I'm back with another vlog. This time, from Sunday's action.
The penalty in question is found this one.
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.
Showing posts with label Spring Sizzler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Sizzler. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Spring Sizzler Saturday Vlog
This season, I will be doing vlogs instead of full on articles.
I'll be doing the Sunday edition when I get up. For now, however, enjoy the vlog on Saturday's action.
The penalty in question would be this one.
I'll be doing the Sunday edition when I get up. For now, however, enjoy the vlog on Saturday's action.
The penalty in question would be this one.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The "Return From Hiatus" Linkage Post
I have decided to end the hiatus from this blog, and with perfect timing - we are about one week away from kicking off the 2011 season at Stafford. Spring Sizzler weekend is almost here. I still have to take care of some last-minute things (which happens frequently), so let's get the week-before-Sizzler links from the track's site up. Shall we? Cliff Notes, version.
+ Ole Blue wll be leading the Whelen Modified Tour around the track during the pace laps.
+ Bob Potter will be giving the command to start engines for the WMT event.
+ Shark Cycle is coming back to sponsor the September race for the Modified Racing Series.
+ Call Before You Dig is returning as not only a track partner, but as a contingency sponsor for the SK Modifieds.
+ Another part of the Champions for Charities spotlght series: This time, focusing on Richie Pallai, Jr.
+ Ole Blue wll be leading the Whelen Modified Tour around the track during the pace laps.
+ Bob Potter will be giving the command to start engines for the WMT event.
+ Shark Cycle is coming back to sponsor the September race for the Modified Racing Series.
+ Call Before You Dig is returning as not only a track partner, but as a contingency sponsor for the SK Modifieds.
+ Another part of the Champions for Charities spotlght series: This time, focusing on Richie Pallai, Jr.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Abridged Weekly Linkage
Okay, I'm on a tight schedule. Here's the week that was (last Friday's links) from Stafford.
+ Next part to the Champions for Charities series, about Todd Szegedy.
+ 6/19: Racing Against Cancer track walk.
+ Lincoln Technical Institute is now a sponsor of the June Modified Racing Series event.
+ Your "before the Sizzler" coverage begins as well.
+ Gunsmoke Stables is a new contingency sponsor for the SK Lights.
+ Stafford's online totals almost hit 700,000.
+ Next part to the Champions for Charities series, about Todd Szegedy.
+ 6/19: Racing Against Cancer track walk.
+ Lincoln Technical Institute is now a sponsor of the June Modified Racing Series event.
+ Your "before the Sizzler" coverage begins as well.
+ Gunsmoke Stables is a new contingency sponsor for the SK Lights.
+ Stafford's online totals almost hit 700,000.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
More News
Another week, and another set of news stories for you. Let's get to them.
+ There are going to be a ton of Subarus at Stafford in June. After spending the last five years at Wachusett Mountain, the Wicked Big Meet is coming to Connecticut. This is America's largest Subaru enthusiast festival.
+ Ryan Preece's career in a SK Modified continues in 2011 as he'll be running the full season in the division.
+ Bobby Santos, III wants to improve on last year's Spring Sizzler finish. It was a second-place run in 2010 - this year, he wants the win.
+ Speaking of Santos, part four of twelve about the Champions for Charities drivers is about Santos. His charity is the USAC Benevolent Fund.
+ There are going to be a ton of Subarus at Stafford in June. After spending the last five years at Wachusett Mountain, the Wicked Big Meet is coming to Connecticut. This is America's largest Subaru enthusiast festival.
+ Ryan Preece's career in a SK Modified continues in 2011 as he'll be running the full season in the division.
+ Bobby Santos, III wants to improve on last year's Spring Sizzler finish. It was a second-place run in 2010 - this year, he wants the win.
+ Speaking of Santos, part four of twelve about the Champions for Charities drivers is about Santos. His charity is the USAC Benevolent Fund.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Season Tickets and the Countdown is On
First off, doesn't that look amazing? Yes, I believe that was put up today. Or yesterday. I'm not positive. But either way, we have a countdown for the Spring Sizzler. I'd add 24 hours to the time you'll see on the front page of the Stafford site, in case you're a fan of someone who races in the Saturday portion of the show. Still... The countdown is on!
And now, let's get to the news that I was here to post about - season tickets. They're announced over at the site as well, with links and everything. But in case you didn't see the prices, I'm here to help. I'll have the links as well.
Word Doc - PDF
Those are the links for the gold seats, top row, and general admission season tickets. Everything else will have the links along with the prices.
Gold Chair Back (section G, rows 1 - 12)
Top Row (main grandstand)
Before 12/15: $345
12/16 - 3/15: $375
3/16 - 5/13: $400
General Admission
General Admission
(both grandstands; everything not already covered)
Before 12/15: $295
12/16 - 3/15: $325
Before 12/15: $50
12/16 - 3/15: $60
(can be updgraded to include general admission seat)
Before 12/15: $400 (+$45)
12/16 - 3/15: $450 (+$50)
3/16 - 5/13: $500 (+$50)The prices in parentheses are what you add if you are planning to upgrade your paddock pass to sit in a general admission seat.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
And the Whole Thing Gets Going [Saturday Recap]
Finally, things fell into place. While the three support divisions at Stafford already had two races under their belts, the two main divisions - the SK Modifieds and Late Models - had yet to see feature action. The wait ended on Saturday, May 1, as the conclusion of the Spring Sizzler occurred. On tap? Regularly scheduled distances for the Sks and Late Models, and the 200-lap event for the Whelen Modified Tour; the second race on the 2010 schedule for the touring series.
At about 2:15, things were officially underway. The SK Modified feature was first to go.
