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April 8th, 2018
Justin Bonsignore Gets Back In Thompson Victory Lane at Icebreaker
BY KYLE SOUZA HOMETRACKS.NASCAR.COM
THOMPSON, Conn. — Even though he finished third in the championship standings last year, Justin Bonsignore struggled for much of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.
As a result, over the latest offseason, his Kenneth Massa Motorsports team decided they needed to make a change. The team switched to LFR Chassis and brought Ryan Stone on board as crew chief, in what Bonsignore called a complete “reboot.”
Sunday, in the 44th annual Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Bonsignore took his new combination to the winner’s circle in just their second effort as a team. The victory was the 13th of his Whelen Modified Tour career, and his sixth on the .625-mile high-banked oval, making him the active leader in victories at the track.
“It was tough,” Bonsignore said of his struggles throughout last year. “The 2017 season humbled me a lot as a person, as a race car driver, it was just a really tough season. To come back and have a really good car at Myrtle Beach, and come here and have luck go our way today and get a win, it’s a really good feeling.”
Even though he carried the checkered flag, his return didn’t come without an array of close calls. On Lap 1, Bonsignore locked the brakes up going into Turn 3, and nearly made contact with defending race winner Rowan Pennink. In the final laps, the Holtsville, New York, driver found himself chasing Jon McKennedy looking to capture Thompson magic once again.
Coming down for a restart with five laps to go, McKennedy’s No. 7 Accell Construction Chevrolet ran out of fuel in Turn 3. Bonsignore inherited the lead for the final restart, but had to hold off a furious charge by Ronnie Williams on a green-white-checkered finish. Williams, who won his first career pole earlier in the day, was involved in a last-lap wreck, while Bonsignore went around and captured the checkered flag.
“We had a really good car,” Bonsignore said. “I’ll take the luck any day of the week. I knew Ronnie was going to be anxious. We have all been there, looking for our first win. I got a good launch on the restart. I really just love winning at Thompson.”
Craig Lutz put together an impressive final stint of the race to charge through the field and finish second, while Pennink, in his first race back since offseason back surgery, finished third.
Ryan Preece and Matt Swanson completed the top five.
Justin Bonsignore Gets Back In Thompson Victory Lane at Icebreaker
BY KYLE SOUZA HOMETRACKS.NASCAR.COM
THOMPSON, Conn. — Even though he finished third in the championship standings last year, Justin Bonsignore struggled for much of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.
As a result, over the latest offseason, his Kenneth Massa Motorsports team decided they needed to make a change. The team switched to LFR Chassis and brought Ryan Stone on board as crew chief, in what Bonsignore called a complete “reboot.”
Sunday, in the 44th annual Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Bonsignore took his new combination to the winner’s circle in just their second effort as a team. The victory was the 13th of his Whelen Modified Tour career, and his sixth on the .625-mile high-banked oval, making him the active leader in victories at the track.
“It was tough,” Bonsignore said of his struggles throughout last year. “The 2017 season humbled me a lot as a person, as a race car driver, it was just a really tough season. To come back and have a really good car at Myrtle Beach, and come here and have luck go our way today and get a win, it’s a really good feeling.”
Even though he carried the checkered flag, his return didn’t come without an array of close calls. On Lap 1, Bonsignore locked the brakes up going into Turn 3, and nearly made contact with defending race winner Rowan Pennink. In the final laps, the Holtsville, New York, driver found himself chasing Jon McKennedy looking to capture Thompson magic once again.
Coming down for a restart with five laps to go, McKennedy’s No. 7 Accell Construction Chevrolet ran out of fuel in Turn 3. Bonsignore inherited the lead for the final restart, but had to hold off a furious charge by Ronnie Williams on a green-white-checkered finish. Williams, who won his first career pole earlier in the day, was involved in a last-lap wreck, while Bonsignore went around and captured the checkered flag.
“We had a really good car,” Bonsignore said. “I’ll take the luck any day of the week. I knew Ronnie was going to be anxious. We have all been there, looking for our first win. I got a good launch on the restart. I really just love winning at Thompson.”
Craig Lutz put together an impressive final stint of the race to charge through the field and finish second, while Pennink, in his first race back since offseason back surgery, finished third.
Ryan Preece and Matt Swanson completed the top five.
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March 18th, 2018
Bonsignore Begins LFR Era With Top 5 At Myrtle Beach
McKennedy Wins Season Opener
A www.hometracks.nascar.com article w/ Justin Bonsignore headline
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Even though both Jon McKennedy and Tommy Baldwin have put together a long list of accolades in their racing career, both entered the 2018 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season looking to prove a point.
Saturday, McKennedy took the new pairing between the two veterans of asphalt modified racing right to the winner’s circle.
McKennedy captured his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in the Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety Kleen at Myrtle Beach Speedway.
“It feels great, I feel like this is way overdue,” McKennedy said. “Over the years, I was never really able to put 100 percent effort into the Tour. When Tommy called me, I just knew it was going to be a great deal. I’ve won races from Florida to Canada. It feels good to finally get the monkey off my back.”
Although McKennedy has a successful resume built in New England Tour-Type Modified racing, his first Whelen Modified Tour victory came in his 34th career start in the NASCAR modified ranks.
The Chelmsford, Massachusetts, driver started from the outside pole, but quickly backed up through the field, trying to save his tires for the final stages on the tricky half-mile surface known for eating at Hoosier rubber.
Following a pit stop for fresh tires during the final caution, McKennedy charged through the field and found himself staring down the back bumper of 20-year-old Chase Dowling in the final laps. On lap 139, McKennedy took his No. 7 Accell Construction Chevrolet to the bottom of Dowling, and took control of the race off turn two.
He never looked back.
“Tommy gave me a great opportunity to run this car, and I’m glad I could make the most of it,” McKennedy said. “We’re really off to a good start together. It’s great to be in good equipment and have some great knowledge behind us.”
Although Jimmy Blewett took second and inched closer to McKennedy in the final laps, he came up just short, and settled for second. Blewett was driving for Ed Partridge, the defending Whelen Modified Tour owner’s champion, while Ryan Preece competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Auto Club Speedway.
“I can’t thank Eddie and his wife Connie enough, I’m just happy to be able to come out here and help them,” Blewett said. “This is a car that Eddie and my grandfather own together. We came here in the dark, with no notes. But we got ourselves pointed in the right direction fairly quickly today.”
Matt Hirschman led 77 laps and finished third after winning his sixth pole award in qualifying, while Chase Dowling was fourth. Justin Bonsignore, who led 26 laps, was fifth in his debut with LFR Chassis.
Dave Sapienza was sixth, followed by Eric Goodale, Calvin Carroll, Craig Lutz and Rob Summers.
The Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety Kleen will air on NBCSN on Wednesday, March 21, at 6 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the annual Icebreaker 150 on April 8.
Bonsignore Begins LFR Era With Top 5 At Myrtle Beach
McKennedy Wins Season Opener
A www.hometracks.nascar.com article w/ Justin Bonsignore headline
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Even though both Jon McKennedy and Tommy Baldwin have put together a long list of accolades in their racing career, both entered the 2018 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season looking to prove a point.
Saturday, McKennedy took the new pairing between the two veterans of asphalt modified racing right to the winner’s circle.
McKennedy captured his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in the Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety Kleen at Myrtle Beach Speedway.
“It feels great, I feel like this is way overdue,” McKennedy said. “Over the years, I was never really able to put 100 percent effort into the Tour. When Tommy called me, I just knew it was going to be a great deal. I’ve won races from Florida to Canada. It feels good to finally get the monkey off my back.”
Although McKennedy has a successful resume built in New England Tour-Type Modified racing, his first Whelen Modified Tour victory came in his 34th career start in the NASCAR modified ranks.
The Chelmsford, Massachusetts, driver started from the outside pole, but quickly backed up through the field, trying to save his tires for the final stages on the tricky half-mile surface known for eating at Hoosier rubber.
Following a pit stop for fresh tires during the final caution, McKennedy charged through the field and found himself staring down the back bumper of 20-year-old Chase Dowling in the final laps. On lap 139, McKennedy took his No. 7 Accell Construction Chevrolet to the bottom of Dowling, and took control of the race off turn two.
He never looked back.
“Tommy gave me a great opportunity to run this car, and I’m glad I could make the most of it,” McKennedy said. “We’re really off to a good start together. It’s great to be in good equipment and have some great knowledge behind us.”
Although Jimmy Blewett took second and inched closer to McKennedy in the final laps, he came up just short, and settled for second. Blewett was driving for Ed Partridge, the defending Whelen Modified Tour owner’s champion, while Ryan Preece competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Auto Club Speedway.
“I can’t thank Eddie and his wife Connie enough, I’m just happy to be able to come out here and help them,” Blewett said. “This is a car that Eddie and my grandfather own together. We came here in the dark, with no notes. But we got ourselves pointed in the right direction fairly quickly today.”
Matt Hirschman led 77 laps and finished third after winning his sixth pole award in qualifying, while Chase Dowling was fourth. Justin Bonsignore, who led 26 laps, was fifth in his debut with LFR Chassis.
Dave Sapienza was sixth, followed by Eric Goodale, Calvin Carroll, Craig Lutz and Rob Summers.
The Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety Kleen will air on NBCSN on Wednesday, March 21, at 6 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the annual Icebreaker 150 on April 8.
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February 11th, 2018
Justin Bonsignore Wins TQ Indoor Series Championship
Long Island Driver Earns First Ted Christopher Memorial Cup
A www.indoorautoracing.com article w/JBM Headline
ALBANY, NY (Sat.) – Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., passed Tim Buckwalter six laps into Saturday’s40-lap feature to win the Indoor Auto Racing Series feature at Times UnionCenter in downtown Albany, N.Y.
“This is the one I wanted to win,” Jankowiak said. “I’ve won ‘em before but this is the first I won in my own car. It was perfect. I couldn’t be happier. I did everything but win last night and to get it tonight is all I could ever ask for.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Justin Bonsignore nursed a car with an engine that he described as ‘blown up’, to win the Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels 2018 championship.
“I don’t know how this car finished,” Bonsignore said. “The motor was coming apart ten laps into this thing. The championship means a lot to me and to this team.”
Buckwalter retained second for the last 34 laps after losing the lead to Jankowiak while Timmy Catalano survived a mid-pack start and minor involvement in several crashes to finish third. Matt Janisch was fourth in the finale with Erick Rudolph fifth.
Rudolph could have had a shot at the title with Bonsignore’s subpar outing but never got untracked.
Anthony Sesely managed a sixth-place finish flipping his car during the race. Jonathan Reid, RyanTidman, Tim Nye and Friday night winner Anthony Payne rounded out the top ten.
Nick DelCampo of Blauvelt, N.Y., won the 20-lap Slingshot main event.
“I’m in tears right now. These races are so tough. This is just such a humbling experience,” DelCampo said. “We had been bringing fast race cars to Indoor races for years. We finally got one.”
Cody Kline of Hellertown, Pa., was the 2018 Indoor Auto Racing Series 2018 Slingshot champion.
“This Indoor racing is tough,” Kline said. “I didn’t really want to know where I was in the points but last night my crew told me I was ahead. Very happy to be able to do it. A lot of people have worked hard to make this happen.”
The Champ Kart 20-lap,20-Kart main event, remarkably, ran from green flag to conclusion without a single caution flag. A titanic battle for the win between Cale Ross of Lambertville, N.J., and Tyler Brown of Fulton, N.Y., developed with Brown passing Ross for the first time with five laps left.
Ross then regained the lead two laps later only to lose it on the final circuit. Ross had not lost in 2018 Indoor Auto racing series competition but couldn’t hold off Brown in the race to the finish line.
Gene Gregoric ran third behind the leaders for the entire race. Ryan Kendall and Jeremy Tle completed the top five.
“It was all about being patient,” Brown said. “That was the key to this race. I was kind of holding back a little with the lapped traffic. Once I got him, he kind of surprised me when he got me back. SoI had to repass him.”
Four TQ Midget heat race often laps were won by Jankowiak, Buckwalter, Bonsignore, and Reid. The pair TQ B-Mains of ten laps each were snared by Tidman and Tommy Catalano.
The trio of Slingshot heat races went to Seth Spayd, Austin Silfee and Jared Silfee.
Champ Kart ten prelims were won by Cale Ross, Tyler Brown and Gene Gregoric. Damon Schuster won the B-Main for Karts.
TQ Midget Feature (40Laps): 1. Andy Jankowiak, 2. Tim Buckwalter, 3. Timmy Catalano, 4. Matt Janisch,5. Erick Rudolph, 6. Anthony Sesely, 7. Jonathan Reid, 8. Ryan Tidman, 9. TimNye, 10. Anthony Payne. 11. Justin Bonsignore, 12. Chad Jones, 13. MattRoselli, 14. Scott Kreutter, 15. Tyler Thompson, 16. Tony DiMattia, 17. BrettConkling, 18. Andrew Molleur 19. Briggs Danner, 20. Shawn Nye, 21. Ryan Bartlett,22. Tommy Catalano, 23. Mike Lichty. 24. Geoffrey Sutton.
Champ Kart Feature (20Laps): 1. Tyler Brown, 2. Cale Ross, 3. Gene Gregoric, 4. Ryan Kendall, 5.Jeremy Tuttle, 6. Brandon Rusczek 7. Jamie Shutts, 8. Anthony Colandro, 9.Mike Perry, 10. Ron Midford, Jr., 11. Dominic Roselli, 12. Zachary Asklar, 13.Damon Schuster, 14. TJ Reed, 15. Richie Davidowitz, 16. Eric Zeh, 17. JakeNelke, 18. Vinny Delaney, 19. Chris Hitt, 20. Nick Demling.
Slingshot Feature (20Laps): 1. Nick DelCampo, 2. Cody Kline, 3. Matt Mertz, 4. Joe Toth, 5. DanMorgiewicz. 6. Danny Buccafusca, 7. Kyle Herve, 8. Kurt Bettler, 9. Tom Arntz,10. Austin Silfee, 11. Alan Selemba, 12. Bryce Cherko, 13. Jared Silfee, 14. SteveSvanda, 15. Brett Putnam, 16. Craig Pellegrini, 17. Chris Kurtz, 18. Brian Tobey,19. Seth Spayd, 20. Spencer Cherko.
Justin Bonsignore Wins TQ Indoor Series Championship
Long Island Driver Earns First Ted Christopher Memorial Cup
A www.indoorautoracing.com article w/JBM Headline
ALBANY, NY (Sat.) – Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., passed Tim Buckwalter six laps into Saturday’s40-lap feature to win the Indoor Auto Racing Series feature at Times UnionCenter in downtown Albany, N.Y.
“This is the one I wanted to win,” Jankowiak said. “I’ve won ‘em before but this is the first I won in my own car. It was perfect. I couldn’t be happier. I did everything but win last night and to get it tonight is all I could ever ask for.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Justin Bonsignore nursed a car with an engine that he described as ‘blown up’, to win the Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels 2018 championship.
“I don’t know how this car finished,” Bonsignore said. “The motor was coming apart ten laps into this thing. The championship means a lot to me and to this team.”
