Valenti Modified Series Results from Stafford Speedway 5-20-16

Posted by Wayne G.Barber

The Valenti Modified Racing Series made its first of three visits to the Stafford Springs Motor Speedway on Friday May 20, and when the checkereds flew Rowan Pennink of Huntingdon Valley, PA stood with his team in victory lane.

By virtue of winning the first heat race of the night, Pennink started the 3rd annual VMRS 80 from the pole and held a potent Woody Pitkat of Sturbridge,MA at bay until Pitkat made an inside pass on lap 5 to become the new race leader of the event.

While Pitkat seemed to be in full command stretching out his lead,  it was anything but calm behind him as another fan favorite, Keith Rocco of Wallingford,CT put a charge on to settle in behind second place Pennink while Dave Etheridge of Portland,CT did his own fancy driving following Rocco into forth place.

By lap 11 Rocco outpowered Pennink into second and set his sights on race leader Pitkat.  Three laps latter Ethridge raced past Pennink into third.

The only thing that could change the complexion of this race might be a caution, and that came on lap 60 for an incident between David Schneider of Northport,NY and Anthony Nocella of Woburn,MA. The two were running 5th and 6th respectively when contact was made in turn four. Both made pit stops for repairs and returned to finish 12th (Schneider) and 13th (Nocella).

That lap 60 restart was the opportunity for Pennink who now restarted in second to make his move for the lead.

Pitkat and Pennink ran wheel to wheel with Pitkat regaining the lead going down the back stretch, but Pennink pulled off the crossover on Pitkat in turns 3/4 and powered away for his first Valenti Modified Racing Series victory at the Stafford speedway.

Pitkat settled for the runner up spot with Rocco holding on to third. Dave Etheridge turned in another outstanding performance to finish forth, while an always improving Mike Willis Jr. was fifth. Six through tenth were Carl Medieros Jr., Charlie Pasteryak, Todd Annarummo, Geoff Gernhard, Dan Meservey Jr.

In victory lane Pennink wanted to thank team owner Gary Casella and crew for the win. " We have some new team members this year and they gave me a great car tonight. They worked hard to get me up front and all their hard work paid off, we had an awesome run." He added " I had a good run going on the outside of Woody (Pitkat). I just checked up, crossed over and was able to drive away after that."

Pitkat the defending champion of this event stated " It was difficult to lead, trying to set a pace, when to race hard and when to ease up a bit. After that caution we developed a left front wheel hop and it took 12 to 15 laps to clean up, but by that time Pennink just checked out on us."

Summery

Race-- 3rd annual VMRS 80

Track--Stafford Motor Speedway 0.500 Mile

Margin of Victory-- 0.827

Best Lap Time--18.656

Best Speed-- 96.484

Best Lap by--68--Keith Rocco

Time of race--31:43.738

1---25---Rowan Pennink

2---52---Woody Pitkat

3---68---Keith Rocco

4---34---Dave Etheridge

5---38---Mike Willis Jr.

6---50---Carl Medieros Jr.

7---5ct---Charlie Pasteryak

8---12---Todd Annarummo

9---11---Geoff Gernhard

10-45---Dan Meservey Jr.

11--3---Troy Talman

12-19---David Schneider

13-92---Anthony Nocella

14--8---Kyle James

15-32---Mark Bakaj

16-16---Colbey Fournier

17-77---Matthew Mead

18-33---Rob Richardi

19-117--Donnie Lashua

20-55--Joe Doucette

21-72---Ryan Kuhn

22-14---Dana Smith

23-22---Roy Seidell Jr.

Heat Winners: 25-Rowan Pennink, 52-Woody Pitkat, 92-Anthony Nocella

Next Event:  May 28th---Speedway 51---Groveton,NH.

Story by James Snape

photos by James Snape