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August 14, 2008
Early gains at Thompson end, well, early...

On Thursday, August 14 NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour made their third of five visits to Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, CT) for the running of the New England Dodge Dealers 150 presented by Budweiser.

Following heavy rains, NASCAR cancelled qualifying; determining the feature line-up according to points. As you may know, the No.90 team has not been running a full season in 2008 and thus a points line-up offered a 30^th place starting spot.

Starting from the outside of the 15^th row, Renee gained several positions on the initial start. And, when the first caution flew, at just lap 4, she had already advanced to the 15^th spot.

Despite the gained track position, the team decided to pit to make chassis adjustments. “We started off a little too free,” recounted Renee. “It was really early, we knew the car wasn’t going to get any better, so we took advantage of the cautions to try and make the car more competitive.”

Over the next several caution periods, the team pitted – making stagger and wedge adjustments and adding a spring rubber. “The guys made some great calls in the pits, had some fast stops and definitely improved the handling.” The gains were obvious through the mid-stages of the event, as the team battled for position just outside the top-10, running as high as eighth.

On a lap 86 restart, Renee was running the outside lane when a car to her inside bobbled, over-corrected and slammed into her left-front. The damage quickly put an end to the team’s night – rendering them with a disappointing 28^th place finish.

“I’m frustrated because we were running a smart race – doing a lot of giving when we didn’t have a fast car and carefully taking when we did. It was just a racing deal, certainly not intentional, but not much fun regardless.”

Opting to skip next weekend’s race in Ohio – Renee will next compete on Sunday, September 7 when the Tour returns to Thompson.

July 22, 2008
Women in the Winner's Circle

On Thursday, July 24, Renee is scheduled to travel to Indianapolis to participate in the sixth annual Women in the Winner’s Circle. A highly anticipated annual event, this year’s luncheon is again being held in conjunction with the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

Women in the Winner’s Circle’s purpose is to celebrate the achievements of women in motorsports – both behind the wheel and behind the scenes - and to help prepare the way for future opportunities in motorsports.

For more information on the event, please click here.

June 19, 2008
Top-Ten just out of Reach during New England Dodge Dealers 75

On Thursday, June 19 NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour made its second of five stops to Thompson International Speedway’s (Thompson, CT) 5/8-mile oval. The Tour’s return to Thompson was marked by a format change in both qualifying and race procedure – most notably with a 75-green-flag-lap feature (as opposed to the regularly scheduled 150-lap distance where cautions count).

In afternoon practice for the New England Dodge Dealers 75, the No. 90 team  turned respectable mid-pack lap times – eventually qualifying 18^th out of the 38 teams on hand.

Following time trials, Renee participated in an autograph session on the track’s midway along with several other WMT competitors.

Lining up for the feature, on the outside of row nine, Renee survived many early cautions – staying out of trouble and advancing several spots. By lap 52 Renee had convincingly raced her way into the top-10, running as high as ninth. When the lap-75 mark was reached, Renee crossed the line in the 11^th position.

“We’re really happy to have put in a strong run,” related Renee. “We work extremely hard at this and to be that competitive makes it all worth-while,” she continued. “It was a pretty physical race and, as a result, challenging to keep a balance of not knocking the front end around – while still being aggressive enough to keep moving forward.”

The WMT is next scheduled to compete at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 28 – as a support division for NASCAR’s top-tiered Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series.

The No. 90 car has filed an entry for the NHMS 100-lap race. However the team suffered a blown head gasket on their Freightliner while hauling home from the Thompson show. A tight turn around (the team must depart for NHMS by Wednesday evening) might make getting to the track difficult (and costly). We’ll be sure to keep you updated…

April 27, 2008
Stafford's 37th Annual Spring Sizzler

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37^th annual Spring Sizzler.

The team debuted a new car and paint scheme for the Sizzler – opting to run a different chassis than they had worked with for the season-opening Ice Breaker. Pictures of the sharp new car can be found by visiting our gallery; thanks to Mary & Howie Hodge.

Practice and qualifying took place on Saturday (April 26) – with Renee qualifying 26^th in the 35-car field.

Prior to any on-track activity on Sunday, the No. 90 team took part in Stafford’s annual Pit Party. During the celebration Renee participated in an interview with the track announcer, discussing her own involvement with the sport as well as the recent publicity surrounding Danica Patrick’s IndyCar win and how that triumph relates to other women racers.

While it was far from the weekend the team hoped for, the No. 90 car ran for position on the lead lap for three-quarters of the 200-lap race. The team pitted the car on three occasions: making air pressure adjustments twice; as well as a four-tire change while fueling. Cycling thru pit stops, the team ran as high as eighth.

Following a restart on lap-153, Renee tangled briefly with another competitor eventually slapping the turn four barrier. “We got tapped from behind and I tried to save it – chasing it up the race track,” she explained. “Once we got way up into the marbles, I was really just along for the ride. It sure seemed like we were going to back it in pretty good, so I guess just getting the right-front was a small favor.”

