Difilippo Campains for SK Lights at North South Shootout
Gino Difilippo, Jr. of Riverside, NJ has taken an active role in the SK Light Modifieds this season. The RH2Way President is spearheading the effort to get an SK Light Modified race at Caraway Speedway in Sophia, NC.
Josh Nichols won the 50-lap Modified Lite race last year, but the division was not included in this year’s schedule.
“It was my idea,” Difilippo said. “I’m a first year SK Light car owner and long time fan of the shootout. I wanted a showcase event for our division, a super bowl.”
Without any extensive promotion, six teams have expressed interest. Caraway Speedway has requested at least 12 cars.
Difilippo has contributed to raising the profile for the division by supporting extra distance races and higher purses through RH2Way.
“We go the extra mile for our customers,” Difilippo said.
Joey Ferrigno, Paul French and Jeff Smith have driven his No. 76 SK Light Modified this season. Former Late Model champion Jeff Smith won in his debut on July 5 at Waterford.
“It’s been good so far,” Difilippo said. “… We’ve also had some tough runs basically losing the car at the Speedbowl in heat race after contact with Glen Griswold.”
Difilippo also sponsors Ferrigno and French. Ferrigno is fourth in points at Stafford with two wins in his last three starts.
Former Waterford champion Paul French is a major part of Difilippo’s team.
“Paul French does all the chassis tuning for all three cars. He’s also one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met in this sport.”
Difilippo believes the division needs a better purse, citing the expense to fix a corner on an SK Light is $1,000, the same as Tour Modified.
“As a learning division I think it’s a good place to start. With a tire rule that is set up, it teaches you tire management and that’s one thing that is desperately needed to drive a Tour Mod.”
Difilippo said that he uses the division for testing and product development. He called the feedback “priceless.”
For more information contact Gino at sales@rh2way.com, post on the Facebook page or talk to him at Stafford or Waterford. He hopes to have entry forms available soon.
“I really hope this is the beginning a great event. There are a few potential sponsors that we are talking to right now that could knock the purse out of the park. I’d love to run this event every year with the Tour Mods.”
The North South Shootout will be held October 30-November 1 featuring Tour-Type Modifieds, PASS Super Late Models, USAC Midgets, Street Stocks Triple Crown, Mini Stock, Limited Late Models, and Legends.
Sources: Nicholas Teto, YankeeRacer.com