2020

Matt Hirschman wins Hal Renninger 99-lap Tribute / RoC Tour Race and Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series title; Jon Moser tops Street Stock field: Corey Edelman wins record Hobby Stock payout; Hallie Muffley 3-peats in Rookie Hobby Stocks

(October 3) Mahoning Valley Speedway brought the curtain down on the 2020 season with race number five of the well-received Mahoning Valley Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) featuring the Hal Renninger 99-lap Tribute for Modifieds and Matt Hirschman not only topped the impressive field of cars for his fourth straight MVSHoFS victory but he also claimed the Series title, his first such crown at the paved ¼-mile oval.  The Modified feature was also a combination event with the Race of Champions Asphalt Series tour and with a seventh place tally Patrick Emerling beat Austin Beers for that championship.
By luck of the draw Lou Strohl drew the pole and at the outset wasted little time in setting the early pace over Rod Snyder Jr., Nevin George, Emerling and ninth starting Hirschman. The race then established into a nice rhythm as the first 20 circuits went nonstop. While Strohl and Snyder ran a close one-two George and Emerling faced off side-by-side while Hirschman kept a watchful eye right behind. A restart on lap 20 would see Emerling take over third with Hirschman now on his tail. Soon thereafter Hirschman would find the bottom lane open up and made quick work of Emerling and Snyder. As Strohl led he was now engaged in quite the defensive battle with both Hirschman and Emerling stalking him from both sides. As the field completed the 36th tour Hirschman had the opportunity to move under Strohl and in Turn 3 he would make what would be the race winning pass. Strohl, still looking stout, continued to fend off Emerling while Daren Scherer and Beers now entered into the top five. Just prior to the midway point Emerling was able to pull by Strohl and along with him came Beers. Using his home track savvy Beers then made quick work of Emerling for second place.  The rest of the way it would be a battle between the two Mud Lane residents from Northampton, a scene that of late has been playing out whenever this pair is on the same track and while Hirschman stayed in front there were several times following restarts that Beers gave a firm effort to surpass him for the lead. Taking the checkers Hirschman would claim his fourth straight Mahoning win, record 50th with the RoC, and 22nd at the track.  “We’ve been on a roll here and this is the first time I won here with RoC and it’s nice to have them here tonight as part of the Hal Renninger Tribute. This Hall of Fame Series really worked out well for us,” said Hirschman. “Getting my 50th win with the RoC is a real milestone too and the Series has always been a best option for us as a team located here in Pennsylvania and it’s nice to race close to home at Mahoning Valley.”  While Beers settled for second, Scherer came home a solid third, his best run in the limited number of times at Mahoning. Bobby Jones was a steady performer all race long and notched fourth while Don Wagner battled back from a number of pit stops to claim fifth. “Matt’s one of the best here so getting second to him is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Beers. “We just got a little too loose at the end. Track position helped too and he had a little advantage on me there so he got it done.”

Modified Feature Finish (99-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Daren Scherer, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Don Wagner, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Patrick Emerling, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Todd Bear, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12.  Lou Strohl, 13. Sean Verwys, 14. Rob Snyder Jr., 15. Gene Bowers, 16. Chuck Hossfeld, 17. Danny Knoll Jr., 18 Nevin George, 19. Austin Kochenash, 20. Kristy Arthofer

Hirschman Takes Some Lumps with Eighth RoC 250 Check - September 27, 2020

The sixth straight and eighth overall RoC 250 win, along with the $12,570 check, did not come easy for ‘Big Money Matt’, as he came back from an early crash on Lap 35. That crash was the result of a stopped Jody Buckley on the backstretch causing a stack-up when then leader Tommy Catalano slowed to avoid a collision, with Hirschman and Patrick Emerling receiving damage.
With both driver’s crews helping them to rally back into contention, along with sound pit strategies, Hirschman eventually ran down Catalano for the lead in the late laps.  Hirschman then held off Emerling who finished runner-up ahead of Austin Beers who rounded the podium after a late race charge of his own.
In victory lane, Hirschman showed a glimpse of pride in the work that he and his team have done in the last decade in this legendary race.
“Here we are again, it’s six straight, eighth overall. It’s just incredible, we’re making history. Records are made to be broken, good luck trying to beat this one,” said Hirschman at the end of the day.
As for the incident in question, Hirschman admitted that the 60 camp probably got away with one there.
“I’m not even sure what happened there, it happened quick that’s for sure, made it tougher for us. The competition is getting better which made it harder yet. Luckily I hit him square, destroyed the front bumper, so the rest of the race there was no taps coming from me. So I had to make sure I got out front and have a clean nose, because it wasn’t safe to be in the pack. But, it all worked out.”
After a hard fight through the field, the last third of the race was busisness as usual when it comes to the fall at Lake Erie these past few years.
“It went similar to what’s worked for us the last three years here. Eventually it’s not going to work, but I always believe in the saying, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I went with that again today, but it’s going to be something to look at for sure.”
Patrick Emerling more than echoed Hirschman’s claim of luck, being thankful for the second-place finish after thinking initially his race was done right there on Lap 35.
“We were set back pretty early on with that deal on the backstretch, we blew the right front off the car, and bent it up pretty good. Blew the brake line. Hats off to my guys, I didn’t think we were going to be able to get back on the track. We got it back together best we could, we were okay at the end, Matt was just a little better than us, and we were pretty beat up.”
Emerling had his hands full on the final two laps, holding off young up and comer Eric Beers who impressed many in attendance with a great drive through the field after being one of the later drivers to take fresh rubber.
“It was a great run, I got to thank Dave and Laura DeLange, I wouldn’t be here without them. Car was great at the end. We had 31 people come here to support us, thanks to all them. Maybe next time we’ll get two spots better.”
Even among Hirschman’s victory, he took the time to recognize the performance of his fellow Northampton, PA native who has become an unofficial pupil of Hirschman. “Austin coming on in third, he’s just going to get better as a driver. I’m seeing it all the time racing with him in Pennsylvania. He’s learning from me, so eventually this might be him.”
Austin Kochenash and Jon McKennedy rounded the Top 5, while Tommy Catalano, Calvin Carroll, Chris Finocchario, Andy Jankowiak, and Timmy Catalano completed the Top 10.
The RoC Modified season concludes this Saturday, October 3 on the other side of Pennsylvania at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

-Story by: Connor Sullivan, Speed51 Northeast Editor – Twitter: @Connor51CT


Hirschman goes from 20th to 7th Saturday September 19 at Waterford Speedbowl Bob Potter Memorial Race
While Tim Jordan was battling Keith Rocco for the lead in Saturday’s Inaugural Bob Potter Memorial, he had a flashback to 2004.
“Keith and I both started in the same year, Keith in the Sportsman and me in the Mini Stocks,” Jordan said. “We came up together. And then we went in different directions.”They met a few times in the 102-lap feature, however. in an intense battle that featured several lead changes and momentum shifts — and plenty of sparks between the two drivers,Jordan, however, was able to make the pass for the lead with less than 10 laps remaining on the way to the biggest wins of his SK Modified career. The Potter Memorial was the centerpiece of a memorable night of competition at the Speedbowl.The Potter Memorial, honoring Bob Potter, winner of six Modified titles and Waterford and 94 victories, was dominated early by Kyle James. Jordan grabbed the lead at the midway point of the race and was cruising until Rocco. starting 16th in the 28-car field, roared through the pack to challenge.The two traded the lead until Jordan blasted his way to front for keeps. It was his second win of the season, worth $5,100, the biggest payday of Jordan’s career. “You really don’t beat Keith Rocco,” Jordan said. “You just come to the track with a good car and hope its good enough.” It was during the final laps as Rocco’s comeback bid fell short.“I started pretty far back in the field and by the time I got to the front, my car was used up,” said Rocco, after settling for second. Rob Janovic Jr. came alive in the second half of the race to finish third.

Story by Shawn C

With the big money on the line it was the school teacher giving lessons to the track’s all-time winningest driver for the big money on Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.  Timmy Jordan came out on top of a late race battle with Keith Rocco to score the biggest payday of his career in the inaugural Bob Potter Memorial 102 SK Modified feature Saturday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Jordan, of Plainfield, swapped the lead with Rocco multiple times in the late stages to claim the $5,100 first place purse plus a large amount of lap money. “I literally had like flashbacks to Keith running Street Stocks and me running Mini Stocks,” Jordan said. “Like it was just, we both started here at the same time. Obviously our career paths took way different paths. But if you can race against those guys, that’s how racing should be every week down here. It’s fun when Keith comes. I know some fans don’t like it when he comes back but I love racing against him. You know you’re racing against the best.”  Rocco, of Wallingford, ended up second. Rob Janovic Jr. of Waterford was third. The race was run in memory of legendary Speedbowl Modified competitor Bob Potter, was passed away on Sept. 18, 2019. Jordan spent the bulk of the first half of the event battling at the front with Kyle James. Rocco was up to third by the time caution flew with 54 laps to go. With 35 laps remaining Jordan went by James to retake the lead with Rocco moving to second. Jordan was checking out from Rocco and had built a three-second lead before caution flew once again on lap 83. On the restart it was Rocco going to the front before another caution on lap 89. Jordan went back to the lead on the ensuing restart, but it was Rocco grabbing the top spot once again on lap 91. Jordan moved by Rocco for the lead on lap 97 and from there Rocco had nothing like to battle for the lead. “To be able to outrun Keith tonight, you know you don’t beat Keith Rocco, you just, you have a good night,” Jordan said. “He’s always on top of his game. But we had our stuff together tonight to win on Bob Potter night. It’s very special to get that done.” Said Rocco: “I started deep and passed cars in the beginning. In the end it was a handful and I only had one thing I could and try to hold him off. We were good when we could stay within reach of him, but once he got a car outside I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t get back to him to cross him up or do anything.” 


Hirschman goes back to back on September 13 at Evergreen Raceway

(September 13). For the second week in a row Matt Hirschman proved to be the best in asphalt modified racing. Rookie of the year hopefuls Chris Turbush and Jack Ely lead the field to the green flag with Ely getting the jump into turn one on the outside and would take the top spot early. Hirschman would start the 50 lap event in the tenth starting spot and would slowly creep his way towards the front.. Only two cautions flew throughout the race and Ely was setting a torid pace. Ely would lead the first thirty five circuits, but Hirschman would use an inside move off of turn four to over take the top spot and cruise to his fifth win in six races. Austin Beers ended up third after starting seventeenth, followed by Jerry Hildebrand and Zane Zeiner.

