Mike Stefanik, Former NASCAR Champion, Dies in a Plane Crash at the age of 61

Former NASCAR champion and a hall of fame nominee, Mike Stefanik died in a plane crash on Sunday. NASCAR confirmed the accident in a statement quoting him as one of the most successful drivers in history.

“Mike Stefanik was one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, but even more so, he was a true representative of our sport,” NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France said.

“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.”

Stefanik was a seven time Whelen Modified Tour Champion, twice winning it in consecutive occasions- 1997, 1998 & 2001, 2002. In 1997 & 1998, he was also the Busch North Series Champion.

Stefanik, who was named as the most popular driver on seven occasions, has been a hall of fame nominee since 2015. He has the most number of NASCAR championships in the history of NASCAR- nine overall, same number as Evans.

His death on Sunday, came due to a plane crash, the reason for which is still unknown. The crash of the single seat plane was reported to have occurred near the state line in Sterling, Connecticut.