 SEEKONK, Mass. (Oct. 25, 2025) -- USNEPower Principal David J. Miller Jr. and NASCAR driver Patrick Emerling today announced the formation of USNEPower Motorsports, marking a new era for USNEPower’s racing involvement and a bold next step in its marketing strategy. The announcement and car unveiling took place at Seekonk Speedway before the USNEPower Haunted Hundred XL, part of the Monaco Modified Series.
USNEPower Motorsports will field the No. 1 car for Patrick Emerling on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and select Monaco Modified Series races in 2026, representing a transition from multiple team sponsorships to a more strategic focus on ownership and select partnerships. “This is the natural evolution of our relationship with the sport,” said Miller, principal of USNEPower and owner of USNEPower Motorsports. “We’ve sponsored dozens of teams over the years, but team ownership allows us to tell a more focused story about who we are – an organization built on reliability, precision, and showing up when it matters most. Motorsports is the perfect reflection of that.” “USNEPower has long been one of the most visible names in Modified racing,” said Emerling. “They’ve supported so many racers and events, so bringing them in as an ownership partner feels like the right move. The No. 1 car paired with the company known for ‘One Call Does It All’—it just fits.” Since its first sponsorship in 2017 with Rowan Pennink in Michael Boehler’s “Ole Blue” No. 3, USNEPower’s involvement in motorsports has always been about relationships—first as fans, then as partners, and now as team owners. After supporting more than 27 drivers and six race events in 2025, USNEPower will strategically realign in 2026 to focus on team ownership and a smaller number of relationships, which will be highlighted by: • Patrick Emerling – Driver for the USNEPower Motorsports-owned No. 1 (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour / Monaco Modified Series) • Tom Abele Jr. – USNEPower Super Late Model (Oxford Plains Speedway) • John-Michael Shenette – Whelen Modified Tour and Open Events • Timmy Solomito – Whelen Modified Tour USNEPower will also return as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series Duel at the Dog 200 at Monadnock Speedway (NH) and the USNEPower Haunted Hundred XL at Seekonk Speedway (MA) in the 2026 Monaco Modified Series season. Team ownership marks a decisive shift from pure brand visibility to deeper customer engagement and relationship-building. USNEPower’s Motorsports initiative mirrors its own work culture – meticulous planning, flawless execution, and rapid response under pressure. "When fans see USNEPower on a car, we want them to know why,” added Miller. “We’re the first call for factory-authorized emergency repair and preventive maintenance of electrical equipment. Racing gives us a powerful way to demonstrate that precision, speed, and reliability aren’t just part of our work – they’re who we are.” Emerling, who earned two wins, eight top-five finishes, and 10 top-tens in the 2025 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, looks ahead to 2026 with high expectations. “We’ve been close to a championship,” said Emerling. “With USNEPower Motorsports behind us, I believe we have everything it takes to finish the job.”
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 MOORESVILLE, NC, June 17, 2025 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Patrick Emerling today announced that he will once again partner with Camelback Resort for the Explore the Mountains 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race in the No. 07 SS-GreenLight Racing Chevrolet Camaro at Pocono Raceway on June 21.
