(Stafford Springs, CT)—Casagrande Builders of Stafford, CT has signed on to sponsor the inaugural May 11th Street Stock 25-lap Showdown. Formerly the DARE Stock division, the division has been given a revamp for the 2018 season including a new name, updated rules, and an increased weekly purse as well as lap count. In addition to all the weekly changes two extra distance events have been announced, the first on May 11th at the 25 lap distance and the second on September 7th at 30 laps in distance.
“We’re really excited to sponsor the first extra distance Street Stock race,” explained Rick Casagrande, owner of Casagrande Builders. “The division has been a stepping stone for countless drivers throughout the years including both my kids, Kyle and Cory. We are really excited to be able to put up some extra money for the Street Stock teams and are looking forward to the May 11th event.”
Casagrande Builders is a local family owned business founded in the 1960’s based in Stafford, CT. With a full slate of resources including a skid steer, backhoe, mini excavator, and lift, Casagrande Builders is equipped for any of your building, remodeling, or excavation needs. In addition to construction expertise, Casagrande Builders is fully equipped for snow removal in the winter months. Contact the team for your next project by reaching out on Facebook or giving them a call at 860-684-2673.
25-laps will be the distance for the May 11th Casagrande Builders Street Stock Showdown, an extra 5 laps from the weekly distance of 20 laps and an increase of 10 laps from the 15 lap distance of prior seasons. The purse for the 25-lap race will boast an increase of 72% from the Street Stocks’ weekly purse and will pay $300 to the winner and $60 to start.
“The Street Stock division has been an important part of our ladder system throughout the years at Stafford,” said Stafford Speedway General Manager Mark Arute. “This is a big year with increased purses and special events for all of our divisions, but we are particularly excited for these two Street Stock special events. We want to thank Rick and Cindy Casagrande of Casagrande Builders for signing on to support this race. Casagrande Builders has been a Stafford Speedway partner for a long time and have done countless projects on the property. This race, along with the late season 30-lap event, will have payouts that will rival any Street Stock event. We hope drivers and teams take notice.”
The 2018 Street Stock division is shaping up to be a highly competitive season with all of the top-10 point finishers in 2017 planning on returning to compete. Back to back track champion Johnny Walker dominated the 2017 season and is the heavy favorite entering the new season but he will have strong competition on the backs of some of the younger drivers in the field. Rookies in 2017, George Bessette Jr., Travis Hydar, and Chuck Harrison all proved that they will be drivers to contend for wins in 2018.
“We hope drivers and teams get excited for the extra distance and the extra money to the purse,” continued Casagrande. “We hope putting up the extra money will help teams and the extra laps will be a good show for the fans.”
Joining the Street Stocks in feature action on May 11 will be Stafford’s SK Modifieds®, Late Models, SK Lights, and Limited Late Models. The month of May is Youth Organization Month at Stafford where all kids ages 14 & under who wear a team shirt or uniform to the track will be given a free general admission ticket when accompanied by an adult.
Source: Stafford Motor Speedway PR/Scott Running