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The 40 greatest Modified Tour drivers

August 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM

The Modified division, NASCAR’s oldest class, ran its first race on Feb. 15, 1948, predating the NASCAR Cup Series by a full season.

From 1948 through 1984, some of NASCAR’s greatest drivers raced and won in Modifieds. They include legends like Bobby Allison, Richie Evans, Red Farmer, Red Byron, Bugsy Stevens, Jerry Cook and Fonty Flock. But as the sport continued to evolve, so did the division.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was formed in 1985. Having since transitioned from a national championship format to a season-long championship format, the Tour now hosts more than a dozen events at tracks up and down the East Coast.

RELATED: Watch NASCAR video highlights

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the modern Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Regional has named the 40 greatest NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers, selected based on their accomplishments on the Tour beginning in 1985. Accomplishments from the NASCAR Modified National Championship era (1948-84) were not used to determine this list.

The 40 drivers were revealed in no particular order throughout the summer in groups of 10. Below is the complete list of the 40 greatest NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers.

40 greatest Modified Tour drivers: Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

The 40 greatest NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers

Wayne Anderson
Tom Baldwin
Jimmy Blewett
John Blewett III
Justin Bonsignore
Ted Christopher
Doug Coby
Tim Connolly
Patrick Emerling
Richie Evans
Mike Ewanitsko
Ed Flemke Jr.
Jeff Fuller
Rick Fuller
Eric Goodale
Doug Heveron
Matt Hirschman
Tony Hirschman
Chuck Hossfeld
Charlie Jarzombek
George Kent Jr.
Jan Leaty
Donny Lia
Jerry Marquis
Jon McKennedy
Mike McLaughlin
Steve Park
Rowan Pennink
Woody Pitkat
Ryan Preece
Brian Ross
Reggie Ruggiero
Bobby Santos III
Ron Silk
Timmy Solomito
Jimmy Spencer
Mike Stefanik
Todd Szegedy
Jamie Tomaino
Satch Worley
Wayne Anderson
(Photo: NASCAR)

Wayne Anderson

  • 170 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 1994 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • Three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 34 top-five and 77 top-10 finishes
RICHMOND, VA — Early 1990s: NASCAR Modified standout Tom Baldwin takes a moment during a testing session at Richmond International Raceway in the early 1990s. Baldwin made 373 starts on the NASCAR Modified Tour between 1985 and 2004, winning six events. (Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images)
(Photo: ISC Images and Archives via Getty Images)

Tom Baldwin

  • 373 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 6 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 66 top fives and 141 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third
Jimmy Blewett, driver of the #76 Garden State Honda, John Blewett Inc., FX Caprara Modified, looks on during the Jersey Shore 150 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Wall Stadium Speedway on July 8, 2023 in Wall Township, New Jersey. (Kostas Lymperopoulos/NASCAR)
(Photo: Kostas Lymperopoulos/NASCAR)

Jimmy Blewett

  • 147 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Seven NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 32 top fives and 57 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of sixth

John Blewett III

  • 164 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 10 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 43 top fives and 78 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third
Justin Bonsignore, driver of the No. 51 Phoenix Communications, Inc. Modified, poses with his Championship trophy, after winning the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 200 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia on October 26, 2024. (Ted Malinowski/NASCAR)
(Photo: Ted Malinowski/NASCAR)

Justin Bonsignore

  • 230 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 45 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (second all time)
  • 133 top fives and 172 top 10s
STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT - MAY 01: Ted Christopher, driver of the #36 AI-Lee Installations Chevrolet celebrates in victory lane after winning the Tech-Net Spring Sizzler pres. by CARQUEST during the Nascar Whelen Modified Tour at Stafford Motor Speedway on May 1, 2010 in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for NASCAR (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ted Christopher
(Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Ted Christopher

  • 372 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 42 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (fourth all time)
  • 133 top fives and 203 top 10s
Doug Coby driver of the #7 Mayhew Tools Troyer car reacts after winning the Duel at the Dog 200 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, New Hampshire on May 6, 2023. (Nick Grace/NASCAR)
(Photo: Nick Grace/NASCAR)

Doug Coby

  • 289 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Six-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 35 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (tied fifth all time)
  • 120 top fives and 183 top 10s
Tim Connolly, driver of the #4 Connolly Companies, LLC car looks on prior to the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Lancaster Motorplex on August 3, 2024 in Lancaster, New York. (Jeffrey Barnes/NASCAR)
(Photo: Jeffrey Barnes/NASCAR)

Tim Connolly

  • 210 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Nine NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 48 top fives and 90 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second
Patrick Emerling, driver of the #1 Fleetworks, Inc. Modified, celebrates in victory lane after winning the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour during night 2 of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida on February 8, 2025. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Patrick Emerling

  • 167 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Eight NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 51 top fives and 93 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second

Richie Evans

  • 28 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 1985 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 12 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 17 top fives and 21 top 10s
  • 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee

Mike Ewanitsko

  • 289 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 28 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 79 top fives and 130 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second

Ed Flemke Jr.

