MODIFIED MINUTE
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MODIFIED MINUTE
EPISODE 6
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They’re calling it the most dramatic finish in the 54 runnings of the NAPA Spring Sizzler—and in Episode 6, Modified Minute goes straight to the center of the storm, talking with the drivers and team owner who lived every second of it.
Todd Owen returns to Victory Lane in style, snapping a rare shutout season to capture the 40-lap SK Modified Sizzler feature. In this episode, Owen reflects on a 22+ year career behind the wheel—how it all began, what’s kept him going, and why “paying it forward” to the next generation of racers matters more now than ever.
Car owner Adam Skowyra breaks down a race strategy that nearly unraveled when a late red flag for oil tightened the field and raised the stakes. He shares the pride in competing—and winning—against powerhouse teams with full-time crews, while his own operation is fueled by passion and a dedicated group of volunteers.
And 2026 NAPA Spring Sizzler winner Ronnie Williams walks us through the heart-pounding final laps that sealed the victory. For Williams, this one hits deeper—going from attending the Sizzler as a kid with his grandfather to standing in Victory Lane as its champion.
High drama. Personal stories. Pure Modified racing.
This week on the modified minute. I'm not a guy who can really drive a loose race car. And the the first part of the race, Adam wanted the car to be loose, and it was. So I know I was uh I was saying some night, not nice things under my breath about him during that, but again, I knew it was all part of the plan going forward and it was gonna set us up well for the last part of the race.
SPEAKER_05I'm not gonna say I gave him the best car, uh, but he he made do with it at the end there, and uh you know he he made uh made a show out of it for sure.
SPEAKER_08You know, this is a tough sport. It's not like you can go out and you can buy a uh a baseball glove or a bat and just go play. You gotta have somebody that has the ability to help you get uh started with the right people and the right tools and the right situation.
SPEAKER_11So all that plus hot dog of the week, radio replay, and either or. So tighten those belts because this week's modified minute is next. They're called the Mod Squad. Ground Pounders. The men that live by the grace of God and 600 horsepower.
SPEAKER_03Here they come to the strike, down to the finish, checkered flag in the air.
SPEAKER_12Pop senor up the hill. Here comes Salamino to the inside. Here comes John Beattie Jr.
SPEAKER_11And off the corner to the line they come. This is the Modified Minute. Go inside the world of modified racing with Jackaroot. Modified Minute is brought to you by Wadell Communications, the official track side radio supplier for the Mod Squad. By Mid-State Sight Development, safety, knowledge, and innovation. By Wheelers Auto Services, the finest in top-level service of premier automobile makes and models. By Hummel Brothers Quality Meets. 100% quality since 1933. By Riverhead Building Supply. Build smarter. Build better. By New England Racing Fuels. New England's authorized distributor of Sunoko fuels and products. And by Ferguson contractors, building excellence since 1925. Here's Jack.
SPEAKER_09Hey, welcome back. Thank you for joining us for another episode of the Modified Minute. Well, they call it the greatest race in the history of spring, and this 54th rendition certainly did not disappoint. So let's take a look back at the Stafford Action as well as the Smart Modified Tour race at the Wake County Speedway.
SPEAKER_11Time to get you up to speed in the modified world. Up to speed is brought to you by Mid-State Site Development. Mid-State safety, knowledge, and innovation.
SPEAKER_02Trouble for championship brand and time to compiled into turn number two modified.
SPEAKER_09Lambros on the bottom side of the race track and looks like Lambrose.
SPEAKER_02That 77 card just jumped the nose ever so slightly ball with a run on the bottom side of Joey Bron. Battle for the lead no more.
SPEAKER_13Oh my goodness! Burt Myers gets in a little too deep and takes out Jake Crumb as it sends him to the outside wall.
SPEAKER_02Oh, he's pulling up to the bumper. Bumping gray style at Wake County Speedway. Crumb hits the front end of Burt Myers' machine. Crumb has been known in the past to have a tempered crucial restart late in the Mod Squad National. Great restart by Danny Bone. Danny Bone, a little bit of advantage. Can he do it again off of turn number two? A little bit sideways at Danny Bone to the lead in the Mod Squad National. Danny Bone has been the card defeat so far this year. Danny Bone is a former hockey player and a hockey aficionado. And today he will score the hat trick in 2026. Three wins and the lead is coming in the Mod Squad Nationals at Wake County. Oh boy, here we go. Lambrose on that final lap, bringing out the caution, and that will result in a restart. A green, white checker finish. Who is it gonna be at the line?
SPEAKER_00Danny Bone, edges ahead and win. I've never been the guy to win a lot of races every year, and you know, always was consistent, but the knock three out of six off from the smart tour with the competition we racing in. You know, it's just a testament to these guys and how hard they work on this car. It's been a lot of fun.
SPEAKER_09Then, on Sunday, it was time for the greatest race in the history of spring. First up, the 40 lap SK modified main event.
SPEAKER_04Double greens are waving in the air. Bottom of turn number one, Marcello Romano. Riplides to the inside.
SPEAKER_12And is about to put a lead. Here comes JP to the inside.
SPEAKER_03What a dog fight at the front of the field for the race lead, and another lead change at the start-finish line. Jonathan Julio goes back to the point.
