CARQUEST BELTS & HOSE PIT PARTY TO USHER IN 2011 SEASON AT STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY
(Stafford Springs, CT)—The CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party is a Stafford
Speedway tradition that has spanned the better part of two decades, with the
first Pit Party taking place during CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend on September
30, 1990. The CARQUEST Belts and Hose Pit Party tradition will continue at
Stafford on Sunday, May 1st as part of the 40th Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net
Spring Sizzler pre-race festivities.
That 1990 CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend was the first time that a pit party
was held at a weekly NASCAR track as part of the pre-race festivities. As
the CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party has gained in popularity, the concept
has spread to other area tracks and today is a mainstay in allowing race
fans unique access to their favorite drivers and cars. Chris Kopec, Dan
Avery, and Tom Bolles, who were each on hand for that Inaugural CARQUEST
Belts & Hose Pit Party at Stafford, share their thoughts and memories of
that first Pit Party and how it has grown into the event it is today.
“What I remember the most is being at the Pit Party with the Modified Tour
car,” said Chris Kopec. “In the past we had done autograph sessions and
things like that, but the Pit Party was a whole new way for drivers to be
able to interact with the fans. No one had ever done anything like the Pit
Party. I remember wondering how that first pit party was going to go
because normally on race day you don’t get to meet the people who are in the
grandstands. Once the Pit Party concept got going and became popular, the
fans started showing up early just to be part of the Pit Party and see the
cars and drivers up close. The coolest part was seeing kids getting close
to the cars and the drivers. Over the years, it’s become a great event. I
don’t think you ever see anyone going back to the grandstands empty handed
with all the different things that drivers are handing out now.”
“I don’t recall ever taking part in a pit party before that Fall Final at
Stafford,” said Dan Avery. “From the very beginning, the Pit Party was very
well received by the race fans, kids in particular. As the years have gone
by, I think you’ve seen teams expand their level of interaction with the
fans with candy, hero cards, and souvenirs to hand out. The fans really
seem to get a kick out of the Pit Party and it’s fun for the drivers as well
to see the fans.”
“It’s always fun to be able to see the level of excitement on the fans’
faces during the Pit Party, especially the kids,” said Tom Bolles. “As much
fun as it is for the fans, it’s also fun for the drivers to see and talk
with the fans. I’ve been involved in pit parties with pretty much every
type of car, whether it be SK Modified®, Busch North, or the Whelen Modified
Tour, and it’s a great way for the fans to be able to get up close and
personal with the cars and the drivers. The Pit Parties are a lot of fun
with the giveaways the drivers have for the fans, and it’s definitely grown
over the years.”
“It is often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said
Mark Arute, Stafford Speedway COO/GM. “We have seen the pit party become
prevalent at many of the New England race tracks and we take pride in being
the first track to offer our fans the pit party experience. Thanks to the
support of CARQUEST Belts and Hose, we are able to continue to bring our
race fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite
drivers and cars.”
CARQUEST Belts & Hoses are top quality products produced by Gates, the world
’s leading manufacturer and aftermarket supplier, covering both domestic and
import vehicles. Many of these products are the same as those specified by
OEM’s around the world. The Gates Corporation has been recognized as one of
the leading manufacturers of automotive power transmission products.
CARQUEST is a recognized market leader in automotive and heavy-duty
application coverage and known for first-to-market status. CARQUEST Belts &
Hose customers can rely on the most complete coverage for the majority of
today’s passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. CARQUEST Micro-V® Serpentine
Belts offer the latest technology in V-ribbed belt design and construction.
These products are available at your local CARQUEST Auto Parts store. To
find the CARQUEST Auto Parts store closest to you, please visit
www.carquest.com/store_locator.html.
The CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party will be held on Sunday, May 1st as part
of the 40th annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST from
11am-noon. Tickets for “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are
now on sale at the Stafford Motor Speedway box office. Tickets are priced
at $35.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14,
$38.00 for reserved seats, and free for children ages 5 & under. Tickets
are good for admission to the Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 portions
of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, with the Friday, April 29 practice session
open the public free of charge. The CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party is open
to all CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler ticket holders.
For more information about CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores or Tech-Net
Professional Auto Service, go to www.CARQUEST.com
For more information about Gates Corporation and its products, go to
www.gates.com