Archive for March, 2012

Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Saturday 3/31 Results

Published at March 31, 2012 in NEMA Lites, NETS, New England Truck Series and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl opened for its 62nd consecutive season Saturday, hosting qualifying and eight main events as part of Budweiser Blastoff weekend. Picking up wins in Saturday’s main events included Paul French of Andover, who won the evening’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modified race, Ryan Bigelow of East Hampton who found Victory Lane in the NEMA Light touring series race, and Corey Coates of Ledyard who won in the visiting New England Truck Series. In INEX racing, Dave Garbo Jr. of Stonington claimed the win in the opening day Legends Cars feature and Jacob Urch in the afternoon’s Bandolero race. Other winners included Jon Porter of Canterbury in Super X-Cars, Chris Garside of Waterford in X-Cars and James Logan of Dighton, MA in the New England Four Cylinder Pro Stock event.

After conquering early rain showers that plagued the region, those in attendance were treated to qualifying action for Sunday’s 100-lap Valenti Modified Racing Series feature and special 62-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® feature before Saturday’s main events. Leading the way in qualifying for Sunday Blastoff features was Rob Goodenough, who earned the pole starting position for the Valenti Modified Racing Series feature with twenty six cars qualified for that event. Tom Abele Jr. of Norwich won pole-starting position honors for the SK Modified® feature. In addition to those two events, the NEMA Midgets will compete in a 25-lapper on Sunday as well as NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action for the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models (50-laps), Street Stocks (30-laps) and Mini Stocks (30-laps).

The 20-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Light Modified feature saw Chris Ignazio lead the field to the green flag, however defending division champion French raced to the lead through turns one and two outside Ignazio. Tyler Jackson moved to second position and newcomer Jason Ferreira came to third position in the opening laps.

Photo Galleries
[Friday] by Nicholas Teto
[Friday] by Adam Fohlin

[Saturday] by Nicholas Teto
[Saturday] by Adam Fohlin

[Sunday] by Nicholas Teto
[Sunday] by Adam Fohlin

Continue reading ‘Waterford Speedbowl Budweiser Blastoff Saturday 3/31 Results’

Budweiser Blastoff Sunday 4/1 feature lineups

Published at March 31, 2012 in VMRS and Waterford. Closed

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
SK Modifieds (62 laps)
1. 32 Abele 2. 16 Ceravolo
3. 88 K. Rocco 4. 78 Monahan
5. 19 Pennink 6. 44 Gallup
7. 05 Churchill 8. 76 Strumpf
9. 51 Janovic 10. 21 James
11. 6 J. Gada 12. 7 Puleo
13. 73 Perry 14. 23 Schneider
15. 41 Salzarulo 16. 27 Chadwick
17. 71 Pearl 18. 25 Brooks
19. 15 Rheaume 20. 56 Morgillo
21. 52 Stone 22. 13 Coby
23. 57 J. Rocco 24. 94 Gaydosh*
25. 11 Hurley* 26. 92 Webb*

* mechanical failure prior to qualifying

Continue reading ‘Budweiser Blastoff Sunday 4/1 feature lineups’

Lites Honors to Ryan Bigelow

Published at March 31, 2012 in NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT – Taking the lead on the second of two early cautions, Ryan Bigelow went on to win the 25-lap Northeast Midget Association’s Lites feature Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off. It was the season opener for the Lites, celebrating their fifth season

Ian Cumens and Joey Payne filled out the podium in Seymour cars. Randy Cabral and Kenny Johnson were fourth and fifth.

Starting midfield, Bigelow sat third when the second yellow flew. Following leader Christian Briggs into second on the restart, Bigelow took command heading down the backstretch. Bigelow faced a third restart with 18 to go (beating Briggs) and a late threat by Cumens before claiming his second career win.

Photo Galleries
[Friday] by Nicholas Teto
[Friday] by Adam Fohlin

[Saturday] by Nicholas Teto
[Saturday] by Adam Fohlin

[Sunday] by Nicholas Teto
[Sunday] by Adam Fohlin

Continue reading ‘Lites Honors to Ryan Bigelow’

New England Truck Series Goes Green to Checkered at Waterford’s Budweiser Blast Off

Published at March 31, 2012 in NETS, New England Truck Series and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Corey Coates of Ledyard, CT takes the first win of the season in the New England Truck Series 25 lap feature race this past Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl.