SPEAKER_12Takes Christopher with them. Christopher has the leverage on the inside line with the frontal lurking in third. Christopher charges the corner into three. He's got the lead again.
SPEAKER_03There comes Todd Owen, jams that car right to the inside of the racetrack.
SPEAKER_04Julio glued to the back bumper of Owen as they come off the turret.
SPEAKER_03Julio has one final shot off of turn number four. Contact at the front of the field, but it's not enough. Todd Owen takes the checkered flag and the win here in the first SK modified feature event of the season.
SPEAKER_08You know, I'm like I stuck. 55 minutes they are always uh keep your head up, and we we went to work this winter, we built a new car.
SPEAKER_09Next up, it was time for the SK Lights, and the winningest driver in that division, Chris Matthews, scored his 26th career victory.
SPEAKER_12Matthews pulls up to the 50, takes a look to the inside, tries the bottom top with a lead and three. Chris Matthews has done it.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, broke our was just rocking. It was uh it was great. A couple laps to get going, and then it would just roll.
SPEAKER_09And then finally, it was time for the ground bounders, the open tour type modified for the 54th running of the Napa Spring Sizzler.
SPEAKER_04Ah, here they come, the mighty modified, pounding the pavement for the 54th Napa AutoPart Spring Sizzler.
SPEAKER_12Chapman's car gets a little wide off of two, allowing silk to pound. He goes to the inside for the lead.
SPEAKER_04Watson's car comes to a halt, coming on turn number four.
SPEAKER_03All the lead lap cars are heading that way.
SPEAKER_04We flag is back up, we're back underway, and it's once again it's one silk out for Eric Beers, showing why he is the champion. Hill move, take over the lead, pulls away down the back straightaway. Here comes Silk, he takes back the lead, turn two.
SPEAKER_12Don't wasting no time. He got in mind, and then half a lap later, made his move to take the top spot back. Fears pushing the 16, he bothers John Thunder Still for the lead, and he's got it back.
SPEAKER_04Here comes Silk, both move, turn three. Brand new leader emerges off turn four. It is Ron Silk. Trouble now. Fierce is sideway. I can get in there. Make contact with Dilk.
SPEAKER_12They're still fucking together off of four. Battle for the lead. Tyler Chapman got a great run off of two. Couldn't time it right. Stay to half a car lead behind Ron Stone.
SPEAKER_04It is Tyler Chapman out front, and the fans are jumping up and down to the seats. Here it's still here comes Ronnie Williams. Williams loses to the top three. And here they go. Chapman and still inside and out. All of a sudden, here comes Williams to the inside of silk. You'll go for second.
SPEAKER_03Williams to the bottom to challenge, so for second with 20 to go. Juan still to the outside lane. Chapman to the inside. Off of turn number four. Racing for the lead in the Napa Spring Sizzler. They are stacked up. It's a high-speed pace lap. Two laps to go. Three cars to settle it. Ronnie Williams has the point by a half-car left over Austin. Here's a Tyler Chapman.
SPEAKER_12Williams is not letting that bottom lane open up for Tyler Chapman or for anybody with that matter. Down the factors can go again. I shot from behind by Chapman, but Williams holds strong.
SPEAKER_04Here they come, white flag is up, no surrendering at the point. It's still Williams as they cross the strike. Fears still running strong to the outside lane.
SPEAKER_12Tyler Chapman wants to go. He pushes Pat Spears coming off of turn two. Now Williams looks to protect the bottom lane. Two turns away from victory.
SPEAKER_04No question about it, they dive to the bottom of turn three. Here comes Austin Fears. The fans are jumping up and down in their seats. But it is Lonnie Williams, the takedown. The greatest race in the history of Spring.
SPEAKER_06I can't wait to drink that milk, because I've seen so many guys do it. So to have this gear, to have this me looking like a racehorse right now, to have this milk.
SPEAKER_11It's beautiful. It really is. Again. Let's take a look at the chases for the championships. With his third consecutive win of the season, Danny Bone retains the top spot in the smart modified standings. Ryan Newman's photo finish for second at Wake County keeps him in second. Jack Baldwin remains in third while Bert Myers moves up to fourth and Joey Braun occupies fifth. The Smart Tour has a break now until May 29th when they race at the Franklin County Speedway. Steven Kopstick's win at Thompson moved him into the top spot of the Wheelin Modified Tour. Defending Champ Austin Beers is seven points back, with the rest of the top five being Tyler Ripkema, Patrick Emmerling, and Justin Bonsignor. Next up for the Tours, their return in more than 30 years to the Oxford Plains Speedway this weekend. The ROC series shows Matt Hirschman atop their standings with Paulie Hartwig the third in second. Jack Ely Blake Barney and Gunner Ziner round out the top five. The ROC moves next to Shangri-Lock Speedway on May 9th. John McKennedy leads the Monaco Tri-Track Chase with Michael Christopher Jr. in second. Patrick Emmerling third, followed by Jake Johnson and Ronnie Williams. Their next race is May 23rd at the Waterford Speed Bowl. The MRS series heads to the Lee USA Speedway on June 12th. With Patrick Emmerling ahead of Ronnie Williams, Jacob Perry, Anthony Nosella, and John McKennedy.
SPEAKER_09You know, outside of the Stafford SK5K and the TC-13, every SK modified racer wants to win the Spring Sizzler SK race. This year's winner is front and center in this week's SK Soundings.
