Valenti Modified Series Ready For Stafford Springs Friday

Canaan, N.H. -- The Valenti Modified Racing Series returns to Connecticut this week for the first of two appearances at the famed Stafford Springs Motor Speedway. The Friday night, June 24, program marks the second time the New England touring series for modified race cars will appear at the half-mile oval.

The 80-lap feature race, presented by Lincoln Technical Institute, is also the second qualifying event for the Ricky’s Race For Kids 112-lap race next month at Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH. 

The July 16 event, to benefit David’s House in Lebanon, NH., is run in honor of the late Ricky Miller, once a top name in New England modified racing before he passed in 2004 from injuries suffered in a racing accident. Mike Stefanik, of Coventry, RI., became the first guaranteed starter winning last Thursday night’s “Chase To The Race” at Thompson, CT., Speedway.

Drivers from throughout the Northeast are planning on entering the event including current point leader and former Stafford regular Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA.  Pennink has a four-point lead over Connecticut racer Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., and a 10-point lead over Les Hinckley III, of Windsor Locks, CT. 

Last years inaugural race saw Plainville, CT hot shoe Ted Christopher win his first ever VMRS race. Christopher will again drive for long-time car-owner Joe Brady.

Justin Bonsignore, Holtsville, NY., will make his first start with the Valenti series. He’ll be joined by two-time defending series champion, Jon McKennedy, E. Chelmsford, MA., former series winner Doug Coby, Milford, CT., Steven Masse, Bellingham, MA., Madison, CT., veteran Mike Holdridge, Rob Summers, Vernon, CT., and Max Zachem, Preston, CT., Louie Mechalides, Tyngsboro, MA., Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH., Eric Goodale, Wading River, NY., and Norman Wrenn, Nashua, NH., are expected.

Qualifying heats start at 6:15 PM