The race director. The guy at the track everybody loves to hate.
It’s a role that Stafford Speedway and Riverhead Raceway racing director Scott Tapley relishes.
Over his years as an official in the Northeast short track racing scene, Tapley has made it a point to steer clear of getting cozy with competitors he’s overseeing.
In an extended chat with Tapley on the latest edition of Unmuffled, the 40-year old Maine native dove into a plethora of topics, including his philosophies on being the best racing director he can be, which means not worrying about who likes him at the track.
“I know that my wife and my kids like me so, at the end of the day, that’s really, I guess that’s it,” Tapley joked.
Tapley talked about his early days officiating at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl and having to call races with his close friend Glen Thomas Jr. competing. Tapley and Thomas had worked together for Matt Kobyluck on their championship winning K&N Pro Series East team.
“What works for me is that I don’t have any relationships with anyone,” Tapley said. “Even Glen, when Glen raced. I would consider him one of my best friends. He will tell you today that he had it harder because he was my friend. I expected him to not put me in positions that were uncomfortable. I held him at a higher regard.”
Tapley grew up in the pits at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Me., but the New London-Wateford Speedbowl became his home track away from home when he went to work for Kobyluck.
Click here to read more highlight moments on Unmuffled from Tapley about his early love for the Speedbowl, his thoughts on officiating at Stafford Speedway, throwing Tommy Rogers Jr. out of an event on his first night working at Riverhead, on his relationship with Ted Christopher, on Oxford Plains Speedway, on the Oxford 250, on his stint with the Modified Racing Series, on helping to create the Ted Christopher Cup at Riverhead Raceway and so much more.
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Scott’s always on the top of his game 🙂 Nothing ever slips through the cracks with him…
This forum generally is not bashful about leveling the harshest critiques at officials that find themselves on the hot seat because of questionable decisions. The fact that Tapley can’t draw flies for interest is a testament to how capable he is. He’s so competent he’s boring.
MRS released a tentative 10 race schedule. They have 2 shows at Thompson (icebreaker and world series), 3 shows at Waterford (Opener6/6-7/AUG 29 WIngs and wheels/Octoberfest, 3 shows at Beechridge and a show at Star (classic weekend) and a show at White mtn (Labor Day weekend). No races at traditional venues Monadnock and Lee (Wren owned tracks). Hopefully Waterford opens up without any issues.
Link my name to see full schedule.