Coates started on the pole but lost the lead on lap one to the #88 of Roger Turbush. On lap three he regained the lead with a great move in turn 1 and lead from there on. According to Coates halfway thru the race his motor started breaking up and he didn't think he would make it thru the whole event. The #88 of Turbush held on to second place until lap 23 when the hard charging # 2 of Duane Noll swept underneath him to steal the spot. Vinny Esposito of the #11 followed him to make up the top three. The #88 of Roger Turbush finished in fourth followed by the #21 of Jason Lafayette rounding out the top 5.

Continue reading ‘New England Truck Series Goes Green to Checkered at Waterford’s Budweiser Blast Off’

Waterford: Budweiser Blastoff Weekend

Published at March 31, 2012 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

[Friday Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Budweiser Blastoff News & Notes

Published at March 30, 2012 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, VMRS and Waterford. Closed
  • 2012 marks the third straight year the Speedbowl season kicks off with the 14-division Budweiser Blastoff Weekend. The Blastoff event was a Speedbowl mainstay for three decades before the big-money Modified Nationals took center stage on opening weekend for several seasons. That event moved off the opener to make room for the modern Blastoff schedule in 2010.

  • The current Blastoff event format includes a special SK Modified® feature race in which the lap count matches the track’s anniversary season plus season opening event for the popular Valenti Modified Racing Series and NEMA Midgets.

  • A victory at Budweiser Blastoff Weekend often sets the tone for the season. Keith Rocco used Blastoff wins in 2010 and 2011 to race to the Speedbowl SK Modified® championship. Chris Pasteryak used a nifty late race move on Doug Coby in the Valenti Modified Racing Series 100-lapper to take the race win, then went on to his second series title in 2011.

Continue reading ‘Budweiser Blastoff News & Notes’

New Car & Engine Combination Has Dan Avery Looking for Victory Lane Trip in 2012 at Stafford Speedway

Published at March 29, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — For SK Modified® driver Dan Avery, the 2012 season at Stafford Motor Speedway offers plenty of promise. After racing the last two years in Ted Christopher owned equipment, Avery and his partner Tony Genua has purchased a new car and engine for the 2012 season. Avery is looking to pick up his first SK Modified® victory since he won back-to-back events in the very first season of SK Modified® competition in 1982.

“I’m pretty psyched and the guys on the team are pretty psyched for the season,” said Avery. “Towards the end of the season last year, we were really close to winning. There’s nothing like having new equipment, a new car and a new engine. I think that this new car will help us to gain that one tenth of a second that were lacking last year and make that gap up to the field. But I can’t say enough about Teddy [Christopher] and his guys with all the effort they put into the car for us the last two years. Teddy is a great guy, a great friend, and he really does a lot of behind the scenes stuff that no one ever sees or hears about.”

In addition to racer spirit, Avery has a great deal of motivation to return to victory lane this season. Last season, Avery donated a portion of his winnings to the Channel 3 Kids Camp, and while nothing has been confirmed for this season yet, talks are ongoing for Avery to continue to make donations to the Kids Camp.

Continue reading ‘New Car & Engine Combination Has Dan Avery Looking for Victory Lane Trip in 2012 at Stafford Speedway’

Tom Fox Joins Team Stafford as Director of Racing Operations & Competition

Published at March 29, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Tom Fox, a 30 plus year veteran of weekly short track racing, has joined the Stafford Motor Speedway staff as Director of Racing Operations and Competition. Fox’s duties during the season will entail working alongside Frank Sgambato in the Race Control booth during races and oversee post-race technical inspection in the CBYD Inspection Zone. Fox joined the SMS staff for the final 4 races of the 2011 season as an observer to better prepare him for his 2012 duties.

“I’m looking forward to the season,” said Fox. “Last year I was able to meet the staff, I got to hang out with Frank [Sgambato] on Friday nights, and I got to see how the operation was run. I know most of the drivers at Stafford and in all my years of racing, Stafford is one of the finest facilities that I’ve been to. For a local short track, Stafford is very well equipped and I’m looking forward to utilizing the facilities they have for tech inspection and I’m ready to come in and help the team.”

Fox has previously served as Race Director/GM at Waterford Speedbowl, and Race Director for the NEMA Midget Tour. Fox has 31 years of both Modified and Late Model experience as a driver and he has two Late Model championships to his credit while racing at the Waterford Speedbowl.

