Stafford Motor Speedway (APRIL 09 ARCHIVES)

STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY

55 West Street | Stafford Springs | CT | 06076

Phone: (860) 684-2783 | Fax: (860) 684-6236 | Email: markarute@staffordspeedway.com

GPS COORDINATES: N 41° 57.2526' | W 072° 19.0621'

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 26, 2009 ..... RICHIE PALLAI, JR. SCORES FIRST CAREER VICTORY; DILLON MOLTZ TAKES LATE MODEL FEATURE VICTORY ON SIZZLER SUNDAY AT STAFFORD SPEEDWAY ..... The 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST kicked off the 2009 SK Modified® and Late Model seasons at Stafford Motor Speedway with Richie Pallai, Jr. taking the 40-lap SK Modified® feature and Dillon Moltz taking the 30-lap Late Model feature.

The 40-lap SK Modified® feature took the green flag began with a bang as there was a pileup in turn 1 that collected 8 or 9 cars. Todd Owen held the lead from the pole position and he was busy up front, fending off challenges from both Ted Christopher and Frank Ruocco during the early laps of the

race.

Owen was able stay up front until lap-22 when Ted Christopher moved by Owen coming off turn 4. Frank Ruocco quickly moved by Owen for second place and he went by Christopher for the race lead on lap-26. The race took a drastic change on a lap-30 restart when Ruocco and Jeff Malave touched tires coming out of turn 2 and set off a crash that collected all but 8 cars, putting Richie Pallai, Jr. who was running third behind Ruocco and Malave, into the lead with Jimmy Blewett to his outside and Brad Hietala and Christopher behind him.

Hietala was glued to the back bumper of Pallai on the restart, and he took several runs at Pallai for the lead, but was unable to complete a pass. On lap-37, Hietala made another run at Pallai in turn 1 but they touched tires, which got Hietala loose and allowed Christopher to move from fourth to second. Hietala’s bobble afforded Pallai a nearly half-straightaway lead over Christopher for the final three laps of the race. Christopher closed the gap slightly, but he ran out of laps and time as Pallai took the checkered flag to record his first career SK Modified® feature victory. Christopher finished second, with Blewett, Owen, and Hietala rounding out the top-5.

The 30-lap Late Model feature event took the green flag with Corey Hutchings powering past polesitter Joe Rzeszutek to take the early race lead. Hutchings appeared to have the car to beat as he fended off all challengers through the first 28 laps of the race. On a green white checkered restart, Hutchings and Tom Fearn made contact, which sent Hutchings spinning and brought out the caution flag. Fearn was sent to the rear of the field for rough riding, which put Scott Cook into the lead with Dillon Moltz to his outside. Several more green white checkered restart attempts were made before the final restart of the race. Moltz powered past Cook and drove away over the final two laps to take the checkered flag. Cook finished second, with Ryan Posocco, Jim Mavlouganes, and Michael Bennett rounding out the top-5.

Stafford Motor Speedway returns to racing this Friday night, May 1st with a five division card of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action. Adult General Admission tickets are $15.00, children 6-14 are $5, and children 5 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. May is Youth Organization Month at SMS, and any child age 6-14 wearing a youth team shirt or uniform to the track will be admitted free of charge. Reserved tickets are available for $18.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers plenty of free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783, or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

SK MODIFIED® (40): 1) Richie Pallai, Jr., Yorktown Heights, NY, 2) Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT, 3) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ, 4) Todd Owen, Somers, CT, 5) Brad Hietala, Ellington, CT, 6) Frank Hirt, Danbury, CT, 7) Chris Matthews, Stafford, CT, 8) Rich Hammann, Tolland, CT, 9) Woody Pitkat, Stafford Springs, CT, 10) Mark Bakaj, Lebanon, CT, 11) Kenny Horton, Guilford, CT, 12) Wade Mattesen, Tolland, CT, 13) Frank Ruocco, Cheshire, CT, 14) Jeff Malave, Manchester, CT, 15) Matt Gallo, Kensington, CT, 16) Chris Jones, New Milford, CT, 17) Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT,

18) Doug Coby, Milford, CT, 19) Kurt Lenahan, Roxbury, CT, 20) Curt Brainard, Canton, CT, 21) Joe Allegro, Jr., Vernon, CT, 22) Kirk Zervas, Winthrop, MA, 23) Sean Foster, Ellington, CT, 24) Brett Gonyaw, Manchester, CT, 25) Kerry Malone, Needham, MA, 26) Zach Sylvester, Lebanon, CT, 27) Dave Salzarulo, Monson, MA, 28) Tom Bolles, Ellington, CT.

LATE MODEL (30): 1) Dillon Moltz, Waterford, CT, 2) Scott Cook, Uncasville, CT, 3) Ryan Posocco, Stafford Springs, CT, 4) Jim Mavlouganes, Bethany, CT, 5) Michael Bennett, Stafford Springs, CT, 6) Jim Peterson, Monson, MA, 7) Tom Fearn, East Longmeadow, MA, 8) Rick Charette, Vernon, CT, 9) Tom Butler, Stafford Springs, CT, 10) Walt Wosko, Jr., West Suffield, CT, 11) Mark St. Hilaire, Berlin, CT, 12) Corey Hutchings, Salem, CT, 13) Joe Rzeszutek, South Hadley, MA, 14) Billy Snow, III, Berlin, CT, 15) Doug Blowers, Jr., Newton Highlands, MA, 16) Tracy Brouillette, Prospect, CT, 17) Brian Chapin, Three Rivers, MA, 18) Dave Wray, Meriden, CT, 19) Adam Gray, Belchertown, MA, 20) Ed Ricard, Stafford Springs, CT, 21) Tony Lafo, Higganum, CT, 22) Alan Provost, Monson, MA, 23) John Kasper, Wilbraham, MA, 24) Ed Gertsch, Jr., East Haven, CT, 25) Don Acker, Jr., Orange, CT, 26) Billy Gertch Jr, East Haven, CT, 27) John Hill, Jr., Stafford Springs, CT.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 25, 2009 ..... ANDERSEN, DURAND, & WOOD SCORE FIRST WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES FEATURE EVENTS OF 2009 AT STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY’S TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER SATURDAY ..... Stafford Motor Speedway’s 2009 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season and the chase for track championships got underway with its first feature events of the year. Brit Andersen powered to victory in his return to Stafford’s SK Light Modified competition, while Andrew Durand outlasted defending Limited Late Model champion Bill Davis to take the first victory for the new Stafford Speedway 602 Limited Late Model Spec Engine. Don Wood wired the field to take the checkered flag in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature event.

In the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature event, it was Earl Pelletier leading the field to the green flag. Pelletier led the first two laps of the race before Brit Andersen moved to the front. Andersen began to slowly pull away from Pelletier and had a half-straightaway lead when the caution flew with 8 laps complete. Andersen continued to be the dominant car, pulling away from the competition through several caution periods. The final caution of the race came out with 3 laps to go and Andersen briefly lost the lead to Tony Santangelo, but was able to get back by Santangelo and race to the victory. Santangelo finished second, with Ted Cain, Earl Pelletier, and Jay Goff rounding out the top-5.

In the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature event, there was a lead change at the green flag as Michael Chaves moved past Charlie Newman. Chaves held the race lead until lap-10 when a hard charging Andrew Durand moved by Chaves in turn 1. A late caution set up a three-lap dash to the finish that saw Durand and last year’s Limited Late Model champion Bill Davis duel for the lead. Davis kept even with Durand on lap-18, but Durand cleared Davis on lap-19 and went on to collect the checkered flag. Durand’s victory was the first win for the new Stafford 602 Limited Late Model Spec Engine. Rounding out the top-5 behind Durand and Davis was Dennis Botticello, Carla Botticello, and Jesse Hinze.

In the 15-lap DARE Stock feature event, the race belonged to Don Wood. Wood took the lead at the drop of the green flag and he led all 15 laps to take the checkered flag. The win did not come easy to Wood as Jeff Jolly was hounding the back bumper of Wood over the final 5 laps of the race, but was unable to make a pass on Wood. Bill Dunn finished third, with Albert Saunders fourth and Kyle Nosal fifth.