When I first saw the feature lineup for this race, my first thought was that the inside line was going to go when the green dropped for the first time. My prediction was right. Keith Rocco pulled out in front, with Ted Christopher and Frank Ruocco following him. Within the first three laps, the top three drivers were bumper to bumper with each other, and they had a comfortable distance between themselves and the fourth place driver, Jeff Malave. The first caution came on lap 4, when Brit Andersen spun in turns three and four. The lead that the top three drivers had was now gone, and a restart was in order. When the green flag came back out, it was a neck and neck battle down the frontstretch. Rocco retook the lead in the corners, but the yellow came back out mere seconds later. Curt Brainard hit the wall coming out of turn two, and other cars bumped into each other trying to find a way around him, It was a quick caution, and once again, it was a restart. Christopher and Rocco swapped the lead a few times before another early caution came back out for Matt Gallo, who was facing backwards in the entrance to turn one. For a third straight time, they were going to try to get the lap completed. The restart proved to be a dogfight that Rocco was going to win. Christopher and Ruocco were now fighting for second, with Woody Pitkat now in the mix for a spot within the top four cars. With five laps complete, the fourth caution occurred when Nichole Morgillo started a chain of events, leaving Joe Allegro, Jr, Glenn Griswold, and Adam Skowyra up in turn one. After a few laps of caution action, the race was back underway. Rocco returned to the lead, with Christopher now pushing a fight for position. And the fight was on. Meanwhile, Malave, Tom Bolles, and Eric Berndt all went around Ruocco, who was stuck on the outside groove. The next caution would come out for Chris Jones after spinning in turns three and four. On the restart, Rocco once again pulled out in front. Christopher wasn’t too far behind. Berndt jumped into third, with Kurt Lenahan now in fourth. That was the running order after the first ten laps, when the sixth caution came out. Cars involved in a turn three accident were Jones, Griswold, Michael Gervais, Jr, Gallo, and Keith Carzello. After the accident scene was cleaned up, the restart happened and Rocco went back out in front. Once again, Christopher wanted to change that and was challenging Rocco from all sides. The two of them battled for the lead for a few laps until Christopher pulled into first at the 12 lap mark. Rocco was now trying to make any sort of move to get around him until lap 16, when a three car accident down the frontstretch brought out another caution. This time, the caution cars were Mark Bakaj, Kirk Zervas, and Bolles. On the restart, Christopher and Rocco engaged in yet another dogfight for the lead. It was on lap 19 when Rocco managed to get around Christopher. The two of them and Berndt were now in a zip code of their own… Until trouble started. On lap 25, Christopher suddenly dropped right off the pace, and Ruocco was also having trouble, which meant both cars were taken out of action. Meanwhile, Rocco was starting to build up a commanding lead over Berndt, who was already holding onto second by a sizable lead. Things slowed down on lap 33 when there was a debris sighting on the frontstretch. There was to be a restart with seven laps to go. As the restart happened, it was Rocco once again taking the lead. Berndt was being challenged by Malave for second. Malave took the position as the race was down to the final five laps. While the two of them were battling for position, Rocco was pulling away from the field and would take the win. Malave finished second over Berndt, who was third, and Lenahan finished fourth.
Next up, the Late Models. It began with double green flags and Tom Fearn in the lead in two turns. Trouble happened early as Ryan Posocco was facing backwards on the backstretch, under the Camping World sign, with a tire missing. The caution was coming out and the field was going back to its original lineup for the next restart - Posocco in the back of the pack included. On the restart, there was three-wide action going into turn one, with the winner of the fight being Fearn again. Dillon Moltz moved into second, and just in time as the caution came back out again when Jim Peterson spun in turn four. Posocco was back on pit road to get repairs from the first caution and was back out before the restart. Speaking of the restart, it was Fearn pulling out in front, with Moltz and Corey Hutchings in second and third. It was four laps into the race when Moltz took the lead from Fearn, who fell backwards as the lead change occurred. A lap later, Peterson spun again in turn four, bringing out another caution. The restart pitted Moltz and Fearn, and it was a battle that Moltz won coming out of turn two. Distance was put on between Moltz and Fearn, but only because as Moltz was getting the lead, a lap car was pulling out onto the track from pit road and nearly into the path of the field. Eight laps into the event, Fearn was getting sent backwards, courtesy of Hutchings and Woody Pitkat. Fearn was dropped to fourth in the process. On the very next lap, Scott Cook spun on the frontstretch, with JJ Hill and Michael Bennett collecting each other just past the start line. Once again, the caution came out. Moltz regained the lead on the restart, Besides #01 taking fourth from Fearn, nothing within the top few drivers changed… Until lap 13. Pitkat moved into second, followed by Jim Mavlouganes, and then Hutchings. Moltz started to pull away from the field at the halfway point. After 17 laps, Hutchings took third from Mavlouganes, and after getting passed, Mavlouganes spun in turn two. Moltz and Pitkat fought for the lead on the restart. Moltz happened to win the fight, and once again, began to pull away from second place and the rest of the field in the process. Over the course of the final 13 laps, Moltz was in command, not letting up and cruising to the win. Teammates Pitkat and Hutchings finished second and third respectively, and Fearn finished fourth.
After ceremonies for the Late Model top-three was complete, it was time for the 200-lap main event - the Whelen Modified Tour event. Out of the 33 drivers qualified for the event, 32 were starting the race. On the drop of the first green flag, Bobby Santos took the lead, with Doug Coby moving into second. The fight for position started with third, between Jimmy Blewett and Eric Berndt. Blewett was not done, and by lap 4, he passed Coby for second. Berndt moved into third, with Ron Silk getting into fourth. Silk passed Berndt on lap 8, and moved into second by lap 10. Positions changed again on lap 14, when Berndt passed Blewett for third. Coby also moved by Blewett, picking up fourth on the same lap. Meanwhile, Santos was pulling away from the field. He was leading by a half straightaway by lap 17. By lap 22, the field was racing in one single file line. Cars were being lapped by lap 30, when Santos passed Wade Cole, the tail car on the lead lap until a pass was made. Then the gameplan was changed to “how do you work with lapped traffic”. The answer? Very carefully. Navigate around the lapped traffic while try to make a pass around the person in front of you - and at the 45 lap mark, passing the guy in front of you wasn’t happening frequently. The race was going fast. There were no cautions after the first 50 laps - all of which were completed within 17 minutes. And then, a yellow. The leader, Santos, was involved. Johnny Bush, Eric Goodale, and Kevin Goodale were also involved. The lead was inherited by Silk. And the restart occurred on lap 62. Coby became the new leader, putting Silk into second. Blewett settled into third. By lap 64, Coby and Silk began to go at it for the lead. Coby held him off originally, but it seemed as though Silk was not going to give up. A little further back in the field, Ted Christopher was coming. By lap 68, he was in fourth, and it looked like he was itching to move up just a bit more. Berndt wanted to take fourth away from Christopher, but it was to no avail. On lap 70, something was wrong with Silk, and it felled him to the point where he brought the car to pit road. Blewett moved to second, with Christopher now in third and Berndt in fourth. For the most part, the field was once again racing in a single line (lap 83), with a few minor exceptions deeper in. Things got interesting on lap 97, when Joe Hartmann took a ride through the frontstretch. He was able to get the car moving