Modifieds: Matt Hirschman, Jack Ely, Austin Beers, Jerry Hildebrand, Zane Zeiner, Chris Turbush, Eddie McCarthy, Paul Mankoski, Jesse Strohl, Roger Coss, Earl Paules, Jacob Kerstetter, Brian Defebo, Jim Gavek, Wayne Szerencsits, Wes Gilbert, Bobby Jones


Hirschman Takes Record Evergreen Raceway Payout on September 6th
(September 6). Matt Hirschman will go down as one of the greatest modified drivers of our time as continues is dominance at Evergreen Raceway. Hirschman set fast time earlier in the afternoon with a blistering lap of 13.254 seconds and received a $500 bonus courtesy of Green Mountain Excavating. The 100 lap main event would start heads up from time trials putting “Big Money” Matt on the pole position. Austin Kochenash would an lead early but have to fend off northeast modified ace Ron Silk and Hirschman as the laps clicked off. A lap 19 caution would slow the show as Earl Paules’ motor let loose in turns 3 and 4. As the race resumed, we would see the longest stretch of green flag laps until the yellow flew on lap 75 just as Silk was able to maneuver around Kochenash. All 18 cars remaining on track darted to the pits for service. Hirschman would come off the track in third, but out first position. He would only be challenged on restarts the remainder of the way by Silk and Zane Zeiner and cashed in at 7,500 dollars leading the remaining laps. Chuck Hossfeld and Roger Coss would round out the top 5.

RESULTS:
Tour Modifieds: MATT HIRSCHMAN, Ron Silk, Zane Zeiner, Chuck Hosfeld, Roger Coss, Jack Ely, Daren Scherer, Brian Defebo, Johnathan Mandato, Bobby Jones, Chris Turbush, Chris Young, Todd Baer, Jerry Hildebrand , Artie Pedersen III, Austin Kochenash, Paul Monkoski, Jim Gavek, Paul Frantz, Austin Beers, Earl Paules



Bonsignore win at Monadnock on August 30th while Matt tangles early and then works his way up to 6th

(August 30) A chaotic season for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour thanks to pandemic restrictions has meant some major changes to the series schedule, including the addition of events not on the originally announced slate of events. One of the tracks not originally on the 2020 schedule was Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H.One could be certain that when it was announced earlier this summer that a race at Monadnock Speedway would be added to the schedule, 2018 series champion Justin Bonsignore was not disappointed at all. Before the track was dropped from the Whelen Modified Tour schedule following the 2016 season, the quarter-mile oval was a place where Bonsignore shined regularly. 
In seven starts at Monadnock from 2010-2016 Bonsignore had two wins, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth. His worst career finish at the track came in his first start at track in 2010, a ninth place. Sunday, with the series returning to the track for the first time since 2016, Bonsignore showed he hadn’t forgot the fast way around. Bonsignore drove away from Ron Silk over the closing laps to win the Advanced Gas Distributors Inc. 200 Wade Cole Memorial at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H. “It’s a pleasure to be back at Monadnock,” Bonsignore said. “It’s a shame we haven’t been here in a bunch of years. But if there’s anything good that came out of COVID it was that we got to come back here. One of my favorite race tracks.” It was the third victory in five Whelen Modified Tour events this year for Bonsignore, who won the first two races of the season. It was the 29th Whelen Modified Tour victory overall for the Holtsville, N.Y. driver. Silk, of Norwalk, was second. Reigning series champion Doug Coby of Milford was third. Pole winner Jon McKennedy led the way for much of the early going. On lap 62 Silk went by McKennedy to take over the top spot. Bonsignore went by McKennedy for second on lap 77 before a rash of cautions killed the rhythm of the event. Silk held off Bonsignore over five restarts from lap 128 to 166. On lap 175 Bonisgnore made the move under Silk for the lead, but it was Silk pulling a masterful crossover move to regain the top spot. But that return to the front was brief for Silk as Bonsignore went back to the front on the next lap and was able to pull away over the final 20 laps. “Another great car … my whole team just did a great job today,” Bonsignore said. “I could tell that they were running harder than I wanted to in the beginning of the race and that’s kind of the MO at these quarter mile races, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got enough right rear [tire] at the end. I didn’t know with all the cautions if I’d be able to get [Silk]. He was really good. A lot better than us for five or six laps, then we’d be able to get rhythm and run him back down. He put that killer cross [over] on me and I thought ‘Man I just gave it back to him.’ But I just kept at it.” Silk was returning to action after his Kevin Stuart Motorsports team made the decision to skip the Aug. 22 event at Jennerstown Speedway. 
“I probably went a little bit too hard in the beginning, chasing [McKennedy] there and getting by him,” Silk said. “But I thought we had a car that if I could get to the lead I would be able to keep it. I just didn’t have much left at the end. [Bonsignore] was definitely better than us at the end.” The race was run in memory of longtime Whelen Modified Tour competitor Wade Cole, who was killed in an accident in March at his shop while preparing his car for the season. “Wade would have loved it,” Bonsignore said. “He would have been in every race no matter what was going on with all the craziness. We miss Wade. We appreciate all his family and friends. … We definitely miss Wade.” 

1       Justin Bonsignore
2       Ron Silk
3       Doug Coby
4       Anthony Nocella
5       Ronnie Williams
6       Matt Hirschman
7       Woody Pitkat
8       Sam Rameau
9       Jon McKennedy
10       Craig Lutz
11       Dave Sapienza
12       Tyler Rypkema *
13       Matt Swanson
14       Calvin Carroll
15       Chuck Hossfeld
16       Tommy Catalano
17       Patrick Emerling
18       Eric Goodale
19       Kyle Bonsignore
20       Chris Pasteryak
21       Jeff Gallup *
22       Rob Summers
23       Gary Byington *
24       J.B. Fortin
25       Walter Sutcliffe, Jr.
26       Timmy Catalano
27       Amy Catalano *
28       Melissa Fifield


Wreckers to Checkers, Hirschman Collects $10,000 After Crash Aug 28 at Claremont Speedway
​
(August 28) - Following Friday’s Maurice Enterprises 100 for Tour-type Modifieds at Claremont Motorsports Park (NH), the list of things that can stop Matt Hirschman from winning got shorter, as a crash in his heat race was not enough to deny ‘Big Money’ a cool $10,000 for the comeback effort for him and the No. 60 crew.  After contact with Brad Babb on the first lap of the night’s third heat race catapulted Hirschman’s Modified into the Turn 2 wall, destroying the right-front suspension, the crew thrashed to ready the car for the last chance consolation race. Nearly missing the top-six cut, Hirschman took advantage of a chaotic restart to make the field for the 100-lap main.
“We were in big trouble there in the heat race and then in the consi. But, it just tells you about our team and how we win races is how we are prepared. We got the people that know what they are doing, we can blow the right front off this thing, and take a drawer of parts, put it back together, and still win. That just says it all right there about our team,” Hirschman said in victory lane.
After racing conservatively for the first two-thirds of the race, saving his tires, the time to strike came when early dominator Ron Silk led the leaders to pit road for a fresh tire change and Hirschman stayed out.
Hirschman threw himself into what had originally been a duel for the race lead between Les Hinckley and local favorite Matt Kimball. After dispatching Hinckley, Hirschman took advantage of a restart to blast away with the lead for good.
“It played into our hand later, but I certainly wouldn’t want to go about it that way. Wrecking the car and almost missing the show, I would prefer not to do it that way,” Hirschman continued.
“We tried to keep something for the end because these guys were going to be pitting later, but we kept so much early that it really showed off in the end. I know what it takes, I know what’s got to be done, and how to do it.”
Coming in behind Hirschman, Matt Kimball recorded his best ever performance in his still fresh Modified career. A graduate of Mini Stocks, Kimball has been frequenting Southern New Hampshire short tracks in Sportsman Modifieds for the most part, but has also been trying his hand at the Tour Mods.  “I lost to the best Modified driver in the nation and this is only my fifth start in this thing. Just to be here up front is a dream come true. We paid this car off from the bank a couple of months ago and here we are up front racing.”  
Les Hinkley held on for third position while polesitter Eric Goodale and Andy Jankowiak rounded the Top 5.

1- 10,000 - Matt Hirschman
2 - 4000 - Matt Kimball
3 - 3000 - Les Hinckley
4 - 2500 - Eric Goodale
5 - 2000 - Andy Janowiak
6 - 1500 - Austin Kochenash
7 - 1400 - Craig Lutz
8 - 1300 - Ron Silk
9 - 1250 - Kirk Alexander
10- 1200 - Sam Rameau
11- 1180 - Matt Swanson
12- 1160 - Brian Robie
13- 1140 - Woody Pitkat
14- 1120 - Calvin Carroll
15- 1100 - Scott Wylie
16- 1100 - Anthony Nocella
17- 1100 - Anthony Sesely
18- 1100 - Mike Douglas
19- 1100 - Kurt Vigeant
20- 1100 - Patrick Emerling
21- 1100 - Chuck Hossfeld
22- 1100 - Jon McKennedy
23- 1100 - Diego Monahan + Lu-Mac's Package Store Hard Luck Award
24- 1100 - Tommy Barrett
25- 1100 - Ryan Doucette
26- 1100 - Mike Willis

Marvin Bartholomew 85-lap Tribute was third straight win for Matt Hirschman in Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series 

(AUGUST 22, 2020) The Marvin Bartholomew 85-lap Tribute marked the fourth race in the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) and for the third straight time Matt Hirschman was savoring in the accolades of victory.