“I’m stoked to partner with Camelback Resort again! My family and I had an absolute blast with them and at the resort last year,” said Emerling. “I’m looking forward to unwinding poolside after conquering the Tricky Triangle.” “We’re thrilled to enter our second year of partnership with Patrick Emerling and Snow Belt MGMT. Their dedication to performance, professionalism, and fan engagement perfectly aligns with our brand values, and we’re proud to continue building this exciting relationship together,” said David Makarsky, Managing Director of Camelback Resort. Camelback Resort will host a meet and greet with Emerling and the No. 07 Camelback Resort car at the resort on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Fans are invited to stop by the resort to get an autographed hero card and photos with Emerling and his race car. Situated in the heart of the scenic Pocono Mountains, Camelback Lodge is an eight-story, modern mountain resort featuring 453 spacious guest suites. Here, adventure awaits around every corner —whether you’re ziplining through the treetops, racing down Pennsylvania’s only mountain coaster, or splashing into fun at Camelbeach, the state’s largest outdoor water park. With Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Arcadia Adventures, multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and over 20,000 square feet of flexible event space, Camelback offers non-stop excitement year-round. So race on over to Camelback for a full-throttle adventure you won’t forget! Camelback Resort is offering regular events for the entire family throughout the summer. Every Friday and Saturday night the resort will host Straight Up Magic with illusionist Jason Bishop. Shows start at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the resort will host Firework Fridays every Friday night. Firework Fridays are open to the public with free admission and free parking. Firework Fridays runs from July 4 through August 29, 2025. Easy Auto Ship will support Emerling as an associate partner for the race. Easy Auto Ship is one of the country’s top Auto Transport firms, specializing in the shipping of privately owned vehicles, motorcycles, and heavy equipment to and from all fifty states as well as international. We work extremely hard to build solid carrier relationships so that our customers have a high-quality shipping experience at a fair price. Our instant quoting technology powers sites like Classic Cars, Hemmings, and many other well-known companies. We are a talented group of people with a passion for logistics and working with customers that need our help. Give us a call today or visit our website for an instant quote. Thank you for considering Easy Auto Ship for your auto transport needs! “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Patrick Emerling for the Xfinity Series. Patrick embodies the same drive, determination, and passion that we bring to our business every day, and we’re proud to support him on and off the track,” said Easy Auto Ship VP of Operations Jackie Hall. “We’ll be cheering him on every lap and wish him the best of luck in the race!” The Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 (100 laps | 250 miles) is the 16th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21. It will be immediately followed by qualifying. The field is set to take the green flag later that day at 3:30 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Performance Racing Network (radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/). For more information on Camelback Resort, visit them at https://www.camelbackresort.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/@camelbackresortpa/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/camelbackresortpa/).  MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 16, 2025) – Today, Spire Motorsports announced NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standout Patrick Emerling will pilot the team’s No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway where GOAT Power Bikes will be showcased as Emerling’s primary sponsor.
Emerling, a multi-time race winner on both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Race of Champions Modified Tour, brings a wealth of short-track experience and national series versatility to the team’s Truck Series program. Pocono will mark the 32-year-old’s fourth race in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competition while and his debut with Spire Motorsports. “I’m thrilled that GOAT is joining me for my first race with Spire Motorsports,” said Emerling. “Spire has really fast trucks, and GOAT has some of the fastest electric bikes on the market. Pocono is a fun and challenging track, and I’m ready to show what I can do.” Emerling competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with SS-Green Light Racing while building his body of experience across NASCAR’s developmental ranks. In 2017, the Orchard Park, N.Y., native, earned his first Whelen Modified Tour victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. His open-wheel accolades continued to stack up with a win in the 2019 Whelen Engineering All-Star Shootout at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and back-to-back Race of Champions titles in 2019 and 2020. The 2021 season was a career highlight for Emerling, where he collected three Whelen Modified Tour wins and finished second in the championship. He also made multiple Xfinity Series starts for Our Motorsports. In 2022, he co-founded Emerling-Gase Motorsports, fielding two full-time Xfinity Series entries while also competing part-time during the 2023 season. Emerling returned to full-time status in the Whelen Modified Tour in 2024, earning three wins and a runner-up finish in the division’s championship point standings. He kicked off 2025 with top modified honors at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway’s World Series of Asphalt, tallying a trio of victories in the five-day event. “It’s a perfect-fit partnership. We both like to go fast,” said GOAT PowerBikes owner Byrson Goodman. “We’re excited to see the partnership develop.” The MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, June 20, beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The race will also be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90. About GOAT Power Bikes … Frequently described as “The Harley Davidson of E-Bike Brands,” GOAT Power Bikes leads the charge for building powerful, affordable, and reliable e-bikes that empower riders to conquer any terrain. GOAT’s base model bikes have a 48MPH top speed with a price point of under $2,800, making them the best bang for your buck for anything in its class. Based in San Diego, California, GOAT Power Bikes are designed with cutting-edge technology and built for adventure. Whether navigating city streets, exploring rugged trails, or cruising along the coast, GOAT Power Bikes inspires riders to embrace the freedom of the open road and redefine their limits. About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.  MOORESVILLE, NC, May 2, 2025 – Patrick Emerling today announced he is competing in the Window World 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro in the #75 Henderson Motorsports truck.
