Luke Baldwin Stuns Field, earns Inaugural Pole for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Opener
New Smyrna Beach, FL – Luke Baldwin will lead the field too green at Saturday night’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener at New Smyrna Speedway. In a surprise qualifying run, Baldwin, making just his fourth tour start, edged out Austin Beers by a mere 0.086 seconds to claim the provisional pole.
This marks the first career pole position for Baldwin in a Modified Tour event. Beers, a seasoned veteran chasing his fourth series win, will start alongside Baldwin on the front row.Top contenders Justin Bonsignore, seeking a historic fourth consecutive win since claiming the final three races of 2024, and the consistent Craig Lutz will round out the top five starters.
Baldwin’s qualifying run came on the heels of two practice sessions that saw several drivers vying for top honors.Matt Hirschman led the opening practice, followed closely by Chase Dowling, Justin Bonsignore, Ron Silk, and Austin Beers. In the final session, Luke Baldwin again set the pace, with Craig Lutz, patrick Emerling, austin Beers, and Chase Dowling completing the top five.
Stephen Kopcik initially held the provisional pole before Beers’ blistering lap vaulted him to the second position. Kopcik, competing in his sixth series start, will begin his race from the lower half of the starting grid.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour action will air live on FloRacing at 7:30 PM ET.
Who else qualified for the race besides Luke Baldwin adn Austin Beers?
Q&A: Luke Baldwin’s Stunning Pole
**Q: Who won the pole position for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener?**
A: Luke Baldwin,in just his fourth tour start,secured his first career Modified Tour pole position with a blistering qualifying run.
**Q: How close was the competition for pole position?**
A: Baldwin edged out veteran driver Austin Beers by a mere 0.086 seconds!
**Q: What about Justin Bonsignore?**
A: The four-time defending series champion will start in the third position, aiming for a historic fourth consecutive win.
**Q: Can you tell me more about Baldwin’s performance in practice?**
A: Baldwin set the pace in the final practice session,demonstrating his ability to handle the demanding New Smyrna Speedway.
**Q: Where can I watch the race?**
A: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener airs live on FloRacing at 7:30 PM ET. Don’t miss out on Baldwin’s debut as a pole sitter!
Experience the excitement of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener and witness Luke Baldwin’s bid for victory.
