Ryan Fearn Becomes Youngest Feature Winner in Stafford History
Stafford Springs, CT — In the long and illustrious history of Stafford Motor Speedway there have been many different feature winners. But until this past Friday night none of those feature winners have been as young as Ryan Fearn, who at 14 years, 8 months, and 1 day, became Stafford’s youngest winner when he took the checkered flag in the DARE Stock feature. While there was a feeling of elation from Fearn in winning his first race, he is also already looking ahead to the next race and what kind of adjustments he can make to his car in true racer’s fashion.
“It doesn’t really feel any different, it feels like any other race,” said Fearn. “Right now I’m thinking about what we can do to the car to make it better and go out and win next week. Our goal was to win at least one race this year, but I wasn’t expecting it full on. We thought it was a realistic goal since we bought the championship winning car from last year and we have the spec engine from R.A.D. Automachine. I feel like it’s something that I can talk about to people now being the youngest winner at Stafford.”
Fearn has been quick all year long at Stafford, but his rookie season has seen its share of trials and tribulations. Fearn has been victim to several accidents and spins through his first five races, but last Friday night Fearn was able to put everything together to steer his car into CARQUEST Victory Lane. Fearn credits patience as his key to not only finishing his first race of the season, but winning.
“I had more patience going into the race,” said Fearn. “The past races I wasn’t thinking and that’s what was getting me into trouble on the track. I got a good shot to the rear from the 74 car and I was able to get by the 5 car and once I did I just focused on hitting my marks. During the race, I really didn’t notice how much time had passed. I only looked up at the starters stand once and that was with 2 laps to go. The car was getting loose but I knew if I kept it under control I’d be able to stay out front.”
Fearn made the move into the DARE Stock division after cutting his teeth in the Wild Thing Kart Series on Monday nights at Stafford and his story can help serve as an inspiration to all young racers who one day want to race on the big stage on Friday nights at SMS. With his first win under his belt, Fearn feels confident that more victories are in store for him this season.
“I’d like to be an inspiration for others to move into the DARE Stocks,” said Fearn. “I think if I can get the car back up front again and keep it up front, we can win again this year. After the race was over they told me that I was pulling away from those guys. If we were pulling away and as long as we can keep on making the car better every week, I think we can definitely win again.”
Fearn’s win came with sponsorship help from SAFECO Foam, R.A.D. Automachine, Independent Race Wheels, A. Crane Construction, Sunoco, and Hawley’s Auto Repair, and a great crew consisting of Soaper, John Powers, Stu Fearn, Alex and Ryan Fearn, Tom Fearn, Amedeo, Gary, and Willy.
Should Fearn continue to improve his car throughout the 2013 season, he may become the youngest driver to record multiple wins in a single season at Stafford.
For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.
Sources: Scott Running/Stafford Motor Speedway PR