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Todd Owen Looks to Carry End of 2009 Momentum into 2010 SK Modified® Season at Stafford Motor Speedway

Published at January 15, 2010 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — With the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season looming on the horizon, Stafford Motor Speedway SK Modified® competitor Todd Owen is flush with excitement about his prospects for the new season. In the final 7 races of the 2009 season, Owen scored 6 top-6 finishes, including 3 second place finishes, and he looks to build upon that success and challenge for the 2010 track championship.

“We’re really looking forward to the 2010 season,” said Owen. “We made some big gains on the car last year and we started running well, which really picked up the entire team. We’ve struggled a bit the past couple of seasons, but we spent last year focusing on getting the car back to where it needed to be and we ended up hitting on something during the middle of the year.”

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Town Fair Tire Renews Event Title Sponsorship of Stafford Speedway’s August Whelen Modified Tour Event

Published at January 15, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has announced that it will once again partner with the best in tires and wheels to bring racing fans the 20th Annual Town Fair Tire 150 on August 6th. The 20th Annual Town Fair Tire 150 will feature the stars and cars of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as well as Stafford Speedway’s five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing divisions. Last year’s Town Fair Tire 150 saw Stafford’s all-time winningest driver Ted Christopher lead the first 103 laps before Ryan Preece took over the lead and pulled away from Christopher in the late laps to take his first Stafford victory.

“Since we’ve been associated with Stafford Speedway, they do a heck of a job promoting our events and taking care of us as a sponsor,” said Jim Uliano, V.P. of Marketing for Town Fair Tire. “We have been overwhelmed by the level that Stafford goes to in promoting our events. They certainly go above and beyond in promoting our events and getting our name out to the public. We look forward to being part of another exciting Whelen Modified Tour event at Stafford Motor Speedway.”

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Brunnhoelzl III Enters Showdown

Published at January 15, 2010 in NASCAR WSMT and Toyota All-Star Showdown. 0 Comments

Champ first to represent Mods in All-Star event

When George Brunnhoelzl III won his first NASCAR championship, one of the perks that went with being the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion was a secure spot in the postseason NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.

Brunnhoeolzl will become the first driver to represent the series in the “Daytona 500 of short-track racing” when he takes the track at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) on Jan. 29-30.

“We had a great year in 2009 and I am looking forward to going out to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale and representing all of the Modified drivers in the Showdown,” Brunnhoelzl said. “I have been fortunate enough to have some experience in a stock car and look forward to racing against some of the best drivers in NASCAR.”
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Ticket Purchase Deadline For NEAR Hall Of Fame Induction Approaching Quickly

Published at January 10, 2010 in NEAR and Nostalgia. 0 Comments

Literally hundreds of victories and dozens of championships are represented in the New England Auto Racer’s Hall of Fame “Class of 2010.” The 13th annual celebration takes place on Sunday Jan 31 at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.

The deadline to purchase tickets for this traditionally sold-out event is January 16. Please visit the NEAR website at www.near1.com for information on reserving your tickets.

Drivers Geoff Bodine, Mike Murphy, George Savory and Pete Fiandaca, car owners Billy Simons, Bob Garbarino and Vic Miller, contributor Frank Ferrara will be inducted. NEAR Veterans Committee inductees are the late race official Archie Blackadar, open-cockpit star, the late Chuck Arnold, and pioneering car-builder Marty Harty.

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Lindeman Claims the 2009 ARTS Championship

Published at January 10, 2010 in ARTS. 0 Comments

Lee MA- The Allstar Race Truck series wrapped up the 2009 race season on January 9th at the Cork N’ Hearth restaurant were they held there final awards dinner.

Andy Lindeman #3 of Poestenkill, NY was the Chief honoree earning his third consectutive Championship in the AllStar Race Truck Series.

John St. Germain #14 from West Sand Lake, NY wrapped up his impressive season as the 2009 Rookie of the year along with finishing second in the final season points battle.
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Auto Industry Legend Bob Tasca, Sr. Dies at 83

Published at January 9, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Cranston, RI — Bob Tasca Sr., an automotive enthusiast, Ford dealer and drag racing innovator, passed away today, his family announced. Tasca Sr. was 83 years old.

An automotive businessman for more than 60 years, Tasca achieved fame as a record-setting automotive dealer and as an internationally-known designer of high-performance race cars. Tasca Sr. is credited with helping create the Ford Thunderbolt drag racing car, and bringing the Cobra Jet 428 engine to NHRA in the 1960s.

“Bob Tasca Sr. had three important aspects to his life—his family, his friends, and Ford Motor Company,” said his grandson, Bob Tasca III. “Those were the touch points in his life and for that we’re thankful. We are grateful and privileged to have had so many years with him, and it’s hard to say goodbye.

