Not much of a "plane". Hate it for his family but he knew what he was getting into. Sad...
Posted on 09/16/2019 1:27:19 AM PDT by mabarker1
Nine-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik was killed in a plane crash Sunday, NASCAR confirmed. Stefanik was 61.
Stefanik, a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee, won seven modified titles and two K&N Pro Series East crowns. In 2003, he was named one of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s 10 greatest drivers.
NASCAR issued a statement on behalf of Chairman Jim France:
“Mike Stefanik was one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, but even more so, he was a true representative of our sport. His tough, competitive nature and excellence on the race track won him the respect and admiration of fans and competitors alike.
“His career stretched more than 30 years, bridging the generations between Jerry Cook and Richie Evans to our current drivers. He recorded achievements in this sport that are likely untouchable, and his legacy as a champion will endure. We will keep his wife Julie and his family and friends in our prayers.”
RaceDayCT.com reported that according to multiple news reports, Stefanik crashed while piloting a single-engine, single-seat Aero Ultra-Light plane. The crash took place took place in Sterling, Connecticut near the Rhode Island border.
Stefanik is the winningest driver in Whelen Modified Tour history with 74 wins. His nine championships ties him with Richie Evans for most national touring championships in NASCAR history.
In 1997-98, Stefanik won back-to-back championships in the modified and K&N East Series. Stefanik was the rookie of the year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 1999.
Stefanik was first nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. He told RaceDayCt.com that the nomination “humbled” him. “I’m not in, but it’s quite an honor,” Stefanik told RaceDayCt.com. “I never really thought much about it. I didn’t get into racing to get into a Hall of Fame. But it’s humbling for sure.”
Rest In Peace Might Mike. Sad news on a tough night.
Another legend gone way to soon. pic.twitter.com/MWSS0fQ8Iv
— Ryan Preece (@RyanPreece_) September 16, 2019
Tags: jerry cook, Jim France, Mike Stefanik, nascar, nascar hall of fame, Richie
RIP Sir.
Another Final Checkered Flag..
RaceDayCT.com reported that according to multiple news reports, Stefanik crashed while piloting a single-engine, single-seat Aero Ultra-Light plane.
...
You take your chances in one of those things.
Almost exactly two years ago another modified driver, Ted Christopher, died in a plane crash. Watched both of these guys over the years ... RIP Mike Stefanik.
Davey Allison, too.
Twice World Champion, Graham Hill survived decades of world championship road racing, only to die in an air crash. Racer Tony Brise died in the same crash.
There are, sadly, many more: helicopters taking many racers’ lives, ironically.
I heard it last night while watching the NASCAR race. Two of Stafford (CT) drivers were killed in plane crashes... Ted Christopher and now Mike. Modifieds are big in the Northeast.
Not much of a "plane". Hate it for his family but he knew what he was getting into. Sad...
Alan Kulwicki
A friend of mine was going to sell his car to buy one of these until he flew in one ,LOL
“If you are looking for perfect safety, you will do well to sit on a fence and watch the birds…" -- Wilbur Wright
SD- is that about right ?
Yeah, until you fall off the fence or a bird flies into your windpipe, beakfirst.
an ultralight as defined in part 103, there is no requirement to be registered or have a tail number. 14 CFR 103.7(c)
Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to registration and marking of aircraft, ultralight vehicles are not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type.
I hope this answers your question.
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