WEBVTT
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We're now this week on the modified minute.
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Um, it's funny.
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We uh I had an uh I have an old 08 car that's gotta get put together, and I told him when he gets it together, he can go down the speed bowl and practice them on a Wednesday.
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But uh I'm not gonna do it for him.
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I'll help him, but when when he gets out there and buttons it up, he could he can make his debut on a Wednesday and see what it's like to drive a modified.
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Yeah, yeah.
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Well, so it it it drivers meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago.
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And and I uh and I believed it it's it's true, continues to be true at Stafford, and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified CryTrack series.
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It's not if you win, it's who you beat that defines you.
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The quality of competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned, winning means something.
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And and to take home a you know a feature win at Stafford means something because of the quality of the field that's there.
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And I think as as the series, the Project series has continued to build itself, we've we've had an incredible growth of the kinds of competition that you just mentioned.
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Oh, yeah, it's a big field.
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It's and and the great the great thing about it is everyone's competitive.
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It's it's it's incredible from what it used to be.
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There was only, say, a handful of cars out of that 20 that were that were definitely consistently fast.
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And now, I mean, it's most of the field that everyone's right there.
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All that.
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Along with Hot Dog of the Week and Throttle Down.
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So tighten those belts because this week's modified minute is next.
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They're called the Mod Squad.
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Ground Pounders, the men that live by the grace of God and 600 horsepower.
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They are open-wheeled race cars flung low to the ground and ready to rumble.
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By Riverhead Buildings to fly.
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Build smarter, build better, by Mr.
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Here's Jack.
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Well, the dog days of summer are in the rear view mirror, and it's time for the stretch run of the 2026 modified racing season.
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Hi everyone, welcome to this week's Modified Minute.
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On this episode, you will meet Bill Long, who has spent his life in the automotive industry while retaining modified racing as a passion.
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Bill will stop by and discuss his new role with the Monaco Modified Tri-Track series.
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Chris Matthews won the very first Stafford SK Lights modified race more than two decades ago, and he's still at it.
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He shares what drives him to keep winning.
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And I'll visit with Keith Rocco and his young son KJ.
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While Keith has caught his winning stride, KJ is doing the same in Legends cars at the Waterford Speed Bowl.
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But before we get to all of that, we do need to get you up to speed.
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Time to get you up to speed in the modified world.
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Up to speed is brought to you by Mid-State Site Development.
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Mid-State safety, knowledge, and innovation.
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Things started off Friday night at the Stafford Speedway.
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First up, the SK Lights Modified Division.
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Much more uniform start this time around.
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It's Bob Charlan with the lead.
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Tyler Barry moves up to second and then slices outside of Charlan to try and take the lead.
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They're side by side for the lead.
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It's Barry out front.
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Six cars contending for position number three, and they're some of the strongest cars in this field.
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Colo Giannis has a great run-off of two.
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He doesn't need a bottom tie.
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He gets under Barry coming off the corner.
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They're wheel to wheel for the top spot three.
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Side by side per second.
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Colo Giannis on the outside.
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He was reeling in Barry with always to take the lead, but now he's gonna bend off Matthews.
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Morrison was trying to get down, Hogan was there, they locked wheels.
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There is perhaps the story of the night.
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Maybe the story of the point standing.
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The UCOD sponsored car, which we never have seen this season involved in any serious situations like this.
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And Glace, of course, very frustrated heading back.
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Matthews by inches at the line.
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Keep your eyes on that 32 of Robert Bloxham.
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Matthews goes way up the track in the middle of one and two.
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It opened the door for Bloxham, but Bloxham couldn't capitalize.
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Barry shoving Matthews ahead while they're bar to bar per second.
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White flag is out.
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There's no surrendering at the point.
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Final time around, who's it gonna be?
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Bloxham reels him in, taps the back buffer.
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Matthews is on the shake down the back straight away.
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Matthews throws a huge block, covers the bottom, blocks it to the outside with Barry on the bottom.
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Commits to the outside lane, there's blocksum.
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Here comes Barry to the inside per second behind the all-time winning descriper who adds to his total here tonight.
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Chris Matthews takes the checkered flag.
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I had to stay on the bottom.
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It got an evil tight on that last research, so I was trying to keep it down to the bottom, get the outside, but that was something.
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It was a heck of a race.
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Then it was time for the tracks SK Modified and their 40 laptop.
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SK Modified feature that goes under the green flag.
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Wesley Proctor will bring the field into turn number one for the first of 40 lap.
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Chapman down to the bottom with the bottom shot.
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He takes the lead.
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Side by side for the racelet with Marcello the Bonham closing it.
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Owen made contact with Chapman in three and four.
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He's gonna clear Chapman for the lead.
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Chapman forcing his way to the bottom somehow to get back his body but a funeral.
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Here comes Chapman.
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It's covered as the restorks go 41 laps together here tonight and the SK modified feature event.
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Marcello Rapano goes to the front of the field in cover number eighty eight.
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The lead after the leaders came together in the early half of this feature event was able to stay there off of turn number four, and for the third time this season, Marcello Rapano takes the checkered flag.
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That was a dogfight.
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Uh I dreamed of racing like that for with him for a long time, and uh it's it's pretty cool we got to do that tonight, but uh it wasn't easy, trust me.
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I was uh I was sawing down some line in there tonight, this thing was all over the place, but uh you know I just I got up on the wheel and just did what I had to do, you know.
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Just uh had to be patient there with uh with Tyler and Todd there in the beginning.
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I knew I had a good enough car, I just uh I seen the writing on the wall within the first couple of laps that it wasn't gonna be good, so I just uh I stayed patient and then as soon as I got out front, I just tried to set my own pace and just uh, like I said, just wheeled it.
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Now Rain canceled the programs at both Riverhead and Waterford, but the headliner was at the Magic Mile in New Hampshire, where the wheel and modified tour assembled for the Mohegan Sun 100.
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Bullsitter Austin Beers electing to start on the outside lane of the racetrack.
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He'll bring the field around across a granite stripe, green flag goes in the air, and a push from series veteran Justin Bonsignora puts Austin Beers in the racing.
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Jonathan McKennedy comes on into third, Goodale in fourth, Ripkuma in fifth, front half the field quickly to single out as they come around and complete lap number one.
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Oh trouble, one car up on the side in the turn one and two, riding the barrier over the far side of the racetrack, and that'll bring out the caution flag here for the first time today in Mohegan Sun 100.
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That is Patrick Emmerling, who has gone up on two wheels in turn one and two.
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Trouble dotted to turn number three.
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Two cars got together as they got into the corner.
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It was DJ Hail memory shot into Matt Hirschman.
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Hershman not happy about it.
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Smoke is spark flying in turn three.
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Michael Christopher Jr.
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up to third.
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Here comes McKennedy.
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Dyfom move into turn number three to take the top spot away.
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No lead as they come back down to the stripe to complete lap 79, and it's the 79 out front.
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Oh my goodness.
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It is Austin Beerson Bears.
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Austin Bears with the opportunity to take advantage of the trouble for Patrick Emmerling.
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Just a decent finish inside the top ten would certainly give him the point.
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He did not give them a pretty significant point lead.
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This is disastrous for Austin Beers.
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Here comes Catalano midway down the back stretch.
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Catalano with the shove from Brian Breeze into turn number three, propelling him to the front of the field.
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Now Breeze goes to the bottom three track in turn number four.
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Catalano goes back to turn one as the leader.
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McKennedy will look to make his move early.
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Down to turn one.
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He'll go to the inside lane.
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Take over the race lead.
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Here comes Ryan Breest.
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They're wrecking behind him off turn number two.
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Green flag still out as Monsignor spins in the final round.
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Monsignor out of shape.
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We stay under the green flag.
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Leaders are in turn number three.
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Jonathan McKennedy at the point.
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Tommy Catalano, not close enough to make the move as they come off of turn number four.
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Checkered flag is out.
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Jonathan McKennedy wins the Mohegan Sun 100 and U.
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I've won, I don't know, a few hundred races in my career, all up and down the East Coast, all different types of cars.
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Got him with Tommy Baldwin.
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Just an awesome event.
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Uh I'm I'm speechless.
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You lucked out there at the end because you ran out of fuel on the cooldown lap.
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I did literally get in the checkup flag and ran out of fuel.
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Um it was a gutsy call.
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At the end of the day, I knew what we needed for caution laps, and I was within one lap.
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We were within one lap, uh, figuring out it just we just I don't know.
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Well, it may have been a short weekend of highlights, but now you can say you are up to speed.
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With the season drawing down, the title races are certainly tightening up.
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Let's take a look.
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Here's a look at the championship chases.
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Brought to you by SignPro, exceeding your expectations.
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The Wheel of Modified Tour standings got shuffled after New England.
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Austin Beers takes a one-point lead over Patrick Emmerlin, and McKennedys' victory catapults him into third.
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Just 25 points off the top spot.
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Steven Kopchick and Matt Hershby round out the top five.
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The next race for the Monaco Tri-Track series is at Waterford on September 6th.
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So Jonathan McKennedy, Ronnie Williams, and Ron Silk remain in the top three.
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The Smart Modified's get back into action on September 5th, with Danny Bone, Ryan Newman, and Jake Crumb leading the stand.
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On the local track scene, Thompson's standings remain the same as their next event isn't until the middle of September.
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Stafford's SK lights, Nick Anglais' misfortunes, coupled with Tyler Barry's good fortune, moved Barry to the top spot with Anglais 28 points behind.
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They're followed by Dalton McCarthy, Chris Matthews, and Cassandra Cole.
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In the track's SK Modified Standings, Keith Rocco patted his margin over Jonathan Puglio to 56 points, followed by Marcello Rafano, Todd Owen, and Glenn Green.
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With the reign at Riverhead, their crate modified standings remained the same as last week, with Michael Berner keeping his seven-point lead over Richie Davidowitz and eight-point lead over A.J.
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DeSantis.
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In the track tour type series, Owen Grannon leads Mark Stewart, Chris Young, Chase Grennan, and Matthew Brody.
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The standings for Water Prozess K Lights Division remain the same as last week, with Robert Glocks in the third, followed by Kevin Cormier, Kevin Davis, Will Anderson, and Vinny Rivoggio.
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And finally, in Waterproz K Modified, it's Anthony Planner, Todd Owen, and Nicholas Hovey keeping control of the top three spots.
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For more than 40 years, Bill Long has influenced both the automotive aftermarket industry as well as the motorsports world.
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From a short track flagger to an executive with NASCAR and the IndyCar series, Long continues to leave his mark upon racing.
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He's back working to advance the world of modified racing, and he is the focus of this week's Crew Call.
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It's Crew Call, brought to you by Ferguson Contractors, building excellence since 1925.
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Well, I'm joined by a guy that I've known like forever and a day.
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But he's had parallel careers in both the automotive aftermarket industry and in the motorsports industry.
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Bill Long earlier this summer was appointed the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Head of Racing Operations.
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And he joins me here on the Modified Minute.
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Alright, that's a mouthful, partner.
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Tell me exactly what was in your job description.
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Hey Jack, uh it's it's great to be with you and thanks for having me uh on the show and and uh and yes, it is it is a mouthful.
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And I think, you know, maybe to answer it uh simply, it's it it's my job to wear all the different hats that help ensure that we have a great show for the fans, that the series is a good partner for the track, and we're there really to help create an environment where racers and teams want to come.
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So, you know, maybe to answer what what what uh what it entails, I guess uh I I'd go back to the experience that you gain along the way that qualifies you to be able to direct um everything that's involved in the event.
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So if you know I spent a little time in Indianapolis in the Indy Racing League because of you, in the Indie Car series, responsible for basically the logistics for putting on the Indianapolis 500.
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And starting from a very early age, selling newspapers up and down the Grand Fans of Riverside Art, being uh the chief starter at Riverside and Ever Motors Way, Thompson, the race director at Waterford, Indy Carr, and uh responsible for the corporate officer for the hands car for the weekly racing series.
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I think I've worn every hat, including being the chief scorer at Unicorong Speedway along the way.
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Oh, I didn't know that one.
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Yeah, yeah, along the way when I uh when I was living in Syracuse, um I was a uh chief handicapper and scorer at Utica Room.
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And uh following in the footsteps of my dad is uh as you know, he uh he did that for over 25 years.
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So understanding all of the different uh complexities of what could go on during an event and then the part is when things don't go like they should.
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So having the experience and the consistency of race procedures or race calls, and uh and uh already understanding uh a plan B when uh when those things arise.
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So in essence, a liaison between uh Renee uh Dupree and uh Ed Bennett and uh and all the officials and the and the series and the drivers and teams to uh to ensure we put on a great show for the fans.
