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04/08/2011 |
LOU AUSTIN
RECALLS
SPRING SIZZLER EARLY DAYS AT STAFFORD |
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With
the 40th Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler
less than a month away, the excitement and
anticipation of “The Greatest Race in the History of
Spring” continues to build. As part of the
celebration of the 40th edition of the CARQUEST
Tech-Net Spring Sizzler, Stafford Speedway is
inviting drivers who were on hand to take part in
the early days of the Sizzler to be honored during
this year’s CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler
pre-race festivities.
This week’s Sizzler spotlight falls on Lou Austin,
who was a Spring Sizzler pioneer by racing in three
out of the first four Sizzler events. Austin was a
well-known modified driver during his career, taking
the wheel for several different car owners as well
as driving his own #73 car during his career. In
addition to his modified exploits, he also drove in
the NEMA Midget ranks.
“That was a long time ago and I don’t remember that
much about the race,” said Austin. “I think I was in
the 29 car at the time, which was out of Durham, NH
and was owned by Butch True. I remember the race was
an all-out race, you really had to go for it. It was
an 80-lap race and it was all or nothing. The
grandstands were packed to a full house and the pits
were full of cars. There were so many cars, you
really had to work to get qualified. There were cars
from all over the northeast for that race. That race
had the best drivers like Charlie Jarzombeck, Richie
Evans, and Bugsy Stevens, they were all pretty good
wherever they went and they were all really good at
Stafford. I was never able to get a win at Stafford,
the closest I ever came was a photo finish one night
with Bugsy [Stevens]. We came across the line nose
to nose and they said he was the winner. I do miss
racing, I really loved it when I was racing.”
The 40th Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler
gets underway Friday, April 29 with a practice
session for Stafford’s weekly divisions. The
practice session will be open to the public at no
charge. The run for the Coors Light Pole position
gets underway on Saturday, April 30 with time trials
for the Whelen Modified Tour cars, along with heat
and consolation races for Stafford’s weekly
divisions. In the 31 Spring Sizzler events run since
1980, the fast qualifier has gone on to win the race
7 times. Saturday will conclude with feature events
for the SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock
divisions. The Sizzler concludes on Sunday, May 1
with the CARQUEST Belts and Hose Pit Party followed
by Stafford’s SK Modifieds® and Late Models joining
the Whelen Modified Tour in feature action.
Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of
Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office.
Tickets are priced at $35.00 for adult general
admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and
children ages 5 and under are admitted free of
charge when accompanied by an adult. Reserved
seating is priced at $38.00 for all ages. As always,
Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with
overnight parking available.
For more information on the 40th annual CARQUEST
Tech-Net Spring Sizzler®,
or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor
Speedway track office at
860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at
www.staffordspeedway.com. |
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Source: Scott Running / Stafford Motor Speedway
Posted: April
8, 2011 |
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