Daytona Beach, FL — NASCAR has announced today the television schedule for its developmental series for 2010.
The expanded calendar includes 21 events on SPEED for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and seven races for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. This comprehensive package includes airing of every race on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West schedules. Three of the Whelen Modified Tours will air as same-day televised events.
SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. The NASCAR Developmental Series programming will air Thursdays at 6 p.m. ET.
“Our NASCAR Developmental Series all have a strong and passionate fan base, and we saw the results in the viewership of last year’s events and in January for our postseason showcase, the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations. “Our fans spoke, and we listened. We are thrilled to be able to work with our television partners to provide extensive coverage of the talented drivers and tracks that help form the foundation of this sport.”
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Announces Developmental Series 2010 TV Schedule’
Modified Tours To Award Bonus Points
Daytona Beach, FL — NASCAR has announced that its Modified touring divisions will now award bonus points for its races, starting this weekend with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In order to reward drivers for running up front and to provide a further incentive to race for the lead, NASCAR has instituted lap-leader bonus points for the first time to the Whelen Modified and Whelen Southern Modified Tours.
“This will bring the two Modified divisions in line with NASCAR’s three national series, and all other touring series, which already award lap-leader bonus points,” NASCAR Director of Touring Series Richard Buck said. “With one scoring system across the board, this is a positive move for the competitors and fans.”
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Amends Points System For Whelen Modified Tours’
The NASCAR short-track community is connected to the gold medal winning four-man United States Olympic bobsled team.
The team of driver Steve Holcomb, Steve Mesler, Justin Olsen and Curtis Tomasevicz won the four-man bobsled Olympic gold medal during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia Sunday, Feb. 28. It was the first USA four-man bobsled Olympic gold medal in 62 years. In addition, Erin Pac and Elana Meyers had a bronze medal performance in the women’s two-man bobsled competition.
Geoff Bodine, the 1986 Daytona 500 winner, began his quest to develop an American made and built bobsled for the USA Olympic bobsled team in 1992. Joined by Bob Cuneo, owner of Chassis Dynamics, the effort became known as the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.
Continue reading ‘Whelen, Bodine Connect NASCAR Short Trackers To Olympic Gold’
Brockton, MA — On Wednesday July 21, Seekonk Speedway hosts the Northeastern Midget Association’s “Showdown of Champions” a star-studded 25-lap event featuring some of the most-heralded racing talent ever assembled in New England.
Announced during a NEMA press conference held at the recent Racers Expo Trade Show in Marlborough, MA. the race will be part of Seekonk’s “Open Wheel Wednesday” event which also features a full slate of action for the NEMA full-Midgets.
Organizers drew from a vast talent pool for the “Showdown” coming up with a cast of championship-caliber competitors representing several different segments of the sport.
Competing in equally-prepared NEMA Lites Series entries in a 25-lap dash will be Nokie & Drew Fornoro, Chris Perley, Russ Wood, Ted Christopher, Mike Stefanik, Bentley Warren, Vinny Annarummo, and Fred Astle. The group represents literally hundreds of victories and multiple championships in everything from Indy Cars, Midgets and Sprint Cars, to Modifieds, Super Modifieds, and Pro Stocks. There remains the possibility of more “notable” racers being added to the roster.
Continue reading ‘NEMA Announces July 21 “Showdown Of Champions” At Seekonk Speedway’
Will Split Schedule With Blewett, DeLange
Northampton, PA — For the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Eric Beers, from Northampton Pa., is being given one the best opportunities to win the NASCAR championship with two of Modified racing’s long time supporters.
Dave and Laura DeLange of Lockport, N.Y., and John Blewett, of Howell N.J., are going split the 2010 season as car owners with Eric as the pilot of the NASCAR Modified.
“I can not begin to tell you how excited I am to enter into this joint venture with the Blewett family,” Dave DeLange said. “The Blewett’s are a storied family in racing and by joining forces, Eric will have top notch equipment. Laura and I are ecstatic to be part of this venture which gives Eric an opportunity to excel at a level that matches his experience and talent.”
The 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season will see Eric in the Blewett-owned Modified for the two events at New Hampshire, the three at Thompson and the one race at Riverhead. Eric will wheel the DeLange Modified at Stafford (four times), Martinsville, Lime Rock, Monadnock, and Bristol.
