Harned Crowned Modified Champion!!!

In 2015 long time road racer Jay Harned decided he need a new challenge in his racing career. He decided to take some time away from the exotic circuits all over the world and focus on short ovals in the SK Mod- quite the change of scenery. Jay made a few starts last season and was surprisingly quick right from the start utilizing his ability to find the apex and to be smooth as glass on the pedals.

As the 2015-16 got underway several drivers asserted themselves as championship favorites, Nick Zaunter won the first 2 events of the season at Five Flags and Langley and took the early lead over series regulars TJ Christ, Andre Beaudoin, Michael Allen, and several other contenders. Christ would find Victory Lane at Lucas Oil Raceway Park to cut into the points lead.

The next 2 events at Lanier and Martinsville saw Sure Fire veteran S. Michael Allen win back to back, an impressive feat for any driver but even more special as they were his first and second career victories. Meanwhile Harned was keeping steady and learning how to drive these machines turning in consistent results. Martinsville though would prove to be the low point but also a turning point. In that race he made a mistake in thinking he was clear of another driver and that contact resulted in the #44 ending up on his roof and ending his night. This set back was costly but seemed to "flip a switch" in his approach.

Points leader Thomas Christ would tighten his grip on the standings with a win at USA Speedway in front of a packed house. Harned turned in a solid 2nd place performance to keep his hopes alive and rebuild his confidence.

The following week at New Smyrna would be a game changer for the rest of the season as Harned put his #44 Webbers Mustard machine in Victory Lane for his first SK Modified win. It was a solid performance that put the series regulars on notice that there was a serious new threat to contend with.

Following a rain out the series headed to Richmond where Andre Beaudoin overcame a fuel miscalculation and took advantage of a late race caution to bring home the win. It was the first win of the season for the mega fast Canadian driver who is always near the front of the field.

The season finale took place at the new Southern National Raceway and as the excitement level raised in anticipation for the final battle word spread quickly through the pit area the points leader Christ would not be in attendance. It was an anti climatic end to a great season from a points point of view but the wire to wire green flag battle between Beaudoin and Daryl Tiezzi was one for the ages. Beaudoin was able to hold on for his 2nd win in a row Harned's 3rd place finish put the Championship trophy in his hands.

2015-16 top 5

1. Jay Harned

2. Eric Nordhoff

3. Andre Beaudoin

4. TJ Christ

5. Michael Allen

Congrats to Series Champion Jay Harned and to all Sure Fire Racing League drivers!