The 2019 racing season has been one of the ultimate highs and ultimate lows for Jacob Perry.
After winning the 2018 Rookie of the Year title on the Valenti Modified Racing Series the 17-year old from Pawcatuck went into 2019 riding the high of preparedness for his a full-time season on the Granite State Pro Stock Series.
But the emotion swung to the other side when he was forced to suspend operations on the Granite State Pro Stock Series after the first three events.
But the emotional roller coaster has taken the swing back to high once again. Perry heads back to the Modified ranks this weekend in a big way.
Perry will look to make his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut on the biggest stage of all with the series this weekend. Perry will attempt to qualify for Saturday’s Whelen Modified Tour Eastern Propane & Oil 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway driving for car owner Jason Sechrist.
“I’m not sure what to say other than dreams do come true,” Perry said. “I have always dreamt of running this race. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve watched the absolute best of the best run on this stage. … That’s the track that all the Modified junkies want to go to. Everybody who loves Modified racing goes to New Hampshire because they know they put on one of the best shows around.”
Perry’s isn’t a total stranger to the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway oval. He ran the 2018 Valenti Modified Racing Series event at the track. He was running sixth in that race with about 16 lap to go before a mechanical failure ended his day. He was also a participant in the youth Bandolero events in Loudon before making the jump to full size cars.
“To be a part of this event is truly an honor,” Perry said. “I grew up racing [Bandolero’s] at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Last year going up there with a [Valenti Modified Racing Series car] was incredible. To be fastest in my first time out on the track [in practice] was an incredible feeling.
It’s another ride in a season of different cars for Perry, who recently completed his Junior year at Stonington High School. He has Truck Series wins this year at Thompson Speedway and Monadnock Speedway and made a Valenti Modified Racing Series start for Gary Casella in May at Lee USA Speedway.
Perry said Saturday’s event could open the door for more events with the Sechrist owned team.
“I’m super excited for this opportunity,” Perry said. “It’s unlike anything that’s ever come my way. Hopefully we can make the most of it. … We’re not 100 percent sure yet. We’d like to be able to continue running some Whelen Modified Tour races. … We’re looking to move to the Modifieds more. … We have some sponsors that are pushing us to try to run more. Hopefully we run really really well at Loudon and [Sechrist] wants to run more.”
Good Luck Jacob
Good luck Jacob, give it hell on Saturday!