08/08/06

QUALIFYING DOESN'T PUT BRAKES ON SOLID RUN
FOR STEFANIK AT RIVERHEAD

   Mike Stefanik piloted the #16 Diversified Metals Chevrolet to a solid fourth place finish despite having to use a provisional Saturday night when the Whelen Modified Tour made a stop at Riverhead Raceway for the Miller Lite 200. The Flamingo Motorsports team experienced problems from the get-go, but the determination and dedication of the all-volunteer crew widened the team's lead in the point standings.
    In practice, Stefanik began experiencing a brake problem and the team quickly went to work on replacing the master cylinder. Practice was over, however, by the time they went to set the brake bias 3 how the total braking force is distributed between the front and rear tires.
    Stefanik's qualifying effort was not fast enough to advance into the feature by time, so the eight-time NASCAR Champion was forced to take a provisional starting spot.
    Once the green flag dropped, Stefanik rallied from his 24th starting position and advanced through the field in each lap of the caution-marred race. Twelve cautions slowed the pace, but during double-file restarts in the first 100 laps, Stefanik was able to gain his ground.
    In the closing laps, Stefanik came upon Jerry Marquis, but felt that being aggressive with the driver for the third spot would be chancing it.
    Stefanik took home the Powerade Power Move of the Race Award for his 20-position gain during the 200-lap event, and extended his point lead to 43 points over Ted Christopher.

    The Whelen Modified Tour makes it's next stop at Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, August 11th. Stefanik is optimistic for a strong run at the half-mile oval.

Source:  Penny Aicardi/NASCARTouring.com/WMT PR
Posted:  August 8, 2006