7/7/2017
NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour
New Name, Same Attitude at Birch Run
The brightest stars in modified racing will converge on one of Eastern Michigan’s premier facilities for one of the longest races of the 2017 Kickin’ Asphalt Tour. The recently renamed Birch Run Speedway will play host to the Turn One 75 at the sweeping four-tenths mile progressively banked oval next Friday, July 14th.
The race holds the prestige of being in the backyard of event namesake Turn One High Performance Steering Systems based in nearby Saginaw, Michigan. Turn One came on board with the series in 2017 and is sponsoring the Rookie of the Year award, as well as contingency awards for the drivers over the course of the season. The company will have a big presence at the track next weekend.
After an uncharacteristically bad race, three-time winner Chad Poole lost the points lead to new father Jonathan Martin of Fort Wayne, Indiana. These two look set for a late season grind to determine the 2017 Champion. This race is a homecoming of sorts for Kalamazoo winner Travis Eddy from nearby Beaverton, Michigan. After a dominating performance at Kalamazoo, Eddy is looking to win his second straight race in his home state.
In the 2016 edition of this event, Ohio’s Bob Sibila Jr. finished on the podium. He had never turned a lap at the track before the race. With on-track experience under his belt, Sibila could be a legitimate threat to capture his first win of the season. He's been knocking at the door multiple times this season. Turn One Rookie of the Year leader Loren Short hails from nearby Clio, Michigan and will use a little home track advantage next weekend. A win here, his first in the series, is a real possibility. Kalamazoo runner-up Danny Jackson has turned his string of bad luck into front of the pack momentum. He's ready to make the jump to NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour victory lane.
Spectator gates open at 4:00 pm with racing beginning at 7:00pm. The series will be joined by the Outlaw Super Late Models. Adult tickets are $20, Seniors, veterans, and first responders are $18, children 12 and under are free.
Article Credit: NSTA Racing Staff
Submitted By: John Robbins