Matt Hirschman celebrates victory in the NorthEast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series event Sunday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl
WATERFORD – Scoring big purses across the landscape of Modified racing has become the calling card over the last few years for Matt Hirschman.
But for all his victories and inflated paydays, the New London-Waterford Speedbowl had proved a place of frustrations for the Northampton, Pa. driver.
Sunday at the shoreline oval Hirschman put those frustrations in the rear view, like his competition on the day.
Hirschman won the 65-lap NorthEast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series feature at the Bemers Big Show Sunday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
It was the first career victory at the Speebdowl for Hirschman, who has competed at the track previously in multiple Tour Type Modified divisions and SK Modifieds.
“I’m really happy about this because I’ve been coming here a long time,” Hirschman said. “Not a lot of times, but I’ve been coming here for over 10 years probably and finished second in SK [Modifieds] and Tour [Type Modifieds], but never won here. It’s a track that I immediately adapted to and then ran well at, I just never found victory lane here. The last two years with the Tri-Track [Open Modified Series] coming back here has given me a few opportunities. And we’ve been close, but not quite. It all came together here today.”
Hirschman collected $5,000 for the victory. Les Hinckley of Windsor Locks was second and Ron Silk of Norwalk third. Hirschman also won the series championship.
Hirschman started fifth in the field. He took the lead from Jeffrey Gallup on lap 21 and never trailed again.
“I had a car that really fired at the beginning of the race,” Hirscman said. “I’ve got to thank my guys. My dad did an awesome job rebuilding this car and putting this car together.”
Hinckley moved past Mike Holdridge for second on a restart with 19 laps remaining, but never got a chance to mount a challenge to Hirschman out front.
“We caught him there and then we just got a tick free on the long run coming from the back,” said Hinckley, who started 10th in the 26-car field. “… I kind of used it up. Maybe a late race restart, you never know.”
Who won the B main?
Steve,
Steve Masse. There’s a story on the site about it.
Was Hinkley driving the 52 or the 06? This guy deserves a tour ride!
Humphry,
He was driving the 52.
Everyone thinks Hinckley deserves a tour ride. I think Les is happy doing what he’s doing. Not everyone wants to be on the tour.
I thought there was a consi the a B main
Bob, if he is happy with what he is doing that’s fine. My point is he is a very talented modified driver and if he were interested in a tour ride he deserves one.
Bob: Les would take a tour ride if offered. No question about it. It’s a shame he keeps getting over looked, as he is easily the most consistant top 5 driver out there. It’s not just that he is always in the top 5, its the way he does it. He’s always coming from the back. Seekonk 22nd to 4th. Same race, was last in the consi and won it in 12 laps. Star, 19th to 2nd. He was the only driver to pass Preece at Monadnock show and lead a bunch of laps, until Pennink decides to use his car as a torpedo and take them both out. Yesterday, 11th to 3rd in the heat, and 10th to 2nd in the main, passing top cars and drivers like nothing. He’s clean, polite, and in all the years I’ve watched him race I can tell you this. There has never been a wreck that he was involved in that he was at fault, and he is easily the most consistent top 5 driver out there.
Humphry and Knuckles, I agree totally with both of you. I’ve watched and admired his driving talents for years. I’d love to see him on the tour. It takes a huge commitment in time, money and travel to do the tour. You all know that. Some people just don’t want to commit to all of that. I just think he’s happy doing what he’s doing.
Knuckles and/or humphry: Were either of you in attendance yesterday (Sunday), and if so, were you sporting a Dale Jr. / Amp Energy jacket?
Yup, I was there. No, I don’t advertise for anyone, so no jacket. And Bob, let me restate, Les would take a tour ride on either MRS or Whelen tour. He is not going to sign on for what he would consider a noncompetative team, but is looking for a team to give him a ride. And frankly it absolutely boggles my mind that it hasn’t happened yet. He routinely takes others cars and puts them up front. Last year he drove the 25 on the MRS to 3rd at a race. Supported Civali at Seekonk last year with set up and finished second. Has 2 second place finishes and a 4th this year with that car, and was in 2nd last time at Waterford until hack Savary decides to launch him into the fence. The dude can flat out drive.
Dammit lol. Every pass Les (and that was a lot in the main) made someone fitting that description just about lose their marbles in excitement. Couldnt help but ask lol.
The hirshmans are some of the smartest people in racing.They treat it like a business the way everyone should.great run matt..
Yep Tony, was there and sorry, I travel incognito so if I do something I shouldn’t no one notices as much. My mama didn’t raise no fool. Nuckles I agree Les is a wheel man with a heavy foot that can drive a race car!