Modifieds Prepare for North/South Shootout at SpeedFest

Saturday’s SpeedFest 2022 will feature Modifieds for the first time as a combination event between the Midwest Modifieds Tour and the Modifieds of Mayhem. Nearly 30 drivers are entered for the North/South Modified Shootout from all around the country.

This is the second straight year the two series joined forces for an event, having competed against one another at Montgomery Motor Speedway as part of Alabama 200 weekend. Former Snowball Derby champion Augie Grill beat out eventual 2021 Modifieds of Mayhem champion Bill Burba for the win, with Phil Bozell leading the Midwest Modifieds Tour contingent by finishing third.

After working for several years to put on a North vs. South race for the Modifieds, the two series are looking forward to a third iteration of the event.

“We’re looking forward to the North/South Shootout this weekend. Entries have been rolling in and we have some of the best Modified drivers in the country competing at Watermelon Capital Speedway,” said Modifieds of Mayhem owner Stan Narrison. “It’s great to be a part of SpeedFest 2022 and working with the Midwest Modifieds Tour.”

“We used to do it at Nashville years ago but it kind of died off. Me, Bud (Gray) and Stan are trying to get it back together,” added Midwest Modifieds Tour co-owner Brian Nester. “We had the race last year at Montgomery and it went well, now we’re going to Georgia. We have a lot of northern cars going so I think it’ll be good.”

Nester is also joining in on the race weekend as a driver, bringing two cars to Crisp Motorsports Park for himself and Mountaineer 100 winner Matt Dimit to compete in the 50-lap event.

“On our side, the only thing we have to do is Bud has to do the North tech. Other than that, CRA takes care of everything else. I’m actually taking two cars and Matt Dimit’s going to drive one and I’m going to drive the other one.”

A North vs. South Modified race had been contested at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for several years before the event fizzled out. Dave Stacy and Tony Dager were among the winners at the historic 5/8ths mile during its time.

The Modifieds are just one of five divisions taking part in this year’s CRA SpeedFest. The ARCA/CRA Super Series and Southern Super Series are putting on the Super Late Model race together for the first time. Pro Late Models, Street Stocks and Legends will also be in action.

Saturday’s CRA SpeedFest will be broadcasted live from Crisp Motorsports Park. Click here to watch Saturday’s card live on Racing America.