“Funny, how things work out,” Beers explained. “The DeLange’s wanted to run some tour races but not the entire season. We were still figuring out what we wanted to do when Jimmy (Blewett) called. He asked what I was doing in 2010 and said Grandpa [John Blewett] wants to run four races on the tour. We met and talked some more and came up with what I feel is the perfect deal. I have known the Blewett’s since our Flemington days and from day one, we have had a relationship where we treat each other like family. Lot’s of details to figure out yet but I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Continue reading ‘Beers To Return To Tour In 2010′
Stafford Springs, CT — Ted Christopher heads into the 2010 season at Stafford Motor Speedway as the track’s winningest driver with 107 career victories. Christopher has amassed 91 SK Modified® wins, 9 Whelen Modified Tour wins, 6 ProStock wins, and one K & N Pro Series East victory at the Connecticut half-mile facility. Christopher also collected a record 7th SK Modified® track championship last season at Stafford, and he looks to add to his victory total and win another championship not only this year, but in the years to come as well.
“At this point of my career, I like to set marks for myself,” said Christopher. “The next mark for me is to get to 100 wins with the SK car. The way things go at Stafford, I might get 10 wins this year, or I might get 1 win. That’s why we race, you just don’t ever know what’s going to happen. I like to win races, and I’d like to win the championship again at Stafford this year. I might be 52 in number of years, but I don’t feel anywhere near that in mind or body. I love to race and I love to win. It would be one thing if I couldn’t get it done anymore, but I know I can still win and be successful, so why should I stop?”
Christopher’s SK Modified® championship season and his 5 wins at Stafford was part of a 2009 season that saw him win 24 different times across 6 different states, making him the top winner in the Northeast and helping to earn the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Richie Evans Northeast Driver of the Year Award for the second time in his career.
Continue reading ‘Ted Christopher Looks to Keep on Winning at Stafford Speedway in 2010′
Berkley, MA — For George Brunnhoelzl III of Mooresville, NC, the 2010 racing season will see a lifelong dream of competing on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour become a reality. Coming off of his first career NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Championship in 2009, Brunnhoelzl will team up with car owner Bob Katon Jr. and get behind the wheel of the Berkley Auto Racing # 46 entry.
“To have an opportunity to run up north, after having grown up watching my dad (George Jr.) compete for many years on the tour and race at many of the same tracks, is a dream come true. I am very thankful to Bobby and the team for giving me this chance and I look forward to making the most of it,” stated Brunnhoelzl, who originally hails from West Babylon, NY. During the 2009 campaign, Brunnhoelzl scored 5 wins and 13 top-5 finishes in 14 events en route to winning the title. The past few months have been exciting for the 27 year old, along with attending the NASCAR Champions Week activities in Charlotte, NC in November where he was crowned tour champion and now securing the ride in the # 46. The highlight of Brunnhoelzl’s off-season came in November when he married his wife Heather. George is the Vice-President of the family business, Brunnhoelzl Racing Inc., located in Mooresville, NC.
Continue reading ‘2009 NASCAR WSMT Champion Brunnhoelzl III Sets His Sights On 2010 NASCAR WMT Title’
Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has announced that for the third consecutive season, the track’s Memorial Day Weekend Whelen Modified Tour event will be sponsored by TSI Harley-Davidson, the oldest Harley-Davidson and Buell dealer in the state of Connecticut. The 20th Annual TSI Harley-Davidson 125 will be held on Friday, May 28th at Stafford. The race sponsorship continues a relationship that dates back to the 2004 season when TSI Harley-Davidson sponsored a NASCAR Camping World East Series event at the Connecticut half-mile.
“We enjoy being at Stafford, it’s a great track to be involved with, and we’re looking forward to another great Whelen Modified Tour race,” said Harry Levesque, Owner of TSI Harley-Davidson. “Stafford has been a great place for us to showcase our Harley-Davidson and Buell bikes to race fans.”
TSI Harley-Davidson is a full service Harley-Davidson and Buell dealership, with parts, service, and accessories. TSI Harley-Davidson has been in operation since 1968, making it the oldest Harley-Davidson dealer in Connecticut. TSI Harley-Davidson has two branches located in Ellington and Columbia.
Continue reading ‘TSI Harley-Davidson Renews Title Sponsorship of Memorial Day Weekend Whelen Modified Tour Event at Stafford Speedway’
Long Time Friendship Turns Into a New Relationship
Concord, NC — Ever since he has started Modified racing, Bobby Grigas, III has had one friend in particular who has helped teach him about set-ups, going fast and how to prepare a top-flight racecar.
But while Brad Lafontaine has served as a friend, consultant and sometimes even a coach to Grigas, there has been one title that he hasn’t held yet. That has been the one of crew chief. But that will change in 2010, as Lafontaine, the former crew chief for 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ted Christopher, has recently joined Grigas’ #09 Triple G Racing team in that role.