before a yellow came out. Finally, the race hit 100 laps with only one caution. (Actually, the field hit 100 earlier than that. In reality, the board was ten laps behind until it was fixed on lap 114.) When the board got refreshed, there was a caution on lap 120, when Ed Flemke, Jr spun in turn four. The leaders came down onto pit road to either change tires or take fuel - the rule was that you do either or, not both on a single stop; if you want to take fuel, you change tires first and vice versa. The leader after all of the pit stops were done was Jamie Tomaino. Mike Stefanik was now second, with Erick Rudolph in third and Santos back up to fourth. The green came back out on lap 126 with Tomaino getting the jump on the field and taking the lead. The battle was for second between Stefanik and Blewett, who became second and third consecutively. Things got chaotic when Tomaino spun in turn four on lap 129, bringing out the third caution of the event. The new leader of the event was now Stefanik. Ryan Preece became the new second place driver, followed by Blewett and Rudolph. The restart on lap 133 was about to become interesting. Stefanik picked up the lead, with a fight for second between Preece and Blewett. Blewett took over second and was looking for the lead. Another battle? Yes. While Blewett became the new leader, Preece was sent spinning in turns three and four. Other cars went spinning. The caution came out on lap 137. The top four cars on the board were now Blewett, Santos, Christopher, and James Civali. There was to be a restart on lap 142. And it was Blewett taking the lead. Christopher took second from Santos. The two drivers in first and second were battling for position deeper in the field earlier in the race, and now it looked like they were going to be going at it for the lead. Santos was right behind them. Christopher took the lead on lap 146, and Santos was ready to follow him. Santos took second on lap 147. With only 50 laps to go in the event, the field was single file for a third time in the race. The race slowed down on lap 155, when E. Goodale spun in turn four. Throughout the race, numerous cars had gone in and out of pit road. The only exception to that rule was Christopher. His plan was to go the distance without stopping for gas, The question is - would he make it? The restart on 160 would be part of the answer. Christopher reclaimed the lead on that restart, with Blewett taking over second from Santos, who slipped into third. Unfortunately, the green flag run was short lived on lap 163, when K. Goodale got up high in turn three. During that caution, it looked like K. Goodale was getting a bit of retaliation from Coby over the caution in question. It was known during this caution period that Blewett was another driver who had not taken any fuel during the race, so the storyline about fuel continued. Meanwhile, there was a restart on lap 167. Christopher went back into the lead, but Blewett was still battling him until Christopher claimed it a lap later. Blewett’s problem was now Santos in a fight for second. By lap 175, the field was single file again, which was a common trend during any long stretch of green flag runs. Christopher was out in front by a half straightaway at best. Blewett was still getting badgered by Santos for the second spot. On lap 183, Coby was in smoke and high in turn two. There was no choice but to throw the caution. During the caution, the fuel strategy was in full gear. Christopher needed a push after a very short red flag on lap 184, Would the strategy continue to factor the race on a lap 188 restart? No. At least, not early on. Christopher continued to lead the race, with Blewett and Santos on his heels. With only eight laps to go, Christopher started to pull away from the field, but he’d have his hands full after a lap 195 caution. The caution was for Hartmann - he was stuck on the road course part of the backstretch. This set up a restart on lap 198. Christopher and Blewett were battling for the lead until Blewett got loose in turn three - it ended up with Blewett, Chris Pasteryak, and E. Goodale in distress on the frontstretch. Fortunately for Christopher, he took the white flag before the caution came out. The race ended up being a yellow/checkered finish, with Christopher winning his third straight Spring Sizzler race in the Whelen Modified Tour (and the second driver to do so overall). Santos finished second, with Stefanik in third and Rowan Pennink in fourth.
Your afternoon in a nutshell is over. On tap for Friday, May 7? The first regularly scheduled race for a Stafford weekly division in 2010 - the Lincoln Tech Late Model 100. It will be guaranteed to be one heck of a race; no doubt about it.
At about 2:15, things were officially underway. The SK Modified feature was first to go.
When I first saw the feature lineup for this race, my first thought was that the inside line was going to go when the green dropped for the first time. My prediction was right. Keith Rocco pulled out in front, with Ted Christopher and Frank Ruocco following him. Within the first three laps, the top three drivers were bumper to bumper with each other, and they had a comfortable distance between themselves and the fourth place driver, Jeff Malave. The first caution came on lap 4, when Brit Andersen spun in turns three and four. The lead that the top three drivers had was now gone, and a restart was in order. When the green flag came back out, it was a neck and neck battle down the frontstretch. Rocco retook the lead in the corners, but the yellow came back out mere seconds later. Curt Brainard hit the wall coming out of turn two, and other cars bumped into each other trying to find a way around him, It was a quick caution, and once again, it was a restart. Christopher and Rocco swapped the lead a few times before another early caution came back out for Matt Gallo, who was facing backwards in the entrance to turn one. For a third straight time, they were going to try to get the lap completed. The restart proved to be a dogfight that Rocco was going to win. Christopher and Ruocco were now fighting for second, with Woody Pitkat now in the mix for a spot within the top four cars. With five laps complete, the fourth caution occurred when Nichole Morgillo started a chain of events, leaving Joe Allegro, Jr, Glenn Griswold, and Adam Skowyra up in turn one. After a few laps of caution action, the race was back underway. Rocco returned to the lead, with Christopher now pushing a fight for position. And the fight was on. Meanwhile, Malave, Tom Bolles, and Eric Berndt all went around Ruocco, who was stuck on the outside groove. The next caution would come out for Chris Jones after spinning in turns three and four. On the restart, Rocco once again pulled out in front. Christopher wasn’t too far behind. Berndt jumped into third, with Kurt Lenahan now in fourth. That was the running order after the first ten laps, when the sixth caution came out. Cars involved in a turn three accident were Jones, Griswold, Michael Gervais, Jr, Gallo, and Keith Carzello. After the accident scene was cleaned up, the restart happened and Rocco went back out in front. Once again, Christopher wanted to change that and was challenging Rocco from all sides. The two of them battled for the lead for a few laps until Christopher pulled into first at the 12 lap mark. Rocco was now trying to make any sort of move to get around him until lap 16, when a three car accident down the frontstretch brought out another caution. This time, the caution cars were Mark Bakaj, Kirk Zervas, and Bolles. On the restart, Christopher and Rocco engaged in yet another dogfight for the lead. It was on lap 19 when Rocco managed to get around Christopher. The two of them and Berndt were now in a zip code of their own… Until trouble started. On lap 25, Christopher suddenly dropped right off the pace, and Ruocco was also having trouble, which meant both cars were taken out of action. Meanwhile, Rocco was starting to build up a commanding lead over Berndt, who was already holding onto second by a sizable lead. Things slowed down on lap 33 when there was a debris sighting on the frontstretch. There was to be a restart with seven laps to go. As the restart happened, it was Rocco once again taking the lead. Berndt was being challenged by Malave for second. Malave took the position as the race was down to the final five laps. While the two of them were battling for position, Rocco was pulling away from the field and would take the win. Malave finished second over Berndt, who was third, and Lenahan finished fourth.
