One of the best known and most progressive track operators in the country has passed away. Jack Arute, Sr. of Stafford Motor Speedway fame died Monday morning in Connecticut. Arute was in the construction business and co-owned Eddie Flemkes racecars in 1969 when he was approached about buying the track from former driver Bill Slater. At that time, the track was almost ready to shut down. Arute came in and made several improvements to the facility, including building new grandstands. Through the years, he aligned the track closely with NASCAR, started the SK Modified division and created a weekly racing card that attracted national short track stars on a regular basis. Drivers like Ron Bouchard and Richie Evans raced there regularly in the 1970s and well known touring competitors like Ted Christopher and Zach Sylvester compete there on Friday nights to this day.(speed51.com and modseriesscene.com.
from NASCAR: Racing has lost one of its best friends. Jack Arute Sr. certainly helped build our sport and helped make NASCAR what it is today. He was a mans man, a personal friend, and he will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Arute family, NASCAR Vice Chairman Bill France said.(4-4-2006)
AND see another column at the Hartford Courant: A Long Track Record: Arute Helped Change Perception Of Local Auto Racing.(4-4-2006)
