Whelen Mods Notebook Page 2

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2005 NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR NOTEBOOK

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   TONY HIRSCHMAN HOLDS OFF HOSSFELD AT JENNERSTOWN

    JENNERSTOWN, Pa. (July 9, 2005) -- Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. held off a late race challenge by Chuck Hossfeld of Buffalo, N.Y. to record his second win of the 2005 season in the Wheeler Brothers 150 at Jennerstown Speedway.

Hirschman appeared headed for a relatively easy victory. After taking the lead from Jerry Marquis of Broad Brook, Conn. on lap 48 he opened up a 4 second advantage lapping all but the Top-4 cars.

A late race caution for a spin by Steve Whitt on lap 138 changed the complexion of the race. Hirschman, Marquis, Hossfeld and Eddie Flemke headed to pit road on lap 139 for fresh tires. Hirschman emerged from the pits first followed by Flemke, Hossfeld and Marquis. The final restart occurred on lap 146. Hossfeld nosed under Flemke on lap 147 and applied heavy pressure to Hirschman over the final 3 laps making a final bid for the win, but coming up just short.

It was the 31st career win for Hirschman placing him in a tie with Jeff Fuller for third on the all time series win list. The victory was his third at Jennerstown. Hirschman also earned the Bud Pole Award for setting fast time in qualifying, he led the most laps to pick up the Tommy Baldwin Memorial Award and he also collected the Featherlite Most Improved Driver award.

Hossfeld’s second place finish in the Creative Products Ford moved him to within 27 points of leader Ted Christopher. Christopher suffered overheating problems and finished 23rd.
Flemke held on for third in the Red Line Oil/ Ron Bouchard Auto Chevrolet. Former series champion Marquis was fourth in the Reynolds Auto Wrecking Dodge. Jamie Tomaino rounded out the Top-5 in the Perth Amboy Spring Ford.

The next event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 15.

JENNERSTOWN, Pa. (July 9, 2005) – Unofficial Results of the Wheeler Bros. 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Jennerstown Speedway showing starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, laps completed, winner’s average speed in mph, reason out if any and money won.
    1. (6) Tony Hirschman, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 150, 76.308 mph, $8,600
    2. (7) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 150, $3,600
    3. (10) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $2,900
    4. (2) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 150, $2,700
    5. (14) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 150, $2,300
    6. (24) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 149, $2,700
    7. (3) Zach Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 149, $2,150
    8. (16) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 149, $2,100
    9. (8) Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 149, $1,900
    10. (21) Matt Hirschman, Northampton Pa., Dodge, 149, $1,100
    11. (4) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 149, $1,900
    12. (9) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Pontiac, 149, $1,675
    13. (11) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 149, $1,750
    14. (1) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 148, $1,600
    15. (18) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 148, $1,550
    16. (17) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y., Chevrolet, 148, $1,225
    17. (12) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 147, $1,500
    18. (13) Steve Whitt, Farmingdale N.J., Dodge, 147, $1,175
    19. (22) Daren Scherer, Binghamton N.Y., Chevrolet, 147, $750
    20. (26) Wade Cole, Riverton Conn., Chevrolet, 146, $1,125
    21. (25) Richard Coy, Ringwood N.J., Chevrolet, 143, $725
    22. (23) Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, 139, $400
    23. (15) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 125, $1,525
    24. (5) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 125, Handling, $1,425
    25. (19) Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, 36, Accident, $1,425
    26. (20) Darrin Stevens, West Boylston Mass., Chevrolet, 28, Clutch, $1,125
    27. (27) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 21, Overheating, $1,425
    28. (28) Jake Marosz, Middletown Conn., Chevrolet, 19, Accident, $725
    29. (29) Tyler Haydt, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 0, Did Not Start, $1,425

    Time of Race:    1 hrs., 1 mins, 34 secs     Average Speed:76.308 mph
Margin of Victory:    .26 Seconds

    BUD POLE AWARD: Tony Hirschman, 48 Kamco Supply Corporation Chevrolet
    FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Tony Hirschman, 48 Kamco Supply Corporation Chevrolet
    POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Rick Fuller, 1 Polar Beverages/Frasco Fuel Pontiac
    SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Darrin Stevens *, 44 Gray's Limousine Chevrolet
    TOMMY BALDWIN MEMORIAL AWARD: Tony Hirschman, 48 Kamco Supply Corporation Chevrolet

Caution Flags:    Laps 21-27; 31-33; 37-40; 138-145. 4 for 22 laps.
    Lap Leaders:    Eric Beers 1-13, Jerry Marquis 14-47, Tony Hirschman 48-150.
    Total Laps Led:    Tony Hirschman 103, Jerry Marquis 34, Eric Beers 13. 2 changes involving 3      drivers.

    Unofficial Top 20 Driver Points: Ted Christopher 959, Chuck Hossfeld 932, Tony Hirschman 846, Rick Fuller 836, Donny Lia 833, Zach Sylvester 795, Doug Coby 767, Eddie Flemke 752, Jerry Marquis 747, Jamie Tomaino 743, Chris Kopec 738, Mike Christopher 705, Eric Beers 678, Nevin    George 640, Renee Dupuis 627, Ken Barry 619, Gregg Shivers 594, Tommy Cloce 570, Tyler Haydt * 561, Kevin Konopka 555
    Next Race:    Loudon, N.H.
* Denotes Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFED TOUR SET FOR RETURN TO JENNERSTOWN

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2005) – Six years have passed since the last NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown Pa. When the field for the Wheeler Brothers 150 lines up for the series return on July 9, it will consist of veterans of the series who have raced at Jennerstown and newcomers who will be making their first start at picturesque 1/2 mile facility in western Pennsylvania. That scenario includes the Hirschman family.

Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Pa, the defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion won the last series race at Jennerstown back in 1999.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Jennerstown, “said Hirschman who also won at Jennerstown in 1989. “It’s a first class facility a great racing surface and great fans. And, it’s in my home state.”

Hirschman, who drives the Kamco Supply Chevrolet, will square off with some of the best open wheel drivers in the country. Scheduled to be among them is his son Matt who made his first series start at Waterford Conn. on June 25th.

“It’s great to be racing with Matt,” said Hirschman. “We haven’t quite raced wheel to wheel yet but I’m sure that will happen.”

Matt Hirschman’s first series start at Waterford went according to plan. After qualifying 12th he worked his way to 8th allowing him to record a Top 10 finish in his first start.

“I was very pleased with the whole day”, said Matt Hirschman. “It was my first time at Waterford and I learned a lot the entire weekend”.

Matt Hirschman is ready for his second caeer start in the Ed Bennett properties Chevrolet. Jennerstown is another track he has not raced at, but has visited.

“I’ve watched my father race there,” said Hirschman. “It’s a great track and I’m looking forward to running there.”

WHEELER BROTHERS 150 NOTES

- Bud Pole Qualifying is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. for positions 1-27. Five provisional positions (Two based on 2005 NASCAR Featherlite Modifieds Tour Owner points, two based on driver points and one past champion) will bring the starting field to 32 cars.

- Posted awards are $75,355 for the 150 lap event.

