Town Traditions: A Day At The Races In Stafford

STAFFORD, CT — A few years ago, some Connecticut residents were in Las Vegas and thought it would be fun to venture out to the "Bull Ring," a smaller venue near the full-sized NASCAR track that features modified cars.

The Connecticut residents struck up a conversation with the family of a local driver and the Vegas folks asked where they had come from.

"North central Connecticut," they answered.

"Wait ... that means you're near Stafford Speedway," the Vegas crowd said. "That's a big-time track."

Yes, the speedway has tradition status not just in Stafford and the surrounding towns, but nationwide.

The track's history dates back to the 1870s when it was considered an agricultural showcase. The half-mile track started out with trotters and pacers, but the horses eventually gave way to horsepower, particularly after World War II.

The dirt track was replaced by an asphalt surface in 1967 and led to the track as we know it in 2023.

See more track history here.

Stafford has since become a major destination in the warmer months for race enthusiasts from the region.

A true highlight of the season is the annual NAPA Spring Sizzler, a 100-lap event that is arguably the Daytona of the modified circuit. This year's event is slated for April 30.

Several top full-time NASCAR drivers have committed to the July 13 SRX Series even at Stafford, including Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and Brad Koselowski.

The Napa Champions Night is on tap for Sept. 29.

To see the full 2023 schedule, click here.