Christopher wins race, Stefanik clinches title

October 24, 2001
2:53 PM EDT (1853 GMT)

THOMPSON, Conn. -- Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. drove to his second Featherlite Modified Series, NASCAR Touring victory of the season beating Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I. by .67 seconds. However, Stefanik's second place finish was all he needed to lock up his fifth series title.

Christopher, who set fast time in qualifying, led on two occasions in the ATC Dodge for a total of 82 laps. He took the lead from Stefanik on lap 66, and led the rest of the way to record his sixth career win.

Although it was the fifth career title for Stefanik it was the first driving for veteran car owner Art Barry and the Egglands Best Chevrolet race team. Barry has been a car owner on the series since it's inception in 1985.

Mike Stefanik

Stefanik finished one spot ahead of defending Featherlite Modified Series champion Jerry Marquis of Broad Brook, Conn. Marquis was one of three drivers who had a chance at taking the title at the last race. His third place finish in the BRE/Angelo Russo Land Surveyors Chevrolet gave him enough points to clinch the runner up position, 25 points behind Stefanik.

Charlie Pasteryak of Lisbon, Conn. in the Dale Averill Designs Ford finished fourth and Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Penn. in the Key Material Chevrolet rounded out the top five.

John Blewett, III of Howell, N.J was the only other driver with a chance to win the championship. He retired with mechanical problems, a broken rear end, on lap 58. Blewett finished 25th and ended up third in the final standings.

Blewett led the first 16 laps before Stefanik grabbed the lead on lap 17. Christopher, who started sixth, took the top spot on lap 31. A caution period on lap 50 gave all the leaders a chance to stop for tires under caution.

Stefanik emerged from the pits first followed by Blewett. On the restart Blewett's rear end let go and a multi-car pileup ensued bringing out the last caution.

Christopher was now lined up along side Stefanik and on the lap 66 restart took the lead for good. Marquis, fifth on the restart, worked his way to fourth by lap 80 and on lap 97 slipped past Charlie Pasteryak for third. He pressured Stefanik for the remained of the race but was unable to get by.