Column Compiled By: PHIL SMITH / RPW – WESTERLY, RI – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series ended their Spring Break as they went “UP Country” to the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH for the Granite State Derby.
As the WMT Modifieds were heading north the Milton Cat Modified Racing Series was heading “Down Country” to the New London-Waterford Speedbowl for Blast Off 24.
Saturday’s Granite State Derby featured the debut of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s redraw. The procedure will be utilized at select events on the 2024 schedule. A similar procedure was last utilized during the 2010 season.
For the third consecutive season, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers and teams will have the opportunity to race for bonus bucks as part of JDV Productions‘ Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup.The program, created by JDV Productions founder Josh Vanada, features $20,000 in available bonus money this season. Headlining that is the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup point found, which features $6,000 to be distributed among the top three in points during the three-race miniseries held at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, New Hampshire. Saturday’s Granite State Derby, the Duel at the Dog 250 on July 20 and the Winchester Fair on Sept. 21 make up the 2024 edition of the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup. Matt Hirschman won the 2022 edition of the Cup, and Doug Coby captured the 2023 crown.
Prior to Saturday’s Granite State Derby, Jake Johnson had yet to record a finish outside the top 10 and sat third in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings behind Silk and Justin Bonsignore. Patience proved to be crucial for Johnson at Monadnock. Starting sixth following a redraw of the top eight starters, Johnson methodically climbed his way to the front of the field before making the race-winning pass on Silk with 48 laps to go in the 150 lap event. Silk pressured Johnson tremendously over the closing stages until bouncing off the outside wall during the final restart of the evening on Lap 134. That enabled Austin Beers, who started 17th after a poor qualifying effort, to claim second for himself. Beers believed his poor track position would have been a major detriment on Monadnock’s fresh pavement, but was impressed with his overall speed and how many passing opportunities there were. He was also grateful the Granite State Derby did not exceed its advertised distance. His motor was going sour in the closing moments. Patrick Emerling finished third with Craig Lutz and Matt Hirschman rounding out the top five. Justin Bonsignore was off his game as he finished sixth. Rounding out the top ten were Brian Robe, Joey Cipriano, Anthony Nocella and Silk.
The car count was somewhat disappointing with only 24 on hand and a less than full grandstand witnessed the event. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to action on May 18 when the series heads to Riverhead Raceway on Long Island for the Miller Lite Salutes Wayne Anderson 200. FloRacing will have live coverage of all the on-track action starting at 8 p.m. ET.
The Milton Cat Modified Racing Series visited the New London Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday. Matt Swanson came from a scratch starting position to win the event over Les Hinkley, Todd Owen and Max Zachem. Swanson was forced to start the 75 lap feature in the rear after his car was all but destroyed in a qualifying heat. Swanson took the lead on lap 58. Todd Patnode rounded out the top five. A big shout-out to Jacob Perry who finished sixth in a Perry family-owned entry.
The Speedbowl beat the rain on Sunday. Eric Berndt won the 73 lap SK Modified event. Jon Puleo finished second with Tim Jordan, third. Andrew Molleur and Todd Owen rounded out the top five. John O’Sullivan was the SK Lite winner.
It may have been NASCAR Pack the Track season opening night for the Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series of Riverhead Raceway, but the on-track action displayed mid-season form, featuring two great finishes and exciting racing action all night. When the dust settled, Justin Brown sat in NASCAR Tour Type Modified victory lane at the end of 50-laps as the modifieds ran non-stop, however it was veteran Jimmy Rennick Jr. of Howard Beach stealing the spotlight, as he topped both the Late Model and Super Pro Truck events.
It was all quiet at the Bowman Grey Stadium as rain blanketed the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area on Saturday night.
Based on the number of cars that turned out for this year’s Sizzler, Stafford’s weekly racing series which begins this coming Friday, May 10, looks to have healthy car counts. At the Sizzler there were 33 SK Modifieds, 40 SK Lights, 22 Street Stocks, 19 Late Models and 17 Limited Late Models. They were complimented by 32 Open Tour type Modifieds. The Sizzler runs first with Stafford’s regular divisions to qualify.
Internet racing news website RaceDayCt reported last week that NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver and crew chief Stephen Kopcik was reinstated for all activities by NASCAR Tuesday, April 30. Kopcik had been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Feb. 29 for not reporting to NASCAR that he had been arrested at a minor league hockey game in Danbury on Feb. 23. RaceDay also reported that NASCAR announced that they were lifting the indefinite suspension of Whelen Modified Tour driver Sam Rameau, effective on May 15. But that announcement by NASCAR does not mean Rameau will be fully welcomed back to the division at all tracks left on the series’ 2024 schedule. Rameau will not be allowed to compete at any events at Thompson or at Monadnock.
A very special person has a major milestone birthday coming up on May 11. Carl S Berghman, known to many as Bugs Stevens, will be turning 90. Stevens is a three-time NASCAR National Modified Champion. Drop the champ a card. His address is Tockwotton on the Waterfront, 500 Waterfront Drive, Room 330, East Providence, RI 02914.
On a sad note, word came of the passing of Glenn Dixon, another one of the legends of modified racing that didn’t have to wear fire suit. Glenn turned wrenches for some of the biggest names in modified racing, winning races and championships up and down the East Coast. Tommy Baldwin Jr, who was very close to Dixon issued the following statement “Hi everyone just wanted to provide a quick update. Dixon asked for a private service.” 🙏
He added, “With that being said, I know a lot of people would love to pay their respects, so after the race is over next Saturday, May 18 at Riverhead Raceway after the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, we will gather around the TBR trailer and do a toast Dixon style. I know a lot of folks won’t able to make it there, so don’t be afraid to do a toast from whatever track your at and post here to show the love.”
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).