“I’m excited to race in the truck series,” said Emerling. “Henderson has a very competitive program and I am looking forward to this opportunity.” Emerling’s primary partner will be Black Rhino Manufacturing, Inc., a purpose-driven trailer manufacturer headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, proudly delivering The Ultimate Aluminum Trailer for those who demand more from their equipment. Black Rhino is built on the values of being Robust, Resilient, and Reliable – principles that guide their products, partnerships, and purpose. Whether serving adventurers, tradespeople, or small business owners, they engineer trailers that stand up to the elements and the test of time. From construction sites to backcountry trails, they don’t just build trailers – they craft the foundation for connection, exploration, and high-performance living. “At Black Rhino, we don’t just build trailers – we build the foundation for adventure and connection. Partnering with Patrick for his Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro allows us to extend our mission into the heart of American motorsports. Patrick’s tenacity, entrepreneurial drive, and racing excellence mirror the values that drive our products and our people,” said Christen Cherry, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Black Rhino. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this historic return to North Wilkesboro and can’t wait to see the Black Rhino #75 truck battling up front.” Just Wing It Backstreet Bar and Grill and Granite State De-Icing Supply will join Emerling as associate sponsors. Just Wing It is a former food truck turned into a restaurant in Boone, NC featuring chicken wings, smash burgers and sandwiches. Granite State De-Icing Supply is a liquid de-icing equipment and material supply company based in Merrimack, NH. The company has partnered with Emerling in several Xfinity Series races in 2024 and 2025. Just Wing It is hosting a meet and greet with Emerling at its location at 117 Backstreet in West Jefferson, NC. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The Window World 250 (250 laps | 156.25 miles) is the 10th of 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice starts at 9:35 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. It will be immediately followed by qualifying. The field is set to take the green flag later that day at 1:30 p.m. with live coverage on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/). For more information on Black Rhino, visit them at https://blackrhinotrailer.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blackrhinotrailer/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blackrhinotrailers/).  MOORESVILLE, NC, April 22, 2025 – Patrick Emerling today announced a new partnership with portable air conditioning company ZERO BREEZE for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series. Emerling will utilize ZERO BREEZE’s Mark 3 Portable Air Conditioner at the track throughout the rest of the season to keep cool.
“I’m so stoked to partner with ZERO BREEZE! Having a Mark 3 unit at the track each week is going to be a game-changer,” said Emerling. “The temp inside a race car can get close to 130 degrees, especially during those summer races. Even with a cool suit it can be brutal. It will be such a relief to get out of a stifling hot race car and immediately feel fresh cool air.” ZERO BREEZE is a leading provider of portable air conditioning solutions designed to handle extreme outdoor conditions. The Mark 3 is the most advanced portable air conditioner, offering high-efficiency cooling for outdoor enthusiasts, racers, campers, and professionals in demanding environments. Known for its portability, performance, and battery-powered feature, ZERO BREEZE continues to revolutionize the way people stay cool under pressure. "Our collaboration with Patrick is not only a testament to our shared commitment to excellence, but also an exciting opportunity to bring the power of cooling technology to the racetrack,” said Max Ma, the founder of ZERO BREEZE. “The Mark 3 portable AC is a true innovation in outdoor technology, offering both drivers and spectators a chance to enjoy the same level of cooling comfort. While the driver uses the Mark 3 on the track, spectators can experience that same cool comfort at the raceway's camping areas, sharing in the speed, excitement, and coolness." To launch the partnership, ZERO BREEZE is sending two lucky fans to Talladega Superspeedway for the Ag-Pro 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on April 26. Fans can also get a special discount by subscribing to ZERO BREEZE by April 30. For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/). For more information on ZERO BREEZE, visit https://www.zerobreeze.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Zero-Breeze-1114968945208202/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/zerobreezeofficial/) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu67ms6tiDFP4GZ0GoCJ2og).  MOORESVILLE, NC, March 11, 2025 – Snow Belt MGMT today announced it signed Priority Tire as a multi-race sponsor in the Xfinity Series. Priority Tire will be the primary sponsor of Patrick Emerling, Alex Labbe and Nick Leitz in the #07 SS-GreenLight Camaro for seven races.
