The Asphalt Modified Years at Stafford Motor Speedway: By the Grace of God and 600 Horsepower

Starting out as a dirt fairground track for horses, the Stafford Motor Speedway rose to become one of the most prominent forces in New England Stock Car Racing. Cars began racing at Stafford in 1940 and NASCAR has sanctioned the facility since 1959. Clarence Benton sold the speedway to Malcom Barlow who paved the track in early 1967. Barlow went broke in mid-1970 and leased the track to Jack Arute who, along with his brother Chuck, bought the speedway in 1971.