Hirschman showed his prowess by coming from 14th on the grid and moving into the lead after 51 laps. From there on he drove smooth and steady, holding off Austin Beers by 1.286-seconds in claiming his 21st win at Mahoning Valley.  “We’re making a habit of this (MVSHoFS) and it’s a good thing. Each time we come we try to get better from Opening Night and through the last few times I feel we’ve improved. I keep trying and it’s paying off. Tonight we had to pass a lot of cars and use patience,” said Hirschman who collected $2850 for his efforts and also assumed the Series point lead with one event remaining. Fittingly the pole, via a revenge draw, went to Lou Strohl, grandson of the night’s honoree Bartholomew and at the drop of the race commencing green he grabbed the lead over Todd Baer, Nevin George, Bobby Jones and Josh Scherer.    Jones would then use a lap 10 restart to charge by Strohl for the lead. Not long afterwards a thrilling side-by-side battle took place for second spot between George and Jack Ely while staying glued to the rear bumper of Jones. As the intense battle of that trio waged on Hirschman was gradually making his way frontward and by lap 22 was shown in fourth. Ely, running the outside line, had finally gotten by George on lap 32 and then kept that push going as he pulled alongside Jones. Racing two-by-two Ely had just edged ahead to the lead when a caution waved for a spinning Earl Paules. Two laps after the restart Ely found himself facing off with Hirschman and despite every effort to fend off the potent No. 60, it was not to be as the race winning pass was made just as the 51st circuit was completed.  “We had a good race with the 19 (Ely). I knew we had enough time and I was just waiting to see if he was going to open the door enough that we wouldn’t have an issue for space,” said Hirschman.  While Hirschman remained planted out front Beers was making headway. After a pit stop for a tire change near mid-race Beers then staged a charge. With 12 laps to go he was dueling with Don Wagner for second, eventually taking the spot with seven reaming. A caution five tours left gave reason for a shootout but Hirschman proved the better of the two in gaining the score.  “The car really worked well on the top once we got that tire and it was on rails,” said Beers who notched his best 2020 finish. “I think if we had a double file restart on that last caution instead of single file I may have had something for him (Hirschman) but he was tough and always is.” Austin Kochenash, who came into the event as the Series point leader, also put on a drive. He made several pit stops and each time back was picking off cars in moving towards the front. Time then ran out on him and he settled for third. Wagner had a very strong run too, maintaining a top-5 spot for most of the race while Paules rounded out the top five

Modified Feature Finish (85-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Gene Bowers, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Jack Ely, 10. Nevin George, 11. Louis Horvath, 12. Blake Barney, 13. Todd Baer, 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Brian DeFebo, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Joh Markovic, 18. Lou Strohl, 19. Sean Verwys, 20. Jesse Strohl, 21. Rod Snyder Jr., 22. Kyle Strohl DNQ: Terry Markovic, Jesse Strohl, BJ Wambold

 

The Tri-Track Open Modified Series has seen quite a few surprise competitors in action this year as Matt finishes 3rd on August 15 at Monadnock Speedway

Saturday one of those moonlighters made big waves.  Sammy Rameau made his second start of the season with the division one to remember by winning the 100-lap Tri-Track Open Modified Series feature at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H.   “We put a lot of work into this,” Rameau said. “… A lot of people don’t know this, it’s my full-time job to prepare these race cars and I put my heart and soul into this. I’m in that shop 15 hours a day. I really put my heart and soul into this. A lot of people don’t know that. … The day didn’t start out that well but I told my guys we were going to overcome it and we were going to win this thing.” It was the first career Tri-Track Open Modified Series victory for Rameau, of Westminster, Mass.  Brian Robie of Sunapee, N.H. was second and Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. third. “Beating people like … Woody Pitkat, Hirschman, Ronnie Williams … they all win hundreds of races,” Rameau said. “It’s a great thrill to say I beat some of those guys.  Rameau became the third winner in three events this year for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. Craig Lutz won the season opening event on July 5 at Monadnock and Hirschman was victorious with the series in the SBM 121 on July 25 at Star Speedway in Epping, N.H.   Rameau, a regular on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, also started the season opening event for the series on July 5 at Monadnock. Woody Pitkat of Stafford and Anthony Nocella of Woburn, Mass. rounded out the top-five respectively


Zane Zeiner and Matt Hirschman are winners in Tony Fisher Memorial Twin 25s at Evergreen Raceway August 8

By DINO OBERTO

The Annual Tony Fisher Memorial for Modifieds at Evergreen Raceway saw a pair of premier Modified standouts capture the twin-25 lap mains as Zane Zeiner and Matt Hirschman shared the glory.  In race one Zeiner finally upended the always dominating Hirschman while the second main went the way of Hirschman.After finishing second to Hirschman more times than not over the past few seasons including the last time here on August 19, Zeiner was not to be denied his time to shine race number one.Driving the Billy Ray Pruitt No. 22, Zeiner held off a hard charging Hirschman for his first Modified win here since 2017 and the 40th overall victory for the Bath driver at Evergreen. “It finally feels good to get a win again and I had to do what I had to in order to hold him (Hirschman) off late in the run and making sure I had my A-game with the restarts,” said Zeiner. “We’ve gained in some areas and I know there’s still more left in the car. We came back this week and the car is much better than when I gave the lead up to him last time here. We just have to tweak it a little more and then I feel we’ll have a tough car to pass.”  By luck of the draw Zeiner drew the pole and would quickly take the lead over Lou Strohl, Brian DeFebo, Chuck Hossfeld and Austin Beers. After a restart on lap three DeFebo and Beers advanced to second and third respectively. With six laps complete Beers settled into second spot and began putting pressure on the leader. Despite having a few restarts to aid him, Beers was unable to get by Zeiner although he was making valid attempts from the outside. “Austin (Beers) tried to snooker me a there but we have just a little bit more experience than he has right now but the kid’s come along good,” noted Zeiner. The Zeiner/Beers battle continued to wage on until a restart on lap 16 which saw 12th starting Hirschman pick up the runner-up spot. From there to the checkers it was nip and tuck as Zeiner maintained a solid line in fending off Hirschman.  “This is a really emotional day because it’s my first win in a Modified since Jeff (Willet) passed away. He really did so much for my career and also Gunnar started out today in his first full Modified ride with me so there was a lot going on and it really feels great,” said Zeiner.

            The second feature came down to a wild affair over the final laps. Hirschman would pass Zeiner with two laps to go and go on to victory but it was during the last four laps that turned the race in several directions.  Hossfeld and Wayne Szerencsits shared the front row but before a lap was scored the yellow waved when several cars collided in turn two including that of Szerencsits. On the restart Hossfeld once again took charge and would lead over a very strong running Brian Sones and Beers.The action amongst that trio was intense as Sones and Beers stayed side-by-side while keeping close tabs on Hossfeld. With five laps to go Hossfeld was in a position to win for the first time in Pennsylvania but the pressure was still concentrated on him from Sones and Beers. Then on lap 21 his hopes suddenly where dashed when he was pinched under extreme close racing and slid into the Turn 2 wall. Several facets then occurred before the field was reset. Sones was cited by officials for his part in the incident and after pleading his case but to no benefit, he parked his car. At that point Beers was figured to be the race leader but he too was a victim of hardship. Prior to the caution his car was smoking and officials motioned him to the side to check the issue and it was deemed that he was leaking fluid. Beers and his crew asserted that was not the case, however, he was told to go the pits all the same. He was able to return albeit out of contention. When the field was sorted Earl Paules was at the helm over Johnathan Mandato, Zeiner and Hirschman. When the action resumed the lead fight hit fever pitch as Paules, Mandato and Zeiner went three-wide for the top spot. Zeiner, who was on the bottom, emerged as the new leader while Hirschman powered his way to second on his tail. Wih two laps to go Hirschman went to the inside of Zeiner in turn one and came out ahead but a caution negated his effort. On the ensuing restart, however, Hirschman took to the outside and passed Zeiner at the continuation of the race and held on for his third Evergreen win in four 2020 starts. “We worked hard in both these features, coming from 14th to second in the first one and then 11th to first so we definitely passed the most cars by far and really had a good day,” said Hirschman who has now tied Russ Frantz for second on the all-time Modified wins list with 35.  “It was crazy. Zane (Zeiner) made that three-wide move underneath and I tried to follow through. I wasn’t close at first and I was thinking maybe he would get pinched off and I would try and jump to the outside. Overall it was tough out there for everyone,” said Hirschman. Mandato scored third with Paules and Oltra rounding out the top five. Hirschman was also the overall winner of the Fisher Memorial and earned a guaranteed starting spot in the September 6 Tom Casagrande Memorial.

1st Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Zane Zeiner, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Roger Coss, 5. Chris Turbush, 6. Brian DeFebo, 7. Brandon Oltra, 8. Brain Sones, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Sal Alcardi, 11. Wayne Szerencsits, 12. Chuck Hossfeld, 13. Chris Ridsdale, 14. Bobby Jones, 15. Daren Scherer, 16. Jim Gaver, 17. Gunnar Zeiner, 18. Brian Rygielski, 19. Lou Strohl, 20. Tyler Catalano, 21. Andrew Monkowski DNS: Jonathan Mandato

2nd Modified feature finish (25-laps) 1. Hirschman, 2. Z. Zeiner, 3. Mandato, 4. Paules, 5. Oltra, 6. DeFebo, 7. Scherer, 8. Alcardi, 9. Coss, 10. Beers, 11. Gaver, 12. Monkowski, 13. Catalano, 14. G. Zeiner, 15. Turbush, 16. Hossfeld, 17. Sones, 18. Jones, 19. Ridsdale, 20. Rygielski, 21. Strohl, 22. Szerencsits​

60over car number returns to Victory Lane as Matt Hirschman wins Doug Hoffman Tribute at Mahoning Valley Speedway August 1

Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway was a fitting honor to the late Doug Hoffman as Matt Hirschman drove the No. 60over, a number carried by Hoffman to countless wins, to victory in the Doug Hoffman Modified 60-lap Tribute, which was race #3 of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS). In a way it was fitting also in the fact that like Hoffman, Hirschman began his career locally and then went on the road to gain national acclaim. This was his second straight win in the Series and 20th at Mahoning Valley for Hirschman. 
“This whole Hall of Fame Series is nice to recognize these past great drivers and this one probably means the most to me because of having the 60over on the car,” said Hirschman.  “Doug’s ability to win at his home tracks and also on the road at just about anywhere he went – I’d like to think that I’m following that same path he took. He’s one of the all-time great drivers from this area and we carry the same number and tonight to add the “over” on it was extra special.” A redraw put Josh Scherer and Todd Baer on the front row and at the onset of the 60-lap event Baer jumped to the front while Bobby Jones clutched onto second. During the early going Baer and Jones had a thrilling battle enduring while Scherer watched closely from third and was fending off sixth starting Hirschman. On a lap 10 restart Jones was able to get the lead and a fast moving Brain DeFebo advanced to second with Hirschman now third and Austin Kochenash up to fourth ahead of Baer. Hirschman then went to the inside of DeFebo and after a few double-wide laps he grabbed second and continued on towards Jones. Try as he may Jones was doing all he could to make his car wide in order to protect his lead but in what is rather emblematic of Hirschman, when he wants the top spot he seizes at will and on lap 20 that was just the case.  Not to take away from the fact that behind the him was a group of heavy hitters in the likes of Jones, DeFebo, Kochenash, Chuck Hossfeld and Eric Beers yet as they fought closely together they could not seem to gather up to Hirschman.  Near the end Kochenash had worked into second and a restart with two laps to go saw the decent lead of Hirschman get wiped away and gave a thought of a shootout to the checkers, however, when the race resumed there was no denying the once again stellar performance of Hirschman who went on the claim the $2500 victory. “This was a shorter race tonight and it was just go from the start and go as fast as I could,” said Hirschman. “We’ve been working to get a faster race car and I need to say a big thanks to my family, crew and sponsors for all the incredible support.”  Kochenash, Eric Beers, Jones and DeFebo rounded out the top five. It was the second straight time that Kochenash was second to Hirschman and add his fourth in the first Series race, he remains the point leader heading into the Marvin Bartholomew 85-lap Tribute on August 22.  “I tried to go as fast I can to catch Matt (Hirschman) and do whatever it took to win because this race meant a lot to me. Doug (Hoffman) let me start racing here when I was 12-years old and he taught me how to race and would make me start in the back until I was good enough to start passing cars, ” said Kochenash. “Unfortunately I didn’t really have tires left at the end to go and we just had to settle for second again. I could just never get quite close enough to mount a challenge.”