“We are happy to become a sponsor of NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Patrick Emerling, Alex Labbe and Nick Leitz,” said Dimitri Chernyak, President of Priority Tire. “The partnership represents a significant milestone for our company, and we are delighted to participate.” Priority Tire is an online tire shop operating for more than 20 years in the US tire market. Priority Tire’s mission is to transform the tire shopping experience by providing the smoothest order, delivery, and installation flow to their customers. Operating from multiple warehouses across the country, the tire retailer deals with the distribution of top-tier and budget-friendly tire brands. Apart from the common passenger car, SUV, and light truck tires, they also provide tires for EVs and specialty vehicles. “This deal was a long time in the making, and my team worked really hard to bring Priority Tire into NASCAR,” said Emerling, who is also CEO of Snow Belt MGMT. “The Xfinity Series is an optimal spot for growing brands that want to start marketing to sports fans. They get tons of exposure and the cachet of being a sponsor in NASCAR with a much more palatable price tag than Cup.” Priority Tire’s first primary race is at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 22. Additional races include Texas Motor Speedway (May 3), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), Pocono Raceway (June 21), Chicago Street Race (July 4), Watkins Glen International (August 9) and Daytona International Speedway (August 22). For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/). For more information on Alex Labbe, visit https://alexlabberacing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlexLabbe36), X (https://x.com/AlexLabbe36) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alexlabbe36). For more information on Nick Leitz, visit https://www.nickleitzracing.com/ or follow him on X (https://twitter.com/NickLeitz_) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nickleitz/). For more information on Priority Tire, visit https://www.prioritytire.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PriorityTire/), X (https://twitter.com/prioritytire) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pt_prioritytire/).  No. 1 Will Carry a Tribute Scheme To The Big Red Machine For Three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Events
When the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour visits Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in 2025, race fans will have the opportunity to see a special tribute scheme hit the track. Patrick Emerling, driver of the No. 1 Fleetworks Inc. Modified, will carry a special tribute scheme, throwing back to Geoffrey Bodine’s No. 1 Big Red Machine owned by Dick Armstrong. The scheme will be on the track for all three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races. The Whelen Modified Tour will visit Thompson on April 5, August 6 and October 12. All events will air live on FloRacing.TV. Emerling won the opener of the 2025 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season at New Smyrna Speedway and also won three of five Tour-Type Modified events and the championship during the World Series week. He finished second in the championship standings in 2024 on the Whelen Modified Tour on the heels of three race wins in the debut year for the team. “It’s an honor to be able to carry this scheme,” Emerling said. “Geoffrey was a true, hard-nosed Modified racer, who raced in a time where they ran multiple races per week. To be able to have his colors on the Fleetworks No. 1 is special to our team and we hope the fans will enjoy it. We’re looking forward to getting to Thompson and hoping to keep our momentum rolling.” Bodine, who had 18 career NASCAR Cup Series wins, may be most well-known for taking the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 to Victory Lane at Martinsville Speedway in 1984. Driving for Rick Hendrick, Bodine captured victory during a time where Hendrick was considering shutting down the team. The win helped propel Hendrick into the future, now with 14 Cup Series championships and over 200 wins. Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series, though - Bodine cut his teeth racing Modifieds at the short-tracks. Bodine competed in arguably the toughest era of Modified racing - racing against names like Richie Evans, Jimmy Spencer, Jerry Cook and more. Part of Bodine’s success came with Dick Armstrong as his car owner, specifically in the No. 1 Big Red Machine. Their Pinto won 55 races in one year in 1978. Bodine won countless marquee Modified events and championships, including three titles at Stafford Speedway and four of the first five runnings of the Thompson 300. To keep up with the latest news about Patrick Emerling and the Fleetworks team, visit PatrickEmerlingRacing.com and follow Emerling on social media.  MOORESVILLE, NC, January 17, 2025 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Patrick Emerling today announced he is partnering with GOAT Power Bikes for the The LiUNA! NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2025.
