By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. — In just his second season competing in the Limited Late Model Series at Stafford Speedway, Springfield, Vermont native Matthew Winter II earned his first victory on Friday, June 28.
When asked about the victory, Winter said, “It felt amazing. It was the best feeling I’ve felt in a long time. It’s a lot of hard work we put in and I felt like it paid off last night. It gave me the reassurance that our hard work isn’t for nothing.”
While it was Winter’s first victory at Stafford, the 19-year-old is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Winter earned several victories as a go-kart driver, including the 2018 AKRA National Championship, before making the leap to 4-cylinder racing in 2019. After a brief stint in 4-cylinder racing, Winter moved to late model racing, competing locally at Claremont Motorsports Park and Monadnock Speedway.
After experiencing success locally, Winter decided it was time to challenge himself at the renowned Stafford Speedway in 2023. Winter has earned several top 10 placements and a few top 5 finishes at Stafford, but the victory was a major breakthrough for him.
Like many accomplished drivers, Winter started racing at a young age. He credits his father, Matthew Winter Sr., for sparking his interest in the sport.
“I showed him a go-kart when he was 8 or 9 years old and asked him if he wanted to do it,” Winter Sr. said. “He said yes and I figured it was a good thing for us to do together.”
Looking ahead, Winter II has bigger goals for his racing career.
“I would love to do one of the four series of NASCAR. That would be my long-term goal eventually. Right now it is staying consistent and running up front in the Limited Late Model Series.”
In the meantime, Winter II is thankful for all the support he receives from his family and his sponsors. Sponsors at Team Winter Racing include Bear’s Cleaning Services, Shamrock Diesel, JC’s Market and Deli, Mobil Maid Cleaning Services, and BFR Chassis.
Winter II currently sits in sixth place in the Limited Late Model Series. He will continue to compete at Stafford on Friday nights through September. If you are unable to make the trip to Connecticut, you can watch Winter II live in the number 74 car on FloRacing.
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