Point leader Rowan Pinnink goes into Stafford’s VMRS event with the point lead. (Credit: Rowan Pinnink photo)

By Lou Modestino

Reigning Valenti Modified Racing Series Champion Rowan Pennink of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania sits atop the point standings when the series returns to Stafford Motor Speedway, Stafford, Connecticut, Friday night, July 18.

The race, the fourth annual ‘Lincoln Tech 80’ is the 9th race of the 17-race schedule.

Pennink moved into the point lead after a fourth place finish last weekend at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H. where he claimed his only win this season, in April. The standings have taken on a different look at the half-way mark of the 2014 campaign.

Consistency has kept Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT, the two-time series Champion, in the hunt since the outset, and a solid runner-up finish at Monadnock has put the second generation driver back in second place only four points behind Pennink.

Another picture of consistency is Justin Bonsignore, of Holtsville, N.Y who is only six points back in the standings in his first full year with the VMRS. Bonsignore has knocked on the door several times this season seeking his first win. He enters the halfway point of the schedule a candidate for a series title.

Todd Szegedy of Ridgefield, CT. slipped from leading the standings to fourth place after a tough outing at Monadnock and a 20th place finish. Szegedy will be right at home at Stafford. He was victorious there last month. And the plot thickens with the veteran Richard Savary of Canton, MA is red-hot with three wins and now fifth in the standings after a slow start. Savary heads to Stafford with back-to-back wins at Lee and Monadnock. He won the May race at Seekonk.

Inaugural Lincoln Tech 80 winner Ted Christopher of Plainville, CT. is a confirmed entry. Also expected is Steven Masse of Bellingham, MA as well as Anthony Nocella of Woburn, MA, Also Connecticut drivers are anxious to stake their claim in the VMRS and include; Max Zachem, of Preston, Dave Etheridge, of Portland and, ‘Mr. Rooter’ Rookie of the Year point leader, Mike Willis Jr of Grantham, NH.

Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA, a two-time series winner at Stafford, is also expected to compete. Some 34 cars entered the event last year with another strong turnout is anticipated. Qualifying races will start at 6:15 p.m..