44 Challenge at R/C Madness to Mike Stefanik
Occupy the Oval Raises $2,450 for Racing4Vets.org
The 2nd-annual Occupy the Oval/44 Challenge benefit race took place on Saturday at R/C Madness in Enfield, CT. A field of #44 R/C cars with replica paint schemes from throughout the career of New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame car owner Mario Fiore took the track to help raise money for Racing4Vets. In addition to Fiore, Tommy Barrett Jr., Rick Fuller, Lawrence Klamecki the President of Racing4Vets, Mike Stefanik, and Nicholas Teto were entered in the 44 Challenge celebrity portion of the event while the Occupy The Oval segment had nearly 50 entries.
7-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Mike Stefanik of Coventry, RI established himself as TQ (top qualifier) when he took the win in the qualifying heat. He went on to win the 44 Challenge feature from the pole in his red and yellow DRC-Aurora over Rick Fuller and Mario Fiore. “I love it,” Stefanik said. “I love winning. That’s why we race.”
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
“This year we decided to raise money for Racing4Vets,” event coordinator Dean Berry stated. “Our veterans could use all the support we could give them. Injured veterans trying to get involved in motorsports – help them out financially. We all love racing. So it seemed like a win-win situation. I know we raised a good chunk of change. As soon as we have a final tally, I’ll let you know but it’s a tight knit group this racing community. I really want to thank the Whelen Modified guys – (to have) a 9-time national championship having time in his schedule, driving all the way here, just shows what these guys are made of.” Rick Fuller, the 50/50 raffle winner, donated all of his winnings back to Racing4Vets and when all was said and done $2450 was raised.
“It was kind of exciting because we’re all novices at it,” Stefanik said. We obviously aren’t very good at it. (I) feel a little humbled being in room with professionals. They’re probably watching us going ‘Oh my God.’ “But we all did the best we could and were fortunate enough to come out on top. I’d like to thank Dean for inviting me up here and to partake in Racing4Vets. Had a good day. Enjoyed it.”
For 2013, Stefanik will compete in the #22 Robert B. Our Co car for Chris Our. Brad Lafontaine will return as Stefanik’s crew chief as well.”We got a great group of guys and hopefully we’ll have some fun and win some races.”
Stefanik will return for the third annual race in 2014 to defend his title as 44 Challenge champion.
For more information, please visit http://www.racing4vets.org.
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com