Matt Hirschman Banks $5,000 & Scores Tri Track Championship at New London-Waterford Speedbowl
WATERFORD, Conn. — Matt “Money” Hirschman lived up to his name once again on Sunday night at New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
He took down the victory in the $5,000 to win NorthEast Race Cars Tri-Track Open Modified Series feature event and with the win, he locked up the 2016 championship.
“It worked out really well, we had a good starting spot,” Hirschman said. “The car really responded well to the start of the race and that was important because the cars we would have had to contend with had to start further in the back of the pack.”
He started in fifth position, but quickly worked his way into the lead, sliding by Mike Holdridge to the front of the pack at lap 21. From there, it was basically clear sailing for the driver of the No. 60.
The field was brought to Rich Keator’s green flag by Jeff Gallup and Holdridge on the front row. Early on it was Holdridge showing the way.
The first caution flag came down just after the halfway point on lap 41, when Gallup spun on the frontstretch. And shortly after green, Woody Pitkat and Dwight Jarvis made contact in turn three and Pitkat went hard into the wall, drawing a second yellow flag.
Another quick caution slowed the race for a spin by Dennis Perry in turn two on lap 43 and then a final caution came out when Keith Rocco spun in turn two.
The remainder of the race saw Hirschman hold off Les Hinckley and Ron Silk in the final few laps in order to capture the crown. Hinckley was able to finish second, but came up one spot short of the win.
Silk, who won a 35 lap qualifying race worth $3,000 earlier in the day, was able to come home in third spot after starting back in 22nd. Though he didn’t come away with the big win in the 65 lapper, he was still pleased with the effort the team put forth.
Holdridge was able to hang on for a fourth place finish, while Richard Savary captured a fifth place finish.
Rowan Pennink stormed through the field in the second half of the race to finish fifth, while Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak and Rob Summers finished the top 10.
With Hirschman’s victory, he was crowned the champion of the Tri-Track Open Modified Series for the second straight year.
“The Tri-Track Series has been the best thing for modified racing in a long time,” Hirschman said. “We have been fortunate enough to win a race at least in every single year. Two years in a row now we win the championship, it’s a great little bonus.”
The Tri-Track Open Modified Series would like to announce that the series will return for the 2017 calendar season. At this point, it is not certain exactly where or how many races will take place.
Keep up to date with all the updates by following the series on Facebook or visiting us on the web at www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS:
Matt Hirschman, Les Hinckley, Ron Silk, Mike Holdridge, Richard Savary, Rowan Pennink, Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak, Rob Summers, Ted Christopher, Keith Rocco, Eric Berndt, Justin Bonsignore, John Keivman, Chris Pasteryak, Dan Meservey, Dennis Perry, Ron Frees, Jeff Gallup, Tommy Barrett, Dwight Jarvis, Woody Pitkat, Matt Swanson, Dave Salzarulo, Todd Annarummo
Sources: Kyle Souza/ Tri-Track Open Modified Series PR