For more information contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783, or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

Starting Lineup

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour - Tech-Net Spring Sizzler Presented by CARQUEST

Stafford Motor Speedway - Stafford Springs, CT

Lap Length: 0.5 miles

1. (3) Ryan Preece, Kensington, Conn., Chevrolet, 97.965, 2. (16) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Pontiac, 97.997, 3. (36) Ted Christopher, Plainville, Conn., Chevrolet, 99.174 **, 4. (54) Eric Berndt, Cromwell, Conn., Chevrolet, 97.943, 5. (93) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 97.720, 6. (2) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 97.471,

7. (52) Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 97.667, 8. (4) Donny Lia, Jericho, N.Y., Dodge, 97.938, 9. (75) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Pontiac, 97.498, 10. (12) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 97.503, 11. (17) Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Mass., Chevrolet, 97.392, 12. (60) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 97.297, 13. (19) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 97.213, 14. (59) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 97.135, 15. (79) Ron Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac, 97.009, 16. (28) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 96.957, 17. (46) Eric Beers, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 96.915, 18. (1) Rob Summers, Vernon, Conn., Chevrolet, 96.889, 19. (14) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill, Conn., Ford, 96.686, 20. (10) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 96.598, 21. (18) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 96.556, 22. (21) Richard Savary, Canton, Mass., Chevrolet, 96.417, 23. (90) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 96.267, 24. (99) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 96.190, 25. (09) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield, Mass., Chevrolet, 96.123, 26. (05) Joe Hartmann, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 95.995, 27. (08) Tommy Farrell, III, Neptune, N.J., Chevrolet, 95.944 *, 28. (8) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays, N.Y., Chevrolet, 95.903, 29. (58) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 94.305 *+, 30. (33) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 95.679 +, 31. (32) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich, Conn., Chevrolet, 95.775 +, 32. (9) Jake Marosz, Middletown, Conn., Chevrolet, 92.095 +, 33. (50) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 95.836 +.

* Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender

** Coors Light Pole Winner

+ Provisional Starter

Top 10 Qualifiers Redrew

STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 27, 2009: Following post race technical inspection from the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature events at Stafford Motor Speedway, the following changes have been made to the official SK Light Modified and Limited Late Model orders of finish.

Unofficial SK Light Modified second place finisher Tony Santangelo was disqualified from the official order of finish. Santangelo’s car was found to have staggered brake calipers and he was disqualified from his finishing position of second place to the last place finishing position of 25th place.

SK LIGHT MODIFIED (20): 1) Brit Andersen, Mooresville, NC, 2) Ted Cain, Plymouth CT, 3) Earl Pelletier, Wolcott CT, 4) Jay Goff, Stafford Springs CT, 5) Tommy Membrino, Jr., Prospect CT, 6) John Hanafin, Quincy, MA, 7) Michael Gervais, Southbury CT, 8) Harry Wheeler, Stafford Springs CT, 9) Fred Nees, Jr., New Milford CT, 10) Rick Burwood, Enfield CT, 11) Todd Clark, Bristol CT, 12) Steven Greer, Harwinton CT, 13) Lauren Cooper, Southbury CT, 14) Rick Williams, Haddam CT, 15) Heather DesRochers, Granby, MA, 16) Adam Skowyra, Brimfield, MA, 17) David Webb, New Milford CT, 18) Mike Lane, Middlefield CT, 19) Erica Santos, Franklin, MA, 20) Shawn Brule, West Thompson CT, 21) John Montesanto, North Branford CT, 22) Kyle Spencer, Montgomery, MA, 23) C.J. Lacativa, Poughkeepsie, NY, 24) Frank Cardile, Bolton CT. 2) to 25) Tony Santangelo, Middlefield CT.

Unofficial Limited Late Model third place finisher Dennis Botticello was disqualified from the official order of finish. Botticello’s car was found to exceed the maximum left side weight percentage and he was disqualified from his finishing position of third place to the last place finishing position of 19th place.

LIMITED LATE MODEL (20): 1) Andrew Durand, Chicopee, MA, 2) Bill Davis, Monson, MA, 3) Carla Botticello, Manchester CT, 4) Jesse Hinze, Farmington CT, 5) Charlie Newman, Stafford Springs CT, 6) Kevin Gambacorta, Ellington CT, 7) Dave Yardley III, Meriden CT, 8) Vince Gambacorta, Ellington CT, 9) Jeff Hubbell, Naugatuck CT, 10) Marc Russell, Oxford, MA, 11) Dan Flannery, Ellington CT, 12) Mike Chaves, South Windsor CT, 13) Brian Clement, Wethersfield CT, 14) Scott Roy, Windsor CT, 15) Mike Wray, Northford CT, 16) Joe Nogiec, Bristol CT, 17) Barry Thomasen, Plainville CT, 18) Shawn Thibeault, Plainville CT, 3) to 19) Dennis Botticello, Suffield CT.

DARE STOCK (15): 1) Don Wood, Palmer, MA, 2) Jeff Jolly, Wallingford, CT, 3) Bill Dunn, Prospect CT, 4) Albert Saunders, Stafford, CT, 5) Kyle Nosal, Higganum, CT, 6) Robert Thompson, Springfield, MA, 7) Kyle Casagrande, Stafford Springs, CT, 8) Steve Berardi, Broad Brook, CT, 9) Matt Chiarizio, Stafford Springs, CT, 10) Duane Provost, Indian Orchard, MA, 11) Tom Stirk, West Haven, CT, 12) Victoria Bergenty, Plainville, CT, 13) Cliff Saunders, Stafford, CT, 14) Jim Brice, Manchester, CT, 15) Melissa Blowers, Cromwell, CT, 16) Barry Fluckiger, Vernon, CT, 17) Seth Wallace, East Hartford, CT, 18) Donovin Secore, Vernon, CT, 19) John Lelas, III, Guilford, CT, 20) Stephanie Berardi, Broad Brook, CT, 21) Dennis Eschenbrenner, Plainville, CT, 22) Todd Laporta, Waterbury, CT.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 25, 2009 ..... NEW ENGLAND RACING FUEL DEBUTS NEW PARTICIPATION IN SMS CONTINGENCY PROGRAM AT 38TH ANNUAL TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER ..... Thanks to New England Racing Fuel with Mike Joy and John Holland, SK Modified® and Late Model competitors who utilize the new SMS Spec Engine program during the 2009 season can look forward to being rewarded with gasoline from the SMS Contingency Program. New England Racing Fuel will provide a weekly fuel certificate of $25 towards the purchase of Sunoco 260 GTX gasoline to the top-3 finishing SK Modified® and Late Model cars who are competing with the new SMS Spec Engine in each feature event during the 2009 season. The first such bonus will be awarded this weekend as the SMS competitors take to the track for the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

New England Racing Fuel will also continue to contribute fuel certificates in the amount of $50 to third place finishers in each SK Modified® and Late Model feature event, and a $25 fuel certificate to the first, second, and third place finishers in each SK Light Modified, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock feature events, bringing New England Racing Fuel’s total contribution to $425 in gasoline certificates available every Friday night to Stafford competitors, an increase of $150 from prior seasons.

New England Racing Fuel is a charter member of the SMS contingency program, with 2009 marking the 11th consecutive season that co-owners Mike Joy and John Holland have been members of the SMS Contingency Program.

“We’re excited to be back at Stafford for another season,” said John Holland of New England Racing Fuel. “Stafford is a great partner to be a associated with, they have a first rate facility, great racing, and it’s a fun family atmosphere each Friday night at the track. Mike [Joy] and I are always looking for ways to be able to give something back to the drivers and tracks, and we like to be able to put something directly into the competitors hands, and we’ve found that the contingency program at Stafford has been one of the best ways for us to do that.”

“We’re happy to have New England Racing Fuel and Sunoco as part of the contingency program for another season,” stated SMS CEO Mark Arute. “John and Mike have always been great supporters of racing here at Stafford, and their new participation with our spec engine cars is further proof of the commitment from New England Racing Fuel as well as the track to be able to offer some cost savings to our weekly competitors. Mike and John have been with us as part of the contingency program since the beginning and their support of our weekly competitors just keeps getting bigger and better.”

Sunoco is the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco 110 Standard, 112 Supreme and Sunoco GTX 260 can be purchased at the Sunoco truck found in Stafford’s paddock area every Friday night, where Don Stone will redeem competitors’ contingency coupons for free racing gasoline. For more information about Sunoco Race Fuels, visit them online at www.newenglandracingfuel.com.