“GOAT Power Bikes is thrilled to partner with Snow Belt MGMT to sponsor Patrick Emerling for the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the primary sponsor at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and as an associate sponsor for the 2025 season,” said GOAT Power Bikes owner Bryson Goodman. Patrick embodies the drive, precision, and passion that align perfectly with our brand values, and we’re excited to support him as he races to success this season. Together, we’re charging ahead, both on the track and beyond.” Frequently described as "The Harley Davidson of E-Bike Brands," GOAT Power Bikes leads the charge for building powerful, affordable, and reliable e-bikes that empower riders to conquer any terrain. GOAT's base model bikes have a 48MPH top speed with a price point of under $2,800, making them the best bang for your buck for anything in its class. Based in San Diego, California, GOAT Power Bikes are designed with cutting-edge technology and built for adventure. Whether navigating city streets, exploring rugged trails, or cruising along the coast, GOAT Power Bikes inspires riders to embrace the freedom of the open road and redefine their limits. “I’m stoked to partner with GOAT,” said Emerling. “I love anything with a motor and grew up riding dirt bikes, so these e-bikes are perfect for me. I usually race on four wheels, but I’ll do it on two. GOAT’s e-bikes are incredible, and I can’t wait to introduce them to the NASCAR fanbase.” GOAT is offering fans a 5% discount on purchases with code NASCAR. Visit https://www.goatpowerbikes.com/ to see their full lineup of e-bikes. Emerling will make an announcement on his full 2025 season plans shortly. The The LiUNA! (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 5th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice starts on Friday, March 14 at 3:05 p.m. immediately followed by qualifying. The field is set to take the green flag the next day at 1:30 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Standard Time.  MOORESVILLE, NC, September 26, 2024 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Patrick Emerling today announced he is partnering with BB Roofing for this Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway. This marks Emerling’s 16th primary marketing partner in the 17 races he has run this season.
“BB Roofing is happy about this partnership. We love supporting new up and comers, giving them a chance to chase their dreams,” said BB Roofing owner Blaine Brown. “BB Roofing is your Midwest exterior expert.” The BB Roofing team is committed to providing the best service in the industry. They use only the finest materials from their supplier partners. They know that most any roofer you ask will give you a similar answer, so they take things a step further. BB Roofing has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Their customers tell their story better than they ever could. BB Roofing does more than provide outstanding service – they create raving fans who cannot wait to tell their friends about their experience. A big part of the BB Roofing mission is their involvement in every community they serve. They are active chamber members in multiple cities in addition to a number of other local community groups. They have partnered with a number of local charities to help provide resources to those in need, and the BB Roofing team frequently volunteers to directly serve their missions. “I’m looking forward to getting back in the #07 this weekend after taking a couple weeks off because of conflicts with the Whelen Tour,” said Emerling. “I’m coming off strong finishes in the Whelen Tour, including two wins, and I plan to use that momentum to deliver a strong finish for BB Roofing.” Additionally, Emerling will welcome back season-long partners SimForge, which sells sim racing equipment and accessories, and Frontline Optics, a San Diego sunglass brand owned by a retired firefighter. The Kansas Lottery 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 27th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice starts on Saturday, September 28 at 11:05 p.m. immediately followed by qualifying. Practice and qualifying will be available on the NBC Sports app. The field is set to take the green flag later that afternoon at 4:00 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern). For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/).  WINCHESTER, New Hampshire — No driver has been as dominant on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as Patrick Emerling in the last two months.
