Stafford Speedway officials have released the weekend schedule for the 2023 NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® and have included a return of the NAPA Auto Parts Pit Party. A fan favorite over the years, the NAPA Pit Party is a chance for race fans to meet drivers and get up close to the race cars prior to the afternoon’s events.
“We heard the fans, they’ve been asking for the pit party to make a comeback,” explained Stafford Speedway General Manager David Arute. “After changing the Spring Sizzler® format last season, we took a look and found a spot in the weekend schedule to make the pit party work. We’re really looking forward to getting the fans and drivers together to kick off the new season.”
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NAPA Spring Sizzler® Event Info
The NAPA Pit Party is scheduled to be held Sunday, April 30th at approximately 3:00pm following SK Modified®, SK Light Modified, and Late Model qualifying. Fans will have one hour to meet with their favorite drivers before the afternoon’s events kick-off culminating in the 51st NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler®.
The schedule for Saturday, April 29th’s NAPA Auto Parts Duel has also been released. The NAPA Duels include two 40-lap Open Modified features that will set the lineup for Sunday’s NAPA Spring Sizzler®. Also on hand is the American Canadian Tour Late Model division, who already have 31 entries as of March 16th, along with Stafford’s Limited Late Model, Street Stock, and Vintage All-Stars.
For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.
I’m glad to see this back, but I hope it doesn’t get squeezed out because they run late on the preceding heats but still have the hit the sacred 4PM feature start time for the Flo broadcast.
So, cars are going to run heats, then come out on the track for the pit party, and then go back for their features? How many teams are going to skip that?
And it’s too bad we won’t get a chance to check out the ACT cars/drivers.
Still, it’s good to see it return.
I liked it in the morning before they fire engines. Then if you aren’t interested in making the day longer, you could just get there later. Sounds like a plan to sell more hot dogs. I will be there either way.
I Must agree that it’s kinda strange way of thinking, while sure have the pit party at 3:00 make it open to all at the track as opposed to the late arrivals who are not at the track at 11 am but if you have 150-200 cars who all have to line up on the track and if you have a big crowd which will happen, getting all back to the grandstands and the track cleared of all fans and cars and then cleaned because people drop things as they walk around, now i am assuming that the Pit Party will be on track, i do remember 1 year with rain they roped off a path for the fans to walk thru the Paddock area to get with the teams, add some of the cars will be hot from running heats and also some will be wrecked! Interesting choice by the Arutes!
The pit party is a kid favorite, so I think it’s great to see it return. Instead of being in the middle of the Sunday program, I would prefer that the pit party be the first event on Sunday. Kids walking around hot race vehicles doesn’t seem like the greatest idea. Someone who isn’t interested in or unable to participate in the pit party may think that a lengthy lull in the action is a waste of time. With more cars and rookies still getting used to the track, the first race of the season frequently drags on for a while. Another pause in the middle of the show could ruin its momentum. First on the agenda appeared to work out just fine in the past. Those who wanted to go could do so, and those who didn’t could arrive an hour later. If at all feasible, delays during a racing program should be avoided, and this one can be prevented with a simple schedule change.
Glad it’s back, but seeing as how you can’t race before noon, why not have it in the morning? It alway seemed to work well at that time in the past, less of a time crunch to get fans on and off the track. I would also think it would be a little more easy-going for the race teams in the morning as well.
Man you guys hate everything. It’s a pit party for god sakes!
Modfan, we don’t hate it, most of us like it, we’re just confused with the time change. Some of us are a little hesitant at things changing, creatures of habit I guess. For me it seems strange when the drivers are trying to get amped up to go after $20K, checking everything with the car, getting on point with their crews and discussing different strategies… Oh, wait a minute… calm down and be cordial and friendly to the fans for an hour just before that… Then quickly get your game face back on and get up for the race in front of you at a moment’s notice.
When will the RaceDayCT kickoff event return?
Rafter Fan,
The hope was to bring it back this year, but unfortunately, due to some really pressing family issues over the last 3-4 months I really couldn’t make it happen. But it will be back for next year.
Shawn – best wishes with respect to your family issues. Looking forward to next year’s kickoff party.
Shawn, take care of your family.
Shawn, hope your family issues become a best case scenario.
Fast Eddie,
Thank you for your hope. Unfortunately, our hope for a best case scenario didn’t happen. I very recently lost a sibling after a 14-month battle with Leukemia.
Shawn, so sorry to hear that! Condolences and prayers to you and your family!
Fast Eddie,
Thank you.
Shawn, so sorry to hear that. Wish a peaceful time for you and your family.
A very longtime friend suddenly came down with leukemia ~2 months ago. Been rough, ~50 days in the hospital, innumerable transfusions, then the radiation, chemo, etc. We are hopeful.
🙏
Prayer’s for you Shawn and Family ….Our Condolences….
Shawn,, sorry to hear,, loss of a child is the last thing I would want,, condolences to the family..