Whelen Mods Notebook

2008 NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR NOTEBOOK

Previous Whelen Tour Reports:

All 2007 2006-2 2006-1

2005-2 2005-1


Pole - Ryan Preece Howie Hodge Photo	Winner - Burt Myers Howie Hodge Photo

Myers Captures Made In America Whelen 300 At Martinsville
Preece Highest NWMT Finisher In The Race

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour celebrated its 500th race in its tradition-rich history, but it was Burt Myers that stole the show and drove his way to Victory Lane in the Made In America Whelen 300.

Myers became the first NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour driver to win the annual combination race with their northern-based counterparts at Martinsville Speedway.

He also became the first Southern driver to win a Modified tour race in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville since Johnny Bryant in 1985.

“I tell you what – this is something else,” Myers said. “It will probably sink in tomorrow.”

Seventeen-year-old Ryan Preece became the youngest winner in NASCAR Whelen Modified history as the highest finishing NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver. He appeared poised to take the overall win, taking the lead on lap six and leading throughout the event. But Myers, who spent most of the race in second, tracked him down and made the winning pass on lap 271.

Almost as important, Myers put Tim Brown and L.W. Miller a lap down on lap 183. That, combined with Brian Loftin’s 10th-place finish, allowed Myers to move into second in NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified points. He is 27 behind Loftin with two races remaining.

Myers had briefly taken the lead on lap 223, but Preece got it back when caution flew on the same lap and the running order reverted to the last-completed green-flag lap.

Matt Hirschman finished third, followed by Reggie Ruggiero and Ted Christopher. Todd Szegedy, Woody Pitkat, Ed Flemke Jr., Rowan Pennink, and Loftin rounded out the top 10.

Christopher maintained his NASCAR Whelen Modified points lead. He is 89 up on Hirschman with three races left.

Since the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour was formed in 2005, it has inched closer to beating its older brethren in the combination event. L.W. Miller set the previous best finish with his third-place in 2007.

Made In American Whelen 300 Results

Martinsville Speedway - Martinsville, VA - Lap length: 0.526 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (4) Burt Myers, Walnut Grove, N.C., Ford, 300 laps, 61.077 mph, $8,000.
2. (1) Ryan Preece, Kensington, Conn., Chevrolet, 300, $8,400.
3. (10) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 300, $4,300.
4. (13) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill, Conn., Ford, 300, $3,800.
5. (8) Ted Christopher, Plainville, Conn., Chevrolet, 300, $3,500.
6. (9) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 300, $2,675.
7. (31) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 300, $2,900.
8. (28) Eddie Flemke, Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 300, $2,500.
9. (14) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 300, $2,500.
10. (11) Brian Loftin, Lexington, N.C., Chevrolet, 300, $2,175.
11. (26) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 300, $2,350.
12. (16) Tim Brown, Cana, Va., Chevrolet, 299, $1,850.
13. (19) L.W. Miller, Dushore, Pa., Pontiac, 299, $1,825.
14. (22) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 299, $2,200.
15. (24) Eric Beers, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 299, $2,243.
16. (36) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays, N.Y., Chevrolet, 299, $2,075.
17. (2) George Brunnhoelzl, III, Babylon, N.Y., Ford, 297, engine, $2,350.
18. (6) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 292, $1,625.
19. (37) Joe Hartman, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 286, $2,000.
20. (3) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo, N.Y., Dodge, 283, $2,075.
21. (38) Rich Kuiken, Staffordville, N.J., Chevrolet, 283, $1,950.
22. (40) Tom Abele, Norwich, Chevrolet, 272, $2,200.
23. (20) Danny Sammons, Trenton, N.J., Chevrolet, 260, $1,875.
24. (12) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Pontiac, 227, drive shaft, $1,950.
25. (21) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac, 227, $1,925.
26. (18) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 194, battery, $1,900.
27. (23) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield, Mass., Chevrolet, 190, rear end, $1,775.
28. (39) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 189, steering, $1,750.
29. (7) Jason Myers, Walnut Cove, N.C., Ford, 188, accident, $1,350.
30. (27) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 183, rear end, $1,750.
31. (29) Andy Seuss, Hampstead, N.H., Dodge, 176, accident, $1,350.
32. (30) Billy Pauch, Frenchtown, N.J., Dodge, 152, clutch, $1,750.
33. (45) Jay Foley, Stuart, Va., Chevrolet, 149, oil line, $1,350.
34. (17) Rick Fuller, Auburn, Mass., 144, accident, $1,350.
35. (25) Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Mass., Chevrolet, 144, accident, $1,750.
36. (33) John Smith, Mount Airy, N.C., Chevrolet, 143, belts, $1,350.
37. (15) Frank Fleming, Mt Airy, N.C., Pontiac, 140, accident, $1,350.
38. (34) Richard Savary, Canton, Mass., Chevrolet, 128, alternator, $1,750.
39. (5) Bobby Hutchens, Lexington, N.C., Chevrolet, 62, $1,350.
40. (35) Zach Brewer, Winston-Salem, N.C., Chevrolet, 23, accident, $0.
41. (41) Jake Marosz, Middletown, Conn., Chevrolet, 23, accident, $1,750.
42. (42) Sean Gartner, Sunset Beach, N.C., Pontiac, 18, suspension, $1,350.
43. (32) Buddy Emory, Petersburg, Va., Chevrolet, 11, accident, $1,350.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 2 hours 35 minutes 1 second

Margin of Victory: 1.712 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: R.Preece (100.313 mph, 18.877 seconds)

Caution Flags: 16 for 88 laps.

Lead Changes: 2 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: B.Hutchens 1-5; R.Preece 6-270; B.Myers 271-300.

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Top 10 Driver Points:
Ted Christopher 1965, Matt Hirschman 1876, Todd Szegedy 1788, Chuck Hossfeld 1756, Ronnie Silk 1720, Eric Beers 1711, Mike Stefanik 1666, Ryan Preece 1639, Jimmy Blewett 1627, Rowan Pennink 1605

NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Top 10 Driver Points:
Brian Loftin 1435, Burt Myers 1395, L.W. Miller 1393, Jason Myers 1286, Andy Seuss 1273, Frank Fleming 1256, George Brunnhoelzl 1215, John Smith 1134, Brian King, 1117


Pole - Ryan Newman Howie Hodge Photo	Winner - Ted Christopher Howie Hodge Photo

Christopher Captures 10th Win At New Hampshire
- Third Win Of Season For Points Leader

LOUDON, N.H. (Sept. 13, 2008) – Ted Christopher reached Victory Lane at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the fifth time in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career, and 10th time overall, Saturday evening in the New Hampshire 100.

Christopher, who finished second to Chuck Hossfeld by just .001 seconds in the New England 100 at New Hampshire in June, garnered his third win of the 2008 season and extended his points lead in the process.

“Last time – to lose by inches – it was definitely hard to take, but this thing today was really good,” Christopher said. “My car was rolling through the center so much better, and came off real good, it was a really good car.”

With the win, Christopher (No. 36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet) also extended his own track record for victories to double digits. It was the 30th win of his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career, fifth most all-time.

Jimmy Blewett (No. 19 United Crane/Ling Trucking Chevrolet) led seven times in the race but had to settle for a runner-up finish. Ryan Preece (No. 3 FJ Hubeny/Reynold’s Auto Wrecking Chevrolet) tied his career best finish by placing third.

Rob Summer is officially credited with a fourth place finish although it was Donny Lia that piloted the No. 1 Frasco Fuel/Hook & Ladder Chevrolet to the finish line. Summers drove the first 62 laps prior to a red flag.

Danny Sammons came home fifth for his best finish of the season. He was followed in the top 10 by Matt Hirschman, Erick Rudolph, Woody Pitkat, Jamie Tomaino and Eric Beers.

Hirschman placed fourth in the NASCAR Camping World Series East’s Heluva Good! Fall 125 earlier in the day.

With the win, Christopher now has a 99-point lead on Hirschman in the season standings with four races to go on the schedule.

The New Hampshire 100, which originally went green at 1 p.m., was red flagged with 62 laps complete due to extensive damage to the guard rail on the backstretch caused by an accident. The race resumed at just before 6 p.m., following the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

All told, the race had 15 lead changes between five drivers.

