It’s December 20 and just 49 days from today the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season will kick off at New Smyrna Speedway.
And while the series gets started on Feb. 7 in Florida at New Smyrna, it’s a mere 295 days from today when the 2026 Whelen Modified Tour champion will be crowned at Thompson Speedway on Oct. 11, 2026.
So let’s get the old crystal ball out and make a really entirely too early prediction on what the top-10 of the Whelen Modified Tour standings will look like when the 2026 season comes to an end next October at Thompson Speedway.
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Well, can’t say who has the best shot this early, but, what i’m hoping for is a better racing experience and landscape for all tour owners, drivers and crews, now that Gary Putnam is at the helm.
I’m not naive, and my opinion is that nascar views the modified’s as a poor stepchild, but I’m hoping for better. Does a tour director have any clout? For me, this upcoming season’s question is, we are about to find out. I wish Putnam the best of luck. The tour needs some love from their parent affiliation. Jmo.
Do you think Matt Hirschman plans to run the full season again? Because he could still finish 7th even if he missed a bunch of races.
Marshall,
No knock on Matt, but I think right now on the Modified Tour it would be difficult to miss “a bunch of races” and finish 7th in the standings.
Has there been anything official posted about Christopher to the Elite 60 full time?
Does Mike Christopher Jr have a full time ride? I read he will be part time in the 77, and i thought Gary Putnam would not field a car because of his new position?
JH,
Mike Christopher Jr. will be full time on the Whelen Modified Tour in 2026 with the Elite Racing No. 31 entry. The team fielded cars last season for part of the year on the Tour for Matt Hirschman.
Friday, July 10 (Claremont) is the only obvious NWMT conflict with Stafford. Will MCJr still run full-time in his SK at Stafford?
Does this ranking change if Jon McKennedy #79 commits to a full season on the NWMT for 2026?
Lapped Traffic,
Yes.