SPEAKER_11This is SK Soundings. News from the SK, SK Lite, and 602 Modified World. Brought to you by Wheelers Auto Services. The finest in top-level service of Premier Automobile makes and models, specializing in European, Japanese, and domestic vehicles.
SPEAKER_09Well, joining me now is the winner of the 40 lap SK Spring Sizzler last Sunday, Todd Owen. And Todd, how important was it for you and your team to win that race?
SPEAKER_08Well, yeah, we went into the year, um, into the race, just hoping to have a good top five, you know, strong outing. Uh, you know, obviously you always want to try to win, but you have to set realistic goals to start the year, and uh you know, to have the opportunity to run up front with them guys and and to have a car that could, you know, have a chance to compete was really what my goal was. And uh to get to win was just an added bonus.
SPEAKER_09I want to go back because you I think you've been at Stafford longer than I have, or at least continuously.
SPEAKER_08I don't I I I don't I don't I don't I don't think so, but almost.
SPEAKER_09Almost. My my point is ta take me step by step on how you decided to go from a family race sponsorship to getting into a street stock and then moving to the pro stocks and eventually to an SK.
SPEAKER_08Well, you know, I mean, uh, I guess I was fortunate enough that that my father uh knew racers, knew uh guy that he helped out, you know, a little bit as a sponsor. And I was able to be a kid just watching him be around it, and I I uh I got the I got the the thrill thrill of it, and you know, this is a tough sport. It's not like you go out and you can buy a uh a baseball glove or a uh a bat and just play. You gotta have somebody that has the ability to help you get uh started with the right people and the right tools and the right situation. So racing was a lot different back then. If you wanted to do it, you had to go find a way to do it. You can't just you couldn't just go buy a car and have somebody set it up and and and do all that. So um it's it's it was definitely different. But I was just fortunate enough again to have a father that got me started into it, and uh we were lucky enough to always kind of maybe you know, I was lucky enough to have the right people come into my life to help me continue on and and and move forward.
SPEAKER_09When you look at the first time that you strapped yourself in that street, my god, what went through your mind?
SPEAKER_08I mean uh I actually went to driving school before that in Florida. Um my father sent me to a school, which was you know a very huge help to get started, because I mean we would have we would have gone to the racetrack and knew nothing. But um but honestly the first day I went there we went down about four left side tires with the tire truck because we had no idea the difference. We didn't you know what I mean? We didn't know we even though my father was around race cars, he knew nothing about them. And that's kind of how it started, and then you know, I was obviously you know a 16-year-old kid. I came from no car experience, no cord image experience, nothing like that, because it wasn't really um it wasn't you know as easy to come uh to come by as it is now. So it was definitely a learning curve for sure. I didn't even know how to change oil when I started, so it was it's definitely a whole uh it's been a learning curve ever since.
SPEAKER_09It kind of makes sense to me now why you always look out for the young kids moving up. You needed to mentor them the way maybe possibly people in your life mentored you when you first got started.
SPEAKER_08I mean, I t you know, i it's the racing deal is it's a tough thing, and you know, not for nothing, but even like your family, for example, I mean you guys were around racing a little bit, but when David started racing and moving up, I mean, you know, the the the modified background wasn't really there, even though you guys were SK even though you guys were SKE founders, right? So it's if there's nobody out there to help, I mean none of these kids are gonna learn. Nobody's gonna the sport's not gonna move forward. Um and without the people that helped me learn and and move forward, I'd never be around either. So I kind of feel like it's uh it's a pay forward kind of kind of uh sport, and if you can help other people then, you know, uh achieve what they want to do, they're gonna continue on in this work.
SPEAKER_09So tell me Todd, how did Cassie Pro come about?
SPEAKER_08Well, Cassie Pro was actually um Butcher. Uh he used to work at Riverside Park for the Heralds when Apple's was open. Uh he built Protox for them, basically for only for them. He built a few selected cars for people that he wanted to, kind of thing like that. And then when Riverside closed down, he had basically built uh I would say at least a third of the cars at Stafford, one of mine included. Um unfortunately, because of when Riverside closed, and then you guys a few years later got rid of them as well, it kind of just basically put them out of business. So he was always my mentor, he was like my my my coach growing up, taught me everything I you know, a lot of what I know. And he had got away from racing, he just went and got a real job and I went to ride for Brad Linda from reliable welding. And when I uh when I was kind of looking to maybe do my own thing again back at my shop and get back into my own, you know, my own number or my own thing. He called me up one day, he had the neck surgery, and he said he just wanted to kind of help me know get going a little better. And we started building we we we started working on my car ahead of the time and we built one new car and then it kind of took off from there. And and the reason I call it Chassis Pro is only thankful thanks to him. That's his name, that's something that he started years ago. Um, unfortunately, because of the situations, it kind of put him out of business. But it's more just of a a thank you name, you know, thank you to him. Yeah. He's the I'm I'm uh I put it like this, like I'm the car chief of the operation, right? I make sure everything goes, everything runs smooth, everything's the parts are there, the pizza are there, that kind of thing. But he's the brains of the operation for sure.
SPEAKER_09You know, I find it interesting that coming from not really knowing a lot, buying those those left side tires, that all of a sudden now you're providing chassis and power plants and race cars for the SK modified division for other clients. So was it all self-taught? Where who did you who and where did you tap into for the knowledge?
