03-10-10: The 2010 New England racing season will be here in short order. As of this Friday, March 5 its only three weeks before the Waterford Speedbowl opens with Blast Off 2010 on the 28th. In five weeks, on April 11, the Thompson Speedway opens with their annual Ice Breaker. In past years, Blast Off at Waterford featured a Modified race in which the number of laps matched the year the event was held. In a twist on the original concept, Blastoff weekend’s SK Modified® race will now celebrate the Speedbowl’s number of years in operation. For this, the Speedbowl’s 60th season, the race will be a 60-lapper. The Modified Racing Series (formerly True Value) will compete in a 100-lap race and the NEMA Midgets go 25 laps in distance. Eleven other divisions, led by a 50-lap Late Model race, join what is sure to be a full weekend of racing. Hopefully Race Director Tom Fox will be able to keep the program moving in a timely and efficient manner. MORE>>

02-23-10: Now that Speedweeks in Florida and the New Smyrna World Series is history most of the auto racing snow birds have headed back north to await the beginning of the 2010 season at their favorite tracks. For the most part race fans and teams endured the cold, wind and rain during their stays in the sunshine state. The racing at New Smyrna could have been better but the somewhat short fields didn’t help. Ted Christopher was off his game a bit as many thought he would clean house in Fla. Keith Rocco had a chance to prove himself but he blew it when he went after Ron Silk. Rocco has a lot of raw talent but he needs to tone it down a bit. A big disappointment was the fact that Burt Myers didn’t come to New Smyrna to trade paint with the northern boys. Myers has become somewhat of a racing personality because of his part in the Mad House reality show on the Speed Channel. MORE>>

02-16-10: Tour type Modified and SK type Modified racing at the New Smyrna World Series continued on Monday night. In Tour type competition Ronnie Silk got the best of Ted Christopher on lap 14 and went on to take the 25 lap win. Christopher finished second and was followed by John Jensen, Kevin Goodale and Rob Fuller. Keith Rocco was the 20 lap SK type feature winner. The second rain out of the series occurred on Tuesday night. It was announced that Don Lia informed Bob Garbarino that he would not defend his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series title as he had secured a ride in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. MORE>>

02-02-10: The official start of the 2010 Modified Racing season begins this Friday, February 5 with the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. One of the highlights of the upcoming week at New Smyrna will be the third annual Modified Reunion that will start at noon on Friday, Feb 12. The event will be held in the speedway’s parking lot. Admission is free! Ted Christopher got an early start to his 2010 season last weekend in Atlantic City, NJ. Christopher served notice on Friday night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., as he claimed the 30-lap TQ-Midget preliminary main event. Christopher got the lead from Joey Payne on a lap 19 restart and he held off Billy Pauch to claim the victory. MORE>>

01-26-10: As of this Friday, January 29 it will be seven days before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. Central Florida has rebounded from the recent forecast as daytime temps are now in the low 70’s. One of the highlights of the upcoming week at New Smyrna will be the third annual Modified Reunion that will start at noon on Friday, Feb 12. The event will be held in the speedway’s parking lot. Admission is free! Among the 19 Modified entries received so far are Ted Christopher, JR Bertuccio, Ronnie Silk, Eddie Brunnhoelzl III, Bob Grigas, David Roys, Ryan Preece, Rob Fuller, Rowan Pennick, Chuck Hossfeld, Kevin and Eric Goodale, Tom Cloce, James Civali and John Jensen. A total of 19 entries were posted as of this past weekend. Usually a good amount of entries come in by the first of the month. MORE>>

01-19-10: As of this Friday, January 22 it will be two weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. Central Florida has rebounded from the recent forecast as daytime temps are now in the low 70’s. It was announced on the January 12 Speed 51 Radio show that ten NASCAR Modified races, split between the Whelen Modified and Southern Modified Tours, will be televised on a tape-delayed basis in 2010. The races will air as one-hour packages on the Versus network and will be produced by the NASCAR Media Group. Events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Bowman-Gray Stadium and both races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be among the races televised. Hopefully the four un-named tracks will include the Stafford Motor Speedway and the Thompson International Speedway. MORE>>

01-12-10: As of this Friday, January 15 it will be three weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. Among those who have submitted Modified entries so far are: J.R. Bertuccio, Ronnie Silk, Eddie Brunhoelzl III, David Roys, Kevin Goodale, Eric Goodale, David Cranmer, Tommy Cloce, James Civali and John Jensen along with Ted Christopher and Chuck Hossfeld. For the last week or so the temperatures in central Florida in and around the Daytona Beach area have been in the 30’s. The Daytona International Speedway has come alive as competitors have been practicing for the Jan 30-31 Rolex 24 At Daytona. Once the Rolex event is completed the NASCAR and ARCA stock cars move in. Because of the fact that the NFL Superbowl Championship game will be played on Sunday, February 7, Daytona 500 Pole qualifying will be held on Saturday afternoon, Feb 6. MORE>>

01-05-10: With racing now complete for 2009 its time to look foreword to 2010. As of this Friday, January 8 it will be four weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. The Thompson International Speedway has released its 2010 race schedule. In what has to be considered a bold move, Speedway owner Don Hoenig will bring back the tour type Modifieds and incorporate them into the Thursday Night Thunder programs on June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th and September 2nd. The Tour type Modifieds will run 35 lap sprints which were popular during what was considered the Golden Era of Modified Racing in New England, 1965 through 1985. It is hoped that Whelen Modified Tour teams support this endeavor. MORE>>

2009

12-29-09: With racing now complete for 2009 its time to look foreword to 2010. As of this Friday, January 1 it will be five weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. The Syracuse, NY Post-Standard has reported that a Watertown, NY jury decided a parking lot crash that ended the racing career of DIRT Modified legend “Barefoot” Bob McCreadie was worth nearly $1.7 million in damages. McCreadie, now 59, is one of the winningest drivers to ever compete in NY DIRT circuit racing. McCreadie is still recovering from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Wednesday, May 31 2006 near his Watertown, N.Y. home. MORE>>

12-22-09: With racing now complete for 2009 its time to look foreword to 2010. As of this Friday, December 25 it will be six weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the greatest Modified driver of them all. Modified Stock Car Racing got its start in the northeast following World War II.. Using hopped up pre-war coupes and sedans many brave souls made themselves heroes as they made magic with the cars they drove. Many consider the late Richie Evans as the overall greatest of all time but in their own eras and times others were considered just as good. In New England, New York State, Long Island and in the southland there were many. In New York State guys like Geoff Bodine, Maynard Troyer, Nolan Swift, Jim Shampine, Dutch Hoag, the Treichlers, Lou Lazzaro, Brian Ross, Jack Johnson and even Jerry Cook stayed at the top of their game for many years. In New England there was Eddie Flemke, Don MacTavish, Fred Lucase, Moe Gherzi, Billy Greco, Don Collins, Dick Dunn, Bob Potter, Bugsy Stevens, Fred DeSarro, Bill Slater, Ernie Gahan, Gene Bergin, Bob Polverari, Don Rounds, Reggie Ruggerio, Ronnie Bouchard, Leo Cleary and George Summers. MORE>>

12-15-09: With racing now complete for 2009 its time to look foreword to 2010. As of this Friday, December 18 it will be seven weeks before the drop of the green for opening night of the annual World Series of Speed at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the official beginning of the NASCAR season at the Daytona International Speedway. Jack Bateman’s Modified Racing Series scored a major coup last week when the Stafford Motor Speedway secured Friday night Sept 10, 2010 as the 20th race of the series. The Modified Racing Series, an alternative to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, has been in existence for six years and for the most part had been ignored. Said Stafford General Manager Mark Arute, “Our heritage is Modifieds, we have watched this series for six years and they have modified racing’s best interest.” The addition of the Stafford event brings the total to 20 races for 2010. Arute added, “We have listened to our fans and competitors,” “Our supporters have been very vocal. MORE>>

12-01-09: All eyes were on the annual Wall Stadium Turkey Derby XXXVI this past weekend. The Turkey Derby officially closed out the 2009 outdoor racing season in the northeast. Despite the fact that a bad storm left high winds to buffet the New Jersey speedway the entire two day program was completed. Rowan Pennick capped off a breakout year with a win in the Modified Tour type portion of the Turkey Derby. Pennick started third, took the lead from Matt Hirschman on a lap40 restart only to lose it after being roughed up by Jimmy Blewett. Blewett led until lap 91 when he reluctantly left the speedway after being black flagged for leaking fluid. Following the race Jamie Tomaino and Pete Brittain said they saw no fluid coming from the #66 car of Jimmy Blewett. Rowan Pennink said the officials stopped him and checked the fluid on his windshield that was why they black flagged Blewett.Pennick re-assumed the lead and went on to take the 100 lap win over Pete Brittain. MORE>>

11-24-09: All eyes will be on the annual Wall Stadium Turkey Derby this weekend. The Turkey Derby officially closes out the 2009 outdoor racing season in the northeast. Howard Hodge reported that Chuck Hossfeld would be driving Ed Bennett's car on the Whelen Modified Tour next year. Chuck replaces Eric Rudolph. The Waterford Speedbowl and (Formerly True Value) Modified Racing Series officials announced that the Modified Series would visit the shoreline oval three times in 2010 including the season opening event for both, scheduled for March 26-28th. In addition, the popular tour will visit the ‘Bowl for the 3rd annual Wings ‘n Wheels on August 14th and as part of Thunder on the Sound’s lineup taking place on September 4th. MORE>>

11-17-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was part of the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala in Concord, N.C. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at which Donny Lia and the rest of the touring series champions were honored. The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Gala featured the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series including invitees from the NASCAR Camping World Series East, the NASCAR Camping World Series West, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. NASCAR champions Jason Bowles (Camping World Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Donny Lia (Whelen Modified Tour, Philip Morris (Whelen All-American Series), Andrew Ranger (Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1) and Ryan Truex (Camping World Series East) were honored at the end of the week during awards ceremonies at the Concord Convention Center. MORE>>

11-10-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series Next up for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams is the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala in Concord, N.C. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at which Donny Lia and the rest of the touring series champions will be honored. The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Gala will feature the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series including invitees from the NASCAR Camping World Series East, the NASCAR Camping World Series West, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Because of the fact that NASCAR had chosen to move the Whelen Modified Touring Series Championship Awards Banquet from the Mohegan Sun Casino many of the support personnel who previously took part in the festivities will be forced to sit home as most of those who donate their time to work on the cars have regular jobs that require them to be there every day with limited time off. MORE>>

11-03-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series has now come to an end for another season. The final point standings for 2009 confirm Donny Lia as the series champion. Lia entered the entire 13 race season and amassed 2002 points. Lia won four events for a season total winnings of $71,774. Ryan Preece, 16 points back, finished second. Preece also ran 13 events, winning two and collecting $51,721. Defending series champion Ted Christopher ended up in third spot in the final standings with 1931 points to his credit. Christopher won three times and had a season total of $67,249. Rowan Pennick finished fourth with 1867 points. Although winless, Pennick ran consistently up front, recording 11 top ten finishes and a season total of $35,277. Rounding out the top five was Todd Szegedy with 1823 points. Szegedy also had goose eggs in the win column but his consistent finishes banked him $37,384. Sixth through tenth for 2009 are. Chris Pasteryak, Mike. Stefanik, Eric Beers, Woody Pitkat and Eddie Flemke, Jr. MORE>>

10-27-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series finally completed its 2009 season last weekend with the running of the 150 lap World Series. The series championship was Donny Lia’s to lose. After a sirited race long battle with Ryan Preece and Ted Christopher Lia settled into the fourth finishing position in the closing laps as he wrapped up the title. Christopher took the lead for the final time after a restart on lap 132 and held off Preece to take the win. Doug Coby moved into third with less than five laps to go. Rowan Pennick rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Chris Pasteryak, Erick Rudolph, Kevin Goodale, Ron Silk and Woody Pitkat. Christopher led twice for 93 laps, while Lia led twice for 57 laps. There were eight caution periods for 47 laps. The car counts was ample but still down from previous years as only 29 Modifieds were on hand for the event that carried a race purse of $85,971. MORE>>

10-20-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was supposed to wind up the 2009 season this past weekend but Mother Nature had different ideas as a “Noreaster” dumped a large amount of rain and wet snow in the northeast corner of Connecticut forcing the Thompson Speedway Management and NASCAR to postpone the World Series to this coming weekend. As it turned out the Thompson Speedway management and NASCAR made the right decision as high winds and heavy rain mixed with snow pounded the entire New England area on Sunday. The True Value Modified Racing Series took the weekend off so as to prepare for their season ending event this week at the Lee USA Speedway. Jonathan McKennedy holds a slim 13 point lead into Lee over Rob Goodenough. Steven Masse is third 22 points back. Wall Stadium in New Jersey will also be running this weekend with the Tom Commerford Memorial set for Saturday. MORE>>

10-13-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series winds up its 2009 season this weekend as the Whelen Modified Tour Series heads for the World Series of Speedway Racing presented by Xtra Mart – the finale for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s 25th season. Donny Lia, pilot of the No. 4 “Mystic Missile” Dodge owned by Bob Garbarino, will take a 26-point lead on Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 3 “Ole Blue” Chevrolet, of the famed Boehler family. Lia can clinch his second Whelen Modified Tour crown by finishing fifth or better but with Preece just 26 points out, anything can happen. Ted Christopher sits in third spot and is followed by Todd Szegedy and Rowan Pennick. Sixth through tenth are Mike Stefanik, Chris Pasteryak, Reick Beers, Woody Pitkat and Ed Flemke Jr. Eric Goodale has a lock on the Rookie of the Year honors. MORE>>

10-06-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was at the Stafford Motor Speedway last weekend for the Fall Final. With the exception of a brief practice session the Whelen Modifieds spent the day waiting for the rain to stop. There were 32 Whelen Modifieds on hand for the event that carried an $84,013 purse. The entire program was run on Sunday. The sun was bright with very few clouds in the sky. Most important, the grandstands appeared to be full. Donny Lia and Ted Christopher, who have had somewhat of a war with words recently, slugged it out in time trials with Lia coming out on top with Christopher, second fastest. Rich Pallai Jr, who is a regular SK Modified competitor, qualified third in his Modified Tour debut. The top six redrew for starting positions, which placed Eric Berndt on the pole with Pallai on the outside in second spot. Lia drew fourth and Christopher fifth. MORE>>

09-29-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series headed to Martinsville Virginia last weekend for the Made In America Whelen 300. The 200-lap event carried a race purse of $131,427. Among those who got an early start for their trip south was Ted Christopher who found himself suspended by the Stafford Motor Speedway for his on track actions on September 18. Keith Rocco was also suspended from Stafford but remained behind in order to compete at Waterford on Saturday night. Ronnie Silk subbed for Rocco in the Eddie Partridge No. 12. With the exception of a limited practice session on Saturday morning the rains washed all activity at Martinsville for the day. Forty-three Modifieds were on hand to qualify for the 43 starting spots. Ron Silk and Donny Lia were the top qualifiers. Following the re-draw, Southern Modified Tour competitor Brian Loftin was placed in the pole position. Rowan Pennick drew the outside pole starting spot. Rounding out the top five starters were Burt Myers, Silk and Lia. MORE>>