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I know you know this, but sometimes when you have all those different stakeholders, it's akin to herding cats, because each has a specific list of things that they want, as selfish as they may be.
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So do you find your do you find yourself sometimes having to weigh both the pros and the cons of the input you're getting from a specific stakeholder?
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Only every other man.
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No, you know, it it's uh it's interesting, being new to the Monaco Modified Tri-Track series.
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The culture within the series and the community.
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I can't tell you how many people have come up and complimented how much they enjoy the the environment and uh and and the series.
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Um so there hasn't been a lot of uh negotiating, if you will, or or silos.
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It seems that uh you know that everybody is has been very supportive of uh you know the same goals.
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How do we put on a great event?
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Um all the tracks that uh we've gone to uh so far we were supposed to go to star, but uh we got rained out.
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But the interaction with with all the tracks has been very, very supportive, and uh and I think that comes because they know they've got a group of people that respect the track and what they need and what they are trying to accomplish, and uh and and we try to do a put on a good good show and do a good job.
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So well, hands down, uh especially this year, and especially off most recent uh unbelievable race at the Seacon Speedway, the product is outstanding.
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The cooperation that I see you getting, you know, both from the front of the field, the drivers, the owners, and even the fans with the institution of things like the kids' club.
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But I want to draw back, go back and draw upon your experience uh as a motorsports executive, as an aftermarket executive, and when you survey the landscape of modified racing, what do you see that you think needs to be improved upon?
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What do you see that you think uh offers you the opportunity to put your signature upon it in the coming months and years?
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Yeah, it's it's a great question.
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You know, uh I'm I'm uh of all the things I've been involved in in motor sports, I'm I'm a modified guy, you know.
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And uh you know, deep and hard always always will be.
00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:19.599
You know, when I went to IndyCar, I said there are only two problems that uh open wheel racing needed to solve.
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One people didn't know about open wheel racing, so when is it running?
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How do I see it?
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What are the dates?
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What are they running?
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And then two people didn't care.
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The second part is modified, I think an opportunity to really invigorate why do people shouldn't care?
00:22:00.240 --> 00:23:53.599
the sport you know I was uh the other day about uh you know the Savannah Banana baseball team settling out Fenway Park and Humpy Wheeler and what his magic uh creativity and marketing so I I think there's an opportunity to uh you know to bring some of that thinking without losing why we're there and not turn it into a circus but but create that big event atmosphere and uh you know I I shared with Renee just the other day I said we've got a kids club we've got a chief starter why don't we put the chief starter in the kids club and teach the kids how to flag create a honorary starter backdrop and and and uh create the next crop of of flag men and women start them at an early age I I mean the experiences that you take back and uh I've I've found there are six five or six components that are critical for for a successful event one I want to be entertained two I want to be inspired we do the international anthem at events sometimes we have a color guard um those moments uh have the opportunity to create inspiration I want to be in the know I want to feel connected I want to have a shared experience I want to enjoy it with my friends and and and talk about it afterward so I think I think promoters series organizers and things need to be um intentional in checking off the box of each one of those things.
00:23:53.759 --> 00:24:41.440
How are we going to ensure this you know we talk about I want to be inspired on I go back to you know my early spring sizzler days when you uh started playing the the theme song from Shaft and the chills went down everybody's you know body in the grandstand we miss that we're missing that uh that component so I I I I'd say that that would be one and you know some of the tracks we've seen over the long period of time that you and I both have been involved in the sport I I can I can rattle off the names of of a dozen tracks that don't exist anymore.
00:24:42.799 --> 00:25:40.720
And uh fortunately the ones that remain are are working hard but but uh there's a you know a a new group of fans there's a new way to reach fans the media has changed is as you know better than anyone um so I I I think we need some some new thinking to help uh help make make modified racing or maybe short track racing in general attractive relevant fun family oriented and all the other five documents that uh that are that are mentioned well I I I do think that we're headed in the right direction shows like shows like this look this is a labor of love because like you I love modified racing and telling the stories of the people both that wheel the cars but are behind the scenes you name it.
00:25:40.960 --> 00:26:13.599
But the other thing is that I'm beginning to see like at the end of the Seacon race two of the three drivers there are the best of friends okay and and they battled it out Ronnie Silk and Steven Kopsick they've known each other since they were little tykes and they did and then you have Jonathan McKennedy who couldn't get out of his own way and you had a flying wedge of excitement and the beautiful thing to see afterwards was just how excited they were to put on a show for the fans.
00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:16.559
They now feel like they have a stake in it.
00:26:16.720 --> 00:27:10.319
It's not just going to the payoff window and getting 10 grand so at at the driver's meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago and and I uh and I believed it it's it's true continues to be true at Stafford and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified tri-track series it's not if you win it's who you beat that defines you the quality of the competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned winning meaning something and and take home a you know a feature when it's staffed mean something because of the quality of the field that's there.
00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:23.680
And I think as as the series the trajectories has continued to build itself we've we've had an incredible growth of of the kinds of competition that you just mentioned.
00:27:25.839 --> 00:28:16.799
I also you know to balance that you know an indie car back in the day in the early indie racing league days we used to promote before I got there we used to promote the greatest racing on the planet the most lead changes the fastest cars the the um the most side by side racing and I I challenged the the the brand positioning and the relevance that if great racing was what fans wanted then the Indie Racing League TV ratings would be out of sight and all the grand stands and all and all the grandstands would be full.
00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:44.720
So granted you have to have great great competition a great product but it it in my opinion it's not enough fortunately we had a great event and you know we're all we're all going boy I want to see more of that and the fans want to see more of that I think the odds I think the odds are very strong that they will with the remainder of the races this year.
00:28:45.279 --> 00:29:59.759
It's good to have you back home I think that big fat check you're getting from uh from the Monaco modified tour will probably buy you won't even get you a Starbucks coffee so maybe maybe a couple of dunk Dunkin' munchkins but it's good to have you on board and I appreciate your visiting with me here on the Modified always a pleasure Jack you do a great job yeah yeah well so at at the driver's meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago and and I uh and I believed it it's it's true continues to be true at Stafford and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified Tri-Track series it's not if you win it's who you beat that defines you the quality of competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned winning meaning something and and to take home a you know a a feature when it's staffed means something because of the quality of the field that's there.
00:30:00.400 --> 00:36:32.960
And I think as as the series the TriTrack series has continued to build itself we've we've had uh an incredible growth of of the kinds of competition that you just you know sometimes a spotter has to do more than just keep his driver up to date on who he's racing against needs to calm his driver down especially when things are not going the way the driver wants them to in this week's throttle down Matt's father John plays both roles this is throttle down time where you get to ride along inside a modified brought to you by Wattell Communications your northeast track side dealer for radios and repair years ago Chris Matthews won the very first SK Light feature at the Stafford Speedway.
00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:40.480
He took a turn in the SK mods for a couple of years but stepped back into the lights and has been winning ever since.
00:36:40.719 --> 00:37:25.199
In fact his 27 wins make him the series all-time winner he's this week's guest on SK Soundings this is SK Soundings brought to you by Wheeler's Auto Services the finest and top level service of Premier Automobile makes and models specializing in European Japanese and domestic vehicles well Chris it's good of you to join us how have you been good how about you I've been very well thanks for asking let's talk a little bit about your career in the SK Lights you started out by winning the very first SK Lights event at Stafford Speedway.
00:37:25.360 --> 00:38:05.440
Now I just posted a picture of you in Victory Lane and let me just say I think back then you probably weren't even capable of growing a beard probably not I actually had hair back then too what do you recall about why you decided to to uh field a car and go SK light racing um we were we were running late models at the time and uh friends of mine Billy and Jimmy from Somersville Auto they uh they were good friends with Brad and Linda Haitala and um they really just like the modified and they wanted to get involved in it so we kind of put a deal together and got a car from them and we just started doing it.
00:38:05.840 --> 00:38:17.119
It's a big leap from the late model division with vendors where you where basically the the the the motto is rubbin's racing to an open wheel modified.
00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:22.800
What was the learning curve like racing once you get into an open wheel car.
00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:41.360
For sure so did you have to adjust your style um well I don't not too much I mean it just it was the way the cars handle is just so different you know there's no like body roll in them or anything it's it reminded me of getting in a just a giant go-kart when I first went out with it.
00:38:42.639 --> 00:38:46.719
You had a lot of success uh and then you stepped away.
00:38:47.280 --> 00:38:51.360
Well basically at first you stepped up to the SKs.
00:38:51.840 --> 00:39:05.599
Yeah what happened there um we were doing SKs and then it just got uh it just got to the point where I don't know there was other things to do and just could use a break and uh we decided to stop and uh I took a break.
00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:10.000
Yeah you took a break kind of the way Michael Corleone did in The Godfather.
00:39:10.239 --> 00:39:11.599
That's what I thought I was out.
00:39:12.239 --> 00:39:13.760
They pulled me back in.
00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:20.239
Because after a couple of years off here you come again winning races in the SK Lights division.
00:39:21.039 --> 00:39:44.000
Yeah yeah we uh it I started helping a friend out with his car and then you know once you start getting near it again it gives you the the itch to go do it again and uh I decided to jump back into it and we did it and we started out and uh we were doing okay and then we we hooked up with Todd and started working with Todd again and uh and then that's where the success started coming in with us again.
00:39:44.639 --> 00:39:48.719
Let's talk a little bit about how much the division has changed.
00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:54.159
Uh in the early going maybe maybe 20 cars was a big night.
00:39:54.480 --> 00:40:06.880
Now it's the largest field uh that Stafford including the SK modifies I've seen some races there where if you're not in the handicap you're starting out in the parking lot because there's 30-35 cars.
00:40:08.159 --> 00:40:21.039
Oh yeah it it's a big field it's and and the great the great thing about it is everyone's competitive and it's it's it's incredible from what it used to be there was only say a handful of cars out of that twenty that were that were definitely consistently fast.
00:40:21.199 --> 00:40:24.639
And now I mean it's most of the field that everyone's right there.
00:40:26.159 --> 00:40:28.639
You talk about getting hooked back up with Todd.
00:40:28.880 --> 00:40:37.760
He has given so much with his what I call rental car program but also what he offers to guys like you.
00:40:38.079 --> 00:40:46.800
Um how how helpful and in what areas has Todd Owen uh and Jassy Pro made you a better competitor.
00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:59.360
Um just I mean the car when I switched over to his cars and uh you know you got you have the support there with them and and the backing like they're always willing to help share information and uh just keep you in the right direction.
00:40:59.440 --> 00:41:02.000
I mean it's huge and he's he's a good coach if you need it.
00:41:02.079 --> 00:41:06.480
I mean anything you know you just you need you're telling me you still need coaching?
00:41:08.960 --> 00:41:42.400
Well I was gonna say I think I think you could teach a lesson to some of those young bucks that are out there uh because one of the things that I notice is look it's only 20 laps so I I I I can understand how a young driver gets it in his head that I've got to use the loud pedal from the drop of the green flag but then I watch you and you're like that wily old veteran where if if if the lanes are blocked up well I'll be a little patient and and to me it looks like you don't go racing until about the halfway mark.
00:41:43.039 --> 00:41:47.440
Yeah I mean you gotta try to see where you're at and take what you're given that night.
00:41:47.519 --> 00:41:56.239
I mean you don't always have what you want but even with coins you got to drive what you got right behind them and standard sometimes the C's open up and you can just get going.
00:41:57.599 --> 00:42:06.079
Recently the C's opened up but also by the same token you'd be out front and then all of a sudden the car would stop.
00:42:06.559 --> 00:42:54.079
I think it was like several weeks in a row that had that had to really befudd to the uh to what the problem was or the fact that the last race uh was fogged out at 10 laps you didn't go the full twenty twenty lap distance yeah I'm still nervous about going twenty I mean I I know we can do ten now that that's a good feeling um which is more than a normal I think we've been going like six sometimes three um yeah I I think we've got it figured out we I mean we've changed everything there's really nothing left to change so I'm I'm hoping that that's behind us but uh time will tell you you you hope that you've changed so it's I'm listening to you and I think that's code speak for yeah we we were forced to change everything because we don't know what it really was all about.
00:42:54.480 --> 00:42:56.000
Am I in the right ballpark?
00:42:56.480 --> 00:43:00.159
Yeah because you don't know what's causing the issue so you you just you go through everything.
00:43:00.239 --> 00:43:09.360
I mean you strip it down to nothing and and you start from scratch again and put everything back in new and redone and hope for the best.
00:43:09.920 --> 00:43:17.760
Everybody talks about especially at Stafford that the uh the SKs are so close and so very competitive.
00:43:18.000 --> 00:43:23.599
Uh I would uh respectfully disagree when you start to look over at the SK lights.
