Matt Hirschman Captures His Third Victory In The Maynard Troyer Classic Vi
Column By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS MEDIA – WILLIAMSON, NY – For the third time in the six-year history of the Maynard Troyer Classic, Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., drove to victory lane at Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y. The win came under unusual circumstances as the 2025 edition of the event became the first rain-shortened race in the history of the Classic, declared official after 43 laps were completed when persistent lake-effect drizzle forced an early conclusion.
Hirschman, who started fourth, worked his way past early leader Jack Ely of Northampton, Pa. before the halfway point and held the top spot until the weather intervened.
“This is a great race to win,” stated Hirschman. “We circle it on our calendar every year and this is big. It’s a short race, big payoff, the way Modified races used to be. I have to thank everyone involved with putting it together like Kenny Troyer and the Series. It’s a shot in the arm to Modified racing. I also want to thank my family and my team — we had a great night.”
Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., advanced from fifth starting spot to finish second, while Jake Lutz of Hamburg, N.Y., made a strong run from ninth to third. Local favorite Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., and Ely rounded out the top five.
Hirschman also posted the fastest time in green-white-checker qualifying. The scheduled qualifying races were canceled due to the weather conditions.
Because of the inclement weather, the Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series and Rocket Performance 602 Sportsman Modified Series features were postponed to Friday, September 5.
For that event, pit entry will require wristbands from the Maynard Troyer Classic. New entrants will be required to purchase pit passes, which are non-transferable. Grandstand admission will be free and open to the public.
