Teddy Hodgdon and his family-owned team concluded a highly successful 2026 season on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, achieving the goal of winning the Rookie of the Year award. Hodgdon secured the title, surpassing 15-year-old Paulie Hartwig III by a margin of 49 points. The team, based in Danbury, Connecticut, found their stride mid-season, culminating in two victories and a Top-5 finish, which they attribute to crucial setup breakthroughs.
The 2026 campaign was a demanding endeavor for the small operation, requiring significant commitment from the Hodgdon family and their crew. Hodgdon noted that adapting to various circuits—including Oxford Plains Speedway, Oswego Speedway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway—was a major challenge. Despite the difficulties, the team maintained momentum, securing major wins at Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, which proved to be a massive achievement for the family team.
Looking ahead to 2027, Hodgdon is excited about the schedule, particularly the prospect of racing at Thunder Road International Speedbowl. He also expressed great affection for his home track, Stafford Motor Speedway, calling it one of the best short tracks in the country. While the team was disappointed to see New Smyrna Speedway removed from the 2027 schedule, they remain focused on building upon the success and momentum gained throughout the year.
Hodgdon remains grateful for the support of his family and crew, emphasizing that success in short track racing requires a dedicated "village." He credits the team's perseverance and hard work for reaching this level, and he is eager to carry the confidence and momentum into the next season with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Source: Short Track Scene