Christopher Seeking MRNETS Victory at Stafford
Ted Christopher of Plainville, CT has accomplished virtually everything at Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway. Christopher won his ninth NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified® championship last year. He also leads the track with 122 wins across the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Models, Pro Stocks, SK Modifieds, and Valenti Modified Racing Series.
That is why he is driving the No. 13 Mr. Rooter Chevrolet for series promoter Vinny Beedle. The Mr. Rooter New England Truck Series will close NAPA Spring Sizzler Saturday with a 20-lap race.
“I wasn’t aware that it’s the only thing he’s never had a win in (at Stafford) and he’s never driven a truck period,” Beedle said. “So for him he’s excited about it and we’re excited to have him in it.”
Veteran Ed Puleo, who drove the truck at Thompson, is practicing today for Christopher. car. Puleo finished third at the Icebreaker despite an issue discovered post race. Beedle said the fuel cell broke up and the foam got into the carburetor.
Beedle does not expect his truck effort to be full-time. Josh Galvin and Keith Rocco are also on Beedle’s roster for this season.
“I want to focus on the series and in fairness to all the other trucks I want to get the series where it needs to be so we can get the respect that it’s due.”
Beedle’s company Mr. Rooter was announced as the New England Truck Series’ title sponsor for this season at their banquet. He was well received by the series venues and his commitment to them was to provide the best show possible. He believes that this has been accomplished at Thompson thus far.
“I think it’s been underestimated for a long time. It needs some TLC we all know that, but with that comes results. It’s not just for my company Mr. Rooter. I’m doing it for the series because I believe in the series and there’s a lot more to come. That’s what I can guarantee.”
Beedle has expanded his company’s presence at Connecticut’s tracks. The red and blue billboard is located at Stafford and Thompson. He added a $125 contingency sponsorship to the Late Model and Limited Late Model winners at Stafford. He also has the title sponsorship of the June NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Thompson. the first place
“I believe in racing and the only way racing’s going to stay alive is everyone needs to step it up and be part of it. If it isn’t racing, sponsorship, all of the above and I think this year’s going to be a great year for Connecticut and all the tracks in New England. I’m excited.”
Ed Puleo, the driver that Beedle started with, will drive the truck next Saturday at New London-Waterford Speedbowl’s season opener. Puleo has a new SPAFCO SK Modified for New London-Waterford. Puelo finished third in points last season with three wins, including the season finale. He also won the Street Stock season opener. Rocco won 22 races, including the SK Modified and Late Model championships.
“No second guess to Keith (R0cc0). He’s probably the best that Waterford’s ever seen, but our goal as well is to put the 7 car and to run for a championship. So it’s going to be interesting that my two top cars are going to be run head and head is my goal. One of the two will be a champion this year I’m hoping for, so we just got to put a lot of hard work and see what comes out of it.”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com