DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2005) - The 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has reached the homestretch as just three races remain in the 19 race schedule. The series fourth and final appearance of the year at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn. is scheduled for Sunday, October 2 The Carquest Fall Final will feature a 150-lap test for NASCAR’s oldest open wheeled series.

Chuck Hossfeld of Buffalo, N.Y., who drives the Don Barker-owned No. 50 Creative Racing Products Ford, is currently third in the series standings, trailing Ted Christopher by 172 points and defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Tony Hirschman by 111 markers. Hossfeld is hoping to close the gap at Stafford.

“I have a lot of confidence heading to Stafford,” said Hossfeld. “We found some things at some recent races which should work really well there.”

Hossfeld, who finished second in the standings in 2003, was hoping the 2005 season would bring him his first championship. Although he has yet to visit victory lane this season, he has strung together seven Top-five and 12 Top-10 finishes, keeping him in the hunt for the championship.

“I am disappointed we haven’t won yet,” said Hossfeld. “Disappointed for the whole team. They have given me a great car all year and have been terrific during pit stops. We just needed a little luck and we would have had our first win by now.”

Hossfeld knows he must make a move now in order to have a chance at the championship.

“I don’t wish bad luck on anyone,” said Hossfeld. “But obviously we’ll need a little help. All we can do is try to win the last races and see where the points end up.”

Qualifying for the Carquest Fall Final is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct 1. The 150 lap feature is scheduled to get the green at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 2.

CARQUEST FALL FINAL NOTES

• Bud Pole Qualifying is scheduled for 1:30 on Saturday Oct. 1. The fastest 27 cars will earn starting positions 1-27.
   
• Five Provisional positions (Two based on 2005 driver points, two on owner points and one past champion) will bring the starting field to 32 cars.

• Posted awards are: $80,238

• The Carquest Fall final will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 2

• The Carquest Fall final is the fourth and final appearance of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Stafford in 2005. Tony Hirschman was the winner of the Spring Sizzler in April. Ted Christopher won a 150 lap event in May. Hirschman returned to victory lane in August.

• Hirschman has a remarkable streak currently at Stafford. In the previous eight races he has won four times and finished second three times. His other finish was a 24th in May of 2005.

• Drivers currently competing on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour who have Fall final victories include; Wayne Anderson (94), Ted Christopher (01), Tony Hirschman (99, 04) Jerry Marquis (00, 03) Reggie Ruggiero (87,89), Mike Stefanik (90,92,93,95,98, 02) and Jamie Tomaino (86).

• Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor Steve Park is scheduled to make his first start of the 2005 season at Stafford.