- The Wheeler Brothers 150 is scheduled to start at approximately 8:15 p.m.

- The last appearance for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Jennerstown was in 1999. Tony Hirschman was the winner of that event. He also won in 1989. Other drivers with victories at Jennerstown include: Jan Leaty (87) Reggie Ruggiero (88 & 89), Tommy Bolles (88), Doug Heveron (90), Mike Stefanik (91&98), Steve Park (95&96) and Mike Ewanitsko (97)

- The Tour’s first appearance at Jennerstown was in 1987. Current Series drivers who competed at that race were: Rick Fuller, Carl Pasteryak, Reggie Ruggiero, Mike Stefanik and Jamie Tomaino.

- The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour qualifying record at Jennerstown is 17.323 seconds (108.480 mph) set by Steve Park in 1996.

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TED CHRISTOPHER COLLECTS THIRD VICTORY OF THE SEASON AT STAFFORD

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. (July 3, 2005) – Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. drove to his third NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory of the season with a dramatic late race charge in the closing laps of the Haynes Materials 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Christopher, after making a pit stop for tires during a caution period on lap 125, restarted the race in the 11th position. He gained five positions before the final caution flag flew on lap 135. The final restart occurred on lap 140 with Doug Coby of Milford, Conn. leading and Christopher sixth. Christopher passed three cars in three laps and moved into third behind Chuck Hossfeld of Buffalo, N.Y. Hossfeld made his bid for the race victory by diving under Coby for the lead on lap 144. Christopher also slipped by Coby into second. Two laps later Christopher passed Hossfeld in Turn-1 and led the remaining four laps.

“I don’t ever give up,” said Christopher. “It’s not in my vocabulary.”

Christopher also had to overcome an early race spin on lap 27. He made multiple pit stops under caution to allow the Mystique Motorsports Chevrolet crew an opportunity to fix the car. He now leads the standings unofficially by 103 points over Hossfeld.

Hossfeld finished second in the Haynes Materials Ford. Coby earned his best career finish with a third place in the Red Line Oil Chevrolet. He also led the most laps of the race to earn the Tommy Baldwin Memorial Award. Former champion Jamie Tomaino of Howell, N.J. finished fourth and earned the Featherlite Most Improved Award in the Perth Amboy Springs Chevrolet. Rick Fuller of Auburn, Mass. rounded out the Top-5 in the Polar Beverages Chevrolet.

The next event for the NASCAR Whelen modified Tour is at Jennerstown, Pa. on July 9.

Unofficial Results - Haynes Materials 150
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Stafford Motor Speedway
Showing starting position in parentheses , driver, hometown, make of car, laps completed, winner’s average speed in mph, reason out if any and money won.

    1. (12) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 150, 54.967 mph, $6,800
    2. (8) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 150, $3,900
    3. (6) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $3,750
    4. (9) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 150, $3,200
    5. (13) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 150, $2,600
    6. (11) Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $1,900
    7. (1) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 150, $1,800
    8. (21) James Civali, Meriden Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $1,300
    9. (15) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $1,250
    10. (7) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 150, $2,450
    11. (20) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Pontiac, 150, $1,175
    12. (10) Anthony Ferrante, Jr, Franklin Square, Chevrolet, 150, $1,550
    13. (26) Thomas Bolles, Ellington Conn, Chevrolet, 149, $1,475
    14. (5) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 147, $1,850
    15. (30) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 147, $2,025
    16. (25) Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, 147, $1,300
    17. (2) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 139, $1,275
    18. (14) Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I., Dodge, 128, Overheating, $1,650
    19. (23) Dick Houlihan, Bridgewater Mass., Chevrolet, 123, $925
    20. (22) Eric Berndt, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 122, $900
    21. (3) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 120, Accident, $1,575
    22. (31) Dave Etheridge, Portland Conn., Chevrolet, 98, $1,550
    23. (16) Zach Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 97, $1,625
    24. (4) Tony Hirschman, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 76, Rear End, $2,200
    25. (17) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y., Chevrolet, 59, $1,475
    26. (27) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 55, Accident, $1,550
    27. (18) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 47, Accident, $1,050
    28. (24) Frank Ruocco, Cheshire Conn., Chevrolet, 34, Accident, $750
    29. (19) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 31, Accident, $1,750
    30. (29) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 15, Accident, $1,450
    31. (28) Bo Gunning, Bethlehem Conn., Dodge, 2, Accident, $1,050

Failed to Qualify:    (10) Tyler Haydt * (#28), Kevin Konopka (#51), Darrin Stevens * (#44), Steve Whitt (#06), Mike Molleur (#35), Daniel Knoll (#70), Wade Cole (#33), Kelly McDougall * (#19), Roy Seidell, Jr (#27), Jake Marosz (#9).

    BUD POLE AWARD: Donny Lia, 18 Huntington Honda Chevrolet
    FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Renee Dupuis, 90 Space Fitters/RAMCO Chevrolet
    POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Jamie Tomaino, 99 Perth Amboy Spring Ford
   TOMMY BALDWIN MEMORIAL AWARD: Doug Coby, 77 Red Line Oil Chevrolet

    Time of Race:    1 hrs., 21 mins, 52 secs     Average Speed: 54.967 mph
Margin of Victory:    .28 Seconds
    Caution Flags:    Laps 3-13; 16-24; 27-30; 32-37; 57-62; 65-69; 72-76; 124-129; 135-139. 9 for 57 laps.
    Lap Leaders:    Eric Beers 1-23, Doug Coby 24-143, Chuck Hossfeld 144-146, Ted Christopher 147-150.
    Total Laps Led:    Doug Coby 120, Eric Beers 23, Ted Christopher 4, Chuck Hossfeld 3. 3 changes involving 4 drivers.

    Top 20 Driver Points:    Ted Christopher 865, Chuck Hossfeld 762, Donny Lia 709,
Rick Fuller 686, Tony Hirschman 666, Zach Sylvester 649, Doug Coby     640, Chris Kopec 596, Jamie Tomaino 588, Jerry Marquis 587, Eddie Flemke 587, Mike Christopher 587, Eric Beers 557, Nevin George 549, Renee Dupuis 545, Ken Barry 489, Mike Stefanik 488, Tyler Haydt * 485,
Dave Etheridge 477, Kevin Konopka 467