Next up, the Late Models. It began with double green flags and Tom Fearn in the lead in two turns. Trouble happened early as Ryan Posocco was facing backwards on the backstretch, under the Camping World sign, with a tire missing. The caution was coming out and the field was going back to its original lineup for the next restart - Posocco in the back of the pack included. On the restart, there was three-wide action going into turn one, with the winner of the fight being Fearn again. Dillon Moltz moved into second, and just in time as the caution came back out again when Jim Peterson spun in turn four. Posocco was back on pit road to get repairs from the first caution and was back out before the restart. Speaking of the restart, it was Fearn pulling out in front, with Moltz and Corey Hutchings in second and third. It was four laps into the race when Moltz took the lead from Fearn, who fell backwards as the lead change occurred. A lap later, Peterson spun again in turn four, bringing out another caution. The restart pitted Moltz and Fearn, and it was a battle that Moltz won coming out of turn two. Distance was put on between Moltz and Fearn, but only because as Moltz was getting the lead, a lap car was pulling out onto the track from pit road and nearly into the path of the field. Eight laps into the event, Fearn was getting sent backwards, courtesy of Hutchings and Woody Pitkat. Fearn was dropped to fourth in the process. On the very next lap, Scott Cook spun on the frontstretch, with JJ Hill and Michael Bennett collecting each other just past the start line. Once again, the caution came out. Moltz regained the lead on the restart, Besides #01 taking fourth from Fearn, nothing within the top few drivers changed… Until lap 13. Pitkat moved into second, followed by Jim Mavlouganes, and then Hutchings. Moltz started to pull away from the field at the halfway point. After 17 laps, Hutchings took third from Mavlouganes, and after getting passed, Mavlouganes spun in turn two. Moltz and Pitkat fought for the lead on the restart. Moltz happened to win the fight, and once again, began to pull away from second place and the rest of the field in the process. Over the course of the final 13 laps, Moltz was in command, not letting up and cruising to the win. Teammates Pitkat and Hutchings finished second and third respectively, and Fearn finished fourth.
After ceremonies for the Late Model top-three was complete, it was time for the 200-lap main event - the Whelen Modified Tour event. Out of the 33 drivers qualified for the event, 32 were starting the race. On the drop of the first green flag, Bobby Santos took the lead, with Doug Coby moving into second. The fight for position started with third, between Jimmy Blewett and Eric Berndt. Blewett was not done, and by lap 4, he passed Coby for second. Berndt moved into third, with Ron Silk getting into fourth. Silk passed Berndt on lap 8, and moved into second by lap 10. Positions changed again on lap 14, when Berndt passed Blewett for third. Coby also moved by Blewett, picking up fourth on the same lap. Meanwhile, Santos was pulling away from the field. He was leading by a half straightaway by lap 17. By lap 22, the field was racing in one single file line. Cars were being lapped by lap 30, when Santos passed Wade Cole, the tail car on the lead lap until a pass was made. Then the gameplan was changed to “how do you work with lapped traffic”. The answer? Very carefully. Navigate around the lapped traffic while try to make a pass around the person in front of you - and at the 45 lap mark, passing the guy in front of you wasn’t happening frequently. The race was going fast. There were no cautions after the first 50 laps - all of which were completed within 17 minutes. And then, a yellow. The leader, Santos, was involved. Johnny Bush, Eric Goodale, and Kevin Goodale were also involved. The lead was inherited by Silk. And the restart occurred on lap 62. Coby became the new leader, putting Silk into second. Blewett settled into third. By lap 64, Coby and Silk began to go at it for the lead. Coby held him off originally, but it seemed as though Silk was not going to give up. A little further back in the field, Ted Christopher was coming. By lap 68, he was in fourth, and it looked like he was itching to move up just a bit more. Berndt wanted to take fourth away from Christopher, but it was to no avail. On lap 70, something was wrong with Silk, and it felled him to the point where he brought the car to pit road. Blewett moved to second, with Christopher now in third and Berndt in fourth. For the most part, the field was once again racing in a single line (lap 83), with a few minor exceptions deeper in. Things got interesting on lap 97, when Joe Hartmann took a ride through the frontstretch. He was able to get the car moving before a yellow came out. Finally, the race hit 100 laps with only one caution. (Actually, the field hit 100 earlier than that. In reality, the board was ten laps behind until it was fixed on lap 114.) When the board got refreshed, there was a caution on lap 120, when Ed Flemke, Jr spun in turn four. The leaders came down onto pit road to either change tires or take fuel - the rule was that you do either or, not both on a single stop; if you want to take fuel, you change tires first and vice versa. The leader after all of the pit stops were done was Jamie Tomaino. Mike Stefanik was now second, with Erick Rudolph in third and Santos back up to fourth. The green came back out on lap 126 with Tomaino getting the jump on the field and taking the lead. The battle was for second between Stefanik and Blewett, who became second and third consecutively. Things got chaotic when Tomaino spun in turn four on lap 129, bringing out the third caution of the event. The new leader of the event was now Stefanik. Ryan Preece became the new second place driver, followed by Blewett and Rudolph. The restart on lap 133 was about to become interesting. Stefanik picked up the lead, with a fight for second between Preece and Blewett. Blewett took over second and was looking for the lead. Another battle? Yes. While Blewett became the new leader, Preece was sent spinning in turns three and four. Other cars went spinning. The caution came out on lap 137. The top four cars on the board were now Blewett, Santos, Christopher, and James Civali. There was to be a restart on lap 142. And it was Blewett taking the lead. Christopher took second from Santos. The two drivers in first and second were battling for position deeper in the field earlier in the race, and now it looked like they were going to be going at it for the lead. Santos was right behind them. Christopher took the lead on lap 146, and Santos was ready to follow him. Santos took second on lap 147. With only 50 laps to go in the event, the field was single file for a third time in the race. The race slowed down on lap 155, when E. Goodale spun in turn four. Throughout the race, numerous cars had gone in and out of pit road. The only exception to that rule was Christopher. His plan was to go the distance without stopping for gas, The question is - would he make it? The restart on 160 would be part of the answer. Christopher reclaimed the lead on that restart, with Blewett taking over second from Santos, who slipped into third. Unfortunately, the green flag run was short lived on lap 163, when K. Goodale got up high in turn three. During that caution, it looked like K. Goodale was getting a bit of retaliation from Coby over the caution in question. It was known during this caution period that Blewett was another driver who had not taken any fuel during the race, so the storyline about fuel continued. Meanwhile, there was a restart on lap 167. Christopher went back into the lead, but Blewett was still battling him until Christopher claimed it a lap later. Blewett’s problem was now Santos in a fight for second. By lap 175, the field was single file again, which was a common trend during any long stretch of green flag runs. Christopher was out in front by a half straightaway at best. Blewett was still getting badgered by Santos for the second spot. On lap 183, Coby was in smoke and high in turn two. There was no choice but to throw the caution. During the caution, the fuel strategy was in full gear. Christopher needed a push after a very short red flag on lap 184, Would the strategy continue to factor the race on a lap 188 restart? No. At least, not early on. Christopher continued to lead the race, with Blewett and Santos on his heels. With only eight laps to go, Christopher started to pull away from the field, but he’d have his hands full after a lap 195 caution. The caution was for Hartmann - he was stuck on the road course part of the backstretch. This set up a restart on lap 198. Christopher and Blewett were battling for the lead until Blewett got loose in turn three - it ended up with Blewett, Chris Pasteryak, and E. Goodale in distress on the frontstretch. Fortunately for Christopher, he took the white flag before the caution came out. The race ended up being a yellow/checkered finish, with Christopher winning his third straight Spring Sizzler race in the Whelen Modified Tour (and the second driver to do so overall). Santos finished second, with Stefanik in third and Rowan Pennink in fourth.
