STAFFORD – The chase is on for the 2019 SK Modified championship at Stafford Speedway, but Friday night at Stafford it was Stephen Kopcik injecting himself directly in front of the battle.
Kopick held off Todd Owen over the closing laps to win the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature.
It was the second victory of the season for Kopcik, of Newtown.
Todd Owen of Somers was second, Ronnie Williams of Tolland third and Keith Rocco of Wallingford fourth.
Owen, Williams and Rocco will take the battle for the championship to the season finale on Sept. 29 at the NAPA Fall Final, where one of them will celebrate a division title. But Friday the celebration was reserved for Kopcik.
“It’s a ton of fun racing with these guys,” Kopcik said. “It’s good every week. It’s almost like whoever gets to the front first and holds them off is the one that’s going to win. We’re all that damn close.”
Kopcik went by Glen Reen for the lead on lap 10 and never trailed again. Behind him the points contenders battled it out.
“We’re happy with the outcome,” Owen said. “We came here to win tonight, one spot short. The car was really really good. My hats off to everybody that helps me. I’m just the guy that gets to steer the wheel.”
The SK Modified finale on Sept. 29 sets up with Williams – the reigning division champion – leading the standings. Owen – who has never won a championship at Stafford – will go into the event second to Williams, six points behind. Rocco, a three-time SK Modified champion at Stafford, goes into the final 16 points behind Williams.
This is how you want things to go if your a promoter. The top 3 in points separated by 16 points (8 positions) going into the final race. Not sure the drivers feel the same way. Still pulling for Williams, hope he holds on and cones out on top
Did Owen do Reen dirty in turn two pushing him out too far or was it the slower car coming into view that caused the dust up? Sure didn’t hurt Owen’s setup. Reen’s either.
Owen passing Williams. Didn’t see that one coming. What didn’t Rocco do? That’s right he went the utterly futile route on the outside and wasn’t banging on the 50’s back bumper. That Rocco is a real pussycat.
Rocco and Williams a little off the pace. Saving tire credits for the Fall Final perchance?
Who was the guy in Kopcik’s old car the 31? So many invaders including a very competitive Joey Ternullo.
Say what you want about Reen but there isn’t an once of quit in that guy.
Live long and prosper SK’s!