The Made In American Whelen 300 will be the 13th of 16 races on the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule. A combination race with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, the green flag is set to drop in Martinsville on Saturday, Sept. 20 and 3:30 p.m. For ticket information please visit Martinsville’s official Web site (martinsvillespeedway.com).

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-New Hampshire 100 Results

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon, N.H. - Lap length: 1.05 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (12) Ted Christopher, Plainville, Conn., Chevrolet, 100 laps, 70.549 mph, $15,600.
2. (3) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 100, $12,200.
3. (34) Ryan Preece, Kensington, Conn., Chevrolet, 100, $9,350.
4. (25) Rob Summers, Vernon, Conn., Chevrolet, 100, $6,200.
5. (15) Danny Sammons, Hamilton, N.J., Chevrolet, 100, $4,600.
6. (20) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 100, $4,050.
7. (17) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 100, $3,750.
8. (23) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 100, $3,100.
9. (37) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 100, $3,400.
10. (4) Eric Beers, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 100, $3,350.
11. (30) Tommy Farrell, Neptune, N.J., Chevrolet, 100, $2,650.
12. (35) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 100, $2,950.
13. (8) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 99, $2,950.
14. (26) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays, N.Y., Chevrolet, 98, $2,825.
15. (24) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown, N.J., Dodge, 96, $2,700.
16. (14) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 93, $2,675.
17. (33) Jake Marosz, Middletown, Conn., Chevrolet, 91, accident, $2,250.
18. (5) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield, Mass., Chevrolet, 88, accident, $2,625.
19. (22) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac, 87, $2,700.
20. (1) Ryan Newman, South Bend, Ind., Chevrolet, 86, accident, $2,643.
21. (16) Richard Savary, Canton, Mass., Chevrolet, 82, $2,625.
22. (29) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 75, $2,500.
23. (28) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 73, ignition, $1,850.
24. (38) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Chevrolet, 69, accident, $1,825.
25. (21) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill, Conn., Ford, 65, transmission, $1,800.
26. (7) Anthony Sesely, Matawan, N.J., Chevrolet, 57, accident, $1,800.
27. (13) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Pontiac, 56, $2,300.
28. (27) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich, Conn., Chevrolet, 54, engine, $2,200.
29. (2) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville, N.Y., Dodge, 52, accident, $2,300.
30. (9) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 51, accident, $2,200.
31. (31) Joe Hartmann, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 32, engine, $2,200.
32. (10) Donny Lia, Jericho, N.Y., Chevrolet, 31, overheating, $1,800.
33. (32) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 23, overheating, $2,200.
34. (11) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 4, suspension, $2,300.
35. (36) Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Mass., Ford, 0, accident, $2,200.
36. (6) Rick Fuller, Auburn, Mass., 0, accident, $2,200.
37. (18) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 0, accident, $1,800.
38. (19) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass., Chevrolet, 0, accident, $1,800.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 29 minutes 18 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.095 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: R.Newman (127.453 mph, 29.658 seconds)

Caution Flags: 6 for 36 laps.

Lead Changes: 15 among 5 drivers.

Lap Leaders: R.Newman 1-7; C.Hossfeld 8-19; J.Blewett 20-21; R.Newman 22-42; J.Blewett 43-49; C.Hossfeld 50-52; J.Blewett 53-64; R.Preece 65; J.Blewett 66-75; T.Christopher 76; J.Blewett 77-79; T.Christopher 80; J.Blewett 81-82; T.Christopher 83-95; J.Blewett 96; T.Christopher 97-100.

Newman Takes New Hampshire 100 Pole

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Earns Pole First Time In A Modified

LOUDON, N.H. (Sept. 11, 2008) – Making his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Ryan Newman earned the Coors Light Pole Award in qualifying for the New Hampshire 100 Thursday.

Newman, who has 43 Coors Light Pole Awards to his credit during his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, wasted no time in getting one under his belt in a Modified. After turning the fastest lap in practice Thursday afternoon in his first time strapped into the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, Newman posted the quickest lap in qualifying at 29.658 seconds (127.453 mph).

Chuck Hossfeld (No. 4 Mystic Missile Dodge), who won the New England 100 at New Hampshire on June 28, will join Newman on the front row for Saturday’s race following his qualifying effort of 29.745 seconds (127.080 mph).

Rounding out the top five qualifiers on Thursday were Jimmy Blewett, Eric Beers and Bobby Grigas III. Series points leader Ted Christopher qualified 12th for Saturday’s 100-lap race.

Green flag for the New Hampshire 100 is set for Saturday at approximately 1 p.m., with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Camping World RV Rental 200 Driven by Winnebago Industries to follow. For ticket information, please visit New Hampshire ’s official Web site (nhms.com).

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour – New England 100 Lineup

Race Saturday; Qualifying Thursday - At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, N.H.

Lap length: 1.058 miles

(Car number in parentheses)

1. (7) Ryan Newman, South Bend Ind. , Chevrolet, 127.453
2. (4) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville N.Y. , Dodge, 127.080
3. (19)Jimmy Blewett, Howell N.J. , Chevrolet, 126.90
4. (46) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa. , Chevrolet, 126.612
5. (09) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield Mass. , Chevrolet, 126.493
6. (77) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass. , 126.396
7. (11) Anthony Sesely, Matawan N.J. , Chevrolet, 126.371
8. (2) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield Conn. , Ford, 126.337
9. (58) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y. , Chevrolet, 126.303
10. (96)Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y. , Chevrolet, 126.135
11. (28) Doug Coby, Milford Conn. , Chevrolet, 125.908
12. (36) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn. , Chevrolet, 125.853
13. (16) Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I. , Pontiac , 125.849
14. (10) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington Conn. , Chevrolet, 125.477
15. (0) Danny Sammons, Hamilton N.J. , Chevrolet, 125.47
16. (21) Richard Savary, Canton Mass. , Chevrolet, 125.444
17. (45) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville N.Y. , Chevrolet, 125.365
18. (5) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn. , Chevrolet, 125.286
19. (98) Bobby Santos, Franklin Mass., Chevrolet, 125.236
20. (59) Matt Hirschman, Northampton Pa. , Chevrolet, 125.232
21. (14) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill Conn. , Ford, 125.045
22. (79) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk Conn. , Pontiac , 124.988
23. (88) Woody Pitkat, Stafford Conn. , Chevrolet, 124.888
24. (06) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown N.J. , Dodge, 124.831
25. (1) Rob Summers, Vernon Conn. , Chevrolet, 124.567
26. (8) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays N.Y. , Chevrolet, 124.293
27. (32) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich Conn. , Chevrolet, 124.228
28. (90) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn. , Chevrolet, 124.187
29. (93) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley Pa. , Chevrolet, 123.671
30. (08) Tommy Farrell, Neptune N.J. , Chevrolet, 123.667
31. (05) Joe Hartmann, Calverton N.Y. , Chevrolet, 123.103
32. (33) Wade Cole, Riverton Conn. , Chevrolet, 122.795
33. (9) Jake Marosz, Middletown Conn. , Chevrolet, 122.235
34. (3) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, No speed*
35. (12) Ken Heagy, Calverton N.Y. , Chevrolet, 121.123*
36. (17) Glen Reen, Wilbraham Mass. , Ford, No speed*
37. (99) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J. , Chevrolet, 121.963*
38. (26) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma N.Y. , Chevrolet, 117.955*

* Denotes Provisional

Winner - Todd Szegedy
Howie Hodge Photo

Szegedy Earns First Win Of 2008

THOMPSON, Conn. – Preseason favorite Todd Szegedy broke through for his first win of the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season Sunday afternoon in the Sunoco Modified Mania 150 at Thompson International Speedway.

Szegedy (No. 2 Wisk-Snuggle Ford), who ran inside the top five for most of the afternoon, took his first lead of the race on Lap 132 and held off numerous charges by Ronnie Silk (No. 79 Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/Sunoco Pontiac) in the last 22 laps for his 13th career victory, and third at Thompson.

Silk, who entered the event on a two-race winning streak at Thompson, led seven laps in the race but could not get past Szegedy despite three restarts in the closing circuits.