00:43:23.840 --> 00:43:39.840
Less number of laps, only half as many laps and if you don't start in the handicap, which puts a premium I think on qualifying and you only have a handful of laps to get to the front and make it to what we call a handicapped position.
00:43:40.079 --> 00:43:50.480
Um are you aware of those pressures when you're out there or is it just let me take one lap at a time Um I mean the pressure's always there a little bit.
00:43:50.559 --> 00:44:02.559
You like you said you want to be in a handicap because it is such a short race and and you only have so many laps to get you know towards the front and uh I mean it's always in your mind But y you still gotta just take it one lap at a time.
00:44:02.639 --> 00:44:03.760
I mean that's for sure.
00:44:04.079 --> 00:44:05.440
It's a spec motor.
00:44:05.599 --> 00:44:08.880
It uh it it operates differently than an SK.
00:44:09.039 --> 00:44:11.199
On an SK you're on and off.
00:44:11.360 --> 00:44:17.199
But I've always said that the the spec motor and the SKs, you gotta keep it wound up.
00:44:17.440 --> 00:44:19.679
So do you are you conscious of that?
00:44:19.840 --> 00:44:29.760
Like when you go and you throw it into the corner, that you know, I I I don't want to back off too much because it's gonna take me too much time and drive off to get back to full throttle.
00:44:30.079 --> 00:44:33.679
Yeah, I mean if you have to check up, it's it's it's tough to get it rolling again.
00:44:33.760 --> 00:44:42.159
It's it's such a momentum division that it's uh when you lose a little bit of it, it it shows and then it takes you another lap to get back to where you were.
00:44:42.639 --> 00:44:51.840
Both men and women are now competing at the high level at Stafford, and the and and the ladies are doing a hell of a job in the SK lights.
00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:58.480
Uh and we've already had one graduate, she was the champion last year, and all of a sudden she's moved up to the SKs.
00:44:58.800 --> 00:45:05.199
When when you look at the youngsters, and and they're all here's a news flash, they're all a lot younger than you are.
00:45:05.519 --> 00:45:06.320
That's for sure.
00:45:08.559 --> 00:45:14.079
Do you think that this has got a good forebodes a good future for the SK Lights Division?
00:45:14.639 --> 00:45:15.360
Oh, definitely.
00:45:15.440 --> 00:45:21.840
It's done nothing but growth since it started, and I mean that that's a good thing for the track, the division, the fans, the competitors.
00:45:22.079 --> 00:45:24.880
It's just it's getting bigger and bigger every year.
00:45:25.199 --> 00:45:26.800
Chris, what's on your bucket list?
00:45:26.960 --> 00:45:29.840
What would you like to check off before the season's out?
00:45:30.559 --> 00:45:39.440
I don't know, maybe another win if we could pull it off and try to get a little further forward from where we where we are now compared to where we were in the beginning.
00:45:39.760 --> 00:45:42.800
Well, I'll I'll submit to you, you might want to consider too.
00:45:43.119 --> 00:45:44.719
Go 20 full laps.
00:45:45.360 --> 00:45:46.320
That would be huge.
00:45:48.159 --> 00:45:49.119
Wouldn't it?
00:45:50.320 --> 00:45:51.599
It might wear me out now.
00:45:51.679 --> 00:45:52.719
I'm not used to it.
00:45:53.039 --> 00:45:55.199
How long are you gonna stay at it, my friend?
00:45:55.519 --> 00:45:56.719
I honestly don't know.
00:45:56.880 --> 00:46:00.639
I mean, it's always been said if when it's fun, we'll keep doing it.
00:46:00.800 --> 00:46:02.639
Um I I really don't know.
00:46:02.800 --> 00:46:05.440
I don't know what what the future's looking like.
00:46:05.760 --> 00:46:07.760
Well, I appreciate you stopping by.
00:46:07.840 --> 00:46:14.800
I know you've had a bit busy week with school and everything else, but uh look, you're gonna go a full 20 laps.
00:46:14.880 --> 00:46:17.519
In fact, you're gonna go 22 laps.
00:46:17.760 --> 00:46:29.199
And here's why because you take the checker flag, you gotta go all the way around, then you come on pit road, and then you gotta go get the ride hype check, and then you gotta make another lap to get the victory lane.
00:46:29.280 --> 00:46:30.239
How's that sound?
00:46:30.480 --> 00:46:31.360
I like that one.
00:46:32.079 --> 00:46:33.360
Chris, I appreciate you.
00:46:33.440 --> 00:46:34.079
Thanks so much.
00:46:34.320 --> 00:46:35.119
You're very welcome.
00:46:35.280 --> 00:46:36.639
Thank you for having me on.
00:46:37.760 --> 00:46:42.639
It's now time to reveal this week's modified minute hot dog of the week.
00:46:42.800 --> 00:46:44.960
Someone who stood above the rest.
00:46:45.440 --> 00:46:52.559
Brought to you by Hummel Brothers, Quality Meat, the top dog in modified racing.
00:46:52.800 --> 00:46:56.079
100% quality since 1933.
00:46:56.880 --> 00:47:02.639
Tommy Catalano is raced at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway every year since 2018.
00:47:02.880 --> 00:47:14.239
Over the previous eight outings at the Magic Mile, though, the Ontario New York native has scored only two top 10s and a career best sixth all the way back in 2021.
00:47:14.639 --> 00:47:21.920
That all changed this year when Tommy was at the front of the Mohegan Sun 100 going into the final lap.
00:47:22.239 --> 00:47:25.199
Tommy Catalano goes back to turn one as the leader.
00:47:25.360 --> 00:47:27.519
Vagennity will want to make it move early.
00:47:27.679 --> 00:47:30.000
Down to turn one and go to the end lane.
00:47:30.239 --> 00:47:31.440
Take over the race lane.
00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:32.480
Here comes Fire 3.
00:47:32.639 --> 00:47:33.920
Still fucking behind them off.
00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:34.719
Turn number two.
00:47:35.119 --> 00:47:36.159
Green flag still out.
00:47:39.920 --> 00:47:41.199
We stay under the green flag.
00:47:41.440 --> 00:47:42.880
Leaders are in turn number three.
00:47:43.039 --> 00:47:44.639
Don't fit inity at the point.
00:47:46.239 --> 00:47:49.599
Not close enough to make the boat to come up with turn number four.
00:47:56.480 --> 00:47:59.760
He finished with a career best second place finish.
00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:02.639
You know, it's battery said to me he goes, you know, you got a plan.
00:48:02.960 --> 00:48:04.480
I've never been in this position before, you know.
00:48:04.559 --> 00:48:11.760
That's a that's the first two after race I've ever finished without, you know, an issue, whether that be uh tranny a motor, you know, last year we crashed.
00:48:11.840 --> 00:48:14.880
And I mean we looked across the line, but that's the first one we finished.
00:48:15.679 --> 00:48:20.239
That effort earns him this week's Hot Dog of the Week Award.
00:48:21.920 --> 00:48:27.760
The Rocco name has been winning on the modified circuit for more than 50 years.
00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:35.280
First it was Ronnie Rocco, who had fans cheering at places like Riverside, Plainville, Waterford, and Stafford.
00:48:35.440 --> 00:48:43.280
Then it was Kid Rock, Keith Rocco, his son, who started winning, including a NASCAR national short track title.
00:48:43.519 --> 00:48:49.599
Now a third generation has emerged, and he definitely is a chip off the old rock.
00:48:49.840 --> 00:48:53.199
Let's visit with Keith and his son, KJ.
00:48:56.320 --> 00:48:58.960
Today, it's Razor Spotlight Time.
00:48:59.119 --> 00:49:01.519
Brought to you by Riverhead Building Supply.
00:49:03.920 --> 00:49:05.199
Build stronger.
00:49:07.039 --> 00:49:11.280
Well, joining me on this episode of the Modified Minute are a pair of Rocco's.
00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:19.840
Uh Keith Rocco, we all know, we've talked to him before, but the newest superstar in the Rocco family is his son KJ.
00:49:20.320 --> 00:49:23.599
KJ, uh, you get your first win in Legends cars.
00:49:23.840 --> 00:49:30.559
So now I want to know you got about you got about 89 more wins before you catch up with your dad.
00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:33.199
Yeah, it'll take a while to get there.
00:49:33.760 --> 00:49:34.400
Yeah.
00:49:34.800 --> 00:49:38.000
Keith, you think you'll still be driving by the time he gets there?
00:49:38.639 --> 00:49:39.760
I hope not.
00:49:40.480 --> 00:49:44.480
Um I I'm having a lot of enjoyment I'm having a lot of enjoyment racing with him.
00:49:44.639 --> 00:49:52.880
Um it's definitely uh the best part of my career is watching him do what he loves doing and to see him get his first win was awesome.
00:49:52.960 --> 00:49:55.039
That was probably better than any win I ever had.
00:49:55.360 --> 00:49:59.039
KJ, what was it like that to go to Victory Lane that first time?
00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:10.719
It was insane thinking how many wins he has there and how many championships and all that good stuff there, and f have my first legend car win there.
00:50:10.800 --> 00:50:11.920
It's pretty awesome.
00:50:12.239 --> 00:50:23.920
I was down at Waterford a couple of weeks ago and saw you racing, and coming out of turn two, you had your car sideways and you never lifted off the gas.
00:50:24.159 --> 00:50:27.840
You are up, you you you just like to go fast, don't you?
00:50:28.639 --> 00:50:29.280
Yeah.
00:50:29.519 --> 00:50:40.960
With those things with the w uh power to weight ratio and the uh no power steering, you definitely gotta just do everything you can to keep it going the right way direction.
00:50:41.360 --> 00:50:48.639
And Keith, before that, you were up to your ass in measuring tires, trying to find the right tire stagger.
00:50:48.800 --> 00:50:51.440
This has been quite an education for you, hasn't it?
00:50:51.679 --> 00:50:54.320
It is, but you know, uh I got a lot of connections, you know.
00:50:54.400 --> 00:50:59.440
I'm good friends with Jason Palmer, who's been uh I mean, I ain't gotta tell you about the Palmers.
00:50:59.760 --> 00:51:21.840
Um actually on Thursdays, we we throw that his legend car in Jags's trailer and we ride down together, and uh you know they've been a big help to us and um But they're man, they're it's like everything is backwards, and you know, sometimes I'm over there dismounting rights and putting them on the left, and just uh man, it's it's like nothing else I worked on, I can tell you that.
00:51:22.159 --> 00:51:37.599
Meanwhile, you meanwhile you are pursuing uh a couple of track championships where you sit atop and in three of them you're in the hunt, and uh you you recently came off a big win in uh you know in the uh sign pro triple crown.
00:51:37.920 --> 00:51:41.119
Your career's at an all-time high as well, is it not?
00:51:41.920 --> 00:51:44.239
Yeah, yeah, I mean everything comes in doses.
00:51:44.320 --> 00:51:51.599
Right now it's uh it's all in in the good, you know, but in this sport, I mean there's there's highs of highs and there's lows of lows.
00:51:51.760 --> 00:51:55.760
Um you know, I said it the other day, sometimes you can get a low and it's very hard to dig out.
00:51:55.920 --> 00:52:03.039
May not take a week, may not take a month, it could take years, but uh right now, man, everything is going well and it's uh it's great to be back on top.
00:52:03.599 --> 00:52:07.679
KJ, when your dad hits one of those lows, what advice do you give him?
00:52:08.159 --> 00:52:09.519
Just keep digging.
00:52:10.159 --> 00:52:11.679
Try your best and have fun.
00:52:12.480 --> 00:52:16.159
Well that's sounds like we sounds like you heard that from somebody.
00:52:16.320 --> 00:52:19.440
Did you hear that from your grandpa or did you hear it from your dad?
00:52:19.679 --> 00:52:20.639
Or both?
00:52:21.199 --> 00:52:22.079
I think both.
00:52:22.320 --> 00:52:29.280
My grandpa came home every week and he's like, Great job bringing the car home in one piece, we'll go get it next week.
00:52:30.239 --> 00:52:35.679
What I do want to know, KJ, is when are you gonna get your dad in one of them?
00:52:35.840 --> 00:52:39.280
Because you realize he never liked Legends cars.
00:52:39.519 --> 00:52:41.760
Wouldn't drive a Legends car ever.
00:52:42.079 --> 00:52:43.440
I want to say I wouldn't drive one.
00:52:43.519 --> 00:52:44.960
I drove one, I just didn't like them.
00:52:45.280 --> 00:52:46.559
He didn't like it, okay?
00:52:46.719 --> 00:52:49.519
How about a match race between you and him?
00:52:51.039 --> 00:52:58.800
I've been trying to talk him into running uh legend car for the fifty laper coming up at the end of the season at Waterfare this year.