* Denotes Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender



LIA WINS WHELEN 150 AT WATERFORD
WATERFORD, Conn. – Donny Lia of Jericho, N.Y. dominated the Whelen Modified 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at the Waterford Speedbowl to record his first victory of the season. Lia, the 2003 series Rookie of the Year, earned his third career victory and first at Waterford. After qualifying 4th in time trials he picked the pole position as the eight fastest qualifiers drew for their starting position. He led every lap in the Huntington Honda Chevrolet holding off challenges from Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. for most of the night. He also earned the Tommy Baldwin Memorial race award for leading the most laps. “I’ve had good race cars before,” said Lia. “This one was perfect.” The victory moved Lia into a tie for third in the standings with Tony Hirschman. Christopher, the Tour point leader, finished second in the AWD/DWD/JAT/TSI Chevrolet. He now leads Chuck Hossfeld by 93 points with four of 19 races completed. Eric Beers earned his second consecutive Top-3 finish in the Roby’s Propane/Reynolds Auto Chevrolet. Jerry Marquis earned his first Top-5 finish the year with a fourth place finish in the Reynolds Auto Dodge. Steve Whit of Farmingdale, N.J. rounded out the Top-5 with his first career Top-5 finish. Tony Hirschman earned the Bud Pole award and appeared headed to a third place finish but spun on the final lap. The race finished under caution as Lia had taken the white flag and the field was frozen. Doug Coby was the Powerade Power Move of the Race recipient. Gregg Shivers earned the Featherlite Most Improved Award. Tyler Haydt was the Sunoco Rookie of the Race. The next event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn. on July 3rd. Whelen Modified 150 - NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR Waterford Speedbowl June 25, 2005 1. (1) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 150, 56.691 mph, $6,800 2. (7) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $3,600 3. (6) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 150, $2,500 4. (4) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 150, $2,500 5. (3) Steve Whitt, Farmingdale N.J., Dodge, 150, $2,000 6. (8) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 150, $2,300 7. (2) Tommy Cravenho, Jr, Raynham Mass., Dodge, 150, $1,700 8. (12) Matt Hirschman, Northampton Pa., Dodge, 150, $1,300 9. (9) Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 150, $1,900 10. (25) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Pontiac, 150, $1,800 11. (18) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 150, $1,700 12. (5) Tony Hirschman, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 150, $2,370 13. (27) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 150, $1,760 14. (26) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 150, $1,750 15. (14) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $1,740 16. (20) James Civali, Meriden Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $930 17. (22) Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, 150, $1,610 18. (21) Dennis Gada, Salem Conn., Dodge, 150, $880 19. (10) Tyler Haydt, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 150, $1,570 20. (11) Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $860 21. (24) Eric Berndt, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $1,250 22. (23) Justin Gaydosh, Newtown Conn., Chevrolet, 149, $840 23. (17) Zach Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 134, $1,630 24. (16) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 109, Black Flag, $1,510 25. (30) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 92, Accident, $1,500 26. (28) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 73, Accident, $1,600 27. (19) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 69, Accident, $1,300 28. (15) Dave Etheridge, Portland Conn., Chevrolet, 37, Accident, $1,200 29. (13) Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, 30, Accident, $1,200 30. (29) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 18, Accident, $1,800 Failed to Qualify: (6) Kevin Goodale (#58), Dick Houlihan (#46), Darrin Stevens * (#44), Mike Molleur (#35), Jake Marosz (#9), Wade Cole (#33). Time of Race: 0 hrs., 59 mins, 32 secs Average Speed: 56.691 mph Margin of Victory: under caution BUD POLE AWARD: Tony Hirschman, 48 Kamco Supply Corporation Chevrolet FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Gregg Shivers, 23 Kleet Lumber Pontiac POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Doug Coby, 77 Angellinos Italian Restaurant Pontiac SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Tyler Haydt , 28 Ramar-Hall Chevrolet TOMMY BALDWIN MEMORIAL AWARD: Donny Lia, 18 Huntington Honda Chevrolet Caution Flags: Laps 19-24; 32-36; 39-47; 69-73; 88-91; 93-97; 113-116. 7 for 38 laps. Lap Leaders: Donny Lia 1-150. Total Laps Led: Donny Lia 150. 0 changes involving 1 drivers. Top 20 Driver Points:* Ted Christopher 685, Chuck Hossfeld 592, Donny Lia 575, Tony Hirschman 575, Zach Sylvester 555, Rick Fuller 531, Chris Kopec 514, Jerry Marquis 502, Doug Coby 475, Mike Christopher 475, Eddie Flemke 466, Gregg Shivers 456, Nevin George 449, Jamie Tomaino 428, Renee Dupuis 427, Tyler Haydt * 418, Ken Barry 413, Eric Beers 411, Kevin Konopka 403, Tommy Cloce 385 * Denotes SUNOCO Rookie of the Year Contender

FLEMKE LOOKS TO REPEAT AT WATERFORD

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – (June 21, 2005) The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour travels to the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday, June 25th for the first of two races this season at the historic 3/8 mile Connecticut shoreline oval. Eddie Flemke of Southington, Conn. is the defending champion of the Whelen Modified 150 and he is hoping to repeat in Saturday’s 150 lap race.
His victory last year featured one of most thrilling finishes of the season as he passed 6-time series champion Mike Stefanik on the last lap. “Anytime you finish in front of Mike Stefanik you’ve done something,” said Flemke. “Winning the race on the final lap was very memorable.”
Flemke is a two time winner at Waterford and the only active driver with more than one victory.
“I really enjoy racing at Waterford, “ said Flemke. “The track is great to race on. Waterford has tremendous fans and the atmosphere is just the way a Saturday night race track should be.”
This will be the first race at Waterford for Flemke with his new car owner Gary Teto and the Ron Bouchard Auto/Red Line Oil/ Premier Kitchens Chevrolet race team. “We’re hoping to have a good night, said Flemke. “The key is to qualify well and start up front. The races on these short tracks can be very tough. You have to put yourself in a position to win right from the start.”
The Whelen Modified 150 is scheduled to get the green at approximately 8:30 p.m. Over 40 teams are expected to attempt to qualify for one of the 30 starting positions.

WHELEN MODIFIED 150 NOTES

- Bud Pole Qualifying is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to determine positions 1-25. The fastest qualifier will determine the redraw of the Top 6, 8 or 10 cars. Four provisional positions - based on the 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season point standings (two driver, two car owner) - and a past champion provisional is available for a maximum starting field of 30 cars.

- The race is scheduled to start at approximately 8:30.

- Posted awards for the Whelen Modified 150 are $75,135.

- The Whelen Modified 150 is the first of two appearances for the NASACR Whelen Modified Tour at the Connecticut shoreline 3/8 mile oval in 2005.

- Fifteen series races have been held at Waterford. Winners are listed
along with the year.
• Rick Donnelly 1985.
• Ray Miller 1985
• Mike McLaughlin 1986 and 1989
• Jimmy Spencer 1987
• Jerry Marquis 2000
• Reggie Ruggiero 2001
• Eddie Flemke 2001 and 2004
• Dave Berghman 2002
• Ted Christopher 2002
• Rick Fuller 2003
• Chuck Hossfeld 2003
• Todd Szegedy 2004

- The series qualifying record at Waterford is 13.630 seconds (99.046) set by Chuck Hossfeld on May 10, 2003

- Two second generation drivers will be attempting to qualify for their first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race. Matt Hirschman son of defending series champion Tony Hirschman and Chris Pasteryak son of veteran campaigner Charlie Pasteryak will both try to secure one of the 30 starting positions.

NEW ENGLAND DODGE DEALERS TWIN 100’S RESCHEDULED
FOR OCT. 8 AT THOMPSON INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 17, 2005) – For the NASCAR Grand NationalDivision, Busch North Series, it all comes down to the final 100 laps. Literally.

