Patrick Emerling wins NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship

Patrick Emerling clinched the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park during the World Series 150. The 33-year-old driver of the No. 1 USNE Power Modified secured his first career title after maintaining the points lead since July. His season included five wins, 11 top-fives, and 14 top-10 finishes.

In the same race, Teddy Hodgdon secured a victory in the World Series 150. After qualifying ninth, Hodgdon led the final 32 laps to earn his second career Modified Tour win and solidify his position as the 2026 Rookie of the Year. The race, which was moved to Saturday night due to weather forecasts, featured a single caution on the opening lap and became a strategic battle of tire preservation.

Fifteen-year-old Paulie Hartwig III earned the pole position for the event, marking his first career pole in the Modified Tour.