00:52:59.440 --> 00:53:06.320
So what what are you not gonna what are you not gonna you know make your make your son's dream come true there, Kithy?
00:53:06.480 --> 00:53:09.280
I mean the fifty laper be gonna probably be my best shot.
00:53:09.360 --> 00:53:14.400
These little arms on him get tired after 25, so at least I have something gone for me.
00:53:14.719 --> 00:53:20.320
The Rocco family's been involved in modified racing from when you were even before KJ.
00:53:20.800 --> 00:53:24.000
Uh when you followed in the footsteps of your dad.
00:53:24.239 --> 00:53:32.239
How important is it for you to see a third generation maintain the Rocco racing legacy?
00:53:32.800 --> 00:53:39.280
It's awesome, you know, especially to uh for my father to watch a third generation, it's it's really cool, you know.
00:53:39.360 --> 00:53:52.800
Uh wish he could be a little bit more involved, but uh you know, he's all there as far as w watching the YouTube videos and watching his n-car with KJ and they bullshit about it and and kind of talk about it, which is really cool to see.
00:53:52.960 --> 00:53:59.920
Um yeah, it's just you know, it's in the blood, it's all we ever did, it's all we know, and you know, I mean it comes right down to what I do daily.
00:54:00.000 --> 00:54:01.840
Like racing's all I know, you know.
00:54:02.000 --> 00:54:05.679
Um I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but we're gonna keep going with it.
00:54:05.920 --> 00:54:12.400
Well, I would say so far it's been a good thing with especially with your customer cars and and the success that you've had there.
00:54:12.559 --> 00:54:17.039
Um KJ, uh I've been across I'm not a big social media guy.
00:54:17.119 --> 00:54:22.719
I know, you know, kids of your your ilk, you're constantly scrolling back and forth.
00:54:22.960 --> 00:54:25.840
You've become quite the social media star.
00:54:26.159 --> 00:54:30.079
I see, I see posts on Instagram, on Facebook.
00:54:30.480 --> 00:54:35.199
Do you realize that you're a big time modified or Legends Car superstar now?
00:54:36.159 --> 00:54:47.519
Yeah, like just uh my friends when we play uh when we play the racing simulator, they're like you're gonna be one of the best players on here, this and that.
00:54:47.679 --> 00:54:54.159
And they're always saying how uh how big of a superstar I am, and I just really uh appreciate it.
00:54:54.480 --> 00:54:56.639
He he does more PR than you do.
00:54:57.039 --> 00:55:01.679
Uh he's got somebody that uh that takes care of a forum uh Oh wait a minute, wait a minute.
00:55:02.800 --> 00:55:05.519
Yeah, he listened you don't even have Facebook on his phone.
00:55:06.320 --> 00:55:08.559
You're telling me that he already has people.
00:55:09.519 --> 00:55:10.559
I mean, yeah.
00:55:10.800 --> 00:55:11.119
Yeah.
00:55:11.440 --> 00:55:13.760
My wife listen, that's in my wife's in charge, yeah.
00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:15.039
She told me she was gonna do it.
00:55:15.119 --> 00:55:17.599
I told her it sounds like a waste of money.
00:55:17.760 --> 00:55:20.320
Um but it's uh whatever.
00:55:20.400 --> 00:55:24.159
It's what she wanted to do, so she uh she has somebody on it for him.
00:55:24.639 --> 00:55:27.360
Well, it it really it it is having an impact.
00:55:27.599 --> 00:55:35.360
I think the next question for you, Dad, is uh at his age he's got probably a couple more years where he has to be left in legends cars.
00:55:35.519 --> 00:55:37.280
But what's the long-term plan?
00:55:37.440 --> 00:55:42.400
When when will you at least let him get in and maybe shake down an SK light?
00:55:43.119 --> 00:55:44.079
Um, it's funny.
00:55:44.159 --> 00:55:54.239
We uh I had an uh I have an old away car that's gotta get put together, and I told him when he gets it together he can go down the speedball and practice it on a Wednesday, but uh I'm not gonna do it for him.
00:55:54.480 --> 00:56:01.760
I'll help him, but when when he gets out there and buttons it up, he can he can make his debut on a Wednesday and see what it's like to drive a modified.
00:56:02.159 --> 00:56:04.559
So KJ, when are you gonna finish the job?
00:56:05.199 --> 00:56:06.320
Hopefully soon.
00:56:08.960 --> 00:56:11.519
Being a kid is kinda getting in the way a little bit, you know.
00:56:11.599 --> 00:56:37.599
You're only uh you're only young one, so uh you know, uh he does a great job working on it and understanding it, and you know, right down to uh I mean even the day you were there, we came in from practice and we were he was talking, it was too tight, and you know, I said let's make a wedge adjustment, and I jacked it up and I made him do it so he understands and you know it processes in his head so next time he understands what needs to be done and what it does and why it does it, and you know, is it gonna benefit us or not?
00:56:37.920 --> 00:56:42.320
Pete, go get some championships and KJ, go get another win.
00:56:42.559 --> 00:56:46.159
We'll work on your dad to racing that 50 lapper, okay?
00:56:46.559 --> 00:56:47.119
All right.
00:56:48.239 --> 00:56:51.679
Before we go, it's time for another chapter of either or.
00:56:51.760 --> 00:57:00.159
And this week it's Jonathan Puglio's dad, Ed, who occupies the seat for a very special racers only edition.
00:57:00.559 --> 00:57:05.840
It's either or, where our guest must choose one or the other.
00:57:06.079 --> 00:57:07.280
Brought to you by Mr.
00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:12.000
Rooter Plumbing, expert plumbing contractors you can trust.
00:57:12.239 --> 00:57:15.039
This week it's a special racer edition.
00:57:15.679 --> 00:57:25.360
All right, Ed, you're a racer, so I thought you would be the appropriate guy to participate in what I'm calling either or the racer edition.
00:57:25.519 --> 00:57:26.639
Here's how it works.
00:57:26.800 --> 00:57:30.719
I'm gonna give you two choices, and then you get to pick one.
00:57:30.880 --> 00:57:33.119
That's why it's called either or.
00:57:33.280 --> 00:57:33.920
Are you ready?
00:57:34.480 --> 00:57:35.360
I think so.
00:57:35.599 --> 00:57:44.639
Okay, a simple pit cart, or in your wildest dreams, having a multi-level pit central like they have at the cup level.
00:57:44.960 --> 00:57:46.880
Oh, a simple pit cart all day.
00:57:47.280 --> 00:57:47.599
Nice.
00:57:48.320 --> 00:57:52.719
A large race shop or a small race shop?
00:57:53.280 --> 00:57:56.880
Large race shop because I make a mess and I need room for all my mess.
00:57:58.000 --> 00:57:58.320
Okay.
00:57:59.039 --> 00:58:05.280
If you have to choose one, either brand new tires or a brand new engine.
00:58:06.000 --> 00:58:07.840
Oof, that's a tough one.
00:58:08.320 --> 00:58:10.960
Um, I'm gonna go with the tires.
00:58:12.079 --> 00:58:12.719
Why?
00:58:13.760 --> 00:58:19.360
Because the tires are the are what's between the car and the racetrack, and you could have all the engine in the world.
00:58:19.599 --> 00:58:23.119
If the tires aren't there, you're not going anywhere.
00:58:23.440 --> 00:58:25.760
Alright, this one is a hypothetical.
00:58:26.159 --> 00:58:34.000
Either a pit stop where you're allowed to change tires, or pit stops where you're not allowed to change tires.
00:58:34.800 --> 00:58:36.719
Uh, not allowed to change tires.
00:58:36.880 --> 00:58:37.199
Why?
00:58:37.519 --> 00:58:41.280
Um because then it just keeps it even for equal for everybody.
00:58:41.440 --> 00:58:44.079
I just think it keeps an even playing field.
00:58:44.400 --> 00:58:53.519
Alright, and finally, and you've experienced this at the SK Lights level with JP, either spotters or no spotters.
00:58:54.480 --> 00:58:56.320
I'm gonna go with no spotters.
00:58:56.559 --> 00:58:56.880
Okay.
00:58:57.199 --> 00:59:10.639
Um, and and and no spotters, um, more so that it's an entry-level division, but and you know, it's kind of complicated, but I've experienced a lot where the spotters try to drive the car.
00:59:10.880 --> 00:59:16.239
And if you let's face it, the SK Lite, the intent of the SK Lite was originally to learn.
00:59:16.480 --> 00:59:21.920
Um, you know, it it wasn't what it is today, where people are building brand new cars to go run SK Lights.
00:59:22.159 --> 00:59:25.760
The intent is for people to learn modified racing and learn how to drive.
00:59:26.000 --> 00:59:33.440
And um, you know, I just feel that it's better for the driver to learn how to drive um and you know, not have the spotter drive.
00:59:33.599 --> 00:59:36.639
There's wrecks, whether we have spotters or not, they're wrecking, right?
00:59:36.719 --> 00:59:38.719
So obviously that's not the answer.
00:59:39.039 --> 00:59:45.039
Well, we appreciate you sitting in the hot seat here on this special racer's edition of Either Oar.
00:59:45.360 --> 00:59:46.800
Thank you for having me.
00:59:48.079 --> 00:59:54.079
Well, it's time to call a lid on this week's show, but before we sign off, I do have an update to share with you.
00:59:54.239 --> 01:00:01.599
My visit with Chris Matthews came the day before he captured his SK Lite feature at Stafford this past weekend.
01:00:01.840 --> 01:00:03.760
You see, I was in Washington, D.C.
01:00:04.079 --> 01:00:06.639
working the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
01:00:07.039 --> 01:00:16.400
But no more than five minutes after Matthews' win, I received a text from Chris that simply said, I made those 22 laps tonight.
01:00:16.559 --> 01:00:18.719
Yes, Chris, you did.
01:00:19.039 --> 01:00:28.320
Make sure that you come back next week when I'll have another episode of the only podcast 100% devoted to the world of modified racing.
01:00:28.559 --> 01:00:30.079
The modified minute.
01:00:33.679 --> 01:00:35.840
This has been the modified minute.
01:00:36.320 --> 01:00:45.679
Modified minute has been brought to you by Quadel Communications, the official crack type radio supplier for the mod squad.
01:01:08.320 --> 01:01:19.840
Build smarter, build better, five minutes of plumbing, export plumbing, contractors, you can cross flying your expectations.
00:00:02.399 --> 00:00:06.160
We're now this week on the modified minute.
00:00:06.879 --> 00:00:07.839
Um, it's funny.
00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:16.160
We uh I had an uh I have an old 08 car that's gotta get put together, and I told him when he gets it together, he can go down the speed bowl and practice them on a Wednesday.
00:00:16.239 --> 00:00:17.920
But uh I'm not gonna do it for him.
00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:25.600
I'll help him, but when when he gets out there and buttons it up, he could he can make his debut on a Wednesday and see what it's like to drive a modified.
00:00:26.079 --> 00:00:27.280
Yeah, yeah.
00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:39.759
Well, so it it it drivers meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago.
00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:48.560
And and I uh and I believed it it's it's true, continues to be true at Stafford, and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified CryTrack series.
00:00:49.359 --> 00:00:55.280
It's not if you win, it's who you beat that defines you.
00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:07.840
The quality of competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned, winning means something.
00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:18.719
And and to take home a you know a feature win at Stafford means something because of the quality of the field that's there.
00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:31.599
And I think as as the series, the Project series has continued to build itself, we've we've had an incredible growth of the kinds of competition that you just mentioned.
00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:32.959
Oh, yeah, it's a big field.
00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:36.159
It's and and the great the great thing about it is everyone's competitive.
00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:39.120
It's it's it's incredible from what it used to be.
00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:44.640
There was only, say, a handful of cars out of that 20 that were that were definitely consistently fast.
00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:48.400
And now, I mean, it's most of the field that everyone's right there.
00:01:49.680 --> 00:01:50.640
All that.
00:01:50.959 --> 00:01:54.239
Along with Hot Dog of the Week and Throttle Down.
00:01:54.400 --> 00:01:58.959
So tighten those belts because this week's modified minute is next.
00:02:08.560 --> 00:02:10.479
They're called the Mod Squad.
00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:17.680
Ground Pounders, the men that live by the grace of God and 600 horsepower.
00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:22.560
They are open-wheeled race cars flung low to the ground and ready to rumble.
00:03:17.680 --> 00:03:19.520
By Riverhead Buildings to fly.
00:03:20.240 --> 00:03:23.280
Build smarter, build better, by Mr.
00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:37.840
Ruder Fleming, expert plumbing contractors you can trust by SteinPros, exceeding your expectations, and by Ferguson contractors, building excellence since 1925.
