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AT SPENCER SPEEDWAY IN RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES ACTION
Andy Jankowiak (Race of Champions Sportsman) and Carter Ridgeway (Race of Champions 602 Asphalt Sportsman)
also Victorious
WILLIAMSON, N.Y. (September 7, 2026) — Jake Lutz of Hamburg, N.Y., did what few drivers have been able to do Friday night at Spencer Speedway—he tracked down Matt Hirschman and passed him with just 10 laps remaining to capture the 60-lap Race of Champions Modified Series feature and a $6,000 payday during “Legends Night.”
It was Lutz’s first Race of Champions Modified Series victory of the season, and it came on one of the biggest nights of the year as Spencer Speedway closed out its 2026 racing season.
“Any time you can beat Matt (Hirschman), that’s saying something,” Lutz beamed from Victory Lane. “I need to thank my guys and everyone for giving me the opportunity to drive this car tonight. It was flawless, and this feels great considering how our season has gone.”
Lutz started sixth and wasted little time working his way toward the front. He moved into the top three early before setting his sights on Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa.
Once Lutz reached Hirschman’s rear bumper, he remained in his shadow for several laps, waiting for an opportunity.
With 10 laps remaining, that opportunity arrived.
Lutz made his move down the backstretch and carried it into turn three, taking the top spot from Hirschman. From there, Lutz held on through the closing laps to secure the victory and the $6,000 winner’s check.
Hirschman settled for second, while hometown favorite Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., finished third.
Paulie Hartwig of Galloway, N.J., came home fourth with Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., rounding out the top five.
Hirschman and Leaty earned victories in the qualifying races, while Hirschman also recorded the fastest time during Green-White-Checker group qualifying.
The victory provided a memorable conclusion to the Race of Champions Modified Series portion of Spencer Speedway’s 2026 season on a night devoted to celebrating the history and traditions of the Williamson oval.
JANKOWIAK, RIDGEWAY SCORE SEASON-FINALE VICTORIES
The Race of Champions Modified Series was joined Friday night by two additional open-wheel divisions as Spencer Speedway concluded its season.
Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., captured the Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series feature.
Carter Ridgeway of Williamson, N.Y., earned the victory in the Race of Champions 602 Sportsman Modified Series feature.
The racing was part of a special “Legends Night” program that also featured the inaugural Spencer Speedway “Oval of Fame” induction ceremony, recognizing individuals and families whose contributions have helped shape the history of the Speedway.
For Lutz, however, the night will also be remembered for something every Modified racer understands is difficult to accomplish:
He chased down Matt Hirschman, made the pass when it counted and walked away from Spencer Speedway with $6,000 and one of the biggest victories of his career.
Next up on the Race of Champions schedule is Race of Champions Weekend at Lake Erie Speedway. Fans can see seven divisions of Race of Champions “Family of Series” competition plus the WNY Mighty TQ Midgets in action at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, PA during a weekend celebration of the sport.
Full unofficial results from Spencer Speedway; www.rocmodifiedseries.com/
The Race of Champions is a premier sanctioning body for Modified and Stock Car racing on both asphalt and dirt surfaces throughout the Northeast, with events across New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its primary marketing partners include Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tire, Racing America,Airport Collision, Rocket Performance, Waddell Communications, Image X Design, Sherwood Racing Wheels, DirtTrackDigest.com, and Speed Sport.
The 76th Annual Race of Champions Weekend will take place later this year, continuing its tradition as the second-longest-running auto racing event in North America—second only to the Indianapolis 500.
For more information, contact Race of Champions Media at media@rocmodifiedseries.com
Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook: @RoCModSeries or visit our website: www.rocmodifiedseries.com
