(Stafford Springs, CT)---Peter Portante, who is the defending Allison Legacy Series North champion and has more wins in the Wild Thing Kart Series than any other driver, will become the newest member of the Late Model rookie class for the 2012 season at Stafford Motor Speedway. While most drivers from the Wild Thing Kart Series make their home in the Modified divisions at Stafford, Portante has taken the unique route of moving into Stafford's premier full bodied division for his rookie campaign. Portante has purchased the former #71 Late Model from Walt Wosko, Jr., and Portante will also have help from Wosko's team as he tackles his rookie season at Stafford.

"The Late Model division seemed like a great way to move up the ladder, and we had a great opportunity with Walt Wosko Jr.'s team," said Portante. "We bought Walt Jr.'s #71 car and his crew guys are going to be helping us out this year, so it was all about taking advantage of the opportunity that we had in front of us. Those guys know a lot about the car, so everything is going to be on me this year and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have "Little John" as the crew chief, and Bill and Jay, I would be nothing without those guys helping me out. I'd like to stick with the full body cars and this was the best opportunity for us right now and we like the direction the Late Model division will take us for the future. It doesn't get any better than the Late Model division at Stafford and it's up to me to make the most of the opportunity."

While Portante will have the Wosko crew to lean on for help with setting up his #24 Spargo Construction Chevrolet, he says that getting used to the size of both the Late Model car and Stafford track will be his biggest challenge as he looks to get himself established during his rookie season.

"I think that adapting to the size of the car and racing in a big pack of cars will be my biggest challenge this year," said Portante. "With so many cars on the track, there's usually a big pack and you always have to be on your game in the Late Model division. One slip and you're going to get freight trained, so this will all be a new experience for me. My dad and I have been working on the car as much as we can with the 71 guys so we can get meshed together as a team. With their experience and with Walt also helping me out, that should be a big help to me with the learning curve and hopefully we can get the car dialed in pretty quick."

Portante has his sights set squarely on winning Rookie of the Year honors, and he is looking forward to the challenge of having to beat the defending and two-time Lilmited Late Model champion Kevin Gambacorta, who join Portante in the 2012 Late Model rookie class.

"Kevin will be moving up to the Late Model division, so it will be interesting to see how we stack up compared to him with all the knowledge and experience he has," said Portante. "Kevin was very consistent last year in the Limited Late Model division, and what he did was unbelievable, I don't think he was outside the top-10 all year. I'd like to be able to keep up with him on the track and see what I can learn from him about being consistent, and if we can hang with him, it will be a testament to all the guys on the team. I know it's going to be very tough this year, but I have confidence in myself and if everything goes according to plan, it should be a great battle for Rookie of the Year. We want to be improving every week and get some top-10 finishes. Who knows, maybe one night we can get up front and be fighting for a top-5 or even a win."

Portante will kick off his rookie season with the 41st Annual CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler on April 27-29. 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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