Buckwalter retained second for the last 34 laps after losing the lead to Jankowiak while Timmy Catalano survived a mid-pack start and minor involvement in several crashes to finish third. Matt Janisch was fourth in the finale with Erick Rudolph fifth.
Rudolph could have had a shot at the title with Bonsignore’s subpar outing but never got untracked.
Anthony Sesely managed a sixth-place finish flipping his car during the race. Jonathan Reid, RyanTidman, Tim Nye and Friday night winner Anthony Payne rounded out the top ten.
Nick DelCampo of Blauvelt, N.Y., won the 20-lap Slingshot main event.
“I’m in tears right now. These races are so tough. This is just such a humbling experience,” DelCampo said. “We had been bringing fast race cars to Indoor races for years. We finally got one.”
Cody Kline of Hellertown, Pa., was the 2018 Indoor Auto Racing Series 2018 Slingshot champion.
“This Indoor racing is tough,” Kline said. “I didn’t really want to know where I was in the points but last night my crew told me I was ahead. Very happy to be able to do it. A lot of people have worked hard to make this happen.”
The Champ Kart 20-lap,20-Kart main event, remarkably, ran from green flag to conclusion without a single caution flag. A titanic battle for the win between Cale Ross of Lambertville, N.J., and Tyler Brown of Fulton, N.Y., developed with Brown passing Ross for the first time with five laps left.
Ross then regained the lead two laps later only to lose it on the final circuit. Ross had not lost in 2018 Indoor Auto racing series competition but couldn’t hold off Brown in the race to the finish line.
Gene Gregoric ran third behind the leaders for the entire race. Ryan Kendall and Jeremy Tle completed the top five.
“It was all about being patient,” Brown said. “That was the key to this race. I was kind of holding back a little with the lapped traffic. Once I got him, he kind of surprised me when he got me back. SoI had to repass him.”
Four TQ Midget heat race often laps were won by Jankowiak, Buckwalter, Bonsignore, and Reid. The pair TQ B-Mains of ten laps each were snared by Tidman and Tommy Catalano.
The trio of Slingshot heat races went to Seth Spayd, Austin Silfee and Jared Silfee.
Champ Kart ten prelims were won by Cale Ross, Tyler Brown and Gene Gregoric. Damon Schuster won the B-Main for Karts.
TQ Midget Feature (40Laps): 1. Andy Jankowiak, 2. Tim Buckwalter, 3. Timmy Catalano, 4. Matt Janisch,5. Erick Rudolph, 6. Anthony Sesely, 7. Jonathan Reid, 8. Ryan Tidman, 9. TimNye, 10. Anthony Payne. 11. Justin Bonsignore, 12. Chad Jones, 13. MattRoselli, 14. Scott Kreutter, 15. Tyler Thompson, 16. Tony DiMattia, 17. BrettConkling, 18. Andrew Molleur 19. Briggs Danner, 20. Shawn Nye, 21. Ryan Bartlett,22. Tommy Catalano, 23. Mike Lichty. 24. Geoffrey Sutton.
Champ Kart Feature (20Laps): 1. Tyler Brown, 2. Cale Ross, 3. Gene Gregoric, 4. Ryan Kendall, 5.Jeremy Tuttle, 6. Brandon Rusczek 7. Jamie Shutts, 8. Anthony Colandro, 9.Mike Perry, 10. Ron Midford, Jr., 11. Dominic Roselli, 12. Zachary Asklar, 13.Damon Schuster, 14. TJ Reed, 15. Richie Davidowitz, 16. Eric Zeh, 17. JakeNelke, 18. Vinny Delaney, 19. Chris Hitt, 20. Nick Demling.
Slingshot Feature (20Laps): 1. Nick DelCampo, 2. Cody Kline, 3. Matt Mertz, 4. Joe Toth, 5. DanMorgiewicz. 6. Danny Buccafusca, 7. Kyle Herve, 8. Kurt Bettler, 9. Tom Arntz,10. Austin Silfee, 11. Alan Selemba, 12. Bryce Cherko, 13. Jared Silfee, 14. SteveSvanda, 15. Brett Putnam, 16. Craig Pellegrini, 17. Chris Kurtz, 18. Brian Tobey,19. Seth Spayd, 20. Spencer Cherko.
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January 7th, 2018
Justin Bonsignore Claims Opening Night Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series TQ Midget Checkered; Cale Ross Is Top Champ Kart Winner
A www.indoorautoracing.com press release
ALLENTOWN, PA (Jan. 5) – NASCAR Whelen Modified Touring Series competitor Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, Long Island, N.Y., raced his way to the win in the first Ironton Telephone Allentown, Pa., TQ Midget feature of the weekend Friday night.
The race was the first of the three event Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels.
Bonsigore also earned the E.F. Schneider & Son Hard Charger Of The Race award, worth an additional $150. Bonsignore started 20th in the 25-car field.
“I had to start way back when the front end of my car broke in my heat race,” Bonsignore said. “I had to win the B Main to even start 20th. But the car was always fast. It was just a matter of having the luck to get through the wrecks.”
Attrition claimed several front runners early in the competition. Bobby Holmes led early until his car suffered mechanical problems while leading, under yellow. Erick Rudolph, an eight-time career Indoor Auto Racing Series past winner, got airborne and spun to a stop, and went to the back of the field as a result. He charged back through the pack to finish third.
Ryan Flores was the leader at mid-race, chased by Matt Janisch. But Flores, winner of the last two Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series events, slowed as the laps unreeled, eventually pulling off with what proved to be a slowly deflating tire.
Bonsignore took the lead with fourteen laps left in the race after Flores dropped out. Matt Janisch gained second spot and finished there, while a late race tangle between Jon Reid and Scott Kreutter cost both a top five finish. Instead, Rudolph shot to third and 2017 ATQMRA Outdoor TQ driving champion Ryan Tidman assumed fourth. Earl Paules gained fifth.
Rounding out the top ten in the event were Timmy Catalano, Joey Payne, Kreutter, Geoffrey Sutton and Billy Whittaker.
In the companion race, Cale Ross of Lambertville, N.J., was the winner of the Champ Kart feature.
Ross led the entire distance challenged initially by EJ Holz. When Holz faded at mid-distance, Mike Perry and Richie Davidowitz took up the chance. Back in the field, Tyler Thompson, who had lined up in the eighth row initially, had also clawed his way into the top five.
Despite some seven caution flags and restarts, Ross was never passed. Perry held for second, Thompson grabbed third late after Davidowitz’s car proved balky on the next-to-last restart, and Ryan Kendall moved to fourth at the checkered. James Shutt was fifth. Davidowitz was seventh.
“Every one of the restarts concerned me because you never know if somebody will drive under you,” Ross said. “That and lapped traffic. But no problems with either one in this race,” Ross smiled.
The win was Ross’s third Indoor Auto Racing Series Champ Kart career victory. Previous scores were registered in Atlantic City, N.J. and Trenton, N.J.
Tommy Catalano and Bobby Holmes led the field into the first turn for the start of the 40-lapper with Erick Rudolph, Earl Paules, Tim Buckwalter and Andy Jankowiak in tow.
Six ten lap TQ Midget heat races were won by Rudolph, Holmes, Buckwalter, Jankiowiak, Catalano Paules. Three 12-lap TQ B-Mains were run to complete the 24-car starting field. Timmy Catalano, Justin Bonsignore and Bobby Butler won these frenetic affairs.
Ronnie Mullen escaped injury in a wild flip into the outside fence during the third TQ Midget B-Main. “I flew through the air, that’s all I know,” Mullen quipped in a post-crash on-the-spot interview. Mullen’s crash was of sufficient velocity to temporarily dislodge the concrete barrier.
Three eight-lap Champ Kart prelims were earned by Ed Holz, William Davis and Cale Ross. The 10-lap Champ Kart B Main was snared by Eric Zeh.
The first of the two-day Ironton Telephone Indoor Auto Racing Series races drew a 51-car TQ Midget race and a 27-car field of Champ Karts.
TQ Midgets will return this Saturday night for another 40 lap feature race paired with the Slingshot division that will run a 20 lap event.
TQ Midget Feature (40 Laps): 1. Justin Bonsignore, 2. Matt Janisch, 3. Erick Rudolph, 4. Ryan Tidman, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Timmy Catalano, 7. Joey Payne, 8. Scott Kreutter, 9. Geoffrey Sutton, 10. Billy Whittaker, 11. Jon Reid, 12. Matt Roselli, 13. Bobby Butler, 14. Bfret Conkling, 15. Ryan Flores, 16. Ryan Flores, 17. Andy Jankowiak, 18. Bobby Holmes, 19. Anthony Sesely, 20. Tim Buckwalter, 21. Shawn Nye, 22. Tommy Catalano, 23. Zane Zeiner, 24. Ryan Preece, 25. Tim Nye.
Champ Kart Feature (20 Laps): 1. Cale Ross, 2. Mike Perry, 3. Tyler Thompson, 4. Ryan Kendall, 5. James Shutt, 6. TJ Reed, 7. Richie Davidowitz, 8. Matt Jarosz, 9. EJ Holz, 10. Anthony Colandro, 11. Ron Midford Jr., 12. Chris Hirt, 13. Stephen Beattie, 14. Gene Gregoric, 15. William Davis, 16. Tyler Tank, 17. Dominic Roselli, 18. Ryan Swartz, 19. Eric Zeh, 20. Dalton Rivera.
Justin Bonsignore Claims Opening Night Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series TQ Midget Checkered; Cale Ross Is Top Champ Kart Winner
A www.indoorautoracing.com press release
ALLENTOWN, PA (Jan. 5) – NASCAR Whelen Modified Touring Series competitor Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, Long Island, N.Y., raced his way to the win in the first Ironton Telephone Allentown, Pa., TQ Midget feature of the weekend Friday night.
The race was the first of the three event Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels.
Bonsigore also earned the E.F. Schneider & Son Hard Charger Of The Race award, worth an additional $150. Bonsignore started 20th in the 25-car field.
“I had to start way back when the front end of my car broke in my heat race,” Bonsignore said. “I had to win the B Main to even start 20th. But the car was always fast. It was just a matter of having the luck to get through the wrecks.”
Attrition claimed several front runners early in the competition. Bobby Holmes led early until his car suffered mechanical problems while leading, under yellow. Erick Rudolph, an eight-time career Indoor Auto Racing Series past winner, got airborne and spun to a stop, and went to the back of the field as a result. He charged back through the pack to finish third.
Ryan Flores was the leader at mid-race, chased by Matt Janisch. But Flores, winner of the last two Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series events, slowed as the laps unreeled, eventually pulling off with what proved to be a slowly deflating tire.
Bonsignore took the lead with fourteen laps left in the race after Flores dropped out. Matt Janisch gained second spot and finished there, while a late race tangle between Jon Reid and Scott Kreutter cost both a top five finish. Instead, Rudolph shot to third and 2017 ATQMRA Outdoor TQ driving champion Ryan Tidman assumed fourth. Earl Paules gained fifth.
Rounding out the top ten in the event were Timmy Catalano, Joey Payne, Kreutter, Geoffrey Sutton and Billy Whittaker.
In the companion race, Cale Ross of Lambertville, N.J., was the winner of the Champ Kart feature.
Ross led the entire distance challenged initially by EJ Holz. When Holz faded at mid-distance, Mike Perry and Richie Davidowitz took up the chance. Back in the field, Tyler Thompson, who had lined up in the eighth row initially, had also clawed his way into the top five.
Despite some seven caution flags and restarts, Ross was never passed. Perry held for second, Thompson grabbed third late after Davidowitz’s car proved balky on the next-to-last restart, and Ryan Kendall moved to fourth at the checkered. James Shutt was fifth. Davidowitz was seventh.
“Every one of the restarts concerned me because you never know if somebody will drive under you,” Ross said. “That and lapped traffic. But no problems with either one in this race,” Ross smiled.
The win was Ross’s third Indoor Auto Racing Series Champ Kart career victory. Previous scores were registered in Atlantic City, N.J. and Trenton, N.J.
Tommy Catalano and Bobby Holmes led the field into the first turn for the start of the 40-lapper with Erick Rudolph, Earl Paules, Tim Buckwalter and Andy Jankowiak in tow.
Six ten lap TQ Midget heat races were won by Rudolph, Holmes, Buckwalter, Jankiowiak, Catalano Paules. Three 12-lap TQ B-Mains were run to complete the 24-car starting field. Timmy Catalano, Justin Bonsignore and Bobby Butler won these frenetic affairs.
Ronnie Mullen escaped injury in a wild flip into the outside fence during the third TQ Midget B-Main. “I flew through the air, that’s all I know,” Mullen quipped in a post-crash on-the-spot interview. Mullen’s crash was of sufficient velocity to temporarily dislodge the concrete barrier.
Three eight-lap Champ Kart prelims were earned by Ed Holz, William Davis and Cale Ross. The 10-lap Champ Kart B Main was snared by Eric Zeh.
The first of the two-day Ironton Telephone Indoor Auto Racing Series races drew a 51-car TQ Midget race and a 27-car field of Champ Karts.
TQ Midgets will return this Saturday night for another 40 lap feature race paired with the Slingshot division that will run a 20 lap event.
TQ Midget Feature (40 Laps): 1. Justin Bonsignore, 2. Matt Janisch, 3. Erick Rudolph, 4. Ryan Tidman, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Timmy Catalano, 7. Joey Payne, 8. Scott Kreutter, 9. Geoffrey Sutton, 10. Billy Whittaker, 11. Jon Reid, 12. Matt Roselli, 13. Bobby Butler, 14. Bfret Conkling, 15. Ryan Flores, 16. Ryan Flores, 17. Andy Jankowiak, 18. Bobby Holmes, 19. Anthony Sesely, 20. Tim Buckwalter, 21. Shawn Nye, 22. Tommy Catalano, 23. Zane Zeiner, 24. Ryan Preece, 25. Tim Nye.
Champ Kart Feature (20 Laps): 1. Cale Ross, 2. Mike Perry, 3. Tyler Thompson, 4. Ryan Kendall, 5. James Shutt, 6. TJ Reed, 7. Richie Davidowitz, 8. Matt Jarosz, 9. EJ Holz, 10. Anthony Colandro, 11. Ron Midford Jr., 12. Chris Hirt, 13. Stephen Beattie, 14. Gene Gregoric, 15. William Davis, 16. Tyler Tank, 17. Dominic Roselli, 18. Ryan Swartz, 19. Eric Zeh, 20. Dalton Rivera.
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October 1st, 2017
Goodale Makes Move When It Counts
Bonisgnore Uses Great Pit Strategy To Finish 6th, Goes To Thompson With Championship Opportunity
By Kyle Souza, NASCARHomeTracks.com
STAFFORD, Conn. -- Coming from the 18th position, Eric Goodale knew it would take a stout car for him to travel to the front in Sunday's NAPA Fall Final 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway.
When it came down to the final laps, Goodale had the car he needed to get the job done. The Riverhead, New York, driver scored his third career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win by passing Ryan Preece with just three laps remaining. The victory was his first at the half-mile oval.
