Pauch and Stefanik File Early Entries for Providence Coffee Cup

Two auto racing legends will compete when the high-powered, three-quarter-size Midget Cars return to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., on December 4 and 5 in search of success at the "Coffee Cup" event.

The race is returning to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center based on the success from the inaugural event held in March. The action takes place on a concrete oval on the arena floor, with the cars reaching speeds of close to 70 mph. The spectators have breathtaking views of the racing, from seats overlooking the track.

Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, N.J., and Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I. are two of the initial drivers to file entries.

Pauch has never driven competitively in Rhode Island. A schedule conflict kept the winner of over 650 career features from competing in the March event.

Pauch, 52, will drive the Bryant Ingalls-owned No. 8, which he drove to victory lane indoors in January at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
While Pauch is considered one of the greatest dirt Modified drivers of all time, Rhode Island is the home of one of the greatest asphalt drivers, nine times NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik.

Stefanik, 51, made his indoor TQ-Midget debut in front of his home state fans last March.

While running with the lead pack, Stefanik, who is returning to drive for Spitfire Chassis designer Colin Martin, had mechanical problems and had to pull into the pit area. Stefanik was involved in a hard crash in the Friday night headline event.

The format will be similar to the one used in March. The Three-Quarter Midgets and Senior Champ Karts will headline the two-day program. Feature events for both classes are scheduled each night.

Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations and the Dunkin’ Donut Center box office.

Ticketmaster can be reached online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Information on the event will be available at aarn.com or by calling 609-888-3618.

A special hotel rate of $79 per night is available at the Hilton, which is located within walking distance from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Racers and fans can find more information on a link at www.aarn.com or by calling 1-800-445-8667. In order to get the special rate, you must ask for the “Indoor Auto Race” rate.

The room rate block is available until it’s sold-out with a November 17 deadline.

The release prepared by Jerry Reigle of Area Auto Racing News