Tour-Type Modified Points Race Tightens Going into Final Three Races at the New Smyrna World Series
Modifieds have a long history at New Smyrna Speedway as part of their World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, and it looks like this year’s contingent is shaping up to be a battle that leads right up to the conclusion of Friday’s 28th Annual Richie Evans Memorial 100.
It’s not often when a driver wins the first two races in a series, but is not in contention for the championship. That is the case at New Smyrna Speedway this week in the Tour-Type Modified division.
The 2013 Richie Evans Memorial 100 winner Ron Silk won the first two nights, but was disqualified on Night 3 for an unapproved tire change. The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing’s points system is set up that if a driver is disqualified then they receive zero points. This has set Silk back 40 points going into the final three nights of competition, most likely eliminating him from any chance at the week-long championship.
This has opened the door to many other top competitors. The top ten in standings are separated by only 19 points, and Ryan Preece leads Matt Hirschman by a slim two points. Night 3 winner Eric Goodale sits third, six points behind Preece.
The last time the Modifieds were out on the half-mile track was Sunday night, and was full of some altercations. Most notably was contact between J.R. Bertuccio and Jimmy Zacharias, which resulted in Zacharias’ brand new car being almost destroyed. Through an immense amount of hard work and help from other teams, the car was back on the track in time for the UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s fairly destruction free races on the temporary Daytona Superstretch track should allow for a handful of additional competitors to make the trip over for the final three nights of racing. Patrick Emerling, Rob Fuller, and Justin Bonsignore have committed to competing, and even Doug Coby and his UNOH Battle at the Beach winning car have been seen on the grounds.
Racing will resume with the 5th Annual John Blewett III Memorial 76 lap race on Wednesday night. Thursday night will mirror the previous Friday through Sunday with a 35 lap feature. Then the week and series will culminate with the 28th Annual Richie Evans Memorial 100 on Friday night.
Additional stories on the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing can be found on our front page.
