ONA, WV-The Ona Speedway Modified class has long been one of the most competitive classes at the track. The class delivered in 2020 with great racing and 5 different winners in 8 races. As we head into the 2021 season, the class looks to be even more competitive with more cars and an ultra-competitive entry list. Let’s look at some of the biggest storylines for the Modified division heading into 2021.
Booten and Artis look to repeat 2020 success
Andy Booten and Josh Artis were the dominant cars of the 2020 season as the two were the only drivers with more than one win. Between the two, they won 5 of the 8 Modified races held last season. The two drivers battled neck and neck all season long with Booten claiming the track championship. Both drivers are smooth, consistent, and fast and will look to stay on top in the class and battle it out for another track championship.
Return of legendary drivers
2020 saw Ona Speedway legends Hubie Hatfield and Roger Dilley both compete in one race in the Modifieds. Hatfield and Dilley, two drivers who won many races at the track back in the 1990’s, look to renew their friendly rivalry in 2021 as they both have plans on running regularly in the Modified division. Hatfield, a former UMP Modified National Champion, purchased J. R. Webb’s car that he drove to victory lane last season. These two veteran drivers still have a lot of speed in them and aren’t ready for retirement yet. It will no doubt be one of the most exciting storylines of the season watching these two legends compete against the new generation of Ona Speedway Modified drivers.
Garrett carries iRacing momentum into 2021
Jason Garrett was one of Ona Speedway’s most successful drivers in the 2000’s where he picked up several wins in the Classic Car division. After over 10 years out of the sport, Garrett returned to racing last year when longtime friend Jake Keaton also returned. Garrett was only able to compete in 2 races, but already proved himself to be one of the most competitive drivers in the class. Garrett nearly won the final race of the season until being involved in an accident while leading. Garrett won the inaugural Ona Speedway iRacing Series Championship over the offseason, winning an impressive 8 races. Garrett will look to carry that momentum into the 2021 season where he will compete for a track championship. Garrett’s teammate Jake Keaton is also slated to compete in the class this season, doing double duty in the Late Model and Modified.
Big names look to reach victory lane in 2021
Some of the biggest names in the Ona Speedway Modified division failed to reach victory lane in 2020. These drivers all had successful seasons with a lot of speed and a lot of podium finishes, but did not reach victory lane. These drivers include 2019 track champion Jeremy Cooper, former Mountaineer 100 winners Steve Hass and Jamie Womack, and veteran driver Greg Chandler. Those four drivers are some of the fiercest competitors at the speedway and will no doubt come into the 2021 season hungry for race wins.
Expect great racing to continue
2020 saw lots of great racing in the Modified division. There are so many competitive cars in the class. It’s not uncommon to see the field stacked on top of each other due to how close the competition is. 2021 proves to be even more competitive. In addition to the drivers already mentioned, Scott Martin, who is one of the top drivers in the Legends Car division, has registered to compete in the Modified division as well. Wes Smith made his debut during the final race of last season and is registered to compete in 2021. Sport Mod drivers Marty Powers, Chad Bailey, and Chris Bishop will also be racing with the Modifieds. Last season saw J. R. Webb win the final race of the season with his Sport Mod engine, proving that the Sport Mods who enter can’t be counted out either.
Midwest Modifieds Tour invasion
Ona Speedway fans are used to waiting until the fall for a huge Modified special with the annual Mountaineer 100. The prestigious Mountaineer 100 will once again be ran this fall, but race fans will get to see a huge Modified event right out of the gate this year. The Midwest Modifieds Tour, one of the top Modified touring series in the United States, will visit Ona for their season opening race on Saturday, May 1st for night #2 of the 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Bash. The Midwest Modifieds Tour will bring in some of the midwest’s fastest Modifieds to compete with a fast weekly Modified field at Ona in what will be one of the most intense Modified races in the history of the track. The 50 lap feature also boasts a purse of nearly $14,0000 with $1,400 to the winner and $400 just to start.
2021 Ona Speedway Modified Entry List
- Chris Bishop
- Chad Bailey
- Wes Smith
- Roger Dilley
- Steve Hass
- Jake Keaton
- Jason Garrett
- Scott Martin
- Josh Artis
- Greg Chandler
- Jamie Womack (Probable)
- Hubie Hatfield (Probable)
- Andy Booten (Probable)
- Jeremy Cooper (Probable)
- Marty Powers (Probable)
*This is a list only of drivers who have pre-registered. More cars that are not pre-registered could compete in 2021. A probable entry means the car has not been pre-registered but is likely to compete.