Stafford Motor Speedway is still accepting contingency sponsors for the 2009 racing season. For more information on how to become a contingency partner, contact the SMS track office at (860) 684-2783, or log onto www.staffordspeedway.com and click on MARKETING KIT to view the CONTINGENCY PROGRAM portion of Stafford Motor Speedway’s Marketing Kit.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 22, 2009 ..... 38th ANNUAL TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR ENTRY LIST ..... As of the end of business, Wednesday, April 22nd, Stafford Motor Speedway has received the following Whelen Modified Tour entries for the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

38th ANNUAL TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER PRESENTED BY CARQUEST NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR ENTRY LIST

CAR# DRIVER HOME TOWN TEAM SPONSOR CAR MAKE

05 JOE HARTMANN CALVERTON NY CHARLIES QUALITY COLLISION CHEVROLET

08 THOMAS FARRELL, III NEPTUNE NJ - CHEVROLET

09 BOBBY GRIGAS, III MARSHFIELD MA TRIPLE G. SCAFFOLD SVS. CHEVROLET

1 ROB SUMMERS VERNON CT FRASCO FUEL CHEVROLET

2 TODD SZEGEDY BETHEL CT WISK-SNUGGLE FORD

3 RYAN PREECE KENSINGTON CT MIZZY CONST. / REYNOLDS AUTO WRECKING CHEVROLET

4 DONNY LIA HUNTINGTON STATION NY MYSTIC MISSILE DODGE

8 GLEN TYLER HAMPTON BAYS NY SYPHER CONSTRUCTION CHEVROLET

9 JAKE MAROSZ MIDDLETOWN CT MIDDLESEX AUTO CENTER CHEVROLET

10 EDDIE FLEMKE, JR. SOUTHINGTON CT RON BOUCHARD AUTO STORES / KLEER LUMBER

CHEVROLET

12 JIMMY BLEWETT HOWELL NJ T.S. HAULERS, INC. CHEVROLET

14 REGGIE RUGGIERO ROCKY HILL CT ATLANTIC SPRINKLER FORD

16 MIKE STEFANIK COVENTRY RI DIVERSIFIED METALS PONTIAC

17 GLEN REEN WILBRAHAM MA REEN ORTHODONTICS / PEP BOYS CHEVROLET

18 KEN HEAGY CALVERTON NY BUOY ONE SEAFOOD CHEVROLET

19 DOUG COBY MILFORD CT MAJOR MOTION TRANSPORT / FAMILY AUTO CENTER

CHEVROLET

21 RICHARD SAVARY CANTON MA SPAFCO / PINE HILL SERVICE CHEVROLET

26 GARY McDONALD RONKONKO MA NY LAKELAND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY / RC ELECTRIC

PONTIAC

28 WOODY PITKAT STAFFORD CT RAMAR-HALL INC. CHEVROLET

32 TOM ABELE, JR. NORWICH CT CRYSTAL AUTO BODY / RH2 RADIOS CHEVROLET

33 WADE COLE RIVERTON CT PERFORMANCE ENGINES / KENDALL OIL / RYAN’S OIL

CHEVROLET

36 TED CHRISTOPHER PLAINVILLE CT AL-LEE INSTALLATIONS CHEVROLET

46 ERIC BEERS NORTHAMPTON PA CAPE COD AGGREGATES / J + R PRECAST CHEVROLET

50 KEVIN GOODALE RIVERHEAD NY RIVERHEAD BUILDING SUPPLY CHEVROLET

52 CHRIS PASTERYAK JEWETT CITY CT FURNACE & DUCT SUPPLY CHEVROLET

54 ERIC BERNDT CROMWELL CT NORTH END AUTO PARTS CHEVROLET

58 ERIC GOODALE RIVERHEAD NY RIVERHEAD BUILDING SUPPLY CHEVROLET

59 ERICK RUDOLPH RANSOMVILLE NY ED BENNETT PROPERTIES CHEVROLET

60 MATT HIRSCHMAN NORTHAMPTON PA - CHEVROLET

68 JOHNNY BUSH HUNTINGTON STATION NY JB STONEWORKS / MEHNEY RACE ENGINES

CHEVROLET

70 ANDY SEUSS HAMPSTEAD NH STUART’S AUTO / ROCKINGHAM BOAT CHEVROLET

75 CARL PASTERYAK LISBON CT DAWLEY’S AUTO CENTER / SUNOCO PONTIAC

79 RONNIE SILK NORWALK CT HILL ENTERPRISES / COORS LIGHT / SUNOCO PONTIAC

90 RENEE DUPUIS GLASTONBURY CT UIG / SFI CHEVROLET

93 ROWAN PENNINK HUNTINGDON VALLEY PA MONK MECHANICS HAND CLEANER CHEVROLET

99 JAMIE TOMAINO HOWELL NJ IDEAL RACING CHEVROLET

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 22, 2009 ..... 2009 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER EVENT INFORMATION BULLETIN ..... The 38th annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler will represent race 2 of 14 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on their 2009 schedule of events.

Total posted awards for the 38th annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler are $88,546.

Ted Christopher is the defending champion of the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler. The Sizzler victory was the first of 4 wins for Christopher last season as he went on to win the championship. Christopher was the second consecutive driver to win both the Sizzler and the WMT Championship in the same season, following Donny Lia in 2007. Other drivers who have won both the Sizzler and the WMT Championship in the same season include Richie Evans (1985), Mike Stefanik (1989, 1997, 1998), and Tony Hirschman (2005).

As of April 20, 2009, Stafford Motor Speedway has received 36 entries for the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

Mike Stefanik leads all Whelen Modified Tour drivers with 20 career victories at Stafford Motor Speedway. Other WMT drivers who have filed entries for the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler that have won at SMS include Reggie Ruggiero (8 career wins), Ted Christopher (8 career wins), Ed Flemke, Jr. (3 career wins), Todd Szegedy (3 career wins), Donny Lia (2 career wins), Doug Coby (1 career win), Jamie Tomaino (1 career win), and Jimmy Blewett (1 career win).

Mike Stefanik also leads all Whelen Modified Tour drivers with 15 career Coors Light Pole Positions at Stafford. Other drivers entered into the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler who have won multiple Coors Light Pole Positions at Stafford include Reggie Ruggiero (7 poles), Donny Lia (6 poles), Rob Summers (4 poles), Ted Christopher (2 poles), Todd Szegedy (2 poles), and Eric Beers (2 poles). Drivers with a single Stafford Coors Light Pole include Ed Flemke, Jr., Matt Hirschman, Ryan Preece, Carl Pasteryak, and Jamie Tomaino.

5 former Spring Sizzler winners have submitted entries for the 38th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler. They are Mike Stefanik and Ted Christopher (4 wins), Reggie Ruggiero (2 wins), Doug Coby and Donny Lia (1 win).

Matt Hirschman holds the Stafford Motor Speedway NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour track qualifying record of 18.009 seconds - 99.950mph. Hirschman set this mark during Coors Light Pole Qualifying for the 2007 Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

Rick Fuller holds the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler 200-lap race record of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 35 seconds at an average speed of 79.382mph. Fuller set this record during the 1992 running of the race.

Whelen Modified Tour Coors Light Pole Qualifying will commence at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 25. Qualifying will consist of two consecutive green flag laps. The faster lap will determine qualifying time and starting position. The fastest 28 cars from time trials, will earn starting positions in Sunday’s Tech-Net Spring Sizzler. The fastest qualifier will draw to determine a redraw of the top 6, 8, or 10 cars. Four provisional starting positions based on 2008 WMT owner and driver point standings. A past champion’s provisional is also available to make up the 33-car starting field.

The CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler will mark the first of four appearances by the Whelen Modified Tour at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2008. The WMT returns on May 22nd for the TSI Harley-Davidson Classic, August 7th for the Town Fair Tire 150, and October 4th for the CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend.

Last year’s Whelen Modified Tour winners at Stafford Motor Speedway were Ted Christopher (Spring Sizzler), Chuck Hossfeld (TSI Harley-Davidson Classic), Jimmy Blewett (Town Fair Tire 150), and Mike Stefanik (CARQUEST Fall Final).

The CARQUEST Spring Sizzler will mark the 91st NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event to be held at Stafford Motor Speedway and 506th event overall since the series’ inception in 1985.

Richie Evans won the first Whelen Modified Tour event held at Stafford Motor Speedway - the April 14, 1985 Tech-Net Spring Sizzler.

