Mason Hanel Scores First Career RoC Sportsman Modified Win at Spencer

Mason Hanel joined the list of Race of Champions Sportsman Modified winners on Friday night, taking the checkered flag on Apple Festival Night at the Races at Spencer Speedway.

The 14-year-old, third-generation driver led the final 22 laps of the 35-lap feature for his first victory in the Race of Champions Family of Series, crossing the line ahead of Andy Lewis, Sr. and Evan Rygielski.

"This is amazing," said Hanel in victory lane. "The car was really good. We were kind of battling it all day, but we got it figured out for the feature.

"Paulie Hartwig really did a good job spotting. I really had to work for this one, shoutout to those guys."

Father Bobby Hanel was on hand for an emotional victory lane celebration following his son's victor

"It feels amazing," he said. "I'm almost in tears here. We work so hard for this. Mason works hard. It's a three-generation deal. I'm just absolutely ecstatic."

On Fan Appreciation Night two weeks ago, Andrew Lewis, Jr. finished second to Mike Leaty. This time, it was father Andy Lewis, Sr.'s turn to finish on the podium. Lewis, Sr. was pleased with the speed in both of the family cars so far this season.

"We've been working at it a little at a time," said Lewis, Sr. "We're getting both of these cars rolling really good. It's really a draw. If you start up front, because this field is so tight, it's within a tenth, the top 15, I bet. It was a solid night."

Rygielski rounded out the podium, his best finish of the 2025 RoC Sportsman Modified season. Like Lewis, Sr., Rygielski echoed the importance of track position in the competitive division.

"I'll take the night we've had," said Rygielski. "I could use a little more drive off towards the end, but you can't complain when the car comes home in one piece after last week.

"It's key, track position. Starting in that top 12, it's tough. You're racing guys like Kevin Timmerman. Everybody's so close with each other. It's just hard. It's a matter of maintaining good track position and keeping your nose clean to stay up there and try to get up there for a win."

Timmerman finished fourth, with Eddie Hawkins rounding out the top five.

The Race of Champions Modified Series competes on Saturday night at Lancaster Motorplex in the 36th Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak 110. Fans can watch that event on RacingAmerica.TV starting at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The next stop for the Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series is Holland Speedway next Saturday, August 23 for the George Decker Memorial. The event is headlined by a 52-lap feature for the ROC Sportsman Modifieds honoring the late George Decker.

Next Saturday's program also includes the Rick Wylie Memorial 48-lap Late Model feature honoring one of the great Holland Speedway Champions, the FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series, ROC Super Stocks and Mighty TQ Midgets.

-Photo credit: MoJo Photos/Race of Champions

Apple Festival Night 35 Unofficial Results