SOUTH PARIS, Maine — With the final super late model race of the season in New England now in the books, race teams around the region are busy making plans for 2020.
For one young driver in the Pine Tree State, those off-season preparations are going to include a very unique trade show display.
For Raymond, Maine, resident Ivan Kaffel – the driver of the No. 78 VIP Tires & Service super late model – a chance to show fans what’s underneath the body of a new race car is exciting.
Kaffel’s new Port City Racecars SLM chassis is being assembled at Crazy Horse Racing.
“I’m pretty stoked to see the reaction we’ll get when race fans see our car at the Northeast Motorsports Expo in January,” Kaffel said. “Our new car will have a cutaway body on it, so only half the car will be covered, while the other half is exposed. It’ll offer fans a unique look inside a race car.”
Kaffel’s father and team owner, Rob, is spearheading this effort with CHR owner Mickey Green. The plan for a cutaway body will expose not only all the parts and pieces required in a super late model, but will also showcase the precision craftsmanship with which all Port City cars are built.
“My father and I are both very impressed with the cars that come out of Gary Crooks’ shop in North Carolina,” Kaffel added. “We’ve known about the quality of Port City cars, and now, with Mickey and Mitch being able to offer their great service after the sale, the time was right to own one.”
Founded in Jan. of 1989 by the late Tim Attaya, the Northeast Motorsports Expo & Trade Show will open the doors to its 32nd edition on January 10-12 at the Augusta Civic Center.
Now run by Steve Perry, host of the popular TV show Mainely Motorsports and owner of Mainely Awards, a growing trophy and plaque manufacturer, the Northeast Motorsports Expo plays a key role in Maine.
Kaffel has been strong the past two seasons in a Crazy Horse chassis, and is beaming with optimism as work continues on his 2020 ride (engine and transmission now in place) this fall.
“We’re really excited about next season in this new car,” Kaffel added. “We plan to run a few PASS races and focus on Oxford to prepare for the Oxford 250. My favorite tracks are Seekonk and Star, so we’ll run there plus I’m also anxious to go over and try White Mountain. I can’t wait for 2020.”