Latest news with #NASCARWhelenModifiedTour
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trackside Northeast: Season begins at Seekonk Speedway
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Welcome to 'Trackside Northeast,' a series that will dive into the heart of local auto racing. WPRI 12's Joe Cortese will showcase the rich racing culture rooted in the Northeast through in-depth conversations with drivers, owners, pit crews, passionate fans, and racing journalists. Viewers will get an authentic look at the people who power the sport. In its premiere episode, Kyle Souza, who handles PR for both the Tri-Track Open Modified Series and Seekonk Speedway, joins Joe to preview a big weekend featuring the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. They break down what fans can expect, standout drivers, weekly racing divisions, and what makes Seekonk a must-visit track. Trackside Northeast airs on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ smart TV app. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Unfavorable weather forecast pushes Modified Tour event at Seekonk Speedway to Sunday, June 1
SEEKONK, Mass. — Due to forecasted inclement weather, Seekonk Speedway and NASCAR officials announced today that the J&R Precast 150 & NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series divisions will now race on Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m. The event will begin with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour qualifying at 2:30 p.m., followed by qualifying heats for the Seekonk Late Models, Helger's Sportsman and Sport Trucks. Advertisement The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will hit the track for their feature hit promptly at 4:10 p.m. Following the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour J&R Precast 150, Seekonk's Sport Trucks (25 laps), Late Models (45 laps, Everett's Triple Crown round one) and Helger's Sportsman (25 laps) will all compete in their feature events. Tickets for the show are available online at Fans are encouraged to purchase ahead to avoid lines on race day and save money. 'We feel this was the best decision for this event, and it looks to be a picture perfect Sunday coming up for short-track racing as we continue our 80th season,' David Alburn, General Manager at Seekonk Speedway, said. 'We look forward to seeing the fans for a matinee special with NASCAR's oldest touring series – the ground pounding Whelen Modified Tour – and three of our NASCAR weekly divisions for a great day of Sunday racing action.' Grandstands on Sunday will open at 1:30 p.m. for advance ticket holders and 2 p.m. for day of ticket sales. Advertisement In the pit area, the NASCAR garage opens at 9:45 a.m., while NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series haulers will enter at 11 a.m. The practice rounds for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will run from 12-1 p.m., followed by weekly division practice at 1:05 p.m. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour qualifying begins at 2:30 p.m. and heat races at 3 p.m. For more information on Seekonk Speedway, visit and follow the track on social media for the latest news and updates.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jake Johnson seeks validation in JMA Motorsports' home race at Seekonk Speedway
More than a year has passed since Jake Johnson brought Ole Blue back to Victory Lane on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, a win that arrived at Monadnock Speedway in New Hampshire. A lot has changed for Johnson since that day, but his commitment to winning in Modifieds remains unwavering. Now part-time in the series with JMA Motorsports, Johnson is set to make his second Modified Tour appearance with the program in Saturday's J&R Precast 150 at Massachussets' Seekonk Speedway. Advertisement Johnson's first start with JMA earlier this season at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park saw him qualify on the outside pole before he was eliminated in a wreck with nine laps to go. Despite the Thompson race ending in disappointment, Johnson said the cohesion he and JMA displayed that weekend has provided him plenty of optimism ahead of Saturday's race. 'We've had a pretty good year so far,' Johnson said. 'Everywhere we've shown up with my family car or the No. 07 car, we've had a lot of speed. I'm excited to get back in the No. 07, because [even though] Thompson was rough, we showed good speed. 'These guys are deserving of a good run, and I think we can put one together [at Seekonk].' Johnson was enjoying a career season on the Modified Tour last year before he sustained a hard crash in the second race at Thompson. After the wreck, Johnson parted ways with Boehler Racing Enterprises and did not return to the series for the rest of 2024. Jake Johnson driver of the #3 Propane Plus; Lin\ As Johnson was crafting a 2025 racing schedule with his family car, JMA co-owners Mike and Justin Albernaz reached out to him about competing in select Modified Tour events. Johnson jumped at the offer to race with JMA, which now assists his own program in other Modified events around the northeast. Advertisement The Albernaz family's involvement in motorsports extends far beyond Modified competition. Mike operated CJ Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 1999-00, when he fielded entries for a variety of drivers like David Starr, Lonnie Rush Jr. and 2008 Modified Tour champion Ted Christopher. Mike's hands-on approach to racing was passed down to his grandson Justin, who also serves as the crew chief for the No. 07 Modified. The addition of Johnson to JMA's program has been invaluable for the younger Albernaz, who praised the determination his driver displays both on and off the track. '[Jake] is 100 percent focused on racing,' Albernaz said. 