Jack Arute Sr.

Jack Arute Sr. rescued Stafford Motor Speedway in 1970 when he took over the failing operation. He immediately transformed the Connecticut half-miler into an industry leader.

In 1972 Arute persuaded then NASCAR President Bill France Jr. that the Modifieds
needed a face lift from their “pre-war” coupe bodies and started what was known as the “Pinto Revolution.” Arute also instituted a point fund restructuring that included car owners and made it one of the largest in the country.

When escalating costs threatened Modified racing, Arute introduced an affordable weekly version of the Modified that he named the SK Modified® and gained a U.S. trademark.

Arute served on the NASCAR National Racing commission. He also was a USAC member who received their prestigious “Lifetime membership.”