09-22-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series traveled to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway last week for the New Hampshire 100, which carried a purse of $166,917. Forty Modifieds were on hand for qualifying. The Penthouse, the Firehouse and the Jailhouse all had their separate stories at Loudon. In the Penthouse was Ryan Preece who earned the 21 Means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Light with a lap of 127.692mph. Also in the penthouse was car owner Eddie Partridge who watched with pleasure as his two drivers, Ronnie Silk and Keith Rocco qualified their cars in second and third place. It was Rocco’s first time at the New Hampshire mile. Rounding out the top five was Eric Beers and Doug Coby. Sixth through tenth were Todd Szegedy, Glen Reen, Erick Rudolph, Bobby Grigas III and Mike Stefanik. Current points leader Ted Christopher qualified 14th. MORE>>

09-14-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series heads to the New Hampshire International Speedway this week. The New Hampshire 100 is set to go green at 1 p.m. Ted Christopher continues to lead the point standings with 1432. Todd Szegedy with 1398, sits in the second spot. Thirty eight points behind Szegedy is Donny Lia with 1360. Ryan Preece and Rowan Pennink round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Eric Beers, Woody Pitkat, Ed Flemke, Jr., Chris Pasteryak and Mike Stefanik. Racing web site Speed 51 announced that because of good ratings and a lot of hype surrounding the TV coverage of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut at the Bristol Motor Speedway last month, the Tour will return to the TV screen again. SPEED will air the always-exciting race at the Magic Mile (September 19th) on a slightly tape-delayed basis. The race is scheduled to get the green at 12:50pm and the airing of the event will begin at 1:30pm. Mike Joy, Dick Berggren and Bob Dillner will call the Mod Tour action at NHMS for SPEED. Speed 51 also reported that True Value Modified Racing Series point leader Jon McKennedy will enter next weekend's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in an Art Barry-owned Spafco Modified sponsored by LATICRETE. Art's son Kenny Barry, who was the 2004 WMT Rookie of the Year, will serve as the entry's crew chief. MORE>>

09-08-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was at the Thompson Speedway last Thursday night. The competition and excitement provided by the “Men that Live by the Grace of God and 600 horsepower” was at a fever pitch as fans were on the edge of their seats for almost the entire 150 laps of the event. Donny Lia, in a show of sheer determination after being all but ridden into the wall by Ted Christopher, came from the rear of the field after a lap 113 restart and latterly blew the defending series champion away as he retook the lead in turn 4 on lap 139. Many of those on hand expected a “Pay Back” to Christopher was coming but Lia didn’t lower himself as he was in a hurry. Once back in the lead Lia dominated to the end as he recorded a convincing win. Christopher, who was experiencing electrical problems with his radiator fan ended up in the runner-up spot and was followed by Todd Szegedy, Rowan Pennick and Keith Rocco who was making his debut in the Eddie Partridge No.12 that had been vacated by Jimmy Blewett. Sixth through tenth were Eric Beers, Eric Berndt, Bob Grigas, Glen Reen and Eric Rudolph. MORE>>

09-01-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was scheduled to travel to the Chemung (N.Y.) Speedrome on Saturday, August 29. With a bad weather forecast at hand the event was called off. No make up date has been announced as yet. The Modified Tour Series now moves to the Thompson Speedway this coming Thursday, Sept. 3. The race was originally scheduled to run on Aug. 13, but rain on race day called off the action. The second of three races at Thompson in 2009 will now be the 9th race of the year for the Tour. Ted Christopher continues to lead the point standings as he leads Todd Szegedy by 29 points. Three points behind Szegedy is young sensation Ryan Preece. Donny Lia and Rowan Pennick round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Woody Pitkat, Eric Beers, Jimmy Blewett, Ed Flemke Jr and Chris Pasteryak. In Thursday night Thunder action at Thompson in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action, Woody Pitkat scored his second win of the season in the Sunoco Modifieds. Mike O’Sullivan also took down his second win of the season in the Super Late Models. John Materas swept the action in twin features for the Late Model division. Shawn Monahan scored his first Limited Sportsman feature event of the year in dominating fashion. Brian Tagg, was tops in the TIS Modifieds while Steve Michalski was the winner in the Mini Stocks. MORE>>

08-26-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was at the Bristol, TN for a Wednesday night event this past week. The posted race purse of $91,575 drew 42 Whelen Modifieds including 27 from the North. Late afternoon rain forced NASCAR to cancel time trials forcing the field to go to post based on points. Ted Christopher led the field to the starting green with Southern Modified point leader George Brunnhoelzl, III on the outside. Christopher led the first 107 laps as Brunnhoelzl faded. Donny Lia started seventh and by lap 100 had placed the Bob Garbarino Mystic Missile firmly in second spot. Seven laps later Christopher faltered and Lia scooted into the lead. Lia lost the lead to Christopher when he jumped a restart on lap 138 and was told by NASCAR to let Christopher by. Three laps later Lia was back in the lead and proceeded to open up a fairly good lead which he maintained to the 150 lap mark and the checkered flag. Christopher held on for second and was followed by Ryan Preece who brought the mighty No. 3, Ole Blu, of the Boehler family home in third spot. That particular version of the legendary Modified was actually built by the late Len Boehler in 1996! George Brunnhoelzl III and Woody Pitkat rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Todd Szegedy, Rowan Pennink, Ed Flemke Jr., Burt Myers and Erick Rudolph. MORE>>

08-18-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was at the Thompson Speedway last Thursday night for the New England Dodge Dealers presentation of the Budweiser 150. A generous purse of $84,168 was posted for the event. Day long misty conditions and a forecast of heavy rain for the evening forced NASCAR officials and the Thompson Speedway management to postpone the event to Thursday night, September 3. The Whelen Modifieds now head for Bristol, TN for a Wednesday night event this week. For those who cannot be there the event will be televised on a delay by the channel at 7:00pm. Going into the Bristol event Ted Christopher leads Todd Szegedy by 12 points. Ryan Preece, who now has two wins in a row sits in third while Donny Lia and Rowan Pennink round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Jimmy Blewett, Woody Pitkat, Eric Beers, Ed Flemke, Jr. and Mike Stefanik. In Friday night action at Stafford, Ted Christopher was the winner in the 40-lap SK Modified feature, Ryan Posocco was the winner in the 30-lap Late Model feature, Brit Andersen was the winner in the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature, Kevin Gambacorta won the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, and Barry Fluckinger was the winner in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature. MORE>>

08-11-09: The legend of car owner, the late Len Boehler and his famous ‘Ole Blu No.3 continued to live on as Ryan Preece scored his second Whelen Modified Tour Series in six days. Preece, who is the grandson of another legend, Bobby Judkins won the Town Fair Tire 150 at Stafford last Friday night. Preece took the lead on lap 104 from Ted Christopher and held off the defending champion to record his third overall win. Preece, who started fourth, moved into second spot by lap seven. The top two never pitted and it was a matter of Preece wearing the defending champion down. According to reports a near capacity house witnessed the event. There were 32 cars on hand for the available 31 starting spots. In a generous move the Stafford management agreed to allow all cars to start the event.  Chris Pasteryak, who continues to make a name for himself, finished third, which tied his best career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour effort, previously also set at Stafford . Eric Beers and Rowan Pennink. Erick Rudolph, Donny Lia, Jimmy Blewett, Woody Pitkat and Todd Szegedy rounded out the top 10 finishers. The Coors Light Pole Award winner, Eric Berndt, finished 16th. It was a relatively clean and fast race, which produced only five short caution periods for 25 laps. MORE>>

08-04-09: It’s damned if you do and damned if you don’t sometimes in racing. Last Thursday night at the Thompson Speedway Drivers Meeting Mike Chapman, the new Competition Director (Traffic Cop), again addressed the drivers telling them that rough driving, taking out the leader, would not be tolerated. Keith Rocco, who has been at the center of some of the more aggressive driving asked Chapman if it was ok to “move” a competitor out of the way as long as you didn’t force him to crash. Chapman’s answer was, “Test Me and you will find out”. During the running of the first of the two 30 lap Sunoco (SK type) Modified found himself crashed into the concrete wall between turns one and two after coming in contact with Ted Christopher. From his vantage point in the officials tower Chapman made the call to put Christopher to the rear for what looked like a deliberate move. In all honesty that’s the way it looked! After listening to a conversation between a driver, who was behind the pair, with his crew chief, it was said that Rocco had over corrected after bouncing off of Christopher’s nerf bar and had crashed himself into the wall. With six laps left Christopher came back to finish seventh. Woody Pitkat ended up taking the win over Danny Cates, Jimmy Blewett and Todd Ceravolo. Rocco ended up in 15th spot. Chapman’s second call of the night was to put Super Late Model competitor Rick Fuller to the rear for “Playing Games” on numerous restarts. Fuller was not happy but that’s the way the mop flops sometime! MORE>>

07-28-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour continues on “Summer Break before heading for the Riverhead Raceway this coming Saturday, August 1. Ted Christopher continues to lead the point standings with a 17-point cushion over Todd Szegedy. Thirty-nine points behind Szegedy is Don Lia. Mike Stefanik and Ryan Preece round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Rowan Pennink, Ron Silk, Jimmy Blewett, Woody Pitkat and Ed Flemke, Jr. Time trials for the WMT are set for 4:30 pm, a 25-lap qualifying race will be contested at 6:00 pm and the Riverhead 175 will go green at approx. 8:30 pm. The Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, NY may be returning to its roots as an asphalt speedway if local officials have their way. The Malta oval was a mecca for NASCAR Modified racing from 1966 to 1974. The best in the business from New York and New England would converge every Friday night for some of the best competition ever seen. Originally built as an asphalt speedway, the speedway became a dirt track in the late 70’s. MORE>>

07-21-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour continues on “Summer Break before heading for the Riverhead Raceway on August 1. While the Whelen Modifieds continue to race for paltry purses at some tracks, teams that compete in the DIRTCar series recently raced in a 100 lap event at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway in New York for a $100,000 purse that paid the winner $20,000. NASCAR rants and raves about the Modifieds and the great shows they put on yet they continue to throw crumbs their way. The recent Modified tour event was clearly the best show of the weekend. Their racing purse was the least of those in competition. A recent edition of Area Auto Racing News, a highly respected trade paper based in New Jersey, stated that the total purse payout at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway was $7,005,549. The Sprint Cup purse consumed the lion’s share at $5,423,189. The Nationwide Series collected $1,197,559. The Camping World Series East purse was $217,884 and at the bottom of the barrel were the Modifieds whose purse totaled $166,917. In comparison to other Modified Tour events the New Hampshire purse was a good one. Based on the level of competition and the quality of the racing something is definitely wrong here. Hopefully those in charge at New Hampshire will correct this! MORE>>

07-07-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads to the Spencer Speedway this coming Saturday, July 11. Ted Christopher continues as the series point leader. Christopher currently leads Todd Szegedy by 53 points. Donny Lia sits 19 points behind Szegedy who sits 46 points ahead of Jimmy Blewett. Mike Stefanik rounds out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Ryan Preece, Ron Silk, Ed Flemke Jr, Woody Pitkat and Rowan Pennick. In Thursday Night Thunder action at the Thompson Speedway rain prevailed. The rains that have dominated the New England weather picture for the previous six weeks struck again in Thompson, CT causing the cancellation of the July 2nd race program. Over five inches of rain turned the speedway and midway into a swamp leaving management little choice. Due to the number of events that have become the victim of Mother Nature’s wrath, Thompson officials have added a complete race program to what had been an open date on the track’s original schedule. This coming Thursday, July 9th, is a brand new date on the Thompson schedule. That event will include all six of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions and will be the night that the Sunoco Modifieds run the 50-lap race scheduled for Thursday, July 2nd. MORE>>

06-30-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first three, of 14 events, wound up their second “Spring Break” last Saturday, June 27 when the ground pounders traveled to Loudon, NH. There were 39 Modifieds on hand for the New England 100. Doug Coby captured his second career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Coors Light Pole Award Thursday evening in qualifying. Coby, who was the next-to-last car to go out among the 39 entries, knocked Todd Szegedy off the provisional pole with a fast lap of 30.003 seconds (126.947 mph), just under Szegedy’s time of 30.005 (126.939). Ted Christopher, who entered the day having won the Coors Light Pole Award in each of the first three races of the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, ended up third-fastest. Donny Lia (30.039 seconds/126.795 mph) and Rowan Pennink (30.065/126.686) rounded out the top five. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Ryan Newman qualified seventh at 30.160 seconds (126.286 mph). MORE>>

06-23-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first three, of 14 events, winds up their second “Spring Break” this coming Saturday, June 27 when the ground pounders travel to Loudon, NH. There are currently 38 entries for the New England 100 that is scheduled to take the green at 1:00pm. The Nationwide Series is scheduled for 3:00 which should a lot ample time for the Modified event to be completed. NASCAR announced last Sunday that there would be an internet radio type broadcast of the event. For directions to get hooked up for the broadcast go to the NASCAR Home Tracks web page. Champ Trail broke the news of the shortened distance of the Martinsville Whelen Modified Tour Series event a few weeks back. Instead of crying poverty and reducing the purse like some tracks have the folks that run the Virginia Speedplant have actually increased the actual race purse for the event. Last years actual race purse was $129,020. This year’s event will be 200 laps rather than the 300 run last year and will carry a posted purse of $133,427. The speedway has added a 100-lap NASCAR Limited Sportsman event to the program. MORE>>

06-16-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first three, of 14 events, continues on “Spring Break” until June 27 when the ground pounders travel to Loudon, NH. The Bristol Motor Speedway hosted another Modified Test session on Monday, June 8th. The session wasn't without a few dramatic moments, but nothing major transpired. Teams got adjusted to the super-fast high banks and got their cars more comfortable as the day went on. Ryan Preece, cut a right rear tire and spun off of turn-four. The young driver made a nice save and kept it off the wall. Also keeping it off the wall after a spin was Woody Pitkat who went on a long slide down nearly the entire length of the backstretch. Mike Stefanik was also a slider but suffered no damage. Chris Pasteryak wasn’t quite so lucky as he suffered slight rear body damage when he slid into the wall. Among the fastest was Jimmy Blewett in the Eddie Partridge TS Haulers entry. MORE>>

06-09-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first three, of 14 events, has gone back on “Spring Break” until June 27 when the ground pounders travel to Loudon, NH. Evidently NASCAR has chosen to ignore competitor’s requests for a “Town Hall” type of meeting where they can air their concerns and complaints. Defending WMT Champion Ted Christopher had himself a busy schedule last weekend. Starting off at Thompson on Thursday night where he finished sixth, he had planned on running at Stafford until the rain prevailed. To round out the weekend Christopher traveled to the Franklin County Speedway, which is located in the Moonshine Capitol of the world, Callaway, VA. The Virginia event, which drew only 14 cars, was won by Brian King. Burt Myers was second with Danny Bohn, third. Christopher and Ron Silk drove team cars for Roger Hill’s Hillbilly Racing and finished eighth and ninth respectively. Christopher will head south again this weekend for a 100 lapper at the Bowman Grey Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. Preston Connecticut car owner Art Barry, now 70, says he plans on bringing a car to Loudon for the June 27 WMT event. No driver has been mentioned as yet. MORE>>

06-02-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first three, of 14 events, has gone back on “Spring Break” until June 27 when the ground pounders travel to Loudon, NH. Ted Christopher, with wins at Thompson’s Ice Breaker and Stafford’s Spring Sizzler leads Todd Szegedy by 40 points. Jimmy Blewett, who won the recent TSI Harley 100 at Stafford, trails Szegedy my a mere two points. Mike Stefanik and Ryan Preece round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Donny Lia, Woody Pitkat, Ron Silk, Ed Flemke Jr and Eric Beers. The Thompson Speedway fell victim to the elements. A persistent drizzle and the forecast of heavier showers caused the management of the Thompson International Speedway to cancel the Thursday Night Thompson Thunder race program for Thursday, May 28th. Track management chose to make the call early so that race teams and fans could make changes in their plans for the day. The track was to play host to residents of Thompson as a way of saying thank you to its friends and neighbors. MORE>>

05-26-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first two, of 14 events, has been on “Spring Break” since the Spring Sizzler at Stafford on April 26. This past Friday it was back to Stafford for the TSI HARLEY-DAVIDSON CONNECTICUT CLASSIC 100. Thirty-three Modifieds were on hand for the event. During a somewhat heated drivers meeting NASCAR did its best to alienate two of its top drivers when they questioned a restart policy. They, Mike Stefanik and Ed Flemke, were told to take it “off line”. A year or two from now NASCAR will wonder where the cars and loyalty went. In other words the Whelen Modified Tours outspoken drivers were told in so many words if you don’t like the way the races are run that’s just tough! Jimmy Blewett was able to slow down Ted Christopher’s dominant start to the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season when he took home the checkered flag in the TSI Harley-Davidson Classic Friday night at Stafford Motor Speedway. Blewett went pole to pole. MORE>>

05-19-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first two, of 14 events, has been on “Spring Break” since the Spring Sizzler at Stafford on April 26. This coming Friday its back to Stafford for the TSI HARLEY-DAVIDSON CONNECTICUT CLASSIC 100. Admission prices for the May 22 have been set. Pit admission is $45, Adult General Admission is $30, Reserved Seating is $32 and Kids from 6-14 get in for $5. Kids 5 and under are FREE. Parking is also FREE. Following the Stafford event the Whelen Modifieds go on “Spring Break” again until Saturday, June 27 when they travel to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Stafford Motor Speedway returned to racing action with Whelen Event Night on Friday, May 15. Taking down feature victories were Keith Rocco in the SK Modified® feature and Ryan Posocco in the Late Model feature. Tony Santangelo scored his second consecutive SK Light Modified feature win, while Shawn Thibeault took his first career Limited Late Model feature victory. With two DARE Stock feature events on the card, Robert Thompson and Todd LaPorta drove to CARQUEST Victory Lane. MORE>>

05-12-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first two, of 14 events, continues on “Spring Break”. Evidently my comments last week caused quite a stir. I have been told that the change in venue for the Whelen Modified Tour Series awards banquet was not announced at Thompson’s Ice Breaker because the press release had not been written yet. I was also told that Series director Chad Little does not decide what to say and when, that comes from Daytona as NASCAR wanted to make the announcement to all of the five series involved at the same time, thus a notification by press release, not driver's meetings. As far as the upcoming TSI Harley Davidson Whelen Modified Tour distance and purse is concerned, Stafford General Manager Mark Arute stated that the purse and distance were never posted. He is correct. Many of us, including yours truly assumed that the race distance would continue to be 150 laps as it has been for years. Arute also stated that they (Stafford) were seriously considering dropping the event from their schedule. He also stated that what many of us thought was a near sell out at the Sizzler was not as many in the grandstand were there because of complimentary tickets from Carquest, the race sponsor, plus there were a lot of kids and media. MORE>>

05-05-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, after the completion of the first two, of 14 events, is now on “Spring Break” Ted Christopher, who is two for two after winning the Ice Breaker at the Thompson Speedway and the Spring Sizzler at the Stafford Motor Speedway leads Todd Szegedy and Ryan Preece by 35 points. Szegedy finished fifth at Thompson and second at Stafford. Preece was fourth at Thompson and third at Stafford. Donny Lia is 10 points behind Szegedy and Preece. Rounding out the top five is Jimmy Blewett, seven points behind Lia. Sixth through tenth are Mike Stefanik, Ron Silk, Woody Pitkat, Bobby Grigas, III and Jamie Tomaino. Next on the schedule is the TSI Harley-Davidson Classic at the Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, May 22. Despite the fact that the first two events were successful at drawing very good crowds at both tracks and good car counts the competitors and those who follow the Modified Tour Series are upset with the goings on, especially from NASCAR. First off, in a completely gutless move, the sanctioning body announced through the media and the mail that the season ending awards banquet would be moving to the Charlotte, NC area and competitors would be required to attend if they wanted to receive their point money. MORE>>

04-28-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour stopped at the Stafford Motor Speedway last weekend for the annual Spring Sizzler. The weekend had picture perfect weather with temperatures in the high 80’s and low 90’s. Ted Christopher made it two-for-two in 2009 as he earned his second NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Coors Light Pole Award of the season Saturday afternoon at Stafford Motor Speedway. Christopher, of Plainville , Conn. , turned a fast lap of 18.150 seconds (99.174 mph) in the No. 36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet Saturday for his 20th career Coors Light Pole Award, and his third at Stafford . The reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion and defending winner of the Spring Sizzler also captured the pole for the season opener at Thompson ( Conn. ) International Speedway, and wound up in Victory Lane the following day. MORE>>

04-21-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is on a two week break before heading to Stafford Springs Connecticut for the annual Spring Sizzler. In the mean time NASCAR has made a ruling that could very well be the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Hartford Courant reported last week that competitors, drivers and owners, would be required to attend the season ending banquet in order to receive their point moneys and season ending awards. The vast majority of Whelen Modified Tour Series competitors have been fiercely loyal to NASCAR in the past but that could very well be changing. What really has the competitors riled up is the fact that they signed an agreement to comply with NASCAR’s banquet requirements without even knowing it. That’s what happens when you sign your name to something before you read it. Defending series Champion Ted Christopher says he is not happy with having to go to Charlotte but in the end, he will be there. The competitors were, as had happened many times before, hoodwinked by NASCAR. The agreement that the competitors signed stipulated that the competitors must attend the season ending banquet as they had in previous years, never stating that the venue had changed. It was a gutless move on NASCAR’s part to say the least! MORE>>

04-14-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is on a two week break before heading to Stafford Springs Connecticut for the annual Spring Sizzler. Considered the greatest race in the history of spring, the Sizzler was conceived by Dick Berggren, Bruce Cohen and Lew Boyd. The original event, run in 1972 and won by the late Fred DeSarro who drove Len Boehler’s ‘ole Blu, was so successful that the rites to the race were bought by the late Jack Arute. Thirty eight years later the event is still going strong. It was originally an open competition 80 lapper. It is now a 200 lapper and part of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series and is sponsored by CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to action with the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway on April 26. MORE>>

04-07-09: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour began its 25th anniversary year at the Thompson Speedway ICEBREAKER last weekend. This year’s event marked the 107th time that the WMT has raced at Thompson since the formation of the Tour in 1985. An outstanding field of competitors attempted to qualify on Saturday afternoon for a starting spot in the 150-lap main event which was run on Sunday. The WMT was joined by Thompson’s “Super 6” NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions in this two-day racing spectacle that has ushered in the beginning of the auto racing season in New England for well over 40 years. Thirty five NASCAR Whelen Modifieds were on hand for practice and qualifying at Thompson on Saturday. Jimmy Blewett made himself the pre-race favorite as he was the fastest in pre-time trial practice. MORE>>

03-31-09: The Waterford Speedbowl opened for the season this past weekend, March 28-29 with the SK Modified Nationals. The track opened for practice on Friday with quite a few race teams on hand to shake down their cars in preparation for the coming season. A beautiful Spring day greeted competitors on Saturday for qualifying at the shoreline oval. A somewhat meager field of SK Modifieds was on hand, 21, for time trials for the 150 lap-$5,000 to win feature. Conspicuous by there absences were the “Outsiders”, non-Waterford regulars. The only outsiders on hand were Jimmy Blewett from New Jersey and Eric Goodale from Long Island. Defending Connecticut State Champion Keith Rocco was the top time trailer as he toured the 1/3 mile oval in 14.138 seconds. Frank Ruocco was second fastest with Diego Monahan, third. Jeff Paul and Ron Yuhas Jr rounded out the top five. Defending track champion Dennis Gada was tenth fastest. The top ten redrew for starting positions. MORE>>

03-23-09: The Waterford Speedbowl is scheduled to open for the season this coming weekend, March 28-29 with the SK Modified Nationals. In some good news and some stability for the shoreline oval track owner Terry Eames announced on Thursday, March 19 that its affiliation with NASCAR will continue in 2009. The Speedbowl’s SK Modified®, Late Model, Street Stock, and Mini Stock divisions will all participate in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and be eligible to earn NASCAR points. Competitors in these four NASCAR divisions are required to purchase a 2009 NASCAR license to compete in 2009 and must be 16 years of age or older. Race teams are reminded that active crew members on their teams are also required to purchase a NASCAR license. Jason Christley who works in the public relations department at NASCAR recently told the Hartford Courant that NASCAR did guarantee the NASCAR point fund to the Waterford Speedbowl. That guarantee stands regardless of things that might occur like the track closing or the promoter failing to meet obligations. MORE>>

03-17-09: The Waterford Speedbowl is scheduled to open for the season on April 28-29 with the SK Modified Nationals and the Thompson Speedway Ice Breaker, which will start the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series, on April 4-5. While there has been mention of a pre-season practice at Waterford on Friday, March 27, the Thompson Speedway will host practice sessions this coming Saturday on March 21st and again on March 28th. The Stafford Motor Speedway will open the season with the Spring Sizzler on April 24-25-26. A pre-season practice at Stafford is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. The Stafford Motor Speedway will open its doors for business in 2009 with its traditional Spring Motorcycle and Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meets. The Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet is the first event on the 2009 SMS Calendar of events, and is scheduled for Sunday, March 29th. The 23rd Annual Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet will be the following Sunday, April 5th. MORE>>

03-10-09: With Speedway Expo and the Indoor races at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence now history it’s time to look ahead to the 2009 season in the northeast in just over two weeks. The Waterford Speedbowl is scheduled to open for the season on April 28-29 with the SK Modified Nationals and the Thompson Speedway Ice Breaker, which will start the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series, on April 4-5. While there has been mention of a pre-season practice at Waterford on Friday, March 27, the Thompson Speedway will host practice sessions on March 21st and again on March 28th. The Stafford Motor Speedway will open the season with the Spring Sizzler on April 24-25-26. A pre-season practice at Stafford is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. MORE>>

03-03-09: The mighty Modifieds of NASCAR completed their tire test and shakedown runs at the Bristol Motor Speedway last week in preparation for the August 19 combination North-South 150 lapper. LW Miller and Brian Loftin from the southern tour joined Ted Christopher, Todd Szegedy, Matt Hirschman and Ron Silk for the historic day. Using restrictor plates used at Loudon in the morning session In addition to Miller and Szegedy, four other drivers also tested Bristol on Tuesday. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour veterans Ted Christopher, Matt Hirschman and Ron Silk turned laps as well as Brian Loftin from the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. To start the day, all six cars employed the same restrictor plate that is used annually at the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s two events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In the cool morning session, Szegedy paced the field with a fast lap of 15.022 seconds (127.733 mph). The afternoon session proved to be significantly faster for all involved as the temperature warmed. MORE>>

02-24-09: Weather permitting, the Bristol Motor Speedway, the newest addition to the schedule for the NASCAR Whelen and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tours, will host teams from each series for a Hoosier Tires test this week on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will be represented by its defending champion Ted Christopher, 2003 titlist Todd Szegedy and Ronnie Silk. The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour will have its reigning champion Brian Loftin and 2007 series winner L.W. Miller on hand to test. Troyer Race Cars was also invited to provide its No. 98 house car for the test session and Matt Hirschman was selected to get behind the wheel. In addition, all teams from both the NASCAR Whelen and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tours with a valid 2009 NASCAR license are welcome to attend and observe. MORE>>

02-17-09: After having Sunday off to repair and refresh some of the tour type and SK type Modifieds that were damaged in the first two nights of the World Series at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. Among those on hand for race #3 was Sprint Cup star Ryan Newman. Ted Christopher beat out Newman at Loudon last year. Newman redeemed himself at New Smyrna on Monday night. The closing laps saw numerous lead changes between the two and in the end at the checkered flag it was Newman in for the win by inches. Christopher finished second and was followed by Eric Goodale, John Jensen and Jon McKennedy. Jimmy Blewett made it three in a row in SK type Modified competition Eric Goodale and Ted Christopher led the 23 car field down for the start of the night’s 25 lap feature.Before one lap was completed Christopher had taken the lead. Matt Hirschman slowed immediately in what was suspected to be transmission problems. MORE>>

02-10-09: After a long snowy winter in the northeast many race fans and competitors packed their bags and headed to Florida for the annual Speedweeks. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing began on Friday night. Temperatures were in the 50’s most of the day but once the sun went down it got quite chilly. When the Modifieds took the green for their feature at 20 minutes to 11 it was 30 degrees. Jimmy Blewett was the opening night Modified winner of what ended up being a rolling 25 lap demolition derby. Starting in ninth spot, Blewett took the lead after a lap 17 confrontation with Matt Hirschman. Hirschman and Blewett were racing quite hard for the lead when they came together on the backstretch. Hirschman rode the backstretch wall into turn three and suffered significant damage to his car which had to be double hooked off the track. MORE>>

02-03-09: After a long snowy winter in the northeast many race fans and competitors are packing their bags and heading to Florida for the annual Speedweeks that will shift into high gear starting this Friday at the New Smyrna Speedway. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing begins on Friday night, Feb 6 and runs every night through Feb14. Tour type Modifieds and SK type Modifieds will be part of the program. Racing at the Daytona International Speedway begins on Feb 7 and 8. DIRT Modifieds will be running at the Volusia Speedway Park from Feb 11 through 14. As of last weekend 19 Modified Tour type and 8 SK type Modified entries had been received. The Waterford Speedbowl property is still scheduled to be foreclosed on by mortgage holder Rocco Arbitell on March 2. Despite all that, property owner Terry Eames continues to make plans for the upcoming season. MORE>>

01-27-09: It will be here before you know it. As of this Friday, January 30 only 7 days remain before the start of Speedweeks in Florida. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing begins on Friday night, Feb 6. Racing at the Daytona International Speedway begins on Feb 7 and 8. DIRT Modifieds will be running at the Volusia Speedway Park from Feb 11 through 14. Now you see him, now you don’t. Shawn Monahan in bed with Terry Eames in running the Waterford Speedbowl, that is. Evidently Monahan’s lawyer is smarter than he is as he advised his client to walk away before he gets cleaned out. Monahan had some good ideas and probably would have been good for the shoreline oval but Eames’ financial reputation won out in the end. It’s going to take someone with a lot of money to get the Speedbowl out of trouble. Fact of the matter is there are people out there who would step up to help out. The only problem is that Eames comes with the deal. The Speedbowl property is scheduled to be foreclosed on by mortgage holder Rocco Arbitell on March 2. MORE>>

01-20-09: It will be here before you know it. As of this Friday, January 23 only 14 days remain before the start of Speedweeks in Florida. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing begins on Friday night, Feb 6. Racing at the Daytona International Speedway begins on Feb 7 and 8. DIRT Modifieds will be running at the Volusia Speedway Park from Feb 11 through 14. Among the early entries for the World Series at New Smyrna are Ted Christopher, JR Bertuccio, Bobby Grigas, Pete Jarvis, Jimmy Blewett, Chuck Hossfeld, Kenny Horton and Ryan Preece along with Matt Hirschman and Ronnie Silk. Preece will also be driving Florida Modified 2x which is owned by his famous grandfather, Bobby Judkins. MORE>>

01-13-09: It will be here before you know it. As of this Friday, January 16 only 21 days remain before the start of Speedweeks in Florida and 71 days until the green drops at the Waterford Speedbowl. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing begins on Friday night, Feb 6. Racing at the Daytona International Speedway begins on Feb 7 and 8. DIRT Modifieds will be running at the Volusia Speedway Park from Feb 11 through 14. Despite all the turmoil and uncertainty the new management of the Waterford Speedbowl played host to the tracks 2008 Awards Banquet this past Saturday night, Jan 10 at the Groton Inn & Suites in Groton, CT. Speedbowl history was made when Dennis Gada was crowned the 7-time SK Modified track champion, the most championships of any single competitor in the shoreline oval’s storied history dating back to 1951. MORE>>

01-06-09: t will be here before you know it. As of this Friday, January 9 only 28 days remain before the start of Speedweeks in Florida. The New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Auto Racing begins on Friday night, Feb 6. Racing at the Daytona International Speedway begins on Feb 7 and 8. DIRT Modifieds will be running at the Volusia Speedway Park from Feb 11 through 14. Despite all the turmoil and uncertainty the new management of the Waterford Speedbowl will host the tracks 2008 Awards Banquet this Saturday night, Jan 10 at the Groton Inn & Suites in Groton, CT. Rules meetings have been held and a tentative schedule for 2009 has been released. Speedbowl history will be made when Dennis Gada is crowned the 7-time SK Modified track champion, the most championships of any single competitor in the shoreline oval’s storied history dating back to 1951. Gada had previously been tied with Phil Rondeau (Late Model) and Bob Potter (Modified/SK Modified with six championships. In honor of his achievement, Gada’s familiar #3 car will be featured in a special display at Groton Inn & Suites. MORE>>

2008

12-30-08: First off, Happy New Year and good health to all in 2009!! The Whelen Modified Tour schedule for 2009 continues to be digested by car owners, drivers and fans. Its good that the Modifieds are breaking ground in new territory, namely Bristol, but NASCAR needs to remind themselves that over 90% of those that participate in the series are part timers. At one time the NASCAR North or Busch North was comprised of mostly northern New England drivers and race teams. For the most part now, the Camping World East Series is nothing more than a breeding ground for future Sprint Cup or Nationwide drivers and teams. Most of those previously involved in the Busch North or NASCAR North series have dropped out and now race in the regional PASS and ACT Series. Quite a few hard working race teams from northern New England were thrown under the bus in the name of progress. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen to the Modifieds. MORE>>

12-23-08: First off, Merry Christmas to one and all. Special holiday wishes to Web Master Tom Ormsby for allowing me to be part of this great web site. The Whelen Modified Tour schedule for 2009 is no longer a mystery as NASCAR made it public late last week. A little on the sparse side, the tour will feature a 14-race schedule which includes races at tracks that have been staples of the tour throughout its history, as well as an exciting new addition, for the first time, at Tennessee ’s famed Bristol Motor Speedway in a combination event with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. The race will be part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series August race week. Evidently Bruton Smith and his staff liked what they saw when the Modifieds ran at Loudon last September. This is really a big deal for the division that so desperately needs media exposure. MORE>>

12-16-08: The Whelen Modified Tour Series honored 2008 Champion Ted Christopher this past Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Christopher’s 2008 title campaign included four wins and 13 top 10s. Driver of the No. 36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet, Christopher’s championship season was highlighted by wins at Stafford Motor Speedway, Mansfield Motorsports Park , New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Thompson International Speedway. From Plainville, Conn., Christopher has established a reputation of racing any type of car, anytime, anywhere. He has won multiple track championships and was the 2001 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion, but 2008 marked his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour crown in his 15th full season in the series. MORE>>

12-09-08: The new and recycled Waterford Speedbowl management team held their first public meeting with competitors at the Groton Motor Inn on Monday, December 1. The new is Shawn Monahan and the recycled is property owner and former track operator Terry Eames. Monahan has a lot of good ideas and could very well become a successful promoter of the shoreline oval that has had more than its share of financial woes in recent years. Before leasing the track to Jerry Robinson, Eames had all but run the track into the ground. Financial, marital and personal problems contributed to his demise as track operator. The Robinson lease was hoped to breathe new life into the facility but in 2008 things went from bad to worse with virtually no one in the grandstands and competitors not being paid. Once Robinson’s lease ran out he was given the boot by Eames who would retake control of the 1/3 mile oval. MORE>>

12-02-08: NASCAR’s elite head for New York City this week where Jimmie Johnson will be crowned the 2008 Sprint Cup Champion. Johnson, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports is now a three time series champion. While Johnson and team celebrate many of those, anywhere between 200 to 1,000 are getting their pink slips. We all know the economy is bad and auto racing has not been excluded from the general downturn this country is presently having. Down on the New Jersey shore the Wall Township Speedway reopened for the annual Turkey Derby. Wall Township, modeled after the famed Lonsdale Arena Speedway in Rhode Island was silent throughout the 2008 season. The historic speedway received a good shot in the arm and had a successful event which hopefully leads to a grand reopening in 2009. MORE>>

11-25-08: First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. With 2008 winding down there is one little bit of unfinished business to tend to. Down on the New Jersey shore the Wall Township Speedway will reopen for the annual Turkey Derby. Wall Township, modeled after the famed Lonsdale Arena Speedway in Rhode Island was silent throughout the 2008 season. Hopefully the historic speedway will receive a good shot in the arm and have a successful event as well as reopening in 2009. In some sad news, John "Butch" Farone, Jr. better known to the racing community as Seymour The Clown passed away at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 21, after a battle with cancer. Jackie Arute brought Seymour to Stafford shortly after his dad Jack and uncle Chuck bought the Speedway. MORE>>

11-18-08: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series news former champion Rick Fuller has announced that he has retired from racing. Fuller, of Auburn, Mass., made his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut in the series’ inaugural race on March 31, 1985 at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway with a 13th place finish in the Icebreaker. Ultimately, Thompson became the site of his last race when was caught up in an early accident and came home 30th in the No. 77 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Modified in the Xtra Mart World Series on Oct. 19. Fuller compiled 20 wins, 145 top fives, 231 top 10s and 11 Coors Light Pole Awards in 439 career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts. His win total ranks seventh in tour history. MORE>>

11-11-08: The weekly stars of NASCAR headed for Las Vegas last weekend. The 2008 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season ceremoniously came to an end Friday night as Philip Morris was crowned the national champion at the 27th annual awards banquet in the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. Morris, of Ruckersville , Va. , captured the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series championship for the second time in the last three years on the strength of 14 wins and 23 top-five finishes in 26 starts. On his way to the 2008 national title, Morris captured the Motor Mile Speedway ( Radford , Va. ) track championship in a Late Model and also earned the Virginia state crown Morris’ crew chief, Chad McCoy, took home the Lunati Cranks Crew Chief Award and the Lincoln Electric Car Owner Award also went to Morris as driver-owner. MORE>>

11-04-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series has settled into a long winter’s sleep with the exception of the upcoming Banquet of Champions which will be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino on Saturday, September 13. The weekly stars of NASCAR head for Las Vegas this coming weekend for the 27th annual NASCAR Whelen All-American Series awards banquet at the Rio Hotel. NASCAR, series sponsor Whelen Engineering and track operators will gather to honor nationals champion Philip Morris, plus U.S. state, Canadian provincial, and track champions from throughout North America. Morris, of Ruckersville, Va., has made history this year, becoming only the second driver to win the title more than once. Morris, the champion also in 2006, joins five-time champion Larry Phillips in the series’ very elite category. The celebration opens on Wed., Nov. 5 with the Jim Hunter Invitational Golf Classic at Las Vegas’ Desert Pines Golf Club. MORE>>

10-28-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series has closed out another successful season. Car counts were down a bit but overall the competition was great. When the final checker dropped at Thompson, Ted Christopher led the championship standings by 127 points over Matt Hirschman. Hirschman, who lost his ride in the Bennett mount, was one of the first to congratulate the new champion. Todd Szegedy finished the year in third spot with Chuck Hossfeld and Ronnie Silk rounding out the top five. Rounding out the top ten in the final standings are Eric Beers, Mike Stefanik, Rowan Pennick, Jimmy Blewett and Ryan Preece. Next on the agenda is the annual Banquet of Champions at the Mohegan Sun Casino in December. MORE>>

10-21-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series wound its way to the Thompson Speedway as the division finished out their 2008 season at the annul World Series. Forty one Modifieds were on hand for time trials which were held on Saturday. Taking the pole was Eric Beers who also broke the track record with a fast time of 18.429. Second fastest was young sensation Ryan Preece in the mighty No. 3 of the Boehler family. Third was championship contender Matt Hirschman with Jimmy Blewett and Chuck Hossfeld rounding out the top five. In the re-draw for the feature start Blewett drew the pole with Mike Stefanik drawing the outside pole. Preece drew third, Hossfeld, fourth and Ted Christopher, fifth. Beers drew sixth. Among those in the field was Stafford Motor Speedway SK Modified Champion Keith Rocco who placed the Joe Brady No.00 solidly in the field in 14th spot. Among those who didn’t qualify were Reggie Ruggerio and Billy Pauch Jr. Among those who had problems and had to rely on provisional starting spots were Todd Szegedy, Ed Flemke Jr, Danny Sammonds and Jamie Tomaino. MORE>>

10-07-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series ventured to the Chemung Speedway in western New York last weekend. The 3/8 mile track, originally built by the Bodine family drew a sparse field of only 25 cars. The Chemung event with a somewhat reduced purse consisted of time trials, two 25-lap heats and a 120 lap feature that ended up finishing under caution. Matt Hirschman, who was the fastest on the clock, won his qualifying heat and after starting on the pole led wire to wire to win his second NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season. Hirschman entered the event 89 points behind Ted Christopher in the championship chase. With Christopher’s seventh place finish, Hirschman narrowed the gap to just 55 points with only the Stafford Fall Final and Thompson World Series weekends remaining. MORE>>

09-30-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series attempted to move into the Stafford Motor Speedway last weekend for the annual Fall Final. With the forecast calling for heavy rain for Saturday, and Tropical Storm Kyle, which was predicted to intensify into a hurricane and approach the New England coastline on Sunday, the Stafford Motor Speedway announced that it has postponed its CARQUEST Fall Final to the weekend of October 10, 11, and 12. The schedule for the Fall Final Weekend will remain the same. The 36th Annual CARQUEST Fall Final Weekend will kick off on Friday, October 10th with a practice session running from 2:00pm to 6:30pm for Stafford's weekly divisions. The General Admission grandstands will be open to the public at no charge for the practice session. MORE>>

09-23-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series headed to Martinsville VA for the Made In American Whelen 300 which was be the 13th of 16 races on the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule. For many years, the northern contingent has had a stranglehold on victory lane while southern competitors played second fiddle. Burt Myers became the first Southern driver to win a Modified tour race in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville since Johnny Bryant in 1985. Whelen Southern Modified Tour competitor Myers changed all that as he powered his way to victory at the historic Virginia oval. MORE>>

09-16-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour converged on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the New Hampshire 100 on Saturday. Thirty-nine cars were on hand for qualifying which was held on Thursday. Sprint Cup star Ryan Newman posted the quickest lap in qualifying at 29.658 seconds (127.453 mph). Chuck Hossfeld, who won the New England 100 at New Hampshire on June 28, joined Newman on the front row with a qualifying effort of 29.745 seconds (127.080 mph). Rounding out the top five qualifiers were Jimmy Blewett, Eric Beers and Bobby Grigas III. Series points leader Ted Christopher qualified 12th for Saturday’s 100-lap race. Ryan Preece and Glen Reen did not go out for timed laps. Both drivers were given provisionals. Preece, who drives the mighty No. 3 of the Boehler family had engine trouble and had to send to Freetown Mass for a back-up. Reen crashed hard at Thompson and was given the opportunity to drive the Todd Szegedy back-up car. Sent packing was the No. 00 of Joe Brady which was driven by Jon McKennedy. MORE>>

09-09-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returned to the Thompson Speedway last weekend to partake in what is called Modified Mania. Thirty-two Modifieds were on hand for qualifying which ended up getting rained out. Based on point standings the field was set. Preseason favorite Todd Szegedy broke through for his first win of the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season in the Sunoco Modified Mania 150. Szegedy, who started sixth, ran inside the top five for most of the afternoon, took his first lead of the race on Lap 132 and held off numerous charges by Ronnie Silk in the last 22 laps for his 13th career victory, and third at Thompson. Szegedy and Silk went non-stop without a tire change. MORE>>

09-02-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour had the Labor Day weekend off before moving on to Thompson International Speedway for this week’s Sunoco Modified Mania 150 on Sunday, Sept 7. Ted Christopher now leads the point standings as he has a 60 point lead over Chuck Hossfeld. Matt Hirschman sits in third spot, 26 points behind. Mike Stefanik and Ronnie Silk round out the top five. Sixth through 10th are Todd Szegedy, Eric Beers, Jimmy Blewett, Ed Flemke Jr and Rowan Pennick. Following the Thompson event the Whelen Modified Tour Series heads for the New Hampshire Int Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. MORE>>

08-26-08: he NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour traveled to the Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Park for the Whelen 150. A strong field of 31 cars were on hand. Ted Christopher, who qualified sixth fastest but drew the No. 1 starting spot in the re-draw to sit on the front row, never trailed in the 157 lap race that went to a green-white-checker finish following a late caution. The win was his second of 2008 and the 29th of his career, which moved him out of a tie with Mike Ewanitsko on the all-time list. In the process Christopher became the first driver to lead a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race wire-to-wire since Todd Szegedy did it in the 2006 Fall Final at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway. MORE>>

08-19-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour invaded the Thompson Speedway last week. Rain cancelled qualifying which led to a start based on current point standings. All 33 cars on hand started the event. Point leader Chuck Hossfeld led the opening laps before giving way to Todd Szegedy. An incident on lap 4 involved Eddie Flemke, Ryan Preece, Glenn Tyler, Kevin Goodale, Ricky Fuller, and Woody Pitkat. Preece and Tyler got the worst of it as they both suffered suspension damage. The pack ran single-file as the laps began to mount. Szegedy continued to lead with Hossfeld and Ted Christopher. The racing was finally slowed when the second caution flew on lap 42 for a spin by Jimmy Blewett. Blewett’s mount suffered from a broken panhard bracket mount. During the early stages of the event several front runners had encountered problems. After losing the top spot to Christopher, Szegedy encountered mechanical troubles under an early race caution necessitating a push to pit road and behind the wall. Szegedy was able to continue several laps down. MORE>>

08-12-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season reached its midway point when the New England Dodge Dealers 150 was run at the Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday night. Jimmy Blewett, who was running third on the final lap got a gift from NASCAR when apparent winner Ryan Preece was stripped of the victory and placed last on the lead lap. Preece passed Todd Szegedy for the lead on a lap 86 restart and led until a lap 149 restart when Szegedy went by him on the green flag before the last lap confrontation. Szegedy admitted that he roughed up the leader in order to make the pass. Shortly after taking the lead Preece gave Szegedy a slight tap as they entered turn one which caused Szegedy to spin in turn two. Evidently NASCAR director Chad Little felt that Preece needed to be penalized as he made the call that stripped him of the win. Ed Flemke ended up in second spot and was followed by Doug Coby who has, along with Woody Pitkat, replaced James Civali in the Don King No. 28, Matt Hirschman, Eric Beers, Kevin Goodale, Mike Stefanik, Danny Sammons, Carl Pasteryak and Charlie Pasteryak. Chuck Hossfeld finished 15th and holds an 86 point lead over Ted Christopher. MORE>>

08-05-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour ended their mid-summer break as they moved to the Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway for the Miller Lite 140 on Saturday. 2. As part of a season-long celebration of 60 years of Modified champions, 1994 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titlist Wayne Anderson was honored. Jimmy Blewett registered his third career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour when he took the checkered flag. Blewett was strong throughout the evening as he led three times for 80 laps, including the final 46. After qualifying fourth-fastest, Blewett took the win in the second of two 25-lap heat races that preceded the 140-lap main. He was then able to parlay his qualifying success into running up front in the feature. MORE>>

07-29-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour continues on their mid-summer break before moving to the Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway for the next date on the schedule. The Miller Lite 140 will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2. As part of a season-long celebration of 60 years of Modified champions, 1994 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titlist Wayne Anderson will be honored. The third event of the four race WaterSnoGo Modified Showdown took place on Saturday, July 26 at the All-Star Speedway in Epping, NH. With no other major Modified event scheduled for the weekend, a large number of entries were received for the prestigious event. The race was 125 green flag laps in length, paying $5,000 to the winner. Matt Hirschman won his fourth race in a row after he led the race from start to finish.. MORE>>

07-15-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour moved to the Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y for its sixth race of the 2008 season. Matt Hirschman reached Victory Lane for the first time in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career after he led 79 laps and won the Mason Farms 100. Hirschman, who won the second of two 25-lap heat races earlier in the evening, led four times throughout the 100-lap main and was the car to beat all night. After Mike Stefanik had moved through the field and took the lead on lap 89, the veteran was caught up in an accident coming out of Turn 3 and Hirschman took back a lead that he would never relinquish. Hirschman’s first victory came in his 45th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour start. Ronnie Silk was the runner-up to Hirschman in the race which marked his third top 10 finish in a row. Chuck Hossfeld, who won the first heat race, came home third, and has yet to finish outside the top five in six races this year. Jimmy Blewett followed Hossfeld across the finish line while Stefanik wound up fifth. They were followed in the top 10 by Glen Reen, Todd Szegedy, Wade Cole, Danny Sammons and Bobby Grigas III. The finish was the best of Reen’s rookie season. Hirschman received a paltry $3,700 for his efforts. MORE>>

07-08-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will move to the Empire State for its sixth race of the 2008 season. Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y., will be the venue for the Mason Farms 100 on Saturday, July 12. 1. Chuck Hossfeld leads the point standings with 855. Ted Christopher sits in second spot with 819. Third is Todd Szegedy with 750 with Eric.Beers in fourth with 685. Eddie Flemke,Jr. rounds out the top five with 662. Sixth through tenth are Matt Hirschman, Rowan Pennink, Mike Stefanik. Ryan Preece and James Civali. .The True Value Modifieds made their second visit to the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH. Kirk Alexander managed to successfully maneuver through lapped traffic in the last 10 laps of the 100 lap event and Dwight Jarvis’ #28 began to fade. Alexander would take the win, his 30th in the True Value Modified Racing Series. MORE>>

07-01-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series traveled to Loudon, NH for their first of two visits for 2008. Rain greeted fans and competitors who were on hand for qualifying on Thursday. Because of adverse weather NASCAR was forced to set the starting field of 38 cars based on point standings and the rulebook. There were 42 cars on hand, which meant that four would go home. Sent packing were Doug Coby, Jon Mckennedy, Kenny Horton and Kenny Bouchard. Among those in the field was L.W. Miller who would become the first driver to run a Spec engine in Whelen Modified Tour competition. The four Whelen Modified Tour teams that were sent home from New Hampshire Motor Speedway after qualifying for Saturday's New England 100 was cancelled on Thursday each received tow money from the track. Track spokeman Fred Neergaard confirmed that each team was paid $500 by the track. MORE>>

06-24-08: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series visited the Thompson Speedway last Thursday night with a new format that consisted of a 75 green flag lap event. Ronnie Silk ended a long dry spell for himself and car owner Roger Hill as he beat out Ted Christopher for the win. Silk, who previously won at Thompson on September 23, 2007, took the lead from Ted Christopher on lap 53 and never looked back while en route to his first win of the season. Bobby Grigas III and Kevin Goodale ran wheel to wheel for the first 21 laps when they tangled in turn four. Goodale spun to the infield and was able to restart at the rear. Grigas ran with Ed Flemke Jr on his bumper until lap 27 when Flemke tapped and spun him in turn four. NASCAR felt the hit was intentional and put Flemke to the rear. Flemke agreed and went willingly. Ted Christopher inherited the lead with Silk in second spot when the field restarted. Christopher survived numerous restarts as the night wore on and the night got cooler. Christopher’s luck ran out following the 12th caution. MORE>>

06-17-08: The Thompson Speedway’s Thursday Night Thunder program went off as planned under sunny and warm skies. The Late Models took center stage with Marc Palmisano of Hadley , MA , taking a dominant win in the 50 lap extra-distance race for the division. It was a career night for some of the younger generation as teenagers Derek Ramstrom and Jay Sundeen scored their first career wins. Ramstrom of Worcester, MA, earned a dominating win in the Pro Stocks and Sundeen of Douglas, MA, was best in the Limited Sportsman division. Keith Rocco of Wallingford scored a hard-fought victory in the Sunoco Modifieds and Tim Sullivan of S. Windsor rebounded with a TIS Modified victory. Scott Michalski of South Killingly took top honors in the Mini Stock main event. Former divisional champion Palmisano was back in top form as he turned in a commanding performance to win the 50-lap Late Model main event. The strong field of competitors ran the distance with a single caution flag. Jeff Zuidema settled for second and was followed by Rick Gentes. MORE>>

06-10-08: The Thompson Speedway’s Thursday Night Thunder program was cancelled due to wet conditions. Thursday night Thunder resumes this week. Bert Marvin is the current point leader in the Sunoco Modifieds. Marvin currently holds a 14 point lead over Josh Sylvester. Todd Ceravolo sits in third, 18 points behind the leader. Kerry Malone and Danny Cates round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Glenn Griswold, Harry Rheaume, Tom Cravenho, Woody Pitkat and Keith Rocco. In the Pro Stocks second generation driver Fred Astle Jr and Mike O’Sullivan are tied for the point lead. Jay Macedonio and Norm Wrenn are tied for second, some eight points behind. Other division leaders are Rick Blanchard in the Mini-Stocks, Leadfoot Larry Barnett in the Limited Sportsman, RJ Marcotte in the TIS Modifieds and Jeff Zuidema in the Late Models. MORE>>

06-03-08: After a one week delay because of rain the Thompson Speedway began their series of Thursday Night Thompson Thunder (TNTT) racing programs. Under warm, sunny skies, 132 cars including 25 Sunoco (SK type) Modifieds were on hand. As they are noted for, the Thompson management ran true to form as the entire program was run in an efficient manner with fans in their cars and on the way home by 9:30pm . Despite soaring fuel prices the Thursday night crowd was fairly good. The new Musco Lighting System was very impressive making for a daylight type atmosphere. In the Sunoco Modifieds, Woody Pitkat wasted little time as he jumped from his third starting position in the 30-lap feature and took the lead shortly after completing the opening lap. Pitkat had a lot of heat on his rear bumper from Keith Rocco but held fast as he took the opening night win. Rocco settled for second and was followed by Kerry Malone, Bert Marvin and Bob Grigas III. Tommy Cravenho. Josh Sylvester, Todd Ceravolo, Harry Rheaume and Josh Steeves, rounded out the top ten. Among the missing was Jimmy Blewett who is on the sidelines with a broken wrist. MORE>>

05-27-08: The Thompson Speedway hoped to begin their series of Thursday Night Thompson Thunder (TNTT) racing programs on Thursday night. Mother Nature moved in and forced the cancellation of Thompson International Speedway’s opening Thursday night race program. A consistent rain and drizzle forced the hand of the track’s management to cancel the event shortly before 12 Noon . Opening night for Thompson’s Thursday Night Thompson Thunder (TNTT) race program will now be held on May 29th. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series and the True Value Modified Series have ended their “Spring Break”. The Whelen Modifieds made their second stop of the season at Stafford and the True Value Modifieds traveled to the Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT. MORE>>

05-20-08: The Stafford Motor Speedway suffered their third successive rain out last Friday, May 16. The speedway returns to racing action next Friday night, May 23rd with the 18th Annual TSI Harley-Davidson 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event. As part of a season-long celebration of 60 years of Modified champions, seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titlist Mike Stefanik will be honored. A resident of Coventry, R.I. , Stefanik is the winningest driver in the history of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and he was also named to the “NASCAR All-Time Modified Top 10 Drivers” list in 2003. Since the tour’s inception in 1985, Stefanik has experienced unparalleled success. His seven championships are two more than Tony Hirschman’s total and his record 68 wins are 24 more than second-place Reggie Ruggiero’s 44. MORE>>

05-13-08: The Stafford Motor Speedway fell victim to rain for the second week in a row. The New England DODGE DEALERS LATE MODEL 100 has been rescheduled to Friday night, June 27. NASCAR New England, the hour long Television production that covers the weekly racing will be back on NESN for ten episodes during the 2008 season. The tentative starting date will be in late June. The Waterford Speedbowl enjoyed another good night of competition with Keith Rocco making it two in a row in SK Modified competition. Rocco took the lead from Jay Miller with 13 laps remaining in the 35 lap feature. Miller faded shortly after as Jeff Pearl moved into the second spot. Pearl tried repeatedly to overtake Rocco but was forced to back out of it when it became obvious that Rocco would wreck anyone who attempted to pass. Rather than wrecking Pearl made a smart decision to settle for second spot. Rob Janovic finished third and was followed by Ron Yuhas Jr and Tyler Chadwick. MORE>>

05-05-08: With two events in the record book the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series takes a couple of weeks off before resuming the 2008 championship battle on May 23 at the Stafford Motor Speedway. Chuck Hossfeld, the only driver with two top fives, leads the point standings. Hossfeld, who is driving for defending Whelen Modified Tour Series Champion car owner Bob Garbarino, finished second in the season opening Ice Breaker at Thompson and third at the Stafford Sizzler. Hossfeld holds a 21 point lead over Sizzler winner Ted Christopher. Christopher finished 10th at Thompson. James Civali sits in third some nine points behind Christopher. Civali finished sixth at Thompson and fifth at Stafford . Rowan Pennick, a relative new-comer, sits fourth in points. Pennick finished ninth at Thompson and backed it up with a strong sixth place finish at Stafford . Rounding out the top five is Todd Szegedy. One of the more faster cars on the tour, Szegedy’s luck in the rain at Thompson which caused him to finish seventh plus a ninth at Stafford kept his point total low. MORE>>

04-29-08: The Stafford Motor Speedway opened for the season under sunny skies with qualifying for the annual Spring Sizzler, an event that has run continuously since 1972 featuring the NASCAR Modifieds. Thirty five Modifieds were on hand for qualifying for the 200 lap event that carried a purse of $94,676. In the inaugural event the late Eddie Flemke, driving the Bobby Judkins No.2x Pinto led until the closing stages when his engine suffered water pump failure, forcing him out of the event. Waiting in the wings on Flemke’s bumper was the late Fred DeSarro who was driving the car they call “Ole Blu” which was owned by the late Len Boehler. DeSarro inherited the lead and went on to take the win. Now, some thirty five years later the same names re-appear, well almost. Seventeen year old Ryan Preece, who is the grandson of Bobby Judkins drove the 2008 version of “Ole Blu” which is now owned by Michael Boehler, Len Boehler’s son, and his mother Janice. Preece, who failed to qualify for the 2007 Sizzler, toured the Stafford half mile in 18.057 seconds, 99.684mph, and earned the Coors Light Pole Award for the Sizzler. MORE>>

04-22-08: The Waterford Speedbowl moved into its regular Saturday night schedule. The management has created a new flag for the starter to display. It’s called the “Meatball” flag and it is to be waved at an individual who refuses to comply with the officials in charge or someone who makes a dumb move or decision. Last weeks “Meatball Flag” should have been shown to the Late Model driver who started on the pole of the Late Model feature who triggered a wreck that eliminated the potential winning cars of Larry Goss and Eddie Reed Jr. Starting on the pole as a rookie makes no sense at all. The individual who makes the line-ups is also deserving of the “Meat Ball”. Bruce Thomas Jr was the eventual winner and is now two for two in Late Model competition at the shoreline oval. MORE>>

04-15-08: As of this Friday, two days remain until the The True Value Modified Series begins on Sunday, April 20 at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee , NH . The Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the Annual Spring Sizzler on April 26-27. Dennis Gada, gunning for his seventh SK Modified Championship at the Waterford Speedbowl was the master of the re-start as he won the $5,000-to-win Waterford SK Modified “150”, the centerpiece of the 10-division Modified Nationals which including extra-distance events for the Speedbowl’s Late Model, Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions. The Northeastern Midget Association, Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks, Allison Legacy Cars and NEMA Lites were also on tap. A huge field of SK Modifieds, 34, were on hand for the event that began the 58th consecutive season of auto racing at the shoreline oval. In Saturday time trials Gada was fourth fastest behind Doug Coby, Kenny Horton and Matt Hirschman. Based on a draw among the top qualifiers Coby started on the pole with Horton, outside. Hirschman started third. Gada started eighth. MORE>>

04-08-08: The Thompson Speedway officially opened the 2008 racing season in the northeast and began the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series. In what was supposed to be a fun filled and competitive weekend ended in tragedy and ultimately a wet note. A racing accident claimed the life of race driver Shane Hammond of Halifax , MA . The accident occurred on the third lap of a scheduled 25-lap Northeast Midget Association (NEMA) feature event race. Hammond was traveling down the backstretch of the 5/8 mile oval when he cart wheeled over the third turn wall and hit an advertisement sign. “Everyone at the Thompson Speedway is saddened by this tragic loss,” said track Owner, Donald Hoenig. MORE>>

04-01-08: As of this Friday, April 4, two days remain until the Whelen Modified Tour Series opening Thompson Speedway IceBreaker gets the green flag on Sunday, April 6. Waterford opens next Sunday on April 13. The True Value Modified Series begins on Sunday, April 20 at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee , NH . The Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the Annual Spring Sizzler on April 26-27. Tickets for the Thompson IceBreaker will be $40 for adults, $10 for kids and a three day pit pass is $50. In addition to the Whelen Modified Tour 150 the IceBreaker will consist of six features including double features for the Sunoco Modifieds and Late Models. (Rain Date April 12-13). MORE>>

03-25-08: As of this Friday, March 28, nine days remain until the Whelen Modified Tour Series opening Thompson Speedway IceBreaker gets the green flag on Sunday, April 6. Waterford opens one week later on April 13. The True Value Modified Series begins on Saturday night, April 12 at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester , NH . Two weeks after that the Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the Annual Spring Sizzler on April 26-27. Tickets for the Thompson IceBreaker will be $40 for adults, $10 for kids and a three day pit pass is $50. In addition to the Whelen Modified Tour 150 the IceBreaker will consist of six features including double features for the Sunoco Modifieds and Late Models. (Rain Date April 12-13). MORE>>

03-18-08: As of this Friday, March 21, sixteen days remain until the Whelen Modified Tour Series opening Thompson Speedway IceBreaker gets the green flag on Sunday, April 6. Waterford opens one week later on April 13. The True Value Modified Series begins on Saturday night, April 12 at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester , NH . Two weeks after that the Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the Annual Spring Sizzler on April 26-27. In the mean time, the Whelen Southern Modified Tour Series will begin this coming Saturday, March 22, at the high banked Caraway Speedway in Ashboro , NC . Among those from the northern contingent that will be there to take on the southerners are Ted Christopher, James Civali and Ronnie Silk. Silk will be driving for Roger and Sandra Hill of Westfield, NC while Christopher will be in the Brady Bunch entry from Brockton , MA . This weekend’s event marks the first of six visits by the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour to Caraway Speedway in 2008. MORE>>

03-11-08: As of this Friday, March 14, twenty three days remain until the Whelen Modified Tour Series opening Thompson Speedway IceBreaker gets the green flag on Sunday, April 6. Waterford opens one week later on April 13. The True Value Modified Series begins on Saturday night, April 12 at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester , NH . Two weeks after that the Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the Annual Spring Sizzler on April 26-27. In the mean time, the Whelen Southern Modified Tour Series will begin a week from this coming Saturday, March 22, at the high banked Caraway Speedway in Ashboro , NC . Among those from the northern contingent that will be there to take on the southerners are Ted Christopher, James Civali and Ronnie Silk. Silk will be driving for Roger and Sandra Hill of Westfield, NC while Christopher will be in the Brady Bunch entry from Brockton , MA . MORE>>

03-04-08: The big event last weekend was the second annual Speedway Expo at the Big E in West Springfield , MA . The brainchild of Dick Berggren, Speedway Expo had something for everyone who is involved in auto racing. The show served as a preview of the upcoming season with many tracks showcasing their facilities. On Saturday, SpeedwayEXPO hosted a Toast 'n Roast and the featured guest was Ted Christopher. Among the favorite Modifieds on display was the No.61 Richie Evans Ghost Rider that was recently restored by Spearpoint Racing and the original Ernie Wilsburg ’82 Troyer that won just about every major race in the 82-83 season with Greg Sacks and Charlie Jarzombek at the controls. With the announcement of the television package for the NASCAR Developmental Series, formerly Busch North, Busch East or whatever, it appears that once again the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series, which in words from NASCAR is the sanctioning bodies most competitive division, has got what the cow left behind after she jumped the fence! MORE>>

02-26-08: This weekend, from Friday Feb 29 to Sunday, Mar 2 the second annual Speedway Expo takes center stage. The brainchild of Dick Berggren, Speedway Expo has something for everyone who is involved in auto racing. The show serves as a preview of the upcoming season. SpeedwayEXPO ‘08 sponsored by Sunoco will be held in the Mallary Complex on the grounds of the Eastern States Expo Center in West Springfield, MA. With more than three acres of indoor space dedicated to motorsports, displays will include local and regional race tracks and association as well as vendors of performance parts, safety equipment, accessories and apparel and memorabilia. In addition there will be a full schedule of special events, including autograph sessions, the Pit Crew Challenge, pedal-car races for the kids and a host of special vehicle displays like Tony Stewart’s "Smoke deVille." MORE>>

02-19-08: At New Smyrna it was back to business for the Tour type Modifieds and the SK type Modifieds on Monday night. The new week brought in some new competition including the Tom Baldwin Sr Tribute car that would be driven by Sprint Cup driver Kyle Busch. Other new arrivals included James Civali, Buck Catalano, Ronnie Silk and Barry Callavini. First out for qualifying on Monday night were the SK type Modifieds that now numbered 19. Jimmy Blewett was the fastest qualifier followed by Josh Sylvester and Eric Goodale. The Tour type Modifieds were 21 strong. Chuck Hossfeld continued to be the top qualifier as he inched out Ted Christopher for the top spot. Hossfeld toured the half mile oval on 16.858 seconds while Ted Christopher’s time was 16.875 seconds. Jimmy Blewett was third fastest. During Tour typeModified qualifying Kyle Busch slide-swiped the wall coming off turn four on his first lap of qualifying. Busch pulled the car with moderate damage into the pits after completing the first lap. MORE>>

02-12-08: After a long winter’s wait the 2008 racing season began last Friday night with the 42nd Annual version of the World Series of auto racing at the New Smyrna Speedway. It was also the beginning of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 pole qualifying started their season at the Daytona International Speedway. At New Smyrna for the Friday night opener there were 17 SK type Modifieds and 17 Tour type Modifieds on hand. Jimmy Blewett scored a one-two punch as he was the top qualifier in both divisions. The only casualty during qualifying was Long Islander JR Bertuccio hitting the wall and doing extensive damage to the Connecticut based Bear Motorsports Tour type entry. MORE>>

02-05-08: After a long winter’s wait the 2008 racing season begins this week with the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at the New Smyrna Speedway. The 42nd Annual version of the World Series at New Smyrna begins on Friday night, February 8th and run nine-consecutive nights through the 16th. It’s also the beginning of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 pole qualifying start their season at the Daytona International Speedway. Among those entered to compete at New Smyrna are New Englanders Lou Mechalides of Tyngsboro, MA in the Super Late Models, Joey Pole of Hudson, NH with his Crate Late Model and Glenn Griswold, Jr. of Conn. in that division. Also, in the Tour Type Modifieds entries are: Charlie Pasteryak of Lisbon, Conn., Andy Suess of southern NH and Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. Other Modified entries include Eric Beers, JR Bertuccio, Jimmy Blewett, Chuck Hossfeld, James Civali, Kenny Horton, Ronnie Silk and Butch Perry MORE>>

01-29-08: On the local front in New England at the Waterford Speedbowl it has been announced that Tom Fox has hung up his driving suit and will assume the role as Chief Technical Inspector. Fox litterly grew up at the shoreline oval as his dad, Ron, was one of the original competitors in the Super Stock division when it was started by Harvey Tattersall in the mid-1970’s. Fox knows the ins and outs of building cars and should be a good choice for the position. As far as the future of the shoreline oval is concerned PR Director Dave Dykes stated ” We're trying to assure people that the situation at Waterford is in fact, a good one, and the old girl is gonna' be alright”. MORE>>

01-22-08: Rumors of the demise of the Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey continue to surface. Track Public Relations Director Mike Clayton says things look good for 2008 and expects to be able to make an announcement shortly. On the local front in New England at the Waterford Speedbowl Jerry Robinson along with Dave Dykes are working hard to bring some weekly stability to the shoreline oval. Like their peers at Wall Township, the competitors and fans at the Speedbowl are an extremely loyal group and will support the current management provided they continue to make an honest attempt at keeping the facility afloat. For the most part it’s pretty quiet on the auto racing front. As of this Friday, Jan 25, its only 14 days before the green flag drops at the Annual World Series at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. Modified Tour type and SK type entrys have been slow in arriving. With gas prices running between $3.05 to $3.25 along with diesel fuel going through the roof car owners may be having second thoughts about traveling to Florida this year. To date only 10 Tour type and six SK type Modifieds are entered. MORE>>

01-08-08: The Waterford Speedbowl is scheduled to hold its annual banquet of champions this Saturday night at the Groton Inn & Suites in Groton, CT. In what should be a gala affair for champions Rob Janovic (SK Modified), Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Models), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman), Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stock) and Michael Gervais Jr. (Saturday Night Legends), could turn into a wake because of the fact that Track Manager Bill Roth has left his position. Roth, along with the efforts of Pete Zanardi were responsible for keeping the shoreline oval from slipping into oblivion after property owner and former track operator had all but run the track into the ground. Jerry Robinson, who was Roth’s partner in running the facility is still involved but chances are he will not run the facility on his own. Chances are that Eames will re-take control of the facility which means the end of the Speedbowl as we know it will fade into oblivion as it will be cut up into industrial sites and sold. MORE>>

12-25-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news Woody Pitkat is still recovering from the shock of being dismissed as the driver of the Hills Enterprises No. 79. It’s a shame that things didn’t work out but life goes on, despite some bumps in the road. The Hills have hired Ron Silk to fill the empty seat. Silk had been slated to drive the Boehler No. 3. Silks former ride will be occupied by Jimmy Blewett. Eddie Partridge will provide the engines. Partridge stated that Blewett will drive his SK Modifieds at Thompson on Thursdays and at Stafford on Fridays. Tentative plans also look like Blewett and Partridge will return to the Waterford Speedbowl for their opener despite a controversial and bad call last year. When his schedule permits Partridge will provide a car for Blewett to drive at the Riverhead Raceway. MORE>>

12-18-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news the series hosted its banquet of champions at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville , CT on Friday night. Taking center stage was 2007 Champion Don Lia and his car owner, Bob Garbarino. Lia’s first career NASCAR title made him the 60th NASCAR Modified champion dating back to the division’s first champion, Red Byron, in 1948. For Garbarino it was the culmination of 4-1/2 decades of dedication of building and owning Modifieds. Former NASCAR National Modified Champion Jerry Cook presented Garbarino a special Car Owners Championship trophy. In accepting, Garbarino stated, “Modified Car Owners are a special group of people, I’m proud to be one of them”. He added, “Since August 11, 1961 , Modified Racing has been part of my family”. Garbarino and his wife, Joan, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. “She has supported me every step of the way”, he said. MORE>>

12-11-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news the much talked about “Spec Engine” for the Whelen Modifieds continues to be a hot topic. When ever there is change or the possibility of change competitors become unhappy as they sometimes are forced to obsolete equipment that they paid dearly for or got for nothing. When tire rules were in their formative years some of the division’s top competitors including the late Richie Evans were against a tire rule, especially one that mandated the use of Hoosiers. Simple economics were Evans’ reasoning because he was getting Goodyears for free! Once the Hoosier Tire rule was put in place there was no need to give a certain few top runners free tires as with the rule in place Hoosier would win every race, no matter who was driving. Putting in a tire rule did in fact help the division as NASCAR could dictate which compound would be used to get the best life from the tire. It is NASCAR’s intent to give engines more life at a lesser cost. MORE>>

12-04-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news the much talked about “Spec Engine” for the Whelen Modifieds continues to be a hot topic. According to Brett Bodine, the Director of Cost Research at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord , NC , the “Spec Engine” can be built by anyone. Parts must be purchased from Provident Engineering (Gary Nelson) or from Carl Wagner. According to Bodine a complete engine, ready to install and run will cost $25,000. “It is not our intent to put anyone out of business” he said. Bodine, a former Modified Racer and currently driver of the pace car at NASCAR Cup events added “All parts of the engine are encrypted which eliminates any altering”. NASCAR has and will impound engines for spot checks which in turn will keep everybody honest. Already in use in NASCAR’s Busch East division, the power plant has proved itself in being competitive and durable. Joey Logano, who recently won the Busch East Championship, used a “Spec Engine” in his Joe Gibbs Racing mount. MORE>>

11-27-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news it appears that NASCAR is leaning toward using“Spec type” motors in the Whelen Modifieds. Spec motors are designed, built and sealed by a NASCAR approved engine builder. Their purpose is to lower the cost and increase the longevity of engines currently in use. A top running, professionally built Tour type engine ranges from $40-55,000. A top running team needs at least three of them. It is NASCAR’s intent to phase the new engines into the Modified series at some point and hopefully the sanctioning body will allow competitors time to use up or sell existing equipment. Gary Danko's Speedway Line Report recently reported that the No. 2 team of Todd Szegedy had a spec motor installed in one of their cars. Szegedy ran tests at the Concord Motorsports Park with the Spec motor car and a Ford powered car. Weather permitting, additional testing will take place at the Stafford Motor Speedway this coming Friday Nov 30 and Saturday, Dec 1. Mike Stefanik is slated to drive one of the cars at the Stafford test session. MORE>>

11-20-07: In NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour news it looks like Jimmy Blewett, who had 15 wins to his credit in 2007, will be spending his non-touring Saturday nights at the Riverhead Raceway on Long Island in 2008. Blewett will compete on the tour in 2008 but not in the familiar Eddie Partridge No. 12. Blewett will be driving the George Bierce No. 19 that was driven by Ronnie Silk. Partridge has consummated a deal that will see both race teams merged into one. To supplement the Bierce team Partridge will supply an additional car plus motors and transmissions. Blewett and the Partridge SK Modified will compete weekly at the Stafford Motor Speedway and at the Thompson Speedway. Silk is a candidate to drive the Curt Chase No.77 as well as the Boehler No. 3, which is if Bobby Santos III is committed to racing in the south. Eric Beers, who lives down the street from Tony Hirschman, will be stepping into the Massachusetts based No. 46 that was driven by Dick Houlihan. Beers, who drove the Boehler No.3 a while back, finished an impressive second in the No. 46 at the recent North-South Shootout. Jamie Tomaino, who is considered to be the oldest active tour driver with close to 500 starts, has his home in New Jersey up for sale and hopes to be moving to North Carolina . Once the move is made he will concentrate his racing efforts on the Whelen Southern Modified Tour with occasional starts on the northern tour. MORE>>

11-13-07: t looks like former Whelen Modified Tour Series Champion Tony Hirschman has lost his sponsor/car owners as they have told him they are retiring from the sport. Hirschman, who was on the Gary Danko radio show a while back, stated that the owners (the Kehele’s) got the team together at the Stafford Fall Final and told them they were retiring at seasons end. Hirschman, who has nothing left to prove, could very well retire himself and devote his time to his son Matt’s career. The younger Hirschman recently scored an impressive win in the North/South Shootout.
In other Whelen Modified Tour news it looks like Series Champion Don Lia will be replacing Terry Cook on the Craftsman Truck series in 2008. If that is the case a strong rumor has Bob Garbarino retiring from the sport. Tour regular Wade Cole recently scored a victory in Connecticut politics when he was elected First Selectman in the town of Hartland . The Riverhead Raceway on Long Island announced at their annual banquet that they will host the Whelen Modified Tour on Saturday night, August 2. The Stafford Speedway is expected to announce their Tour dates at their annual banquet this coming Friday, Nov. 16. MORE>>

11-06-07: he post season North-South Shootout was supposed to be the big newsmaker last week but that all changes at high noon on Friday when it was announced that Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:TRK) had agreed to purchase the New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre for $340 million in cash. O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc, announced the agreement. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008. To align with other SMI-owned speedway brands, the track will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway following completion of the acquisition. The speedway, which opened in 1990 and hosts two Nextel Cup Series events each year, is located about one hour north of Boston in Loudon, N.H. According to the latest census numbers, the population within 200 miles of the speedway is more than 18 million people. The venue is easily accessible via Interstate highways from all metro areas in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. MORE>>

10-30-07: t took a while but NASCAR finally got around to updating the Whelen Modified Tour Series point standings. Donnie Lia ended the season in the top spot despite the fact that he dropped out of the season ending World Series at Thompson with a blown engine. Lia had sewed up the title after the Stafford event. In 16 events Lia scored 13 top tens, which included six wins. His season winning total is $83,800. Todd Szegedy ended up in second spot, 180 points behind. Szegedy, in 16 events, scored 11 top tens, which included two wins which brought his season totals to $60,225. Although winless Matt Hirschman used consistency in order to finish up third in the final standings. In 16 events the second-generation racer recorded 11 top tens which included five top fives. Ronnie Silk with one win and Ted Christopher with one win rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were James Civali with three wins, Mike Stefanik with one win, Jimmy Blewett with one win, Jamie Tomaino and Eddie Flemke JR. finished out the top 10. MORE>>

10-23-07: When NEAR announced their choices for induction into the Hall of Fame, class of 2008, two unique individuals appeared on the list. Pete Zanardi and Dr. Dick Berggren are two New England natives who have dedicated their lives and careers to auto racing. Zanardi, a retired sports writer was one of the first to cover weekly racing and give recognition to competitors in the print media. He wrote about many in national publications and he mentored many including yours truly. He was responsible for setting up the original public relations department when Jack Arute bought the Stafford Speedway. His biggest accomplishment could very well be the effort he put in to save the Waterford Speedbowl from extinction. Berggren began his career as a race driver at Stafford. He also took a lot of pictures and after a short driving career the camera won out. During his early years his photos were published in the now defunct Cavalcade of Auto Racing that was owned by Jim Moffat. The photos led to printed stories. He received a doctorates degree which should have led to a teaching career but auto racing won out as Berggren expanded his racing and eventually became the editor of the now defunct Stock Car Racing Magazine. MORE>>

10-16-07: The Annual World Series at the Thompson Speedway closed out the 2007 season for many in New England last weekend. Forty-two NASCAR Modifieds were on hand for time trials. Part time Tour competitor Tony Ferrante provided a pleasant surprise when he set the fastest time and captured the Busch pole. Ferrante's time of 120.656 mph around the .625-mile oval beat out Tony Hirschman Jr. by .025 seconds. Don Lia, Billy Pauch Jr and Matt Hirschman rounded out the top five. Qualifying went smooth except for the fact that Jamie Tomaino slammed the first turn wall after completing his second qualifying lap. Tomaino’s time wasn’t good enough to make the starting field but he was eligible for a provisional spot, which he took. Lenny Boehler and Bob “Frito Bandito” Santos, both deceased and NEAR Hall of Fame inductees, had to be smiling last Sunday as Bobby Santos III drove the Boehler Racing Ole Blu to victory in the NASCAR Modified portion of the World Series. Based on the re-draw after time trials Santos started second in the 150-lap event. Santos, who was in the hunt the entire race, grabbed the lead on a restart on lap 131 and went on to victory over Reggie Ruggiero, Matt Hirschman, Ted Christopher and Ronnie Silk. Sixth through tenth were Kevin Goodale, Ryan Preece, Mike Stefanik, Tony Hirschman and Renee Dupuis. MORE>>

10-09-07: The celebrations continue on Long Island and in Mystic Ct as the Whelen Modified Tour Series closes out the 2007 season this weekend at the Thompson Speedway. Going into the final event which is part of the annual World Series, Donnie Lia holds a 183 point lead over Todd Szegedy. Lia’s championship is cast in stone. Szegedy’s position is not as he leads James Civali by only 98 points. Ronnie Silk is breathing down Civali’s neck as he is only down 9 points. Matt Hirschman rounds out the top five. Hirschman is 114 points behind Szegedy and still has an outside shot at finishing in the runner-up spot. Sixth through tenth are Ted Christopher, Mike Stefanik, Jimmy Blewett, Jamie Tomaino and Eddie Flemke JR. In Whelen Modified Tour news rumor has it that Ed Cox may retire as the Tour Director. His replacement is rumored to be former Nextel Cup driver Chad Little. Currently employed by NASCAR, Little is currently the sanctioning body’s Director of Racing Development in Mexico. MORE>>

10-02-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified converged on the Stafford Motor Speedway last weekend for the annual Fall Final. There were 39 Modifieds on hand for qualifying. Eric Beers who has not been a tour regular this year was the Busch Pole sitter as he toured the half-mile oval in 18.267 second fastest. Second fastest was Doug Coby who was pinch-hitting for Dick Houlihan. Current point leader Donny Lia was third fastest. Rounding out the top five in time trials were Todd Szegedy and Ronnie Silk. The re-draw for starting positions for the 150 lap Fall Final saw Szegedy picking the pole with Lia picking the outside pole. Don Lia knew he needed to finish ninth or better to wrap up the championship for himself and car owner Bob Garbarino. He did it with two positions to spare as he finished seventh. Lia led only one lap and was content to pace himself and stay out of trouble as Mike Stefanik went on to take the win. Stefanik passed Matt Hirschman on lap 91 to take the lead. Ted Christopher followed but was shuffled back to third spot on lap 115 after a bump and grind with Tony Hirschman. MORE>>

09-25-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour headed back to Thompson last weekend to complete the Modified Mania weekend that was cut short by rain on September 9. As the weekend approached it appeared that NASCAR was dragging its feet as far as declaring officially who was the winner of the recent event at Loudon on September 15. Todd Szegedy had taken the apparent win when NASCAR decided to take a closer look at his intake manifold before making an official decision. It took five days to make a decision as it was announced late last Thursday that the part in question was declared legal and the win would stand. MORE>>

09-18-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was at the New Hampshire International Speedway for their second of two visits for 2007. Forty NASCAR Modifieds were on hand for the 100 mile event that carried a $164,095 purse. Former series champion Todd Szegedy took the Busch pole as he toured the semi-banked oval in 29.725 seconds to the tune of 128.135 MPH. Second fastest and taking the outside pole position was Ron Yuhas JR. Yuhas’ speed was 128.018 MPH. Series point leader Don Lia was third with Tony Hirschman, fourth. Rounding out the top five was JJ Yeley who drove a car that was assembled at Dale Earnhardt Inc in North Carolina and painted up to resemble the Modified driven by the late Tom Baldwin. MORE>>

09-04-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour traveled to Martinsville, VA last weekend. Donny Lia got the victory of a lifetime in the Made In American Whelen 300 at Martinsville Speedway. Lia held off Ted Christopher for the win in the race, which is the annual combination event between the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. Not only did the victory further solidify Lia’s Whelen Modified Tour points lead, it came two weeks after his friend and fellow driver John Blewett III passed away following a racing accident. John’s brother Jimmy won the Made In American Whelen 300 in 2006. After sitting out a week, Jimmy Blewett returned Saturday. He finished 43rd after engine problems. It was Lia’s sixth win of the Whelen Modified Tour season and he improved his points lead to 193 over Todd Szegedy with four races remaining. MORE>>

08-28-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour traveled to the mid-west, Mansfield, Ohio to be exact. The entire area had been under siege from heavy rains and tornado threats but the event went on as scheduled. That is until lap 108 when the race was called after repeated attempts to dry a rain soaked track. With his brother serving as his spotter and tracking the weather on his cell phone, James Civali elected not to pit with the leaders and was out front when NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour officials called the rain-shortened Mansfield 150 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Doug Coby, driving the Mansfield CT based No.77 of Curt Chase, finished second and rookie Woody Pitkat was third. Point leader and Budweiser Pole Award winner Donny Lia was fourth and Eric Beers fifth. Ronnie Silk, Matt Hirschman, Ted Christopher, Todd Szegedy and Bobby Grigas III rounded out the top 10. MORE>>

08-21-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was at the Thompson Speedway on Thursday night for the running of the annual BUDWEISER 150 presented by the New England Dodge Dealers. In what was to be a festive night of good hard racing the night turned to be one of sadness as John Blewett III lost his life while battling for the lead with his brother Jimmy. As close to 8,000 fans looked on the Blewett brothers tangled following a restart on lap 107 of the 150-lap race. Jimmy’s car, owned by Eddie Partridge, came to rest on top of John’s family owned mount. It appeared that John lost his life when a bumper came through the window helmet and struck his head. Earlier in the evening during the Sunoco Modified feature Jimmy Blewett hit the front stretch hard as he dueled with brother John for the start. Jimmy's car was towed off the track. MORE>>

08-14-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour started the weekend of on a wet note as rain washed out the scheduled event at Stafford on Friday. The entire event was rescheduled for Saturday night. Ted Christopher ended an almost year long dry spell as he won the event over Todd Szegedy and Mike Stefanik. It was Christopher’s seventh win at the track where he is the all-time winning-est driver and the points leader in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series’ SK Modified Division. But it was his first trip to Victory Lane on the Whelen Modified Tour since Aug. 17, 2006 at Thompson (Conn.). MORE>>

07-24-07: Here we go again! The Waterford Speedbowl, thanks to the non payments of property owner Terry Eames, is scheduled to go up for foreclosure this coming Saturday, July 28. A sign posted on the property frontage indicates that the sale will take place at high noon. Anyone interested would need a $300,000 bank or certified check to participate. A year ago the Washington Mutual Bank filed a lawsuit claiming that the track's owner, Terry Eames, had failed to make payments on a $1.7 million loan held by the Seattle-based savings bank. The lawsuit, Washington Mutual vs. 1080 Hartford et al., has continued through this year, with several legal motions occurring during April and May. Eames has also failed to pay the town of Waterford more than $185,000 in taxes owed dating back to 2003. Eames is smart as he has shielded himself by an LLC titled 1080 Hartford Road LLC, a reference to its street address. In other words if he does lose the property he can walk away and thumb his nose at those he owes. MORE>>

07-17-07: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitors are now on their mid-summer break. Their next event will be a “Flash Format” contest at the Riverhead Raceway on Long Island on Saturday night, August 4. Donny Lia, who has won four of the seven events run so far this season, leads the series’ point standings with a 53 point edge over Matt Hirschman. Lia is also the top money winner with $43,300 in the bank. Todd Szegedy, who had been in second spot, slipped to third. James Civali, with two wins, sits in fourth spot with Ron Silk rounding out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Jimmy Blewett, Ted Christopher, Mike Stefanik, Ed Flemke Jr and Jamie Tomaino. Fifty-seven different drivers have entered into competition so far. MORE>

07-03-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour made it’s first of two visits to the New Hampshire International Speedway last weekend. Speedway owner and promoter Bob Bahre posted $164, 095 for the 100 lap-105.8 mile event. There were 40 Modifieds on hand for qualifying which took place on Thursday. With the exception of John Blewett III having mechanical problems and having to take a provisional starting spot, qualifying went smooth. Ted Christopher took the Busch Pole with a speed of 126.812mph. Second fastest was Donnie Lia with a speed of 126.795 mph. Jimmy Blewett, Matt Hirschman and Eddie Flemke Jr rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Tony Hirschman, Charlie Pasteryak, Bob Grigas III, Ronnie Silk and Glen Tyler. MORE>>

06-26-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour got back into action last Thursday night at the Thompson Speedway with the Charter Cable, Internet, Telephone 150. This wasl be the second of five Whelen Modified tour events. There were 38 Modifieds on hand to qualify for the 35 starting spots. Second generation driver Richard Savory, driving the Art Barry No. 21 was the Busch Pole sitter. Second fastest was Don Lia in the Bob Garbarino Mystic Missile. The re-draw for starting spots saw Ryan Preece picking the pole position with James Civali picking the outside pole. Lia ended up winning the rain shortened event after taking the lead on lap 34. Rain began to fall as the field completed lap 80 of the 150 lap distance. The field circled the 5/8 mile oval under caution for 20 more laps when the event was finally called. Among those who were hoping to restart the event was Ted Christopher who felt that he had something for the leader. Christopher, who was scheduled to start ninth, started scratch after suffering a flat tire just prior to the event. Christopher drove a determined race and was in the process of putting himself into position to challenge the leader when the skies opened up. MORE>>

06-19-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour gets back into action this Thursday night at the Thompson Speedway with the Charter Cable, Internet, Telephone 150. This will be the second of five Whelen Modified tour events to be featured at the historic Connecticut oval. Grandstands will open at 2 PM and Whelen Modified Tour Time Trials will be held at 5:45 PM . The 150-lap main event or the “Tour” is slated to roll off at 8:30 PM. Joining the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will be Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions in feature only appearances. All six of these divisions will be part of the special night of competition at Thompson. The big news of the week is that Woody Pitkat has been named as the driver of the Hillbilly Racing No.79. Pitkat replaces Chuck Hossfeld. MORE>>

06-12-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour continues to regroup before returning to action next Thursday, June 21. Among the biggest news items to come out of the tour ranks is that Chuck Hossfeld has been released from his driving duties of the Hillbilly Racing No. 79 that is owned by Roger and Sandra Hill of Westfield, NC. Hossfeld has been the teams driver since the beginning of the 2006 season. Team owner Roger Hill says that a new driver will be in place in time for the upcoming Thompson event. Car owner Gary Teto is spearheading an effort to get NASCAR to revamp their race format for upcoming “Flash Events” at the Twin State Speedway in New Hampshire and at the Riverhead Raceway on Long Island . NASCAR came up with the “Flash” format to make events more affordable for speedways and competitors. The format was tried at the recent Whelen Tour event at the Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey . The result was thousands of dollars worth of damage to the series’ cars. Teto proposes that NASCAR use Don Hoenig’s suggestion of running a single consolation to fill out the fields after the top 20 has qualified by time. Hopefully NASCAR will give it a try. MORE>>

06-05-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour regroups for a couple more weeks before coming alive for their “Summer Session” which begins on Thursday, June 21 at the Thompson Int. Speedway. Jimmy Blewett holds a slim three point lead over James Civali. Two points behind Civali is Matt Hirschman. Blewett and Civali have won, Hirschman has not. Donny Lia with two wins to his credit sits in fourth spot, thirteen points behind Hirschman. Rounding out the top five is Todd Szegedy. Sixth through tenth are Zach Sylvester, Jerry Marquis, Mike Stefanik, Ronnie Silk and Jamie Tomaino. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series continues to be strong as 52 different drivers have entered into competition in four events. MORE>>

05-29-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour traveled to the Stafford Motor Speedway last Friday night, May 25 for the 17th annual Connecticut Classic 150. Donnie Lia, in the Bob Garbarino Mystic Missile made it two in a row at the Arute family owned facility. There were 42 Modifieds on hand for the 150 lap contest. Lia started sixth and took the lead on lap 113 from Eric Beers. James Civali, who started on the pole finished second. Eddie Flemke Jr finished third with Zach Sylvester and Todd Szegedy rounding out the top five. Ted Christopher started third and was the top lap leader as he led 84 circuits. His night came to an end after he wrecked with Frank Ruocco in the third turn on lap 91. Christopher blamed Mike Stefanik for the incident. Reggie Ruggerio and John Blewett III were eliminated in a big wreck on lap 104. Defending champion and Busch Pole Sitter Tony Hirschman continues to have bad luck as he was eliminated on lap 114. Likewise for Chuck Hossfeld who lost a wheel on lap 31. MORE>>