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Brian Chapin Looks to Break Down Barrier to CARQUEST Victory Lane in Stafford’s Late Model Division in 2010

Published at January 8, 2010 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — As the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series off-season burrows through the winter months, Stafford Speedway race teams are busy preparing their equipment for the upcoming 2010 season. One team that is busy with preparation is the #47 Jolly Joe Koziol Polka Pop Hits Chevrolet Late Model team of Brian Chapin. Chapin and his team are dropping a new body on their car as well as having their engine freshened.

“We ran the spec engine all last season without a refresh, so we dropped that off to Mike Pettit and we’re hanging a new body on the car,” said Chapin. “We have to thank our sponsor, Jolly Joe Koziol Polka Pop Hits, for the body. Our plans was to keep the same body we had on the car and just beat out some of the dents, but Jolly Joe stepped up and gave us money for a brand new body. Once we get the body hung on the car, Jolly Joe is going to pick out our color combination, so we aren’t sure yet what the car is going to look like when it hits the track. I have to thank all my guys for their hard work: my father Wayne, Dale, Brian, Andy, Mark, Craig, and Brett.”

As Chapin and his team prepare for the upcoming 2010 season, they have one goal in mind and that is to reach victory lane. Chapin was the 2008 Late Model Reliable Welding and Speed Rookie of the Year, and in two full seasons of Late Model competition he has two 9th place points finishes with a career best finish of second, which occurred August 14th of the 2009 season. Chapin wants to break into CARQUEST Victory Lane this season, and he is confident that he and his team can reach that goal.
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PASS will rock North Wilkesboro with Megabuck Super Late Model race in 2011

Published at January 8, 2010 in PASS and PASS South. 0 Comments

Pro All Stars Series (PASS) President Tom Mayberry is pleased to announce that the Pro All Stars Series will promote and sanction a 300 lap super late model race at Historic North Wilkesboro (NC) Speedway on April 7.8 and 9, 2011.

The winner of this unprecedented showdown for asphalt short trackers is guaranteed a minimum of $75,000.00. The event is tentatively set as a PASS South points race.

“I’m pleased that the partners at North Wilkesboro Speedway have agreed to present this historic short track event, “said Mayberry. “ We are announcing the race prior to the start of our 2010 PASS North and South schedules because we are building some additional bonuses into the purse for PASS competitors, including guaranteed starting positions for the top 15 in our final 2010 North and South point standings and an additional $25,000.00 winners bonus for the teams that choose to run all of our 2010 point races in either series, plus four of the PASS national events. That’s a $100,000.00 pay day for the race winner if they are a PASS regular, and a 20 percent bonus across the board for every starting position.. We also have an intermediate bonus plan that will see the winners share grow from $75,000.00 to $82,500.00 if he or she competes in any combination of ten PASS North or South events in 2010, plus a ten percent bonus from the base purse for every starting position. A PASS license is required to qualify for the bonus plans, but the base purse of over $153,000.00 will be enough to attract the cream of the crop from all over the USA and Canada to challenge our regulars.”

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25 Years of ACT Racing: 1988 – Crouch Dominates for Fifth Title

Published at January 7, 2010 in ACT LM Tour. 0 Comments

The 25 years of American Canadian Tour racing in review continues with a look at the 1988 season. The 1988 season saw another dominating performance from Robbie Crouch, who won a record third consecutive ACT Coors Tour Championship and set the record for the most wins in a season at 11. Ironically the 1988 season also saw the first ACT Coors Tour win for Junior Hanley who would eventually match Crouch’s three straight titles and set a new record of 12 wins, all in the 1993 season. The following is an excerpt from the 1989 souvenir racing guide:

“1988 saw Robbie Crouch win 11 races (a new record) on his way to an unprecedented fifth title. Crouch outdistanced first year runner Russ Urlin of London, Ontario, Jean-Paul Cabana, Ricky Craven, and Paul Richardson for the championship.

Four drivers broke into victory lane for the first time on the Coors Tour in 1988. Urlin, Junior Hanley, and ASA regulars Butch Miller, and Ted Musgrave. Urlin picked off three wins, while the other three each garnered one victory. A strong contingent of rookie drivers vied for the Bosch/BFCP rookie title which Urlin won over STP Most Improved driver Tom Quinney, and Dan Beede. Over ten competitors raced for the title, with seven of them finishing in the top twenty in the final point standings.

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3-Time Seekonk Speedway Champion Don Dionne Passes

Published at January 6, 2010 in Seekonk. 0 Comments

It was learned today that 3-time Seekonk Speedway Champion Don Dionne of Warwick RI passed away on Tuesday, January 5th. Don was a long time fan favorite at Seekonk, where he picked up over 30 wins in a career that spanned over 25 years. Don won his first race on September 23, 1967 in the B division. His final win came on July 15, 1989, in John Tyler’s Sound Marine Special.

