The Battle for NASCAR Modified Glory: A Tale of Champions and Contenders
In a thrilling display of racing prowess, Kyle Ellwood emerged victorious in the NASCAR Modified race, passing John Beatty Jr. with only twenty laps remaining. But here's where it gets controversial: Beatty, despite finishing second, secured his third consecutive NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Modified championship. Joining an elite club alongside Charlie Jarzombek and Don Howe, Beatty's achievement is a testament to his consistent dominance.
The final event of the championship saw Beatty and Dylan Slepian, separated by a mere four points, starting from the front row. Beatty took an early lead, with Ellwood and Slepian hot on his tail. The race intensified with caution flags, providing Ellwood with an opportunity to slip past Slepian and challenge Beatty. As the race resumed, Ellwood's precision driving allowed him to stay alongside Beatty, engaging in a thrilling door-to-door battle. On lap 29, Ellwood made a bold move, overtaking Beatty on the outside, a true display of racing skill.
Ellwood's victory in the Millennium Limited Contracting Chevy was his 10th career win, and he expressed his excitement about racing against top contenders like Beatty and Slepian. Meanwhile, Beatty, driving for MSM Elite Motorsports, acknowledged that racing for championships alters one's driving style. He dedicated his win to his team, especially his father, who dreamed of a three-peat.
The race results saw CJ Lehmann finish third, while Dylan Slepian clinched second place in the final standings. Chris Rogers rallied back from an early spin to finish fifth. But the story doesn't end there. CJ Lehmann made history by becoming the first driver in Riverhead Raceway's 75-year history to win in six different divisions. He topped the Late Model main event, showcasing his versatility and skill.
In other races, Richie Davidowitz, a former Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified champion, won his fourth feature event of 2025. Allan Pedersen dominated the TK Figure Eight race, securing his fourth win of the season, while his uncle, Scott Pedersen, clinched his fifth championship. Jim Laurd Jr. achieved a milestone win, claiming his 20th career victory in the Blunderbust feature event. Sean Glennon, despite a disappointing DNF, won the Super Pro Truck finale, but the 2025 championship went to Jack Handley Jr.
Brandon Martinez, from Bristol, Rhode Island, conquered Riverhead Raceway by winning the INEX Legend Race Car feature. Ellwood, who led the championship, finished second, maintaining a comfortable lead over his challengers. Full results from the exciting races on September 27 are provided, showcasing the talent and competition across various divisions.
This thrilling day of racing at Riverhead Raceway highlights the skill, strategy, and determination of these drivers. It's a testament to the excitement and passion that local journalism brings to the racing community. Support RiverheadLOCAL to ensure the survival of this vital form of journalism and keep the racing spirit alive!
