This week, Episode 11 brings together a unique mix of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and racers taking on exciting new challenges in the world of Modified racing.

🔹 Vinny Rappoccio joins the show after an impressive start to his rookie season in the SK Lights division at the Waterford Speedbowl. The young racer has already turned heads with runner-up finishes in both events contested this season and discusses his early success, racing background, and goals for the future.

🔹 Andrew Molleur has been chasing the racing dream since he was 13 years old, and in 2026 he's taking the biggest step of his career—moving up to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Andrew shares what the opportunity means to him, how growing up around Modified racing influenced his journey, and why competing at Modified racing's highest level has been a lifelong ambition.

🔹 John Rufrano stops by to tell the story of how he became involved in Modified racing. It all started when a teenage racer named Keith Rocco walked into his auto repair shop seeking sponsorship to launch his racing career. Rufrano reflects on that pivotal moment and the successful partnership that followed.

Whether you're a fan of up-and-coming talent, established Modified racing personalities, or the stories that connect generations of racers, Episode 11 delivers plenty of insight and entertainment.

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Modified Racing's Tire Controversy, Renee Dupuis' Trailblazing Career & Glen Reen's Racing Journey

Was Glen Reen destined to be a race car driver? Coming from a family with deep racing roots—including an IndyCar opportunity for his father—Reen looks back on more than 20 years behind the wheel and reveals what makes SK Modified competition at Stafford Speedway some of the toughest short-track racing anywhere.

Renee Dupuis broke barriers as one of modified racing's pioneering female drivers. Today, she's helping shape the sport's future as an advocate for women in racing and a key leader of the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series. Hear her remarkable story and her vision for the next generation.

The Whelen Modified Tour's switch from Hoosier to American Racer tires has sparked controversy throughout the pit area. Tire inconsistency complaints have sidelined several regular competitors. Ron Silk crew chief Phil Moran joins the show to explain what's really happening, who's being affected, and where the situation goes from here.

And in the "Ya Gotta Be Kidding Me!" segment, Jack takes aim at the modified racing community's surprising lack of knowledge about the Indianapolis 500. His comments may ruffle a few feathers.

Don't miss Episode 10 of the Modified Minute—featuring candid conversations, insider perspectives, and opinions you won't hear anywhere else.

He’s called “The Rocket Man” and in Episode 9 of “The Modified Minute” Jack Arute check’s in with Former Dayton 500 Champion Ryan Newman and talk about his 2nd act racing in Modifieds. Newman explains why he loves to drive the open wheelers and shares his thoughts about possibly winning the 2026 SMART Modified Championship.

Nick Anglace races an SK Light and has forged a marketing and engineering alliance with the University of Connecticut. He breaks down how that relationship has taken his racing to a new level. He also announces some big plans for him in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series later this season

For almost 30 years Mike Pettit has been building powerplants for modifieds. He shares some of his “horsepower philosophies” as well as how he started building SK engines and how that has blossomed into big blocks and other high speed ventures.

In Episode 8 you will meet Vinny Beedle who who for 20 years has been the impetus behind the Puleo Family's modified racing success.

They call him the 'Man of Granite". Jonathan McKennedy drops in and talks about a career than took him from Go-Karts in the family driveway to multiple wins and championships in both Modifieds and Supermodifieds.

Finally Jack talks to Tyler Chapman who races SK Modifieds but left his mark on the "Tour Type Modified" circuit last month by finishing 2nd in Stafford Speedway's NAPA Spring Sizzler

In Episode 7, The “Modified Minute” visits with a 15 year old Whelen Modified Tour driver, Paulie Hartwig III and learn about his passion for the open wheel modified world.

We also check in with “The Pride Of Italy”, SK ace, Marcello Rufrano. Marcello explains how he grew up around racing and is living his dream driving for his father.

And, speaking of fathers, you will meet Paul Hartwig, Jr. who shelved his own 22 year career behind the wheel of his low budget, family owned modified.

They’re calling it the most dramatic finish in the 54 runnings of the NAPA Spring Sizzler—and in Episode 6, Modified Minute goes straight to the center of the storm, talking with the drivers and team owner who lived every second of it.

Todd Owen returns to Victory Lane in style, snapping a rare shutout season to capture the 40-lap SK Modified Sizzler feature. In this episode, Owen reflects on a 22+ year career behind the wheel—how it all began, what’s kept him going, and why “paying it forward” to the next generation of racers matters more now than ever.

Car owner Adam Skowyra breaks down a race strategy that nearly unraveled when a late red flag for oil tightened the field and raised the stakes. He shares the pride in competing—and winning—against powerhouse teams with full-time crews, while his own operation is fueled by passion and a dedicated group of volunteers.

And 2026 NAPA Spring Sizzler winner Ronnie Williams walks us through the heart-pounding final laps that sealed the victory. For Williams, this one hits deeper—going from attending the Sizzler as a kid with his grandfather to standing in Victory Lane as its champion.

High drama. Personal stories. Pure Modified racing.

This week, Jack visits with NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour Director, Gary Putnam. The former modified owner/driver shares his assessment of the “Tour” and some of the reasons for its resurgence.

SK Modified driver, Mikey Flynn. Flynn came up the racing ladder in an unconventional manner and he shares his journey as well as what he calls his most terrible night in racing.

Michael O’Sullivan comes from a racing family. O’Sully drops by and shares his journey in the modified world as well as memories of his good friend Teddy Christopher.

In Episode 4 of the Modified Minute, Michael Christopher, Sr. drops in and reflects upon his driving career and his time turning the wrenches for his son, Michael, Jr. 

Junior visits and shares his experience as part of the “RAM Race For The Seat” reality TV show as well as his forays into NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series. He also explains why he will always be an SK Modified guy. 

And, Patrick Emerling, driver of the USNE number 1 shares his thoughts on the Whelen Modified Tour and who he feels made him a better driver. 

In Episode 3 of the “Modified Minute” you’ll hear Jonathan Puleo share a conversation he had with his father moments before he won the 2026 SK Modified Championship. Tyler Rypkema shares what really happened and why FloRacing TV failed to interview him in Martinsville despite his podium finish. Tommy Baldwin shares memories of his father along with his current role at Rick Ware Racing and fielding TBR Modified cars on the racing circuit. “Hot Dog of the Week” covers a driver’s “on the job training”. And, we relive Michael Christopher, Jr.’s winning run in the TC 13 from inside his car.

Phil Moran makes the “Crew Call” and shares his thoughts about his 5 decades twisting the wrenches.

In SK Soundings you will hear from Meg Fuller who captured Stafford Speedway’s 2026 SK Light Title and she shares her thoughts on women in racing.

The winner of round two of the Whelen Modified Tour stop at Martinsville, Stephen Kopcik joins the show and shares his recipe for success and how he earned a Grandfather Clock. 

All that and our "Hot Dog of the Week", “Either – Or”, as well as a recap of this season's early modified action.