Story By: KYLE SOUZA / JUSTIN BONSIGNORE MOTORSPORTS – HOLTSVILLE, NY – Just six days off his Riverhead Raceway win, Justin Bonsignore will return to the track with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on Saturday, May 27 at Lee USA Speedway. Set to compete in the Granite State Derby 175, Bonsignore will head to Lee looking to improve on his finish there last year of 10th.
All NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars will carry the name of fallen heroes on their roof with a decal for the Lee event, as part of Memorial Day weekend. Bonsignore’s No. 51 Kenneth Massa Motorsports entry will hold the name of USMC Cpl. Michael Ouellette, who passed away during combat operations in Afghanistan in 2009. Ouellette was involved in an action in the Middle East where he lost his life while enabling the evacuation/withdrawal of 28 other troops. He was awarded the US Navy Cross for “extraordinary heroism in combat.” The Navy Cross is the highest military decoration awarded by the US Navy.
“Memorial Day is a special time for everyone and we’re honored to have this tradition continue of carrying a fallen hero, in this case USMC Cpl. Michael Ouellette, on the No. 51 for the Granite State Derby at Lee. These heroes gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. It’s been a strong start to the season on the track for us and coming off a win is always a good feeling,” Bonsignore said. “We’ve had consistent speed in our cars and all the credit goes to Ryan Stone and the guys that work so hard to make sure we’re prepared. Lee is definitely a track that eats up tires and with two opportunities to change tires during 175 laps, the race will be a mix of tire conservation and strategy. We’re looking forward to getting back up there to New Hampshire and keeping our momentum rolling.”
Saturday’s race day at Lee USA Speedway will include one practice session from 1:40-2:25 p.m., followed by Mayhew Tools pole qualifying at 6:30 p.m. The green flag for the Granite State Derby 175 will drop at 7:45 p.m., live on FloRacing.TV for those who can’t make it to New Hampshire.