“NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37th annual Spring Sizzler.

The team debuted a new car and paint scheme for the Sizzler – opting to run a different chassis than they had worked with for the season opening Ice Breaker. Pictures of the sharp new car can be found by visiting www.reneedupuis.com – thanks to Mary & Howie Hodge.

Practice and qualifying took place on Saturday (April 26) – with Renee qualifying 26th in the 35-car field.

Prior to any on-track activity on Sunday, the No. 90 team took part in Stafford’s annual Pit Party. During the celebration Renee participated in an interview with the track announcer, discussing her own involvement with the sport as well as the recent publicity surrounding Danica Patrick’s IndyCar win; and how that triumph relates to other women racers.

While it was far from the weekend the team hoped for, the No. 90 car ran for position on the lead lap for three-quarters of the 200-lap race. The team pitted the car on three occasions: making air pressure adjustments twice; as well as a four-tire change while fueling. Cycling thru pit stops, the team ran as high as eighth.

Following a restart on lap-153, Renee tangled briefly with another competitor eventually slapping the turn four barrier. “We got tapped from behind and I tried to save it – chasing it up the race track,” she explained. “Once we got way up into the marbles, I was really just along for the ride. It sure seemed like we were going to back it in pretty good, so I guess just getting the right-front was a small favor.”

As a result of the suspension damage from the accident, the car didn’t return to the track and the team posted a disappointing 25th place finish.

With a break in the Series’ schedule, Renee will next run a 150-lap race, again at Stafford, on Friday, May 23. We look forward to updating you following our next event.”