By Mark Mockovak,
NASCAR PR

UNCASVILLE, CT December 16, 2006– Mike Stefanik, of Coventry, R.I., was honored as the 2006 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Resort. A crowd of nearly 600 people attended the awards ceremony to honor Stefanik and the entire Diversified Metals Chevrolet race team.

Stefanik’s title was the seventh of his career. He won championships in 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001 & 2002. It was also his ninth NASCAR title overall as he was the 1997 and 1998 NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series Champion. He is now tied with Richie Evans for the most NASCAR championships in history.

Stefanik was presented the championship trophy from Phil Kurze, Vice President of Motorsports for Whelen Engineering and George Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations, presented the NASCAR Championship Ring. Stefanik also received an American flag which flew over the United States Capitol in recognition of his ninth NASCAR title.

“When I stared driving Modifieds one driver stood above all others and that driver was Richie Evans,” said Stefanik. “One of the reasons this championship is so special is because people have been talking once again about how great Richie was.”

Eric Sanderson received the car owner championship trophy for the first time. Sanderson also received the Sportsmanship Award. Sly Szaban and Chris Kopec were honored as champion Co-Crew Chiefs.

Several special awards were also presented during Saturday night’s activities. The coveted 51 Designs Most Popular Driver Award was presented to Tony Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., for the second time in his career.

Jamie and Cheryl Tomaino, of Howell, N.J., were presented the Dedication to NASCAR Award for their long time support of the series.

James Civali, of Meriden, Conn., was honored as the Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Civali finished seventh in the standings during his first full season. Civali also received the Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award for the 2006 season.

Ted Christopher, of Plainville, Conn., was presented the 2006 Powerade Power Move of the Race Award and Dick Houlihan, of West Bridgewater, Mass., was the recipient of the Driver Achievement Award after finishing 13th in the standings during the 2006 season - a career-best mark for Houlihan..

The Top-20 drivers and Top-10 car owners were presented awards signifying their accomplishments during the season. The Top 10 drivers received watches from Whelen.

Have an opinion on this story? E-MAIL KARNAC to send a letter to the editor!