From before the Spring Sizzler weekend, a bit of contingency news for you.
New England Racing Fuel will hop on the contingency bandwagon by awarding $25 (via fuel certificate) to any SK Modified and Late Model drivers who not only finish in the top three in their respective features, but who also use the spec engine.
Is this motivation for teams to start using said spec engine?
After my hiatus since May, I've decided on a new lease on life. I've re-emerged from the dark layers of hell with a new location for all things VFT1.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
100 Lap WMT Race in May?
That's apparently what the plan will be. Because instead of a normal 150-lap event on May 22, the Whelen Modified Tour will be running a 100-lap event. There will also be a reduced prize money purse to go along with the lap cut.
What would you have taken -- a shortened race? Or three races at Stafford?
The decision was made to shorten the race and purse for the Tour's next event because of the obvious economy problems, and a want to try out a shorter race.
I'm not okay with the idea, because this may mean that the field will be smaller, but if it works, why not go ahead and plan the event in '10? Only time will tell. We still have a month before the Tour returns to Stafford. I'm not truly counting chickens until I have to.
What would you have taken -- a shortened race? Or three races at Stafford?
The decision was made to shorten the race and purse for the Tour's next event because of the obvious economy problems, and a want to try out a shorter race.
I'm not okay with the idea, because this may mean that the field will be smaller, but if it works, why not go ahead and plan the event in '10? Only time will tell. We still have a month before the Tour returns to Stafford. I'm not truly counting chickens until I have to.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spring Sizzler '09, or Cue the Welcome Back Kotter Tune
(Apologies for just copying the stuff I used elsewhere. I'll think of new material next time.)
Months of waiting finally came down to the opening of the racing season at Stafford Motor Speedway. With temperatures reaching the mid-80s, the 2009 Spring Sizzler was just that. A sizzler. Two days of action, with the five weekly divisions and the Whelen Modified Tour to boot.
SATURDAY
The weekend started off with qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour. 36 cars attempted time trials for 33 spots. Setting fast time was Ted Christopher, who clocked in an 18.150 (or 99.174 mph). Upon the redraw, which took place later in the afternoon, Ryan Preece (third fastest time) and Mike Stefanik (second fastest time) would find themselves on the front row. Christopher would redraw fourth.
Heats for the weekly divisions rolled off next, with a few cautions interspersed inbetween the racing action. It seemed like there was a caution for every heat race that took place. But all was well with the world and feature racing started without a hitch.
SK Lights: The theme at the start of the season is usually "welcome back", and the first official race of the year was no exception to the theme. Brit Andersen returned to the track in SK Light competition in style. He took the lead from Earl Pelletier on the third lap of the race, and, other than a quick lead loss to Tony Santangelo which he quickly regained and a few cautions, held off all competitors to take down the win. Santangelo unofficially finished second, but in tech, it was found out that he had staggered brake calipers and was scored last. Ted Cain moved up to second, followed by Pelletier and Jay Goff.
Limited Late Models: Only two cars in the division switched over to a new body style with wing this season. One of them, Andrew Durand's, also sports the new spec engine that Stafford allowed the drivers to use. Both the new body style and engine were put to good use in the second feature of the afternoon. The first leader of the event was Michael Chaves, who lead for the first ten laps until Durand powered by him. Also coming was 2008 division champion Bill Davis, and a caution with three laps to go set the stage for a duel. It took a lap before Durand was finally clear of Davis, and it was Durand who won his first race of the season. Davis finished second, with Dennis Botticello unofficially finishing third. (Tech revealed that the car exceeded the maximum left side weight percentage, and he was scored last.) Carla Botticello moved to third, with Jesse Hinze finishing fourth.
DARE Stocks: It was the only feature of the weekend that saw only one leader. Don Wood led all fifteen laps as he claimed his first win of the season. It wasn't all easy for him, as he had Jeff Jolly on his back bumper over the course of the last five laps. But Jolly would finish second behind Wood, with Bill Dunn in third and Albert Saunders in fourth.
SUNDAY
With the hotter of the two days came the second day of racing action. There were still two weekly divisions to be run, along with the main event -- the Whelen Modified Tour race. And there was the pit party, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
SK Modifieds: A pair of multi-car accidents made the end of the first feature of day two look more like a heat race rather than an actual feature. The accidents, taking place on the first lap of the event and on the thirtieth, cut the field by more than half and took out some of the more familiar front-runners. They also set the stage up for a first-time winner in the SK Modified division. After the red flag on the lap-30 accident, Richie Pallai, Jr became the fourth different leader of the event. Brad Hietala was second, but during one battle for the lead, Hietala got loose, which gave Pallai a comfortable-sized lead with three laps to go. Pallai would record his first career SK Modified victory. Ted Christopher would finish second, followed by Jimmy Blewett and Todd Owen.
