In 2021 the SMART Modified Tour was reborn under the leadership of operator Chris Williams.
After five years of meteoric growth under Williams, the SMART Modified Tour kicks off its 2025 season on March 1 at Florence Speedway in Florence, S.C. We caught up with Chris today to talk about the continued growth of the division, the plans for 2025, the relationships he’s built with other northern series operators and more.
LISTEN: Catching Up With SMART Modified Tour Operator Chris Williams
This Unmuffled presentation is presented by our Patreon marketing partners from New England Racing Fuel, Swanson Buick/GMC, USNEPower, LifeCare Family Chiropractic, Mid-State Site Development, Monaco Ford, SAFCO Foam, Northeast Performance Parts, Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series, Hoosier Tire East, Casagrande Builders, Falmouth Ready Mix, Wheelers Auto, Sign Pro, North End Auto Parts, Magna Steel Sales, United Stone & Site, Riverhead Raceway, Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway.
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Terrific insight for a modified series by an operator. Considers all facets of the modified world. And thats the difference. Dedicated to just modifieds.
The modifieds for Nascar, are an off shoot and not their main money maker and focus, in the modern era.
Thats why I feel that Nascar has never been about growing the tour. Sure, some money to be made, and thats why they are still in it. But if the house of cards comes crashing down, they will tell you they tried (see Shawns shell game purse structure as one example).
And funny, in the quickcast about possibly moving the series opener to Bowman Gray, I could have sworn I heard a reference to a more professional event. Go figure.
I love all modified series and particularly Nascar modifieds.
But for nascar, there will never be the dedication to them, that Chris Williams has voiced for the Smart tour. The Nascar modifieds are not Nascar’s bread and butter. But they expect modified teams to fall in line like cup series owners with huge budgets and sponsorships. Apples and oranges, and they dont get it. Or, they just dont care.
I honestly think that NASCAR has outgrown their modifieds, but do not know how to get out of it graciously without losing face. Jmo.