Continue reading ‘Tom Fox Joins Team Stafford as Director of Racing Operations & Competition’

Todd Owen Looking to Get Back to Carquest Victory Lane In SK Modified® Division at Stafford with His Own Team

Published at March 29, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Todd Owen has been a mainstay of consistency in Stafford Speedway’s SK Modified® division, finishing in the top-9 of the points standings every year since his rookie season in 2003. Owen was twice a runner-up in the SK Modified® standings in 2004 and 2005, and he finished third in 2009. The 2012 season will present a new challenge for Owen as he will be an owner/driver for the first time in his SK Modified® career after driving for Brad and Linda Hietala in each of his 9 SK Modified® seasons at Stafford. With his last SK Modified® feature win coming in the 2006 Coors Light SK Modified® 100, Owen is ready to tackle the challenge of returning to victory lane this year while driving his own car.

“I’m excited about the season,” said Owen. “Brad and Linda started working with Chris Matthews last year and I was kind of doing my own deal last year, and working with Chris was the direction they were looking to go in for this season. I had a great time with Brad and Linda, we had a great relationship and they would do anything for me, I think it was just time to try something different after 9 years together. I have the same car and engine as last year, we just have a lot of different ideas and some new parts and pieces.”

As Owen makes his first foray into the driver/owner ranks in the SK Modified® division, he may have an ace up his sleeve as he prepares for the season. Owen will reunite with Butch Shea, who Owen worked with in the ProStock division and nearly won the track championship together during the 2000 season.

Continue reading ‘Todd Owen Looking to Get Back to Carquest Victory Lane In SK Modified® Division at Stafford with His Own Team’

Stafford Motor Speedway CARQUEST Champions for Charities Driver Spotlight: Randy Cabral

Published at March 29, 2012 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has again lined up an impressive field of current and former open wheel champions for its CARQUEST Champions For Charities Event as part of CARQUEST Super Saturday on June 30th. During the coming weeks, SMS will offer a profile on each of its championship winning drivers and the charity they will be racing for and this week’s CARQUEST Champions For Charities spotlight falls on 3-time NEMA Midget Champion (2008, 2008, 2011) Randy Cabral, who will be racing to help support The Spalding Foundation.

The Spalding Foundation provides monetary support for drivers, crewmen, and racing officials who have sustained injuries in a race related accident at a NASCAR, dirt or local licensed track in New York State and around the United States.

In 1988, Rod Spalding was seriously injured while racing at Rougemont Speedway in North Carolina. Spalding was a well-known and popular driver at the Shangri-La Speedway, Owego (Tioga Motorsports Park), as well as a member of the NASCAR Modified division. Immediately following Spalding’s accident in 1988, Betty Sherwood from Owego, NY organized an event that was held at Quinlan Park, Waverly where fans helped her raise more than $25,000. The following year Sherwood formed the Spalding Foundation and serves as president. Diane Crooker of Horseheads, NY and Pam Olenski of Maine, NY completes the three-member board. Since its formation in 1989, the Spalding Foundation has donated over $100,000 to more than 130 individuals and families.

Continue reading ‘Stafford Motor Speedway CARQUEST Champions for Charities Driver Spotlight: Randy Cabral’

Gary Danko’s “Speedway Line Report” Radio Show Returns To The Airwaves April 2nd for it’s 14th Season

Published at March 29, 2012 in Uncategorized. Closed

Waterbury, CT — Gary Danko, the host of “The Speedway Line Report” radio show on WATR 1320 AM in Waterbury, CT, has announced that his auto racing talk show will again include live streaming audio on the Internet when the show resumes its schedule on Monday, April 2nd. for it's 14th season on the air. The Speedway Line Report is presented weekly by Schaller Acura of Manchester, CT.