“We’ve been friends since I started out in Modified racing and he has always helped me out somewhat,” said Grigas. “I learned to drive Modifieds that were on his set-ups. He helped me out with the cars I won at Canaan and Waterford [in 2006]. He has helped us as a consultant, but now he is going to be my new crew chief. He helped us out at the North-South Shootout (back in late 2009) and that was an informal first race together. Now, it’s the real deal.”
Continue reading ‘Brad Lafontaine Joins #09 Modified Team as New Crew Chief For Bobby Grigas, III’
Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has announced that it will once again partner with the best in tires and wheels to bring racing fans the 20th Annual Town Fair Tire 150 on August 6th. The 20th Annual Town Fair Tire 150 will feature the stars and cars of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as well as Stafford Speedway’s five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing divisions. Last year’s Town Fair Tire 150 saw Stafford’s all-time winningest driver Ted Christopher lead the first 103 laps before Ryan Preece took over the lead and pulled away from Christopher in the late laps to take his first Stafford victory.
“Since we’ve been associated with Stafford Speedway, they do a heck of a job promoting our events and taking care of us as a sponsor,” said Jim Uliano, V.P. of Marketing for Town Fair Tire. “We have been overwhelmed by the level that Stafford goes to in promoting our events. They certainly go above and beyond in promoting our events and getting our name out to the public. We look forward to being part of another exciting Whelen Modified Tour event at Stafford Motor Speedway.”
Continue reading ‘Town Fair Tire Renews Event Title Sponsorship of Stafford Speedway’s August Whelen Modified Tour Event’
Daytona Beach, FL — The Fifth Annual Lucas Oil Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge presented by Whelen Engineering is set for this weekend, Jan. 8-10, at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Three-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champion Philip Morris and 2009 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Champion George Brunnhoelzl III are slated to compete in the Bodine Bobsled Challenge, which traditionally features a mix of NASCAR and NHRA participants.
This weekend will mark the first time that Brunnhoelzl has ever slid into the seat of a bobsled, something he’s anticipated since he clinched his first Whelen Southern Modified Tour title last fall.
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Drivers Set To Participate In Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge’
NASCAR, ACT & PASS teams have already announced plans to participate in the 11th Annual Busch Sport Scene Snowmobile Ride for Charity in Rangeley, Maine on February 6, 2010. Event organizer and Busch Sport Scene publisher George ‘Soup’ Campbell wants all teams from the leading full-bodied stock car & modified racing tours in New England to know they are welcome to join the event too.
“This growing charity event has always been open to everyone, race fans and teams alike, from everywhere and anywhere,” Campbell said. “But this year a special invitation is being put forth to the teams and officials from all the regional tours. We would like to see even more racers from around the region come see what the event is all about and join the fun this year.”
NASCAR Team members who present their 2009 or 2010 NASCAR license will get $5 off the price of their ride credential / event pass on the day of the event. PASS and ACT Teams are now being offered the same discount. All ACT, PASS, WMT & MRS team members that present either their 2009 or 2010 licenses will receive $5 off their ride credential or event pass that evening. The ride credential is good for all related activities through out the day.
Continue reading ‘Modified Racing Series & Whelen Modified Tour Teams Invited to Participate in Busch Sport Scene Charity Ride’
Daytona Beach, FL – The 25th season of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour concluded with Donny Lia hoisting the championship trophy in late October at Thompson International Speedway. The following is a look back at the 2009 season, from green to checker.
Preseason
From the time Ted Christopher celebrated his 2008 title, until the green flag dropped on the 2009 campaign, there was plenty to talk about surrounding the Whelen Modified Tour. The addition of a date at Bristol Motor Speedway had the Modified community abuzz, and in late February six drivers participated in a Hoosier Tire test at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile,” with all but one recording times faster than the official track record.
Leading the silly season news was the return of Donny Lia to the No. 4 “Mystic Missile” after a one-year absence following a 2007 championship run in the same car. It was also announced that Woody Pitkat had unofficially won the “Don King Gong Show” and would pilot King’s No. 28 Modified full-time. Another driver change saw Erick Rudolph tabbed to take over for Matt Hirschman in Ed Bennett’s No. 59. The offseason also saw the retirement of Rick Fuller, a 24-year veteran of the Whelen Modified Tour, and its champion in 1993.
Continue reading ‘2009 In Review: Whelen Modifieds’
New Team Is Latest News Of Busy Offseason
Daytona Beach, FL — The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will have a new full-time team in 2010 with the formation of Heinke-Baldwin Racing.
