Next Generation of Whelen Modified Stars Look To Make History At Martinsville

“I would say it is a unique piece that ranks in the top-five of all trophies,” Monster Energy Cup Series champion Kurt Busch said of the trophy last year. “It is something that every driver has on their checklist. They want to win it for their team owner, sponsors. Everybody is trying to get ahold of that clock. The two that I have are bookends in my conference room and are displayed proudly.”

“I’ve heard some stories that it was really cool to see the place lit up and race there at night because it takes it to the next level. I think it just adds to the prestige of everyone wanting to be there. There are big events for our series and we’ve been able to have success at Loudon and Bristol,” Bonsignore said. “It would obviously mean a lot (to win). We were close in 2010 and I think this is going to be right up there with the top events in our series. It’s cool that we are building back up to have these big events, I think the next generation of drivers coming up will do a good job of building on these traditions.”

“The history of the clock, and how many people do and do not have a clock, it’s probably the most coveted trophy that we would race for in terms of what it means across the board, not just Modifieds, but some of the best Late Model drivers and Cup drivers have it,” Coby said. “To get the opportunity to go back there and chase a win, with a team that I know will be well prepared and capable of winning… I certainly think our Mayhew Tools team will be ready to go under the lights.”

Woody Pitkat, the most recent Whelen Modified Tour winner this season at Wall Stadium Speedway, also has previous experience at Martinsville.

“Last time I was there I didn’t qualify well but I led halfway and got the halfway bonus and ended up finishing seventh. I see that clock in Bobby Santos’ house when we go there for cookouts. It’s a great track,” Pitkat said. “Any time we can go to a track where we are featured with the Monster Energy Cup Series drivers, it’s always fun to go there and try to put on a show for them. You are going to have extra fans there that might not have seen Modifieds in the past.”

RACING-REFERENCE: Previous Whelen Modified Tour Races at Martinsville Speedway

Veteran Eric Goodale, who first learned of the news when contacted by NASCAR.com on Tuesday, also has previous laps there, with three prior starts.

“Martinsville on the schedule sounds damn good to me,” Goodale said. “Martinsville is one of my favorite tracks, it was first ever race in a Whelen Modified Tour car. It’s one of my favorite tracks to drive as well — hard on the throttle and hard on the brakes. If you did a poll of a lot of the drivers in the pit area, I’d say drivers would put that track in their top three favorite tracks to drive.”
Much like the rest of the Modified community, Goodale is ready to feel the force of the car as he barrels off into the corner at speed under the crisp shine of Martinsville lights.

“I think it adds another dynamic to it when you race at night,” Goodale said. “That’s one of the things that I love about the Gander Outdoor Truck Series, racing under the lights on Friday night a lot. It makes it even better for the fans to watch. It’s probably one of the coolest trophies in our sport. I have a spot in my house it can go. I wouldn’t be upset if that baby comes home with me.”

Among active tour drivers so far this season, Jimmy Blewett is the only one to previously visit Martinsville’s Victory Lane.

“We are pretty thrilled with the schedule for next year,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said during a press conference Tuesday. “It’s going to be a great time bringing the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour back. Everybody asks us all the time, ‘when you are going to bring the modifieds back’? We are really excited about it.”

“When I heard about it, I really wanted to be part of today. This place means a lot, not only to my family, but the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour community,” Tommy Baldwin, a former Daytona 500 winning crew chief and current Modified car owner, said. “I can’t wait to get here in May and I can’t wait to be under the lights. With my dad, we had the pleasure of winning twice hear under the lights with the Modified.”

“When you win Martinsville, and get that clock, it’s a big honor. There are a lot of guys who have those clocks. It was special to me to get one. I had a lot of good runs there, and it’s a place I’m looking forward to going to. It’s another race I will able to do, and I’m pretty pumped about it.”