Auto Racing News - 22 January 2026 - 2

Austin Beers at 22 years old in 2025 was the youngest driver to win the  NASCAR Whelen modified championship. Beers was presented the Richie Evans Memorial Driver of the Year award on asphalt, at last weekend’s Eastern Motorsports Press Association 53rd. convention in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

By Tom Coughlin

If you were planning to go to Royal Mountain Ski Area for Round 2 of the Snow Drags. They have canceled their program due to the frigid temperatures forecast for this weekend.

 Pro stock driver Jordan Modiano has a vision. in his most recent announcement. "As an Autism Dad, I started Racers 4 Autism to do something real-create actual employment opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse individuals in our community". He goes on to say. "Last year we hired our first employee with special needs. This year, the goal is to keep her employed and hire another person".  An event will be held with a little variance on the standard fundraiser. In an effort to raise funds for Autism Awareness there will be a special night of Community & Impact hosted by Glennpeter Jewelers on Thursday, February 5 from 5:30 until 7:30 pm. The event is a Racers 4 Autism Fundraiser at 1544 Central Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12205 . A $25 entry fee cash/check at the door or online. What to expect: a relaxed, welcoming night~not a stuffy fundraiser, lite hot & cold fare included, dessert, cash bar-wine, beer, soda, coffee, and water (100% of proceeds donated), and one raffle ticket. Raffles & silent auction items, including: A wine tasting Experience for up to 40 people (valued at $1,700) A Princess Party Experience for up to six girls (ages 7+) (valued at $300) A rain/snow date of Thursday, March 5. Enjoy an evening of food, connection, raffles, and silent auctions-all in support of Racers 4 Autism and our mission to create meaningful opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Additional raffle items will also be available throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit Racers 4 Autism. RSVP by Wednesday, January 28 at www.eventbrite.com./e/racers-4-autism-charity-event-registration-1979867955351. 

 On a different need, the people that provide emergency services at many of our area speedway facilities, the Teal Suit Team, team leader recently sent me the following note. The Teal Suit Team is looking for help in securing donations for some Specialized Race Track safety training provided by the SFI Organization. I have personally attended the training and currently hold a certification for this training. This specialized training is recognized in both the U.S.A. and Canada. My goal is to bring this training to my team that covers Fonda Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, and Brookfield Speedway. As you can imagine the training will cost us to bring it local. I currently have a little over 20 members on the team. If you are interested in helping us meet our goal please let me know and be kind enough to provide your mailing address so that we may properly thank you. Wishing you a safe and successful 2026 racing season. From Terri Mohrman TEAL Suit safety team leader. Terri can be contacted through messenger or by telephone at 518-774-8528.

 Another racing team seeking  help with sponsorship and in the garage is Montgomery Tremont. They are looking for onboard sponsors to support their race program and new crew members to optimize their performance. If interested you can contact the following through facebook. Montgomery Tremont Racing page, Montgomery Tremont, or Kaylee Dangleis.

  If you would be interested in being a track official. The Accord Speedway a.k.a. The Ulster County Bullring is in need of a flagger for the 2026 season. You can contact the track through messenger or by email at accordspeedway@outlook.com

 The 10th. edition of the Shaffer Racing Bowling Tournament & Party is scheduled to kickoff the 2026 racing season on Sunday, March 15, 2026.  Come join Happy Harry Shaffer and Shaffer Racing at Kelly’s Imperial Bowling Center 249 Wallins Corners Road, Amsterdam. The format will be 8-pin no tap, Registration will begin at 1:00 pm. with bowling at 2:00 pm. Bowling, prizes, giveaways, raffles, music, pizza, drinks, and more. $100 per team ($20 per bowler) non-bowling tickets also are available. Reserve your tickets today by texting or calling Shelly Shaffer at 518-366-2628. This event has sold out every year, so don't wait to get your tickets.

 Saturday, April 25 is planned to be the 60th. season opener for the Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vermont. The DIRTcar 358 modified Series will be the headliner when they compete in the King of the Clay.

 On Saturday night Emerson Axsom won his first Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the 40th. annual Chili Bowl Nationals in the 55-lap feature in a car prepared by Kevin Swindell.

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park is asking for driver input. There apparently has been interest shown in adding the winged mini-sprints to the weekly program up on the hill. In my opinion "The Ridge" is the perfect size for this division. To show your interest contact Glen Ridge Motorsports Park or Alicia Hughes through facebook.

 The Dirt Modified Nostalgia Tour has released their new schedule for the 2026 racing season. They will run a smaller version of their previous tour, opening in the north country on Friday, June 19 at the half-mile clay oval Can-Am Speedway in LaFargeville near Watertown. Then a Friday night at the one-third mile D-shaped Dirt Demon-Brewerton Speedway on June 26 and the next night Saturday, June 27 on the high banks of the three-eighths mile Fulton Speedway. Saturday, July 11 will see the DMNT race above the border at the one-third mile Brighton Speedway in Ontario, Canada. Saturday, August 22 the DMNT will change surfaces and visit the three-eighths mile asphalt track at Evans Mills Speedway. On  Sunday, September 6 the tour will return to Canada with another stop at Brighton Speedway. This schedule is subject to change.