'His mind is in it, and he's not only worried about driving it, he's worried about getting the car right. He's very talented behind the wheel. He's aggressive at times, but that's what you need to get the job done sometimes.' RELATED: Career stats for Jake Johnson Advertisement One aspect of the partnership between Johnson and JMA involves the crews from both programs working on the same car. Combining resources made the duo stronger and reinforced the expectations Johnson and the Albernaz family have for the Modified Tour, which is to win a race together. Thompson showcased that Johnson and JMA could hold their own with the full-time Modified Tour operations across the board. The two sides are eager to shake off the late-race crash from Thompson and utilize their collective knowledge by putting together a complete weekend at Seekonk. Especially since this is a hometown affair for nearly everyone involved at JMA. 'Seekonk was probably the first one that got put on the list just because [JMA's] shop is about three minutes away,' Johnson said. 'Seekonk is about 10 minutes from my house, so it's a special place for us because it's our home turf. We always run good there, and [JMA] used to run good there when we did open racing at Seekonk. Advertisement 'It made a lot of sense for us to circle Seekonk.' Jake Johnson, driver of the number 07 Lin's Propane; Propane Plus; Platinum Fire Protection; Island International; Axis Wealth Partners modified, during the IceBreaker 150 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on April 16, 2025 in Thompson, Connecticut. (Rob Branning/NASCAR) Countless trips to Seekonk over the years have provided Albernaz plenty of insight into all the fundamentals necessary to prevail. The facility only being 0.333 miles in length means laps will click of rapidly Saturday evening. That emphasizes the importance of obtaining solid track position in qualifying. Albernaz does not see qualifying being a problem for Johnson at Seekonk given how fast he was in the No. 07 at Thompson. The challenge for Albernaz will be designing a setup that responds well to Seekonk's unique characteristics and puts Johnson in the best position to upset the Modified Tour regulars. Advertisement '[Seekonk] is a very tough track to get around,' Albernaz said. 'It's very throttle-sensitive and this race is going to be all about saving tires. That's going to be the biggest talk in the garage probably for the entire race. With Jake's laps on the track and our expertise with how many races we've run there, I think we should be pretty good.' A Modified Tour win at his family's home track would be an emotional, cathartic moment for Albernaz. Mike enjoyed numerous Seekonk victories with drivers like Eddie St. Angelo, Vinny Annarummo and Mike Christopher Sr.; now Justin wants to add to his family's legacy at the track with JMA's first win. Johnson is focused on not only helping JMA secure a Seekonk checkered flag, but also on validating his talent to the rest of the Modified Tour field. Prevailing at Monadnock in Ole Blue last year was a milestone moment, but Johnson knows he can accomplish so much more. 'I don't want to be known as the guy who just won one [Modified Tour] race as a fluke,' Johnson said. 'If I could go win two or three Tour races, I think it would solidify that [Monadnock] wasn't luck. The No. 07 is overdue for a win. They've been super strong everywhere they go, so I'd like to do that for them, as well.' With their chemistry continuing to grow every week, Johnson and JMA are ready to make a statement in their second Modified Tour race together this weekend by earning a victory in front of their hometown crowd.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Richmond Raceway: NASCAR race weekend, presenting partner returns, get tickets
This summer's NASCAR race weekend at Richmond Raceway will be August 14-16. Who's Your Driver, the sober and safe driving initiative created by DRIVE SMART Virginia, will return as the presenting partner. 2025 NASCAR weekend: Richmond Raceway Thursday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. — NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. — NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 Advertisement 'We're thrilled to have Who's Your Driver return as the presenting partner of our monumental race weekend,' Lori Collier Waran, Richmond Raceway president, said. 'As we look forward to welcoming back Saturday night racing at our historic racetrack, we thank our designated drivers tasked with getting all our fans home safely.' "NASCAR fans know that planning ahead is the key to success—both on and off the track," Kristin Pettway, executive director of DRIVE SMART Virginia, said. 