Modified Feature Finish (60-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Chuck Hossfeld, 7. Nick Bear, 8. John Markovic, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Josh Scherer, 11. Mike Stofflet, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Kyle Strohl, 14. Don Wagner, 15. Sean Verwys, 16. Gene Bowers, 17. Rod Snyder, 18. Todd Bear, 19. Jacob Kerstetter, 20. Lou Strohl, 21. Austin Beers DNQ: Heath Metzger, Jesse Strohl, Louie Horvath, BJ Wambold
​
​Matt Hirschman celebrates victory in the Tri-Track Open Modified Series SBM 121 Saturday, July 25 at Star Speedway ( Story by Shawn Courchesne/RaceDayCT)

EPPING, N.H. – It’s fair to say at most Tri-Track Open Modified Series events since the division’s inception the road to victory lane more often than not means beating Matt Hirschman.  Hirschman has been the dominant force of the series since its introduction in 2014. But on July 5 in the 2020 season opener for the series at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H., Hirschman wasn’t even so much as a contender for a top-five finish. 
Hirschman finished seventh at Monadnock and never cracked the top-five in the event. It was a performance that lit a fire under the Northampton, PA Modified veteran. Saturday at Star Speedway Hirschman showed the result of stoking that fire within. Hirschman passed Matt Swanson for the lead on a lap 113 restart and went on to win the Tri-Track Open Modified Series SBM 121 at Star Speedway. “Monadnock, to never even crack the top-five, I knew I had to get to work,” Hirschman said. “I’ve had success the last few weeks in Pennsylvania and part of that is because I went to work. But I needed to win here and kind of redeem myself a little bit and get back to feeling where I put the effort in and the results show on the track. I’ve been in that spot before and I just had to go to work.”  Swanson, of Acton, Mass., was second and Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y. third. NASCAR Cup Series regular Ryan Preece of Berlin was sixth. Hirschman showed he was stout in the early going, getting by Craig Lutz for the lead on lap 25. Hirschman held that top spot until a caution on lap 85 sent most of the lead lap cars to the pits. Swanson, who had pitted under caution on lap 58, assumed the lead for the lap 85 restart with Hirschman restarting seventh. Hirschman was up to fourth by lap 98. He got by Jankowiak for third on lap 104 and a lap later made easy work of Eric Goodale for second place. By lap 112 Hirschman was looking on the high side against Swanson but caution flew again on lap 113. On the ensuing restart Swanson got sideways coming to the green allowing Hirschman to easily jump out front. The caution flew again on lap 114, but Hirschman was able to hold off Swanson on the final restart of the event. “Even myself having the fresher tires, I didn’t have that much more grip,” Hirschman said. “I think everybody really lost grip in the second half of the race. And the guys that pitted 20-something laps before me, they really showed it at the end. I didn’t have near as good a car at the end as I did about mid-race. But everybody fell off.” After having issues in both his heat race and consolation heat, Swanson used a promoter’s option to get into the feature, starting last in the 27-car field. “To come from the [consolation], we short pitted, we went through every hoop we could possibly go through today and my [Boehler Racing Enterprises] guys stuck with me and they believed in me and they never gave up on me and we almost got ourselves one there,” Swanson said. “[Hirschman], he’s won everything there is to win in an asphalt Modified. If I’m here at my home track banging bars with him with 10 laps to go that’s pretty cool. “It was such a wreckfest in the beginning. It was just one of those deals where you’re like ‘What the heck is going on here?’ You just had to keep your nose clean and be there at the end. We tried that and short pitted and just ran out of tires at the end.” 
Jankowiak recovered from an early race issue to rally to third late. “Not much fun at all,” Jankowiak said. “I’m tired. We had such a good car and we got in a little jingle there early. Just racing, I don’t know if it was my fault or the other guy’s. It happens. I’m sure neither one of us wanted it to. And it kind of just got us all goofed up. We got hit in the left front so we had to come in and fix that. We got forced into the short pit strategy. … We were within a car length of getting lapped at one point. I had drive pretty hard just to stay on the lead lap in the middle part before the pit stops. We just got out of our strategy. We should be happy to be third. I’m just itching to win one of these things. We keep tiptoeing over there. We’re gonna get there. It’s a little discouraging because I think today we had the car to do it.”  


Matt Hirschman normally doesn’t have a whole lot to prove when he shows up to a Tri-Track Open Modified Series event.  However, that wasn’t the case Saturday afternoon at Star Speedway.After a subpar performance by his standards in the season opener at Monadnock Speedway, the Northampton, Pennsylvania driver went to work to get back on top.  The driver known as “Big Money Matt” put in the work in the shop, and that effort resulted in his fifth career SBM 121 victory at the Epping, New Hampshire oval. Hirschman took the lead for the first time when he powered around Craig Lutz, the winner of the season opener at Monadnock, on Lap 25.  However, he gave up the lead to Matt Swanson when he visited pit road for a fresh tire during the Lap 83 controlled caution.  With a handful of cars electing to stay out, Hirschman had his work cut out for him restarting ninth with less than 40 laps to go.  After making little progress during the first few laps after the caution, Hirschman began picking off positions following an extended caution on Lap 97. Ultimately, the race-winning move came on a restart with just over 10 laps to go when he powered around Swanson to secure the victory.  Swanson had pitted earlier in the race and had roughly 20 more laps on his right-rear tire at the end of the race.“At the end, pitting later than they did showed up,” Hirschman said.  “There was a caution around Lap 97 that was a lengthy one.  That’s where those 20 laps (on the tires) really showed up because prior to that it was pretty tough restarting from ninth to get up into the fourth and fifth range; it was pretty tough work to even do that.  I wasn’t too confident at that point, but the last 20 laps it really showed up.” Despite having four career victories in the race, Hirschman had not won the SBM race since 2017, a season in which he swept all four Tri-Track Open Modified Series races.  Although that only gave him a two-year winless drought in the race, it was not something he was content with. “I needed to go to work,” Hirschman said.  “We had been trending the wrong direction in this race.  We finished third two years ago and fourth last year and those were the finishes we deserved.  It wasn’t like we had a winning car and things didn’t work out. We had a third to fifth-place car and that’s where we finished.  After years of success at this race track, I won the very first time I ever came here and I have a career winning percentage here unlike any other race track I’ve been to.  It’s probably my best. To go a couple years without a win here and not really feel like I gave myself a car that could win, I needed to go to work.” A seventh-place finish in the season opener at Monadnock, a race he never became a factor in, provided another reminder that he needed to elevate his performance.“That race at Monadnock was kind of the last straw for me, having a performance where we never crack the top five all day.  I went to work after that and I think it showed in our results back in Pennyslvania, but I needed to win here today to really prove myself,” Hirschman stated. “It’s the cycle of racing.  Sometimes when you get where you feel like you’re on top or having something that work, you just roll with it.  Everybody else is on the other end where they feel they need to get better if they’re going to beat the 60.  They got better and I stayed the same and went backwards in results.  That didn’t sit well with me.  I almost needed that Monadnock performance to really kick me in the rear end and tell me it was time to go to work.” In the search for his first Tour-type Modified victory, Swanson played the strategy game to lead a handful of laps before finishing second to Hirschman. “The start of the race we started in the back and kind of just had to ride around the back to make sure we had something at the end.  With these races, you can only put on one tire so you have to save the other three you start with.  We waited around in the back, slowly picked our way through as we could and came in early before the cold caution there.  The car really came to life after we put the tire on.  I just had to calm myself down and make sure I wasn’t burning it off.“To be racing with Matt Hirschman, one of the best guys in an Asphalt Modified, he’s won about everything there is to win in an Asphalt Modified, there’s no one I’d rather be racing against.  To hop through all the hoops we did today and come out with a strong second-place finish, I’ll take it.” Andy Jankowiak used a similar strategy to Swanson and ended the night with a strong third-place finish. Defending series champion Ronnie Williams and Long Island native Eric Goodale completed the top five.

SBM 121 Unofficial Results

Star Speedway (NH) – July 25, 2020

Pos .    No.    Driver
1    60    Matt Hirschman
2    3    Matt Swanson
3    12x    Andy Jankowiak
4    25    Ronnie Williams
5    58    Eric Goodale
6    6ny    Ryan Preece
7    92    Anthony Nocella
8    66    Austin Kochenash
9    8    Cam McDermott
10    50s    Ron Silk
11    25NJ    Calvin Carroll
12    7    Kurt Vigeant
13    76    Kirk Alexander
14    46    Craig Lutz
15    07    Bryan Narducci
16    0    Devin O'Connell
17    66nh    Andy Shaw
18    62    Les Rose, Jr.
19    04    Dylan Izzo
20    5    Tommy Barrett
21    36    Dave Sapienza
22    99    Richard Savary
23    55    Ryan Doucette
24    06    Les Hinckley
25    50    Carl Medeiros, Jr.
26    176    Dana DiMatteo
27    81    Josh Cantara


Matt Hirschman wins 50 Lap Tour mOdified Race at Evergreen Raceway July 18

Matt Hirschman is now two for two at Evergreen Raceway however his win Sunday was earned. Hirschman started mid-pack in the 50 lap contest. Paul sitter Zane Zeiner rushed out to an early lead with Earl Paules and Brian Sones hot in pursuit. Sones rebounded nicely after narrowly missing the starting line up two week's prior. Zeiner would slowly creep away as Paules and Sones battled nip and tuck most of the event. All things changed on a lap 27 caution as Hirschman darted pit side to change a flat right rear tire. Roger Coss followed. Hirschman who restarted 15th with 23 laps remaining. Hirschman would inch forward catching other cautions at the perfect time. Hirschman would try every angle to find away around Zeiner. Hirschman coming to the 2 to go mark would finally use the outside to move out in front.


