STAFFORD – The Limited Late Model division at Stafford Speedway has been the center for breakthrough winners in 2021.
And that themed continued Friday.
Rookie Matt Scappini dominated on the way to victory in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature Friday at Stafford.
It was the first career victory for the Litchfield driver.
“Unbelievable,” Scappini said. “The car felt amazing today. I knew we had something as soon as we got here today. I can’t believe it. It’s my rookie year and I never thought I’d be [in victory lane] to be honest. … Very tough division. A lot of good drivers out there. I can’t believe it.”
Gary Patnode of Barkhamstead was second and Alexandra Fearn of East Longmeadow third.
Scappini became the fourth first-time winner in the division in 2021, joining Rich Hammann, Mike Hopkins and Devon Jencik. He was the eighth different winner in 16 events in the division this season.
Brian Sullivan of South Windsor drove away from Anthony Bello over the closing laps to win the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature.
It was the third victory of the season for the division’s reigning champion.
“We’ve been really struggling lately here,” Sullivan said. “We’ve been riding around on junk [tires] for the last five weeks. We knew with them getting us tires tonight we were going to have a good car. We made some gains the last few weeks with setup. By the time we did put new rubber on this thing she came to life.”
Bello, of Newtown, was second and Alexander Pearl of Salem third.
The SK Light Modified standings saw a major shakeup at the top.
Derek Debbis came into the night holding a 22-point lead over Pearl in second place with Sullivan in third, 38 points off the lead. Debbis was involved in an early wreck and recorded a 25th place finish. Pearl jumped to the standings lead with Sullivan moving into second. Pearl holds a 12-point lead over Sullivan with Debbis now in third, 22 points behind Pearl.
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