That momentum continued for Emerling in Saturday’s Winchester Fair presented by USNE at Monadnock Speedway. Not only did a spirited drive give Emerling his third victory of 2024, but he also took home a $3,000 bonus by claiming the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup that encompassed the three Monadnock events. Pursuing and then overtaking Matt Hirschman for the victory was an arduous task for Emerling, who credited everyone within owner Rich Gautreau’s organization for consistently providing stellar cars in their first year together. “That was a really hard race out there,” Emerling said. “We all raced each other like gentlemen up front there. I knew we had a really good car today, but it came down to strategy. There was a lot of stuff going on there at the end, but we stuck to our plan. I’m so grateful to run with this Fleetworks No. 1 team and we’ll keep on rolling.” Two consecutive third-place performances in the previous Monadnock races gave Emerling the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup points lead heading into Saturday. An eighth-place qualifying effort that was not influenced by the redraw meant Emerling would have to fight to maintain his points lead at the end of the evening. Further complicating matters was Hirschman starting in the sixth position, who trailed Emerling by three points in the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup standings. Hirschman successfully took the lead from Craig Lutz after 77 laps, all while Emerling patiently worked his way to second. Emerling kept Hirschman within striking distance, but could not erase enough ground to challenge Hirschman for the top spot. A late caution for Trevor Catalano’s spin in Turn 4 gave teams an opportunity to change a tire of their choice, providing both Emerling and Hirschman with some fresh rubber ahead of a sprint to the finish. It took a second restart for Emerling to get the run he needed on the top line to finally put Hirschman in his rearview mirror. Despite taking control of the race and the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup, Emerling still faced one more challenge from Anthony Nocella in the No. 17 owned by Michelle Davini. Nocella bounced off the wall attempting to chase down Emerling, but ended up settling for a runner-up finish. Nocella wanted to deliver a strong performance for Michele, who lost her husband and team co-owner Mike Davini earlier this year. While he would have loved to bring home a victory, Nocella was satisfied to see the team get rewarded for a weekend of strenuous work. “It means a lot,” Nocella said. “[Michelle] wanted to keep going and let us keep racing. This is my second time out with these guys. We had a good car at Loudon and unloaded here fast all day. We had to keep the car clean and stay up there. We had one shot to move [Emerling], but I didn’t do it. We got a little too tight and he got away.” With the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup points so tight, it was paramount for Emerling to fend off Nocella after rigorously working his way to the front all night. His triumph makes him the third different Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup champion in three years, joining Hirschman and Doug Coby. For Emerling, capturing the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup in year one highlights how quickly Gautreau’s team has matured. Building a notebook has been a crucial part of that development, particularly when it came to perfecting the setup for Saturday’s Winchester Fair. “We just had to execute,” Emerling said. “We knew we were going to have a good car coming into the day and were really fast the last couple of races here. There’s races where the driver doesn’t have to work as hard, but we had to work hard tonight.” Now that they have the Whelen Granite State Short Track Cup secured, Emerling and his team are turning their attention towards making a run at the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship. Hirschman settled for third after a dominant start to the Winchester Fair. He was followed in the top five by Lutz and Woody Pitkat. Matthew Kimball came home sixth in front of the two championship contenders, Ron Silk and Justin Bonsignore, who had multiple run-ins with one another during the closing laps. Rounding out the top 10 were Tommy Catalano and Austin Beers. Only three races remain before the 2024 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season concludes. Next up is a trip to North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday, October 5 for the Brushy Mountain Powersports 150, which will be broadcasted live on FloRacing at 7:30 p.m. ET. |
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