Quick Study: Zachem Sixth in NASCAR WMT Debut
The Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing was the final race of the season for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Max Zachem of Preston, CT made his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut.
Zachem had a solid day at Thompson, running in the top-10 throughout the event. Zachem pitted with race leader Matt Hirschman on lap 70 in the top-15. On the lap 109 restart, Zachem was up to seventh and passed Jimmy Zacharias for sixth on the next lap. He would battle with Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk at the end of the race before finishing sixth.
Zachem’s outlook for the race was “Grade A Equipment, Grade A Race team behind me it was time for me to do my job. This team has won 2 races this year and has run up front everywhere. Complete all the laps and be there at the end. Top-10 almost a top-5 that’s pretty amazing.”
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[October 19] by Paul Fohlin
[October 20] by Paul Fohlin
“Our plan worked perfect. Wanted to ride top 10 for the first 75 laps for the pit stop, make final adjustments and go for it at the end. What a perfect Sunday for the Dunleavy Truck & Trailer Repair, Hitchcock Pool Water Ford”
Zachem is the the 60th driver to record a top-10 finish in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut. 14 other drivers since 2001 have achieved this. Jimmy Blewett, Tyler Haydt, Matt Hirschman, Jon McKennedy, Tony Stewart, Woody Pitkat, Justin Bonsignore, Tom Abele, Jr., Dave Brigati, Patrick Emerling, D.J. Kennington, Danny Bohn, and Thomas Stinson. John Beatty, Jr. was the most recent driver with a third at Riverhead in June.
“Mike Smeriglio and Phil Moran offered me the ride a couple weeks ago,” Zachem said. “How could I say no? Grade A equipment and people can’t get any better to make your debut!”
Zachem benefited from the extra experience this weekend. He qualified eighth in time trials Saturday afternoon. Zachem also finished 12th in Saturday night’s Valenti Modified Racing Series 75-lapper. “Absolutely. More seat time the more you learn at the racetracks especially in two cars very familiar to each other.”
“The VMRS car and Whelen tour (car) are very similar. Phil Moran has been instrumental with my VMRS car so jumping into one of his cars was an easier task for a rookie. Getting use to the SFI seat and brakes was the biggest differences other than the different compound of Hoosier tires.”
Zachem’s teammate for the weekend was 2003 champion Todd Szegedy. Zachem called Szegedy as a teammate, “useful. Discussing different things about the track, car and tires. Every communication helps.”
Zachem also reflected on his recently completed season for the Valenti Modified Racing Series, where he competes regularly.”(I) finished sixth for the year. Goal was top-5 and at least a win. Didn’t quite reach that. Struggled midsummer again this year. Try again next year.”
Zachem called his plans for next year, “Up in the air. (I) will get a new body on my car and go from there. Long winter ahead.”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com