(Stafford Springs, CT)---For Stafford Late Model driver Tony Lafo, the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season is a chance for he and his #82 team to continue to build upon the progress they achieved with their car during the 2011 season.

While a couple of hard crashes prevented the team from competing in all of the races this past season, Lafo managed a best finish of 8th and he finished the year in 16th place in the Late Model points standings. While that points position might not sound all that promising on paper, Lafo says his team made significant progress during the year and he is looking to build upon that progress for the 2012 season at Stafford.

"We made some changes to the car that worked out pretty well for us this year," said Lafo. "The car was significantly faster this year than it has been in years past. We used to start up front in heat races and we would finish last, where now we won a couple of heat races, and we had some good races this year, we just didn't have a lot of luck. We had a couple of big wrecks during the year, which really hurt us, but I think we're right there with the car. If we can have a few things fall right for us and have a little luck on our side, I think we can get on the podium next season and maybe even take home a trophy."

For Lafo and the #82 team, the road to CARQUEST Victory Lane has been long and arduous path to travel. But the team is currently rebuilding their #82 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and their resolve to knock down the door to victory lane remains as strong as ever.

"Next season will be our 9th season at Stafford, and we never imagined we would struggle like we have so far," said Lafo. "We ran a Sportsman at Waterford and we won a couple of races from 2000-2001, so it's been a long time since we won a race. We won a 16 race at Stafford, but we would like to get a win in a main feature race. We're going to have the same car and crew for next season, we're not making any major changes, but we're working on rebuilding the car right now and we're working on some new things for next season. We have a strong determination to get a win and I think if we can continue our progress from last year, we can be there."

The 2012 Late Model season will get underway at the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler on April 27-April 29, 2012 at Stafford. The 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler gets underway Friday, April 27 with a practice session for Stafford's weekly divisions. The practice session will be open to the public at no charge. Action continues on Saturday, April 28 with Coors Light Pole Qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour cars, along with heat and consolation races for Stafford's weekly divisions. Saturday will wrap up with feature events for the SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions. The Sizzler continues on Sunday, April 29 with the CARQUEST Belts & Hose Pit Party followed by Stafford's SK Modifieds® and Late Models joining the Whelen Modified Tour in feature action.

Tickets for the CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler are available and on sale now through the SMS 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 will be priced at $42.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information on the 41st 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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