"Stafford is one of those places that you dream of winning at when you're a little kid," Goodale said. "I came up here and watched races when I was a kid. To be here and finally win a race, we have so many races under our belt here and we have come close here so many times. It feels good to finally seal the deal."
Goodale's run to the front of the field after his qualifying effort was not an easy one. He maneuvered his way to the front and was working the back bumper of Preece for the race lead in lapped traffic when a caution at Lap 111 set up the final pit stops of the day. Goodale's team went to work to help get him out at the front.
He took the lead from Lap 120-125, but then lost it and had to follow Preece in the final circuits. A late move to the bottom of Turn Four got him the lead with just three laps to g and he never looked back.
Goodale beat Preece to the line by 0.389 seconds. Preece came up one spot short of sweeping the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races at Stafford. He led a race-high 115 laps. Ron Silk finished third, while Chase Dowling and Timmy Solomito rounded out the top five.
Justin Bonsignore was sixth, followed by Doug Coby, Bobby Santos, Craig Lutz and Kyle Bonsignore.
With just one race left on the schedule, four-time champion Coby has a 10 point lead over Justin Bonsingore in the championship standings. Solomito is third, 12 markers back, while Preece is fourth, 19 back from the lead.
The NAPA Fall Final 150 will air on NBCSN on Saturday Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to the track on Sunday Oct. 15 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, where the 2017 champion will be crowned.
Goodale Makes Move When It Counts
Bonisgnore Uses Great Pit Strategy To Finish 6th, Goes To Thompson With Championship Opportunity
By Kyle Souza, NASCARHomeTracks.com
STAFFORD, Conn. -- Coming from the 18th position, Eric Goodale knew it would take a stout car for him to travel to the front in Sunday's NAPA Fall Final 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway.
When it came down to the final laps, Goodale had the car he needed to get the job done. The Riverhead, New York, driver scored his third career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win by passing Ryan Preece with just three laps remaining. The victory was his first at the half-mile oval.
"Stafford is one of those places that you dream of winning at when you're a little kid," Goodale said. "I came up here and watched races when I was a kid. To be here and finally win a race, we have so many races under our belt here and we have come close here so many times. It feels good to finally seal the deal."
Goodale's run to the front of the field after his qualifying effort was not an easy one. He maneuvered his way to the front and was working the back bumper of Preece for the race lead in lapped traffic when a caution at Lap 111 set up the final pit stops of the day. Goodale's team went to work to help get him out at the front.
He took the lead from Lap 120-125, but then lost it and had to follow Preece in the final circuits. A late move to the bottom of Turn Four got him the lead with just three laps to g and he never looked back.
Goodale beat Preece to the line by 0.389 seconds. Preece came up one spot short of sweeping the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races at Stafford. He led a race-high 115 laps. Ron Silk finished third, while Chase Dowling and Timmy Solomito rounded out the top five.
Justin Bonsignore was sixth, followed by Doug Coby, Bobby Santos, Craig Lutz and Kyle Bonsignore.
With just one race left on the schedule, four-time champion Coby has a 10 point lead over Justin Bonsingore in the championship standings. Solomito is third, 12 markers back, while Preece is fourth, 19 back from the lead.
The NAPA Fall Final 150 will air on NBCSN on Saturday Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to the track on Sunday Oct. 15 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, where the 2017 champion will be crowned.
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September 18th, 2017
Solomito Scores Crucial Win at Riverhead
Justin Bonsignore Battles Hard To Earn A 5th Place Finish
By Jason Cunningham, special to NASCAR Home Tracks
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. - Timmy Solomito needed a win to keep pace in the frantic NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship race. He got it at his home track.
The 25-year-old from Islip, New York, powered by Doug Coby with four laps left to take the Miller Lite 200 checkered flag Saturday night at Riverhead Raceway.
Solomito, dominant for the first two-thirds of the event in the No. 16 Starrett Racing Ford, was outmaneuvered by Coby in lap traffic for the lead on Lap 155. The four-time tour titlists Coby was poised for his first career win at Riverhead, but Solomito recaptured the lead on the fronstretch on Lap 196 and drove to the checkers.
It marked Solomito's fourth win of the season and eighth of his career. Earlier in the day he captured the Coors Light Pole Award.
Coby held on for second with rookie Kyle Soper third, Ryan Preece fourth and Justin Bonsignore fifth. CJ Lehmann, Dillon Steuer, Kyle Ellwood, Eric Goodale and Rob Summer brought home the top 10.
Solomito had finished 15th or worse in two of his last three starts, and hadn't been to Victory Lane since the last time the tour was at Riverhead in June. After leading the points after the first 10 races, he had slipped back to fourth.
The win brought Solomito to within nine points of the championship lead, still maintained by Preece with 500. Coby is second at 494 with Solomito at 491.
Prior to green flag, news broke that 2008 Whelen Modified Tour Champion Ted Christopher passed away in a plane crash en route to Riverhead, and his impact on the sport was recognized in an impromptu pre-race ceremony. Christopher had been scheduled to compete in the event in the No. 82 Horton Avenue Materials Chevrolet.
The Whelen Modified Tour will return to action next Saturday, Sept. 23 with the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 14th of 16 races on the 2017 calendar.
The Miller Lite 200 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
Solomito Scores Crucial Win at Riverhead
Justin Bonsignore Battles Hard To Earn A 5th Place Finish
By Jason Cunningham, special to NASCAR Home Tracks
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. - Timmy Solomito needed a win to keep pace in the frantic NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship race. He got it at his home track.
The 25-year-old from Islip, New York, powered by Doug Coby with four laps left to take the Miller Lite 200 checkered flag Saturday night at Riverhead Raceway.
Solomito, dominant for the first two-thirds of the event in the No. 16 Starrett Racing Ford, was outmaneuvered by Coby in lap traffic for the lead on Lap 155. The four-time tour titlists Coby was poised for his first career win at Riverhead, but Solomito recaptured the lead on the fronstretch on Lap 196 and drove to the checkers.
It marked Solomito's fourth win of the season and eighth of his career. Earlier in the day he captured the Coors Light Pole Award.
Coby held on for second with rookie Kyle Soper third, Ryan Preece fourth and Justin Bonsignore fifth. CJ Lehmann, Dillon Steuer, Kyle Ellwood, Eric Goodale and Rob Summer brought home the top 10.
Solomito had finished 15th or worse in two of his last three starts, and hadn't been to Victory Lane since the last time the tour was at Riverhead in June. After leading the points after the first 10 races, he had slipped back to fourth.
The win brought Solomito to within nine points of the championship lead, still maintained by Preece with 500. Coby is second at 494 with Solomito at 491.
Prior to green flag, news broke that 2008 Whelen Modified Tour Champion Ted Christopher passed away in a plane crash en route to Riverhead, and his impact on the sport was recognized in an impromptu pre-race ceremony. Christopher had been scheduled to compete in the event in the No. 82 Horton Avenue Materials Chevrolet.
The Whelen Modified Tour will return to action next Saturday, Sept. 23 with the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 14th of 16 races on the 2017 calendar.
The Miller Lite 200 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
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August 16, 2017
Emerling Conquers "Thunder Valley"
Justin Bonsignore Finishes 3rd at Bristol Motor Speedway
A NASCARHomeTracks.com press release
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Patrick Emerling swept his way to Victory Lane with a near-perfect performance at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday.
The Orchard Park, New York, driver was fastest in practice, won the Coors Light Pole Award and proceeded to lead 148 of the 150 laps en route to his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory.
"It's just a dream come true," said Emerling following the win at the historic track dubbed 'Thunder Valley.' "It's incredible. We only run a handful of the Whelen Tour races and to come down here and win practice, catch the pole and lead every single lap, it's an incredible feeling for us as a team."
The win for the 24-year-old came in his 78th career start and just his third of 2017. He held off challenges from Chase Dowling and Justin Bonsignore on restarts in the first half of the race, then held off four-time tour champion Doug Coby in the dash to the finish.
He crossed the line 1.239 seconds ahead of Coby. Prior to Wednesday, Emerling's best career finish was a second at New Hampshire in 2015.
For Coby, the second-place finish was the third straight in Whelen Modified Tour competition and it helped him claw back towards the top of the championships standings.
Timmy Solomito, who was caught up in a Lap 68 accident, came home 15th to maintain a two-point edge on Rowan Pennink. Ryan Preece finished fifth and is nine points behind Solomito, while Coby is 17 points back.
Justin Bonsignore finished third and is 19 points out of first. Chase Dowling and Preece rounded out the top five at Bristol.
Andy Seuss was sixth, followed by Pennink, Ronnie Williams, Bobby Santos and Matt Swanson.
The Bush's Beans 150 will air on NBCSN Saturday August 26 at 3 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Modified Tour returns to the track at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday August 26, with the running of the Seekonk 150.
Emerling Conquers "Thunder Valley"
Justin Bonsignore Finishes 3rd at Bristol Motor Speedway
A NASCARHomeTracks.com press release
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Patrick Emerling swept his way to Victory Lane with a near-perfect performance at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday.
The Orchard Park, New York, driver was fastest in practice, won the Coors Light Pole Award and proceeded to lead 148 of the 150 laps en route to his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory.
"It's just a dream come true," said Emerling following the win at the historic track dubbed 'Thunder Valley.' "It's incredible. We only run a handful of the Whelen Tour races and to come down here and win practice, catch the pole and lead every single lap, it's an incredible feeling for us as a team."
The win for the 24-year-old came in his 78th career start and just his third of 2017. He held off challenges from Chase Dowling and Justin Bonsignore on restarts in the first half of the race, then held off four-time tour champion Doug Coby in the dash to the finish.
He crossed the line 1.239 seconds ahead of Coby. Prior to Wednesday, Emerling's best career finish was a second at New Hampshire in 2015.
For Coby, the second-place finish was the third straight in Whelen Modified Tour competition and it helped him claw back towards the top of the championships standings.
Timmy Solomito, who was caught up in a Lap 68 accident, came home 15th to maintain a two-point edge on Rowan Pennink. Ryan Preece finished fifth and is nine points behind Solomito, while Coby is 17 points back.
Justin Bonsignore finished third and is 19 points out of first. Chase Dowling and Preece rounded out the top five at Bristol.
Andy Seuss was sixth, followed by Pennink, Ronnie Williams, Bobby Santos and Matt Swanson.
The Bush's Beans 150 will air on NBCSN Saturday August 26 at 3 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Modified Tour returns to the track at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday August 26, with the running of the Seekonk 150.
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June 26, 2017
Solomito Repeats At Riverhead; Bonsignore Battles To A 5th Place Finish
By Jason Cunningham, NASCARHomeTracks.com
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- Six races into the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, and Timmy Solomito is looking every bit the driver to beat for the championship.
After his breakout four-win campaign in 2016, Solomito has had an even better encore.
Saturday, the Islip, New York, driver returned to his home track of Riverhead Raceway and picked up his third win of the season. He held off David Sapienza on an overtime finish to take the Buzz Chew Chevrolet-Cadillac 200.
The Coors Light Pole Award winner, Solomito held serve for his seventh career victory. He also won this event last year. His No. 16 Starrett Tools Ford led three times for a race-high 151 laps, including the final 102 as a caution on Lap 196 pushed the race to 208 laps.
The runner-up was a career-best for Sapienza, a Riverhead native.
Doug Coby finished third while four-time Riverhead winners Ryan Preece and Justin Bonsignore crossed the line fourth and fifth, respectively.
Eric Goodale finished sixth with Rowan Pennink the last car on the lead lap in seventh. Tom Rogers Jr., Dillon Steuer and Max Zachem completed the top 10.
The win also allowed Solomito to extend his championship points lead to 13 over Pennink and 29 over Goodale. Bonsignore is fourth and Zachem is fifth, while defending tour champion Coby moved up to sixth.
Next up on the schedule is the Whelen Modified Tour All-Star Shootout on July 14 followed by the Nor’easter 100 the next day, both at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Solomito Repeats At Riverhead; Bonsignore Battles To A 5th Place Finish
By Jason Cunningham, NASCARHomeTracks.com
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- Six races into the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, and Timmy Solomito is looking every bit the driver to beat for the championship.
After his breakout four-win campaign in 2016, Solomito has had an even better encore.
Saturday, the Islip, New York, driver returned to his home track of Riverhead Raceway and picked up his third win of the season. He held off David Sapienza on an overtime finish to take the Buzz Chew Chevrolet-Cadillac 200.
The Coors Light Pole Award winner, Solomito held serve for his seventh career victory. He also won this event last year. His No. 16 Starrett Tools Ford led three times for a race-high 151 laps, including the final 102 as a caution on Lap 196 pushed the race to 208 laps.
The runner-up was a career-best for Sapienza, a Riverhead native.
Doug Coby finished third while four-time Riverhead winners Ryan Preece and Justin Bonsignore crossed the line fourth and fifth, respectively.
Eric Goodale finished sixth with Rowan Pennink the last car on the lead lap in seventh. Tom Rogers Jr., Dillon Steuer and Max Zachem completed the top 10.
The win also allowed Solomito to extend his championship points lead to 13 over Pennink and 29 over Goodale. Bonsignore is fourth and Zachem is fifth, while defending tour champion Coby moved up to sixth.
Next up on the schedule is the Whelen Modified Tour All-Star Shootout on July 14 followed by the Nor’easter 100 the next day, both at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
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June 5th, 2017
JUSTIN BONSIGNORE SCORES ALLAN CANTOR MEMORIAL NEMA MIDGET VICTORY
A Bob Finan release
After having an impressive run in the 2016 Allan Cantor Memorial NEMA Midget event come to an abrupt end with brake line failure and a trip into the wall Justin Bonsignore was indeed a man on a mission when the green flag waved to start the 2017 race. Starting in the back of the field for the 25-lap race Bonsignore had to methodically make his way towards the front of the lighting quick field. Seth Carlson set the pace early on with NEMA Lites winner Jim Chambers running second. Carlson early on was able to scamper away from Chambers opening up a hefty lead. Chambers meanwhile would soon be under attack for second from Justin Bonsignore. From the 9th through 12th circuit’s Chambers and Bonsignore exchanged crossover moves off the turns and on lap 13 Bonsignore took sole possession of second. Once to second Bonsignore now faced the challenge of trying to erase a large lead built up by leader Seth Carlson. That task was soon made easier when Carlson’s car suddenly balked off the corners and on lap 18 Bonsignore along with Chambers were able to pass Carlson who moments later fell out of the race.
Once out front there would be no stopping Justin Bonsignore in the Bertrand Motorsports K&N Filter Drinan Esslinger as he drove off to victory. Asked afterwards if he thought this race owed him one Justin was quick to point out, “in this game you are owed nothing” Bonsignore continued, “after last year I’m just glad the Bertrand’s invited me back to drive for them. It’s a great group and to win the Allan Cantor Memorial with them means so much to me”.
Jim Chambers of Atkinson, NH was second in the Michael Chambers Auctioneers Beast while 2016 race winner Randy Cabral of Kingston, ma was third in the K&N Filters Drinan. Avery Stoehr of Lakeville, Ma and John Zych of Mendon, Ma rounded out the top five.
