STAFFORD – The first 10 SK Modified races of the 2022 season at Stafford Speedway had been the stuff of misery for Keith Rocco.
The second winningest SK Modified driver in track history looked most weeks like victory lane was galaxies away.
Then came last Friday, in the 11th event of the season, when bad went to worse for the Wallingford driver. A massive wreck early in the SK Modified feature last Friday left Rocco’s car a crumpled mess in turn one.
It seemed unfortunately to be the illustration of the season for Rocco.
But Friday night, Rocco decided to paint a new picture for the season.
Coming to the track with a backup car, Rocco led every lap on the way to victory in the 40-lap SK Modified feature.
It was the first SK Modified victory at Stafford for Rocco since Aug. 13 of last season. It was Rocco’s 66th career SK Modified victory at Stafford.
“This is incredible,” Rocco said. “After last week. Not even last week, how about the first half of the season? Everything and anything that could have went wrong went wrong. I can’t thank everybody enough. … My whole team for sticking behind me. It’s been a rough season but man we’re back.”
Rocco became the eighth different winner in 12 SK Modified events this season at Stafford. Other winners include Stephen Kopcik (three wins), David Arute (three wins), Todd Owen, Bryan Narducci, Cory DiMatteo, Ronnie Williams and Tyler Hines.
There were 10 different winners in 20 Sk Modified races last year at Stafford. Nine races remain for the division on the 2022 schedule.
Anthony Bello of Newtown was second and Daniel Wesson of Monson, Mass. third.
Bello got by Wesson following a lap 28 restart and was able to challenge Rocco at the front, but never could find a lane to make a move. It was the first career SK Modified podium finish at Stafford for Bello.
“This is incredible,” Bello said. “After last week. Not even last week, how about the first half of the season? Everything and anything that could have went wrong went wrong. I can’t thank everybody enough. … My whole team for sticking behind me. It’s been a rough season but man we’re back.”
Congrats to keith and his team Good to see him back in victory lane. It was tough watching him struggle this year.
Congratulations for what? KRR rolls out a new TA4 with fresh power for the Sizzler with an attention getting paint scheme. It fizzles, continues to fizzle, they work on it tirelessly for 10 weeks, make little progress so what’s that say? Either the chassis is not adaptable to the SK division or John Ruffrano’s support was more important then we thought or KRR is falling behind as other stables and crew chiefs emerge. Or more likely a combination of all of the above. So they dust off old reliable rather then reclip the car that wasn’t working, start P1, are the fourth fastest car on the track but fast enough not to lose P1. OK then congratulations.
So is this a turning point for the 57? I’m thinking no. Chassis Pro is at the top of their game and SKM, the newest entrant as a provider of equipment and expertise is ascending as Bello’s finish and fastest lap time attests. The enigmatic JJ, two initials that now we’re hearing even in connection with the NWMT is certainly no one hit wonder. Have you noticed regular Stafford tour modified also ran Anthony Flannery? Not even listed in the site team listings very noticeable now climbing 9 spots to finish sixth last night a new win candidate for sure once the handicap falls his way. Joining KRR losing ground perhaps Mike Christopher. Chase Dowling may have known something when he left the Horsepower Hill Farm 22 that Teddy Hodgdon is now learning.
Admittedly not a fan of anything KRR so the current waive of chaos in the SK pecking order is a beautiful thing to see making every race an adventure. One thing that is good to see in victory lane with surly, grumpy old Keith is his other half. Looking trim as ever in cutoffs with the big smile they do cut a handsome figure as kindred spirits and the first couple of the local racing scene. Call it ying and yang or anything you like it’s a constant that’s always nice to see.
The handwriting is on the wall. As much as I’ll miss seeing Cassie Rocco in victory lane it’s back to “meh” status for the Connecticut SK legend I’m thinking………or is it more like hoping?
The times they are a changin in the SK’s and it’s a wonderful roller coaster ride indeed.
The announcing duo subbing at the last minute did a great job. Underling the need for the move, the reference to iron man and local racing icon Ben Dodge under the weather.
Not unexpected considering the steady stream of references to health related issues but still just a bummer to see happen in any event. On the flip side Buckler joining Dodge in the NEAR Hall of Fame. Seeing that team united once again is as it should be.
Not a good time for the old CT track announcers. Few weeks ago the speedbowl had a get well poster for everyone to sign for Matt. They hope to have him back for tri track. Dave and John are doing a great job but just not the same without Buckler.
Looks like a turning point to me Doug. Obviously those ta4s are junk. Now he’s back to a TA1, like Williams, narducci, Hines, etc…. Seemed to be a bit better
Doug why the hate ? you will all eat your words when Rocco gets his mojo back….you bash a national champion for trying to work or correct the issues on a new chassis design? no one individual works harder !!! He`s making a living in racing and that’s well deserved. he has the support of his family and he appears happy except for his performance on the track this season. His wife is lovely and supports her man and they have a beautiful family . clearly you are jealous.
