(Press release from Souza Media)
Two-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore returns to the track in NASCAR action for the first time in nearly one month this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Set to compete in the Whelen 100 at the ‘Magic Mile’, Bonsignore will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Communications machine for Kenneth Massa Motorsports hoping to score his second career points paying win at New Hampshire.
Bonsignore’s first victory at the 1.058-mile oval was in 2016, and he also won the non-points Whelen All-Star Shootout at the track in 2018. With the restrictor plate racing that New Hampshire offers — including drafting and tight packs of cars racing for the win late — Bonsignore knows it’s going to be a tough task to win. He will enter the race just three points behind points leader Patrick Emerling in the title chase.
“Definitely excited to get back going,” Bonsignore said. “It was a nice month off to regroup and get ready for the rest of the year. It’s pretty wide-open from here to the end of the year — but the break was good for everyone to get organized for the final push that we hope will separate us from the rest of the pack. New Hampshire is like our Daytona 500. We’re anxious and excited to see where we stack up and we need to be in position towards the end to have a shot at it.”
Saturday’s race day schedule will include quick turnarounds for race teams — with just one practice session from 10-11 a.m., followed by Mayhew Tools pole qualifying at 11:30 a.m. The Whelen 100 will take the green flag at 12:45 p.m. The race will air live to a national audience on NBC Sports Gold and their TrackPass platform.
For more information on Justin Bonsignore, visit JustinBonsignore.com and follow his athlete page on Facebook.
What a marvelously eclectic and strong field of cars. Not the eye popping number that show up at some opens but a robust field with a large number of strong cars.
Topping the pop ins is Santos/Tinio who always brings the star power for his faithful Northeast fans. Ole Blue/Swanson in only their second NWMT appearance this year. The Dowling/Dodge 9ct also in only their second tour appearance. Thanks to Mike Curb and Curb Records both Ryan Newman and Max McLaughlin are entered. Andy Suess, Matt Galko, Ken Heagy, Sammy Rameau also only the second NWMT race and Max Zachem the first this year. The Stuart team leaving nothing in reserve entering not only the Silk 85 that based on past performance will be a contender but Cipriano/Katon in the 88. No Jammie Tomaino driving but not to worry the 99 will be there and piloted by Ronnie Williams like he did last year at Loudon.
Say what you like about the NWMT but when the show is a big one there never seems to be any problem attracting big names. They all add their own special interest to the race but in the end this should prove to be a battle at the front of the proven heavy hitters that make all the races, have the best equipment and drivers. Most I suspect will be watching Santos with their fingers crossed hoping for a strong finish if not a win. I have my fingers crossed for Patrick Emerling to prove there is something unequivocally new and improved this year about the 07 race team.