CLIENT NEWS

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Lancaster, NY (July 9, 2025):   Racing is often a family affair — and this Saturday night at Lancaster Motorplex, fans will see that bond take center stage as NASCAR legend Ryan Newman and his daughter Brooklyn both make their Lancaster racing debut during the highly anticipated Nitro to NASCAR Weekend.

Newman, a Daytona 500 champion and NASCAR veteran, will strap into the iconic Mystic Missile for car owner Tim Connolly to compete in the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The race marks Newman’s return to Tour competition and his first-ever start at Lancaster Motorplex.

"I’m excited to get behind the wheel of pretty much anything, but it seems the tour type modifieds have been my go to for the last couple of years," said Ryan. "I’ll be piloting Tim Connelly’s Mystic Missile for the second time this year and look forward to racing at Lancaster." 

He shared even bigger news about the race weekend in Western NY. 

"I’m excited to announce that not only will I be competing in the NASCAR Whelen Modified race at Lancaster Speedway this weekend, but also my daughter Brooklyn will be competing in a Sportsman modified," added Newman. 

The Lancaster Sportsman similar to the crate modified Brooklyn has been racing at the short tracks back home in North Carolina this season.

While Ryan gets set to chase victory in one of the Tour’s most storied cars, his daughter Brooklyn will also hit the track for the first time at Lancaster. 

“Mikey Myers [of Speed Enterprises Entertainment] and I have talked about this for a couple of years," added Newman, "and he has been instrumental in getting Brooklyn a competitive car"

Brooklyn will compete in a Sportsman entry fielded by the championship-winning Rutherford Racing team, taking on some of Lancaster’s top weekly contenders. The Rutherford team has a long-standing record of success at the track.

The father-daughter duo will share this milestone moment together, each making their Lancaster debut on the same night.

“Having Ryan and Brooklyn Newman compete at Lancaster during our Nitro to NASCAR weekend adds even more excitement to an already strong event. Ryan’s a household name in racing, and it’s great to see Brooklyn making her own mark behind the wheel. Fans are in for a great show,” said Myers of Speed Enterprises Entertainment, special consultant to Lancaster Motorplex.

The weekend kicks off Friday night, July 11, with nitro-powered action on the dragstrip.

On Saturday, July 12, all eyes will shift to the oval as the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 brings the stars of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to Lancaster. The card will also include a full lineup of local racing divisions, including the Sportsman, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinders. Before the green flag drops, fans are invited to a special Pre-Race Pit Party from 6:15 to 6:45 PM, where they can meet Tour drivers, collect autographs, and see the cars up close. The night closes with a fireworks presentation by Skylighters of NY. 

Tickets are on sale now for both Friday and Saturday events at LancasterMotorplexNY.com. 

This weekend at Lancaster Motorplex promises unforgettable moments.

Lancaster, NY (July 8, 2025):  While the drivers are the stars of the show, fans will take center stage at the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 on Saturday, July 12, as Speed Enterprises Entertainment hosts a lineup of fan-focused activities as part of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Lancaster Motorplex. From meeting the stars of the Tour to showing off throwback T-shirts and road trip mileage, the race day festivities promise to deliver unforgettable moments.

“Trackside with the Tour” Pit Party

Location: Lancaster Motorplex Upper Pit Area (NASCAR Paddock Area Only)

Time: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

The excitement kicks off with the “Trackside with the Tour” Pit Party—a 30-minute experience where fans can get up close with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars, crews, and drivers. This fun opportunity allows fans to snap photos, grab autographs, and soak in the pre-race energy. Fans are encouraged to capture memories and share them using the hashtags #WhelenModifiedTour and #NitrotoNASCAR.

Throwback T-Shirt Contest

Location: Near Drag Strip Victory Lane
Time: 6:30 PM (During Pit Party)

Bringing back the vintage vibes, fans are invited to wear their favorite old-school Modified Tour or Lancaster Motorplex T-shirts during the Pit Party for a chance to win exclusive prizes. Two contest categories will be judged: Best Modified Tour Throwback Tee and Best Lancaster Track Throwback Tee. Winners will receive a 2025 Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 T-shirt, a cooler, and more—courtesy of Nu-Way Auto Parts, Speed Enterprises Entertainment, and Red Helm Communications. Judging will take place at 6:30 PM near the drag strip’s Victory Lane and may include surprise guest judges.

Farthest Traveled Fan Contest

Location: Near Drag Strip Victory Lane
Time: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

The Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 is drawing fans from all over—and now, there's a prize for those going the extra mile. The Farthest Traveled Fan Contest celebrates the dedication of race fans who make the journey to be part of this special night.

