Rowan Pennink (Photo: Stafford Motor Speedway)
THOMPSON – It’s always the wonder at the beginning of any season: How will a driver with a new team gel?
If the first practice of the season for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is any indication, Rowan Pennink seems to be working well with his new Boehler Racing Enterprises team.
Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., led the way in the first Whelen Modified Tour practice Saturday at Thompson Speedway in preparation for Sunday’s season opening Icebreaker 150.
Pennink toured the .625-mile Thompson Speedway oval with a fast lap of 18.680 seconds (120.450 mph). Pennink, in his first year with the team, was the only driver to crack the 120 mph mark during the 45-minute session, the first of two practices for the series Saturday.
Teams will qualify for the Icebreaker 150 later Saturday afternoon.
Timmy Solomito of Islip, N.Y., was second fastest during the first practice at 18.757 seconds (119.955 mph).
Ryan Preece of Berlin, coming off racing Friday evening in the NASCAR XFINITY Series event at Texas Motor Speedway, was third fastest at 18.800 seconds (119.681 mph).
Two-time defending series champion Doug Coby of Milford was fourth quickest during the session at 18.889 seconds (119.117 mph). Shawn Solomito of Islip, N.Y. rounded out the top five in practice (18.903 seconds, 119.029 mph).
Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, N.Y., Rob Summers of Manchester, Bobby Santos III of Franklin, Mass., Donny Lia of Jericho, N.Y. and Jeff Goodale of Riverhead, N.Y. rounded out the top-10 in practice respectively.
A total of 26 cars were on track during the practice.
Leave a Reply