STAFFORD – It’s said that the true mark of a champion is the ability top persevere and rally through adversity.
On Friday at Stafford Speedway Ronnie Williams put on a display of that ability to rally back from misfortune.
A week after a late wreck relegated him to a 19th place finish in the SK Modified feature at Stafford, Williams came back to win the 40-lap SK Modified feature Friday on Dunleavy’s Modifiedz Night at Stafford.
It was the first victory of the season for the two-time defending SK Modified champion at Stafford. Williams was fourth in the season opening event on June 26 and came into Friday’s feature eighth in the division standings.
“I told my dad … today, this was kind of the first adversity that we’ve gone through in a while,” Williams said. “We’ve had some pretty good years. … The last couple [races] here haven’t been the greatest. We’ve been good, we haven’t been great. Even today earlier I was like ‘We’re a fifth place car, fifth to seventh.’ But [car owner Adam Skowyra] made some good changes and this is what this team does when I’m kind of down. They definitely picked me up. We make a good combination.”
Todd Owen of Somers was second and Stephen Kopcik of Newtown third.
Williams earned a $433 bonus for leading lap 33, an award in memory of former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Wade Cole, who died while working on his car at home in March. The award was presented through donations from Doug Dunleavy, RaceDayCT, New England Antique Racers and David Cymbala.
“It means a lot,” Williams said. “I raced with him a little bit. Just hearing the stories from my grandfather and grandmother. Just how great of a guy he was. A true racer for sure.”
Williams went to second past Troy Talman on lap five. From there he stalked race leader Cory DiMatteo for 14 laps before getting under him in turn two and taking the lead into turn three on lap 20.
Owen got by Mike Christopher Jr. for second on lap 27 but couldn’t find a lane to challenge Williams over the final 13 laps.
“It was a good race between Cory,” Williams said. “He had a fast car at the beginning there. We were close to getting up to him inch by inch. We finally got to him. … [Skowyra] did a great job. These guys rebuilt this car this week while I was on vacation. It wasn’t too good throughout the day but these guys made it better. Just happy to be back up here after the rough start to the season.”
What a good sport Todd Owen is. He looked like he was ready to race Williams there for a while but settled back into second comfortably and took a gentlemanly second place.
The top 5 cars were just so equal that track position is everything especially on restarts. Rocco got stuck behind a fading DiMatteo on the outside, lost a couple positions and no time to recover.
Fairly routine win for Williams with no real challenges or drama from Owen so that’s the good clean racing we like right?
Good morning Sean
I was unable to attend last night how did the first Ted Christopher safety initiative go also any news on when the TC 13 shootout will be held. Thank you and have a great day
Mark,
Teddy’s wife Quinn was at the track distributing the equipment to drivers. It wasn’t done with fanfare. But I saw quite a few people sporting their new wears during the night, including Late Model winner Ryan Fearn.
No date yet for the TC Shootout. I’m sure the track will be announcing a September schedule portion soon.
Thanks Shawn,
sounds like it was another great tribute to TC 13 Special thanks to Quinn Christopher for starting the initiative and leaf racewear for providing the gear. 👍
Shawn, any idea why none of the Avery cars ran last night?
Anyone know what’s up with the Avery cars? Dan has done a lot for motor sports in New England both as an owner and as a driver also a great guy hope to see him back at the track.
Chase Dowling is sitting out the weekend. Woody Pitkat is on vacation and Glen Reen was apparently taking a week off also.
Luger,
I spoke to Dan Avery this morning. He said the team is regrouping right now and will be back at the track.
If I remember correctly Woody was a part time deal with Dan sharing the 10 car , don’t think woody wants to run every Friday
Any news re: Eric Berndt?
Rafter,
My understanding is taking some time off.
Çongrats to Ronnie Adam Les and the whole #50 team. Great win. Hard work and determination paid off. Keep up the great job.