Story By: DALE WOLBRINK / LANCASTER MOTORPLEX – LANCASTER, NY – When the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Lancaster Motorplex in Lancaster, NY, Austin Beers will have only one thing on his mind and that is winning. The Northampton, PA, driver held off his Mud Lane neighbor Matt Hirschman in 2023 to score the popular victory.
A quick pit stop by the KLM Motorsports crew gave Beers track position over Hirschman in the late stages of the 2023 event. Solidly in the lead after a strong restart, the talented young driver could run his preferred line and control the pace of the race. It proved to be the key to success for an emotional day of racing for Austin and team.
But it’s not just the previous triumph that has Austin looking forward to returning to Lancaster Motorplex.
“I love this place with all its character,” said Beers. “With the drag strip and the bumps in the outside lanes, this place is tricky. You throw in the new pavement and now you have more places to pass.”
Beers will get his chance to defend his title this Saturday, August 3, with the third running of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. He will have his work cut out for him; however, with a talent-laden roster that also is dotted with local favorites. Hometown hero and most recent NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour winner Trevor Catalano, from nearby Ontario, NY, will be joined by his brothers Tommy and Tyler, who both have victories at Lancaster. Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, NY, who will pilot the Steve Mendoza entry, is one of the most prolific winners at Lancaster in recent years. Patrick Emerling, from Orchard Park, NY, is also looking to duplicate his winning effort from back in 2021. Tyler Rypkema of Owego, NY, is another former Lancaster winner. Perennial favorite Matt Hirschman is a multi-time winner at the half-mile.
Austin himself is no stranger to the Gunnville Rd. facility with seven (7) previous starts including some in the Sportsman division. He recently competed in the open Modified event at the Speedway, earning a fourth-place finish for car owner Dave DeLange, who was pivotal in shaping the careers of both Austin and his father Eric.
With past experience and an affinity for the track, Beers will be up for the challenge. “There is no other place like it,” said Beers. ”I love how different it is. The drag strip really throws a wrench into setting up a car, but it also makes it fun. I really enjoy it!”
Another notable past winner at Lancaster Motorplex is Austin’s dad Eric Beers, who plays an integral role with the KLM Motorsports team on race day. The 2005 US Open winner’s input is critical to the team’s success.
“My Dad and I work really well together,” said Beers. “We have worked really hard for every opportunity. I definitely would not be where I am today without my Dad.”
Earlier this summer, Austin’s spotter Jack Ely turned in a dominating performance to win the Ol’ Boy Cup at Lancaster. “There are a lot of differences between those cars and the Mod Tours, but Jack’s knowledge of the track is super helpful,” added Beers.
Despite several things working in his favor, what have might have been a perceived advantage could be leveling out. “Guys like Justin and Silk will be a lot better now that we have been here for a few years,” said Beers, while adding coyly, “but I think I still have a decent advantage.”
A welcome advantage for a season that has been a rollercoaster for Beers, who sits fifth in driver points heading into Lancaster. “We are just taking one race at a time,” said an unflustered Beers. “I have been able to race so much this year that it is easy to forget the week before. I try to keep a level head and move forward.”
Equally as important to the driver who shows maturity beyond his years, is his commitment to Mike Murphy and this team. “Murph and my team don’t give up on me,” added Beers. “And, I won’t give up either.” Beers and company also look at Lancaster as a place to build momentum again going into the busiest stretch of the season for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. “We are definitely hoping to capitalize on a track where we have more laps, where we know how to pass,” said Beers.
Beers is also motivated to win the event for his mom. Last year when Beers pulled into victory lane, he did so with his mother, Cherie, sitting in a hospital bed at in a nearby hospital. “I was left out of the loop with what was happening with my mom,” said Beers. “She’s my biggest supporter, so to have her miss the celebration was a tough one. At least she got to watch Flo Racing on her phone.”
The entire team also was grieving the loss our of crew member Nate Appell.
There are many reasons why Austin Beers wants to be the one driving under the fireworks taking the checkered flag in Saturday’s Nu-Way Auto Parts 150.
A full-racing card on this special night featuring the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will also include Sportsmen, Street Stocks, and four-cylinders. Fireworks will be presented by Skylighters of WNY. Title sponsor Nu-Way Auto Parts is joined by supporters Franco’s Pizza, Thermal Foams, Russell’s Steakhouse, and West Herr Auto Group.
Grandstands open at 2:00pm on Saturday afternoon. Practice starts at 2:30pm with racing getting underway at 5:00pm. Grandstand tickets are on sale at SeetheEvents.com. Adult general admission tickets are $40. There is a $5 savings for advance tickets purchased online. Senior and Military discounted tickets are available for $35 and Kids, ages 12 and under, are admitted for $10.
The event website is hosted by Speed Enterprises Entertainment in conjunction with Lancaster Motorplex.