Danko’s popular talk show, which covers local auto racing in Connecticut, New England and around the nation, airs Mondays from 6-7:30 p.m. the show again can be heard live on the Internet, via streaming audio at www.watr.com. Listeners can also access the live audio on www.speedwaylinereport.com. All radio shows will be archived and can be accessed on www.speedwaylinereport.com giving listeners who miss the live broadcast a chance to listen to a re-broadcast anytime. Features of the show include live call-ins from listeners, by calling (203) 757-1320. The Speedway Line Report will again have a variety of Co-Hosts which in the past have included long time car owner and mechanic on the Whelan Modified Tour, Billy "The Bear" Calicchio, Racing Photographer Fran Lawlor, Ricky Rotondo, Crew Chief on the North End Auto Parts #54 driven by Eric Berndt, Sid Dimaggio of Sid's Vault, The Hartford Courant's Motorsports Journalist Shawn Courchesne and others.

Since the show was founded in 1998 at a Springfield, MA. Radio Station, Danko’s guests have included many of the top auto racing personalities in the Northeast and several national celebrity guests. Danko, of Southington, CT, was a former member of the Waterford (CT) Speedbowl, Stafford Speedway and Riverside Park Speedway's broadcast teams and has also appeared on the “Speedway Heat” television show, SPEED Channel and the Motor Racing Network (MRN). Danko is a graduate of New England Broadcasting Institute.

Continue reading ‘Gary Danko’s “Speedway Line Report” Radio Show Returns To The Airwaves April 2nd for it’s 14th Season’

Spring Meeting and Practice ahead for the Granite State Pro Stock Series!

Published at March 29, 2012 in Granite State Pro-Stock Series and Monadnock. Closed

With the 2012 race season just around the corner the GSPSS has announced that they will hold there spring meeting at 10:00am on Saturday April 14th at Monadnock Speedway, followed by an open practice session from 12:00 to 5:00pm. The meeting will be a final chance to ask questions and to see what we have in store for the 2012 season.

Driver memberships, rules and race procedures will be available. The GSPSS will also announce the Schedule for the day’s events for the David’s House 106 as well as the purse structure for the event.

GSPSS president Mike Parks stated it was decided to have our spring meeting the day of practice in order to help the teams with a little bit of traveling expense, with the help of Monadnock Speedway we will hold our meeting in their VIP Suite before practice gets started. Tires and Fuel will be available at practice as well.

Continue reading ‘Spring Meeting and Practice ahead for the Granite State Pro Stock Series!’

NEMA Opens Season at Bowl’s Blast Off

Published at March 26, 2012 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. Closed

Brockton, MA – Commonly called “the best Midget track in the East,” Waterford Speedbowl’s Budweiser Blast Off is a fitting venue to inaugurate the Northeastern Midget Association’s 60th consecutive season. Both NEMA and the NEMA Lites are on the busy two-day agenda.

The Lites kicks off its fifth season with a 25-lap feature on Saturday night. The NEMA “full midgets” 25-lapper is on the Sunday agenda. Both divisions will qualify Saturday afternoon.

Defending champion Randy Cabral, NEMA’s all-time Speedbowl win leader with eight, leads the club into the weekend. Among the top challengers are Todd Bertrand, Cabral’s Bertrand Motorsports teammate, and Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire) who won twice at Waterford last year and has missed the podium only once in the last 10 NEMA Speedbowl visits.

Continue reading ‘NEMA Opens Season at Bowl’s Blast Off’

Ford Blue Oval Cup Program Enters Third Season in 2012

Published at March 26, 2012 in ACT and ACT LM Tour. Closed

The Ford Blue Oval Cup expects continued growth entering its third season in 2012. The program has awarded over $30,000 to American Canadian Tour Late Model teams around the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada since its inaugural 2010 season.

The Blue Oval Cup program was developed for Ford competitors in ACT Late Model events and ACT affiliated tracks in 2010, the first full-season of the Ford engine’s inclusion in the ACT rulebook. The program saw a near 100% increase in participating competitors during the 2011 season.

“Ford Racing is once again proud to renew the Blue Oval Challenge Cup with the American Canadian Tour. This is the third year for one of the richest programs that Ford Racing offers for the short track racer. Not only do the top 10 ACT Racers using the S347JR have the opportunity for the season end-cash rewards, but all Ford-Powered ACT Racers have access to technical support directly from Ford Racing,” said Mike Delahanty of Ford Racing. “In the three years since introducing the Blue Oval Challenge Cup, a number of the top ACT Teams have made the switch to the S347JR engine, not just for the benefits of the program, but for the race-winning performance that the engine delivers.”