SPEAKER_08Well again, I think you know, Butcher obviously has the chassis knowledge part, and then um, you know, obviously you just you try to find the right partners, and you know, Donnie Wood from Rad does the engines, and you just kind of you try to find it it's just like any other business, you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with. And you just try to find um you know the right the right people to to support your operation. And I just basically learned how to be an organizer. And that's you know, and at the end of the day, racing teaches the young people a lot of life lessons, whether it teaches you finances or deadlines or anything of that sort. It teaches you how to how to handle a lot of life lessons. So that's kinda how I had to do it. Um, you know, I lost my father early in life, and basically nobody's gonna do it for you. So if you want to do something, you just gotta go after yourself.
SPEAKER_09You know, you strike me as I've and I've known you for years, known you all the way back to the pro stock era. Um you kind of tackle things with a blue-collar uh attitude, and I don't mean that in a negative way, I mean it in a very, very positive way, where in today's day and age it's COD, call on dad. It's it it it's you know, go down to Fury and buy a race car. You on the other hand, even the clients that you take on, I remember how you schooled David. That it it it's more important for you to not only pass on your knowledge, but also, as you say, teach them important life lessons.
SPEAKER_08I mean, it's uh Again, it's it's watching kids, you know. I mean, Brian Arducci was one of my early guys that I helped. Um, you know, he started off with me, and you know, he was the kid that kind of had all he had everything figured out being younger, and he you know, and he maybe he maybe he he maybe took some different choices that he if he looks back now. I mean he spotted for me on Sunday again, it was our first race back together in a long time. Um and you know, he just watched him growing up, and if you talk to him now, he'll say, Man, Todd, you probably weren't really that off. You know, and I you know, he watched David, and David and David, you know, legit when he started, I mean, as much as again coming from a racetrack family, didn't know much about cars, and now they're in their own garage building their own cars and doing their own stuff, and it's pretty cool to see. And you know, the the the people that I've worked with that you know, the Zach Sagamano that, you know, again, he where that kid was four years ago to where he is now as a person, it's great to see. It's nothing to do with their ability on a racetrack or how they can drive or anything like that. But yes, in today's day and age, fathers can go buy rides, fathers can buy cars. But at the end of the day, that doesn't help you in life. You know, and I try to give I try to I I try to you know, instill life lessons. Um but obviously it's an expensive sport, so it's also nice to have a father behind you that can help you do it for sure.
SPEAKER_09Well listen, uh I'm I'm very proud to to know you and know your philosophy of paying it forward, and more importantly, as you say, away from the racetrack, the lessons that those young men that race your race cars learn, that will pay off for them. And who knows, maybe down the road they'll do likewise for some young aspiring driver. Todd, it was great to see you back in Victory Lane. It was uh a little disconcerting last year, but you're back and you're back with a vengeance. Congratulations.
SPEAKER_08All right, thanks for having me on. I appreciate all the all the work. Thank you.
SPEAKER_09This week, we're gonna take you inside Joey Coulter's Great Ghost, Rum Runner O2, for a few laps. It's radio replay time. With Coulter and his spotter Tyler Cox.
SPEAKER_11It's time for radio replay. Radio replay is brought to you by Waddell Communications, your Northeast track side dealer for radios and repairs. Footage provided by Fenceline Films on YouTube. It's now time to reveal this week's modified minute hot dog of the week. Someone who stood above the rest. Brought to you by Humble Brothers, Quality Meets. The top dog in modified racing. 100% quality since 1933.
SPEAKER_0923-year-old Austin Beers qualified 11th for the Napa Springs Tizzler, but he showed very quickly that his Jensen racing 179 was certainly going to be a contender. By the halfway mark, Beards was already fighting for the lead.
SPEAKER_04When a new leader emerges off turn four, it is one still.
SPEAKER_09Hangs on to it into the grass, he goes, but undaunted, Fiers restarted last and quickly returned to the front. With just two turns left in the race, it was Beers' time to fight.
SPEAKER_04Dive to the bottom of turn three. Here comes Austin Fierce. The fans are jumping up and down in their seats. What idiot, Ronnie Williams.
SPEAKER_09In the end, Tyler Chapman edged the wheel and modified tour champion per second, but his performance earned him Hot Dog of the Week. 100 green flag laps. It has a long and storied history. Winning a Napa Spring Sizzler marks you as one of Modified Racing's true elite. Let's meet Richard Winner.
SPEAKER_11It's Racer Spotlight time on the Modified Minute. Racer Spotlight is brought to you by Riverhead Building Supply. Build better. Build smarter. Here's Jack.
SPEAKER_09Joining me now is the newest winner of the greatest race in the history of spring, Ronnie Williams winning the 54th rendition of the Napa Auto Parts Spring Sizzler. Has it sunk in yet?
SPEAKER_07Um, not really. It's one of those things where, again, I keep looking back in the videos because I was a little confused on the last lap hole ordeal. But yeah, I mean, to win the spring sizzler, uh, again, to be looking like a racehorse and drinking the milk, it was an awesome feeling to actually accomplish that. Um, and the way we did it as well, it was just uh great thing for the guys, great thing for me. And it's just hopefully we just continue on this nice little roll that we've had the last few months.
