Ted Christopher celebrates victory in the SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Motor Speedway (Photo: Jim DuPont)
STAFFORD – When it comes to front of the field duels at Stafford Motor Speedway in the SK Modified division, more often than not when those feisty back and forth nights happen Ted Christopher is typically involved.
And the ageless showman was back as the feature attraction Friday at Stafford Motor Speedway.
Christopher, of Plainville, came out on top of a late race shootout in the front with Rowan Pennink to win the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford.
It was the fourth victory in 11 events this season for the 59-year old Christopher, who is the track’s all-time winningest driver.
Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa. was second and Chase Dowling of Roxbury third.
Pennink, the two-time defending champion in the division, took the lead from Tom Abele on the second lap.
Christopher moved to second on a lap six restart and then got by Pennink for the lead on lap nine. But Pennink didn’t fold, sticking with Christopher and taking the lead back on lap 29.
But two laps later it was Christopher fighting back to regain the top spot off turn four. But it was a short lived run out front as Pennink moved back to the lead on lap 33.
Three laps later Christopher made the move that would seal it, going back by Pennink into turn three to take the lead for good.
“When we get in the lead the car gets to tight,” Christopher said. “It’s weird. I get behind him and I can drive up in the turn and make it rotate, get off, pass the guy. It’s like once we get in the lead we get too tight. I can’t explain it. It’s been like that all year.”
It was the 107th SK Modified victory for Christopher at Stafford dating back to 1986 and his all-time leading 129th victory overall at the track.
Pennink was left searching still for his first victory of 2017.
“We’ve been struggling a little bit this year,” Pennink said. “Hopefully a run like this means we’re back and we’ll be here more often now.”
T C the man
Teddy is the best driver ever
Plainville people are amazing
Pinch me. Another great tussle in a great division of 40 no strategy, get to the front ASAP laps. Man I wanted to see Peenink get a win but it’s almost as much fun rooting against and admiring Christopher at the same time for yet another decade. I would like to be in the know if Christopher reads these accounts and what he thinks about constantly being referred to as ageless. Compliment or an annoyance.
Wow what a race Teddy And Rowan put on last night. If that race didn’t get you excited check your pulse. The 10x should have been thrown out for taking Keith out, because starting at the back only got Keith into trouble when he should have been up front where he was running. Jeffery you must be like 12 that’s what you sound like LMAO. Teddy is good and really good at Stafford but again I must tell you not the best ever, not even top 10. I do agree with you about Plainville people My mom was born there 🙂
Rowan Pennick had the faster car, but Teddy drove a smarter race, he knew to stay low the last 3 laps so Pennick couldn’t get under him in turn 3. Great driving TC.
Agreed mike. Christopher held Pennink up just enough to give Dowling a shot at second at the end. Man what a great race.
Greatest band ever. The Beatles. But wait if you consider the total body of work and longevity hands down it’s the Stones. Stones first, Beatles second and Zeppelin in third.
You have to go with longevity as far a Christopher is concerned. How much racing enjoyment has that guy given us over decades. Isn’t he the leading active driver WMT win’s. Longevity, commitment, enthusiasm and the business skills to fund his operations for decades. Hands down the winner in the greatest driver ever at Stafford at the very least. And I don’t even root for him nor do I like the Stones.