Matt Hirschman wins George Wambold Tribute on July 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(JULY 11) Northampton’s Matt Hirschman turned in solid performance in picking up his first win of the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway, netting top honors in the George Wambold Tribute 81-lap main.  The event was race number #2 of the 2020 Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) and was an acknowledgment to the legendary Wambold, a multi-time track champion and many time winner.  “This was very special to win a race in honor of George Wambold who was definitely one of the big names in eastern Pennsylvania racing,” said Hirschman from Victory Lane.  “He was one of those tough guys that wheeled cars without power steering and head rests and any of that stuff and I can always appreciate those drivers. They were way tougher than today’s drivers and it’s nice that we’re honoring these guys with this Series.”  Second starting Kochenash had grabbed the lead from the drop of the green over Nick Baer. Within 10 laps point leader Bobby Jones and seventh starter Hirschman where running in tow. By lap 18 Hirschman had took control of second. Kochenash, however, stayed attentive to his lead and kept Hirschman busy in trying both high and low lanes to make a pass over the next 24 laps. Just prior to a caution coming out on lap 43, Hirschman finally nipped him for the top spot and not long afterwards was facing off against Eric Beers. Beers and Hirschman where in contention to win in the first MVSHoFS event from the previous month but a tangle between them negated the thinkable outcome. On a lap 45 restart Beers had showed the power and out-dueled Hirschman for the lead but one lap later it would go back to the Harry’s U-Pull-It No. 60. From there on Hirschman wasn’t taking any chances as he stayed a few car lengths out ahead of the pack en route to his 19th career win at Mahoning Valley. “The thing here at Mahoning is you have to run as hard as you can because you never know what’s going on behind you but overall it was a good race,” explained Hirschman. “I was able to test the outside a little with the 72 (Kochenash) and then eventually with a couple moves on the bottom so it was good racing between us and then with Eric (Beers) on the restarts,” he continued. “You can’t really save anything here. Starting seventh we were able to make progress right away. You have to keep moving and you can’t always just settle in here, that’s the kind of track it is and why the racing is really good here.” After Hirschman took the lead for keeps Kochenash and Beers waged a great battle with the Wentz Auto Body No. 72 securing the spot in the final laps. Don Wagner bounced back and forth during the race before securing a hard-earned fourth and likewise with Kyle Strohl who edged Blake Barney in rounding out the top five.       

Modified Feature Finish (81-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Blake Barney, 7. Eddie McCarthy, 8. Roger Cross, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Chuck Hossfeld, 11. Sean Verwys, 12. Jacob Kerstetter, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Mike Stofflet, 15. Bobby Jones, 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Todd Bear, 18. Nick Bear, 19. Brian DeFebo, 20. Heath Metzger, 21. Josh Scherer, 22. Earl Paules, 23. Rod Snyder Jr., 24. Austin Beers, DNQ: Jack Ely, Ricky Collins, Terry Markovic, Jason Arthofer, John Markovic

Last-Lap Contact Leads to Words After Tri-Track Opener on July 50- MATT COMES HOME 7TH

(JULY 5) A last-lap bump-and-run move at Monadnock Speedway on Sunday night led to heated words in Victory Lane, as New York native Craig Lutz bumped fan-favorite Les Hinckley out of the way to win the Tri-Track Open Modified Series season opener. Hinckley lead the race until turn three on the final lap and appeared to be on the way to his first Tri-Track victory.  Lutz, who worked his way up from a 22nd starting position, made a last-ditch effort in the final turn, making hard contact with the rear of Hinckley No. 06.  Both cars got loose, but Lutz got back to the gas first and beat Hinckley to the line by 0.085 seconds.  It was Lutz’s first career Tri-Track Modified win.  “It is what it is,” Lutz said in Victory Lane.  “I come here to win races.  I came through the consi, started 22nd.  It’s not the right way to win, but I’m still standing here in Victory Lane.  We’re here to win races, not make friends, so that’s what we did today.”  When asked if he would do the same thing again if given the chance, Lutz’s answer was simple. "Yeah. I mean I’m still sitting in Victory Lane, that’s all that matters to me.” But while Lutz was calm and collected in Victory Lane, Hinckley was furious.  “[Lutz] just drove through me on the last lap,” Hinckley said.  “Had no other choice, just flat out drove through me.  What can you do?  He can have the second-place trophy too.” Hinckley admitted that he knew a bump might have been coming, but he was not prepared for what he ended up receiving.  “[I wasn’t expecting] to get driven through like that.  I would have thought maybe he would have taken a shot on the outside.  I don’t know what to say.  That’s their type of racing.  That’s what’s commonplace now.  When I grew up, you didn’t do stuff like that, and when you did do it, it came back to you.  It won’t happen again to me.”  Hinckley, with support from the fans, threw a few words at Lutz after the race.  During his Victory Lane interview, Hinckley overheard Lutz telling the raucous fans, “It is what it is” and responded with, "It ain’t what it ain’t, pal, you’re gonna pay."  Lutz, unfazed by the jeers from the fans, smiled and simply said, “This is awesome.” Monadnock weekly racer Ben Byrne, who almost won this race last year, brought his bright green No. 6 home to a third-place finish after leading 31 of the 100 laps.  Ron Silk, driving the Bob Horn Racing No. 50S, gained four spots in the last 10 laps to finish fourth.  Chase Dowling, after fighting with Hinckley for the lead for more than 20 laps, completed the top five.

The Tri-Track Open Modifieds will hit the track again later this month, taking on the annual SBM 125 at Star Speedway (NH) on Saturday, July 25.

Tri-Track Open Modified Series Unofficial Results
Monadnock Speedway (NH) - July 5, 2020
Pos. Car No. Driver
1 46 Craig Lutz
2 06 Les Hinckley
3 6x Ben Byrne
4 50 Ron Silk
5 00 Chase Dowling
6 50K Matt Kimball
7 60 Matt Hirschman
8 6 Woody Pitkat
9 25 Ronnie Williams
10 3 Matt Swanson
11 36 Dave Sapienza
12 25NH Brian Robie
13 55 Ryan Doucette
14 4 Jeff Gallup
15 66 Austin Kochenash
16 7 Kurt Vigeant
17 47 Jacob Perry
18 14 Blake Barney
19 12x Andy Jankowiak
20 27 Derek Robbie
21 76 Kirk Alexander
22 1 Joey Cipriano
23 5 Tommy Barrett
24 13x Cameron Sontag
25 92 Anthony Nocella
26 44 Anthony Sesely
27 06MA Sam Rameau
28 15 TJ Bleau

Justin Bonsignore uses the bump and run to drive trhough Hirschman for the Win at White Mountain on July 4

(JULY 4) The first win was a dominating performance. The second was a late pass with a little help from the front bumper. In the end, Justin Bonsignore is 2-for-2 on the 2020 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.  The Holtsville, New York, driver used a bump-and-run to wrestle the lead away from Matt Hirschman with seven laps to go and then withstood a challenge from Hirschman and Doug Coby on a green-white-checkered finish to win the Independence Day 200 in the tour’s inaugural visit to White Mountain Motorsports Park.  Bonsignore led every lap in winning the season opener at Pennsylvania’s Jennerstown Speedway. Saturday night, he dogged Hirschman in the closing laps before pushing him out of the way and claiming the lead. A late caution pushed the race to 205 laps and Bonsignore edged Hirschman by .127 seconds at the line. It was Bonsignore’s 28th career win, moving him into a tie with Mike Ewanitsko and defending tour champion Doug Coby for sixth all-time in tour history. Hirschman, who won the Mayhew Tools Pole Award earlier in the day, crossed the finish side-by-side with Coby. Tommy Catalano finished fourth and Woody Pitkat made a late run to finish fifth. Dave Sapienza was sixth, followed by Chris Pasteryak, Craig Lutz, Jon McKennedy and Chase Dowling. Bonsignore opened up an 11-point lead on Hirschman and a 17 point advantage on Lutz and Coby in the championship standings.

