SEEKONK, Mass. — Jon McKennedy delivered a drive for the ages Saturday night at Seekonk Speedway, charging from the 22nd starting position in a 25-car field to capture the Monaco Modified Series’ 125-lap, $10,000-to-win main event in a race that will not soon be forgotten.
From the drop of the green flag to the final laps, the Providence-area third-mile lived up to its reputation as “The Action Track of the East,” producing breathtaking, side-by-side Modified racing throughout the field.
The closing laps turned into an all-out barn burner as Brett Meservey, Ron Silk, and Stephen Kopcik battled for supremacy at the front while McKennedy continued his relentless march through the field. As the laps wound down, McKennedy joined the fight, turning an already intense battle into a four-car showdown for the victory.
At times, those in attendance didn’t know where to look. While the fight for the lead commanded attention, battles two- and three-wide raged throughout the field, creating one of the most spectacularly exciting races of the Monaco Modified Series season.
When the checkered flag finally flew, it was McKennedy completing his remarkable come-from-behind performance, advancing 21 positions to claim the $10,000 victory and signature Sign Pro Victory Lane hardware. Stephen Kopcik, Ron Silk, Brett Meservey and Ronnie Williams rounded out the top-5. A complete rundown is available on Race Central.
McKennedy’s charge also earned him the $500 Van Horst General Contractors Hard Charger Award, and, as the race winner, he also collected a $500 Creative Racing Products gift card. Silk earned the $250 Constantine Paving & Sealing Most Laps Led Award for his performance at the front of the field.
Earlier in the evening, Tyler Chapman, George Bessette Jr. and Stephen Kopcik picked up victories in their respective heat races to set the stage for the 125-lap main event.
Championship Battle Tightens
McKennedy’s victory dramatically changed the complexion of the Union Insurance Group/USNEPower $50,000 Point Fund, setting up what promises to be an intense championship battle over the closing events of the season.
Just seven points now separate McKennedy, Ronnie Williams and Ron Silk, leaving virtually no margin for error as the Monaco Modified Series heads toward its final stretch.
Ronnie Williams continues to set the pace in the USNEPower Energizer Zone, having now spent five races inside the top five in the championship standings. McKennedy’s Seekonk victory moved him alongside Williams with five races in the Energizer Zone, creating another tight season-long battle. The $2,000 USNEPower Energizer Zone bonus will be awarded to the team that spends the most weeks inside the top five throughout the season.
Kids’ Club Brings the Fun to Seekonk
The excitement extended well beyond the racing surface Saturday night.
The Monaco Modified Kids’ Club Presented by Mr. Rooter welcomed the next generation of race fans with activities and giveaways before the racing action. Young fans went home with LCD writing tablets, checkered flag sunglasses and Disney Cars Ring Pops, continuing the Kids’ Club’s mission of creating memorable experiences for families at Monaco Modified Series events.
Relive the Action From a Whole New Perspective
Fans will want to keep an eye on the Monaco Modified Series’ social media channels in the coming days.
Extensive drone footage and breathtaking onboard camera angles captured Saturday night’s wheel-to-wheel battle from perspectives even those in attendance couldn’t see. From McKennedy’s charge through the field to the intense fight at the front, the footage will provide an entirely new look at one of the most exciting Monaco Modified Series races in recent memory.
Next Stop: New London-Waterford Speedbowl
The Monaco Modified Series now turns its attention back to Connecticut and the New London-Waterford Speedbowl on Sunday, September 6.
With McKennedy, Williams and Silk separated by just seven points and the Union Insurance Group/USNEPower $50,000 Point Fund hanging in the balance, every position will matter when the Monaco Modified Series returns to the shoreline oval.
After the unforgettable show at Seekonk, the stage is set for a thrilling stretch run to the 2026 championship.