Teddy Hodgdon secured a major victory at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, claiming the World Series 150. The event, which was moved to Saturday night due to weather concerns, saw Hodgdon lead the final 32 laps to solidify his status as the 2026 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Hodgdon, a Danbury, Connecticut native, added this win to his growing list of successes.
The race featured a highly competitive field, with Patrick Emerling, the points leader, battling fiercely for the top spots. After a challenging start, Hodgdon successfully closed in on the championship leader, eventually taking the lead away with 32 laps remaining. Emerling ultimately finished in third place, completing a dominant 2026 season by claiming the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, his first since 2011.
The podium was rounded out by Matt Hirschman, who finished second, and Michael Christopher Jr., who finished fourth. Matt Swanson also secured a Top-5 finish in fifth place. Austin Beers, who started near the back, finished seventh, concluding a consistent 2026 season by settling for second in the Modified Tour championship standings.
Both Hodgdon and Emerling expressed high confidence moving into the next season. Hodgdon stated that his strong second half of 2026 provides significant momentum, while Emerling described the championship as a hard-fought achievement that required the dedication of his entire team.
Source: Short Track Scene