Michael Paul Stefanik was an American professional stock car racing driver.
17 Facts About Mike Stefanik
2.
Mike Stefanik competed mainly in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, but made appearances in the Busch Grand National series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
3.
Mike Stefanik is a member of the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame class.
4.
Mike Stefanik ran his first full Whelen Modified Tour season in 1987.
5.
Mike Stefanik recorded his first championship in 1989, winning in seven of his 26 starts.
6.
Mike Stefanik continued to be a major player in the 1990s, winning the 1991 series championship, finishing out of the top ten just once that season.
7.
Again pursuing other interests, Mike Stefanik did not contend in 2003,2004, or 2005 but won the 2006 season opener, completed every lap that season and only was out of first place for one week, winning the championship.
8.
Mike Stefanik won his last race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2013, and started his last race in 2014.
9.
In 2013, Mike Stefanik competed in the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway.
10.
Mike Stefanik won in only his third start, which came in 1991.
11.
Mike Stefanik ran his first full season in 1993 while racing Modifieds and won the 1997 and 1998 championships, pocketing over $100,000 for each season.
12.
Mike Stefanik raced full seasons in 2003,2004 and 2005 while stepping away from Modifieds, but did not have the same amount of success.
13.
Mike Stefanik moved up to the Craftsman Truck Series, racing for Phelon Motorsports and finishing in the top ten nine times during 1999, achieving Rookie of the Year honors.
14.
Mike Stefanik was elected to the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
15.
Mike Stefanik was inducted Nov 11,2018 by writer Mark "Bones" Bourcier.
16.
Mike Stefanik was first nominated to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, and was elected to the Hall in 2022.
17.
Mike Stefanik was airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries.