Story By: KYLE SOUZA / JDV PRODUCTIONS – ATTLEBORO, MA – With the fourth race of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season only a few weeks away, preparations are well underway between the JDV Productions and Jennerstown Speedway staff for the Jennerstown Salutes 150, presented by DGV.
Set for Saturday, May 29, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams roll to Pennslyavania for the only stop at the .522-mile oval this season — which will mark the 17th race in history at the track.
Last year, Justin Bonsignore opened his second championship campaign with a win at Jennerstown, in a race that had no fans in the grandstands due to COVID-19 restrictions. In August — fans were welcomed back — and it was rising star Craig Lutz who took the checkered flag.
“The way the times were at the beginning of last year, you were excited to get back to racing, but as you were strapping in the car on the track before the race, and you looked and there was no one out there at all, it was definitely different,” Lutz said, recalling the fanless event in May of 2020. “It’s always exciting to see a packed house before you strap in for 150 laps. Really looking forward to getting back there and having fans again.”
Lutz, who has three career Whelen Modified Tour wins, enjoyed the surface that Jennerstown offers, and seems to have adapted quickly to the high speeds and challenges the track presents for Modified competitors.
“During that part of our season last year, we were struggling the race before and anytime you struggle, you’re always looking for what went wrong, and you want to go out and win the next one,” Lutz said. “The win was a confidence booster for myself and the team. It’s one of those tracks when I went there and I just liked it. It’s a long ride, but it’s worth it.”
The Jennerstown Salutes 150, presented by DGV, will honor fallen heroes. JDV Productions has partnered with Operation Vet NOW Inc. (OVN), a non-profit organization established to reduce veteran suicide and improve the overall wellness of veterans, regardless of era served, through innovative outreach experiences. OVN concentrates on veterans who suffer from the invisible injuries of PTSD, TBI, combat and transition stress issues, and mental health concerns, stemming from military service, connecting them to heal their mind, body and soul. The race day will feature special appearances from Gold Star Family members — including grand marshals, an honorary starter and more. All of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars will feature a fallen hero’s name on their car during the race. JDV Productions will donate $1 from each ticket sold to OVN to continue to increase awareness and assistance for veterans.
As part of a one-day show, the Jennerstown local Late Models and Modifieds will also join the action. Practice begins at 2:45 p.m. for local divisions, with the only Whelen Modified Tour practice of the day set from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mayhew Tools Dominator Pole qualifying, which will be single-car time trials, is set for 5:45 p.m. Following tour qualifying, local divisions will race, and the green flag in the Jennerstown Salutes 150, presented by DGV, will drop at 7:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $30 for adults, with advance tickets now on sale at JDVProductions.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the race. Pit passes will be sold at the track only and are also available to the general public. There are no capacity restrictions in place for the event. The race will also air to a live audience on NBC Sports Gold through their TrackPass platform.
