STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. — The Superstar Racing Experience will return to Stafford Motor Speedway on July 2 and another local driver will get a shot to compete with the stars of the SRX series.
Last summer, four-time Spring Sizzler winner Doug Coby shocked the world winning the inaugural SRX event. Now the winner of the 50th running of the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler on April 24 will have the opportunity to compete in the Stafford SRX event.
“The 50th NAPA Spring Sizzler just keeps getting bigger,” explained Stafford CEO Mark Arute. “We brought this concept to the team at SRX and they immediately bought into the idea. They understand the importance of short tracks and history of an event like the Spring Sizzler. This is a monumental opportunity for a Stafford short-track driver — win and you’re in.”
The NAPA Spring Sizzler has 28 drivers registered for the event, including multiple past Spring Sizzler winners Doug Coby (4), Ryan Preece (2), Woody Pitkat (1) and Patrick Emerling (1).
“As much as I’ve raced at Stafford, this is the biggest race and opportunity that I’ve ever had in my career,” Pitkat said. “Looking at the 50th Spring Sizzler this is the race I need to win. I already told my crew chief we have to be on our A-game and we have to win this race. I’ve won a lot of races at Stafford but the 50th Sizzler would be the biggest.
“I think this is a huge opportunity for me as a driver at this point in my career. It’s huge to win the Spring Sizzler, it’s something you always want to do but this season it’s a whole new Sizzler. It’s cool, it feels big, the 50th is massive. To me this is the biggest modified race at Stafford in a long time. Biggest of the year.”