The New England Dodge Dealers Twin 100’s presented by Pepsi has beenre-scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8. The new date, which includes a 100-lap racefor the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and a 100-lap Busch North Series race, is now the season finale for the Busch North Series.
It marks the first time Busch North Series will conclude its season at the 5/8-mile Thompson track.

Two-time Busch North Series champion Mike Stefanik, of Coventry, R.I., has chased a championship at Thompson before.“I’ve been there in a race for the championship, with all the pressure inthe world,” said Stefanik, who won back-to-back Busch North Series titles in 1997 and ’98 along with consecutive championships in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour the same seasons.

The Whelen Modified Tour has traditionally ended its season at Thompson, so a last-chance championship showdown on the historic track is a familiar situation for Stefanik.

“The worst case scenario I ever had was heading into Thompson in 1989,leading Reggie Ruggiero by one point for my first [Whelen Modified Tour] championship,” said Stefanik. “I dealt with the pressure then and I can deal with it now. I want it just as bad now as I did then, and I hope I’m in
the hunt.”

Reigning Busch North Series champion Andy Santerre, of Cherryfield, Maine, says the fans are in for a treat at Thompson. “I think it’s great,” said Santerre. “I think a lot of guys will be going for the championship and I hope I’m one of them. In early October, the weather is usually still pretty good in Connecticut and Thompson’s always a lot of fun. I love going to Lime Rock in the fall, but this will be exciting.”

The event, originally scheduled for June 12, was postponed by rain just after qualifying began. Both divisions will need to re-qualify for the event, as the previous time trial results have been discarded. Forty-one Whelen Modified Tour teams and 34 Busch North teams were on hand for the original event. A competitive field is expected to return in October when championship races
are on the line for both divisions.

Competitors and fans are urged to retain their pit passes and grandstand tickets from June 12, as rain checks will be issued by the Speedway. Advance tickets are also available by contacting the Thompson International Speedway box office.

ZACH SYLVESTER PREPARES FOR RETURN TO THOMPSON IN NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR NEW ENGLAND DODGE DEALERS 100

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla – (June 7, 2005) The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the Thompson International Speedway for the second of five races scheduled for 2005.

Eight weeks ago Zach Sylvester narrowly missed recording his first victory in the season opening Icebreaker. Sylvester is hoping to improve his finishing position one notch in the New England Dodge Dealers modified half of the Twin 100’s.

Sylvester, who ran a very successful rookie campaign in 2004 with a 10th place finish in the standings, has emerged as a consistent runner each week on the Tour.

“Our whole team is working well together this year,” said Sylvester. “It makes me look good but it’s really because of the efforts of the whole crew.”

Sylvester’s second place finish at Thompson in April was one of the most exciting in Tour history. Ted Christopher nosed out Sylvester by only a few inches.

“That race gave me a lot of confidence,” said Sylvester. “I’m looking forward to returning to Thompson. It’s one of my best tracks.”

Sylvester has logged a lot of laps at Thompson having competed in the Pro Stock division at the age of 17.

“The track layout at Thompson really suits my driving style,” said Sylvester. “It’s a fast track that allows you to really race the competition.

Sylvester finds himself currently second in the point standings. He already has two Top-5 finishes this season in the TAS Country Homes/Sylvester Construction Chevrolet

NEW ENGLAND DODGE DEALERS TWIN 100’S NOTES

- Posted awards are $78,355 for the 100-lap race. Bud Pole qualifying is scheduled for 3:00 pm on June 12 to determine positions 1-28. Four provisional starting positions (two owner & two driver) based on 2005 Whelen Modified Tour point Standings and one past champion provisional are available for a maximum starting field of 33 cars.

- The New England Dodge Dealers Twin 100’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Portion is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 on Sunday June 12

- This event was not run in 2004, there is no defending champion.

- This is the first of five events to be held at Thompson in 2005. Ted Christopher was the winner of the Icebreaker in April.

- The last season the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competed in five events at Thompson was in 1995. Tommy Cravenho, Eddie Flemke, Mike Stefanik scored one win each. Steve Park earned two victories

- Thompson International Speedway has hosted more Whelen Modified Tour races than any other speedway. There have been 84 events at Thompson since 1985 including the inaugural Whelen Modified Tour race on March 31, 1985.

- Mike Stefanik leads all drivers with 13 victories at Thompson. Other active drivers with victories include: Rick Fuller (8), Tony Hirschman (7), Reggie Ruggiero (4), Ted Christopher (4), Eddie Flemke (3), Charlie Pasteryak (1) and John Blewett, II (1)

- The NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series will be competing in the other half of this NASCAR Regional Racing Doubleheader.

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Ted Christopher - Riverhead Winner - Photo by Mary Hodge

CHRISTOPHER COLLECTS SECOND WIN
OF THE SEASON AT RIVERHEAD

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (June 4, 2005)   Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. collected his second NASCAR Whelen Modified tour victory of the season in the Miller Lite 150 at Riverhead Raceway. Christopher passed Frank Vigliarolo of Mt. Sinai, N.Y. on lap 34 and led the rest of the event.
“The car was really great tonight, “said Christopher. “The track was in great shape and we were hoping to have a good night, and we did.”

It was the second career victory for Christopher at Riverhead and his 18th NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win overall. He now leads the series point standings unofficially by 54 points over Zach Sylvester. By leading the most laps Christopher also earned the Tom Baldwin Memorial Award.

Eric Beers pressured Christopher’s Mystique Motorsports Chevrolet during the final two thirds of the race, finishing second in the Roby’s Propane/ Reynolds Auto Chevrolet. Beers set fast time to win the Bud Pole Award missing the track record by 11/1000th of a second.

Donny Lia, winner of the last Tour race at Riverhead, was third in the Huntington Honda Chevrolet. Defending race winner Jerry Marquis was fourth in the Reynolds Auto Wrecking Dodge. Former Champion Mike Stefanik rounded out the Top-5 in the G. Lopes Construction Chevrolet.

The Top 10 qualifiers drew for starting position. Vigliarolo drew the pole and Jimmy Blewett picked the number two starting position. Christopher began the race in third.
Vigliarolo led from the opening green. Christopher moved into second on lap 1 and pressured Vigliarolo. Following a restart on lap 32, Christopher was able to motor around Vigliarolo. Beers moved to second on lap 48 and Lia took over 3rd on lap 62.

The next event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is the New England Dodge Dealers Twin 100’s at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Conn. on June 12.

RIVERHEAD, N.Y -- Unofficial Results of the Miller Lite 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Riverhead Raceway showing starting position, driver, hometown, make of car, laps completed, winner’s average speed, reason out if any and money won.

