Stafford Speedway
Location
Stafford Springs, Connecticut, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Stafford Speedway - Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Historic half-mile asphalt oval - home of weekly short-track racing, Modified cars and the Spring Sizzler
When was the track built?
The site opened in 1870 as Stafford Springs Agricultural Park. Visitors came for agricultural exhibitions and horse racing, with trotters and pacers competing around the half-mile oval.
After the Second World War, horses gradually gave way to racing cars. Midgets, sprint cars and early stock cars competed on the dirt before Stafford joined NASCAR in 1959. The oval was paved in 1967.
What's the circuit like?
- Low-banked and technical: Stafford was designed to reward handling rather than engine power. Drivers must brake accurately and keep the car balanced through the corners.
- Very short laps: A lap takes only around 18 to 22 seconds in many divisions, so traffic and slower cars quickly become part of the race.
- Close competition: The wide oval allows drivers to use different lines. Cars may race side by side for several laps, but overtaking still requires patience.
- Hard on tyres: Drivers must manage grip throughout a race instead of using all the available performance in the opening laps.
What races here?
- SK Modified: Stafford's leading weekly category. These lightweight short-track cars have exposed front wheels, wide tyres and powerful engines.
- SK Light Modified: A more accessible Modified division intended to help drivers develop experience.
- Late Model: Stock-bodied racing cars that look more familiar to newcomers while still producing fast, close competition.
- Limited Late Model and Street Stock: Lower-cost categories with tighter technical rules and cars based more closely on production models.
Racing records and benchmarks
- Modified Tour qualifying: 17.896 - Doug Coby, 2017.
- First Spring Sizzler: Fred DeSarro won the inaugural race on 16 April 1972.
- First SRX event: Local specialist Doug Coby defeated a field of nationally known drivers at Stafford in 2021.
- Historic importance: Drivers including Richie Evans, Geoff Bodine, Ron Bouchard, Ted Christopher and Ryan Preece developed or strengthened their reputations here.
Oval-track records depend heavily on the car category, tyre rules and qualifying format, so times from different divisions should not be compared directly.
Why go?
Stafford provides a traditional American short-track experience. The cars remain visible for almost the entire lap, races are easy to follow and the compact circuit keeps spectators close to the sound and speed.
Weekly meetings normally include several categories, qualifying races and feature events. This gives first-time visitors plenty of action without needing to understand complicated championship rules.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Start-finish area: Best for the race start, restarts, pit activity and the final run to the chequered flag.
- Turn 1 end of the grandstand: Good for heavy braking, overtaking attempts and cars running side by side into the corner.
- Turn 4 end of the grandstand: Watch drivers fight for traction as they accelerate onto the front straight.
- Higher rows: The clearest choice for newcomers because most or all of the oval can be seen from one seat.
Stafford Speedway is at 55 West Street in Stafford Springs. Grandstand, bag and paddock-access policies can change for special events, so check the official event information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Stafford Speedway (Connecticut)
Stafford Speedway is in Stafford Springs in northern Connecticut, close to the Massachusetts border. Driving is by far the easiest way to visit, with on-site parking available and straightforward road connections from Hartford, Springfield and Boston.
Driving to the speedway
Stafford Speedway is in a rural part of northern Connecticut, so driving is the simplest option for most visitors. The final approach is along local roads rather than a major highway.
- From Hartford: take I-84 to Exit 70, then Route 32 North and Route 140 West.
- From Springfield: take I-91 South to Exit 47E for Route 190 East, then continue towards Route 140 in Stafford Springs.
- From Boston: take the Massachusetts Turnpike towards Sturbridge, join I-84 West, leave at Exit 73 and follow Route 190 West towards Stafford Springs.
- From Providence: follow Route 44, Route 74 and Route 32 North before joining Route 140 West.
For navigation, use “Stafford Speedway” or 55 West Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076.
Parking
Stafford has its own parking areas, so spectators normally park directly at the speedway rather than using an off-site shuttle.
- Cars: general spectator parking is available on the speedway property.
- Accessible parking: the circuit states that it has dedicated accessible parking for more than 80 vehicles.
- Special events: parking arrangements and possible charges can differ from normal race meetings.
- After the race: expect heavier traffic when the main event finishes, particularly during larger meetings.
Some parking areas have gravel surfaces, so visitors with limited mobility may want to contact the speedway before travelling for the best arrival and parking advice.
Flying in
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is the most convenient major airport for Stafford Speedway. It is near Windsor Locks, between Hartford and Springfield.
- Bradley Airport: Stafford Springs is approximately 23 miles away by road.
- Rental car: usually the easiest choice because the speedway is not served directly by rail.
- Taxi or rideshare: possible, but arrange your return journey in advance rather than assuming a car will be available after the race.
Bradley has a good selection of rental-car companies and is much more convenient for Stafford than flying into Boston or New York.
