Oxford, ME PR (August 28, 2005)
Contact: Penny Aicardi
(508) 234-8684
Stefanik Continues Momentum With 9th Consecutive Top-10 Finish
Oxford, ME (August 28, 2005): A mid-race spin didn’t hinder Mike Stefanik’s ability to continue a top-10 hot streak that is only matched by current point leader Andy Santerre. Stefanik posted an eighth place finish in the Fisher Snow Plows 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway Saturday night, and continues to be one of only two drivers to post a top-10 finish at every Busch North Series race this year.
“It was an extremely tough night. We had a really fast car after practice, but we had to start mid-pack. We were really awesome on the outside, got into the top-10, spun, and had to fight really hard to get back to where I was,” Stefanik said.
Stefanik, who started the race from the 13th position, had just pitted at lap 57 for fresh tires and lined up 16th for the restart at lap 62 when the race took a dramatic turn of events for the Burnham Hydronics team. Stefanik was attempting to use the outside groove to get by rookie driver Sean Caisse when the two made contact. The Burnham Hydronics Chevrolet spun as a result with no caution flag being thrown. The incident relegated Stefanik to the tail end of the field.
“I got up to the 5 car and he got into my left rear and around I went,” Stefanik explained. “I’ve got to turn in the corner, and I don’t believe I forced him down to the curb. The curb was a long way from where I was. As far as I’m concerned, I was on the outside, and it’s pretty hard to cut down on somebody and spin yourself out.”
Despite being relegated to the tail end of the field, Stefanik was able to gain 12 spots in only 30 laps before red flag conditions were brought out for an accident in turns one and two. When racing resumed at lap 106, Stefanik was ready to get back to the front, but a slower car would hinder his progress for 10 laps. At lap 130, Stefanik was able to move around the 16 car on the outside and continue his progress through the field. When caution flew at lap 135, Stefanik was in the eighth place.
“I had to fight pretty hard to get back to where we were,” Stefanik said. “I had to use my tires up pretty good. It was a tough day, but overall we’re happy to come out of here with a top-10. It could have been much worse.”
Stefanik is second in the Busch North Series points – only 11 points behind current point leader and teammate Andy Santerre. The Busch North Series, Grand National Division will take a two-week break before returning to action at New Hampshire International Speedway on Friday, September 16th.