Doug Coby (No. 28 Ramar-Hall/Genesis Shocks Chevrolet) came home third in the race, his second such finish in as many starts this year.

Long-time series veterans Reggie Ruggiero (No. 14 Atlantic Sprinkler Chevrolet) and Rick Fuller (No. 77 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles) came home fourth and fifth, respectively, for their best finishes of the year.

Fuller was honored prior to the race as part of NASCAR’s Celebration of 60 Years of Modified Champions. Sunday’s finish was the 145th top five of his career.

Bobby Santos, Billy Pauch Jr., Matt Hirschman, Rowan Pennink and Eric Beers rounded out the top 10 finishers in the race.

Series points leader Ted Christopher started on the pole with Saturday’s qualifying rained out. Christopher, who led all 157 laps last time out at Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Park, paced the field in the first 125 on Sunday at Thompson, but pitted on Lap 124 and never made it back to the front. Despite a 14th place finish, he retained a 63-point lead over Chuck Hossfeld with 11 races in the books.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will now move on to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the 12th race of the 2008 season on Saturday, Sept. 13. Green Flag for the New Hampshire 100 is set to drop at 1 p.m. For ticket information please visit New Hampshire’s official Web site.

Fin Str Car Driver Team Laps Points Total Award Status
1 6 2 Todd Szegedy Wisk-Snuggle Ford 153 180 $7,700 Running
2 5 79 Ronnie Silk Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/Sunoco Pontiac 153 170 3,400 Running
3 12 28 Doug Coby Ramar-Hall/Genesis Shocks Chevrolet 153 165 2,400 Running
4 28 14 Reggie Ruggiero Atlantic Sprinkler Ford 153 160 2,800 Running
5 22 77 Rick Fuller Toyota Certified Used Vehicles 153 155 2,150 Running
6 21 98 Bobby Santos ImperialCars.Com Chevrolet 153 150 1,550 Running
7 26 6 Billy Pauch, Jr. Greenfield Dodge Dodge 153 146 1,850 Running
8 10 93 Rowan Pennink Monk Mechanics Hand Cleaner Chevrolet 153 142 1,850 Running
9 3 59 Matt Hirschman Furnace & Duct Supply Chevrolet 153 138 1,750 Running
10 7 46 Eric Beers Reynold's Auto Wrecking/Sunoco Chevrolet 153 134 1,725 Running
11 13 58 Kevin Goodale Riverhead Building Supply Chevrolet 153 130 1,600 Running
12 18 0 Danny Sammons Area Auto Racing News Chevrolet 153 127 1,575 Running
13 17 9 Bobby Grigas, III Triple-G Scaffold Services Chevrolet 153 124 1,550 Running
14 1 36 Ted Christopher Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet 153 121 1,625 Running
15 2 4 Chuck Hossfeld Mystic Missile Dodge 153 118 1,600 Running
16 32 31 Tony Ferrante, Jr. Sunoco Chevrolet 152 115 1,075 Running
17 20 5 Joe Hartmann WMS Const./Charlie's Collision Chevrolet 151 112 1,450 Running
18 14 12 Ken Heagy Buoy One Seafood/TS Haulers Chevrolet 150 109 1,425 Running
19 19 33 Wade Cole Performance Engines/Kendall Oil Chevrolet 150 106 1,380 Running
20 24 32 Tom Abele, Jr. * Synergyn/Crystal Auto Body Chevrolet 150 103 1,675 Running
21 25 9 Jake Marosz Middlesex Auto Center Chevrolet 148 100 1,350 Running
22 4 16 Mike Stefanik Diversified Metals/Ace Moldings Pontiac 142 97 1,425 Accident
23 30 26 Gary McDonald * Mehner Engines/RC Electric Chevrolet 142 94 900 Running
24 29 90 Renee Dupuis SFI/Featherlite/UIG Chevrolet 136 91 875 Running
25 15 17 Glen Reen * Reen Orthodontics/Pep Boys Chevrolet 134 88 1,250 Accident
26 8 19 Jimmy Blewett United Crane/Ling Trucking Chevrolet 131 85 1,325 Steering
27 11 3 Ryan Preece Mizzy Const./Reynold's Auto Wrecking 130 82 1,200 Running
28 16 8 Glenn Tyler Sypher Const./Financial Fed. Credit Chevrolet 109 79 1,200 Accident
29 27 21 Richard Savary Superior Oil/Pine Hill Service Chevrolet 34 76 1,400 Suspension
30 9 10 Ed Flemke, Jr. Ron Bouchard Auto/Premier Kitchens Chevrolet 33 73 1,300 Running
31 31 64 Eric Berndt North End Auto Parts/Cos Central Auto 23 70 800 Accident
32 23 99 Jamie Tomaino J Co./Clean-Up Supply Chevrolet 23 67 1,200 Suspension

Fastest Qualifier: Field set per rule book, rain

Time of Race:1 hrs., 9 mins, 8 secs Average Speed: 82.992 mph Margin of Victory:0.141 Seconds

FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Todd Szegedy, 2 Wisk-Snuggle Ford

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Reggie Ruggiero, 14 Atlantic Sprinkler Ford

SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE AWARD: Tom Abele, Jr. *, 32 Synergyn/Crystal Auto Body Chevrolet

WHELEN WINNER OF THE RACE AWARD: Todd Szegedy, 2 Wisk-Snuggle Ford

Caution Flags: Laps 7-10; 24-28; 49-53; 125-128; 129-132; 135-138; 141-144; 148-151. 8 for 34 laps.

Lap Leaders: Ted Christopher 1-125, Ronnie Silk 126-131, Todd Szegedy 132-153.
Total Laps Led: Ted Christopher 125, Todd Szegedy 22, Ronnie Silk 6. 2 changes involving 3
drivers.

Top 10 Driver Points: Ted Christopher 1625, Chuck Hossfeld 1562, Matt Hirschman 1556, Todd Szegedy 1509, Ronnie Silk 1508, Mike Stefanik 1475, Eric Beers 1447, Rowan Pennink 1366, Jimmy Blewett 1354, Ed Flemke, Jr. 1302


Pole - Eric Beers Mary Hodge Photo	Winner - Ted Christopher Mary Hodge Photo

Christopher Climbs Win List With Dominant Run at Mansfield

Leads Wire-To-Wire For 29th Career Victory at 8/23

MANSFIELD, Ohio (Aug. 23, 2008) – Ted Christopher took sole possession of fifth place on the all-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins list when his No. 36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet took the checkered flag Saturday night in the Whelen 150 at Mansfield Motorsports Park.

Christopher, who qualified sixth fastest but drew the No. 1 bead in the post-qualifying re-draw to sit on the front row, never trailed in the 157 lap race that went to a green-white-checker finish following a late caution. The win was his second of 2008 and the 29th of his career, which moved him out of a tie with Mike Ewanitsko on the all-time list.

In the process Christopher became the first driver to lead a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race wire-to-wire since Todd Szegedy did it in the 2006 Fall Final at Stafford ( Conn. ) Motor Speedway.

Jimmy Blewett (No. 19 United Crane/Ling Trucking Chevrolet) finished as the runner-up in the race and was followed closely to the line by Ryan Preece (No. 3 Mizzy Construction/Reynold's Auto Wrecking Chevrolet), Coors Light Pole Award winner Eric Beers (No. 46 Reynold's Auto Wrecking/Sunoco Chevrolet) and Ronnie Silk (No. 79 Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/Sunoco Pontiac). Matt Hirschman, Erick Rudolph, Mike Stefanik, Kevin Goodale and Glen Reen rounded out the top 10.

It was a big points night for Christopher as well. He trailed Chuck Hossfeld in the season standings by 41 points heading into the event, but left with a 60-point advantage after Hossfeld suffered a broken axle and finished 28th.

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-Whelen 150 Results

Mansfield Motorsports Park - Mansfield, Ohio - Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (1) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 157 laps, 79.471 mph, $7,100.

2. (7) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 157, $3,200.

3. (5) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 157, $2,650.

4. (2) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 157, $3,700.

5. (12) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 157, $2,300.

6. (6) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 157, $2,100.

7. (15) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 157, $1,800.

8. (20) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 157, $2,625.

9. (14) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 157, $1,625.

