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(Stafford Springs, CT)—This Friday, August 1st, Stafford Speedway will host the 12th Annual NAPA SK 5k, one of the most anticipated SK Modified® races of the season. Drivers will compete for their share of over $35,000 in total posted awards, adding extra intensity to an already thrilling event.
Among the prize money is a $2,500 bonus courtesy of John and Maina Rufrano from Wheelers Auto Service in Hamden, CT. That bonus will be distributed among the top-three finishers in each heat race — with $300 to the winner, $200 for second place, and $125 for third. Wheelers Auto Service has proudly supported the heat race bonuses every year since the event’s inception in 2014, and their continued sponsorship plays a key role in making the SK 5k a marquee event for teams.
“We’re happy to be back for another year,” said John Rufrano. “We’ve been doing this since the first SK 5k race in 2014 and we like being able to give a little something back to the SK Modified® drivers. Guys will be looking to get a good starting position from the heats and this should help spice things up a little with racing for those top-3 positions. We’re looking forward to another exciting night of racing.”
Keith Rocco enters the NAPA SK 5k as the defending race champion. Rocco’s win last season was his first career win in his 11th try to win the NAPA SK 5k race and he will be one of four former NAPA SK 5k winners in the starting field. The other former NAPA SK 5k winners are Michael Christopher, Jr. (’21), Marcello Rufrano (’22), and Todd Owen (’23). Christopher and Rocco have both won races this season and going into the NAPA SK 5k they are the only drivers with multiple wins during the 2025 season. Christopher has a division leading three wins, including victories in the first two extra distance races of this season, while Rocco has 2 wins this season. Other drivers with a single victory this season include Mikey Flynn, Alexander Pearl, and Jon Puleo for a total of 5 different winners through 8 races.
Christopher’s three wins have helped propel him to the top of the SK Modified® points table. Going into the NAPA SK 5k, Christopher holds a 30-point advantage over Flynn in second place. Puleo is third in the standings, 48 points behind, with Michel Gervais, Jr. fourth, 66 points behind, and Troy Talman fifth, 76 points behind. The top-10 of the SK Modified® points standings are rounded out by Rufrano, Rocco, David Arute, Tyler Chapman, and Dylan Izzo.
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 name brand 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 12th Annual NAPA Auto Parts SK 5k takes center stage this Friday night, August 1st with Stafford’s five weekly divisions all in feature racing action. Tickets are available now online at StaffordSpeedway.com/tickets and can also be purchased at the admission gates. If you can’t attend in person, don’t miss the action—tune in to the live stream on FloRacing, the official streaming partner of Stafford Speedway.
For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.
