What Is 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was the 37th season of the series, running from April 23 to October 22 with 16 total races. Doug Coby won the championship, securing his sixth title in the series' history.

Key Facts

2022 marked the 37th season of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
The season featured 16 total races across the Northeastern U.S.
Doug Coby won the 2022 championship, his sixth career title
Ron Silk finished second in the standings, just 18 points behind
Tri-Track Open Modified Series events influenced the competition landscape

Overview

The 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was a pivotal season in stock car racing, marking the 37th year of competition for NASCAR’s premier Modified division. The tour spanned from April to October, visiting short tracks and speedways across the Northeastern United States, with a focus on historic venues like Martinsville, Stafford, and Thompson.

Known for its high-horsepower, open-wheeled Modified cars, the series attracted top regional drivers and legends of the sport. The 2022 season was notable for Doug Coby’s dominant performance, culminating in his sixth career championship—a record-tying achievement in the tour’s history.

16 total races were scheduled and completed, starting at Martinsville Speedway on April 23 and ending at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on October 22.
Doug Coby claimed his sixth championship, becoming one of the most decorated drivers in Modified Tour history.
Ryan Preece won the most races in the season with four victories, including a win at the prestigious Miller 300 at Riverhead.
Ron Silk finished second in the final standings, just 18 points behind Coby, making it one of the closest title battles in recent years.
The tour continued its partnership with Whelen Engineering, which has sponsored the series since 2005, ensuring consistent branding and financial support.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour operates under a points-based system with a structured race format, combining qualifying, heat races, and a main event. Each race weekend follows a standard NASCAR protocol, including practice, time trials, and a feature race typically ranging from 100 to 200 laps.

Points System: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with 40 points for a win and incremental points down to last place. Bonus points are awarded for leading laps and winning segments.
Championship Format: The season-long title is awarded to the driver with the highest cumulative points total after the final race, with no playoff system in place.
Car Specifications: The Modifieds use V8 engines producing over 700 horsepower and feature tube-frame chassis with aluminum bodies resembling classic American coupes.
Race Length: Events range from 100 to 200 laps, depending on the track, with average race durations between 60 and 90 minutes.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold a NASCAR Modified Tour license and meet safety standards, including roll cage certification and HANS device usage.
Team Structure: Most teams are independently owned, with limited manufacturer support, relying on sponsorships and grassroots funding to compete.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2022 season can be better understood by comparing it to previous years and similar series. Below is a comparative table highlighting key metrics.

Season	Total Races	Champion	Margin of Victory (Points)	Top Rookie
2022	16	Doug Coby	18	Jay Dickson
2021	17	Justin Bonsignore	23	Not awarded
2020	11	Justin Bonsignore	42	Christopher Petrillo
2019	17	Justin Bonsignore	11	Keith Rocco
2018	16	Justin Bonsignore	25	Patrick Emerling

The 2022 season saw a tighter points battle compared to 2020 and 2018, with Doug Coby edging out Ron Silk by just 18 points. While the number of races was slightly lower than in 2021, the competition remained fierce, and the absence of a playoff system emphasized consistency over the full season.

Why It Matters

The 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was significant not only for its competitive racing but also for its role in preserving Modified racing heritage in America. As a developmental and legacy series, it bridges grassroots motorsports with national exposure, influencing driver careers and regional track economies.

Doug Coby’s sixth title tied him with Mike Stefanik for the most championships in series history, elevating his legacy.
The tour provided a platform for veteran drivers like Preece and Silk to remain competitive at a high level.
Events drew strong local crowds, with average attendance exceeding 8,000 fans at major tracks like Thompson and Martinsville.
Television coverage on MAVTV and FloRacing expanded the tour’s national reach and digital engagement.
The series continued to influence Modified racing rules adopted by regional tracks and sanctioning bodies.
Partnerships with Whelen Engineering and NASCAR ensured financial stability and long-term growth potential.

With its blend of tradition, close competition, and driver development, the 2022 season reinforced the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as a cornerstone of American short-track racing.