Whelen Tour: Luck was what set the tone for the ending of the main event. On lap-121, Ted Christopher ended up on pit road because of a cut tire. Seven laps later, he found himself going through the grass during a backstretch accident, and all hope of him winning back-to-back races had started to look unlikely. Yet he made his way through the field, and by lap-182, Christopher had passed Todd Szegedy for the lead. It would not only be the pass for the lead, but it would also be the pass for the win. It was the second straight win for Christopher on the Tour. Szegedy would finish second, with Ryan Preece third, and Mike Stefanik in fourth.
Late Models: It took the Late Models five attempts to get the race done on a green-white-checkered scenario, as the latter stages of the race became caution-filled. At one point in time, Corey Hutchings and Tom Fearn -- the leaders at the time -- made contact, sending Hutchings spinning in the turn-four grass and Fearn to the back of the field via way of penalty. The new front row consisted of Scott Cook, the new leader, and Dillon Moltz on the outside. Two more cautions kept the field bunched together, but when everybody was cool-minded, Moltz was able to power past Cook for the lead. The final two laps went by caution-free, and Moltz picked up the win. Cook was second, with Ryan Posocco in third and Jim Mavlouganes in fourth.
Friday, weather permitting, Stafford will be hosting the first Friday night event of the season. Five divisions in action. Should be a great time if Mother Nature cooperates with us.
Months of waiting finally came down to the opening of the racing season at Stafford Motor Speedway. With temperatures reaching the mid-80s, the 2009 Spring Sizzler was just that. A sizzler. Two days of action, with the five weekly divisions and the Whelen Modified Tour to boot.
SATURDAY
The weekend started off with qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour. 36 cars attempted time trials for 33 spots. Setting fast time was Ted Christopher, who clocked in an 18.150 (or 99.174 mph). Upon the redraw, which took place later in the afternoon, Ryan Preece (third fastest time) and Mike Stefanik (second fastest time) would find themselves on the front row. Christopher would redraw fourth.
Heats for the weekly divisions rolled off next, with a few cautions interspersed inbetween the racing action. It seemed like there was a caution for every heat race that took place. But all was well with the world and feature racing started without a hitch.
SK Lights: The theme at the start of the season is usually "welcome back", and the first official race of the year was no exception to the theme. Brit Andersen returned to the track in SK Light competition in style. He took the lead from Earl Pelletier on the third lap of the race, and, other than a quick lead loss to Tony Santangelo which he quickly regained and a few cautions, held off all competitors to take down the win. Santangelo unofficially finished second, but in tech, it was found out that he had staggered brake calipers and was scored last. Ted Cain moved up to second, followed by Pelletier and Jay Goff.
Limited Late Models: Only two cars in the division switched over to a new body style with wing this season. One of them, Andrew Durand's, also sports the new spec engine that Stafford allowed the drivers to use. Both the new body style and engine were put to good use in the second feature of the afternoon. The first leader of the event was Michael Chaves, who lead for the first ten laps until Durand powered by him. Also coming was 2008 division champion Bill Davis, and a caution with three laps to go set the stage for a duel. It took a lap before Durand was finally clear of Davis, and it was Durand who won his first race of the season. Davis finished second, with Dennis Botticello unofficially finishing third. (Tech revealed that the car exceeded the maximum left side weight percentage, and he was scored last.) Carla Botticello moved to third, with Jesse Hinze finishing fourth.
DARE Stocks: It was the only feature of the weekend that saw only one leader. Don Wood led all fifteen laps as he claimed his first win of the season. It wasn't all easy for him, as he had Jeff Jolly on his back bumper over the course of the last five laps. But Jolly would finish second behind Wood, with Bill Dunn in third and Albert Saunders in fourth.
