In 39 of the major modified races in 2021, Nick Hoffman ran away with the win. On Thursday night, he did it for the 40th time this year, but this time it was indoors.
Hoffman captured the win on Night 1 of the Gateway Dirt Nationals at The Dome at America’s Center, dominating the field on the short course.
“I didn’t want to get to lapped traffic too early there and really bottleneck us there,” Hoffman said on the FloRacing broadcast. “First and foremost, I said it on Twitter already, but this one here is for Bundy – he’s one of my friends that had a massive heart attack yesterday. I’m really thinking of him and his son.”
Hoffman overcame a rough race track at the end of the evening to earn the victory in the unique event that brings midgets, late models, and modifieds together.
He’s racing in every race of the weekend.
“The biggest thing with the modifieds here is it just tears the race track up,” Hoffman said. “Every lap it gets worse and worse. Our cars are heavy and on small tires so you’ve just got to bide your time.”
That’s the main reason as to why the modifieds cap the night.
But Thursday night is nothing like Saturday. Traditionally, Saturday night is the biggest, pays the most, and delivers the title of Gateway Dirt Nationals champion.
He said he’d give up all of the wins he’s captured this year, just to get the big one there.
“I would trade all 40 of those wins just to win Saturday night here,” Hoffman said. “It would complete the blue-deuce tavern there at the house.”
Gateway Dirt Nationals Night 1
Modified Results
1. Nick Hoffman
2. Peyton Taylor
3. Tyler Nicely
4. Jordan Grobouski
5. Dean Hoffman
6. Michael Ledford
7. Tyler Droste
8. Bobby Bittle
9. Chad Bauer
10. Levi Kissinger
11. Mark Anderson
12. Jeff Leka
13. Phil Dixon
14. Trent Young
15. Tommy Sheppard Jr.
16. Ray Bollinger
17. Rodney Standerfer
18. Trey Harris