To enter, fans can check in at Victory Lane during the Pit Party. Participants must provide their name, city and state of origin, and proof of travel (e.g., a travel receipt or rest stop photo). The fan who traveled the farthest will be recognized prior to driver introductions and invited on stage to receive a prize package that includes a 2025 Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 T-shirt, road trip snacks, and a gas card—courtesy of Nu-Way Auto Parts, Speed Enterprises Entertainment, and Red Helm Communications.

“These activities are all about giving back to the fans who make race nights so special,” said Mike Myers of Speed Enterprises Entertainment.

The weekend kicks off Friday night, July 11, with nitro-powered action on the dragstrip, as NHRA standout Scott Palmer brings his High Speed Fuel & Fun Show to town. Expect high-horsepower runs, standout performances, and competitive local drag racing action.

On Saturday, July 12, all eyes will shift to the oval as the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 brings the stars of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to Lancaster. The card will also include a full lineup of local racing divisions, including Sportsman, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinders.

Before the green flag drops, fans are invited to the special Pre-Race Pit Party from 6:15 to 6:45 PM to meet Tour drivers, collect autographs, and see the cars up close. The evening wraps with a fireworks presentation by Skylighters of NY.

Tickets are on sale now for both Friday and Saturday events at LancasterMotorplexNY.com.

Lancaster, NY (July 5, 2025):  Local standout George Skora III of Eden, NY, is set to make his debut in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on Saturday, July 12, when the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 takes center stage at Lancaster Motorplex. The two-time and defending Sportsman track champion will pilot the #65 Modified—a brand-new Gen-2 LFR chassis powered by a Robert Yates spec engine—against some of the best in the business at the track he calls home.

Skora enters the race with confidence and grounded ambition.

“My realistic goal is to win the race—if we have the car, I know I’m capable of winning at my home track,” Skora said. “I’ll be happy with a top-five and satisfied with a top-10.”

With 16 career wins at Lancaster, including two (2) in a tour-type Modified, Skora’s record speaks for itself. 

“With this being the fourth Whelen event at the track and the frequency with which some of the more local guys have raced here, the home track advantage isn’t as big as it once was,” Skora explained. “But there’s nothing like racing in front of your home crowd.”

Not only Skora go head-to-head with NASCAR Tour veterans, but he’ll also be pulling double duty—also competing in the Sportsman feature as part of the local program. He’ll be joined by fellow Sportsman competitor Tyler Catalano, who is also entered in both events.

Skora’s debut is made possible thanks to the support of key partners, including ZAMKRO Homes, Paint Right, and Bob Spangler Snap-on Tools.

A second-generation racer, Skora cut his teeth at Lancaster and Holland Speedways, growing up watching  local legends like Sege Fidanza and idolizing the late NASCAR star Davey Allison. But his true hero was always close to home.

“My dad George was my hero growing up,” Skora said. “He got me started in racing and has always been in my corner.”

Now, the younger Skora is ready to take the next step.

“I’m a track champion looking to broaden my horizons with the NASCAR Tour,” he said.

Race fans can catch George Skora III and a full field of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitors when the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 rolls into Lancaster Motorplex this Saturday, July 12.  A full racing card will also include Sportsman, Late Models, and Street Stocks. On Friday, July 11, the track is hosting Nitro Night of Fire on the strip. For tickets and to learn more visit Lancaster Speedway.

Lancaster, NY (July 5, 2025): A pair of crew chiefs who have wheeled into Lancaster’s victory lane are now turning wrenches for two of the top contenders for the win in the running of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 at Lancaster Motorplex on Saturday, July12. Billy Putney, crew chief for Jake Lutz, sits 20th on the all-time win list at Lancaster, and Rick Kluth, of Brockport, NY, a winner and champion at Lancaster, is the crew chief for Tommy Catalano. 

Putney recorded 30 wins between 1992 and 2008 including 18 Modified and 12 Sportsman victories. In his short tenure at Lancaster, running full-time from 1994-1997, Kluth scored 7 sportsman victories. He visited Modified victory lane in August of 1999. Both have been retired for many years.

Putney hopes his experience will help not only Jake as he continues to emerge as a top driver but also the young team. 

“We only run the Tour part-time, so we are looking to put together stronger and stronger performances,” said Putney. “I just look to give Jake the best car I can using my knowledge and experience.” 

His experience includes a win in Lancaster’s prestigious Mr. Modified in 1996. “That was a really big win for me,” said Putney. “It was one of my first Modified wins and one that paid well and helped to boost my confidence.”

It’s likely a win at Putney’s home track would do much the same for Lutz. 