Continue reading ‘Ford Blue Oval Cup Program Enters Third Season in 2012′

Racers Prepare to Practice at Thompson

Published at March 26, 2012 in Thompson. Closed

THOMPSON, CT — Race teams are burning the midnight oil in preparation for this weekend’s open practice session at Thompson International Speedway. The track will host the first of two such sessions this coming Saturday, March 31st, from 11 AM until 6 PM. The track sets aside open practice session each year prior to the season-opening Icebreaker.

Many different types of race cars will compete at the famed oval during the 2012 racing season and all are welcome to participate in these “round robin” style sessions. NASCAR’s Whelen Modifieds and All-American Series cars, ISMA Super Modifieds, NEMA Midgets, race trucks, classic and antique cars are just some of the race cars expected. Race teams like to take advantage of open practice days to ready their cars for the upcoming season and drivers find that they gain valuable “seat time”. Paddock area gates will open at 10 AM.

There is non-stop activity on the track. Race cars are separated by division and as one group leaves the track, another is immediately brought out. With this type of schedule, race teams have plenty of on-track time to fine tune their cars. It is generally believed that race teams that go into the Icebreaker event well prepared find that they have an advantage for not only that very special event but for the tough and competitive season ahead at the high-banked, super fast speedway.

Continue reading ‘Racers Prepare to Practice at Thompson’

Valenti Modified Racing Series highlights 62nd Speedbowl opener

Published at March 26, 2012 in VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT (March 26, 2012) – Waterford Speedbowl’s tradition as one of the longest operating tracks in the country to feature weekly Modified racing resumes this weekend. Budweiser Blastoff, the facility’s 62nd season opener, once again honors the open-wheel, ground pounding Modified racecar led by the popular Valenti Modified Racing Series. Blastoff 2012 also plays host to a special 62-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® race that begins the championship chase for the ‘Bowl’s weekly headlining division. Twelve other divisions join the blockbuster weekend of racing which begins with a practice session on Friday.

The Valenti Modified Racing Series (VMRS) starts its season at Budweiser Blastoff and the list of possible entries for their 100-lap race on Sunday continues to grow. Over 70 teams have already filed entries for the upcoming VMRS season.

A heavy influx of Speedbowl experience is expected at Blastoff. Two-time and defending VMRS champion Chris Pasteryak got his start in the Legends Cars and was a multiple time winner in the SK Modified® ranks at the ‘Bowl before moving on to the touring series. Another VMRS veteran to turn countless laps in multiple divisions at the shoreline oval is Mike Holdridge, a winner last year and top points contender.

Continue reading ‘Valenti Modified Racing Series highlights 62nd Speedbowl opener’

Rain Postpones Whelen Southern Modifieds

Published at March 24, 2012 in Caraway and NASCAR WSMT. Closed

Spring Classic 150 rescheduled for March 31

ASHEBORO, N.C. (March 24, 2012) – Due to persistent rain showers and a forecast calling for possible severe thunderstorms throughout the weekend, NASCAR and Caraway Speedway have postponed the Spring Classic 150 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour race originally scheduled for Sunday, March 25.

The Spring Classic 150 is now rescheduled to be held next Saturday, March 31. All events scheduled for this weekend are now set for next Saturday with the Spring Classic 150 expected to start at approximately 8 p.m., immediately after first of two 50-lap Late Model Stock races – which starts at 7 p.m.

Continue reading ‘Rain Postpones Whelen Southern Modifieds’

MacDonald & Theetge Enter ACT NH Governor’s Cup Opener

Published at March 23, 2012 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Lee USA. Closed

NH Governor's Cup Season Opener

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) announced today that Eddie MacDonald from Rowley, MA and Donald Theetge, of Boischatel, Quebec have filed entries for the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 championship stock car season opener at the Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15, 2012.

MacDonald has compiled an impressive regional and national record during his racing career. The ‘outlaw’, as he is often known throughout New England, is one of the last of the Northeast independent teams to race on the national stage in the NASCAR K&N Series. He also has recorded an impressive win record in his appearances with his ACT Late Model over the past several years, including two New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) ACT Invitational wins and two TD Bank Oxford 250 wins. His family owns the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH which is where he first began his racing career.

“We have really enjoyed racing with the ACT guys over the past four or five seasons. There is a great mix of veteran and young talent in ACT racing, and we feel lucky to have won a few of the big shows,” said MacDonald.

