SEEKONK, Mass. – Two months delayed due to COVID-19, the Tri-Track Open Modified Series season hits full speed Sunday at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H.
Celebrating Independence Day weekend, the Tri-Track tour will headline a full day of racing at the high-banked oval with a 100-lap feature. More than 30 drivers have already placed their order for tires and are set to compete with a field full of the top stars in modified racing.
Due to COVID-19, and per guidance from the state of New Hampshire, Monadnock Speedway will run at 50 percent capacity for the event in the grandstands. Teams are restricted to 10 crew members per team and all social distancing and safe health practices will be in place to keep teams, drivers, staff and fans safe. Race fans who can’t make it to the track can purchase the race live on Speed51.com.
The purse for Monadnock has risen to more than $40,000 in total prizes, with $6,000 up for grabs to the winner. Heat and consi races will each pay $300 to win courtesy of Pepsi, with the brand-new Pepsi challenge. A contingency program with select additional awards is also up for grabs. None of the purse has changed since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following Monadnock, the remainder of the schedule remains in place – with stops at Star Speedway (July 25), Monadnock (Aug. 15) and Seekonk Speedway (Aug. 26 & Oct. 24) still planned.
“Getting the 2020 season off the ground is something we are excited about,” said Wayne Darling, Managing Partner of the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. “We have a stout field of cars set to compete on Sunday and we thank Monadnock for working with us to reschedule our event to Sunday and give everyone the best chance to see some great Modified racing.”
Former Tri-Track champions Ronnie Williams and Matt Hirschman top the list of favorites to compete for the checkered flag on Sunday. Modified stars Chase Dowling, Matt Swanson, Woody Pitkat, Blake Barney, Craig Lutz, Ron Silk and Anthony Nocella are also expected to run for the win. Tri-Track veterans Les Hinckley, Richard Savary, Tommy Barrett and Kirk Alexander are also heading to New Hampshire.
The field includes a mix of Tri-Track stars, along with regulars from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Race of Champions Tour and Modified Racing Series, along with Monadnock Speedway Sportsman Modified division regulars. Brian Robie, current Monadnock weekly points leader, along with Matt Kimball and Ben Byrne have filed entries to compete with Tri Track. Rising modified stars Joey Cipriano, Calvin Carroll, Derek Robbie, Jacob Perry, Ryan Doucette, Dana DiMatteo, and more, are also expected.