MILLER LITE 150
    NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR
    Riverhead Raceway June 4, 2005
    1. (3) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 150, 43.591 mph, $7,500
    2. (5) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 150, $3,950
    3. (11) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 150, $3,000
    4. (16) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 150, $2,500
    5. (8) Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I., Dodge, 150, $2,400
    6. (6) Chuck Steuer, Bohemia N.Y., Chevrolet, 150, $1,300
    7. (9) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 150, $2,050
    8. (12) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $2,000
    9. (15) Tony Hirschman, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 150, $2,500
    10. (26) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 150, $2,500
    11. (13) Anthony Ferrante, Jr, Franklin Square, Chevrolet, 150, $1,375
    12. (7) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 149, $1,750
    13. (24) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 149, $1,225
    14. (22) Zack Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 149, $1,675
    15. (25) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 148, $1,350
    16. (17) Tyler Haydt, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 145, $825
    17. (19) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Chevrolet, 143, $1,500
    18. (28) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 138, $1,475
    19. (4) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 124, Accident, $1,050
    20. (2) Jimmy Blewett, Howell N.J., Dodge, 124, Accident, $1,025
    21. (10) Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 121, Accident, $1,425
    22. (1) Frank Vigliarolo, Jr, Mt. Sinai N.Y., Dodge, 112, Steering, $725
    23. (23) Dick Houlihan, Bridgewater Mass., Chevrolet, 103, Handling, $725
    24. (14) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 102, $1,425
    25. (27) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 40, $1,125
    26. (18) Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, 22, Accident, $1,425
    27. (20) Chris Young, Calverton N.Y., Chevrolet, 21, Accident, $725
    28. (21) Wayne Anderson, Yaphank N.Y., Chevrolet, 17, Overheating, $725


Failed to Qualify:    (13) Bill Park (#20), Howie Brode (#96), Joseph Hartmann (#05), Thomas Rogers (#6), Dave Etheridge (#54), Dan Jivanelli (#72), Jimmy Storace (#47), Kevin Goodale (#58), Steve Whitt (#06), Fred Vordermeier (#04), Wade Cole (#33), Jake Marosz (#9),
Darrin Stevens * (#44)

Time of Race:    0 hrs., 51 mins, 37 secs    Average Speed:     43.591 mph
Margin of Victory:    .32 Seconds

    BUD POLE AWARD: Eric Beers, 3 Roby's Propane/Reynolds Auto Chevrolet
    FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Mike Stefanik, 00 G. Lopes Construction Dodge
    POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Ken Barry, 21 Lombardi Inside Out Chevrolet
    SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Tyler Haydt *, 28 Ramar-Hall Chevrolet
    TOMMY BALDWIN MEMORIAL AWARD: Ted Christopher, 13 AWD/DWD/JAT/TSI Chevrolet

    Caution Flags:    Laps 12-19; 22-32; 35-43; 74-82; 126-133; 134-140. 6 for 52 laps.
    Lap Leaders:    Frank Vigliarolo, Jr 1-33, Ted Christopher 34-150.
    Total Laps Led:    Ted Christopher 117, Frank Vigliarolo, Jr 33. 1 changes involving 2 drivers.

Unoffical Top 20 Driver Points:
1) TED CHRISTOPHER - 515 2) ZACK SYLVESTER - 461 3) TONY HIRSCHMAN, JR - 448
4) CHUCK HOSSFELD - 442 5) RICK FULLER - 410 6) DONNY LIA - 395
7) CHRIS KOPEC - 390 8) MICHAEL STEFANIK - 379 9) NEVIN GEORGE - 364
10) ED FLEMKE, JR - 348 11) JAMIE TOMAINO - 346 12) MIKE CHRISTOPHER - 345
13) JERRY MARQUIS - 342 14) DOUG COBY, III - 341 15) KEN BARRY - 340
16) RENEE DUPUIS - 339 17) GREGG SHIVERS - 318 18) TYLER HAYDT - 312
19) ANTHONY FERRANTE, JR - 312 20) DAVE ETHERIDGE - 301

Next Race: New England Dodge Dealers Twin 100’s, Thompson, Conn.

* Denotes Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender

TONY HIRSCHMAN SECURES FIRST SPRING SIZZLER

500-HH-SizzVL.jpg (74751 bytes)
Photo by Howie Hodge

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. (April 24, 2005) -- Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. earned the first Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by Carquest Auto Parts Spring Sizzler victory of his career on Sunday at the Stafford Motor Speedway.

Hirschman overcame an early race spin in the Kamco Supply Chevrolet on lap 29 for his first victory of the 2005 season. He made two pit stops during the race, the last on lap 79 and worked his way back through the field. He took the lead from Jamie Tomaino on lap 129 and led the rest of the way holding of Zach Sylvester of Lebanon, Conn.. It was the 30th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory for Hirschman and moves him within one victory of Jeff Fuller for third on the all time win list.

“We tightened up the car on the pit stop,” said Hirschman. “It was my son Matt’s decision. The car hooked up great in the final laps of the race.”

For Sylvester it was his second consecutive second place finish of the season in the TAS Country Homes Chevrolet. He now leads the series point standings by five markers over Ted Christopher.

Todd Szegedy, the 2003 series champion, finished third in the Roby’s Propane/Reynolds’ Auto Chevrolet. Szegedy was substituting for Eric Beers. Reggie Ruggiero of Rocky Hill, Conn. finished fourth. Ted Christopher of Plainville, Conn. rounded out the Top-5.

Donny Lia set fast time in qualifying to earn his first Bud Pole Award of the season. Charlie Pasteryak was the winner of the Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award. Tommy Bolles earned the Powerade Power Move of the Race Award. Hirschman, who led the most laps, won the Tommy Baldwin Memorial Award.

The next event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is back at Stafford on May 27.

Photo by Sheila Somers

Photo by Norm Marx

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. (April 24, 2005) Unofficial Results of the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by Carquest Auto PartsNASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 200 lap race at Stafford Motor Speedway showing starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, make of car, laps completed, winner’s average speed in mph, reason out if any and money won

1. (3) Tony Hirschman, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 203, 60.447 mph, $8,850
2. (21) Zack Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 203, $4,800
3. (2) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield Conn., Chevrolet, 203, $3,400
4. (8) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 203, $2,500
5. (11) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 203, $3,000
6. (5) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 203, $2,700
7. (24) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 203, $2,300
8. (15) Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Chevrolet, 203, $2,300
9. (30) Thomas Bolles, Ellington Conn, Chevrolet, 203, $2,300
10. (26) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 203, $1,600
11. (19) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 202, $1,500
12. (1) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 202, $1,875
13. (16) Anthony Ferrante, Jr, Franklin Square, Chevrolet, 202, $1,525
14. (28) Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, 201, $1,475
15. (4) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 197, $2,300
16. (32) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 184, $1,725
17. (6) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 181, $1,750
18. (12) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 180, $1,700
19. (27) Mike Molleur, Shelton Conn., Chevrolet, 179, $1,375
20. (22) Dave Etheridge, Portland Conn., Chevrolet, 176, $1,525
21. (18) Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 175, Engine, $1,500
22. (31) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 170, $1,475
23. (14) Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, 167, $1,025
24. (9) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Chevrolet, 166, $1,400
25. (20) Dick Houlihan, Bridgewater Mass., Chevrolet, 160, Ignition, $700
26. (23) Bo Gunning, Bethlehem Conn., Dodge, 157, Ignition, $1,000
25. (29) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 104, Handling, $1,500
28. (13) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 86, Accident, $1,700
29. (17) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y., Chevrolet, 86, Accident, $1,400
30. (7) Frank Ruocco, Cheshire Conn., Chevrolet, 77, Overheating, $700
31. (25) Ken Bouchard, Fitchburg Mass., Chevrolet, 71, Overheating, $700
32. (10) Eric Berndt, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 51, Oil Pump, $700
33. (33) Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I., Dodge, 38, Accident, $1,400

Failed to Qualify: (10) Darrin Stevens * (#44), Fred Vordermeier (#04), Tyler Haydt * (#28), Steve Whitt (#06), Roy Seidell, Jr (#27), Wade Cole (#33), Kelly McDougall * (#19), Jake Marosz (#9), Daniel Knoll (#70), Howie Brode (#96).

