Ronnie Williams
STAFFORD – Ronnie Williams has already shown he has what it takes to win in Stafford Motor Speedway’s premier SK Modified division.
But Friday he made the statement.
The first two career victories in the division at Stafford for Williams have come after getting starting spots near the front of the field.
Friday Williams, of Tolland, showed he can come from behind too.
Williams came from the 10th starting spot and battled with some of the heaviest hitters in the field to win the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified.
Williams got his first win as a rookie in the division in 2014. His second win came on May 1.
“I think this was really big,” Williams said. “I didn’t want people to think I was just doing it from the pole, even though it’s really not easy, especially with the guys coming. But, coming from the back of the pack and avoiding all the wrecks that happened, this was probably the biggest win I’ve had. Not to say that I didn’t work for the others, but I really had to work for this.”
Eric Berndt of Cromwell was second and Ryan Preece of Berlin third.
“I knew I had the car,” Williams said. “I came on the radio, five laps [into the race] and I was telling [crew chief Stash Butova], ‘We’re going to win this race, we have a good car.’ And it definitely showed.”
Berndt went toe the lead past Michael Gervais Jr. on lap 13 with Preece moving to second.
Preece went by Berndt for the lead on lap 19, but Berndt fought back to retake the top spot on lap 26.
On lap 31 Williams went by Preece for second, with Berndt having checked out from the field. But caution flew on the field on lap 36 and Williams took advantage on the restart.
Williams made a move under Berndt into turn three on lap 37 and came off turn four with the lead.
“Our car was so good,” Williams said. [Butova is] the man. I knew I just had to get a good jump and get to this inside, which I did. The car was hooked up. It was great racing with Eric Berndt and Ryan Preece.”
Said Berndt: “The late race cautions killed us. We had a little bit better car on the longer run. Plus the front end, we got hit in the front end early in the race, the front end was out a little bit. Ronnie had a strong car and when he got by he could pull. We’ve got a little bit more homework. We’re catching up on it.”
Congratulations to this young man on his big win tonight. “The Magician” has really worked his magic on that car, but more importantly than that, Steve Butova is a great guy. Never one to blow his own horn or tell others how good he is, he’s really got the 59 car on rails.
Steve was always able to get the 91SK cars fast on the watch for the past few seasons too. Does anybody know if his brother still works on cars?
Great job tonite by Stafford Speedway during the National Anthem! Pit announcer told everyone no engines and no announcements during the anthem and that’s what they did. Thank you Mark Arute and Stafford management for correcting this problem from a week ago. 25 SK’s took the green, 7 Whelen tour drivers in the field and Williams beat ’em all! Not a good night for R. Silk in the LFR chassis #15.
Great article and what a race! With the handicap system at Stafford, there are some drivers who start up front and cause wrecks for the first 10 laps. After that, there was great racing and some great battles at the front. That #59 Williams kid waited and watched the 6 and 66 battle with Kid Rock behind him, then took the race right at the end. Starting 13th in the field and winning like he did, his team must be so proud of him. Great job Ronnie Williams and great job Stafford for putting on the best show and the best racing in the Northeast. What a night!
Jacko,
Stash is Steves brother and that’s who works on Ronnies car Steve works on others but Ronnies car is Stash, although Steve is a great guy you have to give credit where credit is due