Stafford Drivers Adam Gray, Chase Dowling And Johnny Walker Recognized In NASCAR Finalist Program

Seats will be awaiting three Stafford Motor Speedway drivers at the Whelen All-American Series awards banquet on Dec. 13 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.

Drivers Adam Gray of Belchertown, Mass., Chase Dowling of Roxbury and Johnny Walker of Ludlow, Mass. will be invited to year ending ceremonies and each will be recognized as top three finishers in NASCAR’s short track Finalist Program.

Stafford Motor Speedway closes its season with the Fall Final next weekend, though points for the Finalist Program were closed last week.

The NASCAR Finalist Divisions recognize drivers who compete in support divisions at Whelen All-American Series short tracks. The program ranks drivers in second, third fourth and fifth tier divisions in both asphalt and dirt categories.

Races through Sept. 15 count toward the finalist rankings and a driver’s top-14 finishes are counted toward their point total.

Gray, who competes in the Late Model division at Stafford and has already clinched the division’s championship, finished second in the Asphalt Division II category.

Gray has put together what he has regularly described as a dream season at Stafford this year. He has six victories and 16 top-three finishes in 17 events. Gray’s only finish outside the top-three so far in 2013 was an 18th place in the season opening race.

Dowling, a rookie in the SK Light Modified division at Stafford, finished second in the Asphalt Division III category. Dowling has seven victories and 12 top-fives in 17 starts this year. With one race remaining, Dowling leads Tony Membrino Jr. by four points going into the season finale.

Walker, who competes in the DARE Stock division at Stafford, finished third in the Asphalt Division V category. Walker has one victory and 14 top-10’s in 17 races this year. He sits 10 points behind division leader Dave Secore Jr. with one race left this season.