Tri-Track Modified Series goes off on Sunday, May 11 at Lee USA Speedway

Ryan Preece is expected to be a threat in the Tri Track Modified Series at Lee USA Speedway. (Credit: NASCAR Home Track photo )

Ryan Preece is expected to be a threat in the Tri Track Modified Series at Lee USA Speedway. (Credit: NASCAR Home Track photo )

 

By Lou Modestino

The Tri-Track Open Modified Series, with the help of the Connecticut based Dunleavy’s Truck and Trailer Repair and Doug Dunleavy have just finalized a deal to help encourage teams from afar to compete in the biggest Modified Open events of the year.

For each event, beginning with the May 11, “Bullring Bash Powered by Sunoco” at NH’s Lee USA Speedway, the three race teams traveling the furthest distance to race will share a total of $1,000 regardless of their results on race day.

“I asked Jim Schaefer, who has worked so hard to make these events a success how I can help, Dunleavy said. “He suggested that we help out the teams traveling the furthest. We don’t want teams to get discouraged by travel expenses, because these three races are going to be worth the trip.”

The car being hauled the most miles- not the driver- as determined by Google Maps, will be paid $500 by Dunleavy’s. The second furthest traveled car will be worth $300, and the third longest distance will pay $200 on top of the guaranteed purse money available to every team who attempts to qualify for the May 11 race at Lee.

This bonus will also apply to the other two Tri-Track events. The fifth running of the SBM 125 at NH’s Star Speedway on Saturday, June 14 which already has a guaranteed purse of more than $41,000 and growing. The July 23 Seekonk 100, on “Open Wheel Wednesday” will close out the three race spectacular, paying out an additional $10,000 point fund, sponsored by Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists of Quincy, Mass.

This added bonus from Dunleavy’s brings the expected payoff for the Sunday, May 11 “Bullring Bash Powered by Sunoco” to roughly $45,000. This brand new major event, made possible by ‘The Racing Guys’ group, is set up to pay every entrant a minimum of $300 to non-qualifiers and $1,000 to qualified cars.

The new bonus is only open to race teams who send in their entry blanks prior to the early entry deadline, which is May 4 for Lee. A number of early entries have already been received, as the event now only two weeks from Sunday.

Heading the list of those already entered are two former winners at Lee in previous Valenti Modified Racing Series events at the three-eights mile oval. Both Les Hinckley and Chris Pasteryak are pre-registered, and either could leave Lee on May 11 with more than $7,000 in their pocket from a race win, including bonus lap money.

Max Zachem is also entered. He too has found success at Lee, earning finishes in the top three previously, and it would be no surprise if he is able to find the fastest way around Lee as well. Drivers from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, such as Ryan Preece and Justin Bonsignore will be among those entered, as will Race of Champions stars Matt Hirschman and Andy Jankowiak and many, many more.

With a one tire change being allowed during the 100-lap race, and a field of quality drivers not seen in years at Lee, almost any one of the drivers who qualify through the four competitive heat races will have a shot at the $5,000 plus bonuses first place payday.

Sunday, May 11 is the date, and because the available date falls on Mothers Day, ALL MOTHERS will be given a $5 discount off the $25 general admission price for this event. The Small Block Supermodifieds, Hobby Stocks and Classic Lites will also run feature events.