Continue reading ‘MacDonald & Theetge Enter ACT NH Governor’s Cup Opener’

Spring Cleaning Underway at Stafford Motor Speedway

Published at March 22, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Motor Speedway is busy taking spring cleaning to a new level. The paddock area is undergoing a facelift and new pavement will be in place in time for the Motorcycle Swap Meet on Sunday, April 1st. A second concrete frame height check station is also being added to the backside of the concession stand. For more pictures, check out the SMS Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

Scott Bouley Hoping to Dance a Victory Celebration Jig in Stafford SK Light Modified Division During 2012 Season

Published at March 22, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway’s SK Light Modified division will welcome several new drivers to its ranks this season. While most of the newcomers are young drivers who have worked their way through the karting ranks, there is one new face to the SK Light division this season that bucks that trend. Scott Bouley, a 15-year veteran of the K & N Pro East Series (formerly Busch North Series), will join the SK Light division, where he will try to put his #26 into CARQUEST Victory Lane and dance on his roof for the first time since he danced on his roof following a ProStock feature victory in the 2000 CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

“We’re going to show up and put the petal to the metal and give it our all,” said Bouley. “I haven’t danced on the roof since we won at the Sizzler 12 years ago, so it’s been too long. I shopped around last year to see where I wanted to go racing and Stafford is the best track around, it’s a real class facility. We’re really excited about the car and I’ll definitely be dancing on the roof if we can win again.”

While Bouley has spent the vast majority of his racing career behind the wheel of full fendered cars, he is not without modified experience as he prepares for his debut season in the SK Lights. Albeit a very limited experience, Bouley drove 2 races for Don Silberman during the 2007 season, finishing 7th and 15th in his two starts.

Continue reading ‘Scott Bouley Hoping to Dance a Victory Celebration Jig in Stafford SK Light Modified Division During 2012 Season’

Call Before You Dig Renews Contingency Sponsorship with Stafford Speedway

Published at March 22, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has announced that Call Before You Dig will return for the 2012 season as a first place SK Modified® contingency sponsor. Call Before You Dig will also serve as a track partner in addition to their Contingency Program sponsorship. Thanks to Call Before You Dig’s contingency sponsorship, each SK Modified® feature winner during the 2012 season will receive a $150 bonus. Also, Call Before You Dig will serve as the title sponsor of the track’s Technical Inspection Zone for the sixth consecutive season of NASCAR Whelen All American Series competition.

"We like doing business with Stafford Motor Speedway," said John Bonville CBYD VP of Damage Prevention and Education. "We're happy to be able to support Stafford Motor Speedway and all of the racers who put on the shows throughout the racing season. This is a great way for us to be able to promote our free 811 service. This is a solid venue to educate and inform people how to find out what's below before they dig."

In addition to sponsoring the Inspection Zone and providing a weekly contingency bonus, Call Before You Dig will maintain an advertising presence in the Stafford Speedway PitStopper Magazine as well as a billboard display along the track’s backstretch.

Continue reading ‘Call Before You Dig Renews Contingency Sponsorship with Stafford Speedway’

Stafford Motor Speedway CARQUEST Champions for Charities Driver Spotlight: Woody Pitkat

Published at March 22, 2012 in Stafford. Closed

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has again lined up an impressive field of current and former open wheel champions for its CARQUEST Champions For Charities Event as part of CARQUEST Super Saturday on June 30th. During the coming weeks, SMS will offer a profile on each of its championship winning drivers and the charity they will be racing for and this week’s CARQUEST Champions For Charities spotlight falls on Woody Pitkat, the 2006 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division 4 Regional Champion, who will be racing to help support The Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp was built in honor of Adam Petty and they provide life-changing experiences for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Victory Junction has opened it’s doors to over 14,000 children from all 50 states and 4 countries since opening in 2004. Located in Randleman, NC, Victory Junction is partnered with 30 different hospitals to deliver health care to its campers, who are dealing with such chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses as Autism, Cancer, Craniofacial Anomalies, Diabetes, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell and Spina Bifida. The cost for a child to attend Victory Junction is $2,500, but thanks to generous donations, no child or family incurs that cost.

Last year Pitkat was a substitute for Davey Hamilton, and in less than two weeks, he was able to raise $2,728 for Victory Junction, which was good enough to allow Pitkat to start the race in the 4th position. With more time on his side this year, Pitkat is looking forward to surpassing his donation total from one year ago.

