14-Year-Old Paulie Hartwig, III Wins Tour-type Modified Opener at New Smyrna

The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing has a reputation for introducing rising stars to the racing world. Anyone who had not yet been introduced to 14-year-old Paulie Hartwig, III received a formal introduction on Monday night.

In the first World Series race for the Tour-type Modifieds in 2026, the young Hartwig claimed the victory ahead of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champions Ron Silk and Austin Beers.

Hartwig has impressed on several occasions already in his career, including a SMART Modified Tour victory in 2025 and four career podium finishes with the Race of Champions Modified Series, one of which came in the 2023 Race of Champions 250.

Under the bright lights of New Smyrna Speedway during Florida Speedweeks on Monday night, Hartwig scored a marquee win against some of the best in Modified racing.

Hartwig took the lead on lap 17 of the 60-lap contest and appeared destined for a runaway victory. The caution flew on lap 52, however, opening the door for Silk to line up alongside Hartwig for a late restart.

"I got out to a pretty great lead there," said Hartwig in victory lane. "I thought I burned it off for a second. When the caution came out, I was so upset, man.

"It was so frustrating, coming in here leading with only 10 to go by half a track. It sucks getting that yellow with 10 to go. We lined up on the front row with Ron Silk. We lit them up pretty good on that last restart."

Hartwig prevailed over Silk on that late restart for his first Tour-type Modified World Series win, and his second victory already during the World Series. On Sunday night, Hartwig won in the 602 Modified division.

"This is a dream come true, man," said Hartwig. "It's really cool to win here. To win yesterday with the 602 and now the Tour Mod, it was pretty damn cool."

Silk settled for second place, holding on to the runner-up spot on the late restart. Not expecting the late caution, Silk admitted he used up too much of his tire trying to chase down Hartwig earlier in the race to capitalize on the opportunity.

"When we had that long run there, I thought it was going to go green to the end," said Silk. "I drove as hard as I could to try to catch them. I was starting to get really loose right when that caution came out.

"I didn't really think I'd be able to do anything with them, and I couldn't. I was just spinning the tires on exit, but good effort. Wish I would have probably waited for that yellow and not burned it up, but congratulations to Paulie. That's pretty impressive for a 14-year-old

"He races a lot, so it's not like it's his first time in the car. He does a great job. He runs good in everything he runs, and he was better than us tonight."

Beers finished third, just as he did in Saturday's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener. It's been a solid start to the week for the 2025 Whelen Modified Tour champion.

"We're consistent so far this week, two thirds," said Beers. "We were just a little tight. I think I kind of used it up trying to maintain track position there. All in all, good race."

Beers tipped his cap to Hartwig on his victory, acknowledging the young driver is both running up front and racing with respect.

"Congrats to Paulie. Pretty cool, 14-year-old winning a Tour Modified race down here," Beers added. "He's really impressive for how young he is. He's getting a lot of reps in a Modified a lot earlier than a lot of people, but he's doing a great job and he's doing it the right way.

"Racing respectfully, and that's what people like Ron and I like to see. We don't want to see kids coming in here roughing up equipment. He's doing a great job, and hopefully he keeps doing it."

Ryan Preece finished fourth, with Luke Baldwin rounding out the top five.

The Tour-type Modifieds will be back on track Tuesday at New Smyrna following the ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial 200. Pro Late Models will also be in action on Tuesday. Tristan McKee will lead the field to the green flag in Tuesday's Clyde Hart Memorial after winning the pole award during qualifying on Monday.

-Photo credit: Grady Lundberg

World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing
Tour-type Modified Night #4 Unofficial Results