“I’m really fortunate to be working with Jake,” added Putney. “He’s an athlete with an athletic mentality with a never-give up attitude.” 

Rick Kluth joined Catalano Motorsports, who have their own long and storied history at Lancaster, as the crew chief for Tommy on the Modified Tour before the 2024 season. Now in their second season, they have this Lancaster race circled on the calendar. 

“Tommy has just as much experience at Lancaster as me if not more,” said Kluth. “But I can understand what he is experiencing, so it helps our communication. And that’s really helpful as the race wears on and we need to make adjustments.” 

If Kluth and Catalano can find victory lane together on the Tour, a career first for Catalano, it will be a continuation of ‘firsts.” Kluth scored his first Modified win at Lancaster as a rookie, in a car he built. The first of what would become today’s 2KWIK Chassis.

“That was the first car I ever built,” said Kluth. “That night I beat Sege [Fidanza], the winningest driver at the Speedway, and Chuck Hossfeld, who had dominated that season. It was such a good field back then, so it was a memorable night.”

Rivals back in the day, these two second-generation drivers share a reverence for their family legacies. 

“Racing weekly for championships with my Dad [Bruce] was the best experience,” said Putney, and continuing a legacy of winning that began in 1981 with legends like Fidanza, Gail Barber, Joey Stearns, and others. Putney’ s father earned 9 modified track championships with four drivers.

J. Lutz drives for car Joey Stearns, in a beautiful black and gold #14, reminiscent of Putney’s 1994 championship. 

The racing roots run deep for Kluth as well. His father Dick campaigned Modifieds for over 50 years at Lancaster. 

“I will never forget winning the Sportsman championship,” said Kluth. “It was the first title for the family, with Dad having such a long history at the track.”  

There have been many memorable nights at Lancaster Motorplex, now in its 66th season of operation. And the return of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour promises to add to the legend. 

Lutz and Catalano will face a strong field of competitor when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Lancaster. With a roster that will include two-time and defending race winner Austin Beers, inaugural winner Patrick Emerling, perennial champion Justin Bonsignore, local aces and others, the Nu-Way Auto Parts promises competitive racing and excitement.  

Both Putney and Kluth like the opportunities that the two-groove race track and the tricky drag strip front stretch offer them and their drivers. And all are up for the challenge.

The Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 12. A full racing card will also include Sportsman, Late Models, and Street Stocks. On Friday, July 11, the track is hosting Nitro Night of Fire on the strip. For tickets and to learn more visit Lancaster Speedway.

Lancaster, NY (June 19, 2025): Speed Enterprises Entertainment is proud to announce The Buddy Pass Program, a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young racing fans to walk alongside their heroes during driver introductions at the upcoming NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event — the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 at Lancaster Motorplex on Saturday, July 12.

Presented by Lucas Lightbringer — a character created by Sadie Dutton, an inspiring teen from Tampa, FL — the Buddy Pass Program offers selected kids the chance to accompany a NASCAR Modified driver across the stage during pre-race ceremonies. This unforgettable moment is one of race day’s most iconic traditions. Each participant will receive a Lucas Lightbringer t-shirts courtesy of Creative Print & Stitch of Norton, MA. 

A limited number of children, ages 8 to 14, will be chosen at random to take part. To enter:

• A parent or guardian can comment on the designated post on the *Speed Enterprises Entertainment Facebook page*, or
• Email: Dale@RedHelmComm.comwith the child’s name, age, and a short message expressing interest.

Winners will be notified prior to race day. Spots are limited — so don’t wait to give your child the chance to be part of the action

Lucas Lightbringer is a fictional character that symbolizes strength and hope, brought to life by Sadie Dutton, the young daughter of asphalt Sprint Car driver JJ Dutton. JJ was scheduled to race earlier this spring at Lancaster Motorplex as part of the Must See Racing series, but the event was ultimately rained out.

Sadie, who has been courageously battling cancer for several years, created Lucas Lightbringer to inspire others — especially children facing their own daily battles.

“Despite his cocky attitude, Lucas loves racing to make sure dreams come true,” said Sadie.

Her creative spirit and unwavering determination have touched everyone involved in the sport. The Buddy Pass Program is just one more way Sadie is helping to bring light, joy, and unforgettable experiences to others.

Special thanks to Sadie Dawn Fence LLC and Dutton Safer Fencing and Safer Systems for supporting this heartfelt initiative.

The Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 12. A full racing card will also include Sportsman, Late Models, and Street Stocks. On Friday, July 11, the track is hosting Nitro Night of Fire on the strip. For tickets and to learn more visit Lancaster Speedway.