What Is 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

Overview

The 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour marked the 33rd official season of NASCAR's premier modified racing series in the Northeastern United States. It featured high-banked short track racing, combining regional tradition with national exposure through NASCAR's branding and broadcast partnerships.

Contested across 16 events from April to October, the season highlighted competitive parity, with six different drivers visiting victory lane. The tour maintained its reputation for close racing and mechanical innovation, drawing loyal regional fans and national media attention.

• 16 races were scheduled, beginning April 22 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Connecticut and concluding October 21 at Dover International Speedway in Delaware.
• Justin Bonsignore claimed his first career championship, securing the title despite missing two early-season races due to scheduling conflicts.
• Doug Coby entered as the defending six-time champion but finished second, narrowly losing the title after a strong campaign with five wins.
• Six different winners emerged, including Bonsignore, Coby, Ryan Preece, Keith Rocco, Jon McKennedy, and Bobby Santos III, showcasing competitive depth.
• Tri-Oval Productions continued as the series promoter, managing event logistics, television coverage, and technical regulations under NASCAR oversight.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour operates under a unique blend of NASCAR governance and modified-specific rules, allowing for high-horsepower, lightweight chassis designs optimized for short tracks. The 2017 season followed a points-based championship format with consistent race lengths and structured qualifying.

• Chassis Design: Cars used tube-frame chassis with aluminum bodies resembling production models but built for left-turn oval racing. Weight was set at 2,575 lbs with driver.
• Engine Specifications: V8 engines displaced up to 383 cubic inches, producing approximately 700 horsepower with carbureted fuel delivery.
• Race Format: Events averaged 100–150 laps, with heat races or qualifying features used at select tracks like Stafford and Thompson.
• Points System: Drivers earned points based on finish position, with 40 for a win, 35 for second, down to 5 for 40th, plus 5 bonus points for leading a lap.
• Championship Tiebreaker: In case of a points tie, the driver with more wins would win the title; if still tied, the most top-fives or top-tens would decide it.
• NASCAR Oversight: NASCAR officials enforced rules, managed penalties, and ensured compliance, while Whelen Engineering served as the title sponsor through 2020.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour final standings:

The final standings revealed how close the competition was—Bonsignore won the title by just three points over Coby, despite missing two races. Consistency across the season, particularly in top-10 finishes, proved decisive, as Preece and Rocco also remained in contention until the final event. The table illustrates the depth of talent and the minimal margins that determined the championship outcome.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal for the Modified Tour, reinforcing its role as a developmental and entertainment platform within NASCAR’s broader ecosystem. It highlighted regional racing excellence while maintaining national relevance through television coverage and driver crossovers.

• Development Pipeline: Drivers like Ryan Preece used the tour as a springboard to NASCAR national series, later competing in the Cup Series.
• Regional Identity: The tour preserved Northeast short track culture, with events at Stafford, Thompson, and Seekonk drawing large local crowds.
• Manufacturer Innovation: Teams served as testbeds for performance parts, influencing aftermarket racing component development.
• Fan Engagement: Weekly racing and driver accessibility fostered strong community ties, with live timing and social media enhancing reach.
• Historical Continuity: As a direct descendant of NASCAR’s original modified division, the tour maintains a legacy dating back to the 1940s.
• Television Exposure: Events aired on Milwaukee PBS and MAVTV, increasing visibility beyond traditional fan bases.

The 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour exemplified how regional motorsports can thrive under a national banner, balancing tradition with modern competition and setting the stage for future growth in modified racing.