Ronnie Williams celebrates his first victory of the season in the SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Speedway (Photo: Jim DuPont)
STAFFORD – The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified division ran an extra ten lap more than usual at Stafford Motor Speedway.
For Ronnie Williams, that just meant a longer and more emotional ride for the two men he had riding with him.
Williams, of Tolland, rolled to his first victory of the season in the 50-la SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Motor Speedway.
In victory lane Williams pulled out the two photographs he had riding with him to victory. His grandfather Fred Peckham and his uncle Jack Williams. Peckham was a former racer at Stafford. Williams was a firefighter at the track for more than 50 years.
“It’s definitely special,” Williams said. “We’ve had a good year up to this point. It’s the strongest start of a year we’ve had. Just to finally put the car in victory lane after the winter we had was definitely special. It was definitely for those two guys.”
Matt Galko of Meriden was second and Todd Owen of Somers third.
“It was definitely one of the most special wins just because,” Williams said. “… The names we’ve got on this car. We lost two great men over the offseason. … This one is definitely for these guys. I’ve got both their pictures in my pocket. I was racing for them.”
Williams got under Glen Reen for the lead on lap 24 and never trailed again.
“I knew I needed to get by Glen Reen fast,” Williams said. “I could see that he was a little loose. As soon as I had the advantage and had the chance to do it I kind of just sent it in there and it stuck.”
Wow. What a great race run by this young man. He started 11th, picked off everyone one at a time. Avoided the big wreck, and then led half the race with some big guns way back in his rear view mirror. They could not get to him. He drove a replica of his grandfathers car for this season and dedicated the race to his grandfather and his uncle who worked at the track. This kid is not only a great talent and driver, he is a great person. He gets it. The future is bright thanks to people like him. Ronnie Williams = Class!
Congratulations Kid.
What a fabulous event. Watching the Sk’s circle the track in a pack for 6 laps side by side sent chills down my spine.The big crash loosened things up and the race proceeded nicely with individual battles galore. Who doesn’t love that Ronnie Williams won. 4 winners in five events in an absolutely brutal field of cars. I was mesmerized as Christopher charged from the rear after taking on fresh rubber only to be stymied by Pennick. Normally not a fan of the non pass Pennick was masterful at keeping TC who clearly had a faster car at bay.
A tip to all concerned. Ben Dodge was unable to perform he’s not dead. The constant remembrances of him was simply weird. For my money Joe Coss was outstanding with his preparation, enthusiasm and no nonsense traditional call of the racing action. A very refreshing change from a true pro.
The hard luck award goes to the Fern clan in the Limited Late Models. Running first and second it looked to be a banner night for them only to end up with a third place finish and a very wrecked car. A truly fast car for a very good driver reduced to rubble. Yikes that hurts.
The raspberry goes to whoever made mom and dad keep the kids up until late at night to see the fireworks. Joy rides in the two seater, watching 30 people waddle out and back to the winners circle after each feature,drawings for prizes, media savvy drivers that take forever thanking not only their sponsors but anyone connected with racing in general is too much. The people will come if you keep the action coming fast and furiously.
A great show all in all and the resurgence of racing at Stafford is in full flower lead by the SK’s and the SK Lights.
Boring racing as usual
I left half way point
All the racing was so spread out
Starr is my place
I may pull my team away
TC should of won that race
He will next week I’m sure
He is faster than all of em
Rocco and TC domi ate rest of year
13 and 88 are the best out there
That’s a fact
Go TC and teddy
Mike jr too
Go TC and rocco
Mike jr too