Take A Bow: Marcello Rufrano Holds Of Tyler Chapman For SK Modified Win At Stafford Speedway

STAFFORD – Marcello Rufrano kept a podium streak going in the best way possible on Friday at Stafford Speedway. 

Rufrano held off the hard charges of Tyler Chapman over the closing laps to win the 40-lap SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford Speedway. 

It was the first victory of the season for Rufrano, who had a second place two weeks ago and a third place last week. 

It was the seventh career SK Modified win at Stafford for Rufrano, of North Haven, and his 21st win overall at the track.  

“It was really hectic to start to the night,” Rufrano said. “I didn’t really know how it was gonna go starting 17th. We had a lot of work ahead of us. We took no prisoners, got to the front. Once we got up there, obviously we slowed the race down a little bit, just tried to be patient, but it was really hard battling with [Chapman].”

Rufrano became the fourth different winner in fourth SK Modified features this year. He joined Todd Owen, Keith Rocco and David Arute on the win list in the division this season. 

The always colorful Rufrano offered a Kyle Busch style bow in victory lane. Busch, a NASCAR legend, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. After finishing third on May 15 Rufrano said he was happy to be keeping the car “in the money” with podium finishes. 

“This is good money right here,” Rufrano said Friday. “That’s real good money. That took a couple weeks, just had to be patient for it. We worked really hard for this and it paid off.” 

Chapman, of Ellington, was second and Anthony Flannery of East Hampton third. 

“Can’t be any angry about that,” Chapman said. “Nice top three, no wrecked race car, a good finish.”

Said Flannery: “We had a great night. It was rough and we made it through. That’s how sometimes these races go, all the cars are so fast, everybody’s so even, you just got to make it through and we skated on a couple wrecks. Had a good car at the end, just not enough to catch the two leaders, but very good night for us here at Chassis Pro, very happy.” 

Rufrano went by Chapman for the lead on lap 27, but it was hardly smooth sailing after that. Chapman pestered Rufrano’s bumper, and challenged him multiples times right up to the checkered flag. 

“It was fun,” Rufrano said. “I don’t mind that, it’s just that’s racing and that’s like I told him. I’ll race him the same way he races me. That’s how it goes and I’m all for it, you know, as long as we don’t end up in the wreck.” 

Follow Us On Your Favorite Socials