6/28/2023
Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series
Open Wheel Wednesday Pre-Race Notes from a Veteran and Three Rookies
The Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series heads to Seekonk Speedway on Wednesday, June 28th where drivers will compete for the $10,000 Open Wheel Wednesday winner's purse. The mid-week race continues to be on the bucket list of many modified teams. Currently, there are 30 drivers/teams registered. Some drivers are looking to score their career first, while others are looking for a repeat win.
With modified teams busy preparing to race, we gathered some notes and feedback from a fan-favorite veteran and three rookie drivers:
Chris Pasteryak
Your thoughts going into the Seekonk Speedway Open Wheel Wednesday Race
“I really do not know what to think this year. Seekonk has not been great to me lately. I am kind of hoping that since they went and paved the corners maybe my luck will change there a little bit. Anyone that ran the tour race probably has a little bit of an advantage versus those of us that didn’t. But our races usually play out different too with the ability to change a tire and the track will be weathered in a little bit with the running of weekly shows. So, I really don't know what to think. We are going in with something really basic, adjust it and hope that we get the best from it there."
Your thoughts on competing with the Monoco Modified Tri-Track Series
“The series is the best deal going. I like running for points and it allows me a chance to run a nice little series and run for a title before the end of the year. It does not take up a lot of my time so I can run some of the other races at Stafford and Thompson.”
“As always, it seems that the Monaco Modifieds build and build as the year goes on. Last year it rolled out about the same way withthe car count a bit light at Thunder Road but every race it built with more and more. By the time we got to Stafford I believe it was 48, 49 or 50 cars. It doesn't get any easier, it only gets tougher as the year goes on.”
Mikey Flynn
Your thoughts going into the Seekonk Speedway Open Wheel Wednesday Race
“This is a big race in the Northeast – the Wednesday Open Modified Race. This Monaco Modified race is one of the biggest of the year. To be a part of it and to get the experience or chance to race it is a big deal for my team. Obviously you hear about this race and you know the past winners of this race are big names. So you want to be in the race with the best. That is our goal.”
Have you ever run at Seekonk Speedway?
“I ran at Seekonk but not in a modified, I ran in a Late Model there a couple of years back.”
Your thoughts on going to Seekonk with the new pavement?
“Obviously the re-paved surface I have not seen. I did watch the Whelen Modified Tour race and it looked like the paving made the track a lot different. It is going to be challenging to get the car where you want it to be. Honestly, probably all the notes that we have from Seekonk before are all going to be tossed out the window. It seems like when you adjust a track by paving it makes a big difference. It looked like some teams in the Whelen Modified Tour nailed it and some teams just did not have it.”
“We usually are pretty good at Seekonk. So the changes may screw some people up. But we will wait and see how it is on Wednesday.”
Your thoughts on competing with the Monoco Modified Tri-Track Series
“The series is amazing! I have gotten to know Ed more now that I have run with the Series this year. I think what Ed is trying to do and the whole Monaco Modified Series is awesome. It makes you feel like you are a part of something big, with the best drivers in the Northeast. You are running for big money which is awesome too.
“Going to different tracks in the Northeast is great. Going to Thunder Road a few weeks ago was my first time there. To go there and just experience a new track is cool. Obviously, I go to Friday nights at Stafford (Speedway). Going to the same track every week kind of wears on you. I am getting experience at different tracks and doing a touring series which is pretty awesome.”
Ryan Doucette
“After racing moved from Beech Ridge (Speedway) I moved down to Seekonk where I ran weekly for two years. I am excited to be at Seekonk.. It is my home track and the home track for all my sponsors. A lot of family and friends gather for this event so I am looking forward to it. “
“I ran a Legend car at at Seekonk in 2019. Since then I have moved up to a modified full time running Monaco Modifieds, open shows, and the MRS shows that we can make.”
Your thoughts going into the Seekonk Speedway Open Wheel Wednesday Race
“The 2022 ‘Haunted 100’ was my first main event in a modified at Seekonk. That was a huge step forward for my driving career. For me it was a big success.”
“I am excited to see what the racing looks like at Seekonk. I watched the Whelen Tour race there and with the re-pave, the track looks a whole new Seekonk from the last time that we were at Seekonk. I am a little nervous and a little excited to see how that changes the racing. Hopefully the racing has a little bit closer field than the Whelen Tour race. And hopefully our notebook translates to the new pave.”
Your thoughts on competing with the Monoco Modified Tri-Track Series
“It is a very competitive setting. It is in between the Whelen Modified Tour and some of the smaller series like MRS or ROC."
Nate Wenzel
Your thoughts going into the Seekonk Speedway Open Wheel Wednesday Race
“Honestly I just want to try to run all the laps. I am thankful for the opportunity. It is only my second race in a tour type modified. And it is my first time driving a modified at Seekonk. So, I really want to try and run all the laps.”
Your thoughts on competing with the Monoco Modified Tri-Track Series
“I think that it is an awesome series. The series does an awesome job promoting short track racing and modifieds in general. I am just excited to be there. We are excited for the opportunity. We will try to run all the laps and see what happens in the end.”
Article Credit: Denise DuPont
Submitted By: Renee Dupuis