SPEAKER_09You started in the 17th spot. What what happened during your heat race that put you that far back?
SPEAKER_07It's funny. Whenever we go to Stafford for the either the spring scissor or fall final, we always start in the back. So the heat race was not good. Um, we were just way too loose um all throughout the corner, and we just fell back to sixth, I think. So we started second, fell back to sixth, and again, that the confidence there is like, oh crap, here we go again. Like we're just gonna have to do some work, but hopefully, like we've had good pit stops, so hopefully these guys can get us out front. Um, didn't have the best pit stop, so I think we I think we were on like 10th or 11th after that. Um but yeah, it was uh it was just one of those things that we're kind of accustomed to starting in like the like mid to backpack, but yeah, we just kind of worked our way, whether it was the pit stops or me passing guys in the first half of the race, really didn't go too far. Um I think we're like 13th or 14th, nothing crazy, but Adam had a plan. He had his idea of what he wanted the car to be in the first half of the race, and then the last part, um, we were definitely one of the best cars. I don't think we're the fastest. I think Beers had the fastest car at the end with new tires or whatever it was, but we were just in the right place at the right time.
SPEAKER_09You mentioned the fact that the first half of the race, you know, Adam had a plan, and you flew really deeply under the radar. Was the car capable of doing more or did it come to you in the second half of the race?
SPEAKER_07Um, it really came to us in the second half of the race. It didn't have any more than what I was giving. I kind of wanted to get up there a little sooner, but I just I'm not a guy who can really drive a loose race car. And to the first part of the race, Adam wanted the car to be loose, and it was. So um, I know I was uh I was saying some night, not nice things under my breath about him during that, but again, I knew it was all part of the plan going forward and it was gonna set us up well for the last part of the race. So that's the part that matters. I don't care if you're good on lap 10, I want to be good on lap 95 to 100, and that's what we were.
SPEAKER_09Yeah, they say the pay window then opens.
SPEAKER_07Exactly, exactly.
SPEAKER_09So take me through the last several laps. Most pundits are saying that that race was probably the most exciting, dramatic spring sizzler in its 54-year history. How about from your standpoint?
SPEAKER_07Yeah, it was um I don't think it was as exciting from my standpoint just because I wanted to keep on the low side, and I wanted to keep Beers on the outside of me, and I wanted to keep Chapman behind me, and my spotter did a very good job of um displaying everything, what the guys were doing, what Chapman was doing mainly behind me. But I just wanted to make sure that I knew Beards couldn't get around me on the outside. I've defended that with Rocco in the past and Copsick in the past and the SKs back in 18 and 19. Um, so I'm kind of used to that, but again, it was new players. I really haven't raced around Beards too much. I really have not raced against Chapman too much. So I don't know how they were going to be, but I've seen them. They're clean, respectable race car drivers that I knew if I gave them the room, they were gonna give me the room. Um, but yeah, watching the last final five laps on my way home, and then I've watched it probably, I don't know, 20 times already today. Um, yeah, it was uh definitely a hell of a finish. And I was a little confused too, like even on that final lap, because I knew Chapman was behind me and Beers was to my outside, but I didn't realize Beers dropped back, and then got a boot from Chapman, which sent us both up, and then Beers made a hell of a move on the bottom there because I remember seeing a red car in my like little vision here. Um, so I thought it was Beers who punted me, but they said it was Chapman. So I was all confused on what actually happened until I went back and saw it. But yeah, that must have been a hell of a race to just watch, especially after that 50 plus minute delay that we had. Um, I was happy the fans got to see something here.
SPEAKER_09They, you know what, they they say that it was it was an outstanding performance by the three of you, and that any of the three could have won. What a great rejuvenation for Les Hinckley's operation. Uh and and also kudos to Tom Jensen and Austin Beers. You may or may not be aware of the fact that you know Beers tangled uh in the final third of the race and was relegated back to the back after bringing out caution. And all of a sudden, I don't know about well, you I'm sure your spotter told you. I looked up and here he comes again.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, it was one of those things where it's like um like on the restart, my spotter always tells me who's lining up around us. And when he said the 179, I'm like, really? Like, we're I again I just saw him in the grass or whatever it might be. Like I was expecting like silk or like Coptic right there, but it was like the 179. I was a little confused by that. So yeah, and again, I didn't know the strategy that they had. I don't know, even know if they put on fresh tires. I'm just assuming that because of how fast he went through the field. Um, but again, we had a pretty good restart with Chapman. I've gotten pretty close with Chapman just because he has done a lot of work around my house, he does phenomenal work uh with landscaping. So I've gotten pretty close with him and I talked to him a bunch. So I knew me and him were gonna race good. I've never had an issue with beers as well. And again, with his pedigree and what he's been able to do, I knew he was gonna be very respectful. So um, yeah, I think it's only it's only gonna continue from here. Those guys, it seems weird to think that I'm the oldest out of all those guys that we're talking about, beers and chapman, but I'm sure there's gonna be more down the road, and it's just gonna again come full circle knowing that if I'm in their position, I'm gonna race them with respect and not try to boot them out of the way. That's that's how I go.
SPEAKER_09There are Ronnie, a few crown jewels in the world of modified racing. And you chased this ground jewel for a very, very long time. I happen to be standing behind your crew when you squeezed across the finish line in front and they erupted. How about you in the car?