00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:39.680
Here's Jack.
00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:48.479
Well, the dog days of summer are in the rear view mirror, and it's time for the stretch run of the 2026 modified racing season.
00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:52.000
Hi everyone, welcome to this week's Modified Minute.
00:03:52.159 --> 00:04:00.479
On this episode, you will meet Bill Long, who has spent his life in the automotive industry while retaining modified racing as a passion.
00:04:00.719 --> 00:04:06.400
Bill will stop by and discuss his new role with the Monaco Modified Tri-Track series.
00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:15.120
Chris Matthews won the very first Stafford SK Lights modified race more than two decades ago, and he's still at it.
00:04:15.280 --> 00:04:17.680
He shares what drives him to keep winning.
00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:21.759
And I'll visit with Keith Rocco and his young son KJ.
00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:29.120
While Keith has caught his winning stride, KJ is doing the same in Legends cars at the Waterford Speed Bowl.
00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:34.560
But before we get to all of that, we do need to get you up to speed.
00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:41.839
Time to get you up to speed in the modified world.
00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:46.240
Up to speed is brought to you by Mid-State Site Development.
00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:52.000
Mid-State safety, knowledge, and innovation.
00:04:52.480 --> 00:04:55.600
Things started off Friday night at the Stafford Speedway.
00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:58.720
First up, the SK Lights Modified Division.
00:04:58.959 --> 00:05:00.800
Much more uniform start this time around.
00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:02.319
It's Bob Charlan with the lead.
00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:07.360
Tyler Barry moves up to second and then slices outside of Charlan to try and take the lead.
00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:08.879
They're side by side for the lead.
00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:10.000
It's Barry out front.
00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:15.439
Six cars contending for position number three, and they're some of the strongest cars in this field.
00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:17.680
Colo Giannis has a great run-off of two.
00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:18.959
He doesn't need a bottom tie.
00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:21.040
He gets under Barry coming off the corner.
00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:23.279
They're wheel to wheel for the top spot three.
00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:24.480
Side by side per second.
00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.079
Colo Giannis on the outside.
00:05:26.160 --> 00:05:30.560
He was reeling in Barry with always to take the lead, but now he's gonna bend off Matthews.
00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:38.879
Morrison was trying to get down, Hogan was there, they locked wheels.
00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:41.360
There is perhaps the story of the night.
00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:43.439
Maybe the story of the point standing.
00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:51.519
The UCOD sponsored car, which we never have seen this season involved in any serious situations like this.
00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:55.759
And Glace, of course, very frustrated heading back.
00:05:56.560 --> 00:05:59.920
Matthews by inches at the line.
00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:03.439
Keep your eyes on that 32 of Robert Bloxham.
00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:06.560
Matthews goes way up the track in the middle of one and two.
00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:09.839
It opened the door for Bloxham, but Bloxham couldn't capitalize.
00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:13.040
Barry shoving Matthews ahead while they're bar to bar per second.
00:06:13.279 --> 00:06:14.319
White flag is out.
00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:16.000
There's no surrendering at the point.
00:06:16.399 --> 00:06:18.399
Final time around, who's it gonna be?
00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:21.120
Bloxham reels him in, taps the back buffer.
00:06:21.199 --> 00:06:23.360
Matthews is on the shake down the back straight away.
00:06:23.519 --> 00:06:27.680
Matthews throws a huge block, covers the bottom, blocks it to the outside with Barry on the bottom.
00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:29.920
Commits to the outside lane, there's blocksum.
00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:36.079
Here comes Barry to the inside per second behind the all-time winning descriper who adds to his total here tonight.
00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:38.160
Chris Matthews takes the checkered flag.
00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:39.439
I had to stay on the bottom.
00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:44.720
It got an evil tight on that last research, so I was trying to keep it down to the bottom, get the outside, but that was something.
00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:46.399
It was a heck of a race.
00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:51.839
Then it was time for the tracks SK Modified and their 40 laptop.
00:06:56.800 --> 00:07:00.000
SK Modified feature that goes under the green flag.
00:07:00.240 --> 00:07:04.160
Wesley Proctor will bring the field into turn number one for the first of 40 lap.
00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:06.560
Chapman down to the bottom with the bottom shot.
00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:07.600
He takes the lead.
00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:11.040
Side by side for the racelet with Marcello the Bonham closing it.
00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:13.439
Owen made contact with Chapman in three and four.
00:07:13.600 --> 00:07:15.040
He's gonna clear Chapman for the lead.
00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:19.759
Chapman forcing his way to the bottom somehow to get back his body but a funeral.
00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:23.360
Here comes Chapman.
00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:36.879
It's covered as the restorks go 41 laps together here tonight and the SK modified feature event.
00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:40.720
Marcello Rapano goes to the front of the field in cover number eighty eight.
00:07:56.160 --> 00:08:07.120
The lead after the leaders came together in the early half of this feature event was able to stay there off of turn number four, and for the third time this season, Marcello Rapano takes the checkered flag.
00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:08.399
That was a dogfight.
00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:16.240
Uh I dreamed of racing like that for with him for a long time, and uh it's it's pretty cool we got to do that tonight, but uh it wasn't easy, trust me.
00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:24.160
I was uh I was sawing down some line in there tonight, this thing was all over the place, but uh you know I just I got up on the wheel and just did what I had to do, you know.
00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:28.480
Just uh had to be patient there with uh with Tyler and Todd there in the beginning.
00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:40.399
I knew I had a good enough car, I just uh I seen the writing on the wall within the first couple of laps that it wasn't gonna be good, so I just uh I stayed patient and then as soon as I got out front, I just tried to set my own pace and just uh, like I said, just wheeled it.
00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:53.440
Now Rain canceled the programs at both Riverhead and Waterford, but the headliner was at the Magic Mile in New Hampshire, where the wheel and modified tour assembled for the Mohegan Sun 100.
00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:58.000
Bullsitter Austin Beers electing to start on the outside lane of the racetrack.
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:06.320
He'll bring the field around across a granite stripe, green flag goes in the air, and a push from series veteran Justin Bonsignora puts Austin Beers in the racing.
00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:16.159
Jonathan McKennedy comes on into third, Goodale in fourth, Ripkuma in fifth, front half the field quickly to single out as they come around and complete lap number one.
00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:29.840
Oh trouble, one car up on the side in the turn one and two, riding the barrier over the far side of the racetrack, and that'll bring out the caution flag here for the first time today in Mohegan Sun 100.
00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:34.960
That is Patrick Emmerling, who has gone up on two wheels in turn one and two.
00:09:35.679 --> 00:09:37.200
Trouble dotted to turn number three.
00:09:37.279 --> 00:09:39.759
Two cars got together as they got into the corner.
00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:43.279
It was DJ Hail memory shot into Matt Hirschman.
00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:45.200
Hershman not happy about it.
00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:47.279
Smoke is spark flying in turn three.
00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:49.039
Michael Christopher Jr.
00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:49.840
up to third.
00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:51.360
Here comes McKennedy.
00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:55.519
Dyfom move into turn number three to take the top spot away.
00:09:55.759 --> 00:10:01.039
No lead as they come back down to the stripe to complete lap 79, and it's the 79 out front.
00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:01.919
Oh my goodness.
00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:03.840
It is Austin Beerson Bears.
00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:09.200
Austin Bears with the opportunity to take advantage of the trouble for Patrick Emmerling.
00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:12.879
Just a decent finish inside the top ten would certainly give him the point.
00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:15.519
He did not give them a pretty significant point lead.
00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:17.600
This is disastrous for Austin Beers.
00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:20.159
Here comes Catalano midway down the back stretch.
00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:26.320
Catalano with the shove from Brian Breeze into turn number three, propelling him to the front of the field.
00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:29.600
Now Breeze goes to the bottom three track in turn number four.
00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:32.399
Catalano goes back to turn one as the leader.
00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:34.720
McKennedy will look to make his move early.
00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:35.679
Down to turn one.
00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:37.279
He'll go to the inside lane.
00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:38.639
Take over the race lead.
00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:39.759
Here comes Ryan Breest.
00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:41.919
They're wrecking behind him off turn number two.
00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:45.519
Green flag still out as Monsignor spins in the final round.
00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:47.039
Monsignor out of shape.
00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:48.559
We stay under the green flag.
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.159
Leaders are in turn number three.
00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:51.919
Jonathan McKennedy at the point.
00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:56.879
Tommy Catalano, not close enough to make the move as they come off of turn number four.
00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.639
Checkered flag is out.
00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:02.320
Jonathan McKennedy wins the Mohegan Sun 100 and U.
00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:08.799
I've won, I don't know, a few hundred races in my career, all up and down the East Coast, all different types of cars.
00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:17.360
Got him with Tommy Baldwin.
00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:19.919
Just an awesome event.
00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.919
Uh I'm I'm speechless.
00:11:22.159 --> 00:11:25.440
You lucked out there at the end because you ran out of fuel on the cooldown lap.
00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:28.879
I did literally get in the checkup flag and ran out of fuel.
00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:30.960
Um it was a gutsy call.
00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:35.600
At the end of the day, I knew what we needed for caution laps, and I was within one lap.
00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:40.080
We were within one lap, uh, figuring out it just we just I don't know.
00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:46.559
Well, it may have been a short weekend of highlights, but now you can say you are up to speed.
00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:51.600
With the season drawing down, the title races are certainly tightening up.
00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:53.039
Let's take a look.
00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:56.080
Here's a look at the championship chases.
00:11:56.399 --> 00:12:01.120
Brought to you by SignPro, exceeding your expectations.
00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:07.279
The Wheel of Modified Tour standings got shuffled after New England.
00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:15.039
Austin Beers takes a one-point lead over Patrick Emmerlin, and McKennedys' victory catapults him into third.
00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:18.080
Just 25 points off the top spot.
00:12:18.320 --> 00:12:22.240
Steven Kopchick and Matt Hershby round out the top five.
00:12:22.559 --> 00:12:27.279
The next race for the Monaco Tri-Track series is at Waterford on September 6th.
00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:33.759
So Jonathan McKennedy, Ronnie Williams, and Ron Silk remain in the top three.
00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:41.840
The Smart Modified's get back into action on September 5th, with Danny Bone, Ryan Newman, and Jake Crumb leading the stand.
00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:50.720
On the local track scene, Thompson's standings remain the same as their next event isn't until the middle of September.
00:12:52.240 --> 00:13:03.039
Stafford's SK lights, Nick Anglais' misfortunes, coupled with Tyler Barry's good fortune, moved Barry to the top spot with Anglais 28 points behind.
00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:07.759
They're followed by Dalton McCarthy, Chris Matthews, and Cassandra Cole.
00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:20.960
In the track's SK Modified Standings, Keith Rocco patted his margin over Jonathan Puglio to 56 points, followed by Marcello Rafano, Todd Owen, and Glenn Green.
00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:33.840
With the reign at Riverhead, their crate modified standings remained the same as last week, with Michael Berner keeping his seven-point lead over Richie Davidowitz and eight-point lead over A.J.
00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:34.799
DeSantis.
00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:42.399
In the track tour type series, Owen Grannon leads Mark Stewart, Chris Young, Chase Grennan, and Matthew Brody.
00:13:42.960 --> 00:13:54.639
The standings for Water Prozess K Lights Division remain the same as last week, with Robert Glocks in the third, followed by Kevin Cormier, Kevin Davis, Will Anderson, and Vinny Rivoggio.
00:13:55.039 --> 00:14:05.200
And finally, in Waterproz K Modified, it's Anthony Planner, Todd Owen, and Nicholas Hovey keeping control of the top three spots.
00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:13.600
For more than 40 years, Bill Long has influenced both the automotive aftermarket industry as well as the motorsports world.
00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:22.240
From a short track flagger to an executive with NASCAR and the IndyCar series, Long continues to leave his mark upon racing.
00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:28.960
He's back working to advance the world of modified racing, and he is the focus of this week's Crew Call.
00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:40.080
It's Crew Call, brought to you by Ferguson Contractors, building excellence since 1925.
00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:46.399
Well, I'm joined by a guy that I've known like forever and a day.
00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:55.519
But he's had parallel careers in both the automotive aftermarket industry and in the motorsports industry.
00:14:55.840 --> 00:15:03.840
Bill Long earlier this summer was appointed the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Head of Racing Operations.
00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:06.559
And he joins me here on the Modified Minute.
00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:08.559
Alright, that's a mouthful, partner.
00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:12.399
Tell me exactly what was in your job description.
00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:22.159
Hey Jack, uh it's it's great to be with you and thanks for having me uh on the show and and uh and yes, it is it is a mouthful.
