piloting the # 74 Brad Lichty of Ayr Ontario, Canada owned, Patco Transportation, sponsored Super Modified.

“I have never seen Seekonk Speedway, but I am aware of its rich racing history. Many of the ISMA teams tell me it is one of their favorite tracks. I am exited about competing at the famed “Cement Palace”, which should be a lot of fun while supporting a great cause in the fight against Breast Cancer”, said Benson from his race shop in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Labor Day weekend brings ISMA to the Oswego Speedway in Oswego, New York to compete in the 17th Budlight ISMA Super National 50, as part of the 2010 International Classic Weekend. This event is the 3rd of three pre-qualifier races for the “Racing Against Breast Cancer” Race, with the winner receiving a guaranteed starting position. Chris Perley #11, and Joey Scanlon #88, are guaranteed starters as a result of the races at Lee USA Speedway, and the Waterford Speedbowl.

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ACT Announces First Invitees to NHMS Invitational II

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has announced the first group of invitees to the second annual ACT Invitational to be held Saturday, September 18, 2010. The region’s greatest triple header of the year at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway will have the ACT Invitational joining the NASCAR Whelen Modified division and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in an event with added laps and additional teams for the 2010 version.

“The second ACT Invitational is one of the most anticipated events of the year for short track teams from throughout New England and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. We had two great days of testing this month, with over 70 teams spending two days at the ‘Magic Mile’. Now the hard part of determining who will make up the 43-team roster begins. This first group is mostly made up of those that have gotten invited by winning races in 2010 or a few ‘at large’ bids for those that are having outstanding seasons and have been supporters of ACT racing,” said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour.

The following is a list of the first 20 teams that have been invited to participate in the second ACT Invitational at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 18, 2010. The additional 23 teams will be announced on Tuesday, September 06, 2010 and the final few on Monday, September 13, 2010:

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Tour-Type Modifieds Kick Off the Holiday Weekend at Thompson

Thompson, CT — The Labor Day weekend begins this Thursday when the Tour-Type Modifieds return for the third of four appearances this season at the Thompson International Speedway. These popular events attract many of the top Modified drivers in the northeast for the 40-lap shoot out that pays $2500.00 to win.

The Tour-Type Modifieds had four races scheduled at Thompson this season. Two very competitive events have captured the race fans with the high speed, wheel-to-wheel racing action. Ronnie Silk, a driver who has realized considerable success at Thompson in the past couple of years, won the first 40-lap shoot out. He was followed across the finish line by Ted Christopher, Louie Mechalides , Steven Reed and Keith Rocco.

When the Tour-Type Modifieds returned for round two, it was seven time NASCAR Modified Tour champion, Mike Stefanik who claimed the win. Silk tried to make it two in a row, but Stefanik was just too strong for Silk to overcome. Silk had to settle for second with Reed, Mechalides and Tom Bolles crossing the finish line behind him.

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