Story By: PAUL ARUTE / STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY – STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT – As the 2018 season begins to wind down, Stafford Speedway track officials have begun to release the 2019 rules packages.
The 2019 rulebooks have been released for Stafford’s Division V Street Stocks and Division IV Limited Late Models, with both seeing limited changes for 2019.
“We are keeping all our rules stable for the foreseeable future,” explained Stafford Speedway General Manager Mark Arute. “We are focused on consistency in rules for all our teams and drivers and will be making very few changes for 2019. Our focus at Stafford is to make our racing divisions as affordable and as competitive as possible. ”
For the Street Stock division the overall car weight rule will be a minimum weight of 3,000 pounds regardless of wins or transmission type. The maximum left side weight percentage has increased from 53% to 54%.
The Street Stock division has seen a highly competitive season with 9 different winners through 16 events. There is also a tight points battle between Brandon Michael and George Bessette, Jr., who are separated by just 12 points with 5 races remaining. Additional highlights from the 2018 season so far are the wide array of new drivers entering the division including rookie Meghan Fuller and former SK Light driver Jason Lafayette with both drivers notching a victory this year.
The carburetor rule in the Limited Late Model division will change from a 4-barrel to a 2-barrel for 2019 and will require the use of MSD #8727CT digital RPM limiter set at 6400-RPM.
“We have decided to make a few changes in the Limited Late Model division including moving to a 2-barrel carburetor,” continued Arute. “The focus has always been to create an affordable class while also creating a racing package where drivers and teams can gain experience. This move to a 2-barrel carburetor further emphasizes our focus on keeping costs down.”
After moving up from the Street Stock division Jeremy Lavoie has seen success in the Limited Late Models. With 8 wins in 16 races this season, Lavoie and the #6 team have really hit their stride. Duane Provost, Ryan Fearn, and Justin Bren have also scored victories.
“Rules for the SK Modified®, SK Light Modified, and Late Model divisions will be released in the coming days,” explained Arute. “Much like the Street Stock and Limited Late Model rules, there will be a few changes from the 2018 rules package. We thank all our teams for supporting Stafford and encourage them to reach out with any questions.”