STAFFORD – Steven Chapman rallied on the last lap of a green-white-checkered finish to score victory in the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature Friday at Stafford Speedway.
It was the first career SK Light Modified victory at Stafford for Chapman, of Ellington.
Nick Anglace of Ansonia was second and Norm Sears of Andover third.
Chapman dominated the feature out front before Anglace got by him for the top spot on lap 18.
But caution flew on lap 19 to set up the green-white-checkered finish. Chapman used the outside lane to get by Anglace for the lead on the final lap to win.
“Holy crap, I don’t know what to say,” Chapman said. “I never drove that car so hard.”
Sears ran his car up the wall on the backstretch on the final lap and was able to hold on for third.
Adam Gray took the lead from Duane Provost on lap 17 and never trailed again on the way to victory in the 30-lap Late Model feature.
It was the second victory of the season for Gray, of Belchertown, Mass.
Tom Fearn of East Longmeadow, Mass. was second and Provost, of Springfield, Mass., third.
The late model racing has been entertaining
Not that long ago many of us were saying how the Late Models and LLM’s were in trouble and should be merged. Not now. The LLM’s are still a weak link in numbers but the core of very competitive, experienced teams delivers top notch competition.
The response from Paul Arute to the suggestion that the LM’s go to ACT rules went something like this. The track values consistency, they weren’t bailing out on the existing teams and they would stay the course on the existing rules. In retrospect it was the right decision.
Admittedly not a Late Model fan I’d say that while the track was promoting the heck out of the SK’s as well they should the best race of the night was the Late Models.
Having Fearn fatigue isn’t a bad thing. It’s a testament to Tom Fearns domination of the division more times then not. Noting the 92’s starting spot, knowing he’s turning the fastest laps times and hoping he doesn’t have time to overtake the leader isn’t the kind of competition a division can thrive on with all due respect to an elite racing guy.
This year it’s all changed. It’s a horse race every race and anything can happen. Gray 14th to first. Bennett 10th to 4th,. Ryan Fearn 15th to 5th . Al Saunders 13th to 6th.. 8 out of 10 top 10 finishers moved ups substantially to earn good finishes. That’s great competition among a group of talented, experience hard nose drivers.
This all bodes very well for the Pro Late Model Open coming up.
I’ve seen enough. Congratulations to Steven Chapman but surprisingly he will not be contending for the championship this year as far as I see it. Debbis as well. Another speed demon with undeveloped traffic skills so this for both is a learning year. By the way what was the deal with the histrionics in the infield with Debbis. . Chapman and Debbis, great up front, need work coming through traffic.
Thanks to the guy that pointed out the number of cars Nick Anglace passed in prior races. He is the real deal. Didn’t win but made the most of his good starting position that he more then earned. Maybe the best skills to come from the back as he rises in the points.
My money is on steady, boring, low drama Alexander Pearl. I love everything about that kid. Just as steady and boring as his Gramps Jerry a historic Northeast modified legend. He, Brian Sullivan also a force and Anglace if he shows up to every race should be the contenders. Puleo another guy that will win more races but not be consistent enough to win the big prize.
Showed some flashes Amanda. We’re waiting to explode when you win one.
I love you guys and gals. SK Lights……….never disappoint.