2008 TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER RECAP

Ryan Preece was the Coors Light Pole winner for last year’s Tech-Net Spring

Sizzler. Preece’s pole time was 18.057 seconds - 99.684mph.

Ted Christopher is the defending champion of this event. Christopher’s margin of victory last year was .719 seconds over Eric Beers. Christopher started the race in the 5th position, and led the race twice for a total of 27-laps.

2008’s top-ten finishers were: 1.Ted Christopher, 2. Eric Beers, 3. Chuck Hossfeld, 4. Mike Stefanik, 5. James Civali, 6. Rowan Pennink, 7. Richard Savary, 8. Jamie Tomaino, 9. Todd Szegedy, 10. Glenn Tyler.

Ted Christopher led the most laps in last year’s race. He led 79 of the race’s 200 laps. Other lap leaders included Ryan Preece, who led for 64 laps, Eric Beers, who led for 31 laps, Rob Summers, who led for 25 laps, and Jimmy Blewett, who led 1 lap.

Time of the race was 1 hour, 47 minutes and 2 seconds, at an average speed of 56.057 mph. There were 13 caution periods for 71 laps. 5 drivers exchanged the lead on 7 occasions. 15 of 33 cars finished on the lead lap.

TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER RACE HISTORY

The Tech-Net Spring Sizzler is the longest continuously run NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event in the country.

This will be the 38th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST. The first Spring Sizzler was held in 1972 and was won by Fred DeSarro.

22 different drivers have won the CARQUEST Spring Sizzler. Multiple CARQUEST Spring Sizzler winners include Mike Stefanik (1989, 1990, 1997, 1998), Ted Christopher (1988, 2002, 2003, 2008), Richie Evans (1975, 1976, 1985), Maynard Troyer (1977, 1978, 1979), Rick Fuller (1992, 1999, 2000), Mike Ewanitsko (1994, 1995), Reggie Ruggerio (1987, 1993), and Greg Sacks (1982, 1983). Single race winners include Fred DeSarro (1972), Ed Flemke (1973), Bugsy Stevens (1974), Geoff Bodine (1980), Bob Polverari (1981), Jimmy Spencer (1984), Brian Ross (1986), Jeff Fuller (1991), Jan Leaty (1996), John Blewett, III (2001), Jerry Marquis (2004), Tony Hirschman (2005), Doug Coby (2006), and Donny Lia (2007).

2009 CARQUEST TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER

NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES EVENT NOTEBOOK

NASCAR New England - SMS’ own in-house television program, will return for its sixth season.

All NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature events will be green flag laps only, caution laps will not count towards the feature total. SK Modified® features will regularly be 40-laps, Late Model features will be 30-laps, SK Light Modified features will be 20-laps long, Limited Late Model features will be 20-laps, and DARE Stock features will be 15-laps.

Last year’s Tech-Net Spring Sizzler feature winners were Rob Summers (SK Modified), Woody Pitkat (Late Model), Scott Foster, Jr. (Late Model 16), Chris Matthews (SK Light), Bill Davis (Limited Late Model) and Norm Sears (DARE Stock).

Keith Rocco is the defending Stafford Motor Speedway SK Modified® champion. Christopher drove to 2 wins, 14 top-5, and 14 top-10 finishes to outpoint Ted Christopher by 36 points for the championship.

Ryan Posocco is the defending Late Model track champion. Posocco drove to 7 wins, 16 top-5, and 17 top-10 finishes to outpoint Dillon Moltz by 86 points for the championship.

Joe Allegro, Jr. is the defending SK Light track champion. Allegro scored 11 top-5 and 15 top-10 finishes to win the championship by 14 points over Chris Matthews in a tight race that saw 4 drivers mathematically eligible to win the title at the Fall Final. Allegro has moved to the SK Modified® division for the 2009 season, so there will be a new champion at season’s end.

Bill Davis is the defending Limited Late Model track champion. Davis took home 3 wins, 15 top-5, and 16 top-10 finishes to take the championship by 22 points over Sean Foster.

Norm Sears is the three-time defending DARE Stock track champion. Sears drove to the DARE Stock track championship with 2 wins, 11 top-5, and 15 top-10 finishes to take the title by 8 points over Scott Roy. This season, Sears will be driving in the Limited Late Model division, assuring that there will be a new DARE Stock track champion this season.

184 total number requests have been submitted for the 2008 racing season at SMS. 51 numbers in the SK Modified® division, 43 numbers in the Late Model division, 32 numbers in the SK Light Modified division, 26 numbers in the Limited Late Model division, and 32 numbers in the DARE Stock division.

The SK Modified division had 8 different winners in 17 races last season: Woody Pitkat (5), Ted Christopher (4), Keith Rocco (2), Frank Ruocco (2), and Doug Coby, Bo Gunning, Kenny Horton, and Rob Summers.

The Late Model division had 6 different winners in 17 races last season: Ryan Posocco (7), Dillon Moltz (5), Joe Rzeszutek (2 wins), and Michael Bennett, Corey Hutchings, and Woody Pitkat.

The SK Light division had 8 different winners in 18 races last season: Chris Matthews (7), Mark Bakaj (4), Chris Bakaj (2), and Raymond Grassetti, Earl Pelletier, Alan Provost, Tony Santangelo, and Harry Wheeler.

The Limited Late Model division had 8 different winners in 17 races last season: Sean Foster (4), Bill Davis (3), Andrew Durand (3), Rob Dow (2), Joey Ferrigno (2), and Carla Botticello, Darrin Havanec, and Charlie Newman.

The DARE Stock division had 12 different winners in 17 races last season: Norm Sears (2), Scott Roy (2), Kyle Casagrande (2), Don Wood (2), and Dan Flannery (2 wins), and Matt Chiarizio, Bill Dunn, Jeff Jolly, John Kasper, Todd LaPorta, Duane Provost, and Robert Thompson.