SPEAKER_07Yeah, that was uh that was one of the things like my father talks to me a lot about. He's like, Oh, I can't wait to see your reaction from the uh winning the Richie Evans, like the in-car when you cross the start-finish line. And I was just calm. I like it was like we were we had a four-second lead on Emmerling, like everything was going good. Like it just like it is what it is. We won the race, awesome. Um, but that one that one meant a little bit more. I was definitely a little bit more amped up in the car. I I lost my um my voice for a little bit just because how much I was screaming on the radio. Just I don't normally get pumped up. I like to keep a level head here. Um because again, it could have been a situation where something happened and I finished second or third. I didn't any one of those three or even four guys there could have won it. So um, but that was to win the spring sizzler um at that main event at Stafford, and to have all those things there, knowing that I'm gonna be on that list forever. It's just uh all that kind of came to me at one point.
SPEAKER_09Well, remember the last time you visited, we visited together. You we were I I expressed my surprise at just how many races you have been successful at taking a checkered flag. Now you can check this one off the bot off the list.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, yeah. And that that's the best part about racing, I think, is like we win the spring sizzler and we are pumped up, and I'm gonna be watching this for a long time. I'm gonna be showing my kids this for a long time, thinking their dad is cool. And but we have a race in two weeks at uh Waterford, and we want to go win that one too. So it's uh it's one of those things that we're never gonna stop. It only just fuels our fire, but it also like we're at the top right now. Last year at this time, we were at the bottom. Like Adam and I had it out at the spring sizzler last year, and it was a tire situation, and just like like oh, okay, tires caused us to have this huge argument. So we were at the low of last year, and now we're at the high, and now we just gotta continue on that high and maintain the level that we're at.
SPEAKER_09Well, it was a real treat to watch you finally score that victory. You were very funny in victory lane. I I I I wasn't sure when you referenced that you felt like a racehorse, but then I realized it was it was the winner's wreath, and and you know, I haven't seen a racehorse drink milk though.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, yeah. I mean, we have horses ourselves. Uh, me and my wife do, and then we just got into the horse racing industry and we have ownership in a couple racehorses now. So wow, you're branching out, my friend. Yeah, yeah, certainly. So uh we like all forms of racing in my family. So um, yeah, it was just one of those things that going up to Saratoga and the Kentucky Derbies this week. Um, you'll see those type of things on horses. I actually wanted my wife to put that on our horses um at home, so there might be a picture coming out soon with that. But yeah, it was just uh that everything that Stafford does for that event and just the prestigiousness that comes along with it and the stuff that's presented to you. Sitting in turn four when I'm a kid with my grandfather and cousins, you never expect to be there. Like I never expected to race an SK ever in my life, and just to be able to do what I've done now went 31 times at Stafford. This just it's unbelievable to me. But again, we're not done. We're not finished. I'm not gonna be set at hey, 31's good, we won the spring scissor, we're done. No, let me go win the fall final now. Let's go do something like that. Let's go win a tour race at Stafford. That would be awesome.
SPEAKER_09That's what racing is all about, is what fuels the passion. Ronnie, congratulations to you and your entire team. You are a sizzler champion.
SPEAKER_06Thank you, Jack. I appreciate it.
SPEAKER_09No driver ever wins a race without a top-notch performance by his crew in the pits. And that was the case for Ronnie Williams when he captured the Napa Spring Sizzler. Leading Ronnie's crew was Adam Scavora. It's time to meet him in this week's Crew Call.
SPEAKER_11Time to drop in at the race shop and get the inside dope from the guys who twist the wrenches. It's Crew Call, brought to you by Ferguson Contractors, building excellence since 1925.
SPEAKER_09Well, Adam, congratulations. I know you had sought a sought a spring sizzler victory all the way back to, I believe it was 2017 when you and Chase Dowling won the Spring Sizzler 40 lap SK modified race.
SPEAKER_05Yes, yep, yeah, it's been a it's been a while. Yeah.
SPEAKER_09Where do you trace your racing roots, Adam?
SPEAKER_05Uh I started them at Speedway helping Adam Gray in high school. Um then I started dating my wife, uh, Amanda, and she was tied into the flamingo. Um and I switched over from that to the modified and um started helping, pretty much learned everything I know from Slice Aden. Um you know, um it's actually my fourth Sizzler win. Um first true chief or slash car owner, or whatever you want to call it, but um technically my fourth uh Sizzler win, but this one uh definitely needs the most.
SPEAKER_09I I I watched a shop tour and it it brought back memories of my youth because BB Zelinsky, until the day he passed, had over in the corner uh the you know his his engine tinkering, his engine building, and those of my age can remember the scourge of the M6 for oh so many years.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, yep, yeah. The uh Flamingo and uh Chris Kopek and my uh father in law Paul West have uh close ties to to BB and uh most of his tools are still right over here in the uh the shop.
SPEAKER_09Yeah. Tell me about how the race went for you.
SPEAKER_05Uh for me personally, pretty stressful. Uh I you know, first part of the race played out kind of how I wanted it to. Um kind of kept him on the freer side because I knew we had to go a long ways on those uh on those uh front tires. So uh um you know, we just kind of told them to hang on there for the front first part. Cashing came out about when I wanted it to. And uh I thought I made the right adjustments. And with that delay there, um I was getting nervous with the sun going down. I didn't probably make enough adjustments for uh for that to turn into a night race. Um but it uh somehow it played out. Uh I'm not gonna say I gave him the best car, uh, but he he made do with it at the end there, and uh, you know, he he made uh made a show out of it for sure.
