Every year during the last Friday of Florida Speedweeks, the Asphalt Modifieds take center stage at New Smyrna Speedway for the Richie Evans Memorial 100. With a race named after the most successful driver ever to wheel a Modified, a day dedicated to him is synonymous with history.
Modified Reunion Showcases a Glimpse into the Past at New Smyrna
Asphalt Modifieds past and present will highlight Friday at New Smyrna Speedway during their World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, culminating in the 100 lap Richie Evans Memorial championship event for the Tour-Type Modified division.
Aaron Creed
Enter the Modified Reunion, which will be in its seventh year of existence in 2014. This is a free event that takes place between noon and 5 p.m on the New Smyrna Speedway grounds on Friday. The reunion will feature approximately 100 former racers as well as around 20 Vintage Modifieds on display. In addition, the classic machines get the opportunity for some track time during the intermission.
Among the highlighted cars that will be on display include a former Mario Fiore-owned #44 that was driven by 44-time NASCAR Modified Tour winner Reggie Ruggiero, a tribute car to legendary New England Modified racer Bob Polverari, a replica of the Bob Judkins-owned 2x that was driven by Ed Flemke, and symbolically a former Richie Evans Pinto that will pace the current day’s Modifieds prior to the start of their 100 lap feature.
Past Modified personalities such as three-time NASCAR Modified champion Bugs Stevens, former NASCAR competitor at both the national and regional level Doug Heveron, and former NASCAR crew chief and a member of the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Vic Kangas are expected to make appearances. It’s always possible to see some other unexpected faces from years past roaming around as well.
Racing action gets going at 7:30 p.m. with 35 lap Super Late Model and Pro Late Model features. Following the intermission and Vintage Modified track time, the Richie Evans Memorial 100 gets underway.
This year, the 100 lap race also serves as the points finale for the Tour-Type Modified division during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. On Wednesday night, Ron Silk won the John Blewett III Memorial 76 caution-free race. Ryan Preece finished second and holds the points lead over Silk, Matt Hirschman, and Eric Goodale.
Altogether, it will be a memorable day of racing celebrating the history of Asphalt Modified racing and a true legend.
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