Totally on point Short Shorts.Hey Doug for all your yapping you fail to realize that at one time Teddy was in a similar situation and everyone jumped on board and kicked him when he was down…..Teddy’s too old …he’s finished…Next thing you know….ran off a string of victories on the way to a dominant season and Track Championship.Borh guys running self owned business that require require constant attention and untold hours to succeed.And yet here you are dooming Rocco as if he’s all done.God forbid he decides he enjoys some time with his family,Which includes two small children.Are you for real?Even at this level….at least at Stafford Just Maintaining and Fielding a Car is a Full Time proposition on its own if you want to be competitive.Keith is Keith….maybe a little too laid back and sporting cocky or arrogant.Everytime I’ve said hi he has said hello back with a smile.Im happy for the success of Chassis Pro and it’s not been gained overnight.Shea and Owen have been at this a long time and thier combined ideas have obviously found something special.Different Drivers,Setups and Always fast anywhere they go.Good for them.Racing is Ciclical and Doug…you know this …you’ve been watching a long time.Rocco is not done yet….Still writing his story.
Totally on point Short Shorts.Hey Doug for all your yapping you fail to realize that at one time Teddy was in a similar situation and everyone jumped on board and kicked him when he was down…..Teddy’s too old …he’s finished…Next thing you know….ran off a string of victories on the way to a dominant season and Track Championship.Both guys running self owned business that require constant attention and untold hours to succeed.And yet here you are dooming Rocco as if he’s all done.God forbid he decides he enjoys some time with his family,Which includes two small children.Are you for real?Even at this level….at least at Stafford Just Maintaining and Fielding a Car is a Full Time proposition on its own if you want to be competitive.Keith is Keith….maybe a little too laid back and appearng cocky or arrogant.Everytime I’ve said hi he has said hello back with a smile.Im happy for the success of Chassis Pro and it’s not been gained overnight.Shea and Owen have been at this a long time and thier combined ideas have obviously found something special.Different Drivers,Setups and Always fast anywhere they go.Good for them.Racing is Ciclical and Doug…you know this …you’ve been watching a long time.Rocco is not done yet….Still writing his story.
Doug, so Keith used an older car to beat all the “greats” you mention, that is not an accomplishment? JJ’s car for Narducci never made it to the feature; it crapped out in the heat race. At least Keith’s poor performing TA4 makes it to the feature.
Yes Rocco is bad this year and I recall a few years ago he was also bad with the Ruffrano car; what is your point about Ruffrano? Keith has more wins than Ruffrano this year; who cares about the points B.S.
He won the race, not your B.S popularity/drama standards.
Yes times are a changin and it is good for racing, when will you and your dumb comments change?
Thanks for contributing to the conversation fellas.
On the whole I’m satisfied my comment was pretty well rounded. Showed more then a casual knowledge of the division, touched on a number of subjects, took a couple shots but nothing that could be construed as below the belt and even including some complements for my primary target as well.
Seems to me the accusations of hate, bashing, questioning a persons work ethic and family is a very harsh interpretation of what was said. It reminded me of a Trucker Carlson hyperbolic flight of fancy as he interprets the days events.
Lets just take a breath, put hyperbole aside and put a pin in this one. I’m saying there will be no return to a competitive level with the likes of Owen, Kopcik and Williams at least not this year. You’re saying a corner has turned and a win or more wins or at the very least top 5 finishes are about to ensue. This should be fun seeing who is more correct as the weeks click off.
Live long and prosper!
Doug, you never came close to answering my specific questions.
I agree with you the other comments were vague/ debatable and you answered them well. Happy to buy you a drink of your choice at Stafford to discuss. Glad there are still race fans like you still supporting local racing we both love.
What’s the matter using older technology to beat the newer chassis’s? Matt Hirschman does it every time he races the 60 cars. Sometimes you just have to stick to what got you there and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. If there’s one guy you shouldn’t write off it’s Keith Rocco.
It’s just terrific seeing all the different interpretations of an originating comment be it mine or anyone else’s.
Referring to “greats” with quotes generally is an attribution but I never said greats. I mentioned a few teams having good years, it gets processed through a filter and comes out “greats” a completely different meaning. Or is it a rhetorical flourish in this case?
“or John Ruffrano’s support was more important then we thought”. I did say that. So what on earth does that have to do with Marcello. That’s a reference to financial support.
“who cares about the points B.S.” I haven’t taken a poll but I’m thinking the answer would be most all of them. There is status and bonus money at the end of the season. If you selectively diminish points to suit your argument that’s fine but it surely doesn’t resonate as far as I’m concerned. Mid way through the season I’m noting and respecting the accomplishments of the leaders that on average have performed the best. At this point they’re coming from deeper in the field to stay on top. That is a challenge every bit as notable as winning races in my view.
When will my “dumb comments change”? That I can answer. I don’t believe they are all dumb but can say for the indefinite future nothing will change with regard to frequency or length. My goodness did you see the bit I did relating Pettycoat Junction to fan reaction to the forthcoming road race in Chicago. What kind of warped mind comes up with that stuff anyway?
May the force be with you!