Chelmsford's McKennedy Closes Gap In NASCAR Modified Tour Standings

LOUDON, NH —Chelmsford native Jon McKennedy closed the gap on first place in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings after his performance in Saturday's Whelen Manufactured in America 100 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

The 35-year-old McKennedy, who is second in the points standings, finished fifth in the race driving the Middlesex Interiors No. 79 car.

Anthony Nocella took home the victory after benefitting from a last-lap crash between leaders Patrick Emerling and Eric Goodale on the frontstretch coming to the checkered flag.

Overall points leader Ron Silk was swept up in a big crash 28 laps into the race, which forced him to settle for a 21st-place finish.

This helped McKennedy cut Silk's lead in the overall standings to 10 points (335-325) from 26.

"Solid day for the Middlesex Interiors Inc. No. 79," McKennedy wrote on social media. "Car was a little too loose most of the race. Pit crew and spotter did a great job getting me in position at the end for a chance at a win."

Saturday's race was the ninth of 16 on this year's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The tour resumes on July 29 for the Clash at Claremont 150 at New Hampshire's Claremont Motorsports Park.

McKennedy is coming off an eighth-place finish in the 2021 NASCAR Whelen Modified standings. It was his highest finish in any full season on the tour, which he initially joined in 2006.

McKennedy did finish second overall during the abbreviated, nine-race 2020 season.