Keith Rocco Runner-Up Again In Whelen All-American Series Final National Standings

Another year, another second place for Keith Rocco.

Keith Rocco

Despite suffering a dislocated left wrist in late July, Rocco, of Wallingford, still found a way to finish second in the country’s national short track standings.

For the third time in the last four years, Rocco was second in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national standings. Rocco won his only national title in 2010.

Lee Pulliam of Semora, N.C. captured his first national title. Pulliam, who competed in a Late Model and had starts during the season at five southeast tracks, finished with 794 points.

Rocco, who competes full-time in the SK Modified divisions at Stafford Motor Speedway, Thompson International Speedway and the Waterford Speedbowl, finished the year with 748 points.

Under the point structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, a race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26. A driver’s 18 highest points collecting finishes count toward their total.

Pulliam finished the year with 22 victories in 36 starts. Rocco had 14 wins spread across 43 starts.

Ryan Preece of Berlin, who has competed this year in the SK Modified divisions at Stafford and Thompson and in a Tour Type Modified at Riverhead, was fifth with 724 points. Preece had 14 wins in 48 starts.

Ted Christopher of Plainville, who competes in an SK Modified full-time at Thompson and Stafford and in a Tour Type Modified at Riverhead, was sixth in the national standings with 716 points. Woody Pitkat of Stafford, who competed in an SK Modified at Stafford and Thompson, was 11th in the standings.