Public transport
Stafford Speedway is not a circuit where public transport is particularly convenient. There is no railway station at the speedway and Stafford Springs has limited transport compared with Connecticut's larger cities.
- No direct train: you cannot travel by rail directly to the circuit.
- Local transport is limited: a car, rental car or pre-arranged ride is the safest plan.
- Do not rely on a late rideshare: Stafford is a rural area and availability can be lower than in Hartford or Springfield.
If you are visiting from overseas or another state, renting a car from Bradley International Airport is usually the simplest solution.
RV & overnight parking
Stafford allows overnight parking for self-contained recreational vehicles during scheduled events, which can be useful for major race weekends.
- Designated area: RVs must use the overnight area at the rear of the main parking lot.
- Tents: tent camping is not permitted on speedway property.
- Opening time: the overnight area normally opens on the morning of the scheduled event.
- Special events: separate rules or parking fees may apply, so check the event page before arriving.
The speedway's overnight policy requires RVs to be self-contained and quiet time across the property begins at 11:00 PM.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: Route 140 and the roads around the circuit can become busy before larger events.
- Check your event page: admission times, parking arrangements and policies can change for special events.
- Check the bag policy: Stafford currently prohibits coolers, backpacks and umbrellas in the grandstand area.
- Bring hearing protection: Stafford is a compact half-mile oval, so the cars are close to the grandstands and racing can be extremely loud.
- Save the address: 55 West Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076, USA.
For a first visit, driving directly to the circuit is the easiest option. If you are flying in, Bradley International Airport plus a rental car gives you the simplest journey.
Parking, admission policies and event-day access can change, particularly for major events. Check Stafford Speedway's official event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Stafford Speedway (Stafford Springs, Connecticut)
Stafford Speedway is a classic New England short track where close racing and Modified stock cars are the main attraction. Set in the small town of Stafford Springs, it is surrounded by forests, lakes and historic communities - with family attractions and museums within easy driving distance.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Staffordville Beach & Recreation Area: A local lakefront area with swimming, picnic space and recreation facilities. It is an easy choice for a relaxed morning before an evening race.
- Connecticut Trolley Museum: Ride historic electric trolley cars and explore the history of public transport in New England. Seasonal events make it especially good for families.
- New England Air Museum: Large aircraft hangars filled with historic airplanes, engines and aviation exhibits near Bradley International Airport.
The beach and trolley museum have seasonal operations, so check the calendar before making them part of your race-day plans.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Stafford Historical Society: A small local museum displaying objects and stories from Stafford’s industrial and community history. It is less than a mile from the speedway.
- Stafford Palace Theater: A restored former vaudeville theater on Main Street hosting live entertainment and events.
- New England Air Museum: One of the strongest wet-weather options in the area, with dozens of restored aircraft displayed inside large hangars.
Eat & drink around Stafford
- Stafford Springs Main Street: The simplest place to look for cafés, pizza, casual American food and a drink before heading to the track.
- Willington & Tolland: Both are useful nearby options if you want a wider choice of restaurants while travelling to or from Interstate 84.
- Track food: Eating at the speedway is part of the traditional short-track experience, but outside food and bag rules are stricter than at some circuits.
Get outdoors between race nights
- Shenipsit State Forest: More than 7,000 acres of woodland spread across Stafford, Somers and Ellington, with hiking and multi-use trails through the hills.
- Soapstone Mountain: Follow trails through Shenipsit State Forest to the observation tower for wide views across northern Connecticut and toward Massachusetts.
- CCC Museum: Located within the forest, this small museum explains the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.
Hunting is permitted in parts of Shenipsit State Forest during designated seasons - check current information and wear high-visibility clothing when appropriate.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Old Sturbridge Village: Cross into Massachusetts for a large living-history museum recreating everyday New England life in the 1830s. Allow several hours.
- New England Air Museum: Easy to combine with an arrival or departure through Bradley International Airport and particularly good for aviation and engineering fans.
- Connecticut Trolley Museum: A shorter family outing where historic trolley rides are part of the museum experience.
- Springfield, Massachusetts: A useful city stop for restaurants and attractions if you are travelling to Stafford from the north.
Good to know on race nights
- Friday night is the traditional race night: Weekly events normally include qualifying followed by several feature races, so expect a full evening rather than one main race.
- Check the bag policy: Coolers, backpacks and umbrellas are prohibited. Small clear bags, personal purses, medical bags and diaper bags are permitted under the current policy.
- Protect your ears: Short-track racing is loud, especially when a full field passes the grandstand. Hearing protection is a good idea for adults and particularly important for children.
- Paddock access is restricted: The paddock requires the correct pass, and children under 14 are not permitted inside.
- RV stays are possible: Self-contained recreational vehicles can use the designated overnight parking area on eligible events, but tent camping is not permitted on speedway property.
Race schedules, ticket prices, grandstand policies, attraction hours and seasonal facilities can change - check current information before travelling.