Tri Track Open Modified Series to Open Season at Monadnock Speedway
SEEKONK, Mass. — More than 30 cars are expected in the pit area when the Tri Track Open Modified Series opens the 2021 season on Saturday, May 1 at Monadnock Speedway. The Wonder Casino 100 will mark the first of six races on the Tri Track circuit, with a lucrative purse structure and top talent from across the region set to thrill race fans in New Hampshire.
With a purse rising over $40,000, and $6,000 on the line just to the winner, drivers will be fighting it out on the high-banks of one of New Hampshire’s top bullrings. If last year is any indication, someone’s first career Tour-Type Modified win could be coming on Saturday. In August of 2020, it was Sam Rameau who shocked the fans and scored the biggest win of his career. Although he is younger, and a rising star, Tri Track veteran Les Hinckley, who has nearly won on multiple occasions, is hoping his veteran experience at Monadnock will help him finally break into Victory Lane.
Both Monadnock races in 2020 ended with sparks flying — with Craig Lutz slamming into the back of Hinckley going into the last corner and coming out on top in July — and Ronnie Williams slamming the back of Rameau coming to the line in August, but falling short. Sparks are sure to fly in the final laps of Saturday’s season opener.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to the track and kicking off our 2021 season at Monadnock,” Wayne Darling, Managing Partner of the Tri Track Open Modified Series, said. “The talent that will be in the pit area for this event will make the price of admission alone worth it for fans to see a great race on the high-banks.”
The list of talent includes former series winners and champions, Monadnock Speedway regulars, and Tour-Type Modified standouts from across New England. NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece will attend, along with five-time and reigning Tri Track champion Matt Hirschman, who is no stranger to winning success. Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champions Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk are also registered. Add Modified standouts Woody Pitkat, Matt Swanson, Chase Dowling, Ronnie Williams, Chris Pasteryak, Anthony Nocella, and Monadnock and New Hampshire Modified regulars Ben Byrne, Matt Kimball and TJ Bleau, and you have a stout list of competitors. And that only scratches the surface.
The $6,000 winning prize is only the start of a lucrative purse for teams. Second will pay $3,250, while third will earn $2,600. The field will be set for 26 cars maximum to take the green flag, with a minimum of $1,000 going to all starters. On top of the regular purse, three contingency partners will supply additional funds to drivers. Green Construction, LLC has posted a $500 award for the driver who is the hard charger, advancing the most positions during the race, while Jerico Performance Products is posting a $300 award to the driver who posts the fastest single lap in the feature race.
Returning for the new season, the Pepsi Challenge will offer all heat race and consi race winners $300. The series will also offer a free 12-pack of Pepsi product soda, courtesy of Pepsi, to all teams attending the race at Monadnock.
Practice runs from 2-3 p.m., with qualifying heat racing set to begin at 5 p.m. The Wonder Casino 100 will follow in the feature rotation along with other divisions. Monadnock’s own Young Guns, Classic Lites, Pure Stocks, NHSTRA Modifieds and Mini Stocks will be joined by the EXIT Realty Pro Truck Challenge and Tri Track.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $15 for those ages 11-18 and $5 for those 10 and under. Tickets will be available at the gate. A limited amount of camping spots are also available through the track. A test day will occur on Friday, April 30.
For more information on Monadnock Speedway, visit monadnockspeedway.com. For more information on the Tri Track Open Modified Series, visit tritrackmodifieds.com and follow the series on social media.
Sources: Souza Media/Kyle Souza
Photo by Tom Morris Racing Photography