Nocella Stars In New Smyrna Modified Opener

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Anthony Nocella held off Matt Hirschman to claim the opener for the tour-type modifieds during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing on Monday night at New Smyrna Speedway.

Nocella took the lead during a restart on lap 13, bypassing Craig Lutz. Behind him Hirschman spent most of the race in third, but began his move to the front after bypassing Patrick Emerling for second on lap 43.

Hirschman quickly closed on Nocella and ran right behind him during the final four laps, but he couldn’t find a way past him and had to settle for second.

Emerling ended up third, followed by NASCAR Cup Series regular Ryan Preece and Lutz.

The finish:

Anthony Nocella, Matt Hirschman, Patrick Emerling, Ryan Preece, Craig Lutz, Tyler Rypkema, J.R. Bertuccio, Kyle Ebersole, Jeremy Gerstner, Mike Willis Jr., Jimmy Blewett, David Sapienza, Eddie McCarthy, Brad Vanhouten, Tommy Catalano, Jeffrey Gallup, Jimmy Zacharias, Anthony Sesely, Eric Goodale, Amy Catalano, Andy Petree, Paul Townsond, Joe DeGracia, Tyler Catalano, Rich Parker, Brett Meservey, Adam LaCicero, Ray Fattaruso, Mike Bologna, Broc Brown, Kevin Shea.