“Digging Deep With Denise” is a semi-regular question and answer feature with local racers and racing personalities produced by RaceDayCT’s Denise DuPont
NEW SMYRNA, Fla. – Anthony Nocella from Berlin, Mass. is running a Tour Type Modified during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway.
This week Nocella has had very strong runs and definitely made his presence known on the track with sixth, fourth, and second place finishes. Thursday February Nocella was racing in fourth until he and Patrick Emerling made contact on lap 17. Emerling drove away while Nocella was towed to the pits. Nocella’s team got him back out but he completed the race 19 laps down.
How is running the Modified going for you at New Smyrna Speedway?
“It is decent this year. We struggled a little bit here last year. We have won here in the past. We are close but struggled a little bit on night. We ended up sixth. Not horrible, but that was definitely not where we wanted to be. The car was a little better Tuesday night. We ended up fourth. But we still have to get better.” And the No. 92 team improved on Wednesday night in the John Blewett Memorial 76 lap race. He was second behind winner, Matt Hirschman. Thursday was definitely not Nocella’s night. He started on the pole after the invert and was consistent with a top 5 run until an accident put him in the wall.”
What are your 2024 Modified Goals?
“Besides getting seat time here at New Smyrna we can learn some stuff. And obviously come here and get out of the cold and have some fun. It is also a good winter break. It gives me a jump start to my race year. It (New Smyrna Speedway) is different than other tracks, but you can take some of what you learn back home with you and try different things. We have five more nights of racing under us before we go to the Ice Breaker (Thompson Speedway). Where some guys it will be there first race. It kind of helps get us moving a little bit and get back into things.”
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