10. (21) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 157, $1,600.

11. (4) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown , N.J. , Dodge, 157, $1,575.

12. (22) Woody Pitkat, Stafford , Conn. , Chevrolet, 157, $1,525.

13. (8) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 157, $1,600.

14. (19) Andy Seuss, Hampstead , N.H. , Chevrolet, 157, $1,095.

15. (25) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 156, $1,490.

16. (23) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 156, $1,480.

17. (24) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 156, $1,425.

18. (11) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 156, $1,400.

19. (18) Rick Fuller, Auburn , Mass. , 155, $1,375.

20. (17) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 155, $1,350.

21. (26) Jake Marosz, Middletown , Conn. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,325.

22. (3) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 151, suspension, $1,300.

23. (9) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 147, accident, $1,375.

24. (10) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 95, $1,350.

25. (28) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich , Conn. , Chevrolet, 83, ignition, $1,240.

26. (30) Darrel Krentz, Huntersville , N.C. , Chevrolet, 72, head gasket, $800.

27. (27) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 59, clutch, $1,200.

28. (13) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 57, axle, $1,300.

29. (16) Dion Ciccarelli, Crofton, Md., Chevrolet, 38, overheating, $800.

30. (29) Jeremy Stoltz, Walkertown , N.C. , Pontiac, 9, suspension, $800.

31. (31) Jamie Tomaino, Jr., Howell , N.J. , Ford, 7, vibration, $800.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 0 hours 59 minutes 16 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.177 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: E. Beers (117.501 mph, 15.319 seconds)

Caution Flags: 7 for 40 laps.

Lead Changes: 0 among 1 drivers.

Lap Leaders: T.Christopher 1-157.

Standings
1. T.Christopher, 1504; 2. C.Hossfeld, 1444; 3. M.Hirschman, 1418; 4.

M.Stefanik, 1378; 5. R.Silk, 1338; 6. T.Szegedy, 1329; 7. E.Beers, 1313; 8. J.Blewett,

1269; 9. E.Flemke,Jr., 1229; 10. R.Pennink, 1224.

Winner - Ronnie Silk
Mary Hodge Photo

Silk Takes Second Win of Season at Thompson
Both Wins in 2008 Have Come at Same Track

THOMPSON, Conn. (Aug. 14, 2008) – For the second time this season NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Ronnie Silk reached Victory Lane at Thompson International Speedway. Silk led 35 laps en route to the checkered flag Thursday night in the New England Dodge Dealers 150 presented by Budweiser.

For Silk, the win brought his career total to three, all at Thompson. The Norwalk , Conn. , driver was a winner at the northern Connecticut oval earlier this season on June 19.

“Our car is just great here, that’s for sure,” Silk said. “We’ve had good cars other places as well. Spencer we were second, Riverhead we were second. The breaks go our way here.”

With the win, Silk moved up to sixth in the season points standings, his highest ranking of the year

Matt Hirschman, who led nine laps on the evening, came home second for his best career finish at Thompson. Bobby Santos, Ted Christopher and Mike Stefanik rounded out the top five.

Glen Reen came home sixth and was followed in the top 10 by Rowan Pennink, Danny Sammons, Jamie Tomaino and Bobby Grigas III.

The starting grid for the race was set by the NASCAR rule book as rain washed out qualifying earlier in the evening.

Chuck Hossfeld, who finished 16th in the race, maintains a 41-point lead over Ted Christopher in the season standings.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will move on to Mansfield ( Ohio ) Motorsports Park next week for the Whelen 150 on Saturday, Aug. 23. Ticket information for a doubleheader of racing action that will also include the NASCAR Camping World Series East can be found by visiting Mansfield ’s official Web site (mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com).

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-New England Dodge Dealers 150 Results
At Thompson International Speedway - Thompson, CT - Lap length: 0.625 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (9) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 154 laps, 63.765 mph, $7,800.
2. (4) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 154, $3,400.
3. (21) Bobby Santos, Franklin , Mass. , Chevrolet, 154, $3,150.
4. (2) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 154, $2,600.
5. (6) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 154, $2,300.
6. (18) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 154, $2,250.
7. (11) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,850.
8. (20) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,725.
9. (23) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,600.
10. (19) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,550.
11. (27) Richard Savary, Canton , Mass. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,725.
12. (25) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich , Conn. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,488.
13. (24) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Dodge, 154, $1,475.
14. (28) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown , N.J. , Dodge, 154, $1,450.
15. (31) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 154, $1,036.
16. (1) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 154, $1,500.
17. (15) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 148, $1,375.
18. (13) Woody Pitkat, Stafford , Conn. , Chevrolet, 145, accident, $1,350.
19. (16) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 132, $1,325.
20. (3) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 132, $1,400.
21. (33) Andy Seuss, Hampstead , N.H. , Chevrolet, 130, accident, $875.
22. (26) Jake Marosz, Middletown , Conn. , Chevrolet, 125, accident, $850.
23. (22) Rick Fuller, Auburn , Mass. , 117, $825.
24. (10) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 115, $1,300.
25. (8) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 114, battery, $1,290.
26. (7) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 114, $1,250.
27. (14) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 98, $1,150.
28. (30) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury , Conn. , Chevrolet, 87, accident, $750.
29. (17) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 87, accident, $1,150.
30. (29) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill , Conn. , Ford, 81, accident, $750.
31. (32) Eric Berndt, Cromwell , Conn. , Chevrolet, 72, suspension, $750.
32. (5) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 67, axle, $1,250.
33. (12) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 3, accident, $1,150.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 30 minutes 34 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.397 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: F.set per rule book, rain ( mph, seconds)

Caution Flags: 13 for 66 laps.

Lead Changes: 9 among 6 drivers.

Lap Leaders: C.Hossfeld 1; T.Szegedy 2-48; T.Christopher 49-79; B.Grigas,III 80-96;
M.Hirschman 97; B.Grigas,III 98-111; M.Hirschman 112-115; R.Silk 116-138; M.Hirschman
139-142; R.Silk 143-154.

Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 1365; 2. T.Christopher, 1324; 3. M.Hirschman, 1268; 4.
M.Stefanik, 1236; 5. T.Szegedy, 1235; 6. R.Silk, 1183; 7. E.Beers, 1153; 8. E.Flemke,Jr.,
1138; 9. R.Pennink, 1100; 10. J.Blewett, 1099


Pole - Eric Beers Mary Hodge Photo	Winner - Jimmy Blewett Mary Hodge Photo

Blewett Earns Second Straight Trip to Victory Lane
Fourth Career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Win

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. (Aug. 8, 2008) – Jimmy Blewett visited Victory Lane in a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race for the second week in a row when he captured the New England Dodge Dealers 150 Friday night at Stafford Motor Speedway.

The win was the fourth of Blewett’s career, and his first at Stafford . He also won at Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway on Aug. 2. He is the first-back-to-back winner in 2008, and moved up to eighth in the season points standings.

Ed Flemke Jr. finished second and was followed in the top five by Doug Coby, Matt Hirschman and Eric Beers. Kevin Goodale, Mike Stefanik, Danny Sammons and Carl and Charles Pasteryak also registered top 10 finishes

Ryan Preece led a race-high 71 laps, but due to a penalty on the last lap of the race for aggressive driving, wound up 18th.

Although he finished 15th, Chuck Hossfeld will maintain an 86 point lead over Ted Christopher in the season standings through eight races.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to action at Thompson ( Conn ) International Speedway on Thursday, Aug. 14 for the New England Dodge Dealers 150 presented by Budweiser. For ticket information, visit Thompson’s official Web site (thompsonspeedway.com).