Time of Race: 1 hrs., 40 mins, 45 secs Average Speed: 60.447 mph Margin of Victory:.28 Seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: Donny Lia, 18 Huntington Honda Chevrolet

FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Charlie Pasteryak, 5 Dawley's Auto Center Chevrolet

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Thomas Bolles, 76 Bolles Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Chevrolet

TOMMY BALDWIN MEMORIAL AWARD: Tony Hirschman, 48 Kamco Supply Corporation Chevrolet

Caution Flags: Laps 40-47; 50-55; 58-62; 64-68; 77-82; 86-91; 121-127; 190-195; 199-201. 9 for 52 laps.

Lap Leaders: Nevin George 1-28, Todd Szegedy 29-55, Ted Christopher 56-123, Jamie Tomaino 124-128, Tony Hirschman 129-203.

Total Laps Led: Tony Hirschman 75, Ted Christopher 68, Nevin George 28, Todd Szegedy 27, Jamie Tomaino 5. 4 changes involving 5 drivers.

Top 20 Driver Points: Zack Sylvester 340, Ted Christopher 335, Chuck Hossfeld 315, Tony Hirschman 310, Chris Kopec 284, Nevin George 273, Rick Fuller 264, Dave Etheridge 237, Donny Lia 230, Renee Dupuis 230, Doug Coby 229, Jamie Tomaino 228, Mike Stefanik 224, Mike Christopher 221, Gregg Shivers 218, Bo Gunning 209, Ken Barry 206, Kevin Konopka 206, Eddie Flemke 206, Tommy Cloce 206

* Denotes Rookie of the Year Contender

Photos by Scott Nickel

TED CHRISTOPHER REPEATS AS
ICEBREAKER CHAMPION AT THOMPSON

Thompson, Conn. (April 10, 2005) - Ted Christopher won the Icebreaker 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener in dramatic fashion by beating Zack Sylvester of Lebanon, Conn. by a few inches at the finish line.

The scheduled 150 lap event at Thompson International Speedway required a green–white-checkered finish and an extension to 154 laps because of a late race caution. Christopher was lined up third behind Sylvester, who was leading, and Chuck Hossfeld who was running second. At the drop of the final green on lap 153, Hossfeld dove under Sylvester to take the lead momentarily before Christopher dove under both, taking the point coming out of Turn-2. Sylvester then motored by Hossfeld for second as the leaders took the white. Sylvester made his final bid for the win at the finish line, but came up just short.

For Christopher and the Mystique Motorsports Chevrolet race team, it was their second straight victory in the Icebreaker. It was also the 17th series win of his career.

“I give a lot of credit to my crew,“said Christopher. “They made a lot of changes to make the car the way I like to drive it. I never give up till the end.”

Christopher also captured the Tom Baldwin Hard Charger Award by leading the laps and the Featherlite Most Improved driver Award.

Hossfeld who finished third, earned the Bud Pole Award. Former champion Mike Stefanik of West Greenwich, R.I. finished fourth. Rick Fuller of Auburn, Mass., another former series champion, rounded out the Top-5.

Tyler Haydt was named the Sunoco Race Fuel Rookie of the Race.

Results of the Icebreaker 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 150 lap race at Thompson International Speedway showing starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, make of car, laps completed, winner’s average speed reason out if any an money won.
    1. (7) Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 154, 63.138 mph, $7,550
    2. (8) Zack Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 154, $3,600
    3. (3) Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 154, $3,550
    4. (19) Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I., Dodge, 154, $2,400
    5. (14) Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 154, $2,500
    6. (28) Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 154, $1,800
    7. (16) Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 154, $2,100
    8. (4) Tyler Haydt, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 154, $1,600
    9. (13) Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Chevrolet, 154, $1,850
    10. (34) Dave Etheridge, Portland Conn., Chevrolet, 154, $2,300
    11. (5) Tony Hirschman, Jr, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 154, $2,470
    12. (26) Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 153, Accident, $2,050
    13. (9) Bo Gunning, Bethlehem Conn., Dodge, 153, Accident, $1,340
    14. (10) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y., Chevrolet, 153, $1,720
    15. (23) Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 152, Accident, $1,710
    16. (17) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 152, $1,700
    17. (6) Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 147, Accident, $1,775
    18. (33) Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 143, Accident, $1,650
    19. (37) Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, 142, Rear End, $925
    20. (38) Wade Cole, Riverton Conn., Chevrolet, 141, $900
    21. (12) Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 135, $1,675
    22. (24) Steve Whitt, Farmingdale N.J., Dodge, 130, Handling, $1,550
    23. (2) Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 125, $1,325
    24. (25) Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 122, Transmission, $1,100
    25. (1) Ken Bouchard, Fitchburg Mass., Chevrolet, 111, $790
    26. (35) Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, 102, $1,180
    27. (30) Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 77, Engine, $1,570
    28. (29) Dick Houlihan, Bridgewater Mass., Chevrolet, 68, Accident, $750
    29. (22) Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 53, Accident, $1,440
    30. (31) Howie Brode, Bayshore N.Y., Chevrolet, 53, Accident, $730
    31. (27) John Blewett, III, Howell N.J., Chevrolet, 33, Suspension, $1,100
    32. (32) Eric Berndt, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 31, Accident, $700
    33. (11) Jeff Malave, Manchester Conn., Chevrolet, 29, Accident, $700
    34. (36) Mike Molleur, Shelton Conn., Chevrolet, 29, Accident, $700
    35. (18) Anthony Ferrante, Jr, Franklin Square, Chevrolet, 29, Accident, $1,400
    36. (20) Buck Catalano, Ontario N.Y., Chevrolet, 21, Accident, $700
    37. (15) Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Chevrolet, 13, Suspension, $1,400
    38. (21) Thomas Bolles, Ellington Conn, Chevrolet, 12, Accident, $1,400
    * Denotes Rookie of the Year Contender

Failed to Qualify:    (8) Fred Vordermeier (#04), Earl Paules (#81), Darrin Stevens (#44),
Daniel Knoll (#70), Jake Marosz (#9), Roy Seidell, Jr (#27), Justin Gaydosh (#94),
Kelly McDougall (#19).

Time of Race:    1 hrs., 31 mins, 28 secs    Average Speed: 63.138 mph
Margin of Victory:    .01 Seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: Chuck Hossfeld, 50 Mahle Pistons Ford

FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Ted Christopher, 13 AWD/DWD/JAT/TSI Chevrolet

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE: Dave Etheridge, 54 A & A Office System Chevrolet

SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Tyler Haydt *, 28 Ramar-Hall Chevrolet

TOM BALDWIN HARD CHARGER AWARD: Ted Christopher, 13 AWD/DWD/JAT/TSI Chevrolet

Caution Flags:    Laps 13-19; 22-28; 30-37; 38-40; 48-53; 55-62; 70-76; 82-85; 104-109; 146-152. 10 for 63 laps.

