STAFFORD – Todd Owen made up for two consecutive miserable weeks of racing at Stafford Speedway with a doubly victorious special night Friday.
Owen followed up a victory in the 40-lap SK Modified feature by winning the third TC 13 Shootout at Stafford.
Owen finished second in the first two editions of the event, which is run in memory of Ted Christopher, the track’s all-time winningest driver.
Christopher, who ran the No. 13 SK Modified for the duration of his career, was killed in a plane crash while flying to a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event in September 2017. Christopher’s legend in short track racing is known across NASCAR and that legendary status is deepest at Stafford where he was known as The King of the SK Modified division.
The non-points event is a 13-lap feature. The top-13 finishers in the SK Modified feature qualify for the shootout.
“I finished second in this race two years in a row,” Owen said,. “Obviously we’d give anything to have Ted back. But to win this race in his honor, it means a lot to anybody that wins it. I’m just happy to be the guy this year to get it and I thank everybody that helps to put this race on.”
Troy Talman of Oxford, Mass. was second. Mike Christopher Jr. of Wolcott, Ted Christopher’s nephew, was third.
Owen became the third different winner of the event over three years. Glen Reen won the inaugural TC Shootout in 2018 and Keith Rocco won the event in 2019. Owen became the first driver to sweep the SK Modified feature and Shootout on the same night.
Owen was involved in two big wrecks in the last two features at Stafford before Friday.
“Just wow,” Owen said. “From where we were the last two weeks, to where we are right now.”
Owen started eighth in the TC 13 Shootout Friday and quickly made his way to the front. Talman went by Mike Christopher Jr. for the lead on lap three. Owen followed into the second the next lap. On lap six Owen went Talman for the lead off of turn four and went unchallenged the rest of the way.
“I knew how good our car was in the [feature],” Owen said. “That’s a tough deal to stop and start going again. You’ve pretty much got what you’ve got. … It’s like a heat race. I kind of guy into [Talman] a little bit. I pushed up a little bit and we touched nerf bars. It was just hard racing. You ain’t guy time to waste.”
Congrats to Todd Owen and crew for winning not only the 40 lap feature, but then winning the TC13 Shootout. Todd is one of many drivers who competed against TC before his tragic death. Winning the shootout holds special meaning, so again congrats to Todd and the 81 crew
Sorry Mr. Owen but I’m not buying your TC moment. Your TC moment had to be victory lane, August 2017. Coming in third and watching an incensed Ted Christopher go after winner Rowan Pennink with fists flying. Had to be. The heart warming Ted Christopher moments are starting to become almost mythical as he’s transformed from a bare knuckled competitor to an ice cream eater. Part of the mystique was a really tough, singularly focused guy that did and said a lot of really tough and at times bizarre things as well as win a lot of races.
Now the opposite of Super Man Ted Christopher is mild mannered Todd Owen. Also a fierce competitor but low key and the perfect counter point to Ted Christopher. Finally winning a marquee event, two actually, doing what hadn’t been done before and making it look easy in the process. In a car that’s had some tough going lately and it not only wins but looks absolutely pristine in the process.
It was an all Todd Owen night. Williams and Rocco for whatever reason just never intruded on the night of domination by the 81.
Domination…..hmm. Seems funny to say that in connection with Todd Owen but that’s exactly what it was. From 10th in the feature and 8th in the shootout. Domination.
Welcome back DJ Burnham. Heard you sold your car, thought the 51 team retired but apparently not. Corn picking season over for the Racing Farmer and hopefully you can surprise in the few events that are left.
These TC13 shoot outs now have their own personality. A few cars are competitive and race. The rest just seem to want it over as soon as possible. In this case maybe 4 racing, the rest at two plus to 4 plus seconds back just trying not to touch anything. Dowling seemingly falling asleep after his banner qualifying effort in New Hampshire and the long ride to Stafford.
” Your TC moment had to be victory lane, August 2017.”
Actually September 1, 2017.
https://racedayct.com/2017/09/punchy-fists-fly-after-rowan-pennink-outduels-ted-christopher-for-sk-mod-win-at-stafford/
SK racing is so competitive. This is perhaps one of if not THE tightest and most competitive racing around.
The starting position is CRUCIAL in the SK series. The competition is so tight.