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-New England Dodge Dealers 150 Results
-
Friday August 8th - Stafford Motor Speedway - Stafford , CT - Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (7) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 150 laps, 62.937 mph, $6,900.
2. (18) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 150, $4,200.
3. (16) Doug Coby, Milford , Conn. , Chevrolet, 150, $2,700.
4. (3) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 150, $2,800.
5. (8) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 150, $3,000.
6. (14) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 150, $1,950.
7 (26) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 150, $2,700.
8. (12) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,750.
9. (17) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon , Conn. , Pontiac , 150, $1,300.
10. (20) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon , Conn. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,250.
11. (21) Rick Fuller, Auburn , Mass. , 150, $1,225.
12. (15) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,600.
13. (24) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown , N.J. , Dodge, 150, $1,525.
14. (9) Richard Savary, Canton , Mass. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,700.
15. (2) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 150, $1,575.
16. (4) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 150, $1,550.
17. (11) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,325.
18. (6) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 150, $1,500.
19. (30) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 149, $1,375.
20. (29) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 149, $1,325.
21. (28) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 148, $1,300.
22. (25) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 146, $1,275.
23. (10) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 145, $1,250.
24. (19) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 140, $1,225.
25. (27) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 138, $1,318.
26. (23) Ken Horton, Guilford , Conn. , Chevrolet, 102, suspension, $800.
27. (1) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 77, vibration, $1,300.
28. (5) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 54, ignition, $1,300.
29. (13) Eric Berndt, Cromwell , Conn. , Chevrolet, 32, distributor, $800.
30. (31) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Dodge, 30, engine, $1,200.
31. (22) Rob Summers, Vernon , Conn. , Chevrolet, 28, steering, $800.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 11 minutes 30 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.982 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: E.Beers (98.371 mph, 18.298 seconds)

Caution Flags: 8 for 46 laps.

Lead Changes: 7 among 5 drivers.

Lap Leaders: C.Hossfeld 1-4; T.Szegedy 5-58; E.Rudolph 59-70; R.Preece 71-77; T.Szegedy
78-84; R.Preece 85-148; T.Szegedy 149; J.Blewett 150.

Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 1250; 2. T.Christopher, 1164; 3. T.Szegedy, 1132; 4.
M.Hirschman, 1098; 5. E.Beers, 1086; 6. M.Stefanik, 1081; 7. E.Flemke,Jr., 1053; 8.
J.Blewett, 1011; 9. R.Silk, 1003; 10. R.Preece, 956.


Pole - Bill Park Howie Hodge Photo	Winner - Jimmy Blewett Mary Hodge Photo

Blewett Reaches Victory Lane at Riverhead
Earns Third Career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Win

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (Aug. 2, 2008) – Jimmy Blewett registered his third career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory Saturday night when he took the checkered flag in the Miller Lite 140 at Riverhead Raceway.

Blewett, of Howell , N.J. , was strong throughout the evening as he led three times for 80 laps, including the final 46. After qualifying fourth-fastest, Blewett took the win in the second of two 25-lap heat races that preceded the 140-lap main. He was then able to parlay his qualifying success into front-running in the feature.

After staring on the outside pole, Blewett led the first 10 circuits and swapped the lead with pole-sitter Bill Park twice in the early going. He would take his third and final lead of the night on a restart on lap 102.

The win was the third of Blewett’s career and his first at Riverhead. He had previously won at Martinsville ( Va. ) Speedway and Wall Township (N.J.) Speedway .

For the second race in a row, Ronnie Silk finished as the runner-up. With four top-10s in a row, including a win, Silk has moved up to seventh in the season points standings after a slow start.

Making his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour start of the year after he captured the series title a year ago, Donny Lia finished third and was followed in the top five by Ted Christopher and Ryan Preece. The fifth place finish was the best of Preece’s young career.

Ken Heagy, Mike Stefanik, Dan Jivanelli, Glenn Tyler and Eric Beers filled out the top 10.

Chuck Hossfeld came home 18th in the race and suffered his first finish outside the top five this year, but will retain a 44-point lead over Christopher in the season standings.

The 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season will reach its midway point next week when the New England Dodge Dealers 150 is contested at Stafford ( Conn. ) Motor Speedway. The third race of the season at the half-mile oval, and the eighth overall, will take place Friday, Aug. 8.

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-Miller Lite 140 Results

Riverhead Raceway - Riverhead, NY - Lap length: 0.25 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (2) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 147 laps, 33.418 mph, $3,300.
2. (10) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 147, $2,100.
3. (15) Donny Lia, Jericho , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,400.
4. (3) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,600.
5. (7) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 147, $2,000.
6. (21) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 147, $2,150.
7. (9) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 147, $1,250.
8. (23) Dan Jivanelli, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,000.
9. (4) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,175.
10. (20) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,150.
11. (11) Tony Ferrante, Jr., New Hyde Park , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 147, $925.
12. (27) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,300.
13. (6) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 147, $900.
14. (28) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 54, accident, $650.
15. (13) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 147, $800.
16. (1) Bill Park, Manorville , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 147, $1,175.
17. (14) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 147, $725.
18. (12) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 146, $700.
19. (26) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 145, $675.
20. (24) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 140, $625.
21. (17) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 139, $600.
22. (25) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 134, $550.
23. (22) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Chevrolet, 134, $527.
24. (19) Wayne Anderson, Yaphank , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 96, accident, $300.
25. (8) Chuck Steuer, Bohemia , N.Y., Chevrolet, 83, accident, $300.
26. (5) Mike Andrews, Bohemia , Chevrolet, 81, suspension, $300.
27. (18) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 55, engine, $500.
28. (16) James Civali, Meriden , Conn. , Chevrolet, 54, accident, $500.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 5 minutes 59 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.579 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: B. Park (75.462 mph, 11.926 seconds)

Caution Flags: 11 for 95 laps.

Lead Changes: 5 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: J.Blewett 1-10; B.Park 11-12; J.Blewett 13-36; B.Park 37-58; T.Christopher
59-101; J.Blewett 102-147.

Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 1129; 2. T.Christopher, 1085; 3. T.Szegedy, 1014; 4.
M.Hirschman, 935; 5. M.Stefanik, 935; 6. E.Beers, 931; 7. R.Silk, 921; 8. E.Flemke,Jr.,
880; 9. R.Pennink, 863; 10. R.Preece, 847.


Coors Light Pole - Jan Leaty Fran Lawlor Photo	Mason Farms 100 Winner - Matt Hirschman Fran Lawlor Photo

Hirschman Earns First NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Victory at Spencer in Mason Farms 100

WILLIAMSON, N.Y. (July 12, 2008) – Matt Hirschman reached Victory Lane for the first time in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career Saturday night at Spencer Speedway when he led 79 laps and won the Mason Farms 100.

Hirschman, who won the second of two 25-lap heat races earlier in the evening, led four times throughout the 100-lap main and was the car to beat all night. After Mike Stefanik had moved through the field and took the lead on lap 89, the veteran was caught up in an accident coming out of Turn 3 and Hirschman took back a lead that he would never relinquish.

Hirschman’s first victory came in his 45th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour start.

Ronnie Silk was the runner-up to Hirschman in the race which marked his third top 10 finish in a row. Chuck Hossfeld, who won the first heat race, came home third, and has yet to finish outside the top five in six races this year.

Jimmy Blewett followed Hossfeld across the finish line while Stefanik wound up fifth. They were followed in the top 10 by Glen Reen, Todd Szegedy, Wade Cole, Danny Sammons and Bobby Grigas III. The finish was the best of Reen’s rookie season.

Earlier in the evening Williamson native Jan Leaty captured the Coors Light Pole Award following group qualifying, but suffered a crash on the first lap of the main and could not continue.

With six races in the books, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will move to Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway for the next date on the schedule. The Miller Lite 140 will take place on
Saturday, Aug. 2.

