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2/24/2009
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NASCAR MODIFIEDS
CLOCK RECORD-BREAKING LAPS AT BMS |
Four NASCAR Whelen Modified Series champions were among the six drivers that
challenged the "World's Fastest Half-Mile" during a test session on Tuesday.
The cars ran with carburetor restrictor-plates early in the
afternoon. The fastest time with plates was clocked by L.W. Miller of
Dushore , Pa. Miller circled the half-mile track in 14.742 sec., breaking
Ryan Newman's Cup Series track record of 14.908 sec. set in 2003.
In the late hours of the day, the plates came off, resulting in
even faster times.
Ted Christopher, 2008 Whelen Modified Tour Champion, jumped at the
chance to test his car on the .533 mile track with the engine unrestricted.
Christopher turned the fastest lap of the evening, a mind-blowing 14.479
sec.
"It's crazy. It's intense," said the Plainville , Conn. native.
"The one thing you have to remember is to breathe. I've never been anywhere
that you can drive without lifting [the throttle]."
Christopher said race fans should be in for quite a show when the
Whelen Modified Tour returns Aug. 19 for a doubleheader event with the
NASCAR Camping World Series.
"We will have to have some give and take," he continued. "We're
going to be able to do some cross-over moves. I think it's going to be a
very technical race."
"We appreciate the opportunity to be here," said Christopher. "The
cars run around here pretty good. They're very fast."
Other drivers participating in the test were Matt Hirschman, Brian
Loftin, Ronnie Silk and Todd Szegedy.
Szegedy said the track is unlike any other he has tried to conquer.
"There are a lot of G's pushing you down into the seat," he said. "It will
take time to get used to it, but it is definitely a lot of fun."
All of the drivers were appreciative of the chance to test at the
track.
"It is an honor to be here," said Loftin. "I think this will become
one of the crown jewels of modified racing. This is one of the most fun
places to race and I think we will put on a good show later this year."
The open-wheel machines, which put out 600 horsepower and weigh
2,610 lbs., will return to Thunder Valley during the August Sharpie 500 race
week.
Driver / Time / Speed
Ted Christopher 14.479 sec. 132.523 mph
Matt Hirschman 14.577 sec. 131.632 mph
Ronnie Silk 14.722 sec. 130.336 mph
L.W. Miller 14.742 sec. 130.159 mph
Todd Szegedy 14.761 sec. 129.991 mph
Brian Loftin 15.025 sec. 127.716 mph
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Source: Wes Ramey
/ Bristol Motor Speedway PR
Posted: February
24, 2009 |
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