How big of a deal is the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour coming to New Smyrna Speedway? Jeremy Gerstner built a brand-new car just for Saturday's 200-lapper.
“It’s a brand-new Troyer TA1, we built it in the short offseason we had," Gerstner told Racing America. "We built it specifically for this race, a 200-lapper at my home track."
Modifieds have graced the high banks of New Smyrna Speedway as part of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing since 1976, when Maynard Troyer won the division's first championship during the February staple. However, none of those races have been under the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour banner ... until now.
For Gerstner, hailing from Wesley Chapel, Florida, it's a dream come true.
“I’ve always dreamed of having a NASCAR race here, and here we are. It’s the season opener, so we’re looking forward to it. It’s a really good paying race, we should have a good fan base. This is the best bullet I’ve got in the shop, so we’re going all-out for this race.”
While the veteran Gerstner has 33 career starts in the New Smyrna World Series under his belt, others are making their first trip to the Florida half-mile. One of those is Austin Beers, preparing for a Rookie of the Year campaign with NWMT after making four starts a year ago.
“It’s pretty amazing. I came to this facility last year, and it was my first time here since I was about five years old," said Beers. "It was cool to come here. I’m glad to be a part of the inaugural race here for the Tour and hopefully we have a good run with this No. 64 KLM team with Mike Murphy.”
Young guns such as Beers aren't the only New Smyrna newcomers in Saturday's field. Gary McDonald, a long-time veteran of Modified racing making his first trip to the World Series.
“It’s awesome to be down here," said McDonald. "It was snowing last week back home, and down here it’s nice and warm. It looks like a nice track to run on, we’re hoping to have a good day.”
The trip south has also allowed McDonald to catch up with family before the big race.
“I got to see my daughter. I haven’t seen her in a while, she lives in Melbourne. We’re having a little time together here, and the rest will be here for this show.”
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will take the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET to kick off the 2022 season.