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-Mason Farms 100 Results
SaturdayAt Spencer Speedway, Williamson, NY Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 100 laps, 45.374 mph, $3,700.
2. (8) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 100, $2,200.
3. (1) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 100, $1,900.
4. (10) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 100, $1,650.
5. (4) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 100, $1,550.
6. (19) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 100, $2,050.
7. (23) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 100, $1,350.
8. (29) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 100, $2,050.
9. (25) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 100, $1,050.
10. (9) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 100, $1,200.
11. (18) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Dodge, 100, $1,150.
12. (13) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 100, $1,025.
13. (24) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 100, $925.
14. (22) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 100, $875.
15. (30) Jake Marosz, Middletown , Conn. , Chevrolet, 100, $630.
16. (17) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 100, $800.
17. (3) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 99, $775.
18. (28) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 99, $725.
19. (6) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 90, suspension, $700.
20. (27) Bill Hebing, Ontario , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 89, accident, $475.
21. (21) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 89, $425.
22. (26) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich , Conn. , Chevrolet, 83, $600.
23. (15) Richard Savary, Canton , Mass. , Chevrolet, 67, steering, $575.
24. (31) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 63, clutch, $325.
25. (12) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 62, accident, $500.
26. (20) James Civali, Meriden , Conn. , Chevrolet, 61, $500.
27. (7) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 36, accident, $500.
28. (16) Jim Storace, Kingston , N.H. , Pontiac , 24, accident, $300.
29. (11) Mike Leaty, Williamson , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 14, accident, $300.
30. (14) Buck Catalano, Ontario , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 12, accident, $300.
31. (5) Jan Leaty, Williamson , N.Y. , Pontiac, 0, accident, $900.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 6 minutes 7 seconds

Margin of Victory: 0.782 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: J.Leaty (94.251 mph, 19.098 seconds)

Caution Flags: 9 for 40 laps.

Lead Changes: 7 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: C.Hossfeld 1-18; M.Hirschman 19-39; C.Hossfeld 40; M.Hirschman 41-59;
C.Hossfeld 60; M.Hirschman 61-88; M.Stefanik 89; M.Hirschman 90-100.
Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 1020; 2. T.Christopher, 925; 3. T.Szegedy, 896; 4. M.Hirschman,
823; 5. E.Beers, 797; 6. M.Stefanik, 789; 7. E.Flemke,Jr., 777; 8. R.Pennink, 766; 9.
R.Silk, 751; 10. R.Preece, 692.

Thompson is Sweet Spot for Mod Tour’s Silk

Thompson Pole - Bobby Gringas III #9 Mary Hodge Photo	Thompson Winner - Ronnie Silk #79 Mary Hodge Photo
Howie Hodge Photo
Howie Hodge Photo

Silk Registers Second Career Victory at Thompson

Driver of the No. 79 earns first win of 2008

THOMPSON, Conn. (June 19, 2008) – Ronnie Silk reached Victory Lane for the second time in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career when he took the checkered flag in the New England Dodge Dealers 75 Thursday night at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway.

In a race that counted only green flag laps, Silk took the lead from Ted Christopher on lap 53 and never relinquished it en route to his first win of the season. His previous victory also came at Thompson on Sept. 23, 2007.

“We had a really good car and it never really changed much all night,” Silk said. “We kind of took it easy in the beginning and saved as much as we could, and by the end we were right about where we wanted to be.”

Christopher wound up with a second place finish and drew to within 26 points of Chuck Hossfeld in the season points standings. Mike Stefanik, Hossfeld and Tony Ferrante Jr. rounded out the top five finishers.

Todd Szegedy came home with a sixth place finish in the event and was followed by Matt Hirschman, Bobby Santos, Kevin Goodale and Ryan Preece in the top 10.

Bobby Grigas III looked strong early on the race as he led 20 of the first 27 laps. On lap 28, with Ed Flemke Jr. battling Grigas for the lead, the two tangled in Turn 4 and Grigas slid into the infield. Flemke was penalized to the end of the lead lap and Christopher then assumed the lead when the race went green again.

Earlier in the evening Grigas nabbed his first career Coors Light Pole Award. The second-year driver turned in a time of 18.751 seconds (119.994).

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will make its next stop at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the New England 100 on Saturday, June 28.

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR
New England Dodge Dealers 75 presented by Charter

Thursday June 19th - Thompson International Speedway - Thompson, CT

Lap length: 0.625 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (5) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 75 laps, 34.105 mph, $5,200.
2. (7) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 75, $2,700.
3. (4) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 75, $2,200.
4. (4) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 75, $1,900.
5. (15) Tony Ferrante, Jr., New Hyde Park , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,300.
6. (11) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 75, $1,500.
7. (9) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,400.
8. (22) Bobby Santos, Franklin , Mass. , Chevrolet, 75, $975.
9. (2) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 75, $1,125.
10. (16) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,100.
11. (18) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury , Conn. , Chevrolet, 75, $875.
12. (17) Rick Fuller, Auburn , Mass. , 75, $825.
13. (13) Richard Savary, Canton , Mass. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,200.
14. (1) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,175.
15. (30) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Ford, 75, $925.
16. (24) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 75, $918.
17. (34) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon , Conn. , Pontiac , 74, $1,450.
18. (31) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich , Conn. , Chevrolet, 75, $1,200.
19. (27) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 74, $1,100.
20. (12) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon , Conn. , Chevrolet, 74, $700.
21. (6) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 74, $1,700.
22. (35) Jake Marosz, Middletown , Conn. , Chevrolet, 0, accident, $700.
23. (33) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Chevrolet, 73, $700.
24. (32) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 55, $900.
25. (28) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 52, accident, $900.
26. (8) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 52, accident, $1,100.
27. (23) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Dodge, 52, accident, $900.
28. (29) James Civali, Meriden , Conn. , Chevrolet, 50, accident, $1,100.
29. (10) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 35, accident, $900.
30. (20) Tommy Farrell, Neptune , N.J. , Chevrolet, 34, accident, $700.
31. (26) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown , N.J. , Dodge, 33, accident, $900.
32. (19) Eric Berndt, Cromwell , Conn. , Chevrolet, 33, accident, $700.
33. (25) Andy Seuss, Hampstead , N.H. , Chevrolet, 21, clutch, $700.
34. (3) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 2, accident, $900.
35. (21) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 0, accident, $900.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 22 minutes 28 seconds

Margin of Victory: .733 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: B.Grigas (119.994 mph, 18.751 seconds)

Caution Flags: 12 cautions (caution laps did not count)

Lead Changes: 5 among 6 drivers.

Lap Leaders: E.Beers 1; K.Goodale 2; C.Hossfeld 3-6; B.Grigas,III 7-27; T.Christopher
28-52; R.Silk 53-75.

Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 675; 2. T.Christopher, 649; 3. T.Szegedy, 604; 4. M.Stefanik,
549; 5. J.Civali, 526; 6. E.Beers, 525; 7. R.Pennink, 524; 8. M.Hirschman, 516; 9.
E.Flemke,Jr., 497; 10. K.Heagy, 472.

Stafford Pole - Chuck Hossfeld
Mary Hodge Photo

Stafford Winner - Chuck Hossfeld
Howie Hodge Photo

Hossfeld Returns the ‘Mystic Missile’ to Victory Lane at Stafford

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Driver Earns Sixth Career Victory

STAFFORD, Conn. (May 23, 2008) – Chuck Hossfeld piloted the No. 4 Mystic Missile Dodge to Victory Lane in the third NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event of the season Friday night in the TSI Harley-Davidson 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway.

In a race that was delayed nearly two and a half hours, Hossfeld won for the first time since the 2004 season. Hossfeld also won the race Donny Lia did in the No. 4 last year en route to the championship.

The victory was the sixth of Hossfeld’s career. Each of his previous wins came in the No. 4 in his first stint with car owner Bob Garbarino, which ended after 2004. Hossfeld rejoined the team in the offseason after Lia left to run in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

“I’m just thrilled to be hooked up with my team, my old team,” Hossfeld said. “It scared me that I wouldn’t have a ride on the [NASCAR Whelen Modified] Tour. This is my home, I love this tour. I don’t know what I expected, but I’m glad with what’s going on.

Hossfeld, who captured his eighth career Coors Light Pole Award earlier in the evening, led 39 of the first 40 laps of the race before giving way to Bobby Grigas III.

Grigas and a host of the race leaders pitted on lap 92 and Matt Hirschman assumed the lead when he stayed out. When the race went green again following lap 107, Hossfeld beat Hirschman back to the line to take back the lead, a lead he never relinquished.

“The car was just a tick too tight at the end, but I don’t care,” Hossfeld said. “We won, I’m happy.”

Todd Szegedy was the runner-up followed by Ted Christopher, Mike Stefanik and Jimmy Blewett in fifth. Eric Beers, Ed Flemke Jr., Ryan Preece, James Civali and rookie Erick Rudolph rounded out the top 10.

Prior to the race NASCAR honored seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Mike Stefanik as part of the season-long celebration of 60 years of Modified champions.