Continue reading ‘Stafford Motor Speedway CARQUEST Champions for Charities Driver Spotlight: Woody Pitkat’

Thompson’s Icebreaker Set for April 14 & 15

Published at March 22, 2012 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. Closed

Thompson, CT — The season opening Icebreaker at the Thompson International Speedway is just around the corner. The winter has quickly turned to feelings of spring and with that comes the start of a brand new racing season. Thompson’s Icebreaker is the most anticipated race of the year and will be held the weekend of April 14th and 15th.

This two-day racing spectacular will feature the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions at the largest and fastest track in southern New England.

The race for championship honors starts at the Icebreaker and drivers in each of the divisions featured will be on hand to kick off the season-long search for a championship title. Race teams work long and hard during the winter months to prepare for a strong showing at the year’s first event. Some teams will introduce brand new race cars for the 2012 campaign while others will rely on completely rebuilt cars that served them well last year. New race teams and new drivers are joined by veterans of the sport to create a new and exciting atmosphere.

Continue reading ‘Thompson’s Icebreaker Set for April 14 & 15′

SCoNE Sprint Cars at Diamond Run Mall this Weekend

Published at March 22, 2012 in SCONE. Closed

Rutland, VT — The Sprint Cars of New England will be at the Rutland Regional Race Car Show to Benefit the March of Dimes at the Diamond Run Mall, this Saturday and Sunday March 24 and 25.

The Winged 360ci Sprint Cars owned by Dean Hanson and Armand Boisvert and driven by Lacey Hanson and Andy Seuss will join cars from various venues throughout Vermont and New Hampshire for the annual event. The Diamond Run Mall is located near the intersection of Route 7 and Route 4 on the south side of Rutland and is easily reached from Burlington, Bennington and White River Jct.

The Sprint Cars of New England will open their season on Friday May 18 at the Canaan Dirt Speedway in Canaan, NH. The following week, they’ll visit Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, VT on Saturday May 26. After return trips to Canaan and Bear Ridge, the Fastest Dirt Track Cars in New England will make their first visit of the season to Legion Speedway in Wentworth, NH on Sunday June 24.

Continue reading ‘SCoNE Sprint Cars at Diamond Run Mall this Weekend’

NEMA’S Nocella Advances to Valenti Modified Series for Three Races

Published at March 22, 2012 in VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Canaan, NH. — NEMA midget hot shoe Anthony Nocella, of Woburn, MA., knows a thing or two about open-wheel race cars. He has enjoyed success  and lots of it in go-karts, mini-sprints, and the two NEMA sanctioned midget divisions.

When the Valenti Modified Racing Series opens it’s ninth season March 31, and April 1, at Connecticut’s Waterford Speedbowl, at the annual Budweiser  Blastoff Weekend, Nocella will give the ground-pounding open-wheel modifieds a shot, thanks to car-owner Kevin Stuart, of Lowell, MA.

“He comes with a nice resume`, was recommended, and has lots of ability,” said  Stuart. “Bobby Seymour spoke very highly of Anthony and feels the kid could
make a lot of noise in open-wheel racing, and has a bright future.”

Continue reading ‘NEMA’S Nocella Advances to Valenti Modified Series for Three Races’

Live: Southern Mod Opener at Caraway

Published at March 21, 2012 in Caraway and NASCAR WSMT. Closed

The 2012 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour season will begin with the Spring Classic 150 on Sunday, March 25 at Caraway Speedway.

For updated from the track throughout race weekend, please click here: LAP-BY-LAP

EVENT SCHEDULE | ENTRY LIST | PRACTICE | QUALIFYING | RESULTS

Continue reading ‘Live: Southern Mod Opener at Caraway’

Speedbowl Late Model division ready to roll in 2012

Published at March 21, 2012 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — With backing once again from The Valenti Family of Dealerships, the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model division is ready for another season of competition at the Waterford Speedbowl with as active an offseason for entries as in recent memory.

Three-time Speedbowl champion Keith Rocco nailed the win in the 50-lap season final for the division at Finale Weekend in October and looks to carry that momentum into 2012. Rocco hopes to run as often as possible in the Fearn #1 entry after putting in a lot of offseason work on the duo’s program. They’ll be ready at Budweiser Blastoff Weekend.

