For the third time in 2019, Keith Rocco took the checkers in the SK Modified feature at Stafford.
Rocco took the lead from Eric Berndt on lap 20 and never looked back, getting to the finish on cruise control.
After getting involved in a wreck in last week’s feature, the win was sweet redemption for Rocco.
“Came here and were the fastest car in practice, win the race from 12th,” Rocco said. “Really showed us what we’re capable of.”
Behind Rocco was Glen Reen, followed by Berndt, Mike Christopher Jr, and Cory DiMatteo. Sixth was Ronnie Williams, and rounding out the top-10 were Todd Owen, Tony Membrino, Andrew Molleur, and Michael Gervais.
David Arute started on pole, and led until lap three, when Christopher took the lead in turn three.
Berndt quickly closed in and took the lead on lap six. Christopher was able to take it back on the next lap before a wreck on the frontstretch involving Matt Galko and Arute brought out the first yellow flag of the feature.
Berndt retook the lead on lap 10 and took Andrew Moeller to second.
Dan Wesson spun on lap 13 to bring out the race’s second caution. Rocco moved to second on the ensuing restart, and took the lead on lap 16. Berndt was far from done. He took the lead back two laps later. Rocco would do the same, going back out front on lap 20, and began pulling away from the field.
The full results can be found below:
- Keith Rocco
- Glen Reen
- Eric Berndt
- Mike Christopher Jr.
- Cory DiMatteo
- Ronnie Williams
- Todd Owen
- Tony Membrino
- Andrew Molleur
- Michael Gervais
- Marcello Rufrano
- Tyler Hines
- Tyler Leary
- Troy Talman
- Daniel Wesson
- Matt Galko
- Stephen Kopcik
- David Arute
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Paul Lambert is an aspiring collegiate journalist. A writer and broadcaster, Paul's excited to cover New England short track racing in 2022. Paul has also been published in the Boston Herald, Speedway Illustrated and on Autoweek.com.