(Press release from Souza Media)
It’s time to begin the 2022 season.
After a shorter offseason compared to past years, Justin Bonsignore and his No. 51 Ken Massa Motorsports team are ready to roll with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season-opener this weekend at New Smyrna Speedway.
The New Smyrna Visitors Bureau 200 will mark the first time the Whelen Modified Tour season begins in Florida, and also will be the first points-paying event to be contested in the Sunshine State.
Bonsignore won the last two series titles and three of the last four. With 31 career wins to his credit, he’s looking forward to trying to add the half-mile to his tour win list, while opening the chase for a fourth championship with a strong run.
“It’s a huge step forward for our series to open our season during Speedweeks at New Smyrna, it’s special,” Bonsignore said. “All of the eyeballs will be on us. It’s an honor to be part of it. We’re just going to take this one race at a time, but our goal each year is to contend for the championship. We want to get off on the right foot. We want to try and win the race, but if we can’t, come home with a good top-five finish and get things rolling for the year.”
The Holtsville, New York, native does have previous experience around New Smyrna as part of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing in the Tour-Type Modifieds. The half-mile hosts a nine night racing spectacular which will also include the ARCA Menards Series East, Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Tour-Type Modifieds and more from February 11-19. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event will headline action on Saturday, February 12.
“Never been there with Ryan Stone setting up the car and I’m confident with what Ryan brings to every track,” Bonsignore said. “We’ve had some success in the years we went down to New Smyrna and we used it as testing for our program. I’ve won there before and we are familiar with the track. It’s a long race, multiple pit stops and the Tour drivers… so it will be different but we’re confident.”
The day begins with the only practice session from 2-3:20 p.m., followed by Mayhew Tools pole qualifying at 5:45 p.m. The New Smyrna Visitors Bureau 200 is scheduled to take the green flag at 7:30 p.m., live on FloRacing.TV.
| Driver: Justin Bonsignore | |
| Race Date | February 12 |
| Race Time: | 7:30 PM |
| Race Track: | New Smyrna Speedway, half-mile banked oval |
| Location: | New Smyrna, Florida |
| Tickets: | Available at track |
| Watch Live: | FloRacing.TV |
| More Information: | NewSmyrnaSpeedway.org | NASCAR.com |
For more information on Justin Bonsignore, visit JustinBonsignore.com and follow his athlete page on Facebook for the latest updates, including from the track.
As long as the 51 does not get complacent, it will be the champion.
What the hell, just give them the trophy now.
The 16 has a driver and crew chief capable of winning. 🥇 Silk is more than capable to let Moran know what the car needs. Does the 16 have all the resources to compete with the 51?
Same with the 79. McKennedy is awesome. Will he finally get the car that can keep up with him?
I do hope the rest of the field has fun this season.
So the big question is, who will achieve second place in the season ending points?
The 16 or 79?
TOP 5 PICK’EM New Smyrna Tour Race
1. McKennedy
2. Big Money Matt H.
3. Preece
4. Bonsignore
5. Silk
First time Winner
Buddy Charette
Wow I see Race Day Ct has their own Pick’em , It’s cool .
Does the 79 have any conflicts with ISMA this year? If not he and the 16 might have a shot at the 51 but in all likelihood its J bon again. Honestly, I am not expecting all that exciting of a pts battle this year. Hopefully I am wrong. Maybe someone will surprise us. The 07 had a nice run last year.
Seriously, it should not be that hard. JBon has developed into a very good driver. He has learned to be assertive without taking out his car or another. He is probably one of the most incident-free drivers out there. It appears his team is stable.
There is not another COMPETITIVE long term team out there right now. Unless Silk&Moran click quickly, this season is JBon’s to lose.
It’s JBon with the championship and the 79 and 16 fighting for 2nd place.