2008 FINAL SK MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS T-5 T-10

1 KEITH ROCCO 702 +36 17 2 14 14

2 TED CHRISTOPHER 666 -36 17 4 10 14

3 CURT BRAINARD 550 -152 17 0 2 11

4 WOODY PITKAT 540 -162 17 5 9 10

5 JEFF MALAVE 528 -174 17 0 6 9

6 FRANK RUOCCO 508 -194 17 2 7 10

7 KENNY HORTON 492 -210 16 1 3 8

8 TODD OWEN 482 -220 17 0 3 9

9 ZACH SYLVESTER 462 -240 17 0 4 9

10 CHRIS JONES 460 -242 17 0 4 8

2008 FINAL LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS T-5 T-10

1 RYAN POSOCCO 798 +86 17 7 16 17

2 DILLON MOLTZ 712 -86 17 5 11 15

3 MICHAEL BENNETT 636 -162 17 1 9 12

4 JOE RZESZUTEK 518 -280 17 2 5 8

5 COREY HUTCHINGS 504 -294 15 1 5 10

6 TOM FEARN 496 -302 16 0 3 9

7 SCOTT COOK 458 -340 16 0 2 9

8 SCOTT FOSTER, JR. 454 -344 12 0 5 9

9 BRIAN CHAPIN - R 452 -346 17 0 3 7

10 TOM BUTLER 438 -360 13 0 4 9

2008 FINAL SK LIGHT MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS T-5 T-10

1 JOE ALLEGRO, JR. 694 +14 18 0 11 15

2 CHRIS MATTHEWS 680 -14 18 7 10 12

3 MARK BAKAJ 654 -40 18 4 10 12

4 RAYMOND GRASSETTI 644 -50 18 1 9 14

5 ALAN PROVOST 590 -104 17 1 8 12

6 JAY GOFF 568 -126 17 0 6 11

7 JOHN WALMSLEY 502 -192 16 0 5 11

8 TONY SANTANGELO 494 -200 18 1 4 7

9 CHRIS BAKAJ 480 -214 17 2 4 8

10 ADAM SKOWYRA - R 462 -232 17 0 2 8

2008 FINAL LIMITED LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS T-5 T-10

1 BILL DAVIS 760 +22 17 3 15 16

2 SEAN FOSTER 738 -22 17 4 13 15

3 ANDREW DURAND 648 -112 15 3 11 13

4 JOEY FERRIGNO 610 -150 17 2 7 11

5 ROB DOW 578 -182 17 2 5 13

6 KEVIN GAMBACORTA 564 -196 17 0 4 12

7 ED CHARETTE, JR. 560 -200 17 0 3 11

8 CARLA BOTTICELLO - R 544 -216 17 1 1 10

9 MICHAEL CHAVES 540 -220 17 0 3 11

10 DARRIN HAVANEC 498 -262 17 1 4 8

2008 FINAL DARE STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS T-5 T-10

1 NORM SEARS 676 +8 17 2 10 14

2 SCOTT ROY 668 -8 16 2 10 15

3 DON WOOD 632 -44 17 2 10 13

4 DAN FLANNERY 624 -52 17 2 9 13

5 JEFF JOLLY 596 -80 17 1 8 13

6 MATT CHIARIZIO 572 -104 16 1 6 12

7 TODD LaPORTA 560 -116 17 1 6 12

8 DUANE PROVOST 512 -164 16 1 3 9

9 JOHN KASPER 492 -184 17 1 4 8

10 ROBERT THOMPSON 460 -216 15 1 5 7

2008 FINAL RELIABLE WELDING & SPEED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR STANDINGS:

SK MODIFIED® DIVISION

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS TOP-5 TOP-10

1 STEVEN REED 374 +34 14 0 0 6

2 COREY HUTCHINGS 340 -34 15 0 0 4

3 KEITH CARZELLO 122 -252 8 0 0 0

4 RICH HAMMANN 74 -300 5 0 0 0

5 BRETT GONYAW 22 -352 3 0 0 0

6 DAVE NORDMAN 18 -356 1 0 0 0

7 RON D'ALESSANDRO 18 -356 2 0 0 0

8 JAY LOZYNIAK 2 -372 1 0 0 0

LATE MODEL DIVISION

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS TOP-5 TOP-10

1 BRIAN CHAPIN 398 +10 15 0 2 6

2 DUANE NOLL 388 -10 14 0 0 7

3 WALT WOSKO, JR. 194 -204 11 0 0 0

4 KYLE NOSAL 182 -216 11 0 0 0

5 JOE PERRY 111 -287 8 0 0 0

6 VICTOR POMERLEAU 65 -333 8 0 0 0

SK LIGHT MODIFIED DIVISION

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS TOP-5 TOP-10

1 ADAM SKOWYRA 446 +68 15 0 2 8

2 NEIL PROVOST, JR. 378 -68 14 0 2 5

3 TED CAIN 324 -122 14 0 2 4

4 RICK BURWOOD 290 -156 15 0 0 2

5 SHAWN BRULE 284 -162 15 0 0 0

6 TODD CLARK 238 -208 12 0 0 1

7 TOMMY MEMBRINO, JR. 230 -216 14 0 0 2

8 C.J. LACATIVA 128 -318 9 0 0 0

9 MIKE SPEENEY 14 -432 1 0 0 0

LIMITED LATE MODEL DIVISION

POS DRIVER POINTS +/- STARTS WINS TOP-5 TOP-10

1 CARLA BOTTICELLO 502 +104 15 1 1 10

2 DAVE YARDLEY, III 398 -102 13 0 0 7

3 BRIAN CLEMENT 292 -210 11 0 0 2

4 LAUREN COOPER 228 -274 10 0 0 1

5 CHRIS COOK 68 -434 4 0 0 0

NEXT EVENT:

Friday, May 1, 2009

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series - Opening Friday Night - Main Events 7:30PM

SK Modified® (40), Late Model (30), SK Light (20), Limited Late Model (20), DARE Stock (15)

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 17, 2009 ..... TED CHRISTOPHER HEADS INTO CARQUEST TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER WITH WINNING MOMENTUM ON HIS SIDE ..... As the green flag drops on the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway, Ted Christopher will be looking to add his name into another spot in the SMS record books. Christopher won his 4th career Spring Sizzler last April, a feat that tied him with Mike Stefanik for the most career Sizzler victories.

Christopher will certainly have momentum on his side when he arrives at Stafford. Christopher won the first Whelen Modified Tour event of the 2009 season, and he has a grand total of 9 wins in 15 races that he has run thusfar during the 2009 season in a wide variety of cars, ranging from Indoor TQ Midget cars to Whelen Modified Tour cars.

“It’s been a good start to the year so far,” said Christopher. “I always look forward to the Sizzler. That is a race that I’ve always run well in with both the SK car and the Tour car. But for me, it’s just another race. What you did last week or last month is in the past, and you have to focus on the current race.”

The 200-lap Tech-Net Spring Sizzler is the second longest race on the 2009 Whelen Modified Tour schedule and requires a different approach to car setup than the usual 150-lap race distance at Stafford. Christopher has over 100 career wins at the Connecticut half-mile, which he says gives him a slight advantage over the competition.

“You always do things a little different than usual for the Sizzler,” said Christopher. “Last year, we did something different, and I’m sure we’ll do something a little different this year. I think I have a little advantage over some guys with all the laps I have around Stafford, but there are a lot of guys who know how to go fast around Stafford. You really just have to see how the race goes and make adjustments, you know what they always say about the best laid plans going to waste. Brad LaFontaine, my crew chief, is real good at making adjustments. I think we showed that at Thompson, so we will be ready for them at Stafford.”

The 2009 Tech-Net Spring Sizzler gets underway Friday, April 24 with a practice session for Stafford’s weekly divisions. The practice session will be open to the public at no charge. The paddock area opens to Stafford’s weekly teams at 9:00am with practice running from 12 noon to 7:00pm. Action continues on Saturday, April 25 with spectator gates opening at 10:00am.

Racing begins at 1:30pm with Coors Light Pole Qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour cars. Following time trials will be heat and consolation races for Stafford’s weekly divisions, with feature events for Stafford’s SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions wrapping up the day’s events. The SK Light and Limited Late Model feature events will each be 20-laps while the DARE Stock feature will be 15-laps.

The Sizzler continues on Sunday, April 26 with spectator gates opening at 10:00am. Stafford’s famous CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party will run from 11:00am to 12 noon with feature racing beginning at 1:00pm. Stafford’s SK Modifieds® will take to the track first for a 40-lap feature event. The Whelen Modified Tour 200-lap Tech-Net Spring Sizzler will take the green at approximately 2:30pm, and Stafford’s Late Models will conclude the weekend with a 30-lap feature event.

Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Reserved seating is priced at $38.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information on the 38th annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler®, or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 17, 2009 ..... STEVE NICHOLS TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL FOR 38th ANNUAL TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER AT STAFFORD SPEEDWAY .....The 38th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST will be brought to life by Steve Nichols, Vice President CARQUEST division of Gates Corporation, who will give the command to start engines as Grand Marshal. Mr. Nichols began his career with Gates in May 1982 as a territory sales manager. Since then he has been a Regional Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and in 2007 he became the Vice President of the CARQUEST Belt and Hose division.

CARQUEST Belts & Hose are top quality products produced by Gates, the world’s leading manufacturer and aftermarket supplier covering both domestic and import vehicles. Many of these products are the same as those specified by OEM’s around the world. The Gates Corporation has been recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of automotive power transmission products.

CARQUEST is a recognized market leader in automotive and heavy-duty application coverage and known for first-to-market status. CARQUEST Belts & Hose customers can rely on the most complete coverage for the majority of today’s passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. CARQUEST Micro-V® Serpentine Belts offer the latest technology in V-ribbed belt design and construction. These products are available at your local CARQUEST Auto Parts store.

This year’s 38th Annual edition of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler will feature six divisions of racing, with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour headlining the weekend’s festivities. Stafford’s five Whelen All-American Series divisions, SK Modified®, Late Model, SK Light Modified, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock, will all make their 2009 season debut.

Action continues on Saturday, April 25 with spectator gates opening at 10:00am. Racing begins at 1:30pm with Coors Light Pole Qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour cars. Following time trials will be heat and consolation races for Stafford’s weekly divisions, with feature events for Stafford’s SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions wrapping up the day’s events. The SK Light and Limited Late Model feature events will each be 20-laps while the DARE Stock feature will be 15-laps.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 16, 2009 ..... ERICA SANTOS TO DRIVE IN STAFFORD’S SK LIGHT MODIFIED DIVISION FOR 2009 SEASON ..... Erica Santos, who won her first career NEMA Midget feature at Stafford during CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday in 2007, will move into the SK Light Modified division and pilot Vern Porter's #21 during the 2009 season. Santos' Stafford schedule will include the majority of the 2009 calendar, with the exception of two conflicting dates with the NEMA schedule, June 26th and July 31st.

