RoC Modified Series Ready To “Bunny Hop” Into Mahoning Valley Saturday For ’25 Opener
Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – LEHIGHTON, PA – The Race of Champions Modified Series is ready to kick off the 2025 season in thrilling fashion at Mahoning Valley Speedway, and fans are just as excited as the drivers.
If the energy around opening day at the 1/4-mile facility is any indication, Saturday, April 19 at 6:00pm promises to be one of the most anticipated dates on this year’s racing calendar.
Hometown favorites Matt Hirschman and Austin Beers, both of Northampton, Pa., will reignite their rivalry on familiar ground. The tight, racy quarter-mile track has played a significant role in shaping their racing careers. They’ll be joined by last season’s Mahoning winner Austin Kochenash (Danielsville, Pa.), rising star James Blewett (Howell, N.J.), and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ron Silk (Norwalk, Conn.) for what promises to be a stacked field.
“Mahoning is fun to race,” said Hirschman, widely regarded as one of the top stars in Modified racing. “It has multiple grooves, and because of the track’s size, it really levels the playing field. You need a car that handles well, but you also have to be precise and patient. It’s a driver’s track, and the fans get to see everything right up close.”
Austin Beers, the 2021 Race of Champions Modified Series champion, is also eyeing a strong result at his home track.
“We’ve been close, and this place really is home for us,” Beers said. “We’ve got more experience now and have been racing a lot. I’m hoping we’re in contention at Mahoning and can come out on top. I’m really looking forward to racing in front of the hometown crowd.”
The 75-lap Series opener will feature qualifying beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday, April 19, along with a full card of Mahoning Valley Speedway racing.