SPEAKER_09Well, everybody is saying that it is uh through the 54-year history the most exciting and narrowest margin of victory ever in a Napa Spring sizzler. Uh how wound up were you as they came to the line?
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I mean, going into uh three there, I knew uh Chapman was gonna give him a shove or uh or Austin, whatever happened to uh whoever happened to be behind us. Obviously, you know that's what's coming at the uh a lot at stake there. Um he was ready for it, and uh, you know, just very very nerve-wracking last couple uh last couple laps, that's for sure.
SPEAKER_09When I talked to Ronnie a little earlier in the show, he mentioned the fact that you insisted you wanted to set the car up loose for the first part of the race. And I should share with you that he shared with me and my viewers and listeners the fact that he had some not so complimentary things to say under his breath, but then the car started to come to him. When did when did you see that your plan was coming together?
SPEAKER_05Uh when the caution came out um around halfway. Uh you know, I knew if it went much longer than that, he was gonna have a handful. Um, but um, you know, like I said, it it played out like I hoped it would. Um so now I can sound like a hero, but um that's that's bit us more times than it's uh than it's helped us.
SPEAKER_09So yeah, you mentioned the uh one hour delay for uh Dylan Izzo uh blowing a motor and just putting liquid all the way, oil, all the way around the racetrack. How concerned were you as you mentioned just a little couple of moments ago that maybe you hadn't gone far enough?
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I was uh I was real nervous. Uh when I saw that when I saw the oil get spilt everywhere, I said, Well, this is gonna be this gonna be a tough one. As soon as I saw the puff of smoke out uh coming out of his exhaust there and uh going into four, and he kept riding around, I'm like, oh boy, this is this is trouble. Um and I didn't quite expect it to take that long to clean up. You know, they did a good job, obviously, but there was a lot of oil there, you know. So um you know, they did a good job, and uh, you know, thankfully uh the sun didn't quite go down yet, and uh, you know, the adjustments worked out, and like I said, I made me look like a hero, but definitely could have turned to a zero real quick.
SPEAKER_09When you take a look at your operation, have you got all the pieces and the people and the parts and the mindset that you think you need to be able to be a contender in these tour modified races?
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I think we do. Um, you know, we have the crew, you know. I might have a little bit older crew than some of these guys. Um I take a little bit of pride knowing that we all have this is a hobby for myself. I just worked, you know, I left my house at 5 45 this morning, and I just got to the race shop. Um, you know, I work construction. I was on the road at, you know, it's at quarter to six this morning. Uh I haven't seen my kid yet today. Um come down here and work on a car. Um I take pride knowing that it's this is still a hobby for me, you know. Uh and we can we can run with these guys and be competitive with the team we have. Um there's teams, and not to knock them, that's great. They have full-time people, and um, I know some drivers work on their cars full-time, and that that's fine. That's that's them, you know. But I know, I know not so much myself. Um, I don't need any credit uh for any of the wins or anything, but I take pride in knowing that it's still a hobby for me, you know. I I work uh, you know, 6 30 to you know four or five o'clock at night every night, and you know, to come down here when I can. Um, you know, this isn't a full-time job for myself or or Ronnie, you know. I know Ronnie takes a rap for for uh just showing up with his helmet, but uh I'll be honest with you, I prefer it that way. You know, I get to do more of what I want to do, and I don't have to listen to his input.
SPEAKER_09Not that I listen to it anyways, but when you two are back and forth, and as you just alluded to, you you don't really listen to Ronnie that much. You kind of have the attitude to just shut up and drive. But but what was the key to getting both of you to find a common understanding in 2025?
SPEAKER_05Um I kind of knew what he was looking for. It just took some time to get there. And uh we had fast cars in 24. Uh we had chances that we could have won races, cautions come out, uh people spin out uh you know at unopportune times that just didn't work out for us. You know, we put ourselves in a position to win races, but it just didn't happen, you know. And uh it's frustrating. You know, I I I said I I want to win just as much as the next guy, you know. Um but we did show up with fast cars, it's just it's it's tough. Everyone wants to know, well, what's going on? You and Ronnie, you know, splitting up or whatever, but it just it happens. You know, you race long enough, you're gonna know if I'm sure everyone at racing started saying if uh if this was easy, everyone would do it. Um but it's it's not, you know, it takes a lot of the things, you know, you have to be lucky a lot more times and good um to win races. And uh, you know, it just uh the the opportunity or the the situation never arose for us to to get a win in 24. Um but you know and last year we came back, um, you know, started off a little bit slower. Um but you know we won four races last year. That's that's you know, uh would I like to win ten? Yeah, but there's teams out there. That would kill us to have an opportunity to win one. So that's not lost on me. You know, I know I know we're fortunate to be able to win a couple, you know. I mean, it's only, you know, not even May yet, and we've won two so far this year.