As a result of the suspension damage from the accident, the car didn’t return to the track and the team posted a disappointing 25^th place finish.

With a break in the Series’ schedule, Renee will next run a 150-lap race, again at Stafford, on Friday, May 23. We look forward to updating you following our next event.

April 6, 2008
2008 Season Gets Underway at Thompson International Speedway

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour opened their 16-race season on Sunday, April 6 at Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, CT).

Prior to the WMT event, a violent accident took place during the Northeastern Midget Association’s 25-lap feature race. Tragically, competitor Shane Hammond succumbed to injuries he sustained in the lap four incident. Hammond’s passing marks NEMA’s first fatality since 1965 and Thompson Speedway’s third since August of 2004. We offer our sincere condolences to Hammond's family and friends.

Despite the day’s horrific events, NASCAR dropped the green flag on the 150-lap WMT race at approximately 3:15 PM. By race time, temperatures were in the low 40s with a persistent mist falling.

Starting from the outside of the 15^th row, Renee steadily worked her way forward. Well before the halfway point, the No. 90 car was just outside the top-10, running in 12^th.

“When the caution flew on lap 67, we were solidly running just outside the top-10. We debated back and forth as to whether we should pit or not. We certainly considered the weather, but decided to do whatever the leaders were going to do,” explained Renee. “So we pitted. We had a competitive car and we had to keep it that way because if we hadn’t pitted, we were going to be eaten alive by the guys with fresh rubber,” she continued.

When racing resumed, the No. 90 car got caught up in someone else’s melee – knocking out the toe. The crew pitted the car a few times, staying on the lead lap and successfully making minor repairs. However, by lap 92, the mist turned into light showers and NASCAR sent the field to pit road – ruling the race complete without ever really returning to green flag racing.

In the end, Renee was credited with a 17^th place finish. Please visit our gallery for Howie & Mary Hodge's photos from the weekend.

Next, the WMT is scheduled to compete at Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37^th annual Spring Sizzler. The 200-lap race is set to go off at Sunday, April 27 at approximately 2:30PM.

March 15, 2008
2008 Racing Party

Dupuis Racing, in conjunction with Maneeley’s Banquet Facility, held their annual racing party fundraiser on Friday, March 14, 2008. $25 admission included complimentary dinner, beer and soda; dancing to the live music of Black Moon Band; as well as raffles. As in years past, Maneeley’s - located at 65 Rye Street, South Windsor, CT 06074 – graciously hosted the party from 6 PM until Midnight. Please visit our 2008 gallery for photos - courtesy of Howie Hodge - from the evening.

February 15, 2008
Renee participates in SpeedwayExpo Seminar

On Sunday, March 2, 2008 Renee is scheduled to participate in the ‘Fastest Ladies of the Northeast’ Racer’s Roundtable Seminar during the 2^nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO presented by Sunoco.

From 11:00am to 12:30pm Renee will join Erica Santos and Tiffany Skias in contributing to a presentation geared toward the educational experience of attendees.

The biggest racing show in the Northeast, the 2^nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO presented by Sunoco is held at The Eastern States Exposition Center (The Big E) in West Springfield, MA. The show runs from February 29 thru March 2.

October 14, 2007
Team Ends Season with Top-10 Run

The final race of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s 2007 season went off on October 13-14 at Thompson International Speedway (CT).

On Saturday afternoon, 42 cars attempted qualifying for the Xtra/Mart World Series of Racing. With only 32 cars making the tight field, 10 teams were sent packing after time trials. Of those making the lineup, Renee qualified 27^th.

With a 40-lap green flag stretch at the start of the 150-lap race, Renee went down a lap early with handling problems. Undeterred, the team made several pit stops and – by the time they earned the Lucky Dog – had a competitive car.

Back on the lead lap - with almost 100 laps remaining, Renee ran for position as the laps wound down. When the checkered flag waved, the No. 90 was credited with a 10^th place finish.

For pictures from the weekend, courtesy of Howie and Mary Hodge, please visit our gallery.

September 30, 2007
Stafford's 35th Annual Fall Final

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) on September 29-30 for the running of their 35^th Annual Carquest Fall Final event. 

39 cars made the rounds in the Tour’s Saturday morning practice session, with qualifying set for 1:30. In the rundown, the No. 90 team qualified 24^th fastest. 

Race day started out with the teams from all the different divisions participating in a Pit Party. The hour-long function offered fans the chance to meet the drivers while getting an up-close look at their racecars. 

At the start of the 150-lap race, Renee struggled with handling problems – making several pit stops for adjustments. At about the 50-lap mark, the No. 90 car pitted with most of the field. However, during the tire change, a lap was lost in the pits.  

On lap 85, the No. 90 team earned the ‘lucky dog.’ Back on the lead lap and with much improved handling, Renee was able to gain positions. The forward motion was short-lived as the car developed clutch problems. Just 14 laps from the end, the slipping clutch gave out - abruptly ending the day. 

