Stefanik returns to New Hampshire

July 1, 2001
1:21 PM EDT (1721 GMT)

LOUDON, N.H. -- Mike Stefanik, fresh from his 60th career win in NASCAR’s Featherlite Modified Series, returns to New Hampshire International Speedway for the New England 100 on Friday, July 20.

When Art Barry, owner of the No. 21 Featherlite Modified car, called with the chance to race in the 2001 Featherlite Modified Series, Stefanik jumped at the chance to return home.

“I’ve been away from racing regularly in the Northeast for a couple of years. It’s great to be back,” Mike said.

“The part I really like about my return is that I get to renew friendships with so many fans who supported me throughout my career. It’s also great to be able to spend time at home.”

Stefanik has already returned to his winning form. He currently sits third in the Featherlite Modified point standings. In the eight Featherlite Modified Series races this season, Mike already has one win and is within 15 points of the series points leader, Charlie Pasteryak.

The razor-thin point spread in the 2001 Featherlite Modified Championship does not tell the whole story according to Stefanik, “You never know when a Ruggiero, Fuller or Ewanitsko or, for that matter, anyone else entered who can beat you on any given day.”

The Modifieds have always provided the fans with exciting races at NHIS. NASCAR’s oldest and only open-wheel division is certainly showcased at “The Magic Mile”.

Stefanik says, “It’s really the biggest track we race on and there’s so much more room to draft and pass than at the other tracks. It’s fun for us and great for the fans.”

The fans have been supportive and appreciative of Stefanik’s efforts in the Featherlite Modified Series and the Busch North Series. Mike has been honored as the Most Popular Driver twice in the Featherlite Modified Series and twice in the Busch North Series.

Sefanik has an impressive record at “The Magic Mile” including twenty-two top five finishes and thirty-two top ten finishes between the Featherlite Modified Series, the Busch North Series and the NASCAR Busch Series. In his fifty-five starts at NHIS, he has visited victory lane seven times. With four Featherlite Modified Championships and two Busch North Series Championships under his belt, he is anxious to add to that total.

And, to see the smile on Stefanik’s face is to know that he is enjoying himself. It is clear that his future will be filled with more wins, as well as a chance for his fifth Featherlite Modified Series crown.

The Featherlite Modified Series New England 100 caps a full day of activities on Friday, July 20, which also includes Bud Pole qualifying for NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Advanced tickets are available by calling Speedway Guest Services at (603) 783-4931, or by visiting the Speedway’s web site www.nhis.com to purchase tickets online. Tickets will also be available at the gate for the Friday events.