CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The late Mike Stefanik, considered one of the best modified race car drivers ever, has been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

He is one of three drivers who will be inducted Friday night, joining Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Red Farmer. Ralph Seagraves was selected as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

The group was selected in 2020, but the induction ceremony was postponed more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Stefanik, who died in a plane crash in 2019, won nine all-time NASCAR championships — tied with Richie Evans for the most ever.

He won seven titles in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and two others in the Busch North Series. Stefanik holds modified series records for championships, wins, poles, and top-five and top-10 finishes. In 2003, he was named one of the tour’s 10 greatest drivers.

Former car owner and crew chief Ray Evernham, a member of the 2018 Hall of Fame class, inducted Stefanik into the Hall. Stefanik’s wife, Julie, accepted the honor on behalf of her husband.

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