  • 439 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 17 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 91 top fives and 160 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second

Jeff Fuller

  • 240 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 1992 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 31 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 90 top fives and 144 top 10s

Rick Fuller

  • 438 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 1993 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 20 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 146 top fives and 232 top 10s
Eric Goodale, driver of the #58 GAF Roofing Chevrolet, poses for a portrait before the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 200 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Martinsville Raceway in Martinsville, Virginia on April 8, 2021. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Eric Goodale

  • 227 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 5 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 40 top fives and 111 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third

Doug Heveron

  • 171 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 48 top five and 83 top 10 finishes
  • Best championship finish of fourth
Matt Hirschman, driver of the #60 PeeDee Motorsports Car, poses before the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 200 during night 2 of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida on February 12, 2022. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Matt Hirschman

  • 146 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 10 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 57 top five and 92 top 10 finishes
  • Best championship finish of second

Tony Hirschman

  • 320 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Five-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 35 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (tied fifth all-time)
  • 134 top five and 200 top 10 finishes

Chuck Hossfeld

  • 162 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Seven NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 52 top fives and 90 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second

Charlie Jarzombek

  • 25 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 6 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 7 top-five and 13 top-10 finishes

George Kent Jr.

  • 195 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 12 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 61 top fives and 117 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third

Jan Leaty

  • 257 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Nine NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 72 top fives and 122 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third

Donny Lia

  • 197 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Two-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 17 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 64 top-five and 100 top-10 finishes

Jerry Marquis

  • 213 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2000 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 19 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 74 top fives and 116 top 10s
Jon McKennedy, driver of the #79 Christopherís Towing Modified, during the Mohegan Sun 100 for the Whelen Modified Tour at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 21, 2024 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Jon McKennedy

  • 106 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • Two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 27 top five and 57 top 10 finishes

Mike McLaughlin

  • 172 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 1988 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 16 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 83 top fives and 119 top 10s
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Steve Park, driver of the #20 UNOH Ford, prepares to drive during Whelen Modified Series practice for the UNOH Battle At The Beach at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/NASCAR via Getty Images)
(Photo: John Harrelson/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Steve Park

  • 187 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 16 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 56 top fives and 86 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second
LOUDON, NH - JULY 13: Rowan Pennink, driver of the #93 Monk Mechanics Hand Cleaner Chevrolet, stands next to his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 13, 2012 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images for NASCAR)
(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Rowan Pennink

  • 166 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 38 top-five and 86 top-10 finishes
  • Best championship finish of fourth
BRISTOL, TN - AUGUST 21: Woody Pitkat, driver of the #79 Mr. Rooter/Coors Light Pontiac waits in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Titan Roof 150 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 21, 2013 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/NASCAR via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jerry Markland/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Woody Pitkat

  • 194 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 31 top fives and 90 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third
Ryan Preece, driver of the #6 Riverhead Raceway Chevrolet, celebrates winning the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia on September 10, 2021. (Ryan M. Kelly/NASCAR)
(Photo: Ryan M. Kelly/NASCAR)

Ryan Preece

  • 174 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 26 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 82 top five and 111 top 10 finishes

Brian Ross

  • 136 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Seven NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 50 top fives and 79 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of third

Reggie Ruggiero

  • 418 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 44 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (third all-time)
  • 169 top five and 227 top 10 finishes
  • Best championship finish of second
STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT - APRIL 27: Bobby Santos driver of the #44 Tinio Racing/ Imperialcars.com Chevrolet sprays milk from a jug after winning the NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler 200 at Stafford Motor Speedway on April 27, 2014 in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. (Photo by Rich Schultz/NASCAR via Getty Images).*** Local Caption *** Bobby Santos
(Photo: Rich Schultz/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Bobby Santos III

  • 167 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 19 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 58 top five and 91 top 10 finishes
Ron Silk driver of the #16 Blue Mountain Machine and Future Homes FURY Race car celebrates during the IceBreaker 150 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on April 7, 2024 in Thompson, Connecticut. (Nick Grace/NASCAR)
(Photo: Nick Grace/NASCAR)

Ron Silk

  • 268 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Two-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 27 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 117 top fives and 183 top 10s
Tommy Solomito during night 8 of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida on February 14, 2025. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Timmy Solomito

  • 129 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 9 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victories
  • 35 top fives and 68 top 10s
  • Best championship finish of second

Jimmy Spencer

  • 90 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Two-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 15 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 46 top five and 59 top 10 finishes
LOUDON, NH - JULY 14: Mike Stefanik, driver of the #66 Canto & Sons Pvng/Robert B. Our Co. Ford, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14, 2012 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images for NASCAR)
(Photo: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Mike Stefanik

  • 453 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion (most all time)
  • 74 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins (most all time)
  • 223 top fives and 301 top 10s (most all time)
  • 2022 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee

Todd Szegedy

  • 212 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • 2003 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • 19 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 86 top fives and 130 top 10s

Jamie Tomaino

  • 628 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts (most all-time)
  • 1990 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion
  • Three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 91 top five and 249 top 10 finishes

Satch Worley

  • 194 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts
  • Two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins
  • 42 top five and 101 top 10 finishes
  • Best championship finish of fourth