Stafford Notes: Nickolas Hovey Continues SK Light Mod Roll; Gary Patnode Tops Limited Late Models 

STAFFORD – Nickolas Hovey passed Ron Midford Jr. for the lead on lap 17  and then held on through a late restart to win the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature Friday at Stafford. 

It was the third victory in four starts this year at Stafford for Hovey, of Chaplin. 

“[Midford] most certainly gave me a run for my money,” Hovey said. “That wasn’t easy. We were just firing off a little too tight that first lap or so of a run and he was really good there in that lap or so.” 

It was the seventh career SK Light Modified victory at Stafford for Hovey and his 10th win overall at the track.

Midford, of Ellington, was second and Peter Bennett of Andover third. 

Gary Patnode held off the charges of Jason Lafayette over the closing laps to win the 20-lap Limited Late Mode feature. 

“[Lafayette] got a fender on me, but he couldn’t beat me,” Patnode said. “We were very confident tonight. This is a brand new race cars. … We’ve had some bad luck this year, hopefully that’s all behind us.” 

It was the first victory of the season for Patnode, of Coventry, and his ninth victory overall in the division. It was his first victory since August 2, 2024. 

Lafayette, of Somers, was second and R.J. Surdell of Willington was third.

Brent Gleason of Griswold won the 20-lap Street Stock feature.

Tyler Trott of East Hartford was second and Bill Cote of Belchertown, Mass was third. 

Video Interview With Chris Buffone Following His First Career Late Model Victory At Stafford