What Is 2019 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was the 35th season of the series, featuring 16 races from April to October. Doug Coby won his sixth series championship, tying a record for most titles in tour history.

Key Facts

The 2019 season included 16 races across the Northeastern U.S.
Doug Coby secured his sixth championship, matching Mike Stefanik’s record.
Justin Bonsignore won a series-leading five races in 2019.
The season began on April 6 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
The final race was held on October 20 at Martinsville Speedway.

Overview

The 2019 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour marked the 35th season of one of NASCAR’s longest-running regional series. Known for its high-speed short-track racing, the tour primarily featured events across the Northeastern United States, drawing top modified drivers and passionate fanbases.

This season highlighted the continued legacy of modified racing, blending tradition with modern competition. The tour maintained its reputation for close racing, mechanical innovation, and driver rivalries that spanned decades.

16 races were scheduled and completed, starting in April and concluding in October, showcasing the tour’s consistent annual structure.
Doug Coby claimed his sixth series championship, equaling Mike Stefanik for the most titles in the tour’s history.
Justin Bonsignore dominated the win column with five victories, the most of any driver during the season.
The tour visited iconic short tracks including Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Martinsville Speedway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Each race averaged between 150 and 200 laps, with race lengths varying by track size and format.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour operates under a structured points system and technical regulations that balance performance and safety. Each race contributes to a driver’s season-long championship effort, with consistency and performance both critical.

Championship Points: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with 40 points for a win and incremental decreases down to 1 point for last place. Bonus points are awarded for leading laps and winning stages.
Stage Racing: Introduced in 2018, the 2019 season used three stages per race, with points awarded to the top 10 finishers in each stage to encourage consistent performance.
Car Specifications: Touring cars feature steel tube-frame chassis, lightweight bodies, and 850-horsepower V8 engines, optimized for short-track handling and durability.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold a NASCAR license and meet safety standards, including roll cage certification and helmet requirements, to participate in any event.
Team Structure: Most teams operate independently, with 3 to 5 crew members handling pit duties, strategy, and mechanical adjustments during race weekends.
Prize Money: The winner of each race typically received $15,000 to $25,000, with lower payouts for lower positions, funded by NASCAR and event sponsors.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Whelen Modified Tour compares to other NASCAR national series in key operational areas:

Series	Races in 2019	Champion	Top Winner	Championship Format
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour	16	Doug Coby	Justin Bonsignore (5 wins)	Points-based, no playoffs
NASCAR Cup Series	36	Kyle Busch	Kyle Busch (5 wins)	Playoff format with eliminations
NASCAR Xfinity Series	33	Cole Custer	Christopher Bell (9 wins)	Playoff format with eliminations
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series	23	Johnny Sauter	Matthews Crafton (2 wins)	Playoff format with eliminations
NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour	10	Philip Morris	Philip Morris (4 wins)	Points-based, no playoffs

The table illustrates the regional focus of the Modified Tour compared to national series. While lacking a playoff system, the tour emphasizes season-long consistency, rewarding drivers like Doug Coby who perform across all events.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season reinforced the cultural and competitive significance of modified racing in American motorsports. It served as a proving ground for drivers and teams, preserving regional traditions while adapting to modern standards.

Historical Legacy: The tour traces its roots to the 1985 NASCAR Modified Tour, making it one of the oldest continuously operating NASCAR series.
Driver Development: Many participants use the tour as a stepping stone to national series or as a career-long platform for short-track excellence.
Fan Engagement: Events regularly drew 5,000 to 15,000 spectators, especially at historic tracks like Martinsville and Thompson.
Regional Identity: The tour strengthens local motorsports culture, with strong support from Northeastern communities and sponsors.
Technical Innovation: Teams continuously refine chassis and aerodynamics, influencing design trends in other grassroots racing series.
Media Exposure: Races were broadcast on Milwaukee PBS and NASCAR.com, increasing visibility beyond live audiences.

The 2019 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour not only celebrated past achievements but also laid groundwork for future growth, ensuring the sport remains vibrant for decades to come.