'As we gear up for an exciting race weekend at Richmond Raceway, we encourage all fans to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver or arranging a safe ride home. Just like their favorite drivers rely on a solid game plan to reach the finish line safely, race fans should do the same. Let's make smart choices that ensure everyone gets home safely." NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 11, 2024. Shocking NASCAR announcement NASCAR fans alert: Richmond Raceway loses spring race weekend in 2025 Advertisement Historic racing venue to reopen Racing to return to Southside Speedway in Chesterfield County with ex-rivals at the helm In addition to DRIVE SMART Virginia, the Who's Your Driver campaign was created in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles' Highway Safety Office and Richmond Raceway. The campaign promotes safe and sober driving and encourages drivers to take their role seriously by buckling up, never driving under the influence, and doing everything they can to keep themselves and others protected on the roads. According to the press release, in 2023, 400 people were injured and 293 people were killed as the result of alcohol-related traffic crashes in Virginia. The same year, 335 people who weren't buckled up were killed representing 54% of all crash fatalities in vehicles equipped with safety restraints. A dragonfly lands on Josie Bivins' finger at the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 11, 2024. "These statistics are a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of impaired driving and not wearing a seatbelt," DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor's highway safety representative, said. "Race car drivers trust their crews to keep them safe; drivers and fans must trust themselves to make responsible choices—designating a sober driver, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding distractions. The true victory is when we all make safe driving choices and reach our destination safely." A Dale Earnhardt Sr. look-alike at the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway. NASCAR will only visit Richmond Raceway once in 2025, however, the track will continue to be active year-round with concerts, community events and the Nitrocross race weekend on Sept. 7-8. Advertisement Fans may secure tickets and get the latest information on all of Richmond Raceway's upcoming events at Artisans, live music, kids' activities Richmond open-air market scores spot on USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards list Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please subscribe. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: NASCAR race weekend in Richmond this summer: What we know
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ron Silk survives pit road mishap for eighth career Thompson Modified Tour victory
THOMPSON, Conn. — A dominant performance from Ron Silk in Wednesday's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Icebreaker 150 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park was nearly derailed during the final pit stop sequence of the evening. While attempting to exit pit road, Silk made contact with his long-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour rival Justin Bonsignore and spun. The contact resulted in damage to the front of Bonsignore's Modified while Silk continued without losing any track position. Silk was unfazed by the pit road incident as he quickly worked his way around Patrick Emerling during the closing laps to reclaim the lead. With Emerling successfully playing defense against the rest of the pack, Silk cruised to his 27th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win and his eighth overall at Thompson. Advertisement 'I was pretty confident if I got a good restart and got to the lead, I would be able to hold them off,' Silk said. 'My car drove great. The first 40 laps or so we were a little bit free, but we fixed that on the pit stop. The car was just spot-on after that.' RELATED: Complete results from the Icebreaker 150 Thompson has always been a significant track in Silk's career on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, as his first three triumphs in the series came at the facility. Joining Haydt Yannone Racing in 2022 proved to be a catalyst in Silk recapturing the efficiency he enjoyed at Thompson. Aside from his first campaign with Haydt Yannone, Silk has now won at least one race at Thompson each year piloting the silver No. 16. Advertisement Finding his way to Victory Lane on Saturday evening required Silk and crew chief Phil Moran to be sharp with pit strategy. An early caution provided Silk and Moran the opportunity they needed to shift momentum in their favor, as Silk utilized fresh tires and adjustments to charge towards the front of the field. Silk was untouched at the front of the pack until a spin by Craig Lutz with 27 laps remaining brought most of the field back into the pits. Once Silk shook off the contact from Bonsignore, he had to quickly dispatch both Emerling and Jake Johnson to regain the lead. He comfortably did just that. Ron Silk Emerling, who was piloting a Geoff Bodine tribute scheme, endured an eventful evening of his own. After losing control of his Modified on Lap 64, problems in the pit lane for Emerling resulted in him falling a lap behind the leaders, which he quickly regained on an ensuing yellow flag. Advertisement Going off-sequence from the leaders enabled Emerling to salvage a runner-up finish. Emerling was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, one that could prove to be beneficial in his quest for a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title. 'That was an absolutely insane run by the team,' Emerling said. 'We got stuck a lap down, but luckily there was quick caution there. We got our lap back and we passed a ton of cars. Our car was feeling good on those old tires, but that was an insane run.' Following Silk and Emerling home in the third was Trevor Catalano, with Austin Beers and Bonsignore completing the top five. The rest of the top 10 consisted of Chase Dowling, Stephen Kopcik, polesitter Jon McKennedy, Tommy Catalano and Matt Swanson. The next event on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule is the Cheshire County Clash 200 at Monadnock Speedway on May 3, which also marks the start of the Whelen Short Track Cup. FloRacing will have coverage of the on-track action starting at 6 p.m. ET.
