Mike Stefanik of
Coventry, R.I. was honored as the 2006 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Champion on Saturday night at the exotic Mohegan Sun Resort. A crowd of
nearly 600 people attended the awards ceremony to honor Stefanik and the
entire Diversified Metals Chevrolet race team.
Stefanik’s title was the 7th of his career. He won
championships in 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001 & 2002. It was also his
ninth NASCAR title overall as he was the 1997 and 1998 NASCAR Busch East
Series Champion. He is now tied with Richie Evans for the most NASCAR
Championships in a career.
Stefanik was presented the championship trophy from Phil
Kurze, Director of Motorsports for Whelen Engineering and George
Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations, presented the
NASCAR Championship Ring. Stefanik also received an American flag which
flew over the United States Capitol in recognition of his ninth NASCAR
title.
“When I stared driving Modifieds one driver stood above all
others and that driver was Richie Evans,” said Stefanik. “One of the
reasons this championship is so special is because people have been
talking once again about how great Richie was.”
Eric Sanderson received the car owner championship trophy for
the first time. Sanderson also received the Sportsmanship Award. Sly
Szaban and Chris Kopec were honored as champion Co-Crew Chiefs.
Several special awards were also presented during Saturday
night’s activities. The coveted 51 Designs Most Popular Driver Award was
presented to Tony Hirschman for the second time in his career.
Jamie and Cheryl Tomaino were presented the Dedication to
NASCAR Award for their long time support of the series.
James Civali was honored as the Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of
the Year. Civali finished 7th in the standings during his first full
season. Civali also received the Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award
for the 2006 season.
Ted Christopher was presented the 2006 Powerade Power Move of
the Race Award.
Dick Houlihan was the recipient of the Driver Achievement
Award after finishing 13th in the standings during the 2006 season.
The Top-20 drivers and Top-10 car owners were presented
awards signifying their accomplishments during the season. The Top-10
drivers received watches from Whelen.
[Photo
Gallery] by Fran Lawlor
THE END
Source: nascartouring.com/NASCAR WMT PR
Posted:
December 17, 2006