On Friday, at the Induction Ceremony for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021, Julie Stefanik, the wife of the late Mike Stefanik, got the opportunity to say some words to pay tribute to her husband.
Originally, Stefanik wasn’t going to get the opportunity to speak on behalf of her husband, until a push by many on social media, including Hall of Fame inductee, Dale Earnhardt Jr, forced a change in the procedures, allowing her to speak.
Absolutely breaks my heart to hear that Julie Stefanik will not be allowed to speak on Mike’s behalf at the upcoming HOF Induction Ceremonies.
She wrote a beautiful speech and just because it won’t be heard, doesn’t mean we cannot try and share it with as many people as possible pic.twitter.com/hAnhhaIXYb
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) January 7, 2022
Stefanik was a seven-time champion in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (1989, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, and 2006), as well as a two-time champion in the NASCAR Busch North Series (1997, and 1998) making him one of only two drivers to capture nine championships in NASCAR’s Touring Divisions.
“Together with my daughters, we have formed the Michael P. Stefanik Charitable Foundation,” said Julie Stefanik, wife of the late Mike Stefanik. “The goal of the foundation is to honor his memory through educational opportunities for young men and women who exemplify his wavering character and relentless passion in the automotive and aviation fields.”
We'll raise one for Mike, too. 🥃
Julie, wife of inductee Mike Stefanik, closes with a fitting tribute to a racing legend. #NASCARHOF pic.twitter.com/Pm8eXBUtRN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2022
“Thank you for allowing me to share a little about Michael, he was more than just a racer to us, he was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend and will be missed forever. I just wasn’t Michael’s wife, we were a team, I spotted for him for many years, and to quote a friend, Michael was an ordinary guy, doing something extraordinary.
“…and with that, in his honor, we’ll have a Jack and Diet.”