Hossfeld will take a 36 point lead into the next event ahead of Christopher in the season standings. Szegedy is 61 points back.

During post-race technical inspection, possible with the No. 19 of Blewett were found. The parts in question will be taken back to the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord , N.C. , for further evaluation.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will make its next stop at Thompson ( Conn. ) International Speedway for the New England Dodge Dealers 75 on Thursday, June 19. Only green flag laps will be counted in that race’s format.

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR-TSI Harley-Davidson 150 Unofficial Results

FridayAt Stafford Motor Speedway - Stafford , CT - Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (1) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville , N.Y. , Dodge, 153 laps, 62.449 mph, $7,100.
2. (14) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield , Conn. , Ford, 153, $3,200.
3. (4) Ted Christopher, Plainville , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $2,700.
4. (27) Mike Stefanik, Coventry , R.I. , Pontiac , 153, $3,050.
5. (6) Jimmy Blewett, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,900.
6. (3) Eric Beers, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,600.
7. (17) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,500.
8. (5) Ryan Preece, Kensington , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,900.
9. (19) James Civali, Meriden , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,350.
10. (9) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,600.
11. (7) Matt Hirschman, Northampton , Pa. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,250.
12. (24) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley , Pa. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,225.
13. (21) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,150.
14. (13) Jamie Tomaino, Howell , N.J. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,100.
15. (29) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown , N.J. , Dodge, 153, $1,075.
16. (2) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield , Mass. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,050.
17. (26) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 153, $1,025.
18. (20) Woody Pitkat, Stafford , Conn. , Chevrolet, 153, $1,000.
19. (28) Ken Heagy, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 153, $950.
20. (15) Danny Sammons, Hamilton , N.J. , Chevrolet, 153, $925.
21. (25) Glen Reen, Wilbraham , Mass. , Pontiac, 153, $900.
22. (30) Wade Cole, Riverton , Conn. , Chevrolet, 152, $875.
23. (31) Joe Hartmann, Calverton , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 151, $850.
24. (8) Richard Savary, Canton , Mass. , Chevrolet, 148, $825.
25. (22) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays , N.Y. , Chevrolet, 145, ignition, $800.
26. (11) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk , Conn. , Pontiac , 133, accident, $768.
27. (23) Eric Berndt, Cromwell , Conn. , Chevrolet, 109, accident, $750.
28. (16) Anthony Sesely, Matawan , N.J. , Chevrolet, 108, suspension, $750.
29. (10) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill , Conn. , Ford, 19, accident, $750.
30. (12) Rob Summers, Vernon , Conn. , Chevrolet, 18, accident, $750.
31. (18) Rick Fuller, Auburn , Mass. , 18, accident, $750.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 13 minutes 30 seconds

Margin of Victory: .416 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: C.Hossfeld (99.272 mph, 18.132 seconds)

Caution Flags: 9 for 46 laps.

Lead Changes: 4 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: B.Grigas,III 1; C.Hossfeld 2-39; B.Grigas,III 40-92; M.Hirschman 93-106; C.Hossfeld 107-153.

Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 515; 2. T.Christopher, 479; 3. T.Szegedy, 454; 4. J.Civali, 443; 5. R.Pennink, 415; 6. E.Flemke,Jr., 408; 7. E.Beers, 399; 8. M.Stefanik, 384; 9. J.Blewett, 376; 10. M.Hirschman, 366.

Sizzler Pole - Ryan Preece
Mary Hodge Photo

Sizzler Winner - Ted Christopher
Mary Hodge Photo

Ted Christopher and wife Quinn celebrate with the team in Victory Lane after winning the Tech-Net
Spring Sizzler at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway Sunday. (Photo credit: Howie Hodge/NASCAR).

Spring In His Step:
Christopher Walks Away With Another Sizzler Victory

By Jason Christley, NASCAR
April 27, 2008 - 4:16pm
STAFFORD, Conn. – Ted Christopher already has the record for most wins at Stafford Motor Speedway but has no intention of slowing down.

Christopher reached another milestone Sunday with his fourth Tech-Net Spring Sizzler victory in the 200-lap NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, tying Mike Stefanik for the most wins at four in the main event for Stafford’s flagship season-opening weekend.

“At this point in time, I just break records,” said Christopher, after picking up his eighth tour win at Stafford and 98 in all divisions at the track. “I guess it doesn’t matter that I’m 50.”

Eric Beers was second, followed by Chuck Hossfeld, Stefanik and James Civali. Rowan Pennink, Richard Savary, Jamie Tomaino, Todd Szegedy and Glenn Tyler rounded out the top 10.

Christopher has won six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series championships in the track’s SK Modified division. The experience he’s garnered running the historic half-mile on a weekly basis paid off in the season’s second NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race.

He led two times for 79 laps, sliding underneath Beers for the lead for the final time on lap 171. It was Christopher’s pre-race strategy of two pit stops – once at lap 52 and the second giving up the lead on lap 142 – that gave him fresh tires to charge through the field in the final quarter of the race.

“Mike Stefanik says that puts me in a tough situation,” Christopher said. “But it’s a better situation for the fans.”

Christopher emerged from the final pit stop in 11th.

“It’s a lot of stuff you learn and know,” said Christopher of the pit calls. “And hoping it works out that way and it did. For me, it’s passing whoever is in front of me. When I get to the point where there’s nobody left to pass, I’m in front.”

A restart on lap 193 gave Beers one more shot.

“The heat cycles killed us – his tires just fired a little faster because his were fresher,” said Beers, who opted to pit earlier. “We just wanted to run up front and pit at a time were we didn’t have to come back up through the field.”

Hossfeld passed Stefanik for third following the final restart. After finishing second in the Icebreaker, Hossfeld took over the points lead by 21 over Christopher.

“It’s so competitive, it’s always in your mind,” Hossfeld said. “I guess it’s better being in first than somewhere else.”

Ryan Preece, who became the youngest Coors Light Pole Award Saturday, led 64 laps before motor problems ended his day in 29th.

Prior to the race, NASCAR and the track honored 1966 NASCAR Modified Division champion Ernie Gahan and the late Red Byron, the 1948 NASCAR Modified champion.

Fin Str Car Driver Team Laps Points Total Award Status

1 5 36 Ted Christopher Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet 200 180 $8,320 Running

2 4 46 Eric Beers Reynold's Wrecking/J&R Pre-Cast Chevrolet 200 170 4,820 Running

3 8 4 Chuck Hossfeld Mystic Missile Dodge 200 165 3,320 Running

4 10 16 Mike Stefanik Diversified Metals/Ace Moldings Pontiac 200 160 3,320 Running

5 12 28 James Civali Ramar-Hall Inc./Genesis Shocks Chevrolet 200 155 3,020 Running

6 18 93 Rowan Pennink Monk Mechanics Hand Cleaner Chevrolet 200 150 2,620 Running

7 19 21 Richard Savary Superior Oil Chevrolet 200 146 2,720 Running

8 11 99 Jamie Tomaino J Co./Clean-Up Supply Chevrolet 200 142 2,920 Running

9 23 2 Todd Szegedy Wisk-Snuggle Ford 200 138 2,220 Running

10 22 8 Glenn Tyler Sypher Construction Chevrolet 200 134 2,020 Running

11 9 58 Kevin Goodale Riverhead Building Supply Chevrolet 200 130 1,920 Running

12 29 12 Ken Heagy Budy One Seafood Chevrolet 200 127 1,495 Running

13 34 17 Glen Reen * Reen Orthodontics Chevrolet 200 124 2,200 Running

14 6 59 Matt Hirschman Ed Bennett Properties Chevrolet 200 121 1,899 Running

15 17 11 Anthony Sesely A-1 Auto Center Dodge 200 118 1,050 Running

16 28 0 Danny Sammons Area Auto Racing News Chevrolet 199 115 1,760 Running

17 33 32 Tom Abele, Jr. * Synergyn/Crystal Auto Chevrolet 196 112 1,025 Running

18 14 64 Eric Berndt Northend Auto Parts/Cos Central Auto Chevrolet 193 109 975 Running

19 35 53 Sean Patterson * John DeLiso & AXA Financial Pontiac 193 106 950 Running