Your afternoon in a nutshell is over. On tap for Friday, May 7? The first regularly scheduled race for a Stafford weekly division in 2010 - the Lincoln Tech Late Model 100. It will be guaranteed to be one heck of a race; no doubt about it.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Much Ado About Sizzler Saturday
After much pomp and circumstance over the winter months, the 2010 Stafford Motor Speedway season kicked off in style with the Saturday portion of the CARQuest Tech-Net Spring Sizzler. While it was deemed to be a somewhat quiet day, one would guess that it was going to be far from quiet. With only a few features and time trials for the Whelen Modified Tour, it had all of the hype to be wild afternoon. All of that set the stage for the action that is the season ahead.
First on the agenda was time trials for the Whelen Modified Tour. Ready to take time were 36 drivers, and the usual two-lap qualifying system was in place. 35 of them managed to take two laps (one of them had a bit of an issue before the second of the laps was completed), and in the end, history was made for the second straight week. Bobby Santos became the first Whelen Modified Tour driver to crack the 18-second mark in qualifying, posting a fast time of 17.965 seconds - 100.195 miles per hour and a new track record - for his second pole of the young season. Later that day, the top ten fastest drivers redrew for the main event, and when the field gets the green flag, Santos will remain on the pole.
After a very eventful session of weekly division heats (including a tête-à-tête on the frontstretch during one of the Late Model heats that ended with a driver getting restrained by track officials) and two consolation events for the SK Modifieds, the features were underway.
Once all of the qualifying was set and out of the way, the SK Lights took to the track for the first official feature of the season. Sure to be just as interesting. When the green flag flew, Ted Cain took an early lead from Tony Santangelo, but Cain was not getting the lead easily. The two drivers fought for the lead over the course of the first and part of the second lap. That was when the yellow flew for the first time, as Victoria Bergenty and Kyle Spencer spun in turns three and four. On the restart, Cain once again pulled slightly ahead, with Santangelo not backing down without a fight. It wasn’t until the second full lap until Cain finally gave himself some space between himself and second place, now between Santangelo and Frank Cardile. Cardile then moved into second, with Santangelo in possession of third. The majority of the field ran in single file formation for a good part of the first half of the race, save for some changes in position deeper into the field. On lap 9, Santangelo and David Webb battled for positions within the top five. When lap 11 came out, Joseph Cipirano, III ended up spinning in turns three and four, bringing out the second caution of the race. Mere seconds after the yellow was already out, Cardile spun in turns one and two, but was able to get the spot back when it was determined that the caution was out before he spun. The green came back out and things went haywire. Something was wrong with Cain, and he ended up getting sent backwards while Cardile moved into the lead. Webb followed him into second and was looking to get into the lead when the third caution came out, for Spencer and Cipirano, who spun in turn four. It was determined that Webb did not take the lead before the caution came out in that period, but things could happen on the restart. And they did. While Erica Santos went through the frontstretch grass, Webb finally became the new leader of the race. But on lap 14, Zachary Aszklar spun in turns three and four, bringing the yellow out yet another time. Unfortunately for Webb, a full lap was not completed, and he was bumped back to second and once again looking for the lead with another restart and six laps to go. Cardile went back into the lead on the restart, with Cain and Webb now fighting for second. Webb took second as the board hit lap 15, and again, he had the lead in mind. With three laps to go, Webb took over the lead, with Cain getting around Cardile for second. Webb began to pull away from the field, and it appeared as though he was going to become the first feature winner of the season. But the parade was put on hold as Tommy Membrino, Jr ended up hitting the outside wall in turn two. Santos ended up in the grass in the same turn. Other cars managed to get around them in the process. During the caution, the field was stopped on the frontstretch to get the field set out. Webb was the leader, with Cain in second, Cardile in third, and John Hanafin in fourth. The race was going to be settled with a two lap, green white checker scenario. Webb didn’t get up to speed on the restart, giving Cain the lead. Hanafin was now challenging Webb for second but lost out, giving Webb motive to challenge Cain for the win coming out of turn four on the last lap. It was a matter of inches, but Cain squeaked out the win. Webb finished second, with Santos coming back from the grass during the final caution in third and Hanafin in fourth.
The middle race on the agenda was that of the Limited Late Models. Only 14 cars in it, but it was sure to be impressive like the feature that came before it. Carla Botticello pulled out to a short lead as the field went into the first corners, but Andrew Durand claimed it when they exited turn two. His lead was short lived as a four car spin/accident in turns three and four brought out an early caution. The four cars that were involved in the incident were Paul Varricchio, Jr, Dave Yardley, III, Joseph Nogiec, and Dan Flannery. This would put Botticello back on the outside of the front row, alongside Durand for the restart. Speaking of the restart, it was Durand who would put himself back out in front. Kevin Gambacorta became the car in second, and was over the back bumper of Durand as a lap finally ticked off the board. Botticello was involved in a battle for third with Rob Dow, with Dow winning the aforementioned fight for position. Meanwhile, a fight for the lead took place between Durand and Gambacorta - and you could give the win for the battle of position to Gambacorta. The two lead cars and Dow distanced themselves slightly from the rest of the field (with Gambacorta and Durand distancing themselves a bit from the third place Dow). The field - for the most part - ran single file as the laps slowly started to dwindle. Gambacorta still separated himself from Durand as the second half of the race progressed, and it was more than enough to claim a commanding win. Durand earned a second place finish. Dow finished third, and Michael Wray ended up finishing fourth.
Ending the Saturday portion of the Spring Sizzler, it was the DARE Stock feature. It was Tony Membrino, Jr taking an early lead, with Don Wood settling into second. There was a fight for position midway through the field in the first lap of action, but towards the back of the pack, there was a little spin by Kelsey Rottino in turn four. Kaitlyn Brice ended up with some sheet metal damage (albeit minor), and all of that was enough to bring out the caution with a mere lap on the board. When the green flag came back out, Membrino and Wood battled down the frontstretch until they hit the turns, when Membrino finally pulled away. Wood once again had to settle for second. As the laps ticked by, Membrino kept the distance between himself and second place Wood. In third and fourth spots, Jeff Jolly and Kyle Casagrande were also in contention for a podium spot. Second, third, and fourth were now in close range to each other, but they were not in close range of Membrino. Membrino had too much for the rest of the field as he picked up the win on opening weekend. Wood was in second, Jolly finished third, while Casagrande finished in fourth.