His first championship came in 1970 in the B division. In 1979, he became the very first Pro Stock Champion, driving for the Manfredo Brothers. He followed that up in 1981, with his second Pro Stock title.

At this time, arrangements have not been announced. We will update as soon as possible.

Sources: Seekonk Speedway

The Ultimate “Nor’easter” Blows into New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Published at January 6, 2010 in NHMS. 0 Comments

Inaugural Sno Bowl presented by Ski-Doo|BRP Set for February 20-21

One of the most exciting forms of motorized entertainment will be featured as New Hampshire Motor Speedway kicks-off its 20th anniversary season with the ultimate “Nor’easter,” the inaugural Sno Bowl presented by Ski-Doo on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

The snow-covered grounds of the speedway will be transformed into a winter playground for the riders of Rock Maple Racing who will challenge the tough Sno Bowl oval for two straight days. These snocross stars will be side-by-side and nose-to-tail throughout each event in various classes of competition.

Similar to the popular X-Games extreme format, the weekend will also feature gravity-defying shows by the high-flying riders of Rave X. With incredible stunts, extreme jumps, and “big air” flips on-board the hottest snowmobiles anywhere, Rave X is always a crowd favorite.

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Dore Opens for Modified Racing Series at Augusta Show

Published at January 6, 2010 in VMRS. 0 Comments

Augusta, ME — Fresh off a successful 2009 season that saw him win his first Modified Racing Series event and Koszela Speed Rookie of the Year honors, Jacob Dore, of Sanford, ME., will continue his winter break from college with an appearance at this weekends, 22nd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo and Trade Show, at the Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME. The show runs Friday January 8, through Sunday, January 10.

Dore, who majors in mechanical engineering at the University of New Hampshire, is no stranger to Maine racing fans.

Dore is a former legends car racer winning championships with NELCAR and the TNT series. Following a stint racing his modified at the All-Star Speedway, Epping, New Hampshire, Dore tackled the Modified Racing Series last season and emerged as the top rookie competitor.

At Beech Ridge Speedway, in Scarborough, ME, Dore impressed the locals with a strong run mixing it up with veteran racers David Pinkham, Buxton, ME; Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT; Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT; and Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT.

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CARQUEST Belts & Hoses Renews Sponsorship of Stafford Motor Speedway Pit Parties

Published at January 6, 2010 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — -Stafford Motor Speedway and CARQUEST Auto Parts are proud to continue the tradition of the annual CARQUEST Belts and Hose Pit Party as part of the pre-race festivities for the 39th Annual TECH-Net Spring Sizzler on Sunday, April 25th. Stafford Motor Speedway and Whelen Modified Tour racecars, drivers, teams and sponsors will convene on the infield of the half-mile oval, giving fans the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite drivers which marks the traditional start to the another season of racing at Stafford Motor Speedway. For this year’s CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party, the first 100 race fans admitted to the pit party will receive a special gift, courtesy of CARQUEST Belts and Hose.

“The CARQUEST Belts and Hoses Pit Party is a unique opportunity for our fans to get up close and personal with their favorite cars and drivers that they follow, ” said Mark Arute, SMS COO/GM. “We are pleased to have CARQUEST Belts & Hoses on board with us and affiliated with our longstanding pit party tradition at both the Spring Sizzler and the Fall Final events. The Spring Sizzler and Fall Final are two of our most prestigious events, and our continuing relationship with CARQUEST Belts and Hose only adds to the tradition and prestige of those events.”

CARQUEST Belts & Hoses are top quality products produced by Gates, the world’s leading manufacturer and aftermarket supplier, covering both domestic and import vehicles. Many of these products are the same as those specified by OEM’s around the world. The Gates Corporation has been recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of automotive power transmission products.

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NASCAR Drivers Set To Participate In Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge

Published at January 6, 2010 in NASCAR WA-AS, NASCAR WMT and NASCAR WSMT. 0 Comments

Daytona Beach, FL — The Fifth Annual Lucas Oil Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge presented by Whelen Engineering is set for this weekend, Jan. 8-10, at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Three-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champion Philip Morris and 2009 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Champion George Brunnhoelzl III are slated to compete in the Bodine Bobsled Challenge, which traditionally features a mix of NASCAR and NHRA participants.

This weekend will mark the first time that Brunnhoelzl has ever slid into the seat of a bobsled, something he’s anticipated since he clinched his first Whelen Southern Modified Tour title last fall.