JUSTIN BONSIGNORE SCORES ALLAN CANTOR MEMORIAL NEMA MIDGET VICTORY
A Bob Finan release
After having an impressive run in the 2016 Allan Cantor Memorial NEMA Midget event come to an abrupt end with brake line failure and a trip into the wall Justin Bonsignore was indeed a man on a mission when the green flag waved to start the 2017 race. Starting in the back of the field for the 25-lap race Bonsignore had to methodically make his way towards the front of the lighting quick field. Seth Carlson set the pace early on with NEMA Lites winner Jim Chambers running second. Carlson early on was able to scamper away from Chambers opening up a hefty lead. Chambers meanwhile would soon be under attack for second from Justin Bonsignore. From the 9th through 12th circuit’s Chambers and Bonsignore exchanged crossover moves off the turns and on lap 13 Bonsignore took sole possession of second. Once to second Bonsignore now faced the challenge of trying to erase a large lead built up by leader Seth Carlson. That task was soon made easier when Carlson’s car suddenly balked off the corners and on lap 18 Bonsignore along with Chambers were able to pass Carlson who moments later fell out of the race.
Once out front there would be no stopping Justin Bonsignore in the Bertrand Motorsports K&N Filter Drinan Esslinger as he drove off to victory. Asked afterwards if he thought this race owed him one Justin was quick to point out, “in this game you are owed nothing” Bonsignore continued, “after last year I’m just glad the Bertrand’s invited me back to drive for them. It’s a great group and to win the Allan Cantor Memorial with them means so much to me”.
Jim Chambers of Atkinson, NH was second in the Michael Chambers Auctioneers Beast while 2016 race winner Randy Cabral of Kingston, ma was third in the K&N Filters Drinan. Avery Stoehr of Lakeville, Ma and John Zych of Mendon, Ma rounded out the top five.
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April 30, 2017
Preece Returns To Winning Form; Justin Bonsignore Battles Back To A 9th Place Finish
A NASCARHomeTracks.com release
STAFFORD, Conn. -- Returning to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour full-time this year, Ryan Preece was itching to get back into Victory Lane.
He accomplished that goal Sunday in the 46th running of the NAPA Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway.
He took the lead from race leader Doug Coby with 13 laps to go and drove away with his first career Spring Sizzler victory behind the wheel of his No. 6 TS Haulers Chevrolet.
The win was his first since August of 2015 at Bristol Motor Speedway and his first of the newly unified Whelen Modified Tour. Preece, who previously had won 15 times on the Whelen Modified Tour and three times on the Whelen Southern Modified Tour, spent last year driving full-time on the NASCAR XFINITY Series and made just 10 starts between the two tours.
More importantly for Preece, his sixth victory at the Stafford half-mile came in the track's prestigious spring race.
"This means more to me than my first tour win, it was so much hard work," said an emotional Preece in the press box after the win. "My grandfather has won this race. There are just so many things that come to my head right now. I started racing a modified when I was 12 or 13 years old."
Preece led 55 laps. Doug Coby, who set the track record en route to his sixth straight Coors Light Pole at the track Saturday, led a race-high 142. But a late caution helped set up Preece's pass for the lead. While Coby snagged the lead back on the Lap 192 restart, Preece quickly powered back to the front.
Chase Dowling finished third. The 18-year-old won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series 40-lap SK Modified division feature earlier in the day.
Eric Goodale led three laps and finished fourth, and Ted Christopher was fifth.
Rowan Pennink, Craig Lutz, Ron Silk, Justin Bonsignore and David Sapienza rounded out the top 10.
Pennink took the championship points lead by one over Timmy Solomito. Bonsignore is third, 16 behind Pennink and leading a pack of six drivers -- including Preece in fifth -- separated by just eight points.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, on May 13.
Preece Returns To Winning Form; Justin Bonsignore Battles Back To A 9th Place Finish
A NASCARHomeTracks.com release
STAFFORD, Conn. -- Returning to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour full-time this year, Ryan Preece was itching to get back into Victory Lane.
He accomplished that goal Sunday in the 46th running of the NAPA Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway.
He took the lead from race leader Doug Coby with 13 laps to go and drove away with his first career Spring Sizzler victory behind the wheel of his No. 6 TS Haulers Chevrolet.
The win was his first since August of 2015 at Bristol Motor Speedway and his first of the newly unified Whelen Modified Tour. Preece, who previously had won 15 times on the Whelen Modified Tour and three times on the Whelen Southern Modified Tour, spent last year driving full-time on the NASCAR XFINITY Series and made just 10 starts between the two tours.
More importantly for Preece, his sixth victory at the Stafford half-mile came in the track's prestigious spring race.
"This means more to me than my first tour win, it was so much hard work," said an emotional Preece in the press box after the win. "My grandfather has won this race. There are just so many things that come to my head right now. I started racing a modified when I was 12 or 13 years old."
Preece led 55 laps. Doug Coby, who set the track record en route to his sixth straight Coors Light Pole at the track Saturday, led a race-high 142. But a late caution helped set up Preece's pass for the lead. While Coby snagged the lead back on the Lap 192 restart, Preece quickly powered back to the front.
Chase Dowling finished third. The 18-year-old won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series 40-lap SK Modified division feature earlier in the day.
Eric Goodale led three laps and finished fourth, and Ted Christopher was fifth.
Rowan Pennink, Craig Lutz, Ron Silk, Justin Bonsignore and David Sapienza rounded out the top 10.
Pennink took the championship points lead by one over Timmy Solomito. Bonsignore is third, 16 behind Pennink and leading a pack of six drivers -- including Preece in fifth -- separated by just eight points.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, on May 13.
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March 18, 2017
Solomito Charges Late For Myrtle Beach Win; Justin Bonsignore Battles To 6th Place Finish
A NASCARHomeTracks.com release
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – One year ago, Timmy Solomito captured his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory in the season-opening Icebreaker at Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
Fast-forward a year later, the Islip, New York, driver was celebrating a victory in the season-opening race once again. This time, the win came in South Carolina.
Solomito captured the win in the Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety-Kleen on Saturday at another historic venue, the half-mile Myrtle Beach Speedway, and became the first winner on the newly formed unified Whelen Modified Tour.
Solomito's No. 16 Starrett Tools Ford took the lead for the final time following a late-race caution that setup the final restart and held off Rob Summers on a green-white-checkered finish to take down the victory. The win was Solomito’s fifth career on the tour after his breakout 2016.
“My team did a great job,” said Solomito. “We knew we had to ride and save our stuff as much as possible for the end of the race. I knew the last five laps we had to run as hard as possible and my team gave me a car good enough to do that.”
Rob Summers, who scored his first Coors Light Pole Award since 2001 earlier in the day, led a race-high 72 laps but came up just short of the victory with a second place finish behind the wheel of his No. 64 Fastrock Electric Chevrolet.
Andy Seuss made a late charge to finish third after spinning just after the halfway point. Ryan Preece was also able to climb to the front late and finish fourth, with Max Zachem rounding out the top five.
Justin Bonsignore was sixth, followed by Rowan Pennink – who led 38 laps – Woody Pitkat, Les Hinckley III and Burt Myers.
The race was slowed by eight cautions, with four coming in the final 30 laps, including one on Lap 145 and a subsequent one on Lap 148 that winnowed the field and took out several contenders. The final yellow pushed the race to 155 laps.
In the offseason, NASCAR unified the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour into one tour that stretches from New Hampshire to South Carolina.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Thompson for the Icebreaker 150 on Sunday, April 2.
Solomito Charges Late For Myrtle Beach Win; Justin Bonsignore Battles To 6th Place Finish
A NASCARHomeTracks.com release
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – One year ago, Timmy Solomito captured his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory in the season-opening Icebreaker at Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
Fast-forward a year later, the Islip, New York, driver was celebrating a victory in the season-opening race once again. This time, the win came in South Carolina.
Solomito captured the win in the Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety-Kleen on Saturday at another historic venue, the half-mile Myrtle Beach Speedway, and became the first winner on the newly formed unified Whelen Modified Tour.
Solomito's No. 16 Starrett Tools Ford took the lead for the final time following a late-race caution that setup the final restart and held off Rob Summers on a green-white-checkered finish to take down the victory. The win was Solomito’s fifth career on the tour after his breakout 2016.
“My team did a great job,” said Solomito. “We knew we had to ride and save our stuff as much as possible for the end of the race. I knew the last five laps we had to run as hard as possible and my team gave me a car good enough to do that.”
Rob Summers, who scored his first Coors Light Pole Award since 2001 earlier in the day, led a race-high 72 laps but came up just short of the victory with a second place finish behind the wheel of his No. 64 Fastrock Electric Chevrolet.
Andy Seuss made a late charge to finish third after spinning just after the halfway point. Ryan Preece was also able to climb to the front late and finish fourth, with Max Zachem rounding out the top five.
Justin Bonsignore was sixth, followed by Rowan Pennink – who led 38 laps – Woody Pitkat, Les Hinckley III and Burt Myers.
The race was slowed by eight cautions, with four coming in the final 30 laps, including one on Lap 145 and a subsequent one on Lap 148 that winnowed the field and took out several contenders. The final yellow pushed the race to 155 laps.
In the offseason, NASCAR unified the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour into one tour that stretches from New Hampshire to South Carolina.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track at Thompson for the Icebreaker 150 on Sunday, April 2.
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January 28th, 2017
Bonsignore Wins In Friday’s Twenty Lap TQ Feature And Fastest In Time Trials
A www.indoorautoracing.com press release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Fri.) – Justin Bonsigore, Ted Christopher, Zane Zeiner and Mike Iles hit Big Casino Friday inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall by winning the four 20-lap A-Main TQ Midget Qualifiers that were the highlight of Friday’s program of Indoor Auto Racing. Their wins guaranteed each a starting spot in Saturday’s Gambler’s Classic 40-lap headliner which offers a $5,000 first place prize.
Bonsignore and Christopher were the winners of the first two TQ Midget 20-lap A-Main Qualifiers. Bonsignore passed race leader Jimmy Blewett to win the first race, then held off Ryan Tidman and Blewett to secure the win.
“Jimmy was really tight in the corners and I was able to set him up,” Blewett said. “Great to win it.”
Christopher overcame an early race penalty for overly aggressive driving, then outran Ryan Flores and Ryan Preece to win.
“It doesn’t mean much really,” Christopher said. “Other than getting in the feature.”
In the third and fourth races, Zane Zeiner and Mike Iles were the victors. Zeiner passed leader Earl Paules twice, once for the lead and a second time when a spin negated the pass and Zeiner had to do it a second time.
“We have changed everything on this car more than once,” Zeiner said. “The track is pretty good for us now. I hope it stays that way.”
Iles outran Matt Janisch to win the fourth race. Iles the only dirt track winner this night, had previously announced his intention to stop racing Dirt Modifieds.
“These cars are physical,” said a tired but smiling Iles. “I have sold off the Modifieds but I think I’ll spend a few more years driving these cars.”
Earlier in TQ Midget time trials, Bonsignore led the 72 car field with a 7.975 time, close to, but just shy of Erick Rudolph’s 2016 standard. Ted Christopher, Zane Zeiner, Matt Janisch and Erick Rudolph rounded out the top five TQ Midgets time trials.
Slingshots and Champ also figured in the Friday action.
Cole Hentschel, Vern McLaughlin III and Cody Kline won the three heat races. Brett Bieber’s 9.789 time bested a 38-car field.
Mike Perry, Richie Spaide, and Ryan Swartz claimed the three Champ Kart qualifiers. Zach Myers with a 9.411 lap, was fastest Champ Kart qualifier at 9.411. Forty-three took time. Several Champ Kart entrants were docked a lap in qualifying after Indoor Auto Racing Series found irregularities in their tires preparation.
The NAPA Know How Racing Weekend in Boardwalk Hall continues tomorrow, Saturday, with the running of the 15th annual Gambler’s Classic. Champ Karts and Slingshots will also compete in feature races.
Bonsignore Wins In Friday’s Twenty Lap TQ Feature And Fastest In Time Trials
A www.indoorautoracing.com press release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Fri.) – Justin Bonsigore, Ted Christopher, Zane Zeiner and Mike Iles hit Big Casino Friday inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall by winning the four 20-lap A-Main TQ Midget Qualifiers that were the highlight of Friday’s program of Indoor Auto Racing. Their wins guaranteed each a starting spot in Saturday’s Gambler’s Classic 40-lap headliner which offers a $5,000 first place prize.
Bonsignore and Christopher were the winners of the first two TQ Midget 20-lap A-Main Qualifiers. Bonsignore passed race leader Jimmy Blewett to win the first race, then held off Ryan Tidman and Blewett to secure the win.
“Jimmy was really tight in the corners and I was able to set him up,” Blewett said. “Great to win it.”
Christopher overcame an early race penalty for overly aggressive driving, then outran Ryan Flores and Ryan Preece to win.
“It doesn’t mean much really,” Christopher said. “Other than getting in the feature.”
In the third and fourth races, Zane Zeiner and Mike Iles were the victors. Zeiner passed leader Earl Paules twice, once for the lead and a second time when a spin negated the pass and Zeiner had to do it a second time.
“We have changed everything on this car more than once,” Zeiner said. “The track is pretty good for us now. I hope it stays that way.”
Iles outran Matt Janisch to win the fourth race. Iles the only dirt track winner this night, had previously announced his intention to stop racing Dirt Modifieds.
“These cars are physical,” said a tired but smiling Iles. “I have sold off the Modifieds but I think I’ll spend a few more years driving these cars.”
Earlier in TQ Midget time trials, Bonsignore led the 72 car field with a 7.975 time, close to, but just shy of Erick Rudolph’s 2016 standard. Ted Christopher, Zane Zeiner, Matt Janisch and Erick Rudolph rounded out the top five TQ Midgets time trials.
Slingshots and Champ also figured in the Friday action.
Cole Hentschel, Vern McLaughlin III and Cody Kline won the three heat races. Brett Bieber’s 9.789 time bested a 38-car field.
Mike Perry, Richie Spaide, and Ryan Swartz claimed the three Champ Kart qualifiers. Zach Myers with a 9.411 lap, was fastest Champ Kart qualifier at 9.411. Forty-three took time. Several Champ Kart entrants were docked a lap in qualifying after Indoor Auto Racing Series found irregularities in their tires preparation.
The NAPA Know How Racing Weekend in Boardwalk Hall continues tomorrow, Saturday, with the running of the 15th annual Gambler’s Classic. Champ Karts and Slingshots will also compete in feature races.
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October 17th, 2016
Torn: Bittersweet Justin Bonsignore Celebrates Thompson Mod Tour Win
A www.racedayct.com article
THOMPSON – Justin Bonsignore had a fairly clean day on the track during Sunday’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Sunoco World Series 150 at Thompson Speedway.
The big crash came for the Holtsville, N.Y. driver actually came when the racing was all over.
Bonsignore won the battle but lost the war Sunday at Thompson Speedway, winning the Sunoco World Series 150 but coming up short in his quest to win the championship.
Doug Coby of Milford finished sixth in the event to win his third consecutive series title and fourth title overall. Bonsignore finished the season with four victories in 17 events and 12 points behind Coby in the final standings.