And that was how things ended on Sizzler Saturday. The forecast for Sunday called for rain, and it didn’t let up. All Sunday events at the track were moved to Saturday, May 1, on the back end of a special Friday/Saturday doubleheader at the track. Friday, it’s the DARE Stocks, Limited Late Models, and SK Lights in special extra distance races. And on Saturday, it’s the SK Modifieds, Late Models, and Whelen Modified Tour. All of this is weather permitting.
First on the agenda was time trials for the Whelen Modified Tour. Ready to take time were 36 drivers, and the usual two-lap qualifying system was in place. 35 of them managed to take two laps (one of them had a bit of an issue before the second of the laps was completed), and in the end, history was made for the second straight week. Bobby Santos became the first Whelen Modified Tour driver to crack the 18-second mark in qualifying, posting a fast time of 17.965 seconds - 100.195 miles per hour and a new track record - for his second pole of the young season. Later that day, the top ten fastest drivers redrew for the main event, and when the field gets the green flag, Santos will remain on the pole.
After a very eventful session of weekly division heats (including a tête-à-tête on the frontstretch during one of the Late Model heats that ended with a driver getting restrained by track officials) and two consolation events for the SK Modifieds, the features were underway.
Once all of the qualifying was set and out of the way, the SK Lights took to the track for the first official feature of the season. Sure to be just as interesting. When the green flag flew, Ted Cain took an early lead from Tony Santangelo, but Cain was not getting the lead easily. The two drivers fought for the lead over the course of the first and part of the second lap. That was when the yellow flew for the first time, as Victoria Bergenty and Kyle Spencer spun in turns three and four. On the restart, Cain once again pulled slightly ahead, with Santangelo not backing down without a fight. It wasn’t until the second full lap until Cain finally gave himself some space between himself and second place, now between Santangelo and Frank Cardile. Cardile then moved into second, with Santangelo in possession of third. The majority of the field ran in single file formation for a good part of the first half of the race, save for some changes in position deeper into the field. On lap 9, Santangelo and David Webb battled for positions within the top five. When lap 11 came out, Joseph Cipirano, III ended up spinning in turns three and four, bringing out the second caution of the race. Mere seconds after the yellow was already out, Cardile spun in turns one and two, but was able to get the spot back when it was determined that the caution was out before he spun. The green came back out and things went haywire. Something was wrong with Cain, and he ended up getting sent backwards while Cardile moved into the lead. Webb followed him into second and was looking to get into the lead when the third caution came out, for Spencer and Cipirano, who spun in turn four. It was determined that Webb did not take the lead before the caution came out in that period, but things could happen on the restart. And they did. While Erica Santos went through the frontstretch grass, Webb finally became the new leader of the race. But on lap 14, Zachary Aszklar spun in turns three and four, bringing the yellow out yet another time. Unfortunately for Webb, a full lap was not completed, and he was bumped back to second and once again looking for the lead with another restart and six laps to go. Cardile went back into the lead on the restart, with Cain and Webb now fighting for second. Webb took second as the board hit lap 15, and again, he had the lead in mind. With three laps to go, Webb took over the lead, with Cain getting around Cardile for second. Webb began to pull away from the field, and it appeared as though he was going to become the first feature winner of the season. But the parade was put on hold as Tommy Membrino, Jr ended up hitting the outside wall in turn two. Santos ended up in the grass in the same turn. Other cars managed to get around them in the process. During the caution, the field was stopped on the frontstretch to get the field set out. Webb was the leader, with Cain in second, Cardile in third, and John Hanafin in fourth. The race was going to be settled with a two lap, green white checker scenario. Webb didn’t get up to speed on the restart, giving Cain the lead. Hanafin was now challenging Webb for second but lost out, giving Webb motive to challenge Cain for the win coming out of turn four on the last lap. It was a matter of inches, but Cain squeaked out the win. Webb finished second, with Santos coming back from the grass during the final caution in third and Hanafin in fourth.
The middle race on the agenda was that of the Limited Late Models. Only 14 cars in it, but it was sure to be impressive like the feature that came before it. Carla Botticello pulled out to a short lead as the field went into the first corners, but Andrew Durand claimed it when they exited turn two. His lead was short lived as a four car spin/accident in turns three and four brought out an early caution. The four cars that were involved in the incident were Paul Varricchio, Jr, Dave Yardley, III, Joseph Nogiec, and Dan Flannery. This would put Botticello back on the outside of the front row, alongside Durand for the restart. Speaking of the restart, it was Durand who would put himself back out in front. Kevin Gambacorta became the car in second, and was over the back bumper of Durand as a lap finally ticked off the board. Botticello was involved in a battle for third with Rob Dow, with Dow winning the aforementioned fight for position. Meanwhile, a fight for the lead took place between Durand and Gambacorta - and you could give the win for the battle of position to Gambacorta. The two lead cars and Dow distanced themselves slightly from the rest of the field (with Gambacorta and Durand distancing themselves a bit from the third place Dow). The field - for the most part - ran single file as the laps slowly started to dwindle. Gambacorta still separated himself from Durand as the second half of the race progressed, and it was more than enough to claim a commanding win. Durand earned a second place finish. Dow finished third, and Michael Wray ended up finishing fourth.
Ending the Saturday portion of the Spring Sizzler, it was the DARE Stock feature. It was Tony Membrino, Jr taking an early lead, with Don Wood settling into second. There was a fight for position midway through the field in the first lap of action, but towards the back of the pack, there was a little spin by Kelsey Rottino in turn four. Kaitlyn Brice ended up with some sheet metal damage (albeit minor), and all of that was enough to bring out the caution with a mere lap on the board. When the green flag came back out, Membrino and Wood battled down the frontstretch until they hit the turns, when Membrino finally pulled away. Wood once again had to settle for second. As the laps ticked by, Membrino kept the distance between himself and second place Wood. In third and fourth spots, Jeff Jolly and Kyle Casagrande were also in contention for a podium spot. Second, third, and fourth were now in close range to each other, but they were not in close range of Membrino. Membrino had too much for the rest of the field as he picked up the win on opening weekend. Wood was in second, Jolly finished third, while Casagrande finished in fourth.
And that was how things ended on Sizzler Saturday. The forecast for Sunday called for rain, and it didn’t let up. All Sunday events at the track were moved to Saturday, May 1, on the back end of a special Friday/Saturday doubleheader at the track. Friday, it’s the DARE Stocks, Limited Late Models, and SK Lights in special extra distance races. And on Saturday, it’s the SK Modifieds, Late Models, and Whelen Modified Tour. All of this is weather permitting.
