Bristol Short-Circuit
On Wednesday, August 18 NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour traveled to Bristol Motor Speedway for the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 event.
For the number No. 90 team – it was the first time any of the team members had visited the track rightfully dubbed as the ‘World’s Fastest Half Mile.’ Regardless, after completing registration and inspection a day earlier, the team began race day with almost three hours of practice.
“I watched the first 15 minutes of practice – because we knew we were going to run out of tires before the end of the session,” explained Renee. “I watched a bunch of experienced drivers spin – so that made the place even more intimidating.”
Regardless, after logging lots of track time, the team participated in qualifying – turning their fastest lap of the day. With the car sent to impound, the team readied for the race – in the interim entertaining their union guests from Boilermakers Local 154 (Pittsburgh, PA).
At 6 PM the green flag fell in front of a sizable crowd – including those watching SPEED’s live television broadcast. Off the initial start and an additional restart, Renee was able to gain five spots. But, on just lap 28 her car began to puff smoke from under the hood and she pulled the car to pit road – trailing oil along the way. When the car stopped on pit road, a large puddle of oil began to form under the engine and in the driver’s compartment. With no obvious signs of engine damage, the team searched for the source of the massive oil leak.
“In the end, the guys found that the alternator wire shorted out and blew a hole in the oil pressure gauge line. I’m not sure how to feel. Obviously, I’m relieved to learn that we didn’t hurt the engine. On the other hand, to be taken out by the proverbial 25-cent part type of deal is another in a string of frustrations.”
With a much needed break in the schedule, the team will next be in action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Loudon, NH) on Saturday, September 18.
Stafford’s Town Fair Tire 150
Renee chats with Ralph Sheheen - Versus' pit road reporter. Hodge photo.
On Friday, NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour competed at Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the 20th annual Town Fair Tire 150. Friday’s race marked the third of four visits to the .5-mile speedway during the 2010 season.
As customary, the teams in attendance began the day with a 90-minute practice session, followed by qualifying.
Following the WMT’s standard autograph session on Stafford’s midway, the green flag waved at about 9:40 PM.
The UNION Insurance Group Chevrolet started deep in the field, but steadily worked forward. When the first caution waved on lap 48, the team pitted for fresh rubber along with most of the field. The race resumed on lap 57, but was followed by a string of cautions – during which the team was awarded the Lucky Dog pass. During one of several cautions the team decided to pit for chassis adjustments. By about the lap 100 mark, the team restarted in a race-high of 11th place. When the checkered flag fell 50 laps later, Renee crossed the line in 13th. With the finish, the team remains 17th in points.
“The guys did a great job in the pits and after the stops, the car was much better. It’s probably the best we’ve run at Stafford all season. But, I think that’s more a reflection on getting our brake situation finally solved,” offered Renee. I’m glad we’re leaving here in one piece – it’ll make this week a little easier.”
For those who weren’t able to make it out to the track, the Stafford race will be televised on Wednesday, August 11 at 7 PM ET on Versus.
As Renee alluded to, the team faces another tight turn around as they head to Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, CT) on Thursday, August 12 for another 150-lap feature. The Thompson event marks the third of four races in a span of 18 days.
“I’m looking forward to Thompson. It’s my favorite track and we ran really well in this race a year ago.”
Bristol Race to Air Live On SPEED
Today, NASCAR announced the ‘UNOH Perfect Storm 150’ at Bristol Motor Speedway will be broadcast live on SPEED. The NASCAR Whelen Modified and Southern Modified Tour combination race will be carried live starting at 6 PM ET on Wednesday, August 18.
The UNOH Perfect Storm 150 will run just prior to NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series ‘O’Reilly 200’ – which will also air on SPEED.
As it turns out, it will be a big week for the Whelen Modified Tour on SPEED: A day after the Bristol telecast, the New England 100 – which was contested back on June 26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – will premier on Thursday, August 19 at 6 PM ET.
Looking forward, on Saturday, September 18 SPEED will also carry same-day broadcast coverage of the Whelen Modified Tour ‘F.W. Webb 100‘ at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.