“It’s unfortunate for sure,” Bonsignore said. “I said before the weekend that I wasn’t going to get down on myself about it. But I wasn’t totally convinced I’d just win it and put the pressure on him. … When you get to pull into victory lane and he takes over and celebrates from there it’s definitely a bummer.”
Bonsignore, looking for his first series title, came into the event trailing Coby by 20 points in the standings.
It was his fifth career victory at Thompson for Bonsignore and second in a row. He won the Budweiser King of Beers 150 at the track on Aug. 10.
“We kept [Coby’s Mike Smeriglio Racing team] honest this year,” Bonsignore said. “Everybody thought they’d just walk away with this deal. The second half of the year we really turned it on. We were 40 or 50 points out at one point. We’re not going to hang our head with any of this. … All in all an amazing season. To finish second is nothing to be ashamed of. Very proud of our season. Four wins. I think we finished in the top-five in all but four races. Just bummed, but really excited. Just come back next year stronger.”
Ryan Preece of Berlin was second and Jimmy Blewett of Howell, N.J. third.
Bonsignore started seventh and early in the race faded outside the top-10, but rallied back. After chasing leader Timmy Solomito for 50 laps, Bonsignore got under him into turn three and came off turn four with the lead on lap 130. He never trailed again.
“I just worked [Solomito] over,” Bonsignore said. “I knew he was free and I could see it and I’d show him the nose and show him the nose. Finally I could see that the guys behind us we’re running us down and I said ‘I’ve got to go.’ He drove it in there deep with us, we bounced wheels. It probably wasn’t one my cleaner passes at Thompson. I hope he’s not too upset. I’m sure he understand that we had to win the race and hope for the best.”
Torn: Bittersweet Justin Bonsignore Celebrates Thompson Mod Tour Win
A www.racedayct.com article
THOMPSON – Justin Bonsignore had a fairly clean day on the track during Sunday’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Sunoco World Series 150 at Thompson Speedway.
The big crash came for the Holtsville, N.Y. driver actually came when the racing was all over.
Bonsignore won the battle but lost the war Sunday at Thompson Speedway, winning the Sunoco World Series 150 but coming up short in his quest to win the championship.
Doug Coby of Milford finished sixth in the event to win his third consecutive series title and fourth title overall. Bonsignore finished the season with four victories in 17 events and 12 points behind Coby in the final standings.
“It’s unfortunate for sure,” Bonsignore said. “I said before the weekend that I wasn’t going to get down on myself about it. But I wasn’t totally convinced I’d just win it and put the pressure on him. … When you get to pull into victory lane and he takes over and celebrates from there it’s definitely a bummer.”
Bonsignore, looking for his first series title, came into the event trailing Coby by 20 points in the standings.
It was his fifth career victory at Thompson for Bonsignore and second in a row. He won the Budweiser King of Beers 150 at the track on Aug. 10.
“We kept [Coby’s Mike Smeriglio Racing team] honest this year,” Bonsignore said. “Everybody thought they’d just walk away with this deal. The second half of the year we really turned it on. We were 40 or 50 points out at one point. We’re not going to hang our head with any of this. … All in all an amazing season. To finish second is nothing to be ashamed of. Very proud of our season. Four wins. I think we finished in the top-five in all but four races. Just bummed, but really excited. Just come back next year stronger.”
Ryan Preece of Berlin was second and Jimmy Blewett of Howell, N.J. third.
Bonsignore started seventh and early in the race faded outside the top-10, but rallied back. After chasing leader Timmy Solomito for 50 laps, Bonsignore got under him into turn three and came off turn four with the lead on lap 130. He never trailed again.
“I just worked [Solomito] over,” Bonsignore said. “I knew he was free and I could see it and I’d show him the nose and show him the nose. Finally I could see that the guys behind us we’re running us down and I said ‘I’ve got to go.’ He drove it in there deep with us, we bounced wheels. It probably wasn’t one my cleaner passes at Thompson. I hope he’s not too upset. I’m sure he understand that we had to win the race and hope for the best.”
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October 10, 2016
Coby Continues Stafford Roll; Bonsignore Rebounds From Ignition Issue To Finish 4th
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
STAFFORD, Conn. (Oct. 9, 2016) – Doug Coby is the modern day dominator of Stafford Motor Speedway. Nothing that happened Sunday changed that fact.
Despite a delay of a week, and nearly seven more hours during a rain-drenched Sunday, Coby still reigns supreme with a victory in the NAPA Fall Final 150.
Coby rolled to his 10th career victory at the historic half-mile – now trailing only Ted Christopher’s 12 – and extended his lead in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship standings to 20 points with one race to go.
It was Coby’s fourth win in the last five tour races at Stafford behind the wheel of the No. 2 Dunleavy's Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet. It also marked his fifth overall in 2016, and 22nd of his career.
Justin Bonsignore entered the race trailing Coby by 13 tallies. The pair started the rain-delayed race 1-2 and traded the lead early, but Bonsignore experienced a mechanical issue and lost a lap on pit road. He was able to earn the subsequent free pass, and made it back to fourth to salvage a good finish considering the circumstances, but lost seven points on Coby in the process.
Following Coby across the finish line was Timmy Solomito and Jimmy Blewett. Bonsingore, Chase Dowling, Roan Pennink, Max Zachem, Matt Swanson, Woody Pitkat and Shawn Solomito brought home the top 10.
The NAPA Fall Final 150 will be telecast on NBCSN on Oct. 16 at 9:30 p.m.
The Whelen Modified Tour will conclude its season and crown a champion in the Sunoco World Series 150 on Oct. 16 at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
Coby Continues Stafford Roll; Bonsignore Rebounds From Ignition Issue To Finish 4th
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
STAFFORD, Conn. (Oct. 9, 2016) – Doug Coby is the modern day dominator of Stafford Motor Speedway. Nothing that happened Sunday changed that fact.
Despite a delay of a week, and nearly seven more hours during a rain-drenched Sunday, Coby still reigns supreme with a victory in the NAPA Fall Final 150.
Coby rolled to his 10th career victory at the historic half-mile – now trailing only Ted Christopher’s 12 – and extended his lead in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship standings to 20 points with one race to go.
It was Coby’s fourth win in the last five tour races at Stafford behind the wheel of the No. 2 Dunleavy's Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet. It also marked his fifth overall in 2016, and 22nd of his career.
Justin Bonsignore entered the race trailing Coby by 13 tallies. The pair started the rain-delayed race 1-2 and traded the lead early, but Bonsignore experienced a mechanical issue and lost a lap on pit road. He was able to earn the subsequent free pass, and made it back to fourth to salvage a good finish considering the circumstances, but lost seven points on Coby in the process.
Following Coby across the finish line was Timmy Solomito and Jimmy Blewett. Bonsingore, Chase Dowling, Roan Pennink, Max Zachem, Matt Swanson, Woody Pitkat and Shawn Solomito brought home the top 10.
The NAPA Fall Final 150 will be telecast on NBCSN on Oct. 16 at 9:30 p.m.
The Whelen Modified Tour will conclude its season and crown a champion in the Sunoco World Series 150 on Oct. 16 at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
September 24th, 2016
Bonsignore Finds Success At Magic Mile, Reaches New Hampshire Victory Lane For First Time
A www.hometracks.nascar.com article, NASCAR.com photo
LOUDON, N.H. -- Justin Bonsignore knows if he's going to catch Doug Coby in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship race, he's going to need to all the points he can get in the final three races.
And that means finding success at a place that's long plagued him: New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Mission accomplished for the Holtsville, New York, driver Saturday afternoon. Bonsignore dominated the FW Webb 100, lead 77 laps and holding off the field in a green-white-checkered finish to score his first win at the "Magic Mile."
"It doesn't get any bigger than this," said Bonsignore. "To do it here at New Hampshire, on the big stage, hasn't sunk in yet. I don't know if it ever will. It's a huge honor to be here at honor and to be called a winner now it unbelievable."
Ron Silk finished second, followed by Coby, Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Matt Swanson and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman.
Rowan Pennink led five laps and was in contention for the win when engine issues on Lap 98 ended his day. It also brought out the race's final caution and pushed the event to 106 laps. On the final restart, Bonsignore was able to get a push from Silk to pull away from him and Coby en route to the checkered flag.
Bonsignore entered the event with an average finish of 17.4 in 14 previous starts at New Hampshire. He had only led two laps on the 1.058-mile oval.
It was Bonsignore's 11th career win. His previous NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories came at his home track, Long Island's Riverhead Raceway (four wins), Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (four wins) and New Hampshire's Monadnock Speedway (two wins).
It was also Bonsignore's third win of the season. More importantly, it allowed him to slice seven more points off Coby's lead. Coby, the three-time tour champion, holds a 13-point advantage on Bonsignore with two races remaining.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will race in the NAPA Fall Final 150 at Connecticut's Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 2, before concluding the season in Thompson's Sunoco World Series 150 on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Patrick Emerling finished sixth at New Hampshire, while Jimmy Blewett, Max Zachem, Timmy Solomito and Donny Lia rounded out the top 10.
The FW Webb 100 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
Bonsignore Finds Success At Magic Mile, Reaches New Hampshire Victory Lane For First Time
A www.hometracks.nascar.com article, NASCAR.com photo
LOUDON, N.H. -- Justin Bonsignore knows if he's going to catch Doug Coby in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship race, he's going to need to all the points he can get in the final three races.
And that means finding success at a place that's long plagued him: New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Mission accomplished for the Holtsville, New York, driver Saturday afternoon. Bonsignore dominated the FW Webb 100, lead 77 laps and holding off the field in a green-white-checkered finish to score his first win at the "Magic Mile."
"It doesn't get any bigger than this," said Bonsignore. "To do it here at New Hampshire, on the big stage, hasn't sunk in yet. I don't know if it ever will. It's a huge honor to be here at honor and to be called a winner now it unbelievable."
Ron Silk finished second, followed by Coby, Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Matt Swanson and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman.
Rowan Pennink led five laps and was in contention for the win when engine issues on Lap 98 ended his day. It also brought out the race's final caution and pushed the event to 106 laps. On the final restart, Bonsignore was able to get a push from Silk to pull away from him and Coby en route to the checkered flag.
Bonsignore entered the event with an average finish of 17.4 in 14 previous starts at New Hampshire. He had only led two laps on the 1.058-mile oval.
It was Bonsignore's 11th career win. His previous NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories came at his home track, Long Island's Riverhead Raceway (four wins), Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (four wins) and New Hampshire's Monadnock Speedway (two wins).
It was also Bonsignore's third win of the season. More importantly, it allowed him to slice seven more points off Coby's lead. Coby, the three-time tour champion, holds a 13-point advantage on Bonsignore with two races remaining.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will race in the NAPA Fall Final 150 at Connecticut's Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 2, before concluding the season in Thompson's Sunoco World Series 150 on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Patrick Emerling finished sixth at New Hampshire, while Jimmy Blewett, Max Zachem, Timmy Solomito and Donny Lia rounded out the top 10.
The FW Webb 100 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
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September 10, 2016
Solomito Makes Move When It Counts, Late Pass At Seekonk Earns Him Fourth Whelen Modified Victory; Bonsignore Has An Impressive 2nd Place Finish
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
SEEKONK, Massachusetts -- When it was go-time, Timmy Solomito didn't hesitate.
The Islip, New York, driver muscled his way past Doug Coby on Lap 114 and then held off the three-time champion as well as championship contender Justin Bonsignore to win Saturday night's AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway.
It was Solomito's fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season.
Solomito started alongside Coby on the Lap 112 restart. After failing to get by on the outside on the first lap, Solomito fell into line behind Coby coming off Turn 4 and then drove low into Turn 1. Solomito's left side tires kicked up dirt and grass and the two banged side nerf bars as Solomito emerged from Turn 2 with the lead.
"It was time to go," said Solomito. "There was 30-something laps to go and you're racing on a tight track. Yea, I got down on the grass there, got a little sideways. But we were able to sneak by him. That's all that mattered. At the end of the day, we were able to do it."
A late caution set up a green-white-checkered finish that pushed the race to 151 laps. Solomito was able to get away on the final restart as Bonsignore edged Coby for second.
Coby won his eighth Coors Light Pole Award of the season earlier in the day and led a race-high 108 laps. The finish allowed Coby to maintain his 20-point lead over Bonsignore, while Solomito moved four points closer and sits 36 points out with three races remaining.
Matt Hirschman finished fourth at Seekonk, followed by Bobby Santos.
Eric Goodale, Jimmy Blewett, Rowan Pennink, Chase Dowling and Jeff Goodale completed the top 10.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will run in the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Solomito Makes Move When It Counts, Late Pass At Seekonk Earns Him Fourth Whelen Modified Victory; Bonsignore Has An Impressive 2nd Place Finish
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
SEEKONK, Massachusetts -- When it was go-time, Timmy Solomito didn't hesitate.
The Islip, New York, driver muscled his way past Doug Coby on Lap 114 and then held off the three-time champion as well as championship contender Justin Bonsignore to win Saturday night's AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway.
It was Solomito's fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season.
Solomito started alongside Coby on the Lap 112 restart. After failing to get by on the outside on the first lap, Solomito fell into line behind Coby coming off Turn 4 and then drove low into Turn 1. Solomito's left side tires kicked up dirt and grass and the two banged side nerf bars as Solomito emerged from Turn 2 with the lead.
"It was time to go," said Solomito. "There was 30-something laps to go and you're racing on a tight track. Yea, I got down on the grass there, got a little sideways. But we were able to sneak by him. That's all that mattered. At the end of the day, we were able to do it."
A late caution set up a green-white-checkered finish that pushed the race to 151 laps. Solomito was able to get away on the final restart as Bonsignore edged Coby for second.
Coby won his eighth Coors Light Pole Award of the season earlier in the day and led a race-high 108 laps. The finish allowed Coby to maintain his 20-point lead over Bonsignore, while Solomito moved four points closer and sits 36 points out with three races remaining.
Matt Hirschman finished fourth at Seekonk, followed by Bobby Santos.
Eric Goodale, Jimmy Blewett, Rowan Pennink, Chase Dowling and Jeff Goodale completed the top 10.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will run in the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 24.
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September 3rd, 2016
Coby Proves A Quick Study At Oswego; Bonsignore Stays In Title Fight With 3rd Place Finish
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Doug Coby had never taken a lap around Oswego Speedway before Saturday. He hadn't even seen it in person before he arrived at the historic upstate New York track in the morning.
It didn't take the three-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion long, though, to find the fast way around in his No. 2 Dunleavy Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet. Coby led twice for a race-high 121 laps en route to capturing the Toyota Mod Classic 140.
Saturday's win was the fourth of the season for the Milford, Connecticut, driver, and his first since July at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Coby extended his championship points lead to 20 over Justin Bonsignore, who finished third, with four races remaining.
Timmy Solomito finished second. After Bonsignore, Rob Summers and Patrick Emerling rounded out the top five.
Coby qualified second behind Coors Light Pole Award winner Bobby Santos, and led the first 61 laps on the .625-mile oval. After pitting and coming out 11th, he quickly worked his way back up through the field and took the lead from Rowan Pennink on Lap 91. Coby beat Solomito to the checkered by .812 seconds.
