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04/08/2011

LOU AUSTIN RECALLS
SPRING SIZZLER EARLY DAYS AT STAFFORD


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.

  Source: Scott Running / Stafford Motor Speedway
Posted: April 8, 2011

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