00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:48.320
And I think, you know, maybe to answer it uh simply, it's it it's my job to wear all the different hats that help ensure that we have a great show for the fans, that the series is a good partner for the track, and we're there really to help create an environment where racers and teams want to come.
00:15:49.120 --> 00:16:11.279
So, you know, maybe to answer what what what uh what it entails, I guess uh I I'd go back to the experience that you gain along the way that qualifies you to be able to direct um everything that's involved in the event.
00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:24.799
So if you know I spent a little time in Indianapolis in the Indy Racing League because of you, in the Indie Car series, responsible for basically the logistics for putting on the Indianapolis 500.
00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:53.360
And starting from a very early age, selling newspapers up and down the Grand Fans of Riverside Art, being uh the chief starter at Riverside and Ever Motors Way, Thompson, the race director at Waterford, Indy Carr, and uh responsible for the corporate officer for the hands car for the weekly racing series.
00:16:54.000 --> 00:17:02.159
I think I've worn every hat, including being the chief scorer at Unicorong Speedway along the way.
00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.679
Oh, I didn't know that one.
00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:12.480
Yeah, yeah, along the way when I uh when I was living in Syracuse, um I was a uh chief handicapper and scorer at Utica Room.
00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:19.039
And uh following in the footsteps of my dad is uh as you know, he uh he did that for over 25 years.
00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:36.559
So understanding all of the different uh complexities of what could go on during an event and then the part is when things don't go like they should.
00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:55.440
So having the experience and the consistency of race procedures or race calls, and uh and uh already understanding uh a plan B when uh when those things arise.
00:17:55.680 --> 00:18:13.200
So in essence, a liaison between uh Renee uh Dupree and uh Ed Bennett and uh and all the officials and the and the series and the drivers and teams to uh to ensure we put on a great show for the fans.
00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:27.440
I know you know this, but sometimes when you have all those different stakeholders, it's akin to herding cats, because each has a specific list of things that they want, as selfish as they may be.
00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:37.599
So do you find your do you find yourself sometimes having to weigh both the pros and the cons of the input you're getting from a specific stakeholder?
00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:40.480
Only every other man.
00:18:42.960 --> 00:18:48.640
No, you know, it it's uh it's interesting, being new to the Monaco Modified Tri-Track series.
00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:54.640
The culture within the series and the community.
00:18:55.759 --> 00:19:07.279
I can't tell you how many people have come up and complimented how much they enjoy the the environment and uh and and the series.
00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:17.920
Um so there hasn't been a lot of uh negotiating, if you will, or or silos.
00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:27.680
It seems that uh you know that everybody is has been very supportive of uh you know the same goals.
00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.279
How do we put on a great event?
00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:39.839
Um all the tracks that uh we've gone to uh so far we were supposed to go to star, but uh we got rained out.
00:19:40.079 --> 00:20:02.960
But the interaction with with all the tracks has been very, very supportive, and uh and I think that comes because they know they've got a group of people that respect the track and what they need and what they are trying to accomplish, and uh and and we try to do a put on a good good show and do a good job.
00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:15.039
So well, hands down, uh especially this year, and especially off most recent uh unbelievable race at the Seacon Speedway, the product is outstanding.
00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:26.720
The cooperation that I see you getting, you know, both from the front of the field, the drivers, the owners, and even the fans with the institution of things like the kids' club.
00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:46.640
But I want to draw back, go back and draw upon your experience uh as a motorsports executive, as an aftermarket executive, and when you survey the landscape of modified racing, what do you see that you think needs to be improved upon?
00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:56.079
What do you see that you think uh offers you the opportunity to put your signature upon it in the coming months and years?
00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:59.119
Yeah, it's it's a great question.
00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:08.319
You know, uh I'm I'm uh of all the things I've been involved in in motor sports, I'm I'm a modified guy, you know.
00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:13.599
And uh you know, deep and hard always always will be.
00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:19.599
You know, when I went to IndyCar, I said there are only two problems that uh open wheel racing needed to solve.
00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:27.039
One people didn't know about open wheel racing, so when is it running?
00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:28.880
How do I see it?
00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:30.480
What are the dates?
00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.440
What are they running?
00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:33.599
And then two people didn't care.
00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:52.960
The second part is modified, I think an opportunity to really invigorate why do people shouldn't care?
00:22:00.240 --> 00:23:53.599
the sport you know I was uh the other day about uh you know the Savannah Banana baseball team settling out Fenway Park and Humpy Wheeler and what his magic uh creativity and marketing so I I think there's an opportunity to uh you know to bring some of that thinking without losing why we're there and not turn it into a circus but but create that big event atmosphere and uh you know I I shared with Renee just the other day I said we've got a kids club we've got a chief starter why don't we put the chief starter in the kids club and teach the kids how to flag create a honorary starter backdrop and and and uh create the next crop of of flag men and women start them at an early age I I mean the experiences that you take back and uh I've I've found there are six five or six components that are critical for for a successful event one I want to be entertained two I want to be inspired we do the international anthem at events sometimes we have a color guard um those moments uh have the opportunity to create inspiration I want to be in the know I want to feel connected I want to have a shared experience I want to enjoy it with my friends and and and talk about it afterward so I think I think promoters series organizers and things need to be um intentional in checking off the box of each one of those things.
00:23:53.759 --> 00:24:41.440
How are we going to ensure this you know we talk about I want to be inspired on I go back to you know my early spring sizzler days when you uh started playing the the theme song from Shaft and the chills went down everybody's you know body in the grandstand we miss that we're missing that uh that component so I I I I'd say that that would be one and you know some of the tracks we've seen over the long period of time that you and I both have been involved in the sport I I can I can rattle off the names of of a dozen tracks that don't exist anymore.
00:24:42.799 --> 00:25:40.720
And uh fortunately the ones that remain are are working hard but but uh there's a you know a a new group of fans there's a new way to reach fans the media has changed is as you know better than anyone um so I I I think we need some some new thinking to help uh help make make modified racing or maybe short track racing in general attractive relevant fun family oriented and all the other five documents that uh that are that are mentioned well I I I do think that we're headed in the right direction shows like shows like this look this is a labor of love because like you I love modified racing and telling the stories of the people both that wheel the cars but are behind the scenes you name it.
00:25:40.960 --> 00:26:13.599
But the other thing is that I'm beginning to see like at the end of the Seacon race two of the three drivers there are the best of friends okay and and they battled it out Ronnie Silk and Steven Kopsick they've known each other since they were little tykes and they did and then you have Jonathan McKennedy who couldn't get out of his own way and you had a flying wedge of excitement and the beautiful thing to see afterwards was just how excited they were to put on a show for the fans.
00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:16.559
They now feel like they have a stake in it.
00:26:16.720 --> 00:27:10.319
It's not just going to the payoff window and getting 10 grand so at at the driver's meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago and and I uh and I believed it it's it's true continues to be true at Stafford and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified tri-track series it's not if you win it's who you beat that defines you the quality of the competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned winning meaning something and and take home a you know a feature when it's staffed mean something because of the quality of the field that's there.
00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:23.680
And I think as as the series the trajectories has continued to build itself we've we've had an incredible growth of of the kinds of competition that you just mentioned.
00:27:25.839 --> 00:28:16.799
I also you know to balance that you know an indie car back in the day in the early indie racing league days we used to promote before I got there we used to promote the greatest racing on the planet the most lead changes the fastest cars the the um the most side by side racing and I I challenged the the the brand positioning and the relevance that if great racing was what fans wanted then the Indie Racing League TV ratings would be out of sight and all the grand stands and all and all the grandstands would be full.
00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:44.720
So granted you have to have great great competition a great product but it it in my opinion it's not enough fortunately we had a great event and you know we're all we're all going boy I want to see more of that and the fans want to see more of that I think the odds I think the odds are very strong that they will with the remainder of the races this year.
00:28:45.279 --> 00:29:59.759
It's good to have you back home I think that big fat check you're getting from uh from the Monaco modified tour will probably buy you won't even get you a Starbucks coffee so maybe maybe a couple of dunk Dunkin' munchkins but it's good to have you on board and I appreciate your visiting with me here on the Modified always a pleasure Jack you do a great job yeah yeah well so at at the driver's meeting and and I I I I used this at uh at Stafford as as well years ago and and I uh and I believed it it's it's true continues to be true at Stafford and it's it's clearly true of the Monaco modified Tri-Track series it's not if you win it's who you beat that defines you the quality of competitors in this series and the people that you just mentioned winning meaning something and and to take home a you know a a feature when it's staffed means something because of the quality of the field that's there.
00:30:00.400 --> 00:36:32.960
And I think as as the series the TriTrack series has continued to build itself we've we've had uh an incredible growth of of the kinds of competition that you just you know sometimes a spotter has to do more than just keep his driver up to date on who he's racing against needs to calm his driver down especially when things are not going the way the driver wants them to in this week's throttle down Matt's father John plays both roles this is throttle down time where you get to ride along inside a modified brought to you by Wattell Communications your northeast track side dealer for radios and repair years ago Chris Matthews won the very first SK Light feature at the Stafford Speedway.
00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:40.480
He took a turn in the SK mods for a couple of years but stepped back into the lights and has been winning ever since.
00:36:40.719 --> 00:37:25.199
In fact his 27 wins make him the series all-time winner he's this week's guest on SK Soundings this is SK Soundings brought to you by Wheeler's Auto Services the finest and top level service of Premier Automobile makes and models specializing in European Japanese and domestic vehicles well Chris it's good of you to join us how have you been good how about you I've been very well thanks for asking let's talk a little bit about your career in the SK Lights you started out by winning the very first SK Lights event at Stafford Speedway.
00:37:25.360 --> 00:38:05.440
Now I just posted a picture of you in Victory Lane and let me just say I think back then you probably weren't even capable of growing a beard probably not I actually had hair back then too what do you recall about why you decided to to uh field a car and go SK light racing um we were we were running late models at the time and uh friends of mine Billy and Jimmy from Somersville Auto they uh they were good friends with Brad and Linda Haitala and um they really just like the modified and they wanted to get involved in it so we kind of put a deal together and got a car from them and we just started doing it.
00:38:05.840 --> 00:38:17.119
It's a big leap from the late model division with vendors where you where basically the the the the motto is rubbin's racing to an open wheel modified.
00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:22.800
What was the learning curve like racing once you get into an open wheel car.
00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:41.360
For sure so did you have to adjust your style um well I don't not too much I mean it just it was the way the cars handle is just so different you know there's no like body roll in them or anything it's it reminded me of getting in a just a giant go-kart when I first went out with it.
00:38:42.639 --> 00:38:46.719
You had a lot of success uh and then you stepped away.
00:38:47.280 --> 00:38:51.360
Well basically at first you stepped up to the SKs.
00:38:51.840 --> 00:39:05.599
Yeah what happened there um we were doing SKs and then it just got uh it just got to the point where I don't know there was other things to do and just could use a break and uh we decided to stop and uh I took a break.
00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:10.000
Yeah you took a break kind of the way Michael Corleone did in The Godfather.
00:39:10.239 --> 00:39:11.599
That's what I thought I was out.
00:39:12.239 --> 00:39:13.760
They pulled me back in.
00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:20.239
Because after a couple of years off here you come again winning races in the SK Lights division.
00:39:21.039 --> 00:39:44.000
Yeah yeah we uh it I started helping a friend out with his car and then you know once you start getting near it again it gives you the the itch to go do it again and uh I decided to jump back into it and we did it and we started out and uh we were doing okay and then we we hooked up with Todd and started working with Todd again and uh and then that's where the success started coming in with us again.
00:39:44.639 --> 00:39:48.719
Let's talk a little bit about how much the division has changed.
00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:54.159
Uh in the early going maybe maybe 20 cars was a big night.
00:39:54.480 --> 00:40:06.880
Now it's the largest field uh that Stafford including the SK modifies I've seen some races there where if you're not in the handicap you're starting out in the parking lot because there's 30-35 cars.
00:40:08.159 --> 00:40:21.039
Oh yeah it it's a big field it's and and the great the great thing about it is everyone's competitive and it's it's it's incredible from what it used to be there was only say a handful of cars out of that twenty that were that were definitely consistently fast.
00:40:21.199 --> 00:40:24.639
And now I mean it's most of the field that everyone's right there.
00:40:26.159 --> 00:40:28.639
You talk about getting hooked back up with Todd.
00:40:28.880 --> 00:40:37.760
He has given so much with his what I call rental car program but also what he offers to guys like you.
00:40:38.079 --> 00:40:46.800
Um how how helpful and in what areas has Todd Owen uh and Jassy Pro made you a better competitor.
00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:59.360
Um just I mean the car when I switched over to his cars and uh you know you got you have the support there with them and and the backing like they're always willing to help share information and uh just keep you in the right direction.