SUNDAY
With the hotter of the two days came the second day of racing action. There were still two weekly divisions to be run, along with the main event -- the Whelen Modified Tour race. And there was the pit party, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
SK Modifieds: A pair of multi-car accidents made the end of the first feature of day two look more like a heat race rather than an actual feature. The accidents, taking place on the first lap of the event and on the thirtieth, cut the field by more than half and took out some of the more familiar front-runners. They also set the stage up for a first-time winner in the SK Modified division. After the red flag on the lap-30 accident, Richie Pallai, Jr became the fourth different leader of the event. Brad Hietala was second, but during one battle for the lead, Hietala got loose, which gave Pallai a comfortable-sized lead with three laps to go. Pallai would record his first career SK Modified victory. Ted Christopher would finish second, followed by Jimmy Blewett and Todd Owen.
Whelen Tour: Luck was what set the tone for the ending of the main event. On lap-121, Ted Christopher ended up on pit road because of a cut tire. Seven laps later, he found himself going through the grass during a backstretch accident, and all hope of him winning back-to-back races had started to look unlikely. Yet he made his way through the field, and by lap-182, Christopher had passed Todd Szegedy for the lead. It would not only be the pass for the lead, but it would also be the pass for the win. It was the second straight win for Christopher on the Tour. Szegedy would finish second, with Ryan Preece third, and Mike Stefanik in fourth.
Late Models: It took the Late Models five attempts to get the race done on a green-white-checkered scenario, as the latter stages of the race became caution-filled. At one point in time, Corey Hutchings and Tom Fearn -- the leaders at the time -- made contact, sending Hutchings spinning in the turn-four grass and Fearn to the back of the field via way of penalty. The new front row consisted of Scott Cook, the new leader, and Dillon Moltz on the outside. Two more cautions kept the field bunched together, but when everybody was cool-minded, Moltz was able to power past Cook for the lead. The final two laps went by caution-free, and Moltz picked up the win. Cook was second, with Ryan Posocco in third and Jim Mavlouganes in fourth.
Friday, weather permitting, Stafford will be hosting the first Friday night event of the season. Five divisions in action. Should be a great time if Mother Nature cooperates with us.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Disqualifications [4/25 + 4/26]
Ah, yes. Not a good list to be posting two days after the Spring Sizzler. But it has to be done. The official press release of disqualifications was released yesterday, and it involves a Limited Late Model and a SK Light. I won't spoil the details for you. The link has everything you want to know.
I'll be back later tonight with a recap of the weekend in one huge entry.
I'll be back later tonight with a recap of the weekend in one huge entry.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Even More Sizzler News
+ Ted Christopher has run 15 races so far in 2009, winning nine of the events. He's looking to win his tenth race of the season is grand fashion in a possible fifth career Spring Sizzler victory -- Whelen Modified Tour style.
+ Brush up on your Sizzler history with the notebook of the opening weekend.
+ Brush up on your Sizzler history with the notebook of the opening weekend.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sizzler Grand Marshal Named
I would have done this earlier, but I've been swamped as of late. Hope you don't mind.
Anyway, Stafford has announced that they've named Steve Nichols as their grand marshal for the Spring Sizzler. Nichols is the VP of the CARQuest division of Gates Corporation.
Anyway, Stafford has announced that they've named Steve Nichols as their grand marshal for the Spring Sizzler. Nichols is the VP of the CARQuest division of Gates Corporation.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Erica Santos Joins the SK Light Field
It will be double duty for Erica Santos this year. While she'll race in the NEMA Midgets, she'll also take on the SK Light field as she'll be racing in all but two races in the '09 season.
She'll drive Vern Porter's #21 machine; the same car that John Walmsley drove last year.
Because she won't be racing in the SK Lights twice throughout the course of the season, her goals for the aforementioned season are to be consistent and to not wreck the car.
Even though this is her first time in an SK Light at Stafford (previous three trips have been in the NEMA Midgets), she's got some knowledge of the track going for her.
She'll drive Vern Porter's #21 machine; the same car that John Walmsley drove last year.
Because she won't be racing in the SK Lights twice throughout the course of the season, her goals for the aforementioned season are to be consistent and to not wreck the car.
Even though this is her first time in an SK Light at Stafford (previous three trips have been in the NEMA Midgets), she's got some knowledge of the track going for her.
Monday, April 13, 2009
SMS in the HoF
On April 3, 2009, Stafford Speedway was inducted into the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame. Along with four other inductees, they join the class of '08. There were over 80 nominations handed in over the last three months before the decision was made to induct the track.
Congratulations, SMS.
Congratulations, SMS.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
(Post) Good Friday Headlines
This is only a quick kind of update. When I said that news would either come in bundles or sporadically, I wasn't kidding.