Lap Leaders:    Eddie Flemke 1-8, Donny Lia 9-10, Ted Christopher 11-36, Chuck Hossfeld 37, Ted Christopher 38-52, Rick Fuller 53, Ted Christopher 54-76, Tony Hirschman, Jr 77-134, Zack Sylvester 135-152, Ted Christopher 153-154.

Total Laps Led:    Ted Christopher 66, Tony Hirschman, Jr 58, Zack Sylvester 18, Eddie Flemke 8, Donny Lia 2, Rick Fuller 1, Chuck Hossfeld 1. 9      changes involving 7 drivers.

Top 20 Driver Points:    Ted Christopher 180, Zack Sylvester 170, Chuck Hossfeld 165, Mike Stefanik 160, Rick Fuller 155, Chris Kopec 150, Nevin      George 146, Tyler Haydt * 142, Doug Coby 138, Dave Etheridge 134, Tony Hirschman, Jr 130, Ken Barry 127, Bo Gunning 124, Kevin Goodale 121, Gregg Shivers 118, Renee Dupuis 115, Donny Lia 112, Tommy Cloce 109, Jimmy Storace 106, Wade Cole     103

Next Race:    Stafford Springs, Conn.

* Denotes Rookie of the Year Contender

CHUCK HOSSFELD EARNS FIRST BUD POLE
OF THE SEASON AT THOMPSON

Thompson, Conn. (April 9, 2005) – Chuck Hossfeld of Buffalo, N.Y. set fast time in qualifying for Icebreaker 2005 at Thompson International Speedway to earn the first Bud Pole award of the 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.

Hossfeld, making his debut in the Don Barker owned Mahle Pistons Ford, toured the 5/8 mile speedway in 18.750 seconds for an average speed of 120.00 mph. The Top-8 qualifiers drew for starting position. Hossfeld picked the number three starting position.

Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. was second fastest with a speed of 119.694 mph. Hirschman will start fifth. Donny Lia of Jericho, N.Y was third fastest with a speed of 119.376 mph. Lia drew starting position number six. Defending icebreaker winner Ted Christopher of Plainville, Colnn. was fourth in qualifying and will start 7th. Zack Sylvester of Lebanon, Conn. rounded out the Top-5 in qualifying and will start 8th.

Ken Bouchard of Fitchburg, Mass. drew the pole after qualifying 7th and will lead the 38 car starting field to the green. Bouchard will be joined on the front row by Eddie Flemke of Southington, Conn., last year’s runner-up in the series, who qualified 6th.

Starting Lineup for Sunday’s $81,768 Icebreaker 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Thompson International Speedway showing car number, driver, hometown, make of car and qualifying speed in mph. The Top-8 qualifiers drew for starting position.

    1. (55)Ken Bouchard, Fitchburg Mass., Chevrolet, 118.359
    2. (10)Eddie Flemke, Southington Conn., Chevrolet, 118.396
    3. (50)Chuck Hossfeld, Buffalo N.Y., Ford, 120.000
    4. (28)Tyler Haydt, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 118.328
    5. (48)Tony Hirschman, Jr, Northampton PA., Chevrolet, 119.694
    6. (18)Donny Lia, Jericho N.Y., Chevrolet, 119.376
    7. (13)Ted Christopher, Plainville Conn., Chevrolet, 119.370
    8. (15)Zack Sylvester, Lebanon Conn., Chevrolet, 119.344
    9. (12)Bo Gunning, Bethlehem Conn., Dodge, 118.222
    10. (58)Kevin Goodale, Riverhead N.Y., Chevrolet, 118.197
    11. (17)Jeff Malave, Manchester Conn., Chevrolet, 118.178
    12. (4)Jerry Marquis, Broad Brook Conn., Dodge, 118.172
    13. (77)Doug Coby, Milford Conn., Chevrolet, 118.154
    14. (1)Rick Fuller, Auburn Mass., Pontiac, 117.937
    15. (5)Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon Conn., Chevrolet, 117.937
    16. (0)Nevin George, Kunkletown Pa., Chevrolet, 117.900
    17. (90)Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury Conn., Chevrolet, 117.900
    18. (31)Anthony Ferrante, Jr, Franklin Square, Chevrolet, 117.826
    19. (00)Mike Stefanik, Coventry R.I., Dodge, 117.783
    20. (40)Buck Catalano, Ontario N.Y., Chevrolet, 117.752
    21. (76)Thomas Bolles, Ellington Conn, Chevrolet, 117.746
    22. (3)Eric Beers, Northampton Pa., Chevrolet, 117.659
    23. (23)Gregg Shivers, Rocky Point N.Y., Pontiac, 117.432
    24. (06)Steve Whitt, Farmingdale N.J., Dodge, 117.402
    25. (79)Mike Christopher, Plainville Conn., Pontiac, 117.353
    26. (21)Ken Barry, Griswold Conn., Chevrolet, 117.353
    27. (66)John Blewett, III, Howell N.J., Chevrolet, 117.316
    28. (16)Chris Kopec, Palmer Mass., Chevrolet, 117.267
    29. (46)Dick Houlihan, Bridgewater Mass., Chevrolet, 117.261
    30. (99)Jamie Tomaino, Howell N.J., Ford, 117.206
    31. (96)Howie Brode, Bayshore N.Y., Chevrolet, 117.120
    32. (64)Eric Berndt, Rocky Hill Conn., Chevrolet, 117.041
    33. (69)Tommy Cloce, Canton N.Y., Chevrolet, 115.997
    34. (54)Dave Etheridge, Portland Conn., Chevrolet, Provisional
    35. (51)Kevin Konopka, Meriden Conn., Dodge, Provisional
    36. (35)Mike Molleur, Shelton Conn., Chevrolet, Provisional
    37. (47)Jimmy Storace, Kingston N.H., Chevrolet, Provisional
    38. (33)Wade Cole, Riverton Conn., Chevrolet, Provisional

Tony Hirschman Picked by Media
to Win 2005 NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 21, 2005) – Defending champion Tony Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa. has been selected as the favorite to win the 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Championship by a preseason poll of media who cover the series.

Hirschman, a four time series champion who drives the Tom and Bob Kehley owned Kamco Supply Chevrolet, collected 195 points in the poll and three first place votes.

“I’m honored the media has picked our team,” said Hirschman. “We put in a lot of hard work last year and we will do the same this year. I hope we can defend the title.”

Jerry Marquis, of Broad Brook, Conn., the third place driver in the 2004 standings, earned 184 points in the poll to finish in second. Marquis, the 2000 series champion, led all drivers with 7 first place votes.

Ted Christopher, of Plainville, Conn., a former NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion, was third in the balloting with 176 points. Christopher was picked by two media members to win the championship. The series 2003 Rookie of the Year – Donny Lia of Merrick, N.Y. – received 167 points to place fourth in the Poll. He also collected two first place votes. Chuck Hossfeld of Buffalo, N.Y. rounded out the Top-5 in the preseason poll with 166 points and three first place votes.