05-22-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series is at the end of their “Spring Break” as they head for their second stop at the Stafford Motorspeedway this coming Friday night, May 25 for the 17th annual Connecticut Classic 150. Tickets are priced at $30.00 for adult general admission, children ages 6-14 are $5.00, and children ages 5 & under are admitted free. Reserved seat tickets are available for $32.00 for all ages. Thursday Night Thunder at the Thompson Speedway begins this week. The popular weekly race program will present six divisions of NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing Thursday nights well into the month of September. Thursday Night Thompson Thunder has become a fan favorite due to the large fields of racecars and the extremely fast paced program. Fans are usually headed home by about 9:30 PM after enjoying a full card of racing from all six exciting divisions. MORE>>

05-15-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series is in the middle of their “Spring Break”. The Whelen Modified Tour heads back to the Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday night, May 25. Jimmy Blewett, who drives for Long Island car owner Eddie Partridge sits atop the point standings with a 31 point lead over second generation driver Matt Hirschman. In three starts Blewett has three top tens including one win. Hirschman, the son of multi-time Whelen Modified Champion Tony Hirschman also has three top tens but is winless so far. James Civali, who won the Thompson Speedway Ice Breaker, sits in third spot, 49 points behind the leader. Todd Szegedy and Chuck Hossfeld round out the top five. Sixth through tenth are Donny Lia, Jerry Marquis, Ronnie Silk, Mike Stefanik and Billy Pauch Jr. In three events, fifty one different competitors have entered into competition. MORE>>

05-01-07: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series headed to the Stafford Motor Speedway last weekend. The track opened on Friday despite heavy rains that cancelled weekly racing division practice sessions. Forty-two Modifieds were on hand for practice and qualifying on Saturday. Second generation driver Matt Hirschman took the Busch Pole winner as he toured the half mile oval at 45/100th of a second faster then his father, Tony, in qualifying. Tony Hirschman, a five-time series champion, averaged 99.701 mph in his qualifying run. Reggie Ruggiero of Rocky Hill, Conn. was third fastest with a speed of 99.673 mph. Thompson Ice Breaker winner, James Civali, was fourth fastest with a speed of 99.448 mph. Ted Christopher rounded out the Top-5 in qualifying with a speed of 99.179 mph. The Top-8 qualifiers drew for starting position. Tony Hirschman drew the pole and was joined by Ruggiero on the front row. Civali and Matt Hirschman made up row number two. MORE>>

04-10-07: The Waterford Speedbowl was slated to begin its regular Saturday night schedule this past week. Fans and competitors are still buzzing about the poor officiating at the recent Bud Nationals, especially the Jimmy Blewett incident. A ten shot photo series by noted photographer Howie Hodge tells the story. Doug Coby got into the back of Frank Ruocco as they exited turn two. Blewett, running in fourth spot at the time went low to avoid the car of Ruocco only to be hit accidentally by Ruocco. Jimmy Blewett was below the white line when Ruocco’s left front tire hit Blewett’s nerf bar. As stated previously it was a bad call! A video by Nick Teto verified what really took place and what the Waterford on-track officials failed to acknowledge. Extremely bone chilling temperatures put a damper on the Speedbowl last weekend as racing was cancelled on Friday. MORE>>

04-03-07: The Southern New England countryside came alive with the sound of engines roaring as the Waterford Speedbowl opened for their 57th season. The shoreline oval opened under new management this past Saturday and Sunday. A new and rejuvenated look plus an entirely different attitude on the part of all new management greeted fans and competitors. The Speedbowl has been the scene of a “Big Dig” as a huge septic cement tank has been installed. As Pete Zanardi stated, “Our cup no longer overflowith”. Thanks to the hard work of the new management the tracks rest rooms have been put back in working order. No longer will hip boots be required in order to enter the rest rooms. Thousands of dollars have been spent in the grandstand area which shows a lot of progress. MORE>>

03-27-07: The Southern New England countryside comes alive with the sound of engines roaring as the Waterford Speedbowl opens for their 57th season. The shoreline oval opens this Saturday and Sunday with the Budweiser Modified Nationals’SK-150, the division’s brightest jewel. The $5,000-to-win race is part of a nine-division extravaganza that also includes extra-distance races for the ‘Bowl’s Late Models (50 laps), Sportsman (30) and Mini Stocks (30). Congratulations to recent New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame inductee Bob Potter of Norwich who has been named the Grand Marshal of this weekend’s (March 31-April 1) Budweiser Modified Nationals. MORE>>

03-20-07: Now that Speedweeks in Florida is history it is time to look foreword to the season openers in the northeast. As of this Friday, March 23, nine days remain before the season opener at the Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday; April 1.. Two weeks later on the 15th the Thompson Speedway presents their annual IceBreaker, which will be the official beginning of the 2007 Whelen Modified Tour Series. Two weeks after that it’s the annual Spring Sizzler at the Stafford Motor Speedway. The Waterford Speedbowl comes alive when pre season warm-ups begin this coming Saturday on the 24th.. Doug Coby, from Milford, CT who recently lost his Whelen Modified Tour Series ride is an early entry for the Waterford opener along with Bert Marvin, Ted Christopher, Dennis Gada, Tom Fox and Frank Ruocco. MORE>>

03-13-07: Now that Speedweeks in Florida is history it is time to look foreword to the season openers in the northeast. As of this Friday, March 16, sixteen days remain before the season opener at the Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday; April 1.. Two weeks later on the 15th the Thompson Speedway presents their annual IceBreaker, which will be the official beginning of the 2007 Whelen Modified Tour Series. Two weeks after that it’s the annual Spring Sizzler at the Stafford Motor Speedway. The Waterford Speedbowl comes alive when pre season warm-ups begin a week from this coming Saturday on the 24th. MORE>>

03-07-07: Now that Speedweeks in Florida is history it is time to look foreword to the season openers in the northeast. As of this Friday, March 9, twenty-three days remain before the season opener at the Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday; April 1.Two weeks later on the 15th the Thompson Speedway presents their annual IceBreaker, which will be the official beginning of the 2007 Whelen Modified Tour Series. Two weeks after that it’s the annual Spring Sizzler at the Stafford Motor Speedway. All eyes were on the first annual Speedway Expo at the Better Living Center at the Big “E” in West Springfield , Mass. , last weekend. The show, which replaced RaceaRama featured just about every speedway and series in the northeast along with many top NASCAR stars and personalities. Based on numerous reports Speedway Expo was a rousing success. It was gratifying to see that a large contingent of drivers were on hand representing the NASCAR Busch East and Whelen Modified Tour Series. MORE>>

02-27-07: Now that Speedweeks in Florida is history it is time to look foreword to the season openers in the northeast. As of this Friday, March 2, thirty days remain before the season opener at the Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday; April 1.Two weeks later on the 15th the Thompson Speedway presents their annual IceBreaker, which will be the official beginning of the 2007 Whelen Modified Tour Series. Two weeks after that it’s the annual Spring Sizzler at the Stafford Motor Speedway. All eyes will be on the first annual Speedway Expo at the Better Living Center at the Big “E” in West Springfield, Mass. The show will feature just about every speedway and series in the northeast along with many top NASCAR stars and personalities. MORE>>

02-06-07: The countdown to racing in Florida has reached the finish line. This Friday night it’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as the men that live by the Grace of God and 600 horsepower, the unlimited open wheeled Modifieds get it on for the 41st annual World Series of Asphalt Racing. The New Smyrna Speedway, a half-mile high banked speedway will host nine nights of racing beginning on February 9. NASCAR Tour type Modifieds, SK type Modifieds along with Florida-IMSA Modifieds and numerous late model divisions will be in competition. MORE>>

01-30-07: The countdown to racing in Florida continues. As of this Friday, February 2 only 1 week remains before the engines start in New Smyrna, Fla. for the 41^st annual World Series of Asphalt Racing. The New Smyrna Speedway, a half mile high banked speedway will host nine nights of racing beginning on February 9. NASCAR Tour type Modifieds, SK type Modifieds along with Florida-IMSA Modifieds and numerous late model divisions will be in competition. It looks like John Blewett III will be driving the Joe Brady No.00. It’s also a good bet that James Civali will be in the Brady back-up car for the last three or four nights. There is a lot of bad blood between Blewett and Ted Christopher as the two finished up the 2006 Whelen Modified Tour Series season with a vicious wreck at Thompson. MORE>>

01-23-07: The countdown to racing in Florida continues. As of this Friday, January 19 only 14days remain before the engines start in New Smyrna, Fla. for the 41st annual World Series of Asphalt Racing. The New Smyrna Speedway, a half mile high banked speedway will host nine nights of racing beginning on February 9. NASCAR Tour type Modifieds, SK type Modifieds along with Florida-IMSA Modifieds and numerous late model divisions will be in competition. Modified division Race Director Richard Brooks advises that 14 Tour-type Modifieds and 6 SK Modifieds pre-entered. MORE>>

01-16-07: The countdown to racing in Florida continues. As of this Friday, January 19 only 21days remain before the engines start in New Smyrna, Fla. for the 41st annual World Series of Asphalt Racing. The New Smyrna Speedway, a half mile high banked speedway will host nine nights of racing beginning on February 9. NASCAR Tour type Modifieds, SK type Modifieds along with Florida-IMSA Modifieds and numerous late model divisions will be in competition. Work continues on the speedway-paving project. All bumps have been ground down. New Smyrna was fast before. Once the new surface is complete the half-mile oval will be the fastest of its kind. Ted Christopher will be driving the Ed Whelen No.36 Modified as well as a Super Late Model in the Florida series. MORE>>

01-09-07: The countdown continues. As of this Friday, January 12 only 28 days remain before the engines start in New Smyrna, Fla. for the 41st annual World Series of Asphalt Racing. The New Smyrna Speedway, a half mile high banked speedway will host nine nights of racing beginning on February 9. NASCAR Tour type Modifieds, SK type Modifieds along with Florida-IMSA Modifieds and numerous late model divisions will be in competition. Coming up this Saturday night, January 13, is the annual awards banquet for the Waterford Speedbowl. The gathering, which begins with a cash bar at 6 PM , will honor 2006 champions Dennis Gada (SK-Modifieds), Tim Jordan (Late Models), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman), Danny Field (Mini Stock) and Mark Bakaj (Legends). The top-15 in all divisions will be recognized. MORE>>

2006

12-19-06: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series schedule for 2007 came together and was released last Thursday, December 14. Sixteen events highlight the schedule which will bring qualifying heats into some of the venues. The 2007 season will open with the Thompson Speedway Icebreaker on Sunday, April 15. Thompson will also close out the season with the World Series on Sunday, October 14. Other Whelen Modified Tour Series dates will be on Thursday, June 21, Thursday August 16 and Sunday, September 9. The Modified tour will visit the Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 29 for the Spring Sizzler plus Friday, May 25, Friday, August 10 and Sunday, September 30 for the Fall Final. The Whelen Modified Tour Series will play a vital part on Nextel Cup weekends at the New Hampshire Int. Speedway in Loudon , NH . Both dates, June 30 and September 15 will be on Saturdays. MORE>>

12-12-06: The 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series schedule for 2007 continues to come together. Mike Stefanik will be the guest of honor this coming Saturday night, Dec. 16, at the 2006 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series banquet at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville Ct. In 16 events Stefanik scored an incredible 15 top tens which included 1 win and ten top fives. Stefanik’s season winning totals amounted to $53,800. A total of 73 different drivers entered into competition. Although winless, Eddie Flemke Jr was consistent as he recorded 12 top tens which included six top fives. Flemke’s season total was $43,675. Ted Christopher, the guy that everybody loves to hate, finished third. MORE>>

12-05-06: The 2007 Whelen Modified Tour Series schedule for 2007 continues to come together. Word comes from Riverhead Raceway PR Director Bob Finan that Barbara and Jim Cromarty, track owners, have announced that the Whelen Modified Tour will return to Riverhead Raceway in 2007. The date will be August 4th, which is the traditional weekend that Riverhead has hosted the Tour. It’s great to hear of the addition of Riverhead to the schedule. NASCAR needs to take into consideration that most drivers, car owners and crew members are gainfully employed and are limited to their time off away from their regular jobs.The season ending Whelen Modified Tour awards banquet is coming up on December 16th and hopefully the entire schedule will be announced at that time. MORE>>

11-28-06: The Thanksgiving weekend officially wrapped up the 2006 Modified Racing season. The traditional Turkey Derby was run at the Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey and the Mason-Dixon Meltdown at the South Boston Speedway in Virginia. Wall drew 32 Modifieds while South Boston drew 24. At the New Jersey oval Jimmy Blewett and Steve Reed split the Wall Township Speedway Turkey Derby XXXIII twin 100-lap modified mains on Saturday night. Blewett, took the lead from Donnie Lia with five laps to go and held off Les Hinckley's last-lap pass by 1.527 sec. to win the open modified main. Blewett came from 13th starting spot to shadow front row starter Ken Wooley, Jr., and inherited the lead when the pair banged wheels on lap 71, breaking the latter's steering rack. Hinckley, Lia, John Blewett III and Rowan Pinnick rounded out the top five of 12 finishers. MORE>>

11-21-06: First of all, a Happy Thanksgiving to all. There will be a little bit of unfinished business this weekend in the form of the Turkey Derby at the Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey and the Mason-Dixon Meltdown at the South Boston Speedway in Virginia. Both events will feature Modified Tour type and SK type racing. At Wall Township, the Tour Type Modified purse has an additional $1,000.00 bonus for the winner with a $250.00 halfway bonus as well. The winner of this race will now take home $5,000.00. The Wall/SK/B Modified feature winner will take home an additional $500.00 for the win and this race boasts a $250.00 halfway bonus. Other monies available to the racers include a $500.00 pole award, lap money and a $250.00 hard charger award.The Tour-Type Modified portion of the “Mason-Dixon Meltdown” features a 250-lap main event on Saturday, November 25th. The PASS South Super Late Models also have a 250-lap event that day and both premier divisions will be racing for a $12,500 paycheck for the winner, plus lap money and other bonuses. MORE>>

11-14-06: It looks like the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series has gone by the wayside as NASCAR and Whelen Engineering have announced a multi-year agreement for Whelen to become the new title sponsor of NASCAR’s weekly racing program. The series will be re-named the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in 2007. Whelen also has been title sponsor of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour since 2005. Whelen has also sponsored many race cars and racing events over the years. The Connecticut-based Company is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and public emergency lighting and warning systems. Its products have widespread applications in NASCAR, including warning lights, caution lights, safety vehicles, pit road light displays, pace vehicles and many other areas. All Whelen products are made in the U.S.A. The 2007 season will be the 26th year for this grassroots, local racing program, which was founded in 1982.
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9-20-05: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, NH last Friday afternoon. It was good to see Mike Ewanitsko back in competition after a long time being on the sick list. Ewanitsko tested at Thompson on September 13 and appeared to be as sharp and fast as ever. There were 40 cars on hand including backups. MORE>>