00:40:59.440 --> 00:41:02.000
I mean it's huge and he's he's a good coach if you need it.
00:41:02.079 --> 00:41:06.480
I mean anything you know you just you need you're telling me you still need coaching?
00:41:08.960 --> 00:41:42.400
Well I was gonna say I think I think you could teach a lesson to some of those young bucks that are out there uh because one of the things that I notice is look it's only 20 laps so I I I I can understand how a young driver gets it in his head that I've got to use the loud pedal from the drop of the green flag but then I watch you and you're like that wily old veteran where if if if the lanes are blocked up well I'll be a little patient and and to me it looks like you don't go racing until about the halfway mark.
00:41:43.039 --> 00:41:47.440
Yeah I mean you gotta try to see where you're at and take what you're given that night.
00:41:47.519 --> 00:41:56.239
I mean you don't always have what you want but even with coins you got to drive what you got right behind them and standard sometimes the C's open up and you can just get going.
00:41:57.599 --> 00:42:06.079
Recently the C's opened up but also by the same token you'd be out front and then all of a sudden the car would stop.
00:42:06.559 --> 00:42:54.079
I think it was like several weeks in a row that had that had to really befudd to the uh to what the problem was or the fact that the last race uh was fogged out at 10 laps you didn't go the full twenty twenty lap distance yeah I'm still nervous about going twenty I mean I I know we can do ten now that that's a good feeling um which is more than a normal I think we've been going like six sometimes three um yeah I I think we've got it figured out we I mean we've changed everything there's really nothing left to change so I'm I'm hoping that that's behind us but uh time will tell you you you hope that you've changed so it's I'm listening to you and I think that's code speak for yeah we we were forced to change everything because we don't know what it really was all about.
00:42:54.480 --> 00:42:56.000
Am I in the right ballpark?
00:42:56.480 --> 00:43:00.159
Yeah because you don't know what's causing the issue so you you just you go through everything.
00:43:00.239 --> 00:43:09.360
I mean you strip it down to nothing and and you start from scratch again and put everything back in new and redone and hope for the best.
00:43:09.920 --> 00:43:17.760
Everybody talks about especially at Stafford that the uh the SKs are so close and so very competitive.
00:43:18.000 --> 00:43:23.599
Uh I would uh respectfully disagree when you start to look over at the SK lights.
00:43:23.840 --> 00:43:39.840
Less number of laps, only half as many laps and if you don't start in the handicap, which puts a premium I think on qualifying and you only have a handful of laps to get to the front and make it to what we call a handicapped position.
00:43:40.079 --> 00:43:50.480
Um are you aware of those pressures when you're out there or is it just let me take one lap at a time Um I mean the pressure's always there a little bit.
00:43:50.559 --> 00:44:02.559
You like you said you want to be in a handicap because it is such a short race and and you only have so many laps to get you know towards the front and uh I mean it's always in your mind But y you still gotta just take it one lap at a time.
00:44:02.639 --> 00:44:03.760
I mean that's for sure.
00:44:04.079 --> 00:44:05.440
It's a spec motor.
00:44:05.599 --> 00:44:08.880
It uh it it operates differently than an SK.
00:44:09.039 --> 00:44:11.199
On an SK you're on and off.
00:44:11.360 --> 00:44:17.199
But I've always said that the the spec motor and the SKs, you gotta keep it wound up.
00:44:17.440 --> 00:44:19.679
So do you are you conscious of that?
00:44:19.840 --> 00:44:29.760
Like when you go and you throw it into the corner, that you know, I I I don't want to back off too much because it's gonna take me too much time and drive off to get back to full throttle.
00:44:30.079 --> 00:44:33.679
Yeah, I mean if you have to check up, it's it's it's tough to get it rolling again.
00:44:33.760 --> 00:44:42.159
It's it's such a momentum division that it's uh when you lose a little bit of it, it it shows and then it takes you another lap to get back to where you were.
00:44:42.639 --> 00:44:51.840
Both men and women are now competing at the high level at Stafford, and the and and the ladies are doing a hell of a job in the SK lights.
00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:58.480
Uh and we've already had one graduate, she was the champion last year, and all of a sudden she's moved up to the SKs.
00:44:58.800 --> 00:45:05.199
When when you look at the youngsters, and and they're all here's a news flash, they're all a lot younger than you are.
00:45:05.519 --> 00:45:06.320
That's for sure.
00:45:08.559 --> 00:45:14.079
Do you think that this has got a good forebodes a good future for the SK Lights Division?
00:45:14.639 --> 00:45:15.360
Oh, definitely.
00:45:15.440 --> 00:45:21.840
It's done nothing but growth since it started, and I mean that that's a good thing for the track, the division, the fans, the competitors.
00:45:22.079 --> 00:45:24.880
It's just it's getting bigger and bigger every year.
00:45:25.199 --> 00:45:26.800
Chris, what's on your bucket list?
00:45:26.960 --> 00:45:29.840
What would you like to check off before the season's out?
00:45:30.559 --> 00:45:39.440
I don't know, maybe another win if we could pull it off and try to get a little further forward from where we where we are now compared to where we were in the beginning.
00:45:39.760 --> 00:45:42.800
Well, I'll I'll submit to you, you might want to consider too.
00:45:43.119 --> 00:45:44.719
Go 20 full laps.
00:45:45.360 --> 00:45:46.320
That would be huge.
00:45:48.159 --> 00:45:49.119
Wouldn't it?
00:45:50.320 --> 00:45:51.599
It might wear me out now.
00:45:51.679 --> 00:45:52.719
I'm not used to it.
00:45:53.039 --> 00:45:55.199
How long are you gonna stay at it, my friend?
00:45:55.519 --> 00:45:56.719
I honestly don't know.
00:45:56.880 --> 00:46:00.639
I mean, it's always been said if when it's fun, we'll keep doing it.
00:46:00.800 --> 00:46:02.639
Um I I really don't know.
00:46:02.800 --> 00:46:05.440
I don't know what what the future's looking like.
00:46:05.760 --> 00:46:07.760
Well, I appreciate you stopping by.
00:46:07.840 --> 00:46:14.800
I know you've had a bit busy week with school and everything else, but uh look, you're gonna go a full 20 laps.
00:46:14.880 --> 00:46:17.519
In fact, you're gonna go 22 laps.
00:46:17.760 --> 00:46:29.199
And here's why because you take the checker flag, you gotta go all the way around, then you come on pit road, and then you gotta go get the ride hype check, and then you gotta make another lap to get the victory lane.
00:46:29.280 --> 00:46:30.239
How's that sound?
00:46:30.480 --> 00:46:31.360
I like that one.
00:46:32.079 --> 00:46:33.360
Chris, I appreciate you.
00:46:33.440 --> 00:46:34.079
Thanks so much.
00:46:34.320 --> 00:46:35.119
You're very welcome.
00:46:35.280 --> 00:46:36.639
Thank you for having me on.
00:46:37.760 --> 00:46:42.639
It's now time to reveal this week's modified minute hot dog of the week.
00:46:42.800 --> 00:46:44.960
Someone who stood above the rest.
00:46:45.440 --> 00:46:52.559
Brought to you by Hummel Brothers, Quality Meat, the top dog in modified racing.
00:46:52.800 --> 00:46:56.079
100% quality since 1933.
00:46:56.880 --> 00:47:02.639
Tommy Catalano is raced at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway every year since 2018.
00:47:02.880 --> 00:47:14.239
Over the previous eight outings at the Magic Mile, though, the Ontario New York native has scored only two top 10s and a career best sixth all the way back in 2021.
00:47:14.639 --> 00:47:21.920
That all changed this year when Tommy was at the front of the Mohegan Sun 100 going into the final lap.
00:47:22.239 --> 00:47:25.199
Tommy Catalano goes back to turn one as the leader.
00:47:25.360 --> 00:47:27.519
Vagennity will want to make it move early.
00:47:27.679 --> 00:47:30.000
Down to turn one and go to the end lane.
00:47:30.239 --> 00:47:31.440
Take over the race lane.
00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:32.480
Here comes Fire 3.
00:47:32.639 --> 00:47:33.920
Still fucking behind them off.
00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:34.719
Turn number two.
00:47:35.119 --> 00:47:36.159
Green flag still out.
00:47:39.920 --> 00:47:41.199
We stay under the green flag.
00:47:41.440 --> 00:47:42.880
Leaders are in turn number three.
00:47:43.039 --> 00:47:44.639
Don't fit inity at the point.
00:47:46.239 --> 00:47:49.599
Not close enough to make the boat to come up with turn number four.
00:47:56.480 --> 00:47:59.760
He finished with a career best second place finish.
00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:02.639
You know, it's battery said to me he goes, you know, you got a plan.
00:48:02.960 --> 00:48:04.480
I've never been in this position before, you know.
00:48:04.559 --> 00:48:11.760
That's a that's the first two after race I've ever finished without, you know, an issue, whether that be uh tranny a motor, you know, last year we crashed.
00:48:11.840 --> 00:48:14.880
And I mean we looked across the line, but that's the first one we finished.
00:48:15.679 --> 00:48:20.239
That effort earns him this week's Hot Dog of the Week Award.
00:48:21.920 --> 00:48:27.760
The Rocco name has been winning on the modified circuit for more than 50 years.
00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:35.280
First it was Ronnie Rocco, who had fans cheering at places like Riverside, Plainville, Waterford, and Stafford.
00:48:35.440 --> 00:48:43.280
Then it was Kid Rock, Keith Rocco, his son, who started winning, including a NASCAR national short track title.
00:48:43.519 --> 00:48:49.599
Now a third generation has emerged, and he definitely is a chip off the old rock.
00:48:49.840 --> 00:48:53.199
Let's visit with Keith and his son, KJ.
00:48:56.320 --> 00:48:58.960
Today, it's Razor Spotlight Time.
00:48:59.119 --> 00:49:01.519
Brought to you by Riverhead Building Supply.
00:49:03.920 --> 00:49:05.199
Build stronger.
00:49:07.039 --> 00:49:11.280
Well, joining me on this episode of the Modified Minute are a pair of Rocco's.
00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:19.840
Uh Keith Rocco, we all know, we've talked to him before, but the newest superstar in the Rocco family is his son KJ.
00:49:20.320 --> 00:49:23.599
KJ, uh, you get your first win in Legends cars.
00:49:23.840 --> 00:49:30.559
So now I want to know you got about you got about 89 more wins before you catch up with your dad.
00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:33.199
Yeah, it'll take a while to get there.
00:49:33.760 --> 00:49:34.400
Yeah.
00:49:34.800 --> 00:49:38.000
Keith, you think you'll still be driving by the time he gets there?
00:49:38.639 --> 00:49:39.760
I hope not.
00:49:40.480 --> 00:49:44.480
Um I I'm having a lot of enjoyment I'm having a lot of enjoyment racing with him.
00:49:44.639 --> 00:49:52.880
Um it's definitely uh the best part of my career is watching him do what he loves doing and to see him get his first win was awesome.
00:49:52.960 --> 00:49:55.039
That was probably better than any win I ever had.
00:49:55.360 --> 00:49:59.039
KJ, what was it like that to go to Victory Lane that first time?
00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:10.719
It was insane thinking how many wins he has there and how many championships and all that good stuff there, and f have my first legend car win there.
00:50:10.800 --> 00:50:11.920
It's pretty awesome.
00:50:12.239 --> 00:50:23.920
I was down at Waterford a couple of weeks ago and saw you racing, and coming out of turn two, you had your car sideways and you never lifted off the gas.
00:50:24.159 --> 00:50:27.840
You are up, you you you just like to go fast, don't you?
00:50:28.639 --> 00:50:29.280
Yeah.
00:50:29.519 --> 00:50:40.960
With those things with the w uh power to weight ratio and the uh no power steering, you definitely gotta just do everything you can to keep it going the right way direction.
00:50:41.360 --> 00:50:48.639
And Keith, before that, you were up to your ass in measuring tires, trying to find the right tire stagger.
00:50:48.800 --> 00:50:51.440
This has been quite an education for you, hasn't it?
00:50:51.679 --> 00:50:54.320
It is, but you know, uh I got a lot of connections, you know.
00:50:54.400 --> 00:50:59.440
I'm good friends with Jason Palmer, who's been uh I mean, I ain't gotta tell you about the Palmers.
00:50:59.760 --> 00:51:21.840
Um actually on Thursdays, we we throw that his legend car in Jags's trailer and we ride down together, and uh you know they've been a big help to us and um But they're man, they're it's like everything is backwards, and you know, sometimes I'm over there dismounting rights and putting them on the left, and just uh man, it's it's like nothing else I worked on, I can tell you that.
