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Robie One of Many Set to Invade NWMT To Compete with Series Regulars June 18th
By Souza Media/Kyle Souza
PHOTO: Tom Morris Racing Photography
WINCHESTER, N.H. – Former NASCAR New Hampshire state champion Brian Robie will make his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut at Monadnock Speedway on Saturday, June 18. Robie will put his local track talent to the ultimate test by competing with New England’s top Modified stars in the Duel at the Dog 200, the sixth race of the Whelen Modified Tour season, and third in a row promoted by JDV Productions.
Robie is no stranger to the front at Monadnock and all of the New Hampshire short tracks. In 2020, the rising star won track championships at Monadnock, Claremont Motorsports Park and Hudson Speedway, rocketing to the NASCAR title for the state. During that season, Robie won 10 races and finished inside the top-five in all but two of his starts.
Since then, Robie has taken his talents to the Tour-Type Modified world, winning a championship with the Modified Racing Series last year. He’s hoping a trip to the Whelen Modified Tour at a place where he is comfortable is exactly what he will need to get up to speed quickly. With only one hour of practice on tap on June 18, Robie will need to gain experience in a rapid fashion, and has a few challenges he knows are coming his way.
“Whenever we get the opportunity to run a new series, there is a high level of excitement,” Robie said. “I think the visibility of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour just adds to that excitement. We do know the track and the chassis, but the engine, weight and tire combination are all new to us, so there will be a significant learning curve in this endeavor.”
Oddly enough, Robie didn’t even start racing until less than 10 years ago. Since then, he’s accumulated quite the book of accolades. But making a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour start, and coming out of it with a strong run, is another knock off his bucket list.
“As far as expectations, we are keeping it simple, looking for a clean race and a top-10 finish,” Robie said. “I need to thank our crew for their unwavering support with these unexpected schedule evolutions and adapting to another new series.”
On top of Robie, multiple other competitors who normally don’t run the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour are planning to compete in the Duel at the Dog 200. Sam Rameau, the 2019 Sunoco Rookie of the Year on the Tour, hasn’t run much the last two years, but will make his second start of the season at Monadnock. The Westminster, Massachusetts, hot shoe has two Monaco Modified Tri-Track wins at the track in the last two years.
Todd Patnode will also enter the race driving for Cory Plummer. Patnode, the defending NHSTRA Modified champion at Monadnock, has eight total championships on the high-banks. If you’re looking for someone with local experience in the field, Patnode is the one – he’s been racing Modifieds and Pro Stocks at the track for decades.
Jacob Perry, who made his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut at Lee USA Speedway last month, is ready for round two at Monadnock. The rising star has a previous Modified Racing Series win at the track.
All of these competitors will be looking to compete against the likes of series points leader Ron Silk, three-time champion Justin Bonsignore, Tommy Catalano, Craig Lutz, J.B. Fortin, Jon McKennedy and others in the Duel at the Dog 200. The 200-lap race, where teams won’t have extra tires and must run the entire distance on the same set of four Hoosier Racing tires barring a flat will keep fans engaged for the entire distance. Even with 200 laps to make their move, drivers won’t be able to wait long – as the high-banks produces a high-speed race.
The race also marks the second of three rounds in the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup. The bonus program, which includes just over $15,000 for three events, has multiple awards drivers will chase in the race. On top of the race awards, a championship battle is also underway for the Cup, with the car owner of the driver who escapes with the most points in the three events combined earning a smooth $5,000. After one race, Tommy Baldwin Racing leads the charge in the standings over Matt Hirschman.
On top of the Whelen Modified Tour, the Granite State Pro Stock Series, NHSTRA Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Pure Stocks and Late Model Sportsman will also compete during a full night of racing.
Race day at Monadnock on Saturday, June 18 begins with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour practice from 2-3 p.m., followed by practice for the Granite State Pro Stock Series and house divisions. At 4:45 p.m., qualifying begins for the Granite State Pro Stock Series, followed by NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour time trials at 5 p.m. The Duel at the Dog 200 will take the green flag in front of Monadnock fans at 8:30 p.m.
Advance tickets for the event are available today at JDVProductions.com. Tickets include both general admission and a special pass for the JDV Experience – which will give fans a unique, preferred seat for the races, along with a private autograph session with select drivers, an inspection tour, two beer vouchers, concessions voucher and more. Fans can also purchase this special pass at JDVProductions.com.
For more information on Monadnock Speedway, visit MonadnockSpeedway.com and visit the track on Facebook. For more information on JDV Productions, visit JDVProductions.com and follow on social media for the latest updates, including from the track on race day.
