From Dirt to Drama: The Franklin County Photo Finish

Exciting Races and Championship Showdowns

Summary In this episode of the Smart Mod Pod, Virginia State Senator Bill Stanley and Chris Williams discuss the return of the Smart Modified Tour after a break, highlighting exciting races, upcoming championships, and the logistics behind organizing these events. They delve into the thrilling races at Coastal Plains and Carteret County, the controversial Johnny K incident and its repercussions, and the appeals process that followed. The conversation also covers the recent race at Caraway, the fast-paced event at Dominion Raceway, and the playoff drivers vying for the championship. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of the Smart Modified Tour and the importance of community support for local racing.

🎙️ The Smart Mod Pod: Back in Action at the Cross-Examine Cabin

Buckle up, race fans — The Smart Mod Pod is back, broadcasting from our brand-new studio at the Stanley Law Group: the Cross-Examine Cabin. This episode kicks off a new era as Virginia State Senator and race team owner Bill Stanley sits down with Chris Williams, Director of the SMART Modified Tour, to talk all things Caraway Speedway and much more. 🚗 With the Revolutionary 99 at Caraway fast approaching on July 5th, Chris and Bill dive into what fans can expect from this stacked event — including a projected 27+ car field, the intense competition, and behind-the-scenes insight on why Caraway is known (lovingly) as “WreckFest.” 🔥 Plus, they break down the viral chaos from Bowman Gray Stadium’s recent street stock race, complete with a “kung fu panda in a fire suit” and double birds ! This episode is a wild mix of history, humor, hard truths, and heart, all with the unmistakable voice of Southern short-track racing. Whether you’re a diehard Modified fan or new to the sport, The Smart Mod Pod delivers the drama and passion that make racing great. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to: ✅ Like, Comment, and Subscribe ✅ Share with fellow race fans ✅ Join us again next week for the Caraway recap and more pit-row storytelling!

From Dirt to Drama: The Franklin County Photo Finish

What started as a routine SMART Modified Tour race turned into one of the most dramatic nights in short track racing. In this episode of the Smart Mod Pod, Senator Bill Stanley and SMART Tour Director Chris Williams are joined by veteran racer and Car Manager Randy Renfrow to relive the chaos at Franklin County Speedway—where oil spills, Virginia clay, and driver tension set the stage for a thrilling showdown. Hear the full story behind the controversial red flag, the decision to go single-file, and a photo finish won by just 0.014 seconds. From dirt delays to drag-race drama, this is a must-listen for racing fans who love high-stakes, high-octane action.

Grit, Gravel & Go-Time: SMART Tour Hits Franklin County

In this high-octane episode of The SMART MOD POD, Senator Bill Stanley and SMART Modified Tour owner/director Chris Williams gear up for the May 23, 2025 SMART Tour race at Franklin County Speedway. They dive into what fans can expect at the track, share some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories—including Chris’s unexpected kidney stone ordeal—and even toss in a few light-hearted jabs about the latest P Diddy headlines. It’s racing talk with grit, gravel, and just the right amount of goofing off. Don’t miss it!

The Hickory 100 and Paulie Hartwig III: A Rising Star in Racing

In this episode of the Smart Mod Pod, Virginia State Senator Bill Stanley, along with Chris Williams and Matthew Dillner, recap the exciting Hickory 100 race. They introduce young racing talent Paulie Hartwig III, who recently made history by becoming the youngest winner in the Smart Modified Tour. The conversation delves into the importance of sponsorship, the growth of the Smart Modified Tour, and the camaraderie and respect among young racers. Paulie shares his journey, aspirations, and the lessons he's learned from seasoned racers, emphasizing the significance of staying humble and focused on his goals.