Matt Hirschman overcame adversity in the closing laps to score his first Monaco Modified Series victory of the season Saturday night at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl, capturing the $10,000-to-win, 100-lap feature before a packed house at the shoreline oval.
Hirschman appeared poised for victory throughout the second half of the race, but saw his lead threatened when his left-rear tire began losing air during the closing laps. Despite the issue, the Pennsylvania veteran held off a hard-charging Jon McKennedy to secure his spot in Sign Pro Victory Lane, marking his record 25th win with the Series.
McKennedy finished second, with Kyle Bonsignore, Ron Silk, and Teddy Hodgdon, rounding out the top five.
The event was streamed live on NESTN.tv, allowing fans unable to attend in person to experience all the action from The Bowl. Coverage featured the unique aerial perspective courtesy of the Sunoco Race Fuels distributed by New England Racing Fuel racing drone, delivering dramatic views of the Monaco Modified Series feature. Fans interested in watching a full replay of the event, including Waterford’s local divisions, can watch by visiting NESNT.tv.
Beyond the racing, the event showcased the Monaco Modified Series’ continued commitment to delivering a complete fan experience.
The Monaco Modified Kids’ Club presented by Mr. Rooter welcomed young race fans throughout the evening. Children had the opportunity to paint and personalize wooden race cars to take home while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities under the Kids’ Club tent on the midway.
Fans also enjoyed the Surf, Sun & Speed Tailgate, presented in partnership with Surfside, Super Lyte, and Hummel Bros. Hot Dogs. General admission ticket holders were treated to complimentary Hummel Bros. Hot Dogs, Surfside and Super Lyte giveaways and tasting samples, music, cornhole, and other interactive activities that helped create a festive atmosphere at the track.
In a show of support for local short track racing, Tea Kettle Concessions donated a portion of all Surfside and Super Lyte sales during the event to support the New London-Waterford Speedbowl’s upcoming extra-distance 50-lap Street Stock race scheduled for Saturday, June 20. The Monaco Modified Series matched the donation, further contributing to the special event.
Following two races, McKennedy continues to lead the $50,000 Monaco Modified Series championship standings presented by USNEPower and Union Insurance Group. Kyle Bonsignore remains second in the standings, followed by Ronnie Williams, Michael Christopher Jr., and rookie Tyler Chapman.
The current USNEPower Energizer Zone standings — awarded to the driver who spends the most weeks inside the championship top five throughout the season — feature McKennedy, Ronnie Williams, Michael Christopher Jr., Kyle Bonsignore, and Tyler Chapman.
With little time to rest, teams now turn their attention to the next stop on the 2026 schedule. The Monaco Modified Series returns to action on Wednesday, June 24, at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the third event of the season.
Additional event coverage, photos, results, and championship standings are available at MonacoModifieds.com.