The 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour got underway with high intensity Saturday evening at New Smyrna Speedway, where Justin Bonsignore Whelen Modified Tour standout claimed a remarkable victory in a field filled with returning and new faces. Thirty-seven drivers arrived to compete, but only 32 made the starting grid, making this the first event with DNQs since 2019 and setting a competitive tone right from the outset.
Jonathan McKennedy set the pace in the opening practice, while Eric Goodale topped the charts in final practice, instantly highlighting the depth of the field. When it came to qualifying, Justin Bonsignore quickly made his mark by securing his 39th career Whelen Modified Tour pole with a blistering lap time of 17.730 seconds, averaging 101.523 mph. Alongside him in the top starting positions were Jonathan McKennedy, Luke Baldwin, Austin Beers, and Jimmy Blewett, all primed for a challenging race night.
Cautious Start and Early Position Shuffles
The green flag signaled the beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET with Bonsignore leading the charge, broadcast live on FloRacing. However, the action was promptly halted as Tommy Catalano brought out an early caution just four laps in. Bonsignore retained the top spot through the caution and continued to control the pace following a restart with eight laps complete.
Momentum built in the green flag run, but another incident on track between Tyler Rypkema and Ron Silk brought out a second caution. The leaders, including Bonsignore, opted for pit stops, taking on tires and fuel, while Max Zachem stayed out to assume the point for the restart at Lap 42. The reshuffled order saw Beers, Blewett, and Baldwin still among the lead group.
Joey Coulter triggered a third caution at Lap 43, offering another opportunity for strategists to consider their moves. Once again, Zachem remained on track during the caution, determined to extend his stint at the front.
Mid-Race Lead Changes and Rising Tensions
As racing resumed, Austin Beers wasted no time reeling in Zachem and surged to the lead by Lap 49. Tire management became a significant factor as Zachem dropped down the order to fifth place. The race’s tempo was interrupted again when Bobby Labonte’s incident brought out the fourth caution with 60 laps in. With pit stops back on the table for tires and fuel, Beers remained out front on the Lap 66 restart.
Soon after, Ryan Preece, fresh off his triumph at Bowman Gray Stadium in the NASCAR Cup Series Clash, overtook Beers for the lead. However, his stint at the front was cut short when another incident triggered a caution, setting up yet another competitive restart. Preece continued to battle with traffic and lapped cars, while Tyler Rypkema engaged in an intense contest for ninth with Ryan Newman, a veteran from the NASCAR Cup Series.
Bonsignore showcased his resilience by catching and passing Preece for the top spot. Just as the field settled, disaster struck on the backstretch, where Mike Marshall and Sam Rameau crashed heavily, prompting a red flag. Both drivers emerged from their damaged vehicles unharmed, but the interruption triggered a significant shake-up in race order.
Strategic Gambles Pay Off Amid Late-Race Drama
The closing stages saw a chaotic sequence on pit road as cars jostled for position. Bonsignore led the way for the restart with 48 laps to go, trailed by Beers, Patrick Emerling, Rypkema, and Newman. Beers powered ahead after the restart to reclaim the lead from Bonsignore, but soon another caution flew after Kyle Bonsignore and Zachem tangled on the frontstretch. With Kyle Bonsignore heading to the garage and Zachem continuing, Beers maintained his lead for the restart.
Bonsignore, determined to retake control, overtook Beers shortly before a four-car crash involving Blewett, Zachem, Tommy Catalano, and Carson Loftin forced the eighth caution. With only 25 laps remaining, Bonsignore held off the field, with Rypkema close behind.
Shortly after, Jimmy Blewett’s car stalled in turn 4 due to a mechanical failure, ending his race and drawing another yellow. Bonsignore resumed his leading position upon the restart with just 14 laps on the clock.
Electrifying Overtime and Bonsignore’s Triumph
A late incident involving Michael Christopher Jr. in turn 3 set the stage for a dramatic NASCAR overtime finish between Bonsignore and Rypkema. When the green flag waved with two laps left, Bonsignore exhibited poise under pressure, clearing Rypkema as the field charged to the line. As Bonsignore took the white flag, Luke Baldwin’s issue in turn 4 led to a yellow flag, officially crowning Bonsignore the winner of the race.
This victory marked Justin Bonsignore’s 48th career Whelen Modified Tour triumph in his 243rd series start, a testament to his experience and determination. The top five featured Tyler Rypkema in second, Austin Beers third, Patrick Emerling fourth, and Lutz in fifth place. Rounding out the top 10 were Jonathan McKennedy, Ryan Preece, Trevor Catalano, Ryan Newman, and Eric Goodale, each of whom played a part in the race’s high-stakes battles and shifting fortunes.
Looking Ahead to the Next Showdown
Following this eventful opening round, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitors, including race winner Justin Bonsignore and notable challengers like Rypkema, Beers, and Preece, will now direct their focus toward Martinsville Speedway. The series is set to continue on March 27, with live coverage on FloRacing, promising another night of fast, aggressive, and closely contested racing as the fight for the championship heats up even further.