Last season, John Walmsley posted 5 top-5 and 11 top-10 finishes driving Porter’s #21 car. When the seat opened up in the off-season, Porter had one driver in mind that he wanted to fill the seat.

“Erica is a great driver and I told her that the ride was her’s if she wanted it,” said Porter. “She has a couple conflicts with her NEMA schedule, so we will miss a couple races, but we’re looking to have fun and better our performance from last year. Joey Allegro proved that you didn’t have to win a race to have a good season.”

“Vern has known my family for a long time and we had talked a lot last season in the paddock area,” said Santos. “When the ride became available, he asked me if I would like to drive the car. It’s really tough to say no to someone when they are offering you a ride in their car. I’m definitely excited about racing at Stafford this year, it’s one of my favorite tracks to race at.”

In three career NEMA Midget starts at Stafford, Santos boasts a stellar record with a fifth and sixth place finish to go along with her victory in 2007. With the SK Light car both heavier and slower than her NEMA Midget car, Santos expects to face a challenge, but she expects to run well while overcoming those challenges.

“The SK Light is a lot heavier car and little bit slower than what I’m used to with the midget, so it will be a challenge for me,” said Santos. “I’m definitely going to have to learn how to keep the car wound up and not lose too much momentum. I’ve always run well at Stafford in the midget, so I think knowing that plus I have experience at Stafford will definitely help out my confidence the first couple races. I’m a pretty competitive person and I plan on racing up front and hopefully winning a race or two. Since I’m not going to be running all of the races, I just want to be consistent with my performance and not wreck the car.”

Santos will take her first crack at navigating the Stafford half-mile layout in a modified when the track hosts open practice on Saturday, April 18th in preparation for the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, scheduled for April 24th through April 26th.

Santos and the rest of Stafford’s Whelen All-American Series divisions will have another day of practice on Friday, April 24th. The practice session will be open to the public at no charge. The paddock area opens to Stafford’s weekly teams at 9:00am with practice running from 12 noon to 7:00pm. Santos will get her first taste of SK Light competition on Saturday, April 25 with heat races and a 20-lap feature event. There will also be heats and consolations for Stafford’s other weekly divisions along with time trials for the Whelen Modified Tour and feature events for the Limited Late Model and DARE Stock divisions.

While Santos’ racing activities will come to an end with Saturday’s action, she will be part of Stafford’s famous CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party on Sunday, April 26. The pit party runs from 11:00am to 12 noon with feature racing beginning at 1:00pm. Stafford’s SK Modifieds® will take to the track first for a 40-lap feature event. The Whelen Modified Tour 200-lap Tech-Net Spring Sizzler will take the green at approximately 2:30pm, and Stafford’s Late Models will conclude the weekend with a 30-lap feature event. Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Reserved seating is priced at $38.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 16, 2009 ..... FORMER TRACK CHAMPION SEAN FOSTER MOVES TO SK MODIFIED® DIVISION FOR 2009 SEASON AT STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY ..... Former Stafford Motor Speedway Limited Late Model champion Sean Foster will make the jump up to the SK Modified® division for the 2009 season, where he will challenge for Reliable Welding and Speed Rookie of the Year honors. Foster will drive a third Glenn Johnson owned car as a teammate to Doug Coby and Zach Sylvester. Foster’s car will carry sponsorship from TSI Columbia Harley-Davidson as well as XtraMart Convenience Stores, Mansfield Paper, and Village Springs. Foster joins a talented SK Modified® rookie class of 11 other drivers that includes former SK Light champions Joe Allegro, Jr. and Chris Matthews, former SK Light drivers Mark Bakaj, Raymond Grassetti, Matt Gallo, and Mike Speeney, as well as Frank Hirt, Mike Sedor, Nichole Morgillo, Brett Gonyaw, and Jodi Johnson. After winning the Limited Late Model track championship in 2007 and finishing as the runner up to Bill Davis in 2008, Foster sold his car to Dan Flannery and was nearly left without a ride for the 2009 season at Stafford. But thanks to his friendship with Doug Coby along with an open seat at the Glenn Johnson shop, a deal came together.

“We sold our car to Dan Flannery as soon as the season ended, and I definitely wanted to move up this year,” said Foster. “This deal is so much more than I had hoped for, it’s very cool. I talked with quite a few people this winter about doing something in the Late Model division for this year, but nothing worked out. I’m pretty good friends with Doug [Coby] and he put in a good word for me with Glenn [Johnson]. We put an agreement together and we’ve been working on the car like crazy to have it ready for the Sizzler. Glenn has some really great guys working with him, they’re all hard workers and they’re driven to win. Just talking with Glenn about this year gets me excited.”

“I have no questions about putting Sean in the car for this year,” said Glenn Johnson. “I’ve known Sean since he was racing in go karts and I have no problem having him in the car. I think having Sean as part of the team with Doug and Zach that we’re going to have a real great year. Sean has been coming to the shop every night to work on the car and his crew guys have been working with my crew guys, everyone pitches in and gets along real good. We’re looking forward to a great season together.”

In three seasons in Stafford’s Limited Late Model division, Foster has accumulated 10 feature victories, placing him behind only Andrew Durand and Michael Bennett on the division’s all-time winners list. The 2009 season at Stafford will be Foster’s first experience behind the wheel of a modified, and he is looking forward to the challenge as well as the open practice session that Stafford has scheduled for Saturday, April 18.

“It’s going to be a big-time challenge for me,” said Foster. “This is the premier division at the toughest track in the country. It’s going to be a little intimidating for sure, but I’m going to drive my butt off for sure this year. TSI Columbia Harley-Davidson has been really good to me and has helped me a lot this year, so I have to perform well for them and help them sell some motorcycles. I’m getting in a winning car and I’m working with great people on Glenn’s team, so I have to set the bar high for myself. I’m hoping that by the end of the season, we can be contending for wins every week. I’ve never been this pumped to begin a season. I can’t wait to get to the track for practice, I’m going to need it.”

Foster’s quest for 2009 Reliable Welding and Speed SK Modified® Rookie of the Year honors and race victories kicks off with the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, scheduled for April 24th through April 26th. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open to the public free of charge. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers plenty of free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 16, 2009 ..... STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY INDUCTED INTO CONNECTICUT BUSINESS HALL OF FAME ..... Stafford Motor Speedway was recently inducted into the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame. Stafford joined Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Alcoa Howmet, Gloria McAdam, president & CEO, Foodshare, and Jim Barnes, president & CEO, OAKLEAF Waste & Recycling in the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame Class of 2008 at a ceremony held on April 3, 2009.

The Connecticut Business Hall Of Fame showcases successful companies and business leaders through business networking and industry events that are held throughout the state. The organization partners with private and public organizations, associations and corporations to promote economic development and new ideas in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.ctbhof.com.

"This year, there was a real emphasis on the inductees' role in their community and around the state,” said Ron Dresner, director, Connecticut Business Hall Of Fame. “From a major manufacturer that has over half of its workforce involved with community support activities to one of the state's leading organizations serving to ensure a competitive business environment, I am very proud to announce our induction 'Class of 2008.”

Over 80 nominations were received for consideration into the class of 2008. Some past inductees into the CT Business Hall of Fame include SUBWAY, CRN International, Chris Campbell of Palace Production Center, and Herb Barker of Barker Specialty Company.

"Stafford Motor Speedway is honored to be recognized by the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame for our community service involvement with surrounding towns and being a leader in the motorsports industry in Connecticut," said Lisa Arute, administrative vice president, Stafford Motor Speedway.

Stafford Motor Speedway was presented with an Official Citation from the General Assembly as well as an Official Statement from Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, an Official Citation from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a congratulatory letter from Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney, and a Public Service Award from Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz.

Stafford Motor Speedway dates back to 1870, when it was known as the Stafford Springs Agricultural Park. SMS will enter into its 51st consecutive year as a NASCAR sanctioned short track this season, making it the longest NASCAR tenured weekly short track in the country. The 2009 season will also mark the 40th consecutive year that the track has operated under Arute family ownership.

Stafford’s 2009 NASCAR Racing season kicks off with its signature event, the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 24-26. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open the public free of charge.

For more information, or to order Spring Sizzler tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY KICKS OFF 2009 SEASON WITH 38TH ANNUAL TECH-NET SPRING SIZZLER PRESENTED BY CARQUEST ..... With the spring season fast approaching, yet another season of NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competition is set to kick off at Stafford Motor Speedway with the 38th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler Presented by CARQUEST, scheduled for April 24-26, 2009. “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” will officially begin Stafford’s 51st year of hosting weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series events.

