NASCAR and IMSA mixed it up for the second year at Martinsville Speedway with the Mazda MX-5 Cup racing an opener for the Whelen Modified main event.
What started as a “what if” conversation a few years ago set the stage for the Whelen MX-5 Cup to run last year in what could have been a “one off” novelty. The return has kept the door open for the series to continue.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified tour ran for their championship as the evening main event and put on a classic, season ending show. Martinsville has a long history with modifieds and has hosted the current tour finale since 2022.
Whelen is another common denominator as a title sponsor for both the MX-5 and the Modifieds.
The Mazdas took the track with a buzz of sound and race lines only the smaller wheelbase can handle. The start was already shaken with the pole car (Nathan Nicholson) sent to the back for tech inspection issues. Frankie Barroso took the pole spot and was in the mix with Westin Workman and Jeremy Fletcher (the 2025 MX5 Champion).
Nicholson was working back up and Earl Bamber (2X Le Mans winner & FIA / IMSA Champion) was also pushing into the top positions. Later, Bamber and Ethan Tovo were tangled with contact sending Tovo into the barrels at the turn two exit.
The finish seemed to recall aspects of the 2024 race with the final laps being challenged by Fletcher, Workman and Nicholson. The tight turn and contact in turns three and four forced Nicholson to back off leaving a drag race finish between Workman and Fletcher. At the line, Jeremy Fletcher took the win by a Mazda nose of 0.003 of a second.
The Whelen Modifieds were racing for the title and championship with a family front row on the start. Kyle Bonsignore was on the side of defending race winner and 2024 champion, Justin Bonsignore. The race was lively as the lead changed with Bonsignore and several others including Austin Beers. Beers needed a good finish to clinch the championship so he was on edge to make top spots. Top 10 points contenders Patrick Emerling and Matt Hirschman were also up front to hold the spotlight for a few laps.
Ultimately, an overtime setting put Justin Bonsignore on the front row with three laps to go. Stephen Kopcik bobbled a bit forcing the top row to fall back. Austin Beers was able to pull up a spot and hold for the finish. Bonsignore took the checkered flag and Beers took second place and enough points to edge the championship.
Photo Gallery – Thursday October 23, 2025 – Whelen Mazda MX-5 / NASCAR Whelen Modified
