Many around the Modified scene describe competing for a championship in the Tour Type Modified division at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway as one of the most grueling tests to throw at a race team.
Five consecutive nights of feature events to chase a title. What amounts to a quarter of a season for many short track competitors in less than a week.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour veteran Dave Sapienza calls the grind of New Smyrna “Groundhog Day”, comparing it to the well known Bill Murray movie of the same name.
“It’s a good start to the season,” Sapienza said on Episode 85 of the Unmuffled podcast. “After working so vigorously seven days a week since the season ended, it’s good to go down there. I know it’s not really a relaxing weekend because you’re up early in the morning and you’re there late at night. But to see the amount of cars that are actually participating this year, it should be interesting. There are a lot of big name and a lot of good guys. … I’m kind of curious on what’s going to happen. …”
“It’s tough. It’s not really a vacation because you’re usually up at six in the morning, you’re at the track by 7 or 7:30 or whatever it is, and you’re there usually late at night. … Then you eat, go to sleep and get back at it. It’s like Groundhog Day. Racing in New Smyrna is like Groundhog Day. As long as you can come out on top and not have to worry about doing any significant amount of work on your car the night of or the morning of, it’s a plus.”
To hear more from Sapienza on New Smyrna and his upcoming season, check out Episode 85 of Unmuffled.
Sap will be a factor, should be interesting.