(Press Release from Stafford Motor Speedway)
For the 3rd consecutive season NAPA Auto Parts will post $1,000 in NAPA Auto Parts store credit for the 2018 SK Modified® and Late Model Rookie of the Year winners. Entering their 5th season as Stafford Speedway’s Elite Corporate sponsor, NAPA Auto Parts has become synonymous with Stafford Motor Speedway, serving as title sponsors of 3 of the most prestigious short track racing events in New England including the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler, NAPA Auto Parts SK 5K, and the NAPA Auto Parts Fall Final. The additional support for Stafford’s rookie program exemplifies NAPA Auto Parts’ support of short track racing and the home town, local race teams that compete there.
“We are going to continue supporting the Rookies of the Year for both the SK Modified® and the Late Model divisions this year,” said Geoff Watson, General Manager of NAPA Connecticut. “We are firm believers in recognizing great young talent and helping them develop. We hope a little NAPA Know How can help them continue their development.”
The storylines create themselves in both the chase for the 2018 SK Modified® and Late Model NAPA Auto Parts Rookie of the year title. The SK Modified® division has 9 rookie drivers registered for the 2018 season headlined by 3 graduates of Stafford’s SK Light Modified division. 2017 SK Light Champion Cory DiMatteo is set to make his SK Modified® debut at the NAPA Spring Sizzler along with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers Daniel Wesson and David Arute. DiMatteo, Wesson, and Arute are set to carry their intense battle for the 2017 SK Light Modified title into the 2018 quest for the prestigious title of NAPA SK Modified® Rookie of the year. Along with the SK Light graduates, Late Model driver Matt Vassar has made the move to the SK Modified® division after one season in the Late Models. Zach Leone, Marcello Rufrano, Nick Giardina, Kyle Trayner, and Timmy Jordan have all registered to compete in 2018.
In the Late Model division, twin brothers Cliff and Albert Saunders are preparing for their first season in the highly competitive Late Model division. Both graduates of Stafford’s Street Stock [Dare Stock] and Limited Late Model divisions, the Saunders brother will compete against each other for the 2018 NAPA Auto Parts Rookie of the Year crown. Rookies have done well in the Late Model division with 2017 NAPA Late Model Rookie of the Year Paul Arute scoring a victory in his first season behind the wheel of a Late Model. Expect both Saunders cars to be in contention for wins by years end.
NAPA Auto Parts is the title sponsor of Stafford Speedway’s season beginning NAPA Spring Sizzler® and season ending NAPA Fall Final as well as the NAPA SK 5k on June 29th. NAPA will also present the 3rd Annual NAPA Intrepid Fallen Heroes Track Walk on July 20th. Last year’s track walk raised over $7,500 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which supports military personnel who have been wounded or injured in service and their families.
The race to become 2018 Rookies of the Year kicks off with the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29. Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office. Tickets are priced at $40.00 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 $42.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available. Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission. All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax. Discount Tickets are now available at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores. For a full list of the 72 participating locations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, please call the speedway office or point your web browser to www.staffordmotorspeedway.com/participating-napa-auto-parts-stores.
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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Great news for rookies. I’m sure whoever is the Rookie of the year will appreciate the NAPA store credit
That’s a great concept on Napa’s part but what about the underling divisions where the real talent is coming from. JMO
In days of yore NAPA was laser focused on it’s relationship with repair shops. After all they had the volume, got the best service and outstanding pricing. The weekend warrior simply fixing his car could expect to be routinely abused on price and made to wait for whomever may call the desk even though he may be standing there with credit card in hand.
That all changed with the internet, Advance Auto and Auto Zone. Now you can shop around for price before leaving the house and NAPA’s pricing is as competitive as any ones. Go into a store the counter folks are friendly and the calls are taken by a separate person with only overflow interrupting the desk folks. Have a conflict on price and the counter people have authority to do whatever is reasonable to smooth it out. And no store’s people are more knowledgeable then NAPA.
Competitive pricing, courteous and knowledgeable people, quality products and they support circle track racing. What’s not to like.