EPISODE 9

EPISODE 9

He’s called “The Rocket Man” and in Episode 9 of “The Modified Minute” Jack Arute check’s in with Former Dayton 500 Champion Ryan Newman and talk about his 2nd act racing in Modifieds. Newman explains why he loves to drive the open wheelers and shares his thoughts about possibly winning the 2026 SMART Modified Championship. Nick Anglace races an SK Light and has forged a marketing and engineering alliance with the University of Connecticut. He breaks down how that relationship has taken his racing to a new level. He also announces some big plans for him in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series later this season For almost 30 years Mike Pettit has been building powerplants for modifieds. He shares some of his “horsepower philosophies” as well as how he started building SK engines and how that has blossomed into big blocks and other high speed ventures.

EPISODE 8

In Episode 8 you will meet Vinny Beedle who who for 20 years has been the impetus behind the Puleo Family's modified racing success. They call him the 'Man of Granite". Jonathan McKennedy drops in and talks about a career than took him from Go-Karts in the family driveway to multiple wins and championships in both Modifieds and Supermodifieds. Finally Jack talks to Tyler Chapman who races SK Modifieds but left his mark on the "Tour Type Modified" circuit last month by finishing 2nd in Stafford Speedway's NAPA Spring Sizzler

EPISODE 7

In Episode 7, The “Modified Minute” visits with a 15 year old Whelen Modified Tour driver, Paulie Hartwig III and learn about his passion for the open wheel modified world. We also check in with “The Pride Of Italy”, SK ace, Marcello Rufrano. Marcello explains how he grew up around racing and is living his dream driving for his father. And, speaking of fathers, you will meet Paul Hartwig, Jr. who shelved his own 22 year career behind the wheel of his low budget, family owned modified.

EPISODE 6

They’re calling it the most dramatic finish in the 54 runnings of the NAPA Spring Sizzler—and in Episode 6, Modified Minute goes straight to the center of the storm, talking with the drivers and team owner who lived every second of it. Todd Owen returns to Victory Lane in style, snapping a rare shutout season to capture the 40-lap SK Modified Sizzler feature. In this episode, Owen reflects on a 22+ year career behind the wheel—how it all began, what’s kept him going, and why “paying it forward” to the next generation of racers matters more now than ever. Car owner Adam Skowyra breaks down a race strategy that nearly unraveled when a late red flag for oil tightened the field and raised the stakes. He shares the pride in competing—and winning—against powerhouse teams with full-time crews, while his own operation is fueled by passion and a dedicated group of volunteers. And 2026 NAPA Spring Sizzler winner Ronnie Williams walks us through the heart-pounding final laps that sealed the victory. For Williams, this one hits deeper—going from attending the Sizzler as a kid with his grandfather to standing in Victory Lane as its champion. High drama. Personal stories. Pure Modified racing.

EPISODE 5

This week, Jack visits with NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour Director, Gary Putnam. The former modified owner/driver shares his assessment of the “Tour” and some of the reasons for its resurgence. SK Modified driver, Mikey Flynn. Flynn came up the racing ladder in an unconventional manner and he shares his journey as well as what he calls his most terrible night in racing. Michael O’Sullivan comes from a racing family. O’Sully drops by and shares his journey in the modified world as well as memories of his good friend Teddy Christopher.