Autoparts Swap’n Sell is scheduled for this weekend

There are always good buying opportunities for racing competitors at the mid-January Auto Parts Swap ‘n sell at the Big E in W. Springfield.

Track Talk Column

By Lou Modestino

Autoparts Swap ‘n Sell is scheduled for this weekend, January 21 & 22, at the Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield. Ben Dodge, owner of Start/Finish Productions, has been promoting this event since the 70’s. It’s the biggest indoor event of its kind in New England.

This show is timed three months prior to the upcoming racing season with teams looking for bargains on race car parts all the way to complete race cars. This event offers everything automotive and also draws motor heads that are interested in classic, muscle and hot rod parts and complete automobiles.

Rave reviews from fans, competitors and supporting race facilities have created off-season interest in the 2nd Annual U.S. Pro Stock/Super Late Model National Championship Race to be held on Wednesday, July 12, at Seekonk Speedway.

Race Promoter Gary Sagar of Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment announced last August his intent to present the event again this summer after the inaugural race was deemed a big success. The purse that included $10,000 paid to the winner will again be posted with the winner of the 200-lap July race receiving $10,000 for his or her efforts.

Last years race was won by local standout Tom Scully who crossed the finish line first after the two lead cars made contact while racing to the checkered flag. That finish and the positive response since then prompted Sagar to bring back the race.

“I’ve been working at it since the 2016 race ended,” said Sagar. “Additional guaranteed starter races will be announced. Several southern teams have expressed interest from our marketing initiatives at the recent Snow Ball Derby race in Pensacola, Florida. The off season queries received from New England race teams has been very encouraging. We are looking to grow this event and it appears we are on the right track,” Sagar summarized.

Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough, ME, and owner/promoter Andy Cusack will again offer his competitors a chance to represent the famed Maine racetrack. A guaranteed starter race is scheduled Saturday night, June 24

“We’re pleased to offer our drivers an opportunity for guaranteed spots in the 2nd annual U.S. Pro Stock/Super Late Model National Championship Race at Seekonk. Doing so assures our drivers that the haul to Seekonk Speedway will be worth their trip. Our teams all look forward to the Seekonk bonus prize in their 125-lap main event with us.”

Another legendary Maine venue that features the popular Pro Stock / SLM race cars is Wiscasset Speedway and promoter Ken Minott is happy to lend support.

“We’re pleased to once again support Gary and his efforts to bring the top Pro Stock / SLM drivers in the region together on this big stage. Pro Stocks have been the marquee division at Maine’s fastest track and once again we’re looking forward to sending a representative of Wiscasset Speedway to this National event at Seekonk. The inaugural event provided plenty of excitement and I’m confident it will continue to gain momentum this season. We’re excited to be invited to be a part of it again,” said Minnot.

Wiscasset will qualify a guaranteed starter on Saturday, June 3. Sagar welcomes all comments from drivers, car owners, sponsors, and race fans on any issue that could make the event better. Call 508-728-8835

Recently the Valenti Modified Racing Series held its annual meeting at the Stafford Motor Speedway clubhouse. The turnout of Modified teams heard series founder and president Jack Bateman discuss the 2017 racing schedule and ground rules for the upcoming season. There are no rule changes for the division and spec motors were unanimously voted out by the owners/drivers in attendance

Traction control was another topic being discussed and the decision was to not allow any form of traction control. Any team found running the device will be disqualified for the entire season.

Bobby Summers of Hoosier Tire was on hand to answer questions and announce that prices will not increase from last year. Also in attendance was a member from the SK division that normally competes at the Stafford Motor Speedway and New London/Waterford Speedbowl. Some SK teams are interested in running selected events with the VMRS and would like to have a set of rules adopted so they can compete competitively with the MRS teams. Such rules may be fourthcoming shortly.

As far as the schedule is concerned, the VMRS will kickoff the 2017 season on Friday, May 19, at the Stafford Motor Speedway with an always exciting 80 lap feature. Then eight days later, Lee U.S.A. Speedway will host the MRS for the Lee 125. This event was normally a twin 50 event but this year it will consist of three 25 lap heats with their own payoff of $500.00 to win, $350.00, $250.00, $200.00, $100.00 leading to a 50 lap feature paying $3000.00 to win.

Probably the most exciting race on the MRS schedule has to be the first-ever visit to the one mile Loudon Speedway. That 50 lap marathon will take place on Sat., July 1, with practice on Friday, June 30. That race will pay $5,000 to win, $1,000 to take the green. A test and tune day will take place in May. That date will be announced shortly.

Information for this column came from press releases and personal notes.

Note: If your track, tour and events are not posted on this blog send your press releases to: lmodestino@hotmail.com