The runner-up in the 2004 campaign, Eddie Flemke, earned 164 points to lead the drivers who finished 6th-10th in the poll. Flemke was picked to finish first by four media members. Eric Beers was the seventh-highest vote getter with 73. Former champion Rick Fuller earned 63 points to finish eighth. Doug Coby finished ninth in the final balloting with 46 points and one first place vote. Ken Barry, the 2004 Rookie of the Year, rounded out the Top-10 with 41 points.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Preseason Top 10 was voted upon by media members who cover the Whelen Modified Tour including print, television, radio and Internet outlets. The voting was based off a descending point scale. Drivers received 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for a second-place vote and on down to one point for 10th place. The Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR’s oldest open wheeled touring series, will open its 21st season at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Conn. on April 10th.

For More Information Contact: Mark Mockovak 203-426-4289 e-mail: mmockovak@nascar.com

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR
RETURNS TO MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY

> Sept. 3 Event Marks First Race “Under the Lights” at Legendary Virginia Oval
> Race to be Combination Race with NASCAR Southern Modified Tour

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 2, 2005)

After a two-year hiatus, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, for a 250-lap event on Sept. 3. The race will be held in combination with NASCAR’s newly-formed Southern Modified Tour, with drivers earning championship points in both series.
Modified racing has long been part of Martinsville’s history, even before the formation of the Whelen Modified Tour in 1985 and before the beginning of NASCAR itself. Modifieds were the first division to race on the track in 1947.

In another new twist, the race will be the first event held at nighttime, under the lights, at Martinsville.

“For years we’ve been almost constantly asked when Martinsville was going to get lights,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “Well, now we know, at least for one night. We couldn’t think of a more exciting show to bring in under the lights than the Whelen Modified Tour. It’s always been a fun series to watch here, but the lights are just going to add another dimension.”

As a combination race with the NASCAR Southern Modified Tour, participating drivers will receive championship points respective to their own regular series, regardless of overall finish. For example, the highest finishing Whelen Modified Tour driver will receive 180 Whelen Modified Tour points, while the highest finishing Southern Modified Tour driver will receive 180 points towards the Southern Modified Tour standings, regardless of their overall finishing position in the race.

“Teams, drivers and fans from both the North and the South have been waiting for this event,” said Don Hawk, NASCAR’s director of regional racing development. “Modified racing at Martinsville, under the lights, it doesn’t get any more exciting than that. Martinsville is one of the great short track venues in the nation, and this will be one race that our fans will remember for a long time.”

Forty-three cars will compete in the race. Bud Pole qualifying will be held on Friday evening, Sept. 2, with starting positions 1-20 determined by time trials. Provisional starting positions will be granted for positions 21-28, with five provisionals for the Whelen Modified Tour teams and three provisionals for Southern Modified Tour teams. The provisionals are based on current car owner point standings for each series.

Prior to the 250-lap main event on Saturday, all remaining non-qualified teams will participate in a 50-lap “last chance” qualifying race to determine starting positions 29-43. Including the 50-lap qualifying race, all teams will have a chance to race on the famous .526-mile track, and Martinsville’s new surface should have plenty of room of racing. Since the Modifieds last visited Martinsville, the old track surface has been replaced with new asphalt and concrete.
The Southern Modified Tour cars are identical to the Whelen Modified Tour cars. The Southern Modified Tour cars use a different tire compound for all other Southern Modified Tour events, but all cars will use the same Hoosier tires at Martinsville.

The Whelen Modified Tour has raced at Martinsville throughout its 21-year history. The Tour’s most recent visit to Martinsville was Oct. 19, 2002, with L.W. Miller capturing the win ahead of Rick Fuller. Other Whelen Modified Tour winners at Martinsville include Mike Ewanitsko (March 1989, 1997, 1998, 2001), Reggie Ruggiero (March 1987, March 1990, 1999, 2000), Satch Worley (March 1992), Mike Stefanik (Oct. 1991, Oct. 1992), Jeff Fuller (Oct. 1989, March 1991), Tony Hirschman (Oct. 1990), Mike McLaughlin (March 1988), Tom Baldwin (Oct. 1988), George Kent (Nov. 1987), Brett Bodine (March 1986), Charlie Jarzombek (April 1985, Nov. 1986) and John Bryant (Oct. 1985).

Under the Lights at Martinsville … Musco Lighting will supply the temporary lighting for the Sept. 3 event. Musco is the most experienced lighting company in racing, having erected lights at 12 major NASCAR venues since 1986. Four Musco Mobile lighting trucks will supply more than 36,000,000 lumens of light for the race.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2005) – The 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener is still two months away, yet for Modified Tour fans the action is always close at hand. As the Tour enters its 21st season of racing, here is a look at some of the off-season news…

- Driver/team changes shake up Tour lineup … A few notable teams and drivers have announced new affiliations for the 2005 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, including 2000 champion Jerry Marquis, of Broad Brook, Conn. Marquis will drive the No. 4 Dodge for veteran car owner Bob Garbarino in 2005. The previous driver of the No. 4 car, New York’s Chuck Hossfeld, will pilot the No. 50 Ford owned by Don Barker. The No. 50 team captured the 2003 Modified Tour championship with driver Todd Szegedy behind the wheel. Pennsylvania driver Eric Beers, meanwhile, was announced as the new driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet, owned by Janice Boehler and previously driven by Marquis. John Blewett, III of Howell, N.J. will campaign the family owned No. 66 modified during the 2005 season.

- Hirschman passes $1 million mark ... 2004 Modified Tour champion Tony Hirschman collected more than $110,000 in race winnings, contingency sponsor awards and point fund awards last season. Those winnings pushed his career total to $1,049,517.

- Coming Soon! NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour apparel … NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour fans will soon have a chance to show their colors and support the series, with all-new, officially-licensed NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour apparel. Merchandise including jackets, shirts and hats emblazoned with the Sam Bass-designed Tour logo, will be available for purchase exclusively on the NASCAR.com Superstore and Whelen.com, beginning in March.

- Looking back: NASCAR Modifieds at Daytona … On February 15, 1980, the NASCAR Modified division raced its final race at Daytona International Speedway. The legendary Richie Evans, who went on to win the NASCAR Modified championship that season (his fourth title overall), won the race. It was a repeat performance for Evans, who also won the 1979 Daytona 200 Modified race en route to the ’79 NASCAR Modified title.

- Blow out the candles … NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers celebrating birthdays in the month of February include: Tom Bolles, who turned 44 on February 4; Jerry Marquis, who turns 49 on the 14th; Rob Summers, who turns 33 on the 19th; and Tony Ferrante Jr., who turns 46 on the 20th.

- On Display… Defending series champion Tony Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. and 2004 Rookie of the Year Ken Barry will have their cars on display at the 25th Annual Racearama trade show on March 4-6 at the Eastern States Exposition Center in Springfield, Mass.

For More Information, Contact:

Mark Mockovak, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, (203) 426-4289 or mmockovak@nascar.com

Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 681-4173 or jdavidson@nascar.com