It is hard to believe, but we are heading into the final month of the NASCAR Whelen and Whelen Southern Modified Tour seasons. I have a lot to cover this month, so let's get into another "Just My Thoughts".
 
RUMORS, RUMORS, RUMORS - I absolutely LOVE when a rumor about either Tour surfaces. Rumors spark debates. Debates in turn spark Press, and Press gains attention. Case in hand would be the rumor of a 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour date at Lime Rock (CT) Park being considered. As soon as it was posted someone questioned it, so I did more research to find facts. I am hoping I was not the only one to do so. As  hard as this rumor may be to believe, think of this. How many people actually believed the rumor of a NASCAR Whelen and Whelen Southern Modified Tour event at Bristol Motor Speedway. A second rumor has the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returning to Richmond International Raceway in 2010. This event would be a combination race with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and broadcast on the SPEED Network.  Bristol, Lime Rock Park, Martinsville, and New Hampshire. Wouldn't that be nice. A last rumor related topic I wanted to discuss is NASCAR looking into having future NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races at the quarter mile tracks of both Charlotte and Atlanta Motor Speedway.  I am sorry "Mr. C", but I find these events to be more than exhibitions on oversized go-kart tracks. I see them as promoting the NASCAR Whelen Modifeds in two major markets. I also see the races as a chance for events on both 1.5 mile tracks further down the road. Some will say "this is impossible, the tracks are too big". My reply would be the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has competed at Nazareth Raceway, and NASCAR Modifieds have competed at Daytona International Speedway and Pocono Raceway(on the 2.5 mile track). 

POINTS BATTLE - The last time I can remember such a great battle is when Reggie Ruggiero and Mike Stefanik entered the season ending World Series at Thompson Speedway seperated by only one point. The 2009 season sees four drivers seperated by less than fourty points with two races remaining. Three former Champions(icluding the defending), and one young driver with a team that knows how to win Championships. I only can hope that the Media creates hype for the next two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events, and that Donny Lia, Ryan Preece, Ted Christopher, an Todd Szegedy all still have a shot at the Championship when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour rolls into Thompson Speedway. 

TELEVISION - 300,000 people reportedly watched the innaugaral NASCAR Whelen and Whelen Southern Modified Tour event at Bristol Motor Speedway. I also have read that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway saw a 40% ratings increase from the previous year. I would like to know how many people viewed the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event that day. Add those to the 50,000 reported to be on hand. Numbers like these have to prove that the Tour can expand beyond a "Regional Market". I can only hope that the Richmond race does happen with coverage by SPEED. It would be nice to see Martinsville, both New Hampshire, Richmond and Bristol ALL on SPEED with same day coverage. Oh, and Lime Rock Park if  it happens. Hey, I can dream. 

Well, thank you for taking the time to read "Just My Thoughts". I always look forward to reading any responses. 

I just wanted to add that if you have not heard any of the mentioned RUMORS, then take the time to read the related posts in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour GOSSIP section of the Forum. Thanks again for all your support.

-WMT-



 

-- Edited by WhelenModifiedTour on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 10:18:38 AM