The Final 10: NASCAR’s Greatest Whelen Modified Tour Legends

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has produced incredible talent over four decades. These final 10 drivers represent the heart and soul of Modified racing, each bringing their own unique story to the track. These aren’t your typical Sunday afternoon Cup Series heroes. These are the gritty, fearless racers who’ve carved their names into Modified Tour history with raw talent and unshakable determination.

After four decades of wheel-to-wheel battles, we’re revealing the final group of legends who shaped the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour into what it is today. These ten drivers didn’t just race; they dominated tracks from New Hampshire to Martinsville with a passion that still gives fans goosebumps.

Tony Hirschman: The Quiet Champion

Tony Hirschman didn’t need flashy moves or big talk. This Pennsylvania driver let his racing do the talking, and boy, did it speak volumes. Five championships and 35 wins tell the story of a man who understood what it took to win. Starting at Mahoning Valley Speedway in the 1970s, Hirschman learned racing the hard way.

When he joined the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour full-time in 1989, he immediately showed he belonged with six wins and a third-place championship finish. The partnership with Boehler Racing Enterprises changed everything. Back-to-back championships in 1995 and 1996 proved this wasn’t a fluke. Then came another title with Gary Cretty in 1999, followed by consecutive championships with the Kehley team in 2004 and 2005.

Matt Hirschman: Following in Father’s Footsteps

Like father, like son couldn’t be truer for Matt Hirschman. The younger Hirschman carries himself with the same quiet confidence his father displayed, but earns the nickname “Big Money” for his knack for winning the biggest payouts. Matt Hirschman’s 2008 season showcased his talent perfectly, earning two wins and a second-place championship finish while running part-time. That takes serious skill and determination.

Doug Heveron: Speed Beyond Limits

Doug Heveron needed speed like most people need air. This Liverpool, New York native dominated Supermodified racing at Oswego Speedway before bringing his talents to NASCAR Whelen Modified competition. When Heveron took over the famous Ole Blue No. 3 for Boehler Racing in 1989, magic happened. His first Modified Tour victory at Jennerstown Speedway in 1990 opened the floodgates for more success at New Hampshire and Richmond.

Ryan Preece: From Modified Star to Cup Success

Long before Ryan Preece became a household name in NASCAR Cup Series racing, he was tearing up Modified tracks across the Northeast. Starting at just 16 years old, Preece showed veteran racers he meant business. His 2013 championship season at age 22 proved Modified racing had found its next superstar. He earned an astonishing eight wins in four seasons with Flamingo Motorsports and secured 14 more victories with Eddie Partridge’s team.

Jon McKennedy: The Versatile Racer

Jon McKennedy races everything with wheels, but his 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship stands as his crowning achievement. This Massachusetts driver’s consistency that season was remarkable. Running for Tim Lepine, McKennedy put together the kind of season champions are made of. One win at Claremont, seven top-fives, and 13 top-tens earned him the title by just six points over Ron Silk.

Bobby Santos III: Multi-Talented Champion

Bobby Santos III has raced sprint cars, modifieds, and everything in between with equal success. His 2010 NASCAR Modified championship driving Bob Garbarino’s Mystic Missile No. 4 showcased his incredible talent. Four wins that season, including a championship-clinching performance against Mike Stefanik, proved Santos belonged among Modified racing’s elite. His move to Tinio Racing brought 11 more victories between 2012 and 2018.

Satch Worley: Southern Success Story

Few drivers from outside the Northeast have found Modified success, but Rocky Mount, Virginia’s Satch Worley, proved that geography doesn’t determine talent. This Bowman Gray Stadium champion brought his Southern racing style north with incredible results. His victories at Pocono during the 1991 Sunoco Race of Champions and at Martinsville Speedway in 1992 stand as proof that great drivers can win anywhere.

Jimmy Spencer: Mr. Excitement’s Modified Dominance

Following in his father’s, Ed “Fast Eddie” Spencer, footsteps into racing, Jimmy Spencer earned the nickname “Mr. Excitement” for good reason. His Whelen Modified career was brief but brilliant. Spencer’s back-to-back championships in 1986 and 1987 showcased his raw talent. Fifteen wins in just 90 starts represent one of the most impressive win percentages in NASCAR Modified history.

Jamie Tomaino: The Ultimate Competitor

No driver has shown more dedication to NASCAR Whelen Modified racing than Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino. With 628 starts over more than 30 years, Tomaino’s commitment to the series is unmatched. His 1990 championship season driving for Danny Ust proved consistency wins titles. Making his final start at age 66 in 2023 shows the passion that drove this New Jersey racer throughout his career.

Reggie Ruggiero: The Best Without a Title

Reggie Ruggiero might be the most excellent NASCAR Whelen Modified driver never to win a championship. Seven runner-up finishes between 1987 and 2000 tell the story of incredible talent that couldn’t quite capture the ultimate prize. His 44 victories rank third all-time, with wins coming at every major Modified venue.

Final Thoughts

From New Hampshire to Richmond, from Thompson to Stafford, Ruggiero won everywhere except in the championship standings. These 10 drivers represent the final group in our celebration of Whelen Modified racing’s most extraordinary talents. Each brought something special to NASCAR’s oldest division, creating memories that will last forever.