1 3 51    Justin Bonsignore Phoenix Communications Inc.   (Kenneth Massa) Chevrolet 205 running 7 47
2 1 60    Matt Hirschman Pee Dee Motorsports   (Roy Hall) Chevrolet 205 running 193 44
3 2 10    Doug Coby Mayhew Tools   (Philip Moran) Chevrolet 205 running 0 41
4 19 54    Tommy Catalano Catalano Motorsports   (Zachary Reissner) Chevrolet 205 running 0 40
5 14 1    Woody Pitkat Dunleavy's / Gunsmoke Stables Ford   (Eddie Harvey) 205 running 0 39
6 9 36    Dave Sapienza Sapienza Enterprise   (Judy Thilberg) Chevrolet 205 running 0 38
7 7 75    Chris Pasteryak Dawley's Collision & Custom   (Charles Pasteryak) Chevrolet 205 running 0 37
8 12 46    Craig Lutz Riverhead Building Supply   (Russell Goodale) Chevrolet 205 running 0 36
9 4 7    Jon McKennedy Ultra Wheel   (Tommy Baldwin) Chevrolet 205 running 0 35
10 18 82    Chase Dowling Horton Avenue Materials LLC   (Danny Watts Jr.) Chevrolet 205 running 0 34
11 15 22    Kyle Bonsignore Chalew Performance   (Kyle Bonsignore) Chevrolet 205 running 0 33
12 17 06    Sam Rameau Central Mass Tree Chevrolet 205 running 0 32
13 25 25    Calvin Carroll Power with Prestige / Cruising w / Betty   (Joe Carroll) Ford 205 running 0 31
14 11 92    Anthony Nocella Nocella Paving / K and D Associates / Airgas Chevrolet 204 running 0 30
15 16 07    Patrick Emerling Emerling Motorsports   (Jennifer Emerling) Chevrolet 204 running 0 29
16 10 58    Eric Goodale GAF Roofing   (Edgar Goodale) Chevrolet 203 running 0 28
17 22 34    J.B. Fortin John's Tree Removal / John's Fuel Oil   (Nicole Fortin) Chevrolet 203 running 0 27
18 29 4    Jeff Gallup * Ceravolo's Auto   (Richie Gallup) Chevrolet 203 running 0 26
19 24 45    Timmy Catalano Catalano Motorsports   (David Catalano) Chevrolet 202 running 0 25
20 20 55    Jeremy Gerstner Lowder Const / KD Const   (Dawn Gerstner) Chevrolet 201 running 0 24
21 23 2    J.R. Bertuccio Gershow Recycling   (Joseph Bertuccio) Chevrolet 201 running 0 23
22 21 32    Tyler Rypkema * Musco / Nelcorp   (Dean Rypkema) Chevrolet 200 running 0 22
23 30 56    Amy Catalano * Catalano Motorsports   (Allie Brainard) Chevrolet 198 running 0 21
24 27 24    Andrew Krause Supreme Manufacturing Co. Inc. Chevrolet 163 engine 0 20
25 28 78    Walter Sutcliffe, Jr. Last Minute Racing   (Steven Sutcliffe) Chevrolet 136 overheating 0 19
26 13 64    Rob Summers All Source / Hughes Motors / Hoosier Tire Eas   (Mike Murphy) 116 crash 0 18
27 6 85    Ron Silk Stuart's Automotive   (Kevin Stuart) Chevrolet 90 overheating 0 17
28 5 3    Matt Swanson USNE / SYP / All Phases   (Jan Boehler) Chevrolet 51 power steering 0 16
29 8 66    Timmy Solomito Flamingo Motorsports / New England Gear   (Jerry Solomito) Chevrolet 32 crash 0 15
30 31 30    Gary Byington * Hudson Speedway   (Gary Byington) Chevrolet 7 handling 0 14
31 26 01    Melissa Fifield Pine Knoll Auto Sales   (Kenneth Fifield) Chevrolet 7 steering 0 13

Matt Hirschman completes weekend sweep with victory at Evergreen Raceway on June 28
 
(6-28-20) Matt Hirschman had a long and hectic weekend but it paid dividends as he made bookends of the state of Pennsylvania, winning Saturday night at Lake Erie Speedway in Erie for the season opener on the Sunoco Race of Champions Tour and afterwards drove across the Keystone State to Evergreen Raceway in St. Johns where he pulled off another victory in less than 12 hours. Hirschman thrusted by Austin Beers on the second try of a lap 61 restart and then held off fast charging Zane Zeiner for his 34th career Modified win at Evergreen. “It’s just good to be back racing and this wasn’t easy to do with the distance between here and Erie and I really need to thank my guys. Some did both, some did yesterday and some today but it was a total team effort and I appreciate all the hours and miles on the road they put in,” said Hirschman after scoring his second 75-lap verdict of the weekend.  All total Hirschman and Company put in 12 hours and 772 miles of driving back and forth between his Northampton home, Erie and St. Johns. They left Erie Speedway a little past midnight, went back to the shop, adjusted the car and then headed off to Evergreen.  This was the first Modified race of the season at Evergreen and when the 20-car starting field came to the race commencing green it was pole sitter Chuck Hossfeld in Tom Wanick’s No. 1W shooting out front over Jack Ely, Austin Beers and Earl Paules.              As Hossfeld led and had Ely two car lengths back, Beers and New Jersey invader Jimmy Blewett where waging a torrid side-by-side dual, a fight that eventually went to Beers by lap 10. Beers then began the same fight with his teammate Ely within the next two laps, finally advancing to second with 15 circuits complete.  While Hossfeld still showed the way Beers was making headway and just as he did with Blewett and Ely, he quickly caught the leader and made it yet another exciting double wide battle. His efforts were compensated with 16 laps complete as he executed a clean outside pass on Hossfeld.              Once in front Beers began to slowly distance himself from the pack but the move would in due course be his demise. As the race went non-stop from laps 21 to 61 it took a toll on his tires. “I told my dad (crew chief Eric Beers) before the race that I wanted to get out front early because I felt my car was better out there. So when I led those laps I was also trying to save as much as I could but by be then the right front (tire) was going away,” said Beers, who like Hirschman, also did the nearly 800 mile trek between Lake Erie and Evergreen Speedways.             “The right front was going away from racing hard on the top and that’s what eventually backed us up.”  When the action halted for a spin by Ron Silk, Beers now had Hirschman flanked alongside him for the restart. The first try at going back to green was negated as officials called out Hirschman for jumping the start. The second try, however, was textbook for the standout star as he used the outside lane to make his race winning move, completing the pass off Turn 2.             As the laps began to tick down Zeiner, driving in just his second race for car owner Billy Ray Pruitt, had powered his way up to second but from there could not mount a challenge on Hirschman, even with a last chance restart two laps from the finish. “Matt (Hirschman) can fire off on the restarts a little bit better than us but I’m not sure if he was playing with us there when we went on the long green stretch. It seemed like towards the end I could keep digging but passing him was going to be a different story,” expressed Zeiner.  “We had our car set-up for a long run and it was good but we’re still missing a little bit to beat that 60 car.”  Beers held on for third. Blewett made his first Evergreen start a hard earned fourth while Ely was very solid all race long and took a respectable fifth. During the 40-lap green flag stint Hirschman had been picking his way towards the front. He had already been in the top five by lap 19. With 42 laps complete has was zeroed in on runner-up Ely and the next time by would go low in Turn 2 in gaining the runner-up spot. Afterwards he was using each passing lap to reel in Beers.  “I was only inching in on him (Beers) on that long run. So the restart helped me for sure but there was still laps to go,” explained Hirschman.  “It was fun that way to have green flag racing like that and a good long run and to make passes without having to worry about the next restart. It was good clean racing with Austin and Zane and with Jimmy Blewett and Jack Ely before that.”

Modified Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Jimmy Blewett, 5. Jack Ely, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Roger Coss, 8. Ton Silk, 9. Chris Turbush, 10. Johnathan Mandato, 11. Ricky Ross, Jr., 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Chuck Hossfeld, 14. Brandon Oltra, 15. Dom Fattaruso, 16. Bobby Jones, 17. Joey Merlino, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Austin Kochenash, 20. Lou Strohl DNQ: Brian Sones, Blake Barney, Jim Gavek, Ricky Collins


MATT HIRSCHMAN CONTINUES HIS DOMINANCE OF LAKE ERIE SPEEDWAY ON JUNE 27 WITH “BASH BY THE LAKE” WIN 
(JUNE 27). Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pennsylvania, continued his dominance at Lake Erie Speedway this past Saturday night as he scored the opening night Series victory in the “Bash by the Lake” 75 for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series. Hirschman has won the last six races at the North East, Pa., speed plant, dating back to the surprise victory by Will Thomas of Sharpsville, Pa., in 2016. It was Hirschman’s 48th career Race of Champions series victory.  “It was a big night for us,” stated Hirschman. “Things have obviously been different this year and we are happy to come out and do our things. I love Lake Erie, it has been a great race track for me. I’m very thankful the show worked out. The weather didn’t look so good this week. We had a great car, a good draw and things just went our way. I hope the next race comes sooner rather than later, but whenever it is, we will be ready.”  Hirschman topped Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., finished second after a late race charge at Hirschman. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., the defending series champion finished third. Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., finished fourth with Timmy Catalano of Ontario, N.Y., rounding out the top-five.

1 3 Matt Hirschman Northampton, PA 60
2 11 Andy Jankowiak Tonawanda, NY 12X
3 5 Patrick Emerling Orchard Park, NY 07
4 7 Mike Leaty Williamson, NY 25
5 2 Timmy Catalano Ontario, NY 45C
6 15 Danny Knoll Jr Amherst, NY 17K
7 10 Kyle Ebersole Mooresville, NC 5
8 6 Bryan Sherwood APALACHIN, NY 95
9 4 Austin Beers Northampton, PA 45B
10 12 Jeremy Haudricourt Bliss, NY 39
11 9 Jack Ely Wall Township, NJ 54E
12 8 Daren Scherer Binghamton, NY 3
13 14 Amy Catalano Ontario, NY 56
14 19 Chris Risdale Rochester, NY 1
15 16 Bill Mislin Buffalo, NY 99
16 20 Scott Wylie Blasdell , NY 14
17 13 Owen Bednasz Lakeview, NY 4
18 18 Daryl Lewis Jr. Ontario, NY 10
19 1 Tommy Catalano Ontario, NY 54C
20 17 Kirk Totten Lockport, NY 11
21 21 Kyle Hutchinson East Aurora, NY 57X
22 22 Chris Finocchario Macedon, NY 8

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour made its long awaited return to the Jennerstown Speedway Complex on June 20th for the first time since 2006, on Sunday and Matt had a solid top 5

(JUNE 20). New York driver Justin Bonsignore was victorious, in his first start at the Western PA oval. The “Morocco Welding Wade Cole Memorial 133 presented by Dunleavy’s Truck and Trailer Repair” marked the 15th event the series held at the Laurel Highlands asphalt oval track. The event was initially delayed three months due to COVID-19 pandemic.  Spectators were not permitted in the grandstands for the event to stay in accordance with NASCAR’s current social distancing policy. The event was available for online live stream viewing, free of charge, and with a full TV production crew on hand.  The Jennerstown victory marked a 27th career triumph for Justin Bonsignore in the NASCAR Modified Tour, and gives him the point standings lead as the winner of the first round of the year. The top five finishers, officially were: Bonsignore, Lutz, McKennedy, Pennsylvanian Matt Hirschman (a former winner at Jennerstown), and former tour Rookie of the Year Calvin Carroll.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is set to return to Jennerstown on August 22nd, 2020. The event will be open to fans for grandstand attendance.