20 2 0 Frank Ruocco Earth Technology Chevrolet 185 103 925 Accident

21 21 33 Wade Cole Performance Engines/Kendall Oil Chevrolet 185 100 1,620 Running

22 25 6 Billy Pauch, Jr. Greenfield Dodge Dodge 184 97 1,595 Accident

23 3 19 Jimmy Blewett Major Motion Transport/TS Haulers Chevrolet 179 94 1,670 Accident

24 16 45 Erick Rudolph * Original Pizza Logs/Prime Tyme Chevrolet 174 91 825 Accident

25 24 75 Carl Pasteryak Sunoco/Dawley's Collision Chevrolet 156 88 800 Running

26 26 90 Renee Dupuis SFI/Featherlite Chevrolet 153 85 1,200 Suspension

27 30 10 Ed Flemke, Jr. Ron Bouchard Auto/Premier Kitchens Chevrolet 109 82 1,620 Running

28 13 79 Ronnie Silk Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/Sunoco Pontiac 103 79 1,620 Running

29 7 3 Ryan Preece Mizzy Construction/FJ Hubany Chevrolet 91 76 2,120 Engine

30 27 9 Bobby Grigas, III Triple-G Scaffold Services Chevrolet 60 73 1,520 Oil Pressure

31 20 5 Joe Hartmann WMS Const./Charlie's Collision Chevrolet 59 70 1,520 Accident

32 31 14 Reggie Ruggiero Atlantic Sprinkler Ford 54 67 1,520 Ignition

33 1 1 Rob Summers Frasco Fuel & Oil Chevrolet 50 64 800 Drive Shaft

34 15 77 Rick Fuller Toyota Certified Used Vehicles 26 61 1,520 Timing Chain

35 32 9 Jake Marosz Middlesex Auto Center Chevrolet 11 58 1,200 Accident

Fastest Qualifier: Ryan Preece, Time: 18.057 Seconds, Speed: 99.684 MPH

Time of Race:1 hrs., 47 mins, 2 secs Average Speed: 56.057 mph Margin of Victory:0.719 Seconds

COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: Ryan Preece, 3 Mizzy Construction/FJ Hubany Chevrolet

FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Jamie Tomaino, 99 J Co./Clean-Up Supply Chevrolet

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Glen Reen *, 17 Reen Orthodontics Chevrolet

SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE AWARD: Glen Reen *, 17 Reen Orthodontics Chevrolet

WHELEN WINNER OF THE RACE AWARD: Ted Christopher, 36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet

Caution Flags: Laps 2-6; 8-13; 49-54; 59-66; 91-96; 104-108; 141-146; 155-158; 161-163; 167-171; 175-179; 180-183; 185-192. 13 for 71 laps.

Lap Leaders: Rob Summers 1-5, Jimmy Blewett 6, Rob Summers 7-26, Ryan Preece 27-90, Eric Beers 91-92, Ted Christopher 93-142, Eric Beers 143-171, Ted Christopher 172-200.

Total Laps Led: Ted Christopher 79, Ryan Preece 64, Eric Beers 31, Rob Summers 25, Jimmy Blewett 1. 7 changes involving 5 drivers.

Top 10 Driver Points: Chuck Hossfeld 335, Ted Christopher 314, James Civali 305,
Rowan Pennink 288, Todd Szegedy 284, Tom Abele, Jr. * 267, EdFlemke, Jr. 262, Glenn Tyler 255, Eric Beers 249, Anthony Sesely 248

BUD POLE AWARD: JAMES CIVALI

MARY HODGE PHOTO

WINNER: ED FLEMKE JR.

MARY HODGE PHOTO

Flemke Captures Rain-Shortened Icebreaker
- Veteran Driver Earns 17th Career Victory

THOMPSON, Conn. (April 6, 2008) Ed Flemke, Jr. captured the first event of the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season in a rain-shortened Icebreaker Sunday afternoon at Thompson International Speedway.

In third place at the time, Flemke gambled and stayed out on the track when the race went to caution on lap 74. As the race leaders pitted, the gamble paid off as the track gained moisture and the race never went green again. The result was Flemke’s 17th career victory.

“It just means so much toward the end of my career,” Flemke said of the victory. “Each one gets sweeter. Like Mark Martin once said, you enjoy each win because it may be your last.”

Chuck Hossfeld took home second place in the No. 4 and Bobby Grigas III finished third in the event, which was slated to go 150 laps. Joe Hartmann and Tom Abele, Jr. rounded out the top five. It was the best career finish for the latter three.

In his first career start, Abele was able to garner both the Sunoco Rookie of the Race and POWERade Power Move of the Race awards as the highest rookie finisher and for improving 32 spots.

Although he had been in victory lane at Thompson three times previously, it was the first win in the Icebreaker for Flemke, the traditional season-opening event for racing in New England. It also marked the first win for Flemke’s car owner, Gary Teto.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will make its second stop of the season at Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 27 in Stafford Springs, Conn.

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR - Icebreaker Results

Sunday April 6, 2008 At Thompson Speedway, Thompson, CT

Lap length: 0.62 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (8) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 92 laps, 56.647 mph, $7,920.
2. (10) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville, N.Y., Dodge, 92, $3,220.
3. (2) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield, Mass., Chevrolet, 92, $3,070.
4. (34) Joe Hartmann, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 92, $3,295.
5. (36) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $2,825.
6. (1) James Civali, Meriden, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $2,995.
7. (3) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 92, $2,295.
8. (11) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill, Conn., Ford, 92, $2,095.
9. (18) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 92, $1,945.
10. (15) Ted Christopher, Plainville, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $1,995.
11. (29) Anthony Sesely, Matawan, N.J., Dodge, 92, $1,150.
12. (5) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 92, $1,965.
13. (19) Charles Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $1,134.
14. (22) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays, N.Y., Chevrolet, 92, $1,850.
15. (23) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 92, $1,385.
16. (17) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 92, $1,870.
17. (30) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $1,430.
18. (21) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown, N.J., Dodge, 92, $1,695.
19. (12) Ryan Preece, Kensington, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $1,670.
20. (26) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 92, $925.
21. (4) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac, 92, $1,720.
22. (37) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 91, $1,570.
23. (35) Jake Marosz, Middletown, Conn., Chevrolet, 91, $1,225.
24. (39) Sean Patterson, Wading River, N.Y., Pontiac, 88, $800.
25. (9) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 84, $1,510.
26. (28) Richard Savary, Canton, Mass., Chevrolet, 82, $1,700.
27. (33) Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Mass., Chevrolet, 81, $770.
28. (14) Eric Beers, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 75, $1,580.
29. (25) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 75, steering, $750.
30. (6) Tony Ferrante, Jr., New Hyde Park, N.Y., Chevrolet, 73, accident, $750.
31. (16) Eric Berndt, Cromwell, Conn., Chevrolet, 37, accident, $750.
32. (32) Rick Fuller, Auburn, Mass., 34, $1,470.
33. (20) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Pontiac, 32, $1,570.
34. (13) Danny Sammons, Hamilton, N.J., Chevrolet, 29, accident, $1,470.
35. (7) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass., Chevrolet, 23, accident, $1,470.
36. (24) J.R. Bertuccio, Centereach, N.Y., Dodge, 23, accident, $750.
37. (27) Jim Storace, Kingston, N.H., Pontiac, 23, steering, $750.
38. (31) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 19, accident, $1,570.
39. (38) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Chevrolet, 10, accident, $750.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 1 hour 0 minutes 25 seconds

Margin of Victory: race ended under caution

Fastest Qualifier: J.Civali (120.097 mph, 18.585 seconds)

Caution Flags: 6 for 53 laps.

Lead Changes: 3 among 4 drivers.

Lap Leaders: B.Grigas,III 1-12; J.Civali 13-42; T.Szegedy 43-70; E.Flemke,Jr. 71-92.

Standings: 1. E.Flemke,Jr., 185; 2. C.Hossfeld, 170; 3. B.Grigas,III, 165; 4. J.Hartmann,

PREVIOUS 2007 STORIES AND PHOTOS of the
NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR NOTEBOOK

Spring In His Step: Christopher Walks Away With Another Sizzler Victory

Spring In His Step:
Christopher Walks Away With Another Sizzler Victory