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(Stafford Springs, CT)—Just as the NAPA Auto Parts SK 5K has become a traditional staple on the Stafford Motor Speedway schedule of events, John and Maina Rufrano from Wheeler’s Auto of Hamden, CT will once again provide $2,500 in bonus money for the SK Modified® heat races. The Rufrano’s and Wheelers Auto have posted the heat race bonus every year since the NAPA SK 5k first ran in 2014 and they will continue that tradition this season with each heat race winner taking home $300, each second-place finisher $200, and each third-place finisher $125. The $2,500 in heat race bonus money, when combined with the race purse and other contingency awards, pushes the total posted awards for the 11th Annual NAPA SK 5k to over $35,000.
“It would be nice if we put some of that money back in our pockets,” said Marcello Rufrano, driver of the #88 Wheelers Auto SK Modified® machine. “Hopefully we can win the Gambler’s Challenge as well. That has kind of eluded me the last couple of years and I’m still beating myself up for not pulling the number 1 chip when we won the race in 2022. Hopefully we can have some good luck on our side and we can take home some big money this Friday night.”
Going into the 11th Annual NAPA SK 5k, there have been 6 different feature winners through the first 10 races of the season. Cory DiMatteo leads all drivers with 3 wins this season with Michael Christopher, Jr. and Troy Talman each notching 2 feature wins. Single event feature winners thus far in 2024 include David Arute, Mikey Flynn, and Marcello Rufrano. The 2024 NAPA SK 5k field will feature three previous winners of the extra distance classic in the forms of Christopher, defending NAPA SK 5k winner Todd Owen, and Rufrano.
In the chase for the 2024 SK Modified® track championship, Andrew Molleur leads the pack heading into the NAPA SK 5k. Molleur has yet to win a race this season, but he is the only driver to record top-10 finishes in all 10 races this season and 8 of those top-10’s have been top-5 finishes. Christopher currently sits second in the standings followed by DiMatteo, Rufrano, and Michael Gervais, Jr. 6th through 10th in the standings are Talman, Keith Rocco, Flynn, Owen, and Steven Chapman.
About Wheelers Auto
Wheelers Auto Service is a state-of-the-art service facility located in Hamden, Connecticut. Their master technicians use the latest in computerized diagnostic equipment as well as the finest brand name parts and products to service and maintain your vehicle to keep it running like new. Wheelers Auto has their very own full-service collision center located within their facility. From working with your insurance company to arranging for a loaner vehicle, Wheelers Auto will do everything necessary to get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Wheelers Auto can be contacted at 203-288-3329 to schedule your vehicle’s service at Connecticut’s premier service facility and their regular shop hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5:00pm.
The 11th Annual NAPA Auto Parts SK 5K is set for this Friday, August 2. Tickets for the NAPA SK 5K are available online at StaffordSpeedway.com/tickets and will also be available at the gates day of show. General Admission tickets are $30.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids 6-14, and free for kids 5 & under. Reserved seating is priced at $35.00 for all ages and pit passes are $45.00 with a valid 2024 Stafford Competition License and $50.00 without a Stafford license. If you are unable to attend the event, tune into the live stream on FloRacing, the official streaming partner of Stafford Speedway.
For more information, visit www.staffordspeedway.com, checkout Stafford Speedway on Facebook or Twitter, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.