With his 21st career win, Coby moved into sole possession of seventh place on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour all-time wins list. He is seven behind Mike Ewanitsko.
Chuck Hossfeld, filling in for Jimmy Blewett in the No. 4, finished sixth. Rowan Pennink was seventh, followed by Chase Dowling, Ron Silk and Craig Lutz.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track on Saturday, Sept. 10, for the AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway in Massachusetts.
Coby Proves A Quick Study At Oswego; Bonsignore Stays In Title Fight With 3rd Place Finish
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Doug Coby had never taken a lap around Oswego Speedway before Saturday. He hadn't even seen it in person before he arrived at the historic upstate New York track in the morning.
It didn't take the three-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion long, though, to find the fast way around in his No. 2 Dunleavy Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet. Coby led twice for a race-high 121 laps en route to capturing the Toyota Mod Classic 140.
Saturday's win was the fourth of the season for the Milford, Connecticut, driver, and his first since July at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Coby extended his championship points lead to 20 over Justin Bonsignore, who finished third, with four races remaining.
Timmy Solomito finished second. After Bonsignore, Rob Summers and Patrick Emerling rounded out the top five.
Coby qualified second behind Coors Light Pole Award winner Bobby Santos, and led the first 61 laps on the .625-mile oval. After pitting and coming out 11th, he quickly worked his way back up through the field and took the lead from Rowan Pennink on Lap 91. Coby beat Solomito to the checkered by .812 seconds.
With his 21st career win, Coby moved into sole possession of seventh place on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour all-time wins list. He is seven behind Mike Ewanitsko.
Chuck Hossfeld, filling in for Jimmy Blewett in the No. 4, finished sixth. Rowan Pennink was seventh, followed by Chase Dowling, Ron Silk and Craig Lutz.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track on Saturday, Sept. 10, for the AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway in Massachusetts.
August 28, 2016
Bonsignore Drives Home Win At Riverhead
Scores 10th Career Whelen Modified Win In 100th Start
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- Justin Bonsignore came up short at home in June. He wasn't going to let it happen again Saturday night.
The 28-year-old from Holtsville, New York, held off the charge of brother Timmy and Shawn Solomito to score the victory in the Riverhead 200 at Long Island's Riverhead Raceway. It was a night of milestones for Bonsignore, who earned his 10th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in his 100th career start.
Bonsignore kept the No. 51 Phoenix Communications Inc. Chevrolet out front for a race-high 117 laps. He kept the Solomitos behind him on a final restart with nine laps remaining to secure the win.
In June, Bosignore finished second to Timmy Solomito on a green-white-checkered finish at Riverhead. Bosignore, both Solomitos and fourth-place Tom Rogers Jr. are all Long Island natives. It was Bonsignore's fourth win at his home track, where he was the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I champion in 2011.
Timmy Solomito led 70 laps on the quarter-mile but had to settle for a runner-up finish this time. Shawn Solomito won his first career Coors Light Pole Award earlier in the day -- knocking Timmy off the provisional pole as the second-to-last driver to make a qualifying lap -- and led the other 13 laps.
In addition to the win, Bonsignore cut Doug Coby's championship points lead to 13 with five races remaining. Timmy Solomito remains 35 points back of Coby, who finished 15th.
Jimmy Blewett, Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Craig Lutz, Max Zachem, Frank Vigliarolo Jr. and Eric Goodale rounded out the top 10.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads to upstate New York next Saturday for the Toyota Mod Classic 150 presented by McDonald’s at Oswego Speedway.
The Riverhead 200 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m.
Bonsignore Drives Home Win At Riverhead
Scores 10th Career Whelen Modified Win In 100th Start
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- Justin Bonsignore came up short at home in June. He wasn't going to let it happen again Saturday night.
The 28-year-old from Holtsville, New York, held off the charge of brother Timmy and Shawn Solomito to score the victory in the Riverhead 200 at Long Island's Riverhead Raceway. It was a night of milestones for Bonsignore, who earned his 10th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in his 100th career start.
Bonsignore kept the No. 51 Phoenix Communications Inc. Chevrolet out front for a race-high 117 laps. He kept the Solomitos behind him on a final restart with nine laps remaining to secure the win.
In June, Bosignore finished second to Timmy Solomito on a green-white-checkered finish at Riverhead. Bosignore, both Solomitos and fourth-place Tom Rogers Jr. are all Long Island natives. It was Bonsignore's fourth win at his home track, where he was the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I champion in 2011.
Timmy Solomito led 70 laps on the quarter-mile but had to settle for a runner-up finish this time. Shawn Solomito won his first career Coors Light Pole Award earlier in the day -- knocking Timmy off the provisional pole as the second-to-last driver to make a qualifying lap -- and led the other 13 laps.
In addition to the win, Bonsignore cut Doug Coby's championship points lead to 13 with five races remaining. Timmy Solomito remains 35 points back of Coby, who finished 15th.
Jimmy Blewett, Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Craig Lutz, Max Zachem, Frank Vigliarolo Jr. and Eric Goodale rounded out the top 10.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads to upstate New York next Saturday for the Toyota Mod Classic 150 presented by McDonald’s at Oswego Speedway.
The Riverhead 200 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m.
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August 11, 2016
Bonsignore Tackles Thompson Again, Holds Off Coby on Late Restart to Score First Win of Season
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
THOMPSON, Conn. – After saying he ‘gave’ away about thirty points this season with two DNF’s, Justin Bonsignore was finally able to celebrate after a race Wednesday at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
Bonsignore passed points leader Doug Coby on Lap 74 and withheld a strong challenge for the lead on a restart with fours lap remaining to win the Budweiser King of Beers 150 for his first win of the season.
Bonsignore qualified third and was able to muscle by Coby for the lead and hold off the two-time defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion for his ninth career win and fourth overall at Thompson.
The third and final caution of the race was given to the field on Lap 143 for a single car spin setting up the final restart. Bonsignore was able to drive away with Coby in tow to get his first win since the Holtsville, N.Y. native won at Riverhead Raceway last season.
Bobby Santos finished third as Woody Pitkat and Ryan Preece rounded out the top five. Max Zachem was sixth with Ron Silk, Donny Lia, Shawn Solomito and Jeff Goodale coming home seventh through 10th, respectively.
Chase Dowling took advantage of a quick pit stop by his crew during the first caution of the race on Lap 58 to take the lead where he stayed until Coby got by on Lap 62 on the restart.
Bonsignore was able to pull to within 15 points of the lead and now trails Coby 397-382 in the standings with seven races remaining. Timmy Solomito is third with Donny Lia and Jimmy Blewett rounding out the top five in the standings.
The Budweiser King of Beers 150 will be televised on NBCSN on Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to action along with its NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour counterparts for their annual combination race on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Bush’s Beans 150 will be held at 6 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Bonsignore Tackles Thompson Again, Holds Off Coby on Late Restart to Score First Win of Season
A www.hometracks.nascar.com release
THOMPSON, Conn. – After saying he ‘gave’ away about thirty points this season with two DNF’s, Justin Bonsignore was finally able to celebrate after a race Wednesday at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
Bonsignore passed points leader Doug Coby on Lap 74 and withheld a strong challenge for the lead on a restart with fours lap remaining to win the Budweiser King of Beers 150 for his first win of the season.
Bonsignore qualified third and was able to muscle by Coby for the lead and hold off the two-time defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion for his ninth career win and fourth overall at Thompson.
The third and final caution of the race was given to the field on Lap 143 for a single car spin setting up the final restart. Bonsignore was able to drive away with Coby in tow to get his first win since the Holtsville, N.Y. native won at Riverhead Raceway last season.
Bobby Santos finished third as Woody Pitkat and Ryan Preece rounded out the top five. Max Zachem was sixth with Ron Silk, Donny Lia, Shawn Solomito and Jeff Goodale coming home seventh through 10th, respectively.
Chase Dowling took advantage of a quick pit stop by his crew during the first caution of the race on Lap 58 to take the lead where he stayed until Coby got by on Lap 62 on the restart.
Bonsignore was able to pull to within 15 points of the lead and now trails Coby 397-382 in the standings with seven races remaining. Timmy Solomito is third with Donny Lia and Jimmy Blewett rounding out the top five in the standings.
The Budweiser King of Beers 150 will be televised on NBCSN on Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to action along with its NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour counterparts for their annual combination race on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Bush’s Beans 150 will be held at 6 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
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August 6th, 2016
Blewett Grabs Improbable Victory At Stafford; Bonsignore Earns Podium Finish With 2nd Place Run
A NASCAR Home Tracks release
STAFFORD, Conn. – It was one of the most improbable of victories Friday night, but that didn’t make it any less sweet for Jimmy Blewett.
The 35-year-old from Howell, New Jersey, took advantage of fuel issues by NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship points leader Doug Coby and Bobby Santos in the closing laps to drive away with the 26th annual Stafford 150.
“You’ve got to put yourself in position,” said Blewett, who has collected four top three finishes in nine races in the No. 4 Starrett/Mayhew Dodge. “We worked all race long to be in position to be there in the end, to have a shot.”
Friday marked the sixth career win and first since 2009 for the long-time Modified driver. Blewett sat out of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour the last two years before getting an opportunity to drive for Bob Garbarino’s historic No. 4 Modified.
Justin Bonsignore finished second and Brendon Bock earned his first podium finish. Chase Dowling and Eric Goodale finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Coby won his sixth Coors Light Pole Award of the season Friday afternoon, and was trying to join Ted Christopher as the only driver to win four straight at Stafford. Christopher won the Fall Final in 2001 and the first three races of 2002.
Coby appeared well on his way Friday night as he led 140 of the first 143 laps.
But he suddenly slowed on the track, opening up the opportunity for the field to capitalize. Santos inherited the lead, but he too had fuel issues on the restart and the ensuing melee brought out the race’s final caution. It also pushed the race to 157 laps.
Coby, who tweeted after the race he suffered a broken fuel pump, wound up 20th and Santos 17th.
Ron Silk finished sixth, followed by Max Zachem, Timmy Solomito, Woody Pitkat and Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Craig Lutz.
The late-race shakeup cut into Coby’s championship points lead. He now holds a 20-point edge on Bonsignore and 24 over Solomito. Blewett moved to fourth in points, 11 behind Solomito.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has a quick turnaround, racing Wednesday at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, before heading to Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday, Aug. 17, for the annual combination race with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
Blewett Grabs Improbable Victory At Stafford; Bonsignore Earns Podium Finish With 2nd Place Run
A NASCAR Home Tracks release
STAFFORD, Conn. – It was one of the most improbable of victories Friday night, but that didn’t make it any less sweet for Jimmy Blewett.
The 35-year-old from Howell, New Jersey, took advantage of fuel issues by NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship points leader Doug Coby and Bobby Santos in the closing laps to drive away with the 26th annual Stafford 150.
“You’ve got to put yourself in position,” said Blewett, who has collected four top three finishes in nine races in the No. 4 Starrett/Mayhew Dodge. “We worked all race long to be in position to be there in the end, to have a shot.”
Friday marked the sixth career win and first since 2009 for the long-time Modified driver. Blewett sat out of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour the last two years before getting an opportunity to drive for Bob Garbarino’s historic No. 4 Modified.
Justin Bonsignore finished second and Brendon Bock earned his first podium finish. Chase Dowling and Eric Goodale finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Coby won his sixth Coors Light Pole Award of the season Friday afternoon, and was trying to join Ted Christopher as the only driver to win four straight at Stafford. Christopher won the Fall Final in 2001 and the first three races of 2002.
Coby appeared well on his way Friday night as he led 140 of the first 143 laps.
But he suddenly slowed on the track, opening up the opportunity for the field to capitalize. Santos inherited the lead, but he too had fuel issues on the restart and the ensuing melee brought out the race’s final caution. It also pushed the race to 157 laps.
Coby, who tweeted after the race he suffered a broken fuel pump, wound up 20th and Santos 17th.
Ron Silk finished sixth, followed by Max Zachem, Timmy Solomito, Woody Pitkat and Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Craig Lutz.
The late-race shakeup cut into Coby’s championship points lead. He now holds a 20-point edge on Bonsignore and 24 over Solomito. Blewett moved to fourth in points, 11 behind Solomito.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has a quick turnaround, racing Wednesday at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, before heading to Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday, Aug. 17, for the annual combination race with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
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July 25th, 2016
Solomito Goes The Distance At Monadnock; Bonsignore Recovers From A Lap Down To A 5th Place Finish
A www.nascar.hometracks.com release
WINCHESTER, N.H. – Timmy Solomito was on cruise control Sunday.
The Islip, New York, driver led every lap – twice pulling away from the field on late-race restarts – as he drove to Victory Lane in the Dunleavy's 200 at Monadnock Speedway. It was the third NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season for Solomito.
It was the second straight win on one of tour's bullrings. Solomito won at his home track, New York's Riverhead Raceway on June 25. He opened the season at Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park with his first career victory.
Rowan Pennink made a late bid for the win before settling for second, while Jimmy Blewett brought it home third.
Eric Goodale and Justin Bonsignore were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Championship points leads Doug Coby finished sixth, the last car on the lead lap.
Solomito won his second career Coors Light Pole Award in qualifying Saturday, but late day rain pushed the evening race to Sunday afternoon.
The first 153 laps ran Sunday without a caution. Solomito, with Coby on his back bumper, set a blistering pace in the No. 16 Diversified Metals Ford and lapped all but the top five before the first yellow flag flew.
Solomito was able to cut into Coby's lead, with is now 34 after eight of 17 races.
Max Zachem finished sixth, followed by Woody Pitkat, Rob Summers and Donny Lia. Lia is two points behind Solomito and a point ahead of Bonsignore.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Connecticut's Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, Aug. 5, for the third of its four visits to the half-mile. Coby has won both previous races there this year.
Solomito Goes The Distance At Monadnock; Bonsignore Recovers From A Lap Down To A 5th Place Finish
A www.nascar.hometracks.com release
WINCHESTER, N.H. – Timmy Solomito was on cruise control Sunday.
The Islip, New York, driver led every lap – twice pulling away from the field on late-race restarts – as he drove to Victory Lane in the Dunleavy's 200 at Monadnock Speedway. It was the third NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season for Solomito.
It was the second straight win on one of tour's bullrings. Solomito won at his home track, New York's Riverhead Raceway on June 25. He opened the season at Connecticut's Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park with his first career victory.
Rowan Pennink made a late bid for the win before settling for second, while Jimmy Blewett brought it home third.
Eric Goodale and Justin Bonsignore were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Championship points leads Doug Coby finished sixth, the last car on the lead lap.
Solomito won his second career Coors Light Pole Award in qualifying Saturday, but late day rain pushed the evening race to Sunday afternoon.
The first 153 laps ran Sunday without a caution. Solomito, with Coby on his back bumper, set a blistering pace in the No. 16 Diversified Metals Ford and lapped all but the top five before the first yellow flag flew.
Solomito was able to cut into Coby's lead, with is now 34 after eight of 17 races.
