The 2018 SK Modified season at Stafford Motor Speedway saw a
thrilling championship duel between Ronnie Williams and Keith Rocco.
Williams and Rocco were neck and neck for much of the year,
but Rocco faded down the stretch, allowing Williams to claim his first career
track title at Stafford. Below is a review of the players who will all be
looking to replace Williams as the SK Modified champion in 2019.
The Favorites
#50 Ronnie Williams
– Two words, Defending Champion. Coming off a 4-win season, the Adam Skowyra
owned #50 car is hands down the favorite entering 2019. Two consecutive NAPA SK
5K wins for this team with a total payday of over $16,000
#88 Keith Rocco –
With 60 career Stafford feature wins to his name, “Kid Rock” enters 2019 with a
win at all costs mindset. This aggressive driver is one of the showstoppers in
Stafford’s SK Modified division. With a field this deep he may have a hard time
beating his 6 wins from last season.
#82 Michael
Christopher, Jr. – After breaking through for his first career win early
last season, Mike Christopher, Jr. won the last 3 races of the 2018 season. The
#82 team based out of Plainville, CT has momentum on their side as they enter
the new season.
#66 Eric Berndt –
This team notched 3 wins last season but inconsistency knocked them out of
championship contention. New energy has this bunch ready to grind out a long
season. But their luck will have to change if they want to be in contention
come championship time.
Ones to Watch
#3 Matt Galko – 2
wins in 2017, 0 in 2018. Galko is itching to get back to NAPA Victory Lane.
Don’t be surprised if the #3 team clicks off a few wins this season.
#17 Glen Reen –
High expectations from this team coming off a 2-win season, including a win in
the inaugural TC Shootout. This driver known for his wild driving style will be
a factor.
#81 Todd Owen –
After a tough 2018, this team is ready to rebound. 18 career wins for Owen but
a two-year drought has him searching for the magic to get back to NAPA victory
lane.
#33 Michael Gervais,
Jr. – No stranger to victory lane, Gervais has gone winless in 2 full
seasons. The 2009 SK Light Champion has a brand new car prepared for the new
season, keep your eye on this team.
#78 Joey Cipriano –
First career win coming in 2018 means the breakout season is behind him. Time
for this team to make their presence known in the Jean-Guy Poulin supported
#78.
New Faces
#68 Marcello Rufrano
– Coming off his 2018 SK Light Modified Championship, Marcello Rufrano
joins the SK Modified® division as a rookie. High expectations for this young
18-year-old driver as his hard driving style fits into the high paced SK
Modified division.
#35 Andrew Molleur –
3 wins in the SK Light Modified division in 2018 and multiple years’ experience
piloting Modifieds. This driver will contend for NAPA Rookie of the Year.
#1 Tyler Leary –
After running 3 full seasons in Stafford’s Late Model division, the Leary’s
have added an SK Modified® to their stable. Steep learning curve ahead for this
team but the #1 will have ample support as their SK Modified® will be prepared
by the Todd Owen crew throughout the season.
#20 Max Zachem –
Former Whelen Modified Tour regular, Preston, CT’s Max Zachem is set to compete
a full season in Stafford’s SK Modified® division. Two starts and two top 10’s
for Zachem in 2018. This family operation could be a factor as the season
grinds on.
#98 Michael Rutkowski
– Another talented rookie added to an already deep field. Rutkowski comes
from the bullring of Riverhead Raceway where he competed in their Crate
Modified division for multiple seasons. The #98 car will be prepared by Keith
Rocco, so we know this car will be fast.
Bottom Line
The fans are the winners this season with one of the deepest
SK Modified divisions ever. 44 teams have registered for the 2019 season with
25 teams expected to run the full schedule. A lot of drivers and a lot of
action.
Let’s rock.
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