00:51:22.159 --> 00:51:37.599
Meanwhile, you meanwhile you are pursuing uh a couple of track championships where you sit atop and in three of them you're in the hunt, and uh you you recently came off a big win in uh you know in the uh sign pro triple crown.
00:51:37.920 --> 00:51:41.119
Your career's at an all-time high as well, is it not?
00:51:41.920 --> 00:51:44.239
Yeah, yeah, I mean everything comes in doses.
00:51:44.320 --> 00:51:51.599
Right now it's uh it's all in in the good, you know, but in this sport, I mean there's there's highs of highs and there's lows of lows.
00:51:51.760 --> 00:51:55.760
Um you know, I said it the other day, sometimes you can get a low and it's very hard to dig out.
00:51:55.920 --> 00:52:03.039
May not take a week, may not take a month, it could take years, but uh right now, man, everything is going well and it's uh it's great to be back on top.
00:52:03.599 --> 00:52:07.679
KJ, when your dad hits one of those lows, what advice do you give him?
00:52:08.159 --> 00:52:09.519
Just keep digging.
00:52:10.159 --> 00:52:11.679
Try your best and have fun.
00:52:12.480 --> 00:52:16.159
Well that's sounds like we sounds like you heard that from somebody.
00:52:16.320 --> 00:52:19.440
Did you hear that from your grandpa or did you hear it from your dad?
00:52:19.679 --> 00:52:20.639
Or both?
00:52:21.199 --> 00:52:22.079
I think both.
00:52:22.320 --> 00:52:29.280
My grandpa came home every week and he's like, Great job bringing the car home in one piece, we'll go get it next week.
00:52:30.239 --> 00:52:35.679
What I do want to know, KJ, is when are you gonna get your dad in one of them?
00:52:35.840 --> 00:52:39.280
Because you realize he never liked Legends cars.
00:52:39.519 --> 00:52:41.760
Wouldn't drive a Legends car ever.
00:52:42.079 --> 00:52:43.440
I want to say I wouldn't drive one.
00:52:43.519 --> 00:52:44.960
I drove one, I just didn't like them.
00:52:45.280 --> 00:52:46.559
He didn't like it, okay?
00:52:46.719 --> 00:52:49.519
How about a match race between you and him?
00:52:51.039 --> 00:52:58.800
I've been trying to talk him into running uh legend car for the fifty laper coming up at the end of the season at Waterfare this year.
00:52:59.440 --> 00:53:06.320
So what what are you not gonna what are you not gonna you know make your make your son's dream come true there, Kithy?
00:53:06.480 --> 00:53:09.280
I mean the fifty laper be gonna probably be my best shot.
00:53:09.360 --> 00:53:14.400
These little arms on him get tired after 25, so at least I have something gone for me.
00:53:14.719 --> 00:53:20.320
The Rocco family's been involved in modified racing from when you were even before KJ.
00:53:20.800 --> 00:53:24.000
Uh when you followed in the footsteps of your dad.
00:53:24.239 --> 00:53:32.239
How important is it for you to see a third generation maintain the Rocco racing legacy?
00:53:32.800 --> 00:53:39.280
It's awesome, you know, especially to uh for my father to watch a third generation, it's it's really cool, you know.
00:53:39.360 --> 00:53:52.800
Uh wish he could be a little bit more involved, but uh you know, he's all there as far as w watching the YouTube videos and watching his n-car with KJ and they bullshit about it and and kind of talk about it, which is really cool to see.
00:53:52.960 --> 00:53:59.920
Um yeah, it's just you know, it's in the blood, it's all we ever did, it's all we know, and you know, I mean it comes right down to what I do daily.
00:54:00.000 --> 00:54:01.840
Like racing's all I know, you know.
00:54:02.000 --> 00:54:05.679
Um I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but we're gonna keep going with it.
00:54:05.920 --> 00:54:12.400
Well, I would say so far it's been a good thing with especially with your customer cars and and the success that you've had there.
00:54:12.559 --> 00:54:17.039
Um KJ, uh I've been across I'm not a big social media guy.
00:54:17.119 --> 00:54:22.719
I know, you know, kids of your your ilk, you're constantly scrolling back and forth.
00:54:22.960 --> 00:54:25.840
You've become quite the social media star.
00:54:26.159 --> 00:54:30.079
I see, I see posts on Instagram, on Facebook.
00:54:30.480 --> 00:54:35.199
Do you realize that you're a big time modified or Legends Car superstar now?
00:54:36.159 --> 00:54:47.519
Yeah, like just uh my friends when we play uh when we play the racing simulator, they're like you're gonna be one of the best players on here, this and that.
00:54:47.679 --> 00:54:54.159
And they're always saying how uh how big of a superstar I am, and I just really uh appreciate it.
00:54:54.480 --> 00:54:56.639
He he does more PR than you do.
00:54:57.039 --> 00:55:01.679
Uh he's got somebody that uh that takes care of a forum uh Oh wait a minute, wait a minute.
00:55:02.800 --> 00:55:05.519
Yeah, he listened you don't even have Facebook on his phone.
00:55:06.320 --> 00:55:08.559
You're telling me that he already has people.
00:55:09.519 --> 00:55:10.559
I mean, yeah.
00:55:10.800 --> 00:55:11.119
Yeah.
00:55:11.440 --> 00:55:13.760
My wife listen, that's in my wife's in charge, yeah.
00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:15.039
She told me she was gonna do it.
00:55:15.119 --> 00:55:17.599
I told her it sounds like a waste of money.
00:55:17.760 --> 00:55:20.320
Um but it's uh whatever.
00:55:20.400 --> 00:55:24.159
It's what she wanted to do, so she uh she has somebody on it for him.
00:55:24.639 --> 00:55:27.360
Well, it it really it it is having an impact.
00:55:27.599 --> 00:55:35.360
I think the next question for you, Dad, is uh at his age he's got probably a couple more years where he has to be left in legends cars.
00:55:35.519 --> 00:55:37.280
But what's the long-term plan?
00:55:37.440 --> 00:55:42.400
When when will you at least let him get in and maybe shake down an SK light?
00:55:43.119 --> 00:55:44.079
Um, it's funny.
00:55:44.159 --> 00:55:54.239
We uh I had an uh I have an old away car that's gotta get put together, and I told him when he gets it together he can go down the speedball and practice it on a Wednesday, but uh I'm not gonna do it for him.
00:55:54.480 --> 00:56:01.760
I'll help him, but when when he gets out there and buttons it up, he can he can make his debut on a Wednesday and see what it's like to drive a modified.
00:56:02.159 --> 00:56:04.559
So KJ, when are you gonna finish the job?
00:56:05.199 --> 00:56:06.320
Hopefully soon.
00:56:08.960 --> 00:56:11.519
Being a kid is kinda getting in the way a little bit, you know.
00:56:11.599 --> 00:56:37.599
You're only uh you're only young one, so uh you know, uh he does a great job working on it and understanding it, and you know, right down to uh I mean even the day you were there, we came in from practice and we were he was talking, it was too tight, and you know, I said let's make a wedge adjustment, and I jacked it up and I made him do it so he understands and you know it processes in his head so next time he understands what needs to be done and what it does and why it does it, and you know, is it gonna benefit us or not?
00:56:37.920 --> 00:56:42.320
Pete, go get some championships and KJ, go get another win.
00:56:42.559 --> 00:56:46.159
We'll work on your dad to racing that 50 lapper, okay?
00:56:46.559 --> 00:56:47.119
All right.
00:56:48.239 --> 00:56:51.679
Before we go, it's time for another chapter of either or.
00:56:51.760 --> 00:57:00.159
And this week it's Jonathan Puglio's dad, Ed, who occupies the seat for a very special racers only edition.
00:57:00.559 --> 00:57:05.840
It's either or, where our guest must choose one or the other.
00:57:06.079 --> 00:57:07.280
Brought to you by Mr.
00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:12.000
Rooter Plumbing, expert plumbing contractors you can trust.
00:57:12.239 --> 00:57:15.039
This week it's a special racer edition.
00:57:15.679 --> 00:57:25.360
All right, Ed, you're a racer, so I thought you would be the appropriate guy to participate in what I'm calling either or the racer edition.
00:57:25.519 --> 00:57:26.639
Here's how it works.
00:57:26.800 --> 00:57:30.719
I'm gonna give you two choices, and then you get to pick one.
00:57:30.880 --> 00:57:33.119
That's why it's called either or.
00:57:33.280 --> 00:57:33.920
Are you ready?
00:57:34.480 --> 00:57:35.360
I think so.
00:57:35.599 --> 00:57:44.639
Okay, a simple pit cart, or in your wildest dreams, having a multi-level pit central like they have at the cup level.
00:57:44.960 --> 00:57:46.880
Oh, a simple pit cart all day.
00:57:47.280 --> 00:57:47.599
Nice.
00:57:48.320 --> 00:57:52.719
A large race shop or a small race shop?
00:57:53.280 --> 00:57:56.880
Large race shop because I make a mess and I need room for all my mess.
00:57:58.000 --> 00:57:58.320
Okay.
00:57:59.039 --> 00:58:05.280
If you have to choose one, either brand new tires or a brand new engine.
00:58:06.000 --> 00:58:07.840
Oof, that's a tough one.
00:58:08.320 --> 00:58:10.960
Um, I'm gonna go with the tires.
00:58:12.079 --> 00:58:12.719
Why?
00:58:13.760 --> 00:58:19.360
Because the tires are the are what's between the car and the racetrack, and you could have all the engine in the world.
00:58:19.599 --> 00:58:23.119
If the tires aren't there, you're not going anywhere.
00:58:23.440 --> 00:58:25.760
Alright, this one is a hypothetical.
00:58:26.159 --> 00:58:34.000
Either a pit stop where you're allowed to change tires, or pit stops where you're not allowed to change tires.
00:58:34.800 --> 00:58:36.719
Uh, not allowed to change tires.
00:58:36.880 --> 00:58:37.199
Why?
00:58:37.519 --> 00:58:41.280
Um because then it just keeps it even for equal for everybody.
00:58:41.440 --> 00:58:44.079
I just think it keeps an even playing field.
00:58:44.400 --> 00:58:53.519
Alright, and finally, and you've experienced this at the SK Lights level with JP, either spotters or no spotters.
00:58:54.480 --> 00:58:56.320
I'm gonna go with no spotters.
00:58:56.559 --> 00:58:56.880
Okay.
00:58:57.199 --> 00:59:10.639
Um, and and and no spotters, um, more so that it's an entry-level division, but and you know, it's kind of complicated, but I've experienced a lot where the spotters try to drive the car.
00:59:10.880 --> 00:59:16.239
And if you let's face it, the SK Lite, the intent of the SK Lite was originally to learn.
00:59:16.480 --> 00:59:21.920
Um, you know, it it wasn't what it is today, where people are building brand new cars to go run SK Lights.
00:59:22.159 --> 00:59:25.760
The intent is for people to learn modified racing and learn how to drive.
00:59:26.000 --> 00:59:33.440
And um, you know, I just feel that it's better for the driver to learn how to drive um and you know, not have the spotter drive.
00:59:33.599 --> 00:59:36.639
There's wrecks, whether we have spotters or not, they're wrecking, right?
00:59:36.719 --> 00:59:38.719
So obviously that's not the answer.
00:59:39.039 --> 00:59:45.039
Well, we appreciate you sitting in the hot seat here on this special racer's edition of Either Oar.
00:59:45.360 --> 00:59:46.800
Thank you for having me.
00:59:48.079 --> 00:59:54.079
Well, it's time to call a lid on this week's show, but before we sign off, I do have an update to share with you.
00:59:54.239 --> 01:00:01.599
My visit with Chris Matthews came the day before he captured his SK Lite feature at Stafford this past weekend.
01:00:01.840 --> 01:00:03.760
You see, I was in Washington, D.C.
01:00:04.079 --> 01:00:06.639
working the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
01:00:07.039 --> 01:00:16.400
But no more than five minutes after Matthews' win, I received a text from Chris that simply said, I made those 22 laps tonight.
01:00:16.559 --> 01:00:18.719
Yes, Chris, you did.
01:00:19.039 --> 01:00:28.320
Make sure that you come back next week when I'll have another episode of the only podcast 100% devoted to the world of modified racing.
01:00:28.559 --> 01:00:30.079
The modified minute.
01:00:33.679 --> 01:00:35.840
This has been the modified minute.
01:00:36.320 --> 01:00:45.679
Modified minute has been brought to you by Quadel Communications, the official crack type radio supplier for the mod squad.
01:01:08.320 --> 01:01:19.840
Build smarter, build better, five minutes of plumbing, export plumbing, contractors, you can cross flying your expectations.
