Mod Tour Event at NYIRP Setting Up to Be Unique in Every Way
Lancaster, NY (June 2, 2021): The addition of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to New York International Raceway Park’s (NYIRP) Lancaster Speedway schedule may have been a surprise to many but for longtime track official, Mike Myers, it was the next logical step as track management seeks to bring the Speedway to the next level. For a track with a long and storied modified history, the show is bound to be among one of the best in 2021.
“We have a long history with Modified racing and the Tour racing belongs here in Western NY,” said Myers. “To be able to do this with the current crop of drivers with the support of our track owners and NASCAR is a dream come true for me.”
Racing since 1959, New York International Raceway Park is home to the half-mile asphalt oval as well as a 1/8-mile drag strip featuring IHRA sanctioned drag racing.
The Speedway will run four (4) tour-type modified events in 2021 including the Whelen Modified Tour at New York International event on Saturday, July 31, and the popular US Open on September 10-12. Weekly divisions at Lancaster include Sportsman, 602 Sportsman, Late Models, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, 4 cylinders, and TQ Midgets.
The list of past Modified winners at Lancaster looks like a who’s who of open-wheel racing, the likes of Richie Evans, Roger & Merv Treichler, Maynard & Kenny Troyer, Dutch Hoag, Jim Shampine, George Kent, Jerry Cook, Geoff Bodine, Jan Leaty, Tony Hirschman, Rick Fuller, Junior Hanley, Mike McLaughlin, and Reggie Ruggiero. The all-time winningest driver at Lancaster is the legendary Sege Fidanza.
The team at Lancaster Speedway is working hard to attract top-notch competitors to continue the prestigious tradition. Current Modified Tour competitors to have wins at Lancaster include Chuck Hossfeld, Matt Hirschman, current point leader Patrick Emerling and Tyler Rypkema.
Efforts are well underway to make this event special for competitors and fans alike. Not only is a star-studded field of competitors expected but of broadcasters, too. Alex Hayden and Dave Moody of the Motor Racing Network (MRN) will serve as the announcers for the event.
The event is expected to go off with a bang as Skylighters of New York will be lighting up the sky with a fireworks display. Contingency sponsors and marketing partners are being added daily. A new website -to make pre-sale and contactless payment easy- is scheduled to go live in the coming weeks.
“We are working with local hotels,” said Myers, “to be able to offer teams and fans discounted room rates.”
Located just 30 miles from Niagara Falls, Lancaster, NY, is also the perfect family summer vacation destination. Bookended by the 150 lapper for the Modified Tour and the Cup Series event at Watkins Glen on August 4 – 8, there is an excellent opportunity for a family adventure.
With everything from its unique setting and rich history, to the expected lineup of diverse drivers, expert broadcast talent, right down to the unique trophies – custom-painted gas cans-the Whelen Modified Tour at New York International 150 is shaping up to be one truly special racing event.
Sources: Dale Wolbrink/NYIRP PR