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Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 Set for Saturday, August 3
By: Dale Wolbrink
Photo Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
LANCASTER, N.Y. (July 10, 2024) – Ole Blue is no stranger to Modified fans in Western, NY, and on August 3, Jake Johnson of Rehoboth, MA, hopes to add to that lore for the Lancaster faithful. The 21-year-old driver already has one NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win to his credit this season. He will be looking to join Ron Silk and Justin Bonsignore as the only multi-time winners when the Series heads to Lancaster on Saturday, August 3 for the running of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150.
“I am excited to race at Lancaster,” said Johnson. “It’s a new track for me. It’s also unique and different for the Tour. I hear that with the drag strip it’s like no grip, no grip, grip. I am looking forward to the challenge.
The young driver does not have on track experience at the oval; however, he did support the Boehler Racing Enterprises (BRE) team in 2023 as a crew member. Equally as important, Johnson has been doing his homework.
“Like I do when I visit any track for the first time, I study a lot of videos of all divisions,” said Johnson. “I watch to see what groove the different divisions and drivers use and if there is a progression throughout the event.”
While Johnson is eager to apply his learnings to achieve a personal victory, his primary focus is on bringing recognition to the members of BRE.
“So much goes into winning these races,” said Johnson. “You have to put so many resources together and it all has to work. It’s a huge commitment from a lot of people. At the track to all the work that goes on behind the scenes, these guys work really hard. I don’t want to let any one of them down. And, they deserve to win races.”
For the BRE team, the behind the scenes includes building their own race cars in the tradition of the team patriarch, the legendary Len Boehler. It’s a fact that does not go unappreciated by the young driver.
“The 3 car is completely homebuilt from the ground up!” There is much reverence from Jake Johnson for this team, its history and its future.
And, if fans of the greats like Fred DeSarro, Bugsy Stevens, Ron Bouchard, Mike McLaughlin, Wayne Anderson, and Tony Hirschman have high expectations of Johnson, his own are even higher.
“I hold myself to a higher standard, especially driving this car,” said Johnson, who shares a hometown with the late legendary Bugsy Stevens. “His storied history with the #3 car is cool. His resume is just the coolest.”
Johnson’s resume is turning out to be quite impressive too. With Seekonk Speedway as his home track, he was once focused on Late Model and Pro Stock competition. A shift in priorities found the team with a tour-type Modified and quickly he found himself with a Modified win. In just his first Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series start, the once full-fendered racer was an open-wheel winner. This year, in just his 23rd NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour start, he joined a long list of notable drivers to put Ole Blue in victory lane.
“Now I’m a Modified guy,” said Johnson with enthusiasm.
Johnson, the Modified guy, is keeping his eye – the one that is half blue and half brown- on the prize. To add his name to the illustrious list of winning Modified drivers to take a victory lap at Lancaster. And, in the track’s 65th year of competition.
There have been a lot of firsts for Johnson behind the wheel of a Modified, he’ll add ‘drag racer’ to his resume on Saturday, August 3.
“I’m not sure it counts but this will be the first time I have even been on a drag strip,” added Johnson.
Fans are invited to meet Jake Johnson during the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour autograph session as part of the presentation of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150. A full-racing card on Saturday, August 3 will also include sportsmen, street stocks and four-cylinders. Fireworks once again will be presented by Skylighters of New York.
Tickets are now on sale at SeetheEvents.com. The event website is hosted by Speed Enterprises Entertainment in conjunction with Lancaster Motorplex.
New Englanders looking to root on Jake Johnson at Lancaster can make a weekend of it. Best known for Niagara Falls, the local area offers tons of amenities like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Six Flags Darien Lake, and more. A number of hotels are located just miles from Lancaster Motorplex including Salvatore’s Garden Place, The Delavan Hotel & Spa, and Salvatore’s Grand.
For more information, follow Lancaster Motorplex on social media and visit the website at www.lancastermotorplexny.com
