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Photo credit: Howie & Mary Hodge from the Fran Lawlor Collection
Lancaster, NY (July 18, 2024): On Saturday, August 3, during the running of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, fans will have the opportunity to support one of the track’s legends, Tim Mangus of Webster, NY. For the duration of lap 93, in honor of Tim’s Mod Tour car number in the late 90’s, 1,000 fans in the grandstands will be asked to raise a small sign imprinted with “Mangus Strong.”
“With everyone’s help, Flo Racing will capture that special moment for Tim to enjoy as he watches the live broadcast,” said Mike Myers, owner of Speed Enterprises Entertainment, special consultant to Lancaster Motorplex for the event.
Mangus is at home recovering from severe injuries sustained during a fire back on May 23, 2024.
In addition, thanks to the support of Tim’s former Mod Tour competitors like Ed Flemke, Jr., Tony Ferrante, Tim Connolly, Ed Kennedy, Jan Leaty, Jimmy Broderick, and Dan Avery, the top-ten drivers at lap #93 each will receive a $93 bonus in Tim’s name.
“It is our goal to bring a bright spot to Tim as he bravely works through his recovery,” added Myers. “We believe it is also meaningful to our hometown fans, who revere the speedway’s history and competitors like Tim, who have made it great for the last 65 years.”
Other supporters of this celebration include Airport Collision of Cheektowaga, NY, former Mangus car owner Guy Ronzoni, Glenn Sullivan, Renee Dupuis, Meg Fuller Racing, and former Mod Tour Media Coordinator Mark Mocovak. Fellow Lancaster legends Sege Fidanza and Chuck Hossfeld also supported the initiative.
“No one rallies around its community better than grassroots auto racing,” said Mike Maggiore of Nu-Way Auto Parts, the race’s primary sponsor.
The Mangus family deeply appreciates the ongoing support. His partner Shirley, children, and grandchildren – Johnny, Jessie, Alex, Jim, Aurie, and Leni—have extended heartfelt thanks for all the efforts and support provided to Tim during these challenging times.
“Strong, brilliant, talented, joyful, grateful, and kind,” said daughter Alex on behalf of the family. “That is our dad, Tim Mangus. To know him is to love him. This experience has brought a whole new meaning to the word ‘grateful’ for our family. This near-fatal accident has brought us together, stronger than ever. Words will never portray how eternally thankful we are for each and every person who has supported our dad through this experience. We love you #93!”
Speed Enterprises Entertainment and Lancaster Motorplex look forward to this time of celebration with Tim, his family, and the fans on Saturday, August 3.
Already an accomplished racer, Mangus began racing competitively at Lancaster in 1993. He sits thirteenth on the all-time Modified win list with 16 victories. Mangus was on hand at last year’s Nu-Way Auto Parts 150, participating in the “Legends of Lancaster” autograph session.
Between 1987 and 2002, he made 48 starts on the NASCAR Modified Tour. He retired from full-time racing in 2005.
A full-racing card on this special night featuring the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will also include sportsmen, street stocks, and four-cylinders. Title sponsor Nu-Way Auto Parts is joined by supporters Franco’s Pizza, Thermal Foams, Russell’s Steakhouse, and West Herr Auto Group.
Tickets are on sale now at SeetheEvents.com. The event website is hosted by Speed Enterprises Entertainment in conjunction with Lancaster Motorplex.
