NASCAR Busch North Series Report: Mike Stefanik Wins Championship at Lime Rock
20 October 1997
LAKEVILLE, CT - Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. picked up his second-straight win on the NASCAR Busch North Series, Grand National Division, but Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I. was the big winner, capturing the 1997 NASCAR Busch North Series, Grand National Division Championship. Stefanik jumped into the lead on the green flag, but Wall was back in front by the second lap. Wall led 18 laps, but gave up the lead to Denny Doyle when the leaders all pitted on lap 20. Stefanik moved past Doyle on lap 21 for two more circuits, but Joe Pezza of Glen Cove, N.Y. moved past Stefanik to lead laps 24 through 31. Wall and Christopher began their battle which would last until the end of the race with Wall taking the lead from lap 32 through 38, and Christopher coming back to lead laps 39 through 64. Wall went back to the front on lap 65, and appeared to have just enough to hold off Christopher, but the duo encountered a pack of lapped cars, and Christopher emerged the leader as they crossed the line on lap 80, and took the checkered flag on lap 82. Kim Baker of Wilbraham, Mass. picked up his second-straight road course runner-up slot while Denny Doyle of Plymouth, Conn. scored a third - his best career finish. Brad Leighton of Center Harbor, N.H. rolled to a fourth place while Wall finished fifth. Christopher's win was worth $14,725 from the $108,570 purse. Christopher got by Bryan Wall of Sandown, N.H. as the lead duo encountered lapped traffic with two laps remaining in the Dodge Dealers 200 K at Lime Rock Park Saturday afternoon. By NASCAR Public Relations