+ Dillon Moltz hopes that he can bring the success of last year into this year.
+ GH Berlin Oil is renewing their sponsorship as a Late Model contingency partner. They'll offer $100 to the second place finisher in each Late Model race this season.
+ Dillon Moltz hopes that he can bring the success of last year into this year.
+ GH Berlin Oil is renewing their sponsorship as a Late Model contingency partner. They'll offer $100 to the second place finisher in each Late Model race this season.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Foster Coming to SK Modifieds
Sean Foster found that ride he was looking for. It's in a SK Modified, but I don't think he minds that at all.
He's the second choice for the ride after an Earnhardt, but again, can't say he doesn't mind that.
For the 2009 season, Foster will be part of a three-car team, driving for Glen Johnson. He'll team up with Doug Coby and Zach Sylvester. The experience his teammates have works out -- Foster has yet to get behind the wheel of a Modified.
As for Earnhardt, well... Johnson said that he may make some starts around his schedule. Nohing is fully set in stone yet.
He's the second choice for the ride after an Earnhardt, but again, can't say he doesn't mind that.
For the 2009 season, Foster will be part of a three-car team, driving for Glen Johnson. He'll team up with Doug Coby and Zach Sylvester. The experience his teammates have works out -- Foster has yet to get behind the wheel of a Modified.
As for Earnhardt, well... Johnson said that he may make some starts around his schedule. Nohing is fully set in stone yet.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sizzler Schedule
We're a little more than two weeks away from kicking off racing at Stafford this season. News these days is either fast paced or slow out of the gate.
Right now, it's a bit fast paced. There's been news, yes... And now, there's also a schedule. The schedule for the Spring Sizzler has been released for a few days now (how did I miss this?), and it's as tentative as you can get. Everything's (almost) all planned out to a T.
Right now, it's a bit fast paced. There's been news, yes... And now, there's also a schedule. The schedule for the Spring Sizzler has been released for a few days now (how did I miss this?), and it's as tentative as you can get. Everything's (almost) all planned out to a T.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Fifth Championship in the Works?
The "five championship" club at Stafford is an exclusive club. In fact, it's so exclusive, there are only two members in it -- Bob Potter and Ted Christopher.
But 2009 could be a year of change (as if it wasn't supposed to be already). The club could induct a new member in Ryan Posocco.
Would anyone have anything to say that would prove otherwise? Things are looking up for Posocco this season. He'll have a part-time teammate in Christopher. But even so, it may not be easy for him to repeat and win championship number five.
It's the same car, the same engine, and the same team backing Posocco up this season. If all of that adds up, he'll be in some elite company.
But 2009 could be a year of change (as if it wasn't supposed to be already). The club could induct a new member in Ryan Posocco.
Would anyone have anything to say that would prove otherwise? Things are looking up for Posocco this season. He'll have a part-time teammate in Christopher. But even so, it may not be easy for him to repeat and win championship number five.
It's the same car, the same engine, and the same team backing Posocco up this season. If all of that adds up, he'll be in some elite company.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
A Weekend of WMT News
Welcome to April -- where we're literally counting down the days until the start of Stafford's season.
While news stories may continue to pour in, there's also word that the first entries for the Spring Sizzler have been filed. It's confirmed word and only nine entries, but it's a sign that we're indeed getting closer to this season kicking off. It's enough to get me hyped up.
Speaking of Whelen Modified Tour drivers, Richie Pallai, Jr is planning to make his WMT debut when the Tour comes to the track in May. He bought equipment from former Tour driver Mike Molleur and was planning on debuting last season, but the work on the SK pushed plans back a year. If all works well, his goal for the season is to run three of the four WMT races at Stafford, a race at Chemung and Thompson (latter up in the air), and the open show at Seekonk.
While news stories may continue to pour in, there's also word that the first entries for the Spring Sizzler have been filed. It's confirmed word and only nine entries, but it's a sign that we're indeed getting closer to this season kicking off. It's enough to get me hyped up.
Speaking of Whelen Modified Tour drivers, Richie Pallai, Jr is planning to make his WMT debut when the Tour comes to the track in May. He bought equipment from former Tour driver Mike Molleur and was planning on debuting last season, but the work on the SK pushed plans back a year. If all works well, his goal for the season is to run three of the four WMT races at Stafford, a race at Chemung and Thompson (latter up in the air), and the open show at Seekonk.
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