Series Stafford race notes

Lia Takes Stafford Win, Pts Lead
Grabs 26-Point Lead Heading To Season Finale

STAFFORD, Conn. -- Donny Lia took destiny into his own hands Sunday at Stafford Motor Speedway as he captured the CARQUEST Fall Final checkered flag and left with the championship points lead with one race left on the schedule.

Lia, who entered the day just one tally back of leader Ted Christopher, took the race lead for the final time on Lap 115 and held on through a green-white-checker finish for his fourth win of the season. As a result of his win, and an accident that relegated Christopher to a 31st place finish, Lia will take a 26-point lead to the season finale in two weeks at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway.

It marked the 15th career win for Lia, and his third at Stafford. Lia also earned the 15th Coors Light Pole Award of his career earlier in the day.

Lia's primary competition in the season finale will be Ryan Preece, who crossed the line third on Sunday to stay within striking distance. Now in his third full season, this will be his first shot at the Whelen Modified Tour crown.

Doug Coby was the race runner-up on Sunday. Following Preece across the line were James Civali, Chris Pasteryak, Rowan Pennink, Eric Beers, Mike Stefanik, Reggie Ruggiero and Erick Rudolph.

Christopher slipped to third in the standings and is now 109 behind Lia. Todd Szegedy, fourth in points entering Sunday, remained in the same position with a 20th place finish and is now 113 out of first.

The 2009 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season will conclude with the World Series of Speedway Racing presented by Xtra Mart on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Thompson.

-credit: nascar