(Stafford Springs, CT)---Stafford Motor Speedway’s SK Light Modified division will welcome another second generation driver for the 2013 season with Dylan Menditto joining the driver roster.  Menditto is the son of former SK Modified® competitor Darrin Menditto and he will carry the same #29 on his car that his father used in the SK Modified® ranks.

18-year old Menditto began his racing career at age 5, and he has raced go karts, quarter midgets, and sprint cars at Whip City Speedway.  Menditto has won championships in the Junior Sportsman 1A, Junior Sportsman A, and Junior Sportsman divisions in the go kart ranks, he won 6 races from 2006-2007 in the 250 class at Whip City Speedway, and he was second in points and Rookie of the Year in the 270 class at Whip City in 2008.  With experience on both dirt and asphalt, Menditto is looking forward to making his Stafford debut and following in the footsteps of his father.

“I think I’m more excited than nervous to get started,” said Menditto.  “Racing at Stafford has been something that I’ve always wanted to do.  29 was my dad’s number and I’ve been using that number since I was 6 years old, I really like that number.  This was kind of a last minute decision for us.  We had sold our two sprint cars and we ended up finding a modified and things worked out for us.  I think racing on dirt is a little harder with the car control than asphalt, but I’ve raced on both surfaces so I think I’ll be fine racing on the asphalt.”

The move to the SK Light division in 2013 will be Menditto’s first time behind the wheel of a full sized car.  While Menditto says the first few practice sessions of the season will prove to be crucial for gaining experience and seat time in his new ride, he doesn’t think it will take himself that long to adapt to the new car.  And if Menditto runs into any issues, he can always lean on his father for advice.

“I think it’s going to be a huge advantage for me to have my dad’s advice,” said Menditto.  “I think the biggest thing for me will be learning to drive a full size car.  I’ll use the first couple of practice sessions to learn how to drive the car better in the corners and I don’t think it will take too long to get used to the car.  We bought a 2004 Troyer car and it’s almost ready to go now, so I’m excited for the new season.”

The 2013 SK Light Modified season kicks off with the 42nd Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler on April 26-28.  Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” may be ordered by calling the Speedway Box Office. Tickets are priced at $38.50 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 $42.00 for all ages. All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax. 

For more information on the 42nd 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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