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As of July 31, 2025 – Stafford Speedway’s Late Model division has seen a familiar pattern flipped this season. Chris Meyer, known for slow starts, has vaulted into title contention with a blistering opening run. The driver of the #87 Mayday Oil / Casella Waste entry sits second in the standings after four early races produced three podiums and a win. That momentum has carried him through a mid-season mix of highs and lows, and he now heads into Friday’s feature with renewed confidence.
“We definitely came out of the box quicker than normal,” Meyer said. “In my Late Model career, it usually takes half a season to find speed. This year, thanks to Kevin from Mayday Oil, Casella Waste, the DiMauro family, and new partner USNE Power with Dave Miller, we hit the ground running. BFR Chassis built us a brand-new car, R.A.D. Auto Machine delivers incredible horsepower, and our contingency sponsors—iRacing, Manley, Paradiso Insurance, Leaf Racewear, New England Racing Fuel—all play a part. I also appreciate every competitor who shows up weekly; we need more cars in the Late Model division.”
Since that hot start, Meyer notched a second victory but also faced setbacks. He has four seventh-place finishes, an 11th, and a strong fourth on July 24. The uneven results stem from a mix of mechanical failures and minor driver errors. “We lost our way a bit, but it’s also been bad luck,” Meyer said. “One night we had a mechanical failure while running fifth or sixth. Other nights I made small mistakes or got shuffled out while fighting for wins. But I feel great—we had the best car last week and one of the best two weeks ago. This Friday the car will be even better. I think any given week we’re a top contender.”
Meyer’s progression through the Late Model ranks is remarkable. After a winless rookie season in 2022, he earned his first victory in 2023, doubled to two wins in 2024, and raised the bar to three wins last season. If not for a few different breaks, he believes he could already have four wins in 2025. “The car isn’t lacking anything,” he said. “We could easily have a few more wins. But it’s hard to win even one race. Last year at this point we hadn’t won yet, then ended up with three wins. The year before we won back-to-back in the middle of the season and then had more podiums but no more wins.”
Currently second in points, Meyer knows he needs regular trips to NAPA Victory Lane to stay in the championship hunt. But rather than focusing on points, he’s chasing speed. “My confidence is ramping up because this is the time of year when I do my best work,” he said. “I’ve always been a second-half driver. Last week we ran down the top three—Michael Bennett, Adam Gray, and Darrell Keane—who are the class of the field on speed charts. That’s something most drivers couldn’t do. We’re not reading too much into it, just trying to make me better and the car better. I think we’re right there with speed and confidence.”
Exclusive Perspective: According to longtime Stafford observer and former crew chief Mark Wallace, Meyer’s mid-season form is reminiscent of past champions. “Chris has always been a late bloomer, but this year he’s carrying that early momentum into the dog days. If he can keep the car consistent, he’s a real threat to unseat the leaders.” Wallace also noted that the BFR Chassis and R.A.D. Auto Machine combination has given Meyer a horsepower edge that’s closing the gap to perennial front-runners like Bennett and Gray.
Meyer will aim for his third win of 2025 this Friday, July 31st. The Late Models will be joined by SK Modifieds, SK Lights, Limited Late Models, and Street Stocks. Tickets are available on Stafford’s website, with a $5 discount for advance purchase. The green flag drops at 7:30 p.m.
