Contingency Awards Adding to Stacked Purse for Tri Track Debut at Stafford Motor Speedway

SEEKONK, Mass. — With a $10,000 winning prize on the line for the Tri Track Open Modified Series debut at Stafford Motor Speedway on October 24, drivers will be pressing the throttle to the floor in hopes of getting to the front in the final laps. 

But, that $10,000 check can only leave with one driver in the Call Before You Dig Modified Classic 81 – a race that is quickly shaping up to be one of the best Modified races of the season, if not one of the best in years.

With more than 45 cars already entered for the debut at the half-mile, it’s clear that the big prize isn’t the only reason why drivers will flock to Connecticut. The total purse rises over $49,500 — and it continues to grow as the race gets closer. Second-place pays $4,000, while third pays $3,000, fourth $2,500 and fifth $2,100. Dropped down throughout the field, the driver that finishes last in the 81-lap feature will still collect a smooth $1,000 for their efforts. For those who don’t qualify into the feature, there will also be tow money provided if they have pre-registered for the race.

And that’s just the regular posted purse.

Contingency bonuses have been a hot topic with the Tri Track Open Modified Series in 2020, and the debut at Stafford will be no different. Through the Pepsi Challenge, $300 will be provided to each heat winner and the same $300 will go towards each driver who wins a consi race. Through the first three races of the season, more than $4,000 has already been distributed through the Pepsi Challenge.

Mark, Kate and the team at Green Construction have also provided a hard charger award for the Stafford event – and this one is going to dramatically increase someone’s payday. Green will donate $1,000 to the driver that advances the most positions during the race from start to finish. The award is determined by the driver that advances the most spots from their starting spot to where they finished. The team at Green Construction have been supporters of the Tri Track Series and have boosted the value on this award to give a bit of extra incentive for competitors. 

For once, it might be more beneficial to start towards the back of the field.

Ted Anderson – and his company, Superior Refinishing — have provided $200 per race so far in 2020 – a total of $600 – and will add $200 more to the pot at Stafford. If the driver that starts on the pole wins the 81-lap feature, their total prize will move to $10,800. However, if the polesitter doesn’t win the race, the team at Superior will donate the $800 towards creating a strong B-Main feature payout. Per the Tri Track rulebook, officials will determine on race day whether a B-Main is necessary based on how many cars are in the pit area. 

Finally, a new contingency award added to the pot this week includes former JR Motorsports employee and current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour winning crew chief Ryan Stone. Stone, and his business, Stone’s Parts and Performance, based out of Milford, Connecticut, will sponsor a $300 award for the driver that posts the fastest lap in the 81-lap race. Stone’s is a FURY parts dealer that also offers chassis consultation, shock services, setup help and more.

The entry list for the race includes the top names in Modified racing – with Doug Coby, Keith Rocco Justin Bonsignore, Matt Hirschman, Ron Silk, Chase Dowling, Ronnie Williams, Mike Christopher Jr., Les Hinckley, Matt Swanson, Woody Pitkat, Burt Myers, Jon McKennedy and more expected. The entry list stands at 48 drivers on Friday, October 16, with still a week to go before the green flag.

Stafford Motor Speedway will run at 50% capacity for this event due to restrictions by the state of Connecticut because of COVID-19. To purchase tickets, fans should visit the Stafford online store on the Stafford website. Tickets are $35 for adults in general admission, $10 for kids that are 6 to 14, and free for those under 5. Pit passes are also available for purchase at $50. Any remaining tickets would be available at the gate if they don’t sell out.

The race day schedule includes practice for the Tri Track Series from 11-12:30 p.m., with qualifying heat races starting at 1:30 p.m. The Call Before You Dig Modified Classic 81 is scheduled to take the green flag around 4:30 p.m. The Stafford SK Light Modifieds and Street Stocks will also join the racing card.

For more information on Stafford Motor Speedway, visit staffordmotorspeedway.com and follow the track on social media. Follow the Tri Track Open Modified Series at tritrackmodifieds.com and follow the series on social media.

Sources: Souza Media/kyle Souza