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EPPING,
NH- As winter sets in, nearly all of the 2012 auto
racing schedules have been finalized, bringing the Star
Speedway SBM 125 tour-type Modified Open to a scheduled
date of June 16.
This
unique race will be run two weeks later than the
successful inaugural event, held this past season in
early June at the quarter-mile track, 'Where
Champions are Made'. Because of cooperation from
both the Monadnock and Thompson Speedway's, those
scheduling conflicts of last season are gone, bringing
the promise for a larger field of cars, and a payout
that could exceed the $33,675 purse that was available
to race teams in 2011.
New
entrants could be numerous as a result. Todd Szegedy,
Mike Stefanik and Richard Savary are among the drivers
who raced at Thompson instead, while front runners Todd
Patnode and Kirk Alexander competed at Monadnock on the
night of the SBM 125 last season. That will not be the
case in 2012, as these five winning drivers are expected
to add their names to an entry list that featured only
race winners and champions from front to back in 2011.
To help
make this possible, contingency sponsorships have
already been secured for the 2nd annual SBM 125. Long
Island race fan Jim Schaefer has already pledged his
financial support, along with Laticrete International of
Bethany, Connecticut and Hoosier Tire East, the tire of
choice for this event.
Still to
be named are a headline sponsor, other contingency
bonuses, and the many lap sponsors, who will generously
each pledge a minimum of $50 per lap. Once again, the
popular formula of rewarding both the race leader and
another top ten car the bonus money on every lap
sponsored, will be in place. All purse and lap money
will be paid out on race night, June 16 as it was for
the inaugural event.
"The Star
race was one of the better paying races of the year for
the Modifieds," stated 2011 fifth place finisher Ryan
Preece, who will compete in his family owned car. "We
ended up paying for our tire bill, paying for our pit
passes, for the fuel in the truck and then some. We
actually made money at that race."
Jon
McKennedy won that event, earning $7,225 in the process.
VMRS Champion Chris Pasteryak, James Civali, Andy Seuss
and Ryan Preece rounded out that top five. All 125 laps
were run off in just 34 minutes. Once again, fans will
be treated to seeing pit stops for the allowed one tire
change at any point during the race, which could keep
the race winner in doubt until the end.
Rules for
the SBM 125 are expected to remain virtually unchanged.
The race qualifying format will be announced in the
spring, allowing input from race teams and fans to be
considered. More details will be announced as the race
date draws closer.
"We were
back running Star Speedway successfully once again in
2011, but we are striving to be even better in 2012,"
stated track Promoter Bob Webber Jr. "While we had a
very talented field for this race last year, there were
some guys who did not believe in us 100 percent. That is
not the case anymore. The success of last season proved
that Star is back!"
To inquire
about race, contingency or lap sponsorships for the 2nd
annual SBM 125, send an email to:
StarPress2012@aol.com.
A lap board will be posted on the track web site:
www.star-speedway.com
after February 1st. Some laps have already been sold,
and if desired, any lap number can be saved without
payment until the end of January. |