SPEAKER_09So and and what's interesting to me is you take a lot of pride in the fact that you do it as a hobby. Do it, you know, it's not your full-time job. So you know, explain to me this the feeling that is inside of you, knowing that you beat basically the very, very best. Not just in the Napa Spring Sizzler, but let's go back to New Smyrna when you dusted them off in the Richie Evans 100.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, yeah, yeah. New Smyrna's a little sort of subject for me. I don't want to sound uh conceited or cocky. Uh I feel bad if the Ariano raced and interviewed me right after the race, and I was it wasn't until the happiest. Uh we had a fast car all week. We should have won four nights in a row down there. And uh again, uh kind of going back to 24. It just you know, caution comes out at the wrong time. People stop on the racetrack, you know, just uh unfortunately. Um you know it is what it is, it's it's the whole picture, you know. It's just you gotta run all the way out, that's for sure. But um, you know, we should have won more races down there, you know, but it is what it is. We we we've gotta win. Um but you know, getting the momentum down there and start the year off was was was huge, obviously. Um try to keep uh keep carrying the momentum, you know, from those two, and uh, you know, we have a month off now to uh to waterfront.
SPEAKER_09So Well, it's a month to get the car ready. It's a month for you to be able to uh figure out what you're gonna do on that bull ring. Adam, congratulations. Uh couldn't be happier for you. And uh thanks for joining me here on the uh Modified Minute.
SPEAKER_05I appreciate it, Mr. Achiny. Thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_09Mikey Flynn finished third in the SK modified spring sizzler feature, and we enlisted him to tackle our either or segment.
SPEAKER_11It's either or where our guest must choose one or the other. Brought to you by New England Racing Fuels, New England's authorized distributor of Sonoko fuels and products. Sunoko, the official fuel of NASCAR.
SPEAKER_09Well, Mikey, I'm not sure if you were smart or not so smart in agreeing to be part of either or. But seeing how you're in the hot seat, shall we get started?
SPEAKER_01For sure, I'm ready. I shall ever be.
SPEAKER_09Alright, first one. Either the Daytona 500 or the Indianapolis 500.
SPEAKER_01I don't know. I think I'm a NASCAR person. I think I'm even though the Indie 500's your baby, I think I'm gonna have to go with the uh Daytona 500 on that one.
SPEAKER_09Variety is okay, so you have one and I have the other. We got it covered, right? Now I know you played football at Minichog, right?
SPEAKER_01I did. I did.
SPEAKER_09Okay, what position did you play?
SPEAKER_01I was a uh lineman. I played offensive and defensive line.
SPEAKER_09Alright. Well you can't pick football.
SPEAKER_01Okay.
SPEAKER_09Alright. Either hockey or hoops.
SPEAKER_01Um I don't know. Thinking about it right now, um, I think I'd have to go hoops. I played basketball a little bit um growing up, so I think I always wish I could have played hockey, honestly, but I just don't know a lot about it. Never got into it. I got into this racing team instead. Yeah, so uh I'll have to say hoops.
SPEAKER_09Alright. Coming to vehicle choice, either a pickup truck or a sports utility SUV.
SPEAKER_01I drive a pickup truck, so I'm gonna take I'm gonna take the pickup truck all day on that one.
SPEAKER_09Well, there in Hamden, Mountain View Driving is open, and they make some of the best ice cream, be it hand-packed or soft served. So, Mikey Flynn, what's your choice? Either hand-packed or soft served.
SPEAKER_01There are some good hand-packed though, but nothing beats nothing beats that soft serve from Mountain View.
SPEAKER_09Okay, and finally, either Ariana Grande or Jelly Roll.
SPEAKER_01Oh boy. Um, I'm gonna have to say I'm gonna have to go with Ariana Grande on that one just because um I guess I'd know more of her songs, which is how it's funny this one. But yeah, I guess uh I never really listened to much jelly roll all the time.
SPEAKER_09Well, and and I'm sure your choice of Ariana Grande has got nothing to do with the fact that she's drop dead gorgeous.
SPEAKER_01It helps her case for sure.
SPEAKER_09Mikey, we appreciate it. Hope you uh came out of it unscathed and look forward to seeing you down the road.
unknownYep.
SPEAKER_09Well, that's it for this week. It certainly was a great one for modified racing fans. My thanks goes out to Todd Owen, Adam Scavorah, and Ronnie Williams. Make sure you come back for next week's episode, where I'll be visiting with 15-year-old racing phenom Pauli Hartwig III, along with his father, as well as Marcello Rafano. Until then, I'm Jack Aroot. I'll see you again next week for another episode of the Modified Minute.
SPEAKER_11This has been the Modified Minute. Modified Minute has been brought to you by Wadell Communications, the official track side radio supplier for the Mod Squad, by Mid-State Site Development, safety, knowledge, and innovation, by Wheelers Auto Services, the finest and top-level service of premier automobile makes and models. By Hummel Brothers Quality Means, 100% quality since 1933, by Riverhead Buildings Apply, Build Smarter, Build Better, by New England Racing Fuels, New England's authorized distributor of Tonoko Fuels and Products, and by First and Contractors, Building Excellence since 1925, video provided by NASCAR, Monaco Minecraft, NESDN, and FlowRacing. If you want to get in touch with us, it's easy. Email us with your comments and suggestions. Our email address is modifiedminute at email.com, or you can instant message us at modified minute. Video versions of the modified minute are available on YouTube and Facebook to be sure to subscribe to both and grow the go. I'm Guy Abraham We will be new again to wait for another episode of the Modified Minute.