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Modified Racing Series & Whelen Modified Tour Teams Invited to Participate in Busch Sport Scene Charity Ride

Published at January 5, 2010 in ACT LM Tour, NASCAR WMT, PASS and VMRS. 0 Comments

NASCAR, ACT & PASS teams have already announced plans to participate in the 11th Annual Busch Sport Scene Snowmobile Ride for Charity in Rangeley, Maine on February 6, 2010. Event organizer and Busch Sport Scene publisher George ‘Soup’ Campbell wants all teams from the leading full-bodied stock car & modified racing tours in New England to know they are welcome to join the event too.
“This growing charity event has always been open to everyone, race fans and teams alike, from everywhere and anywhere,” Campbell said. “But this year a special invitation is being put forth to the teams and officials from all the regional tours. We would like to see even more racers from around the region come see what the event is all about and join the fun this year.”

NASCAR Team members who present their 2009 or 2010 NASCAR license will get $5 off the price of their ride credential / event pass on the day of the event. PASS and ACT Teams are now being offered the same discount. All ACT, PASS, WMT & MRS team members that present either their 2009 or 2010 licenses will receive $5 off their ride credential or event pass that evening. The ride credential is good for all related activities through out the day.

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American Canadian Tour Pays Out $85,000 Point Fund for 2009

Published at January 5, 2010 in ACT LM Tour. 0 Comments

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has announced that the total point fund awards for the 2009 season will total over $85,000. The annual Banquet of Champions will be held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in So. Burlington, VT on January 16, 2010.

The ACT TOUR will honor the 2009 Championship team of Brian Hoar and owner/crew chief Rick Paya, who also owns RPM Engines in Georgia, VT. Hoar will celebrate his sixth American Canadian Tour title, and car owner, Rick Paya, will also celebrate his sixth ACT title, having won previous titles as crew chief and then owner of the only seven-time ACT winner in its 25-year history, Jean-Paul Cyr. The RPM team will receive $10,000 first place point money at the annual festivities for their efforts during the 2009 thirteen (13) race campaign.

“This past year was a whole lot of fun for RPM racing. We kind of struggled at the beginning of the season, but most of that was trying to figure out what each of us (Hoar and Paya) needed to be successful,” said Rick Paya. “Working with Brian was great, especially after we got things sorted out over the initial few weeks. We kind of entered the deal hoping to get immediate results, but I think our team is better off having to go through the learning curve we experienced. We really are excited about being together for next season, and winning the 25th anniversary title of ACT would be pretty meaningful for Brian and our entire team,” concluded Paya. Both Paya and Hoar have been supporters of the ACT Late Model program since its inception in 1992.

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PASS Stars Clark, Rowe, Fogleman highlight Northeast Motorsports Expo autograph sessions

Published at January 4, 2010 in PASS, PASS North and PASS South. 0 Comments

The New Year is upon us, and race fans from all over northern New England will converge on the Augusta (Maine) Civic Center next weekend for the Northeast Motorsports Expo, the traditional lid lifter to the new racing season. The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) will once again celebrate the New Year in Augusta with autograph sessions from racers in every division.

One of the many highlights of the January 8-10 event will be appearances by 2009 PASS North Super Late Model Champion Johnny Clark and 2009 PASS South and National Champion Ben Rowe. Clark is celebrating his fourth PASS North title, while Rowe now has the distinction of being the only driver to claim all three PASS super late model Championships.

A special guest will join Clark and Rowe in Augusta on Friday and Saturday. PASS South star Jay Fogleman will make the trip from Durham North Carolina to meet and greet northern super late model fans. Fogleman has more than 100 career wins to his credit and track championships at Orange County, South Boston and Ace Speedways. He’s won four times at Martinsville Speedway and has nine wins in the former Hooters ProCup series. In 2009 Fogleman finished fifth in the PASS South super late model standings with three wins, six top five and nine top ten finishes in his fourteen starts. Fogleman chased Rowe for the PASS National Championship title as well, finishing fifth.

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Seekonk Speedway Awards Banquet to close out 2009 season

Published at January 3, 2010 in Seekonk. 0 Comments

Seekonk, MA — With the new year upon us, there is still one more event on the 2009 schedule. The 64th Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet will be held on Saturday, January 16th, at the Venus De Milo in Swansea, MA. In what continues to be one of the biggest racing celebrations in the Northeast, the 2009 champions will be honored, Seekonk Speedway style.

Heading the list of champions is Pro Stock title holder Fred Astle Jr. Fred picked up his second consecutive, and fourth overall Pro Stock title, driving Ron Lauro’s Wood Frame Structures #30. Fred picked up seven wins in edging out Dave Darling and Tom Scully Jr in the chase. To finish off the season, Fred picked up his first 100 lap win at Seekonk, winning the DAV Fall Classic. This is Ron’s second championship as car owner, both coming with Astle behind the wheel. 

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