The Tech-Net Spring Sizzler is the oldest and longest running race on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule. The Sizzler tradition began in 1972 as the idea of Dick Berggren, Lew Boyd, and Bruce Cohen as a way to hold a prestigious race in the springtime during a time period where prestigious races always took place in the fall. After Fred DeSarro won the initial Sizzler in front of a standing room only crowd of over 10,000, Jack Arute, Sr. bought the rights to the race from Berggren, Boyd and Cohen in 1973, and it has since become the signature event of the Connecticut half-mile, with some of the greatest names in modified racing tasting the fruits of victory. Since the inaugural Sizzler in 1972, 22 different drivers have won the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with 8 drivers winning the race multiple times.

Of the 22 Sizzler winners, 8 drivers have won a Whelen Modified Tour championship. In 2003, NASCAR released a list of the top-10 modified drivers of all-time, and of those 10 names, 8 were Sizzler winners: Richie Evans, Mike Stefanik, Geoff Bodine, Tony Hirschman, Bugsy Stevens, Fred DeSarro, Jimmy Spencer, and Reggie Ruggiero.

Other drivers who have driven to Sizzler victories include Ed Flemke, Maynard Troyer, Bob Polverari, Greg Sacks, Brian Ross, Ted Christopher, Jeff and Rick Fuller, Mike Ewanitsko, Jan Leaty, John Blewett, III, Jerry Marquis, Doug Coby, and Donny Lia.

Last year, Ted Christopher won his fourth career Tech-Net Spring Sizzler to join Mike Stefanik at the top of the Spring Sizzler winners list. Maynard Troyer, Richie Evans, and Rick Fuller each have three Sizzler victories, while Greg Sacks, Reggie Ruggiero, and Mike Ewanitsko are all two-time Sizzler winners. Troyer’s three Sizzler victories came back-to-back-to-back, the only driver in Sizzler history to win the race three times in a row.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... RYAN POSOCCO LOOKS FORWARD TO DEFENDING TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP WITH “DRIVE FOR FIVE” IN 2009 ..... Ryan Posocco and the #48 Davidson Company team owned by Marcia Kretschman enter the 2009 season at Stafford Motor Speedway at the top of the Late Model mountain. The 2008 season saw Posocco take his fourth career track championship in dominating fashion, taking 7 wins and 16 top-5 finishes in 17 starts. Posocco looks to continue the domination during the 2009 season as he will go for his fifth track championship, which would tie him with Bob Potter and put him one championship behind Ted Christopher for the most track championships in Stafford Motor Speedway history.

Posocco joined the Kretschman team prior to the 2008 season, and by that time, Posocco has already rung up the most Late Model feature wins in Stafford history along with three championships while the Kretschman team won the championship with Woody Pitkat in 2006 and finished second in points two other seasons. The combination looked good on paper, and both parties expected to run well, but Posocco says that they never imagined the level of success that they enjoyed last season.

“We both figured that we were going to run well, but we never figured we were going to be that good,” said Posocco. “We just had one of those years last year. We had a lot of luck and we had a lot of things that went in our

favor. I can remember several races where I was running third and I ended up winning because the top-2 cars took each other out. We figured it was going to take a couple weeks into the season before we all got comfortable with each other, but Woody won the Sizzler and then we won the opening Friday race. By the time the summer came around, we were all comfortable working with each other and everything worked out well for us.”

As Posocco drives for his fifth championship, all signs point towards another top-notch season. Posocco will have Stafford’s winningest feature driver Ted Christopher as a part-time teammate and he will have his choice of the two cars in the Kretschman stable to use for his championship run. But Posocco says that a repeat of his 2008 season will not be as easy as it may sound.

“We’re coming back with the same car, engine, and crew that we had last year,” said Posocco. “The car that I drove last season was a new car last year and the car that Woody drove has been rebuilt. We’ll work out both cars at the open practice and we’ll see what car we want to use for this year. I love the car that I drove last year but if the other car is better, than we’ll use that car. I think we are capable of doing what we did last year, but it will be pretty hard to match. There’s going to be a lot of good competition out there this year and we have some guys coming back into the division, I’m really looking forward to racing this year.”

As Posocco continues his Late Model career at Stafford, he re-writes the record book every time he wins a race. Posocco comes into the 2009 season with 35 career Late Model victories, which is 11 more wins than Jim Peterson. Posocco’s fourth championship last season broke a tie with Phil Rondeau for the most career championships in the Late Model division. Posocco says that he has his sights set on continuing to do what he has done over the past 10 years in the Late Model division.

“We come into each week trying to win the race and if we can’t win then we’re going to take what we can and get the best possible finish that night, and we plan on doing that again this season,” said Posocco. “We were the first to get to four championships in the Late Model division, so why not be the first to get to five championships this year? Winning never gets old, if it starts to get old, you shouldn’t be racing anymore. I’m almost halfway to matching Teddy’s [Christopher] total, so if we can keep on racing and winning, who knows, maybe one day we can have as many wins as Teddy does at Stafford.”

Posocco’s “Drive for Five” kicks off with the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 24-26. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open the public free of charge.

For more information, or to order Spring Sizzler tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... G.H. BERLIN / KENDALL OIL COMPANY RENEWS SMS LATE MODEL CONTINGENCY PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP ..... Stafford Speedway has announced that G.H. Berlin Oil Company has renewed their Late Model contingency program sponsorship. G.H. Berlin will offer a $100.00 bonus to the second place finisher in each Late Model feature event during the 2009 season. With 22 races on the 2009 schedule, Late Model competitors will have an extra $2,200 to race for this upcoming season.

The 2009 season at Stafford Motor Speedway will mark the third consecutive season of participation in the track’s contingency program by G.H. Berlin Oil Company. With 20 events during the 2007 season, and 17 events last season, G.H. Berlin has contributed an extra $3,700 to Late Model competitors. G.H. Berlin’s 2009 partnership will push their total contribution to Late Model teams to over $6,000.

“We’re excited and looking forward to being part of the Stafford contingency program for another season,” said Rick Booth and Dave Waltz, co-owners of G.H. Berlin Oil. “There are a lot of Stafford drivers who purchase their oil from us, and this is a great way for us to be able to give something back to them. The contingency program is a great way for us to help out different drivers and teams rather than sponsoring a single car.”

"We’re happy to have G.H. Berlin Oil returning as a contingency program partner for the 2009 season," said SMS COO/GM Mark Arute. "Having G.H. Berlin Oil return for another season shows that our contingency program offers great advertising benefits and value to companies who are looking to advertise their business.”

Since 1920, the G.H. Berlin Oil Company has been a quality leader in the lubricants distribution industry in Southern New England and Eastern New York. G. H. Berlin can be depended on for quality products and the best service around. G.H. Berlin offers online solutions that are continually growing to offer the fastest and most efficient delivery available. G.H. Berlin has distribution centers in East Hartford and Canterbury, Connecticut, Nashua, New Hampshire, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Dover, New Jersey, and they provide quality service with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. G.H. Berlin Oil is located at 42 Ramsey Road in East Hartford, and they have a toll-free number, 1-800-426-7754. Visit www.ghberlinoil.com to see how G.H. Berlin Oil Company can put their excellence to work for you.

For more information about the Stafford Motor Speedway Contingency Program, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit the MARKETING KIT section of www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... RICHIE PALLAI, JR. SET TO CHASE SK MODIFIED® TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP AND MAKE WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR DEBUT AT STAFFORD SPEEDWAY ..... With the 2009 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Stafford Motor Speedway less than a month away, race teams are busy preparing their cars and making final tweaks and adjustments for the first event of the season, the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler. For third-year SK Modified® driver Richie Pallai, Jr., the off-season workload has been doubled as he his not only preparing his Bosch Spark Plugs SK Modified, he is also preparing a Whelen Modified Tour car that he hopes to debut in May at Stafford for the TSI Harley-Davidson Classic event. Pallai and his team bought former SK Modified® and Whelen Modified Tour competitor Mike Molleur’s equipment during the 2007-2008 offseason and planned to debut last year on Tour, but maintaining his SK Modified® effort put those plans off until this year.