Max Zachem finished sixth, followed by Woody Pitkat, Rob Summers and Donny Lia. Lia is two points behind Solomito and a point ahead of Bonsignore.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Connecticut's Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, Aug. 5, for the third of its four visits to the half-mile. Coby has won both previous races there this year.
June 28th, 2016
Solomito Scores Home Track Win; Justin Bonsignore Marches Thru The Field To Finish 2nd
A NASCAR Home Tracks release
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- While Timmy Solomito's first career win earlier this year was a 'dream come true,' Saturday night's victory at his home track was twice as sweet.
The 24-year-old Islip, New York driver, piloted the No. 16 Diversified Metals /R.B. Enterprises Ford to the win in the Riverhead 200 at Long Island's Riverhead Speedway. To get to Victory Lane for a second time, Solomito had to hold off Justin Bonsignore in a green-white-checkered finish that capped a wild night on the historic quarter-mile.
"Since I set out on the tour, this is something I always wanted to do, win in front of my hometown crowd," Solomito said. "To finally get a win here means a lot."
It was a Riverhead sweep of the podium, as Bonsignore settled for second and Donny Lia came home third.
Jimmy Blewett, who had to drop to the rear on the start for making changes after qualifying, charged his way up to fourth. And Dave Sapienza rounded out the top five.
Solomito has won a number of the extra-distance NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified events at Riverhead, but was 0-for-5 in tour starts. He did nearly come away with a win in 2013, only to finish third after losing the lead to eventual winner Ryan Preece with 24 laps to go.
Bonsignore is a former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion at Riverside and was looking to win his third straight tour race there. But Solomito got a strong jump on the race's final restart as the late caution pushed the race to 212 laps.
Earlier in the day, Doug Coby won his fifth Coors Light Pole Award in six races this season. Coby led a race-high 81 laps but spun after contact with Bonsignore as the two battled along with Solomito for the lead on Lap 196. Coby salvaged a 10th-place finish and maintained a 17-point lead over Max Zachem.
Zachem finished sixth, followed by Eric Goodale, Chase Dowling, rookie Matt Swanson and Coby.
Bonsignore is third in points, one ahead of Lia and two ahead of Solomito.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads north next month for the New England 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 16. It's part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at the "Magic Mile," which includes the non-points All-Star Shootout for the Whelen Modifieds on Friday, July 15.
Solomito Scores Home Track Win; Justin Bonsignore Marches Thru The Field To Finish 2nd
A NASCAR Home Tracks release
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- While Timmy Solomito's first career win earlier this year was a 'dream come true,' Saturday night's victory at his home track was twice as sweet.
The 24-year-old Islip, New York driver, piloted the No. 16 Diversified Metals /R.B. Enterprises Ford to the win in the Riverhead 200 at Long Island's Riverhead Speedway. To get to Victory Lane for a second time, Solomito had to hold off Justin Bonsignore in a green-white-checkered finish that capped a wild night on the historic quarter-mile.
"Since I set out on the tour, this is something I always wanted to do, win in front of my hometown crowd," Solomito said. "To finally get a win here means a lot."
It was a Riverhead sweep of the podium, as Bonsignore settled for second and Donny Lia came home third.
Jimmy Blewett, who had to drop to the rear on the start for making changes after qualifying, charged his way up to fourth. And Dave Sapienza rounded out the top five.
Solomito has won a number of the extra-distance NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified events at Riverhead, but was 0-for-5 in tour starts. He did nearly come away with a win in 2013, only to finish third after losing the lead to eventual winner Ryan Preece with 24 laps to go.
Bonsignore is a former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion at Riverside and was looking to win his third straight tour race there. But Solomito got a strong jump on the race's final restart as the late caution pushed the race to 212 laps.
Earlier in the day, Doug Coby won his fifth Coors Light Pole Award in six races this season. Coby led a race-high 81 laps but spun after contact with Bonsignore as the two battled along with Solomito for the lead on Lap 196. Coby salvaged a 10th-place finish and maintained a 17-point lead over Max Zachem.
Zachem finished sixth, followed by Eric Goodale, Chase Dowling, rookie Matt Swanson and Coby.
Bonsignore is third in points, one ahead of Lia and two ahead of Solomito.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads north next month for the New England 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 16. It's part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at the "Magic Mile," which includes the non-points All-Star Shootout for the Whelen Modifieds on Friday, July 15.
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Coby Dominates In First Win Of Season; Bonsignore Earns Second Straight Top 5 Finish
A NASCAR Home Tracks article
STAFFORD, Conn. – Doug Coby didn’t win the season-opener a couple of weeks ago, but he made everyone aware Sunday at Stafford Motor Speedway he’s still the driver to beat to win the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship.
Coby started from the pole and led a race-high 193 laps to win the NAPA Spring Sizzler 200 for his 18th career win overall and third in the 45th annual spring event at the historic speedway located in Stafford, Connecticut.
The two-time defending tour champion pulled ahead at the start of the race and quickly built leads by as much as three seconds in the first half of the event. While Justin Bonsignore, Jamie Tomaino and Ted Christopher were each credited with laps led, Coby left little doubt through the afternoon he had the winning car.
Todd Szegedy followed in second with Rowan Pennink third. Timmy Solomito backed up his season-opening win with a fourth-place finish and Bonsignore was fifth.
Completing the top-10 were Shawn Solomito, Bobby Santos, Chase Dowling, Brendon Bock and Max Zachem.
The race was slowed five times for caution with the only multi-car incident occurring on Lap 106 after Bonsignore and Ryan Preece got together following a restart.
With the win Coby ascends to the top of the points standings by one over Timmy Solomito, 88-87.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to action on May 14 at New London-Waterford Speedbowl for the New England Cycle Center 161.
A NASCAR Home Tracks article
STAFFORD, Conn. – Doug Coby didn’t win the season-opener a couple of weeks ago, but he made everyone aware Sunday at Stafford Motor Speedway he’s still the driver to beat to win the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship.
Coby started from the pole and led a race-high 193 laps to win the NAPA Spring Sizzler 200 for his 18th career win overall and third in the 45th annual spring event at the historic speedway located in Stafford, Connecticut.
The two-time defending tour champion pulled ahead at the start of the race and quickly built leads by as much as three seconds in the first half of the event. While Justin Bonsignore, Jamie Tomaino and Ted Christopher were each credited with laps led, Coby left little doubt through the afternoon he had the winning car.
Todd Szegedy followed in second with Rowan Pennink third. Timmy Solomito backed up his season-opening win with a fourth-place finish and Bonsignore was fifth.
Completing the top-10 were Shawn Solomito, Bobby Santos, Chase Dowling, Brendon Bock and Max Zachem.
The race was slowed five times for caution with the only multi-car incident occurring on Lap 106 after Bonsignore and Ryan Preece got together following a restart.
With the win Coby ascends to the top of the points standings by one over Timmy Solomito, 88-87.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to action on May 14 at New London-Waterford Speedbowl for the New England Cycle Center 161.
Sesely Wins 14th Annual TQ NAPA Know How Gambler’s Classic; Bouc, Spellmon Claim Champ Kart, Slingshot Features
Bonsignore Impresses With Strong 3rd Place Finish
An www.aarn.com article
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Sat.) – Anthony Sesely of Matawan, N.J., became the first three time winner of the NAPA Know How Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget feature Saturday night by driving what amounted to a perfect race.
“The car got better as the race went on,” Sesely said. “We’re back with the setup we used to win the 2013 and 2014 race. I couldn’t be happier.”
Sesely, who was a non-factor in the 2015 race, started first in the 40-lap main event by winning the TQ Dash, a five lap race among the nine drivers in time trials and Friday night heat race points.
Sesely fought off a variety of challengers who moved to second. In order, Mike Lichty, Ryan Tidman, Jimmy Blewett, Erick Rudolph, Ryan Flores, and, ultimately Andy Jankowiak trailed Sesely’s chain driven 600 Micro but could never complete a pass.
Jankiowiak’s second place ended a troubled and challenging weekend for the upstate New Yorker. Justin Bonsignore authored a well-driven race to finish a solid third while Micro Sprint specialist Kyle Lick amazed TQ regulars with a fourth place run. Lichty was fifth.
Zane Zeiner, Jimmy Blewett, Nick Ladyga, Tim Buckwalter and a disconsolate Erick Rudolph rounded out the top ten.
Danny Bouc of Plumsteadville, Pa., outran Donnie Nall and Chris Daley to win the 24-car, 25-lap Champ Kart main event. Bouc advanced steadily through the pack, taking the lead from Nall on lap thirteen. Once in front, Bouc withstood a pair of restarts, one of which cleared lapped traffic from in front of him, to win the race, his first Indoor Champ Kart win.
The triumph was the first for Bouc in an Indoor Champ Kart race after many years of trying.
“I can’t believe it,” Bouc said with his long-time girlfriend Elizabeth Taylor at his side. “I’ve come close many times and I finally got one.”
Dan Spellmon of Butler, N.J., won the 24-car, 25 lap Slinger Warehouse Slingshot feature. Cody Kohler and Kyle Herve were second and third.
Spellmon passed Kohler at the halfway mark for the lead and once in front got some crucial elements of fortune with the way the race flowed.
“The car was getting freer and freer but I was able to hang on,” Spellmon said. “I got a couple of breaks the way the yellow flags fell and was good enough at the end to hold off everybody.”
Kohler finished second, the beneficiary of a late race penalty imposed on Simon Egan, who had taken second and was on the move. But officials penalized Egan two spots for a late race restart infraction. Kohler regained second to finish there with Herve taking third. Egan was fourth.
Six TQ Heat races Saturday night were to determine main event starters. Andy Jankowiak won the first one over Justin Bonsignore, with Joey Payne finishing ahead of Brad Lamberson to snare heat two.
Matt Roselli grabbed the third heat ahead of actual third place finisher Matt Janisch after Brandon Knupp’s car was disqualified for weighing in light. Heat four was taken by Bob Baker ahead of DJ Shaw.
The fifth TQ prelim was grabbed by Friday fast time trialer Ryan Flores ahead of Pat Bealer and heat six was claimed by Ryan Susice with Andrew Krause, who came from a ninth place start to a second place finish.
Three final TQ B-Mains settled the final three starting spots for the Gambler’s Classic. The trio of B-Main winners were Patrick Emerling, Nick Ladyga, and Pat Bealer.
On Saturday afternoon, two TQ Last Chance Races, a pair of Slingshot B-Mains, and a duo of Champ Kart affairs pared the field of drivers for the Saturday night features.
TQ Last Chance events were won by Jack Conover and Andrew Krause. The win for Conover was his second preliminary win of the weekend, having won the Friday TQ Non-Qualifier event.
Slingshot B-Mains were won by Michael Glass and Chris Kurtz with Damon Paul and Demetrious Drellos finishing runners-up to the two event victors.
Champ Kart B-Mains were won by Daniel Doyle, Jr. and A.J. DeSantis, chased by Jeremy Tuttle and Alex Colesanto respectively.
The Indoor Race Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels resumes over the weekend of February 26-28 at Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, N.J.
14th Annual Gamblers Classic TQ Midget Feature (40 Laps): 1. Anthony Sesely, 2. Andy Jankowiak, 3. Justin Bonsignore, 4. Kyle Lick, 5. Mike Lichty, 6. Zane Zeiner, 7. Jimmy Blewett, 8. Nick Ladyga, 9. Tim Buckwalter, 10. Erick Rudolph, 11. Rob Neely, 12. Matt Janisch, 13. DJ Shaw, 14. Matt Roselli, 15. Ryan Flores, 16. Brad Lamberson, 17. Pat Bealer, 18. Scott Kreutter, 19. Patrick Emerling, 20. Ryan Tidman, 21. Joey Payne, 22. Tony DiMattia, 23. Bob Baker, 24. Ryan Susice, 25. Andrew Krause, 26. Rob Vivona.
Champ Kart Feature (25 Laps): Danny Bouc, 2. Donnie Nall, 3. Chris Daley, 4. Joe Pacovich, 5. Zack Myers, 6. Jonathan Cash, 7. Anthony Colandro, 8. Mike Perry, 9. Jerry Mullis, 10. Richie Davidowitz, 11. Eric Zeh, 12. Daniel Doyle Jr., 13. Dalton Rovira, 14. AJ Jadacki, 15. Jake Shelley, 16. Ryan Kendall, 17. Jeremy Tuttle, 18. AJ DeSantis, 19. Ryan Swartz, 20. Alex Colesanto, 21. James Hayden, 22. Joey Bruning, 23. James Pape Jr., 24. Cale Ross.
Slingshot Feature (25 Laps): 1. Dan Spellmon, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Kyle Herve, 4. Simon Egan, 5. Demetrios Drellos, 6. Nick Shaw, 7. Matthew Stangle, 8. Kevin VanValkenburg, 9. Joe Kata, 10. Ken Reeder, 11. Frank Yankowski, 12. Cody Kline, 13. John Aumick, 14. Kurt Bettler, 15. Chris Kurtz, 16. Joe Toth, 17. Jerry Schott Jr., 18. Dillon Steuer, 19. Damon Paul, 20. Brett Bieber, 21. Ed Stangle, 22. Seth Spayd, 23. Matt Langbein, 24. Michael Glass.
Bonsignore Impresses With Strong 3rd Place Finish
An www.aarn.com article
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Sat.) – Anthony Sesely of Matawan, N.J., became the first three time winner of the NAPA Know How Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget feature Saturday night by driving what amounted to a perfect race.
“The car got better as the race went on,” Sesely said. “We’re back with the setup we used to win the 2013 and 2014 race. I couldn’t be happier.”
Sesely, who was a non-factor in the 2015 race, started first in the 40-lap main event by winning the TQ Dash, a five lap race among the nine drivers in time trials and Friday night heat race points.
Sesely fought off a variety of challengers who moved to second. In order, Mike Lichty, Ryan Tidman, Jimmy Blewett, Erick Rudolph, Ryan Flores, and, ultimately Andy Jankowiak trailed Sesely’s chain driven 600 Micro but could never complete a pass.
Jankiowiak’s second place ended a troubled and challenging weekend for the upstate New Yorker. Justin Bonsignore authored a well-driven race to finish a solid third while Micro Sprint specialist Kyle Lick amazed TQ regulars with a fourth place run. Lichty was fifth.
Zane Zeiner, Jimmy Blewett, Nick Ladyga, Tim Buckwalter and a disconsolate Erick Rudolph rounded out the top ten.
Danny Bouc of Plumsteadville, Pa., outran Donnie Nall and Chris Daley to win the 24-car, 25-lap Champ Kart main event. Bouc advanced steadily through the pack, taking the lead from Nall on lap thirteen. Once in front, Bouc withstood a pair of restarts, one of which cleared lapped traffic from in front of him, to win the race, his first Indoor Champ Kart win.
The triumph was the first for Bouc in an Indoor Champ Kart race after many years of trying.
“I can’t believe it,” Bouc said with his long-time girlfriend Elizabeth Taylor at his side. “I’ve come close many times and I finally got one.”
Dan Spellmon of Butler, N.J., won the 24-car, 25 lap Slinger Warehouse Slingshot feature. Cody Kohler and Kyle Herve were second and third.
