Tri Track Race Procedures Released for Call Before You Dig Modified Classic 81 at Stafford
SEEKONK, Mass. — Tri Track Open Modified Series officials released a list of race procedures to teams this week ahead of the debut at Stafford Motor Speedway on October 24. The Call Before You Dig (CBYD) Modified Classic 81 will pay $10,000 to win, but there will be plenty of strategy that comes into play to decide the winner of the big prize.
Different than other Tri Track events in 2020, teams will be allowed to purchase 10 tires towards their inventory for the day — meaning teams can change up to two tires for any reason during the race, instead of just one. That will create a whole new element of strategy – with some electing to pit early, and others staying on track and waiting it out hoping for a late caution.
Like the other three Tri Track races this season, a controlled cold caution flag period will occur, with the caution flying somewhere between laps 30 and 35, at the discretion of race control. In addition to announcing the caution through race control radio, the flagman will display the yellow and checkered flags at the same time to indicate the caution period. Pitting during this caution is optional – meaning it is possible to gain track position by staying out. Cars will pit in the order of running during the last lap run under green, with cars coming out of the pits and lining up at the end of the field in the order they entered. Therefore, no one who pits will lose any spots, unless drivers elect to stay out. Pit cars will be placed at the back of those who stayed on the track.
The controlled caution period gives race teams a chance to take their fresh tires without having to race other teams down pit road. It’s been successful this season, therefore, the rule will be adapted for the debut at the Connecticut half-mile.
Practice for the CBYD Modified Classic 81 will be a continuous session for 90 minutes, running from 11-12:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Tri Track officials will allow 12 cars on the track at a time in segments. As usual, the fastest transponder times will determine heat race distribution – not the starting spots. Tri Track will place cars in groups for each heat race, then a random draw will be conducted to line up those heat races. The timed portion of practice will end at 12:15 p.m., so officials have adequate time to put everyone in heat races prior to the draw, which will be done just after warmups, however, practice will continue through the bottom of the hour.
Heat race starting spots, part of the random draw, will set the field for four, 12-lap heat races. Tri Track will reserve the right to change the number of heats based on car count. There will be a total of 20 cars that transfer through heats, followed by three from each of two consi races, to make a 26-car starting field. Both Tri Track and Stafford Motor Speedway have the right to add provisional starters to the field if deemed necessary.
A redraw will be conducted following the heat races to set the starting field for the 81-lap feature, where only the green flag laps will count. Any additional race procedures would be announced in the 10 a.m. drivers meeting on race day.
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