“Our original plan was to try the Tour car last year, but we had a few wrecks with the SK and fixing the car week to week took up all of our time,” said Pallai. “Our plan is to test the car in early May and then try to qualify for the May race at Stafford. Ultimately we’d like to attempt the three races at Stafford, the race at Chemung and possibly Thompson, and the open modified show at Seekonk.”

As Pallai looks forward to making his Whelen Modified Tour debut in May, he knows that even with all the laps he has turned in both the SK Modified® and SK Light Modified divisions at Stafford over the past three seasons, he faces two of the hardest laps he has ever had to turn.

“I think the toughest thing for me will be time trials,” said Pallai. “I’ve never had to time trial for a race before, so hopefully I can put two good laps together and we can get in the show. I think that if I can get in the show, I’ll do all right because I think the longer distance races suit my driving style. Last year in the 150-lapper, we didn’t really start turning fast laps until around lap-90. It’s all about finding a rhythm and saving the car so that you can get going at the end of the race, which is how I like to race.”

In addition to making his Whelen Modified Tour debut, Pallai’s main focus for the 2009 season will be contending for the SK Modified® track championship at Stafford. In 2008 Pallai turned in a career best fifth place finish along with 7 top-10 finishes under the guidance of Stafford’s 2005 track champion Lloyd Agor and his championship winning crew chief Chuck Madigan,

Pallai’s 2008 season culminated with leading over half of the Fall Final SK Modified® feature before being collected in an accident, a performance that has Pallai looking for bigger and better things this year.

“I really think there’s no reason why we can’t be contenders for the championship this year,” said Pallai. “This is going to be my second year together with Lloyd and Chuck, and it’s great to be able to work with them because they have been there and done that. I think we showed everyone at the Fall Final what we are capable of doing. We had the dominant car until we got taken out. I don’t see any reason why we can’t get our first win this year. If we can get a couple of wins this year and finish on the podium a few more times, I really think we can contend for the championship. We have everything we need to be contenders.”

Pallai will once again pilot the #2 SK Modified® with sponsorship from Bosch Spark Plugs, Mahle Engine Products, Gates Belts & Hoses, Super Clean, East Penn Manufacturing, Sachs Clutches, and Grote Lightning. For 2009 Pallai has added a few new sponsor’s to his program in Lucas Oil Products, Spectra Premium Radiators, BC Designs, Ringers, and ThermoTec products. “I have to thank all my sponsors, they’re great marketing partners and we certainly couldn’t race every week without their support,” said Pallai.

In addition to his SK Modified® and Whelen Modified Tour efforts, fans at Stafford may also see Pallai behind the wheel of a Late Model during the 2009 season. Pallai has been entered as the driver of Ryan Posocco Racing’s #3 entry, which carried Posocco to three of his four career track championships at Stafford.

“I talked with Ryan over the winter and if he decides to bring the car to the track, then I’m going to be driving,” said Pallai. “It all depends on Ryan and if he wants to bring the car to the track or not. I would love to drive the Late Model, it would be fun to get some seat time in different style of car than the modified.”

Pallai’s busy season gets kick started at the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 24-26. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open the public free of charge.

Fans can see Pallai attempt to make his Whelen Modified Tour debut at the 19th Annual TSI Harley-Davidson Classic on Friday, May 22. Tickets for that event are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office and are priced at $30.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $32.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information, or to order Spring Sizzler tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the webat www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... DILLON MOLTZ LOOKS TO TRANSLATE SUCCESS OF 2008 INTO CHAMPIONSHIP RUN IN 2009 AT STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY ..... Last season at Stafford Motor Speedway, just about everything went right for Dillon Moltz in Stafford Speedway’s Late Model division. He won both 100-lap extra distance feature events and picked up a total of five wins, 11 top-5, and 15 top-10 finishes, which during most seasons would be enough to win a championship. But as good as Moltz and his team were last season, they couldn’t match the consistency of Ryan Posocco, who won his fourth Late Model track championship with 7 wins and 16 top-5 finishes. Moltz ended the 2008 season second in the points standings, and he is looking to build upon that success and move one notch higher at the end of the 2009 season and become track champion.

“I can’t really say we were disappointed with anything that happened last year,” said Moltz. “For sure it was a little disappointing that we didn’t win the championship because that’s always the goal at the start of the season, but it was my first full season. The fact that we finished second behind Ryan, who is now a 4-time champion, it was an honor for me. Ryan and the Kretschman team, they did everything right last year and they deserved to win the championship. It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort on my part or the team’s part, we tried our hardest every week. We had a few problems here and there and we salvaged what we could on our bad nights while Ryan and his team were solid all year long.”

With seven victories in just over a year and a half in the Late Model division, Moltz is primed to make a run for the championship in 2009. His team returns with the same chassis and engine combination with sponsorship from AAA Driving Center, Premier Heating and Plumbing, Arbitell Convenience Stores, and W.R. Allen Construction.

“Everything is the same for us this year,” said Moltz. “We just had the motor refreshed and we’re almost finished putting the car back together. We’re going to come out and do the same things we did last year and go for the championship. We always have the car prepared before we get to Stafford and we know what we need to do when we get to the track. Every time I go out there I’m learning something new.”

One thing that Moltz and his team learned in an hurry was how to master the extra distance events. Moltz won both 100-lap feature events last season, joining Ryan Posocco as the only Late Model drivers to win two extra distance events in the same season.

“I think the extra distance races really fit my driving style,” said Moltz. “When I was racing in the PASS series, all of the races were 100 laps, which really helped me develop a mindset for extra distance racing. I think a lot of guys are so used to racing 30 laps that they maybe use up their equipment a little quicker than I do and they have nothing left for the end of the race. I remember last year, we ran our fastest lap of the race on lap-99, which is why we were able to win both extra distance races.”

Moltz will begin his pursuit of a Late Model track championship at the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST on April 24-26. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open the public free of charge. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information, or to order Spring Sizzler tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT: APRIL 3, 2009 ..... FORMER SK LIGHT TRACK CHAMPION CHRIS MATTHEWS

JOINS 2009 SK MODIFIED® ROOKIE CLASS AT STAFFORD SPEEDWAY ..... Stafford Motor Speedway’s 2009 SK Modified® rookie class has added Chris Matthews to the list of drivers who will try to win the 2009 Reliable Welding and Speed Rookie of the Year honors. With the addition of Matthews, the SK Modified® division now has a total of 10 rookie drivers signed up for competition, with half of those drivers coming from Stafford’s SK Light Modified division. Of the five drivers who have SK Light experience at Stafford, both Matthews and Joe Allegro, Jr. are former track champions, making the 2009 SK Modified® rookie class one of the most talented rookie classes in recent memory at Stafford.

In the short three-year existence of the SK Light Modified division at Stafford, Matthews has established himself as the most successful driver, with 18 feature victories and the track championship in 2007 on his SK Light resume. Matthews drove to his SK Light success using a Brad Hietala created chassis, and it was a quick conversation with Brad and his wife Linda that led to his arrival in the SK Modified® division for the 2009 season. “After the season, I was talking with Brad and Linda about moving up to the SK Modified® division and they said they would put a third car together for me,” said Matthews.

While he won’t be driving the same chassis that he drove in the SK Light division, Matthews is looking forward to continuing a relationship that was forged three seasons ago when Matthews began his first season of SK Light competition driving a Hietala created chassis.

“My SK Light car was an old car that Brad had put together,” said Matthews. “This season I’ll be driving a car that Todd Owen drove and I think it we’ll have a big advantage for us to have three cars sharing information. Todd and Brad have been a big help to me the last couple years with setups on the SK Light and I’m looking forward to working with them on getting the SK to get around the track.”

As he prepares for his rookie campaign in the SK Modified® division, Matthews acknowledges that he faces a learning curve even though he has enjoyed a great deal of success in open wheel modified competition at Stafford.

“It’s a whole new game for sure,” said Matthews. “There’s a lot of tough drivers and really good cars. I think the SK Light experience will give me an idea of what to expect, but I’m sure that there will be a learning curve. Our goals are to get seat time, try to finish all the races, and shoot for the Rookie of the Year award. There’s a lot of talented rookie drivers this year and it’s going to be tough to be the best rookie.”

The chase for 2009 Reliable Welding and Speed SK Modified® Rookie of the Year honors kicks off during the 38th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, scheduled for April 24th through April 26th. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, $38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets are good for admission to the Saturday April 25, and Sunday, April 26 portions of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 24 practice session open to the public free of charge.

For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at (860) 684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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