7/12/2025
Race of Champions
MATT HIRSCHMAN DRIVES TO VICTORY IN 35TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO TOMMY DRUAR AND TONY JANKOWIAK 110
– Barron, VanLane, Catalano, and Schoonmaker Also Victorious Friday Night at Spencer Speedway –
Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA added to his historic legacy on Friday night, capturing his 62nd career Race of Champions Modified Series win in the 35th Annual Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak 110 at Spencer Speedway in Williamson, NY.
The victory earned Hirschman $5,073.37 and further cemented his status as the winningest driver in Series history.
“This is a good night for us,” Hirschman said in victory lane. “I knew going into Evans Mills I needed a win because I wasn’t sure I could beat Mike Leaty after watching him win at Lancaster. It was a challenging race, and our team worked hard. I have to thank them, my family, and everyone involved. Winning a race that honors two fallen racers in our sport, as well as Laurie Keech Coccionitti and Marilyn Toal, was special. We've lost a lot of great people, and we have to remember their legacies.”
Hirschman held off Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, NY, who charged from the back of the field after completing a last-minute alternator wire repair. Paulie Hartwig III of Galloway, NJ finished third, followed by Jake Lutz of Hamburg, NY, and early leader Mike Leaty of Williamson, NY, who rounded out the top five.
Hirschman, Emerling, and Leaty each won qualifying races, with Hirschman also posting the fastest time during group green-white-checker qualifying.
Additional Winners – Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak Night
Race of Champions Super Stock Series:
Tommy Barron (Ontario, NY) topped Joe Mancuso (Buffalo, NY) and Chris Batorski (Williamson, NY) in the 25-lap feature.
Race of Champions Rocket Performance 602 Sportsman Modified Series:
Joey VanLane (Williamson, NY) scored the win over Carter Ridgeway (Williamson, NY) and Austin Patterson (Webster, NY).
Wilbert’s U-Pull It Four Cylinder Division:
Patsy Catalano (Williamson, NY) took the checkered flag.
Wilbert’s U-Pull It Super Six Division:
Ashley Schoonmaker claimed top honors.
NEXT EVENT – SATURDAY, JULY 19
The Race of Champions Family of Series heads to Chemung Speedrome in Chemung, NY for the Tribute to Ed McGuire 51’s, featuring:
Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series
Race of Champions Super Stock Series
Race of Champions FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series
?? Full unofficial results and more:
?? Spencer Speedway / www.rocmodifiedseries.com/schedules/event/550731
The Race of Champions is a premier sanctioning body for Modified and Stock Car racing on both asphalt and dirt surfaces throughout the Northeast, with events across New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its primary marketing partners include Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tire, Racing America, Airport Collision, Rocket Performance, Waddell Communications, Image X Design, Sherwood Racing Wheels, DirtTrackDigest.com, and Speed Sport. The 75th Annual Race of Champions Weekend will take place later this year, continuing its tradition as the second-longest-running auto racing event in North America—second only to the Indianapolis 500.
For more information, contact;
Race of Champions Media at media@rocmodifiedseries.com
Follow us on Twitter; Instagram and Facebook; @RoCModSeries or visit our website: www.rocmodifiedseries.com
Article Media