1    Justin Bonsignore
2    Craig Lutz
3    Jon McKennedy
4    Matt Hirschman
5    Calvin Carroll
6    Ron Silk
7    Doug Coby
8    Kyle Bonsignore
9    Matt Swanson
10    Rob Summers
11    Sam Rameau
12    Chris Pasteryak
13    Dave Sapienza
14    Eric Goodale
15    Timmy Solomito
16    Woody Pitkat
17    Jeff Gallup *
18    Tyler Rypkema
19    Patrick Emerling
20    J.R. Bertuccio
21    Jeremy Gerstner
22    Ed McCarthy *
23    J.B. Fortin
24    John Beatty, Jr.
25    Roger Turbush *
26    Chase Dowling
27    Melissa Fifield
28    Ronnie Williams
29    Amy Catalano *
30    Tommy Catalano
31    Walter Sutcliffe, Jr.
32    Timmy Catalano
33    Andrew Krause

From No Time To “Showtime”…Jimmy Blewett wins in first start at Mahoning Valley Speedway on June 13

(JUNE 13) “Showtime” Jimmy Blewett made his first ever visit to Mahoning Valley worthwhile, scoring a rousing a $2950 victory in the John “Peepers” Yerger Tribute before a full house of fans. Blewett was both good and lucking en-route to the verdict. Despite that fact that he never turned a lap on the tough ¼-mile bullring, he raced strong inside the top five from the drop of the green. Then while running third he caught a huge break when front runners Eric Beers and Matt Hirschman tangled and sent to the rear of the field. From there on Blewett withstood the advances of track regular Josh Scherer on his way to scoring the popular win. The raced ended nine laps shy of the advertised 77 lap distance due to an ongoing rash of cautions. Blake Barney did a great job in garnering a career best Mahoning finish of third. Austin Kochenash drove to a solid fourth while upstate New York invader Chuck Hossfeld battled his way to fifth. By luck of the draw Beers and Todd Baer shared front row honor. This was the first time since August of 2017 that Beers was back in action here and he wasted little time in showing his prowess for getting around the tight confines of Mahoning Valley. Eighth place starter Hirschman thrust forward in a hurry and was on Beers’ tail giving him quite a bit of pressure. Time and again he tried to grab the lead but each time his efforts where thwarted as Beers maintained a good line of defensiveness to hold back Hirschman’s advances. Hirschman also had numerous occasions to utilize restarts to overtake Beers as an abundance of cautions plagued the race. All that while defending track champion Bobby Jones was hovering closely in third with Blewett fourth.  Interruptions would abound as the race wore on and take its toll on many including Jones who on lap 37 went spinning off turn four. With that Blewett was now third but ahead of him the Beers/Hirschman battle was still waging and all he could do was ride and watch. Then on lap 60 the race broke wide open when the front pair got together in turn three. Hirschman was looking to seize an opening on Beers but as they drove into the corner the door got closed and there was contact. Beers went sliding and made a great save of hitting the inside wall off turn four. For his part Hirschman was directed to the rear with Beers for the restart.  For Blewett it was the right place at the right time as he inherited the lead with Scherer now second. Unfortunately yellow fever would persist on and in the sake of longevity and a warning to drivers, the race was called with eight laps to go. “This is like the complete opposite of what happens at my home track. I don’t think Matt (Hirschman) meant to take Eric (Beers) out. It was just hard racing there at the end and I’d rather be lucky,” said Blewett. “My guys gave me a great car and I can’t thank Eric Beers enough for all the help he gave me going into this race. My crew chief Rob Ornsbee, my engine builder Tom Martino but most of all my car owner Scott Brannick. Between him and my grandfather the last four years they’ve really been there when I needed things.”  Known for his winning ways, Blewett notwithstanding entered the race optimistic never having turned a lap here. He practiced well, ran second in his heat then stayed steady in the race before coming into the lead. He then held off Scherer perfectly who kept the pressure on him to the checkers. “The first thing coming here was to just make the show. There are really good regulars here and I did a lot of watching of videos and in-car cameras. I knew it was going to be stiff competition just to qualify,” said Blewett.  “I felt that if I can come out to this with a top five it will be great. I don’t go anywhere where that I don’t show up and don’t think I can win. This feels good and I look forward to coming back.” 


Modified Feature Finish (77-laps): 1. Jimmy Blewett, 2. Josh Scherer, 3. Blake Barney, 4. Austin Kochenash, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Eric Beers, 7. John Markovic, 8. Rod Snyder Jr., 9. Tyler Truex, 10. Bobby Jones, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Todd Baer, 13. Eddie McCarthy, 14. Patrick Emerling, 15. Kyle Strohl, 16. Earl Paules, 17. Nick Baer, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Don Wagner, 20. Ron Silk, 21. Terry Markovic, 22. Jason Arthofer, 23. Austin Beers, 24. Jack Ely DNQ: Roger Coss, Lou Strohl, Heath Metzger, Gene Bowers, Sen Verwys, Jacob Kerstetter, Jim Gaver, Mike Stofflet, BJ Wambold


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14:  Double Up: Matt Hirschman Gets Richie Evans Memorial Win, Tour Type Mod World Series Title
by Shawn Courchesne 

It’s been a week of dramatic show after dramatic shows in Tour Type Modified action at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway.   Friday night in the closing event of the World Series it was Matt Hirschman putting a sleeper hold on all the drama. 
Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., chased a win all week and finally got it in the Richie Evans Memorial 100 Friday at New Smyrna Speedway.
The dominating victory for the Northampton, Pa. driver clinched the 2020 Tour Type Modified division World Series championship. It was the second consecutive year that Hirschman has won the Richie Evans Memorial 100. 
“I wish they called them all Richie Evans races because I think it brings out the best in me,” Hirschman said. “… Winning any race in honor of Richie Evans is extra special. I want to make sure I’m here tonight for this. This is the one you want to win. … You come down here, I would have liked to have gotten a few more, or one more, but getting this one is the one. And the cherry on top is the championship.” 
Tyler Rypkema of Owego, N.Y. was second and Craig Lutz of Miller Place, N.Y. third.  
Hirschman had three consecutive second place finishes to start the week and then finished third in Thursday’s 35-lap event. 
On Monday Anthony Nocella held off Hirschman in a side-by-side battle to the checkered flag to get his first career New Smyrna victory in the 50-lap opener for the division. On Tuesday it was Craig Lutz scoring his first World Series win in a 35-lapper. Wednesday saw the drama of Monday’s finish ramped up with Nocella and Hirschman finishing in a virtual dead heat at the checkered. Track officials deemed Nocella the victory of the John Blewett III Memorial 76. Patrick Emerling scored the victory in Thursday’s 35-lap feature. 
Hirschman came into Friday’s finale with six-point lead over Nocella in the standings. Nocella had mechanical issues in Friday’s feature and ended up retiring from the event with about 10 laps remaining. Nocella ended up scored 16th in the 20-car field Friday. 
“A little mini-series championship up North it would be like good, but it’s just a little series,” Hirschman said. “But when you come down here and come to this race track six days in a row and five straight nights with this group of guys here and all your hard work and sweat and sometimes lack of sleep. But I kept it clean for them this year so we were able to come in every day positive and just drive for a win that night. We had all good finishes.”
Hirschman started on the pole Friday and led until the bulk of the field pitted under caution on lap 54. Jimmy Blewett stayed out and inherited the lead, but it took Hirschman only until lap 61 to regain the lead. From there Hirschman went unchallenged the rest of the way. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13: Patrick Emerling Takes Tour Type Mod Win At New Smyrna World Series
It was a night where going on the offense early and playing defense late proved to be the perfect recipe for Patrick Emerling. 
The Orchard Park, N.Y driver held off Jimmy Blewett and Matt Hirschman on a late restart to win the 35-lap Tour Type Modified division feature at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway Thursday. 
It was the first victory of the week for Emerling. 
“We’ve kind of struggled in the last couple weeks here,” Emerling said. “We finally got it where it needed to be tonight and that was the best car we’ve had so far.” 
Blewett, of Howell, N.J., was second and Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa. third. 
Blewett led from the start before Emerling went to the top spot on lap seven. 
The race played out caution from a lap five restart until the yellow returned on lap 33 to set up the late battle. 
“I was hoping for no cautions there,” Emerling said. “That caution definitely made things interesting there.” 
Emerling was able to fend off Blewett and Hirschman following the lap 33 restart and allowed them to fight over the runner-up spot.
“We had a fast car tonight,” Blewett said. “He just got by me early. He had a lot of speed. I wanted to save just a little bit if I could for the end there, which I did. I was going to cross him over coming off of [turn] two and I think [Hirschman] knew that so he tried to cross me over as well. I wasn’t going to put [Emerling] three-wide. We did the best we could. We’ve got a big race all of us tomorrow night. I know [Hirschman] is running for points and every spot counts for him, but he ran me like a gentleman and so did Patrick. It’s on to tomorrow night.” 
It was the first race of the week that Hirschman didn’t finish second. 
“I just got tired of finishing second so we were going to finish somewhere else,” Hirschman joked. “… I should have probably finished second. I think I could have went in and slid up and instead I thought maybe about a run on the bottom of [turn] four on Emerling, but probably cost myself second. Then once Jimmy got back ahead of me that last corner I was going to let them settle in and see what happened there. We’ll move on to tomorrow night.” 
After four events this week, Hirschman will take the series points lead into the finale Friday, the Richie Evans Memorial 100. 
On Monday Anthony Nocella held off Hirschman in a side-by-side battle to the checkered flag to get his first career New Smyrna victory in the 50-lap opener for the division. On Tuesday it was Craig Lutz scoring his first World Series win in a 35-lapper. Wednesday saw the drama of Monday’s finish ramped up exponentially with Nocella and Hirschman finishing in a virtual dead heat at the checkered. Track officials deemed Nocella the victory of the John Blewett III Memorial 76. 
Nocella, who was third Tuesday and came into Thursday as the points leader, finished seventh. Hirschman takes a six point lead over Nocella into the week’s finale. Lutz is a distant third in the standings, 28 points behind Hirschman.
“The way the week started I would have thought we’d probably have got a win or two by now,” Hirschman said. “But we’re finishing every night.”

