As winter progressed and the 2015 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour grew closer and closer, many wondered if the division’s two most iconic cars would be in competition this year.
Two weeks ago it was Bob Garbarino confirming that he would have the Mystic Missile rolling once again with Todd Szegedy behind the wheel.
Thursday we found out that Ole Blue will be back too.
Boehler Racing Enterprises owner Mike Boehler confirmed exclusively to RaceDayCT Thursday that he will field Oxford, Mass. driver Troy Talman in his legendary No. 3 ride this year on the Whelen Modified Tour.
The Whelen Modified Tour season opens with the running of the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway on April 12.
Talman made his series debut driving for Boehler in last year’s Whelen Modified Tour season finale at Thompson Speedway.
“We were very happy with the way he practiced and qualified and raced at Thompson,” Boehler said. “We had a couple little things happen on our end and then he got caught up in that deal at the end. … But other than that, things went good that day.”
Talman has graduated from the SK Light Modifieds, through the SK Modified ranks to the Whelen Modified Tour.
“I’m really excited,” Talman said. “It’s a really great opportunity. I made my debut on the Tour driving that car last year and everything went pretty well. So I’m really excited for this year. I’m excited to work with Scott Richards and Greg Fournier on the crew again.
“It’s really exciting to drive for the Boehler family. They’ve got so much history. It’s a legendary ride. I’m just blessed for the opportunity.”
Talman broke his right wrist in the late race crash that ended his Modified Tour debut last October at Thompson. He said the injury is healed 100 percent.
Boehler said the intentions of the team are to run every event during the season, though circumstances could change.
“If we get some bad luck or get dinged or don’t have all the parts and pieces then we’ll maybe skip a race here or there,” Boehler said. “But I think we’re definitely going to get through the first few and see how everything goes. We want to run them all if we can. That’s really what we want to do here.”
Boehler said the team may also look at running some select Tour Type Open Modified shows during the season.
“I don’t think there’s any reason why we can’t come out of the box and get going fairly good as far as that end of it,” Boehler said. “They’ve been working on sponsors on all winter and things have worked out well.”
Talman said his focus is on the Modified Tour, but he may make some appearances with his family owned SK Modified at Thompson Speedway and Stafford Motor Speedway.
Great news! Troy and his family are great people. Gonna be fun to watch him in Ole Blue!
Great to know that THE ORIGINAL #3 will be back full time.