CARQUEST Auto Parts Returns for 24th Season at Stafford
CARQUEST Continues One of the Longest Running Partnerships Anywhere in Motorsports
Stafford Springs, CT — When Stafford Motor Speedway opens its paddock area for the 38th Annual Tech Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on the weekend of April 24-26, it will signal the beginning of the 24th consecutive season that CARQUEST Auto Parts has been a Stafford Motor Speedway track partner. With the partnership between CARQUEST Auto Parts and Stafford Motor Speedway one year shy of a quarter century of involvement, it makes this elite partnership one of the longest continuous sponsorships anywhere on any level in motorsports.
During the past 23 years, CARQUEST Auto Parts has been a staunch supporter of weekly racing. CARQUEST began their storied involvement with Stafford Motor Speedway in 1985 as a track contingency partner. They continue to be part of the track’s unique contingency program, offering bonuses to each SK Modified®, Late Model, and Limited Late Model feature winner. Since the 1999 season, CARQUEST has contributed over $60,000 to SK Modified®, Late Model, and Limited Late Model competitors through the contingency program.
Last season, CARQUEST resurrected the prestigious SK 150, a race that paid out over $25,000 to SK Modified® competitors, one of the highest paying purses in New England short track racing. The race paid $4,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th place, and $300 to start. The tradition will continue in 2009, with the 6th Annual CARQUEST SK 150 scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2009.
“We’re pleased to continue our long standing partnership with Stafford Motor Speedway”, stated Rich Pallai, Vice President of Marketing for CARQUEST Auto Parts. “Our association with Stafford, at the local level of NASCAR racing, provides CARQUEST a great opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and build product awareness. We look forward to entering our 24th year of participation and contributing to the success of auto racing at Stafford Motor Speedway.”
CARQUEST Auto Parts brought the popular Whelen Modified Tour back to Stafford in 1989 after a one-year hiatus from racing at the Connecticut half-mile. In 1991, CARQUEST brought what was formerly known as the Busch North Series to Stafford and in 2004, CARQUEST made it possible to bring the electrifying ISMA Supermodifieds to Stafford. CARQUEST has also made it possible for distinguished guest appearances by world-renowned drivers Dave Blaney, Carl Edwards, Ken Schrader, and Rusty Wallace, and Indy 500 winners Buddy Rice, Al Unser, Sr., and Al Unser, Jr. at Stafford Motor Speedway.
“We are thrilled to have CARQUEST Auto Parts back as a track partner for the 2009 season,” said Stafford COO Mark Arute. “CARQUEST has been an illustrious partner not only to the track, but to our weekly racers as well. As we approach 25 years together, I can’t think of a sponsorship anywhere in motorsports that spans that long. CARQUEST’s involvement with us has certainly grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and we are fortunate to have a partner so committed to motorsports, especially in these difficult economic times.”
CARQUEST Auto Parts will offer $375 each Friday night in contingency bonus money, with $150 to each SK Modified® feature winner, $125 to each Late Model feature winner, and $100 to each Limited Late Model feature winner.
“Winning the CARQUEST contingency bonus of $150, is a big help,” said 2008 Stafford SK Modified® track champion Keith Rocco. “With the economy the way it is right now, we appreciate CARQUEST contributing to the contingency program at Stafford and we are glad to hear they are back on board for another year.”
CARQUEST Auto Parts began in 1974 with 100 auto parts stores. They have since grown to over 3,500 stores across North America, and through their growth they have remained committed to providing auto parts and services of the highest quality and greatest value to its customers.
The 38th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST will kick off the 2009 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season at Stafford April 24-26. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open the public free of charge.
For more information about CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores or Tech-Net Professional Auto Service, go towww.CARQUEST.com.
Sources: Scott Running/Stafford Motor Speedway PR