Stafford Notes: Johnny Walker Captures DARE Stock Title

Johnny Walker (Photo: Jim DuPont)

STAFFORD – Before the start of the 2017 season at Stafford Motor Speedway, reigning DARE Stock driver Johnny Walker had decided he would likely race part-time at the track for the year.

After some early success Walker decided to keep coming back week after week. Friday that dedication resulted in celebration for the Ludlow, Mass. driver.

Walker finished second in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature Friday to clinch his second consecutive division title with one event still to be run.

George Bessette Jr. of Danbury won the event, getting his first career victory in the division.

Walker dedicate the championship to SK Modified division driver Ted Christopher, who was killed in plane crash Saturday.

“I think seeing [George Bessette Jr.] is bigger than me winning,” Walker said. “The kid has been racing great all year. … I’m really excited about winning our second championship. … This was absolutely a dream come true. Unbelievable. I dedicate this championship to the late Ted Christopher.”

Brandon Michael of Granville was second.

Michael Bennett of Stafford got his second consecutive victory and fifth victory overall in the 20-lap Late Model feature. He dedicated the victory to Christopher.

“He’s a guy that I grew up watching and a lot of us did,” Bennett said. “He used to send it in down there in turn three harder than anybody until the day that he stopped racing. I feel like I’ve learned that move mainly from watching him. We’re going to celebrate him. I think we all will.”

Kevin Gambacorta of Ellington was second and Glen Reen of Wilbraham, Mass. third.

Daniel Wesson of Monson, Mass. used a late pass to get by Marcello Rufrano for the lead and win the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature.

“[Rufrano] was racing me hard,” Wesson said. “He drove me down to the grass. I’m not going to take that. I learned that from Ted Christopher. He was a great guy once you got to know him. I was running aggressive today and it paid off.”

Rufrano, of North Haven, finished second, and Wesley Prucker of Stafford third.

Bryan Narducci of Colchester won the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature. Albert Saunders of Stafford was second and Duane Provost of Palmer, Mass. third.

Comments

  1. Wicker,has also moved from 3rd to 2nd, in hole country in nascar div.5. Out of all the tracks from all over the country. For john to win another championship back to back. Then continues to climb the national standing in the division 5. Safe to say wicker is quicker. Great job by John and his crew. Hats off to Betty she has helped more then you know. After all she all Chevy girl.

  2. Way to go Wicker…Guess all the doubters can now simmer down. Back to back championships is not easy, especially with all the naysayers, but everything has been teched, so there you have … Walker is a WINNER!!!!!!!!

  3. Second in the country in Division V , now that’s something to be proud of, how many others have done that from Stafford?? Just wondering

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