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Now with all that out of the way.....Let's make some laps!
Another month has come and it is time for another "JUST MY THOUGHTS".
1. NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour - Looks like 2009 will be a VERY competitive season down South. While Ted Christopher DOMINATED at Concord Speedway, Southern Tour regular George Brunnhoelzl III was the star of the show. I look for 2009 to be a break-out season for Brunnhoelzl, perhaps ending with a Tour Championship. Tim Brown, Andy Suess, L.W. Miller III, and Brian Loftin should all be contenders as well. Car counts seem to be decent with an interesting Northern mix including J.R. Bertuccio. Another driver I believe will turn some heads in 2009 is Rich Kuiken Jr. If Austin Pack joins the Tour once he becomes of age, it will be interesting to see how he runs as well.
2. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour - With the season ready to begin this weekend, there is no doubt Ted Christopher has to be a favorite to win Thompson Speedway's ICEBREAKER event. Coming off a World Series that included a win in the prestigious RICHIE EVANS MEMORIAL 100 and the Tour Type Modified Championship, Christopher has shown no signs of slowing down. Two Indoor Midget wins and a victory in the season opener for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour definitely back that statement up. Ted has also been picked by the Media to repeat as Champion. Love him or hate him, he is at the top of his game right now.
3. Break-Out Drivers - The Media has made their own predicitions as to who will have break-out seasons in 2009, and here are some of mine. I look for 2008 Rookie Of the Year Glenn Reen to end up in Victory Lane at least once in 2009. I expect to see Ryan Preece contend for the Championship. I think Ronnie Silk will also be a strong title contender. The pairing of Kevin Crowley and Bobby Grigas III will be interesting to watch as well. One of the biggest surprises, I believe, will be Erick Rudolph. With the right breaks, he could even contend for the Championship.
4. Car Counts - Seems like we can never get away from this topic. A look at the Thompson Speedway event Entry List shows around 36 cars entered. Not the greatest numbers ever, but look at the quality of cars and teams that are entered. With the economy as bad as it is, the option of other Tours, and the LACK OF TELEVISION EXPOSURE FOR SPONSORS, at least we will still see full fields.
These are "JUST MY THOUGHTS". Take them for what you will, I'd love to read your feedback.
Thank you for reading and your support of the site.
-WMT-
I had to edit the post as I forgot my ICEBREAKER winner pick. Going out on a limb with this one, but I will look for Mike Stefanik to take win #70.
-- Edited by WhelenModifiedTour on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 07:43:45 PM
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NASCAR MODIFIEDS...WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. LET'S REMIND NASCAR OF THEIR ROOTS.
One thing I want to expand on is this Erik Rudolph kid is one hell of a shoe.
I've had the pleasure of watching him race several times on both the WMT and ROC tours and I think he can wheel a car and also shows a ton of wisdom beyond his years behind the wheel as well.
