Swanson Shows Poise in Early Season
Wins First-Career Pole Award at Stafford
Acton, MA (May 4, 2021): On Friday night, April 30, Matt Swanson of Acton, MA, earned his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour pole award during qualifying for the prestigious Spring Sizzler. Swanson, driver of the famed Ole Blue for Boehler Racing Enterprises, turned a lap of 18.008 seconds, nearly eclipsing an average speed of 100 (99.956) mph, to earn the Mayhew Tools Dominator Pole Award.
The pole award is the high point of a season that, to this point, has been somewhat of a challenge.
The BRE Racing team looked to be the car to beat during the Sizzler. Leading a race-high 84 laps, before being involved in a crash at lap 111 Swanson was relegated to a 20th place finish.
The highs and lows of the NAPA Spring Sizzler have been the story of the 2021 season so far for Swanson. Amid a string of bad luck, the young driver; however, shows veteran poise.
“It’s all about perspective,” said the 21-year-old driver. “It’s heartbreaking to have things go wrong when you are in contention for the win. But, we’re in contention to win.”
Swanson and his BRE racing team, who have elected to run a unique schedule that includes select NASCAR Modified Tour events, the Tri-Track Open Modified Series and Outlaw Modified shows, opened the season at Thompson Speedway with a seventh-place finish in the Icebreaker 125.
Heading to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Outlaw Modified Northeast Classic on April 18, Swanson proved early to be a contender – leading until the halfway break of the event.
“The car just wasn’t as good after the pit stop,” said Swanson, who ultimately finished seventh. “It took about 10 laps to come back and by that time it was just too late.”
Following the heartbreak at Stafford last Friday night, Swanson and his BRE team traveled to Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH, to compete in the season-opening Wonder Casino 100 for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. A strong qualifying run in a heat race, once again put Swanson near the front of the field. Running solidly inside the top-five, a chain reaction wreck found Swanson unable to continue. The DNF resulted in a 22nd place finish.
“It’s tough but I know it’s just a matter of time before everything finally falls into place and we start winning races,” said Swanson. “My crew chief Greg [Fournier] helps keep me grounded when things don’t go our way. And, Greg, Scott [Richards] and John [McKenna] give me a great race car every time we go out.”
In racing, many factors go into a successful operation –preparation both in the shop and at the race track, a dedicated crew, solid financial backing, and, of course, luck.
“This crew is so dedicated to the Boehlers and to me,” added Swanson. “We have so much support from new sponsors, to longtime BRE sponsors and companies that have supported my family’s efforts. It truly doesn’t get any better than this! I just need to find some luck.”
Despite his young age, Swanson is an established modified competitor; making his NASCAR Whelen Modified debut at just 15 years of age. He ran full-time in 2016 and captured Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Now with a Mayhew Tools Dominator Pole Award to his credit, Swanson is in search of his elusive first NASCAR Whelen Modified win. And, hopefully, a few other wins along the way in 2021.
The next race for Swanson is his home track of Star Speedway for the running of the 100-lap Prelude to the SBM X for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series on May 22.
Sources: Dale Wolbrink/Matt Swanson PR