Derek Ramstrom To Test The Waters Of The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour In 2014

Former Thompson Speedway Super Late Model champion and Pro All Stars Series regular Derek Ramstrom has built a reputation as a driver to be reckoned with in full-bodied racing across New England and beyond.

Derek Ramstrom (Photo: www.derekramstrom.com)

But the West Boylston, Mass. driver is ready to dip a toe into the waters of open wheel racing.

Ramstrom’s family owned racing team has purchased a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour car in the hopes of running a limited number of events with the series in 2014.

The 22-year old Ramstrom is a three-time Thompson Speedway champion, winning titles in the now defunct Super Late Model division in 2009, 2010 and 2012. He has also run regularly with the PASS North series since 2007.

“I always wished that I could race a Modified,” the 22-year old Ramstrom said. “My father liked them, but he never really considered that route. But it’s kind of a no-brainer now.”

Ramstrom’s family purchased a car from Whelen Modified Tour team owner Wayne Darling. It was actually the car Doug Coby crashed during qualifying for the June 2012 event at Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway.

Ramstrom said the car is currently being refurbished. The ironic twist of the entire scenario is that Coby, like Ramstrom, climbed the ladder of the local ranks in full-bodied cars. Coby won Late Model and Pro Stock division championships at Stafford long before he entered the ranks of racing Modifieds of any sort.

Ramstrom said right now his team is looking at running the three Whelen Modified Tour events scheduled for Thompson Speedway in 2014, though they may branch out to some other local events.

“I’m so comfortable at Thompson that it’s really the best place for us to focus,” Ramstrom said.

Ramstrom said he will also continue to compete regularly with the PASS North Series in 2014 and also run selected PASS South events next year.