Al Heinke and Tommy Baldwin announced in a press release that they have partnered to field a full-time entry in the coming season with driver Erick Rudolph. The pair joined forces last year for the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 at Bristol Motor Speedway with Heinke as the car owner and Baldwin as the crew chief of the entry driven by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Kasey Kahne. Baldwin was also the crew chief for Kahne’s Whelen Modified Tour debut in last June’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Heinke has a history of involvement in a variety of northeast racing series as a driver, owner, crew chief and engineer. Baldwin has forged a successful Sprint Cup Series career as a crew chief, and now as owner of Tommy Baldwin Racing. He is the son of the late Tom Baldwin Sr., who had a long and distinguished driving career in the Whelen Modified Tour.
Continue reading ‘HBR To Join Whelen Modified Tour’
Inaugural Event Celebrates Accomplishments Of 2009
Concord, NC — Five champions in NASCAR’s developmental series were honored during the inaugural Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala in the Concord (N.C.) Convention Center on Saturday night.
The festivities featured the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series, who gathered for the special year-end celebration at the hub of stock-car racing.
The 2009 champions included Ryan Truex (NASCAR Camping World Series East), Jason Bowles (NASCAR Camping World Series West), Donny Lia (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour), and Andrew Ranger (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1).
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Champions Honored In Night Of Champions Touring Awards Gala’
Daytona Beach, FL — NASCAR has announced the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule, which is highlighted by 14 events in five states with two venues added.
Staples on the schedule since the Whelen Modified Tour’s inception, Connecticut ovals Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson International Speedway will once again play host to seven combined events in 2010. The half mile at Stafford will entertain the Tour four times and Thompson three, including the season-opener on April 11 and the finale on Oct. 17.
Also returning to the schedule will be the traditional events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 26 and Sept. 18 in Loudon, N.H. The Whelen Modified Tour, which has a history of producing exciting finishes at the “Magic Mile,” held its 50th all-time event at The Granite State oval this past fall.
Continue reading ‘2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Schedule Announced’
NASCAR double-header date is July 2-3, 2010
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is coming to Lime Rock Park for the first time ever, joining the Camping World Series East race weekend of July 2-3, 2010. Both races are scheduled at this point to be 66-laps (101 miles).
The Whelen Tour has not held a road-course race since 2000. The 625 h.p., 2,500 lb., 150 m.p.h. modifieds will run Lime Rock’s 1.53-mile circuit in the traditional clockwise direction.
Modifieds represent NASCAR’s oldest division (the first NASCAR-sanctioned event was a modified race), and what is now the popular Whelen Modified Tour begins its 26th year in 2010.
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Times Two: Whelen Modifieds to Race at Lime Rock Park Same Weekend as Camping World Series East’
Truex rules karting event
Concord, NC — Champions Week is in full swing. All five of NASCAR’s touring series title winners, along with the champion of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, have made their way to the center of the NASCAR world for a full week of activities leading up to the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet.
NASCAR champions Jason Bowles (Camping World Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Donny Lia (Whelen Modified Tour), Philip Morris (Whelen All-American Series), Andrew Ranger (Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1) and Ryan Truex (Camping World Series East) are on hand to celebrate their achievements over the course of the 2009 season.
After taking part in several media interviews in the morning hours including an appearance by Morris and Truex on the FOX News Rising program from the studios of WCCB in Charlotte, the six champions geared up for the highlight of the day – the Second Annual NASCAR Toyota Champions/Media Go-Kart Showdown presented by Sirius XM Radio.
Held at Victory Lane Karting, an indoor karting facility located in Charlotte housing a challenging .333-mile track, Truex made the Camping World Series East proud by taking the checkered flag.
Continue reading ‘Champions Week In Full Swing’
Winchester, NH — The management of Monadnock Speedway has confirmed the Whelen Modified Tour will be making a return to the 1/4 mile speedway. The special event will be held on Saturday – July 17, 2010 featuring 200 laps. The management is very excited to welcome back the tour and looks forward to hosting the event!
Continue reading ‘Whelen Modified Tour Return to The High Banks’
Karting Challenge Highlights Tuesday’s Schedule
Concord, NC — Champions Week is underway in the center of NASCAR racing as six 2009 series champions converge on the Charlotte area for a week of activities leading up to the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet.
NASCAR champions Jason Bowles (Camping World Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Donny Lia (Whelen Modified Tour, Philip Morris (Whelen All-American Series), Andrew Ranger (Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1) and Ryan Truex (Camping World Series East) will be honored at the end of the week during awards ceremonies at the Concord Convention Center.
Tuesday will see the six champions participate in an extensive media tour in the Charlotte area. The day will start with local television and radio appearances followed by the Second Annual NASCAR Toyota Champions/Media Go-Kart Showdown presented by Sirius XM Radio at Victory Lane Karting. The Sirius NASCAR Radio show “Tradin’ Paint” will broadcast live from the event.
Continue reading ‘NASCAR Touring And Weekly Series Champions Week Underway’