WEDNESDAY, FEB 12:  Anthony Nocella Tops Matt Hirschman In John Blewett III Memorial 76 Thriller At New Smryna

They proved to have two of the best Tour Type Modifieds at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway over the first two events of the 2020 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
They put on a side-by-side battle to the checkered on the first night of action.
And on Wednesday night at New Smyrna Anthony Nocella and Matt Hirschman used those Modifieds to put on a show that won’t soon be forgotten. 
A five-lap battle for the lead over the closing laps ended in a virtual dead heat at the checkered flag at the conclusion of the 76-lap John Blewett III Memorial feature Wednesday at New Smryna. 
Following an extended delay at the conclusion of the event, Anthony Nocella was declared the winner. 
“It’s pretty awesome, especially to beat Matt,” Nocella said. “Everywhere we go, anytime we show up and he’s there, he’s a car to [contend to] win and we know we’re going to have to beat him for the win, especially here, especially in these long distance races. He’s probably the best out there in saving tires in these races.” 
“I felt coming to the line, I felt I had him by six inches to a foot,” Hirschman said. “I just looked at a photo that shows that. So, but you know, I can plead my case but at this point it doesn’t look like it’s going to matter. I felt I beat him, but don’t take anything away from that finish. That is a lesson right there for all you young racers out there. Not just Modified racers, but all racers. That’s how you race.” 
It was the second victory in three Tour Type Modified events this week at New Smryna for Nocella, of Woburn, Mass., who won the 50-lap opener on Monday in another side-by-side battle the checkered with Hirschman.
It was the third consecutive second place finish of the week at New Smyrna for Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa. Hirschman was second to Craig Lutz in Tuesday’s 35-lap feature.  
Jimmy Blewett of Howell, N.J. was third. 
The NBC Track Pass image of the finish between Anthony Nocella and Matt Hirschman at New Smyrna
Blewett went by Eric Goodale for the lead on lap 20. 
Nocella got by Hirschman for second place on lap 63 restart and quickly closed on Blewett at the front. 
With nice laps remaining Nocella went by Blewett for the lead with Hirschman moving past Blewett for second a lap later. 
The duel was on at that point between Nocella and Hirschman. Hirschman led at the line on lap 73, but Nocella was scored back to the front on the next lap. On lap 76 Hirschman got the run off of turn two to close down Nocella’s lead coming to the white flag. The pair reached the checkered side-by-side. Officials studied video and photographic evidence to declare Nocella the winner. 
“It’s kind of tough there,” Nocellsa said. “We swapped the lead those last five laps, six laps or so side-by-side. It was kind of whoever got the best run out of [turn] four there. I definitely could hit him up going in there, I’m on the bottom, I could use him up and get him up some and easily probably win it – kind of like we sort of lost the race [Tuesday] night. I grew up in Midgets and stuff like that and you can’t bang. Matt runs me clean for the most part all the time. … He ran me clean the whole rest of the race before that. … I figured I’d give him my best shot there on the bottom. I found a little something down there where my car was working. We were able to get just enough grip up off the bottom there and just beat him to the line.” 
Said Hirschman: “I’m not really disappointed. That was a great race. New Smyrna Speedway, I’ve seen some of the best Modified races I’ve ever watched here and now I’ve been a part of a few of them in the same week. Just incredible really. Great race.” 


TUESDAY, February 11: Craig Lutz Wins Tour Type Mod Feature On World Series Night Two At New Smyrna

After two nights of Tour Type Modified division racing at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway the theme has been first-time winners. 
On Monday it was Anthony Nocella grabbing his first career New Smyrna World Series victory in the 50-lap opener for the division. 
Tuesday Nocella looked to be rolling on rails to a second consecutive victory, until Craig Lutz got physical and grabbed victory away late. 
Lutz got aggressive on a lap-25 restart to grab the lead from Nocello and went on to win in the 35-lap Tour Type Modified division feature Tuesday at New Smyrna Speedway. 
It was the first career New Smyrna World Series victory for Lutz, of Miller Place, N.Y. 
“This is huge,” Lutz said. “To come down to Florida you’re against the best of the best. I’m just so thankful for this opportunity. … It wasn’t pretty but we got the job done.” 
Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. picked up his second consecutive second place finish. Nocella, of Woburn, Mass., was third. 
Nocella started on the pole and had checked out from the field twice. Nocella chose to use the outside lane for the lap 25 restart, but it was Lutz who pushed up him the track through turns one and two to grab the lead. 
“You’re stuck on the bottom, you don’t have much you can do except try to beat the guy into turn one,” Lutz said. “It’s short track racing. We’ve got nerf bars and we rub. We both ended up down here on the podium.” 
Said Nocella: “I still think the outside is the preferred groove and the place to fire off here, if you didn’t get out way up in the marbles. That’s racing. We were a little free off on the bottom. I knew my best shot was really to get it in deep and get around him on the outside as I did the time before. He did what he had to do to win. I would have ran him a little cleaner than that. Maybe run him up, but not in the fourth groove. He did what he had to do to win and we’ll go from there.” 
Hirschman was able to get by Nocella for second on the decisive restart and then stalked Lutz over the final five laps, but for the second night in a row, couldn’t find a way to the lead. 
“We’re right there,” Hirschman said. “I like wins, but we’ll just take a second. We’re in one piece.” 


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10:  Opening Drama: Anthony Nocella Holds Off Matt Hirschman In Tour Type Mod Thriller At New Smyrna

It’s been a few months since the big dogs of Tour Type Modified racing have had the chance to let it all hang out. 
But Monday night at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, it was Anthony Nocella and Matt Hirschman proving they were quick to thaw from the Northeast winter chill upon arrival in Florida.
Nocella held off a charging Hirschman at the checkered to win the 50-lap Tour Type Modified division feature Monday at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway. 
“I knew we had a pretty good car, but I know he’s always fast here and I knew he’d be there at the end,” Nocella said. “He’s probably one of the best at saving his tires until the end and making a run. … I just figured if I could keep him behind me I’d have a shot there at the end.” 
It was the first career victory at the New Smyrna World Series for the Woburn, Mass. driver.
It was the first of five consecutive nights of Tour Type Modified features this week at New Smyrna. 
Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., was second by inches in the side-by-side run to the checkered. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y. was third. 
Nocella went by Craig Lutz for the lead on lap 13 and easily held the field at bay for most of the event. 
But on lap 43 Hirschman got by Emerling for second and set sail for Nocella. 
Hirschman spent the last four laps stalking Nocella’s bumper before going to the outside in turns three and four on the final lap. Hirschman wrangled in a sliding car off of turn four to get to Nocella’s side for the drag race to the checkered. 
“I just ran out of time,” Hirschman said. “But no excuses. … Exciting finish and it’s Monday night. I’m happy with where we’re at. I’d like to win, but I’d like to win every race. That’s just not going to happen. We’ve got four ahead of us coming up. It was a good show. These Modifieds put on a better show than any fendered class any day of the week.” 
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece of Berlin was fourth and Craig Lutz of Miller Place, N.Y. fifth.
The Tour Type Modifieds will run a 35-lap feature on Tuesday night.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8:Matt Hirschman Seals The Deal at Bronson Speedway

Tour Type Modifieds came to Bronson Speedway to start the 2020 racing season following winter break. 
Making the trip to the warm and sunny Florida weather, six teams came to support Ann Young and her Bronson Speedway. Fans paid $8 to $12 and saw a 50 lap modified shootout. There were only six Modifieds on the track, but there was enough action that fans were on their feet.
Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. had luck on his side as he pulled the No. 1 spot in the draw to start on the pole. Jimmy Blewett pulled No.2 for the outside pole. 
Hirschman led all 50 laps to take home his second career win at Bronson Speedway. 
“Starting on the pole made it easier than it would have been with more cars,” Hirschman said. “We had a good car and we will take it. It is a good start to the week. We had an issue in practice and it is good that we got it out of the way. Now we will go on to New Smyrna for the week.”
Blewett from Howell, N.J., finished where he start the race. In second. 
For a portion of the race, he was moved back to third after Jeremy Gerstner of Wesley Chapel, Fla. passed him for position. But before race end, Blewett regrouped and gained his spot back.
“It would have been more fun if Matt and I started at the back and had to race our way up through the pack,” Blewett said. “Maybe next year we can put some kind of money up, get some people together and come down and have some fun. And do something like that – starting from the rear.” 
Said Gerstner, who started last: “The car was really good. We just did not need to start so deep. We used a lot coming up through the field. Track position means a lot here. We hurt the right rear a little rolling off the corner trying to get around the field.  But the car has great speed and it is going to be really good at New Smyrna. I am looking forward to next week.”
On lap 16, Brian Robie’s car started spewing fluid coming out of turn two. Robie’s car was towed in and the first restart of the night was staged. Gerstner was able to gain enough momentum to pass Blewett for second on lap 18 and start a pursuit of the leader.  
“I got around Jimmy on that restart and ran a pace where I kept appearing to catch Matt,” Gerstner said. 
With ten laps to remaining Blewett made his move to retake second. 
Blewett tapped Gerstner’s rear bumper to indicate that he was coming get out of the way. 
“That is Jimmy,” Gerstner said. “He is kind of like TC, he wants to let you know he is back there. I am going to be honest that he hit me a little harder than he needed to, almost enough to rip the bumper off of it. I will keep that in my memory bank and move on to race better. It was a good hard race and yes this is short track racing and you are going to have contact like that.” 
Drivers will now make the ride southeast to New Smyrna Speedway for five nights of modified racing. Join us back for live updates all week as we take you through the action both on and off the track.
Notes from Bronson Speedway
We asked the top three finishers their thoughts on only six Modfied teams coming to Bronson Speedway?
Matt Hirschman
“The obvious thing is the lack of cars. Six cars that is a heat race. You double that on a track this size and you have a field where you could have a good show. We had as many as fourteen mods here and an emphasis needs to be done on how we can swing it back into that direction. … Everyone can give their opinions and then listen. Maybe we can work together and get the car count back up. It is a fun little track to run on. You do not need twenty cars here to make it look like a field but you need more than six. So we would like to have more cars.”

Jimmy Blewett

“It is a fun little race track. It is a good little race track. It is a shame that we cannot get the car count here. Ann [Young] runs this place in the memory of her husband. This was something that he bought and he had a vision and a dream to build it. As long as I am racing and I have the opportunity I will come down and give my support to her and her family, we are going to do it. It is just tough to get people out here. It is a good place and it puts on a good show. … My guess is that it is still early in the week and people do not want to come down and wreck their stuff. Maybe next week they can have it the Saturday after and we can get more cars.”

Jeremy Gerstner

“Maybe we all need to take a step back and look at the day that this race is scheduled. I was thinking if we moved the Bronson Speedway to the Saturday after Speedweeks at New Smyrna we would have a larger car count catching modified teams on their way home. Either way we may have to rethink the date to get teams here.”

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