Lineups Posted
Will be getting a thing up on Saturday's action soon, but I'm here to give you a few links in regards to the Spring Sizzler. What are those links? Lineups for the features.
SK Modified feature
Late Model feature
Whelen Modified Tour race
SK Modified feature
Late Model feature
Whelen Modified Tour race
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday/Saturday Double Feature
As you may already know, rain has come. And Stafford has decided that the rain was more than enough to postpone the Sunday portion of the Spring Sizzler. So in light of recent events, the track has decided to push all Sunday events to this upcoming Saturday, May 1. You'll still have your pit party, your SK Modified and Late Model features, and the Whelen Modified Tour race. With the revised schedule, be aware that after the pit party, there will be practice for the weekly divisions.
But there's more. There will be racing on April 30 - the date that was supposed to be the opening Friday night. It will still be the opening Friday night at the track, but with a special show. It will be an extra-distance show for three of Stafford's five weekly divisions. According to the schedule, the SK Lights will run 30 laps, the Limited Late Models go 25 laps, and the DARE Stocks are running 20 laps. Note that all racing action starts at 7:00pm, which is a little later than what it usually is on any normal Friday night.
But there's more. There will be racing on April 30 - the date that was supposed to be the opening Friday night. It will still be the opening Friday night at the track, but with a special show. It will be an extra-distance show for three of Stafford's five weekly divisions. According to the schedule, the SK Lights will run 30 laps, the Limited Late Models go 25 laps, and the DARE Stocks are running 20 laps. Note that all racing action starts at 7:00pm, which is a little later than what it usually is on any normal Friday night.
Friday, April 23, 2010
One More Batch of Pre-Sizzler News
All of the racing action at Stafford unofficially opens up later today with practice, and the livin's easy. There's also news that should be shared. And a few pieces of it, to be exact.
+ The grand marshal for the Spring Sizzler has been named. It's Jack Arute, Jr. This goes hand-in-hand with the 40th anniversary celebration the track is doing this season.
+ If the weather holds up for Sunday (and as of tonight, it doesn't look like that's going to be the case), the first 250 fans onto the track for the pit party will recieve a tee-shirt, courtesy of CARQuest.
+ Ted Christopher is racing for charity in 2010. For every lap he runs in feature races this season, $1 will go to breast cancer research. For every feature win, it's $100.
+ Meet Kaitlyn Brice - 14 years old and will be making her debut in the DARE Stock division on Saturday. She will also be the youngest driver to race at Stafford.
+ Doug Coby's going to be filling in for Tim Arre while Arre's not feeling good. This will be Coby's second start in the 0 car.
+ And finally, if you need a refresher course on past history in regards to the Whelen Mods and Stafford, take a look at the race notebook.
+ The grand marshal for the Spring Sizzler has been named. It's Jack Arute, Jr. This goes hand-in-hand with the 40th anniversary celebration the track is doing this season.
+ If the weather holds up for Sunday (and as of tonight, it doesn't look like that's going to be the case), the first 250 fans onto the track for the pit party will recieve a tee-shirt, courtesy of CARQuest.
+ Ted Christopher is racing for charity in 2010. For every lap he runs in feature races this season, $1 will go to breast cancer research. For every feature win, it's $100.
+ Meet Kaitlyn Brice - 14 years old and will be making her debut in the DARE Stock division on Saturday. She will also be the youngest driver to race at Stafford.
+ Doug Coby's going to be filling in for Tim Arre while Arre's not feeling good. This will be Coby's second start in the 0 car.
+ And finally, if you need a refresher course on past history in regards to the Whelen Mods and Stafford, take a look at the race notebook.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sizzler News and Sponsorship Stuff, Too
A few things as we're now two weeks away from qualifying day for the Spring Sizzler...
+ Woody Pitkat's going to be a little busy on Sizzler Sunday. He'll be racing in a trio of races - the Whelen Modified Tour race, the SK Modified feature, and the Late Model feature.
+ If there is a dark horse pick to win the Spring Sizzler WMT race, it is Todd Szegedy. The stats are in his favor over the past three years. And Sizzler finishes have been good as well. He just wants to win, though.
+ Call Before You Dig is back in SMS news, as it will be joining the contingency program with a bonus for the second place finisher in SK Modified features.
Only fourteen days to go before the green flag drops on a new season at Stafford.
+ Woody Pitkat's going to be a little busy on Sizzler Sunday. He'll be racing in a trio of races - the Whelen Modified Tour race, the SK Modified feature, and the Late Model feature.
+ If there is a dark horse pick to win the Spring Sizzler WMT race, it is Todd Szegedy. The stats are in his favor over the past three years. And Sizzler finishes have been good as well. He just wants to win, though.
+ Call Before You Dig is back in SMS news, as it will be joining the contingency program with a bonus for the second place finisher in SK Modified features.
Only fourteen days to go before the green flag drops on a new season at Stafford.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Out Like a Lamb
March is known to come in like a lion, and out like a lamb. We're almost at the end of the month and are less than four weeks away before the Spring Sizzler, and there's more news to report on.
+ 2010 will mark Ed Flemke, Jr's 20th attempt to win the Sizzler. It's been two decades worth of ups and downs. But inspiration can be found in a seven-time NASCAR champion and 20 attempts at the Daytona 500.
+ For Frank Cardile, the plan for this season is simple: Get to victory lane. He's been close before, but hasn't made it there. The plan this year is to win.
+ Another sponsor has re-upped in the form of The Davidson Company. They will be part of the SK Modified contingency program, tacking on a cash bonus to the winner of every SK feature this season.
And if you want to know... There is an entry list available for the Whelen Modified Tour and the big spring race. Yes, it's a short list right now. Two drivers as of early Wednesday morning.
+ 2010 will mark Ed Flemke, Jr's 20th attempt to win the Sizzler. It's been two decades worth of ups and downs. But inspiration can be found in a seven-time NASCAR champion and 20 attempts at the Daytona 500.
+ For Frank Cardile, the plan for this season is simple: Get to victory lane. He's been close before, but hasn't made it there. The plan this year is to win.
+ Another sponsor has re-upped in the form of The Davidson Company. They will be part of the SK Modified contingency program, tacking on a cash bonus to the winner of every SK feature this season.
And if you want to know... There is an entry list available for the Whelen Modified Tour and the big spring race. Yes, it's a short list right now. Two drivers as of early Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Of Driver News and Other Things.
I was thinking of when I should post the following stories, only because the winds were a son of a something else this past weekend. And on Tuesday, the winds are no more and I'm able to post without a problem. So with that being said, here are some stories for you.
+ Wade Mattesen is out of the #20 SK Modified (school and career), and in his place? Jeff Baral.
