Austin Beers is on the verge of setting a new milestone as he competes for his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship during the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 200 at Martinsville Speedway, and he could surpass the Ryan Preece NASCAR record for youngest champion. Beers heads into the final race of the season with a lead in the standings and a historic opportunity against fellow competitor Justin Bonsignore.
Beers Closes In on History at Martinsville
This Thursday, the Whelen Modified Tour wraps up at Martinsville Speedway, a significant venue for drivers and fans alike. Austin Beers arrives with a 14-point advantage over four-time champion Justin Bonsignore. To secure the championship and clinch his place in the record books, Beers must finish at least eighth or higher—a result that would eliminate Bonsignore’s chance to overtake him for the season title.
Should Beers succeed, he will become the youngest driver ever to win the Whelen Modified Tour championship. The current record belongs to NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece, who claimed the title in 2013 at the age of 22 years, 11 months, and 26 days at Thompson Speedway. Beers, if victorious, would be 22 years, 7 months old, narrowly eclipsing Preece’s mark and redefining the standard for youth achievement in the series.
Ryan Preece Reacts to His Record Potentially Falling
Ryan Preece’s profile in the racing world has only grown since his championship, but he welcomes the prospect of Beers surpassing his achievement. Preece, reflecting on their personal connection and the history shared between their families, had this to say:
“The first thing is that records are meant to be broken,”
Ryan Preece, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“So I would be extremely happy for Austin. … I actually raced against his father, Eric … I’ve known the Beers family forever. I played video games with Austin when he was a little kid, and whenever I was gonna beat him or he was gonna beat me, he would hit the reset button. That was the big joke for the longest time.”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“I’d be extremely happy for Austin because he’s a great race car driver. He’s a great kid. He’s always upbeat and if somebody was gonna beat that record for being the youngest champion, I’d want it to be him. I’m excited for him and tomorrow night, and for him to have that opportunity and hopefully go do it.”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Stars
The potential for Beers to set a new record would not only highlight his talent but also emphasize the evolving landscape of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as new generations take the helm. With prominent venues like Martinsville Speedway and Thompson Speedway hosting such pivotal moments, the stakes and visibility of the championship continue to grow for drivers, teams, and fans.
If Beers succeeds in his bid, his accomplishment would mark a significant chapter in NASCAR’s history, underscoring the increasing competitiveness of young drivers in top events. As the championship comes down to this decisive race, the eyes of the racing world turn to Martinsville, eager to see if Beers can complete his remarkable season and set a new standard for aspiring champions.
