NASCAR WMT has an opportunity for redemption in Stafford’s Spring Sizzler

Millis' Tommy Barrett, Jr. is among the top Modified shoes that are committed to the Tri-Track Modified Series Opens at Lee USA, Monadnock and Seekonk Speedways with New London-Waterford knocking on the door. (Credit: Crystal Snape photo.)

Millis’ Tommy Barrett, Jr. is among the top Modified shoes that are committed to the Tri-Track Modified Series Opens at Lee USA, Monadnock and Seekonk Speedways with New London-Waterford Speedway also knocking on the door. (Credit: Crystal Snape photo.)

By Lou Modestino

When the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour pulls into Stafford next weekend, it’s going to be an opportunity for the NWMT to get some redemption for the crash fest and delays in the Thompson Speedway’s Icebreaker last weekend. It was pretty much the same story for the Thompson’s Sunoco Modifieds(aka Sk Modifieds). When tracks charge $40 for adult admission prices for the NASCAR Modified Tour, the fans deserve better than a crash fest and big delays.

The Tour competitors are supposed to be the Modified cream of the crop. They didn’t live up to that standard in the Icebreaker. If the Sizzler is a repeat of the Icebreaker, there’s going to be some very unhappy fans who will vote with the wallets and spend the entertainment money on something better.

On the subject of Modifieds, in addition to having two Modified tours, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Valenti Modifieds in New England, there’s something else for the Modified fans. That’s the Tri-Track Series that’s got the backing of The Racing Guys. The three events are Modified Opens to be held at Lee USA Speedway in NH on Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m.,with a rain date of Sunday, May 24. Round 2 will be held the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH on Saturday night, June 13, with $5,000 to win. Round Three will be held at the Seekonk Speedway as part of Modified Madness on Wednesday, July 1 paying $10,000 to win.

Obviously,The Racing Guys feel that the southern New England area can also support these three opens. Now we’ve heard that the New London-Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut, under new management, wants to be part of the series! If that happens look for another Modified open event after Seekonk’s Open Wheel Wednesday.

The Tri-Track Series has commitments from top drivers from the Whelen Tour, VMRS and Race of Champions out in NY State. Some of them are: Matt Hirschman, Doug Coby, Todd Annaurmmo, Tommy Barrett of Millis, Steve Masse of Bellingham, Richard Savary of Canton, Chris Pasteryak, Les Hinckley, Anthony Nocella, Ryan Preece, Max Zachem, Keith Rocco, Dennis Perry, Todd Ceravolo, Woody Pitkat, Jon McKennedy and Andy Jankowiak. Former race track operator Dick Williams of Westerly, RI started to put all of this together about three years ago.

Information for this column came from Stafford Speedway and personal notes.