NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik killed in plane crash

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Nine-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik was killed in a plane crash on Sunday, NASCAR confirmed. Stefanik was 61 years old."data-reactid =" 13 ">Nine-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik was killed in a plane crash on Sunday, NASCAR confirmed. Stefanik was 61 years old.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Stefanik, a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee, has won seven modified titles and two K & N Pro Series East crowns. In 2003, he was named one of the top 10 drivers of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour."data-reactid =" 14 ">Stefanik, a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee, has won seven modified titles and two K & N Pro Series East crowns. In 2003, he was named one of the top 10 drivers of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

NASCAR issued a statement on behalf of President Jim France:

"Mike Stefanik was one of the most titled pilots in the history of NASCAR, but he was even more representative of our sport. His hard and competitive nature and his excellence on the track earned him the respect and admiration of fans and competitors.

"His career spanned more than 30 years, connecting generations between Jerry Cook and Richie Evans to our current drivers. He has recorded untouchable achievements in this sport and his legacy as a champion will continue. We will keep his wife Julie and his family and friends in our prayers. "

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "RaceDayCT.com reported that, according to numerous reports, Stefanik crashed while piloting a single-engine and Aero Ultra-Light single seat aircraft.. The accident occurred in Sterling, Connecticut, near the Rhode Island border. "Data-reactid =" 18 "> RaceDayCT.com indicated that, according to many information, Stefanik had crashed while piloting an Aero Ultra single-engine and single-seaplane aircraft. is crashed in Sterling, Connecticut, near the Rhode Island border.

Stefanik is the most winning driver in the history of the Whelen Modified Tour with 74 wins. His nine championships tie him to Richie Evans for most of the national touring championships in NASCAR history.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "In 1997-1998, Stefanik won two consecutive championships in the modified series and K & N East. Stefanik was the rookie of the year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 1999."data-reactid =" 20 ">In 1997-1998, Stefanik won two consecutive championships in the modified series and K & N East. Stefanik was the rookie of the year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 1999.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Stefanik was nominated for the first time at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. He told RaceDayCt.com that the nomination & nbsp; "Humiliated" him. "I'm not here, but it's an honor," Stefanik told RaceDayCt.com. "I never really thought about it. I did not start running to enter a Hall of Fame. But it's really humiliating."data-reactid =" 21 ">Stefanik was first nominated to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. He told RaceDayCt.com that this appointment had "humiliated" him. "I'm not here, but it's an honor," Stefanik told RaceDayCt.com. "I never really thought about it. I did not start running to enter a Hall of Fame. But it's really humiliating.