An owner-driver combination that began at Finale Weekend is teaming up in 2012 looking to build momentum. Waterford native Dillon Moltz will compete in his first Speedbowl season behind the wheel of the Mark Cooper #28. The entry will be one of few Toyota Camry bodied racecars in the northeast. Moltz, a Stafford Motor Speedway Late Model success, has competed on a limited basis at the ‘Bowl during special Late Model events and SK Modified® races and seeks his first victory at the track.

Continue reading ‘Speedbowl Late Model division ready to roll in 2012′

Seekonk Speedway kicks off 67th season with Easter Egg Hunt!

Published at March 20, 2012 in Seekonk. Closed

Seekonk, MA — Over 66 years of action, the Seekonk Speedway has seen many types of competition. From their weekly racing, thrill shows, Car Polo, Rollover contests, Ostrich races, and football. On Saturday, April 7th, you can add Easter Egg Hunt to the long list of activities.

The 1st ever Seekonk Speedway Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 9am, before any cars have a chance to tackle the 1/3 mile oval. It is open to all fans under the age of 12.

Sir Lap A Lot, the Seekonk Speedway mascot has been busy this off season, and will be making his first appearance at the speedway, as he and the Easter Bunny will be hiding thousands of candy and toy filled eggs.

Continue reading ‘Seekonk Speedway kicks off 67th season with Easter Egg Hunt!’

Statistical Advance: Analyzing The Spring Classic 150 at Caraway Speedway

Published at March 20, 2012 in Caraway and NASCAR WSMT. Closed

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour opens its 2012 season at Caraway Speedway on Sunday, March 25 with the Spring Classic 150. Below is a statistical look at the performance of selected drivers in the series:

Select Driver Highlights:
Tim Brown (No. 02 Hayes Jewelers/T&C Motorsports Chevrolet)
• Finished second in the season-ending points standings a record three times from 2006-2008.
• Has 73 career NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour starts, ranks second in top-five finishes with 41 and has 61 top-10 finishes.
• Has made 30 starts at Caraway with 24 top-10 and 15 top-five finishes.
• Has seven wins, the most recent came on Oct. 13, 2011 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

George Brunnhoelzl III (No. 09 Phoenix Pre-owned/Triad Auto Sales Chevrolet)
• The 2009 & 2011 NWSMT champion will attempt to become the first three-time champion this season.
• Owner of 11 wins, 13 poles and 42 top 10s in 56 career NWSMT starts.
• Has five wins and 18 top-10 finishes in 25 starts at Caraway. The last win was on Oct. 22, 2011 at Caraway Speedway.
• Also has five career Coors Light Pole Awards at Caraway.

Continue reading ‘Statistical Advance: Analyzing The Spring Classic 150 at Caraway Speedway’

Budweiser Blastoff Weekend Starts Speedbowl Season – 14 Divisions Bring in 2012 New England Race Season

Published at March 20, 2012 in Waterford. Closed

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl, one of the nation’s oldest and most historic racing venues, opens its gates for the 62nd consecutive season-opener with the annual Budweiser Blastoff Weekend March 30 through April 1. The three-day racing spectacle offers race fans plenty of variety with 14 divisions slated to chase the first checkered
flags of the season.

Highlighting the attractions at Blastoff is the season opening event for the Valenti Modified Racing Series, which will compete in a 100-lap main event. Modified racing has been synonymous with the shoreline oval every year since its opening in April of 1951. The NEMA Midgets begin their 60th anniversary season at Blastoff. Like the Modifieds, NEMA and its legacy in the northeast has been firmly rooted with the Speedbowl, regarded by many as the “perfect” Midget track. The ‘Bowl’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions also start their championship chase at Blastoff including the SK Modifieds®, which will compete in a special 62-lap event in honor of the track’s 62nd season, the  Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and SK Light Modifieds.

Other touring divisions beginning their season with Blastoff include the NEMA Lites, New England Truck Series and New England Four Cylinder Pro Stocks. Additional Speedbowl divisions including the Legends Cars, Bandoleros, Super X Car and X Car divisions round out the weekend’s racing card chasing points in their Saturday Showdown Series.

Continue reading ‘Budweiser Blastoff Weekend Starts Speedbowl Season – 14 Divisions Bring in 2012 New England Race Season’

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