With a week off, the WMT moves on to Thompson International Speedway (CT) for the World Series of Speedway Racing. The 150-lap season ending race is scheduled for Sunday, October 14. Visit www.thompsonspeedway.com for more details.

September 23, 2007
Thompson's Modified Mania

Following a two-week weather postponement, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour portion of Thompson’s Modified Mania went off on Sunday afternoon.

Originally scheduled to be run on September 9, 34 cars lined-up to take the green. Renee started the race from the 28^th position. “We set out to run a conservative race; that was our game plan” offered Renee. 

Along with most of the lead-lap cars the No. 90 team pitted for right-side tires on lap-55, also making handling adjustments. Dealing with a loose car - the race was mostly uneventful – save for a checking-up incident that cost the team a few spots towards the end. In the final rundown, the No. 90 car completed all 150-laps and was credited with an 18^th place finish.

Next, the WMT moves on to Stafford where the Series will be making their fourth and final appearance of the 2007 season.

September 9, 2007
Modified Mania Postponed

On Sunday, September 9^th, heavy rains forced the postponement of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway.

The 150-lap race will now be run on Sunday, September 23^rd.  Prior to the start of NASCAR’s WMT race, the True Value Modified Racing Series will also run a 75-lap feature.

On the 23^rd, Thompson’s grandstands will open at 11 AM, with the green flag scheduled to wave at 3 PM. Thompson will honor tickets and pit passes from September 8^th-9^th as rain checks on the 23^rd. Adult tickets are priced at $25, children 14 and under are free.

August 16, 2007
New England Dodge Dealers 150 Turns Tragic

On August 16, John Blewett III, 33, passed away following an accident on lap-107 of the New England Dodge Dealers 150 at Thompson International Speedway. At the time of the accident, John was racing for the lead.  

John’s list of accomplishments in Modified racing was extensive. He had 10 career victories, 42 top five finishes and 76 top 10 finishes on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. John also found victory lane at two North-South Shootout races at Concord Motorsport Park (NC).  He was the 2003 and 2006 New Hampshire International Speedway Modified division track champion and the 1996 NASCAR Regional Racing Northeast champion. 

It was three years, almost to the day (August 19, 2004) that driver Tom Baldwin (Freeport, NY) was killed running in the same event. 

Contributions can be made to the John W. Blewett Educational Fund, 246 Herbertsville Rd., Howell, NJ, 07731.

June 21, 2007
Charter Cable 150

On Thursday, June 21 NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour made the second of five visits to the 5/8^th-mile Thompson International Speedway.

While 39 teams were on hand, just 35 starting spots were up for grabs. Lining up 7^th to take time, Renee qualified 19^th.  

When the green flag dropped on the 150-lap feature, Renee initially gained several positions. Still early on in the race, during a 30-lap green flag run, the No. 90 car tighten-up and started falling back a bit. When the caution flew on lap 40, the team decided to short pit for fresh right-side tires and a stagger adjustment. 

With a strong car again, Renee rejoined the race in 24^th. Gaining spots on the restart and avoiding a multi-car wreck 10 laps later, Renee was running inside the top-15. With rain showers quickly approaching, Renee continued to move forward – working up to the eighth position by the halfway point.  

Following another restart, on lap-80, Renee drove wheel-to-wheel for a top-ten position. Renee’s perspective was: “We were running hard and, just like the lap before, it was one of those ‘who was going to lift first’ deals. I won, driving it in way too far. We made contact and something snapped, so there was no steering.” She added, “I wrecked the car bad – at least a new front clip, maybe a rear too, all the bolt-on stuff.” 

In the end, rain forced the race to be called at lap-100 and Renee was credited with a 30^th place finish.

May 25, 2007
Connecticut Classic 150

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour assembled at Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, May 25 for the running of the Connecticut Classic 150.  

Drawing an early position for qualifying (8^th out of 41 teams), Dupuis circled the flat, .5-mile oval in 18.509 seconds. While qualifying progressed, the sun quickly set, helping lap times to steadily decrease. In the end, the last car to make the field on time posted a lap of 18.487 seconds. A total of ten teams didn’t make the show – including the No. 90 car. 

Please visit our photo gallery to take a look at pictures from the day courtesy of Howie and Mary Hodge. 

With another lengthy break in the schedule, Renee will next compete in a 150-lap show at Thompson International Speedway (CT) on Thursday, June 21. With a quick turn around time, she’ll then move on to New Hampshire International Speedway on Saturday, June 30 – where the Tour will run in conjunction with NASCAR’s famed Nextel Cup Series.

May 8, 2007
Cover Story

In the May 8 Glastonbury edition of the Reminder News, Renee and crew member Justin Dutton were featured in a cover story. The column focused on the duo’s recent Reality TV show exploits, but also detailed their current involvement with NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour. 

Founded in 1949, Reminder Community News is now Connecticut’s largest weekly newspaper. Their papers reach 62 towns across central and eastern Connecticut, with a total circulation of more than 230,000 homes and businesses. The Reminder is a magazine style publication, publishing local community news, features and photos.