Column Compiled By: PHIL SMITH / RPW – WESTERLY, RI – Believe it or not only 12 weeks remain before the flat lands of central Florida come alive with the sound of race car engines at the New Smyrna Speedway and the official start of the World Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for 2024.
The World Series runs from Feb 9 thru Feb 17. The Whelen Modified Tour Series event is scheduled for Saturday night, Feb 10. For the third consecutive year, the Tour will open at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida as part of the track’s “World Series of Asphalt Stock Cars Racing” during NASCAR’s Speedweeks, racing under the lights.
The 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 at nearby Daytona International Speedway then takes place a week later to conclude the opening week of NASCAR action.
Among the early entries for the World Series are Patrick Emerling, Brian Robie, Norman Newman, Brian Sones, Ron Silk, Eddie McCarthy, Tommy Catalano, Amy Catalano, Trevor Catalano, Tyler Catalano, Christopher Hatton and Anthony Bello.
Ron D’Alessandro and Jonathan Laureigh in the 602 Modifieds. Brody Monahan was added to the 2024 World Series entry list last Friday! Brody will make his Pro Late Model World Series debut after winning the 2023 Pro truck championship at the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut!
A capacity crowd of over 200 officials, drivers, team members, sponsors and families packed the Speedway Clubhouse at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the 2023 Banquet of Champions on Friday, Dec 16. All five divisions were on hand and well represented as they celebrated their accomplishments with positive comradery and excitement for the upcoming year.
Troy Talman ran all four races, recorded one win and four top fives which gave him a two point edge over Jonathan Puleo who also recorded one win and four top fives. Keith Rocco ran three of the four races, winning two. Todd Owen, who took championships at Staford and at Waterford, finished fourth. A total of 18 cars raced in the division in 2023. For 2024 the SK Modifieds have been dropped and will be replaced by 602 Modifieds.
Third generation driver Alexander Pearl won two of the six events run to garner the SK Light division championship with a 46 point edge over John O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan scored one win. Tyler Chapman scored two win as he finished third over Isaiah Newcomb. Rounding out the top five was second generation driver Meghan Fuller. A total of 25 different drivers were in competition. The Late Models ran five events. Nicholas Johnson took the championship over Andrew Molleur by six points. Following Molleur was Jake Johnson and Matt Lowinski-Loh. There were 27 late models in competition.
Corey Fanning and Ryan Waterman were tied for the Limited Sportsman title. Fanning won out as he had three wins against Waterman’s two. Larry Barnett finished the year in third spot. The Mini Stocks ran five events with Jarred Roy taking the title over Kevin Moore and Dave Trudeau.
All five 2023 champions expressed thanks to their teams and supporters in their speeches, many hinting at positive plans for the upcoming year with the expanded Thompson oval schedule released by the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Pro All Stars Series (PASS) promotion team.
Mini Stock champion Jared Roy is set to defend his title in 2024, as is Limited Sportsman top-seed Corey Fanning. While 2023 Late Model hot-shoe Nick Johnson said he was looking at a more limited schedule next season, he will return on a part-time basis when possible.
The 2024 Thompson Speedway oval schedule has been released by the ACT and PASS offices highlighted by three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events, the first-ever visit from the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series, a Memorial Day Monday special and an expanded 12-race schedule with Thursday, Wednesday and Sunday night racing throughout the summer months. Rule Books have also been released by ACT and PASS as everyone prepares for the busy season ahead.
The all new book, The Modified Years At Stafford, by the Grace of God and 600 hp, is gaining interest and has become a must have in race fans and competitors library. Race by Race, Year by Year, it’s all there. Read all about it! Books are now available on Amazon.com and Coastal 181 (877-907-8181 toll free) and are available thru Stafford’s web site in their store. Order yours now. Makes a great gift!
With the cooperation of the Arute family another book has been published with pictures and biographies of the 50 Greatest Drivers at Stafford.
The Stafford Motor Speedway had become the epicenter of NASCAR Modified racing in the northeast by the late 1980’s. From its dirt beginnings to its lightning-fast asphalt, Stafford had become the toughest and most gratifying track to score a victory. The Arute family which has owned and guided the destiny of the facility commissioned their thousands of loyal fans to name their favorite drivers. In alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone:
Tom Baldwin, Gene Bergin, Brett Bodine, Geoff Bodine, Ken Bouchard, Ron Bouchard, Mario “Fats” Caruso, Rene Charland, Ted Christopher, Leo Cleary, Tim Connolly, Jerry Cook, Corky Cookman, Pete Corey, Fred DeSarro, Richie Evans, Mike Ewanitsko, Ed Flemke, Sr., Jeff Fuller, Rick Fuller, Ernie Gahan, Bill Greco, Bo Gunning, Ray Hendrick, George “Moose” Hewitt, Tony Hirschman, George Janoski, Charlie Jarzombek, George Kent, Buddy Krebs, Randy LaJoie, Jan Leaty, Jerry Marquis, Mike McLaughlin, Ray Miller, Steve Park, Bob Polverari, Bob Potter, Brian Ross, John “Reggie” Ruggiero, Greg Sacks, Ollie Silva, “Wild” Bill Slater, Jimmy Spencer, Mike Stefanik, Carl “Bugsy” Stevens, George Summers, Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino, Maynard Troyer and Satch Worley.
Books are priced at $17.95 each and be purchased at the track at the Novelty Booth or at the Stafford Motor Speedway on line store. Books are also available at Amazon.com and at Coastal181 (877-907-8181).