+ Ryan Posocco has four Late Model championships to his name. Last season, he just missed out on number five (by twenty points). This season, it's attempt two. Will this be the year for number five?
+ Your sponsor news of the time frame comes from Sunoco, who have renewed their contingency sponsorship. (Okay, it's New England Racing Fuel. Sunoco brand.)
There's also a little bit about the Spring Sizzler. Just a little bit of history in regards to it.
+ Wade Mattesen is out of the #20 SK Modified (school and career), and in his place? Jeff Baral.
+ Ryan Posocco has four Late Model championships to his name. Last season, he just missed out on number five (by twenty points). This season, it's attempt two. Will this be the year for number five?
+ Your sponsor news of the time frame comes from Sunoco, who have renewed their contingency sponsorship. (Okay, it's New England Racing Fuel. Sunoco brand.)
There's also a little bit about the Spring Sizzler. Just a little bit of history in regards to it.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Post of Practices, Swap Meets, and National TV
+ There are events coming up! The 2010 season at Stafford is right around the corner. In fact, the first event is in a couple of weeks. On March 28, the spring version of the motorcycle swap meet will kick off the calendar of events. And then the second swap meet (Ty-Rods auto) will be on March 11.
+ The first actual racing event will take place on April 17, as practice for the Spring Sizzler kicks into gear. This is a closed practice; only the paddock area will be open. Five straight hours of practice from 1-6pm EST. In the event of rain, the practice will be held on April 18.
+ And then the weekend after the closed practice is the big weekend. It's the 39th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler! The Whelen Modified Tour will be running a 200-lap main event, and Stafford's five weekly divisions will also be on hand. There's a schedule, but it's still bare bones. April 23 (Friday) is an open practice. If you're in the Stafford area and are looking to get a preview of what everyone's paint schemes are or who made a move up to a new division, you can head to the track on that day and check it out. General admission grandstands will be open as usual, and you don't have to pay a cent to check it out.
+ In other news, it looks like the Whelen Modified Tour's getting some television exposure. Welcome Versus (nine races, partnered up with the WSMT; those with DirecTV may still be in the dark) and Speed (five races). Speed's coverage will be tape delayed and aired as a one-hour show. Air dates and races for those planning to watch on Versus haven't been finalized yet.
+ The first actual racing event will take place on April 17, as practice for the Spring Sizzler kicks into gear. This is a closed practice; only the paddock area will be open. Five straight hours of practice from 1-6pm EST. In the event of rain, the practice will be held on April 18.
+ And then the weekend after the closed practice is the big weekend. It's the 39th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler! The Whelen Modified Tour will be running a 200-lap main event, and Stafford's five weekly divisions will also be on hand. There's a schedule, but it's still bare bones. April 23 (Friday) is an open practice. If you're in the Stafford area and are looking to get a preview of what everyone's paint schemes are or who made a move up to a new division, you can head to the track on that day and check it out. General admission grandstands will be open as usual, and you don't have to pay a cent to check it out.
+ In other news, it looks like the Whelen Modified Tour's getting some television exposure. Welcome Versus (nine races, partnered up with the WSMT; those with DirecTV may still be in the dark) and Speed (five races). Speed's coverage will be tape delayed and aired as a one-hour show. Air dates and races for those planning to watch on Versus haven't been finalized yet.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Can You Pencil Me In? Schedule's Out!
This is the second of three parts, and no, I don't think I'm going to finish this within the night. Consider these late ones Thanksgiving day treats.
So... What happened yesterday (Wednesday)? Was something finally released? Well, maybe it wasn't technically Wednesday, but it was this week that the 2010 Stafford schedule of events was released. And you're getting all of it (at least the special events) in a fine list form. Enjoy.
NOTE: This is always subject to change -- may it be rain or just something else.
April 23-25: 39th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler
May 7: Bi-annual Late Model 100
May 28: 20th annual Connecticut Classic 125 (WMT date)
June 11: 37th annual Coors Light SK 100
July 6: CARQuest Extreme Tuesday (ISMA, NEMA, Pro-4)
July 23: 7th annual CARQuest SK 150
August 6: 20th annual Stafford 150 (WMT date)
August 20: Bi-annual Late Model 100
October 1-3: 38th annual CARQuest Fall Final
Fireworks nights will be June 18, July 2, and September 3. All kids (14 and under) will be admitted free to the June 18 show if they're with an adult.
Other important dates to remember:
March 28: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
April 11: Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
June 27: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
July 24-25: 3rd annual 24 Hours of LeMons
July 31-August 1: USHRA Monster Jam
August 15: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
October 17: Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
October 31: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
So... What happened yesterday (Wednesday)? Was something finally released? Well, maybe it wasn't technically Wednesday, but it was this week that the 2010 Stafford schedule of events was released. And you're getting all of it (at least the special events) in a fine list form. Enjoy.
NOTE: This is always subject to change -- may it be rain or just something else.
April 23-25: 39th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler
May 7: Bi-annual Late Model 100
May 28: 20th annual Connecticut Classic 125 (WMT date)
June 11: 37th annual Coors Light SK 100
July 6: CARQuest Extreme Tuesday (ISMA, NEMA, Pro-4)
July 23: 7th annual CARQuest SK 150
August 6: 20th annual Stafford 150 (WMT date)
August 20: Bi-annual Late Model 100
October 1-3: 38th annual CARQuest Fall Final
Fireworks nights will be June 18, July 2, and September 3. All kids (14 and under) will be admitted free to the June 18 show if they're with an adult.
Other important dates to remember:
March 28: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
April 11: Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
June 27: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
July 24-25: 3rd annual 24 Hours of LeMons
July 31-August 1: USHRA Monster Jam
August 15: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
October 17: Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet
October 31: Connecticut Motorcycle Swap Meet
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Schedule Takes Shape
With the calendar still on 2009, the 2010 Stafford schedule is taking shape. Only four definite events are on the schedule so far, and all of them have to do with the Whelen Modified Tour.
The four dates to circle on your calendar for next year (if you have one) are...
+ April 25 (Spring Sizzler weekend)
+ May 28 (a Friday)
+ August 6 (a Friday)
+ October 3 (Fall Final weekend)
That also tells you that the season will run once again from the last weekend in April to the first weekend in October. No word yet on when the rest of the 2010 SMS schedule will be released. When it does come out, I'll give you the important dates.
The four dates to circle on your calendar for next year (if you have one) are...
+ April 25 (Spring Sizzler weekend)
+ May 28 (a Friday)
+ August 6 (a Friday)
+ October 3 (Fall Final weekend)
That also tells you that the season will run once again from the last weekend in April to the first weekend in October. No word yet on when the rest of the 2010 SMS schedule will be released. When it does come out, I'll give you the important dates.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)