STAFFORD – Over the last two seasons SK Modified veteran Todd Owen established himself as a regular visitor to victory lane at Thompson Speedway and the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
But for all the success Owen was finding, the frustrations of close, but just not close enough life in the SK Modified division at Stafford Speedway was growing ever more frustrating for the Somers driver.
Friday Owen finally broke his Stafford curse.
Owen held off the challenges of Mike Christopher Jr. to win the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Speedway.
It was Owen’s first SK Modified win at Stafford since Oct. 6, 2016.
“I just … it’s been a really long time since I’ve been here,” Owen said in victory lane. “Everyone behind me deserves more of the credit than I do. We worked our tail off the last few years and we’ve come so close. It’s just an awesome feeling to finally get the one spot better.”
Christopher, of Wolcott, was second and Keith Rocco of Wallingford third.
Christopher went by Stephen Kopcik for the lead on lap three.
On lap 23 Owen found his way around Kopcik for second place. Two laps later Owen got under Christopher for the lead for good off of turn four.
After the race Owen joked about Bryan Narducci, who drives a car Owen helps prepare in the SK Light Modified division.
“It’s just awesome to be here,” Owen said. “Sick of watching Bryan [Narducci] win all the time. Maybe now I can actually have a little glory.”
Congrats to Todd and the 81 crew, well deserved long awaited victory.
There is literally no one that deserved a win more then Owen who seems to be the perpetual bridesmaid, so to speak at Stafford.
How serious did the 82 take this race. Very seriously. They had their backup handy on a flatbed.
They needed this bad having lost the mojo they had at the end of last year. Don’t know if it’s an 82 thing or the fact the SK’s are insanely competitive this year.