Spellmon passed Kohler at the halfway mark for the lead and once in front got some crucial elements of fortune with the way the race flowed.
“The car was getting freer and freer but I was able to hang on,” Spellmon said. “I got a couple of breaks the way the yellow flags fell and was good enough at the end to hold off everybody.”
Kohler finished second, the beneficiary of a late race penalty imposed on Simon Egan, who had taken second and was on the move. But officials penalized Egan two spots for a late race restart infraction. Kohler regained second to finish there with Herve taking third. Egan was fourth.
Six TQ Heat races Saturday night were to determine main event starters. Andy Jankowiak won the first one over Justin Bonsignore, with Joey Payne finishing ahead of Brad Lamberson to snare heat two.
Matt Roselli grabbed the third heat ahead of actual third place finisher Matt Janisch after Brandon Knupp’s car was disqualified for weighing in light. Heat four was taken by Bob Baker ahead of DJ Shaw.
The fifth TQ prelim was grabbed by Friday fast time trialer Ryan Flores ahead of Pat Bealer and heat six was claimed by Ryan Susice with Andrew Krause, who came from a ninth place start to a second place finish.
Three final TQ B-Mains settled the final three starting spots for the Gambler’s Classic. The trio of B-Main winners were Patrick Emerling, Nick Ladyga, and Pat Bealer.
On Saturday afternoon, two TQ Last Chance Races, a pair of Slingshot B-Mains, and a duo of Champ Kart affairs pared the field of drivers for the Saturday night features.
TQ Last Chance events were won by Jack Conover and Andrew Krause. The win for Conover was his second preliminary win of the weekend, having won the Friday TQ Non-Qualifier event.
Slingshot B-Mains were won by Michael Glass and Chris Kurtz with Damon Paul and Demetrious Drellos finishing runners-up to the two event victors.
Champ Kart B-Mains were won by Daniel Doyle, Jr. and A.J. DeSantis, chased by Jeremy Tuttle and Alex Colesanto respectively.
The Indoor Race Series Fueled By VP Racing Fuels resumes over the weekend of February 26-28 at Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, N.J.
14th Annual Gamblers Classic TQ Midget Feature (40 Laps): 1. Anthony Sesely, 2. Andy Jankowiak, 3. Justin Bonsignore, 4. Kyle Lick, 5. Mike Lichty, 6. Zane Zeiner, 7. Jimmy Blewett, 8. Nick Ladyga, 9. Tim Buckwalter, 10. Erick Rudolph, 11. Rob Neely, 12. Matt Janisch, 13. DJ Shaw, 14. Matt Roselli, 15. Ryan Flores, 16. Brad Lamberson, 17. Pat Bealer, 18. Scott Kreutter, 19. Patrick Emerling, 20. Ryan Tidman, 21. Joey Payne, 22. Tony DiMattia, 23. Bob Baker, 24. Ryan Susice, 25. Andrew Krause, 26. Rob Vivona.
Champ Kart Feature (25 Laps): Danny Bouc, 2. Donnie Nall, 3. Chris Daley, 4. Joe Pacovich, 5. Zack Myers, 6. Jonathan Cash, 7. Anthony Colandro, 8. Mike Perry, 9. Jerry Mullis, 10. Richie Davidowitz, 11. Eric Zeh, 12. Daniel Doyle Jr., 13. Dalton Rovira, 14. AJ Jadacki, 15. Jake Shelley, 16. Ryan Kendall, 17. Jeremy Tuttle, 18. AJ DeSantis, 19. Ryan Swartz, 20. Alex Colesanto, 21. James Hayden, 22. Joey Bruning, 23. James Pape Jr., 24. Cale Ross.
Slingshot Feature (25 Laps): 1. Dan Spellmon, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Kyle Herve, 4. Simon Egan, 5. Demetrios Drellos, 6. Nick Shaw, 7. Matthew Stangle, 8. Kevin VanValkenburg, 9. Joe Kata, 10. Ken Reeder, 11. Frank Yankowski, 12. Cody Kline, 13. John Aumick, 14. Kurt Bettler, 15. Chris Kurtz, 16. Joe Toth, 17. Jerry Schott Jr., 18. Dillon Steuer, 19. Damon Paul, 20. Brett Bieber, 21. Ed Stangle, 22. Seth Spayd, 23. Matt Langbein, 24. Michael Glass.
Justin Bonsignore Wins 2015 North South Shootout
A www.speed51.com Story
It wasn’t the way Justin Bonsignore wanted to win the 13th Annual North-South Shootout, but at the end of the night, he was standing in victory lane at Concord Speedway (NC) with the $10,000 check. Bonsignore inherited the win after apparent race winner Matt Hirschman was disqualified for an unapproved adjustment during a red-flag period with nine laps to go in the 125-lap event.
“It’s obviously not the way you want to get it, but what’s right is right,” Bonsignore told Speed51.com. “He (Hirschman) outran us today and it would have been totally different if they didn’t do what they did. It sucks the way it happened. This is the second one this year that I’ve won in tech, but you take them any way you can, especially when it’s something with John Blewett’s name attached to it. That’s a huge honor.”
Hirschman was disqualified from the win for plugging a slow-leaking right front tire during a lap 116 red flag period. As of 9 p.m. ET Sunday night, Hirschman told Speed51.com that he had not been contacted directly by race director Tom Fox or any other official from the event.
“I’ve been honest and up front right through the whole process with the officials and everyone,” Hirschman explained. “When we were under red flag on pit road and they said you were allowed to do tires, gas and windshields. We noticed our right front was soft. I wasn’t sure what to do and when I looked down pit road and (saw) other people were jacking cars; they had stagger boards out and they were putting fuel in. I didn’t know what to do.
“I had a right front leak and I found where it was leaking. We put a plug in it and we did it in front of an official. It was not done trying to hide it or sneak it by. We plugged the tire right in front of an official. The official called up to the tower and told them what we did. It was OK’d and it was not addressed by (race director) Tom Fox.”
Race promoter Darren Hackett informed 51 late on Sunday evening that he and Hirschman talked about the penalty for nearly one-hour after the race and that Hirschman was amicable and honest through the entire ordeal. Hackett also said that the official penalty has not been declared due to the fact that race director Tom Fox was still on a flight en route to his home in New England.
“The stop-and-go official noticed that they were plugging the tire and tried to stop them,” Hackett said. “They went and plugged it and she radioed it into the tower that they had done it. Tom never responded back. He went back to green and did not assess a penalty. Tom was also in a hurry to catch his flight home and had to leave with five to go. He had to leave and I had to finish it. Now we’re at the point of what do we do to make it an even playing field for everyone involved?”
Hackett also told 51 that both Patrick Emerling and Bobby Santos will be receiving penalized for making unapproved adjustments that included jacking up the car and using stagger boards. Hackett admitted that Hirschman, as well as the others, should have been penalized at the time of the infraction.
“He should have been penalized (at that time),” Hackett stated. “There’s two more cars as well, the 15 (Santos) and 07 (Emerling) were told they were going to be penalized and then they didn’t get penalized. We’ve got three cars that didn’t get a penalty that we’re going to have to assess a penalty to and decide what to do because all three of them made changes to their cars at that time.”
The exact penalty that Hirschman will receive is undetermined at this time due to Fox being unavailable as he travels home. An unofficial finish has also not been posted as of 10 p.m. ET.
“I’m not going to say something I shouldn’t and I’m not going to say something that would make me stick my foot in my mouth later,” said Hirschman. “Basically I’ve been honest about it through the whole process; I didn’t hide anything and I told the officials after the race. Tom Fox was not available; he left on a plane before the race even concluded. It’s a shame because it was an absolutely fantastic race despite the weather conditions that have sucked since we got here.”
While standing in victory lane after being declared the official winner, Bonsignore stated that he noticed “a lot of nonsense” taking place on pit road during the red flag period.
“They had to make these calls,” Bonsignore said. “It’s unfortunate that they had to, but we played by the rules and what’s right is right I feel. Doug Dunleavy puts up a lot of money ($10,000 to the winner) and he was pretty disappointed on how things were going. It is what it is really, there’s no right thing to say right now.”
Driving back home to Pennsylvania, Hirschman was still proud of his team and their performance despite the penalty. He said that the most frustrating part was having the flat tire and putting them in a position to have to plug it during the red flag period.
“Besides the flat tire, the team that earned the win was in victory lane,” Hirschman said. “Unfortunately we had a flat tire and we had a red flag that allowed the air to leak out. If I was the 51 team or any other team, sure I’d take the win, but at the end of the day we performed best and it was just unfortunate I got a flat tire.”
A www.speed51.com Story
It wasn’t the way Justin Bonsignore wanted to win the 13th Annual North-South Shootout, but at the end of the night, he was standing in victory lane at Concord Speedway (NC) with the $10,000 check. Bonsignore inherited the win after apparent race winner Matt Hirschman was disqualified for an unapproved adjustment during a red-flag period with nine laps to go in the 125-lap event.
“It’s obviously not the way you want to get it, but what’s right is right,” Bonsignore told Speed51.com. “He (Hirschman) outran us today and it would have been totally different if they didn’t do what they did. It sucks the way it happened. This is the second one this year that I’ve won in tech, but you take them any way you can, especially when it’s something with John Blewett’s name attached to it. That’s a huge honor.”
Hirschman was disqualified from the win for plugging a slow-leaking right front tire during a lap 116 red flag period. As of 9 p.m. ET Sunday night, Hirschman told Speed51.com that he had not been contacted directly by race director Tom Fox or any other official from the event.
“I’ve been honest and up front right through the whole process with the officials and everyone,” Hirschman explained. “When we were under red flag on pit road and they said you were allowed to do tires, gas and windshields. We noticed our right front was soft. I wasn’t sure what to do and when I looked down pit road and (saw) other people were jacking cars; they had stagger boards out and they were putting fuel in. I didn’t know what to do.
“I had a right front leak and I found where it was leaking. We put a plug in it and we did it in front of an official. It was not done trying to hide it or sneak it by. We plugged the tire right in front of an official. The official called up to the tower and told them what we did. It was OK’d and it was not addressed by (race director) Tom Fox.”
Race promoter Darren Hackett informed 51 late on Sunday evening that he and Hirschman talked about the penalty for nearly one-hour after the race and that Hirschman was amicable and honest through the entire ordeal. Hackett also said that the official penalty has not been declared due to the fact that race director Tom Fox was still on a flight en route to his home in New England.
“The stop-and-go official noticed that they were plugging the tire and tried to stop them,” Hackett said. “They went and plugged it and she radioed it into the tower that they had done it. Tom never responded back. He went back to green and did not assess a penalty. Tom was also in a hurry to catch his flight home and had to leave with five to go. He had to leave and I had to finish it. Now we’re at the point of what do we do to make it an even playing field for everyone involved?”
Hackett also told 51 that both Patrick Emerling and Bobby Santos will be receiving penalized for making unapproved adjustments that included jacking up the car and using stagger boards. Hackett admitted that Hirschman, as well as the others, should have been penalized at the time of the infraction.
“He should have been penalized (at that time),” Hackett stated. “There’s two more cars as well, the 15 (Santos) and 07 (Emerling) were told they were going to be penalized and then they didn’t get penalized. We’ve got three cars that didn’t get a penalty that we’re going to have to assess a penalty to and decide what to do because all three of them made changes to their cars at that time.”
The exact penalty that Hirschman will receive is undetermined at this time due to Fox being unavailable as he travels home. An unofficial finish has also not been posted as of 10 p.m. ET.
“I’m not going to say something I shouldn’t and I’m not going to say something that would make me stick my foot in my mouth later,” said Hirschman. “Basically I’ve been honest about it through the whole process; I didn’t hide anything and I told the officials after the race. Tom Fox was not available; he left on a plane before the race even concluded. It’s a shame because it was an absolutely fantastic race despite the weather conditions that have sucked since we got here.”
While standing in victory lane after being declared the official winner, Bonsignore stated that he noticed “a lot of nonsense” taking place on pit road during the red flag period.
“They had to make these calls,” Bonsignore said. “It’s unfortunate that they had to, but we played by the rules and what’s right is right I feel. Doug Dunleavy puts up a lot of money ($10,000 to the winner) and he was pretty disappointed on how things were going. It is what it is really, there’s no right thing to say right now.”
Driving back home to Pennsylvania, Hirschman was still proud of his team and their performance despite the penalty. He said that the most frustrating part was having the flat tire and putting them in a position to have to plug it during the red flag period.
“Besides the flat tire, the team that earned the win was in victory lane,” Hirschman said. “Unfortunately we had a flat tire and we had a red flag that allowed the air to leak out. If I was the 51 team or any other team, sure I’d take the win, but at the end of the day we performed best and it was just unfortunate I got a flat tire.”
Bonsignore Earns Third Win At Home To Sweep At Riverhead Raceway
A www.hometracks.nascar.com Story
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – Justin Bonsignore joined elite company Saturday night when he drove to a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season sweep of events at Riverhead Raceway.
Bonsignore grabbed the lead from Doug Coby on Lap 115 and held on through six caution restarts to take down a third career victory at his home track, and second in two tries in 2015.
A 12th and final caution came out on Lap 199 just after Bonsignore had taken the white flag in his No. 51 M3 Technology Chevrolet, and he came around to a yellow-checkered. It was the eighth career victory overall for the Holtsville, New York native.
In the process he became just the fifth driver in 31 years of Whelen Modified Tour racing to sweep a season at the venerable Long Island bullring.
Coby and his No. 2 Dunleavy’s Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet finished second, while rookie Chase Dowling, Donny Lia and Eric Goodale rounded out the top-five.
Tom Rogers Jr – who won his second-consecutive Coors Light Pole Award at Riverhead earlier in the day – finished sixth.
Woody Pitkat, championship points leader Ryan Preece, Todd Szegedy and rookie Jeff Goodale completed the top-10.
Pitkat gained one point on Preece, who now leads by a single tally with three races remaining on the schedule.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the F.W. Webb 100.
A www.hometracks.nascar.com Story
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – Justin Bonsignore joined elite company Saturday night when he drove to a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season sweep of events at Riverhead Raceway.
Bonsignore grabbed the lead from Doug Coby on Lap 115 and held on through six caution restarts to take down a third career victory at his home track, and second in two tries in 2015.
A 12th and final caution came out on Lap 199 just after Bonsignore had taken the white flag in his No. 51 M3 Technology Chevrolet, and he came around to a yellow-checkered. It was the eighth career victory overall for the Holtsville, New York native.
In the process he became just the fifth driver in 31 years of Whelen Modified Tour racing to sweep a season at the venerable Long Island bullring.
Coby and his No. 2 Dunleavy’s Repair/A&J Romano Construction Chevrolet finished second, while rookie Chase Dowling, Donny Lia and Eric Goodale rounded out the top-five.
Tom Rogers Jr – who won his second-consecutive Coors Light Pole Award at Riverhead earlier in the day – finished sixth.
Woody Pitkat, championship points leader Ryan Preece, Todd Szegedy and rookie Jeff Goodale completed the top-10.
Pitkat gained one point on Preece, who now leads by a single tally with three races remaining on the schedule.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the F.W. Webb 100.
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