With five races already in the books for the inaugural season of the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series, we have seen some of the best racing in recent memory for the high powered Modifieds. It has been close quarters action and wild at times, and the fans have come out in droves to support their favorite driver. This Monday at Ace Speedway, for the next installment, there should be more wildness and a few more fans as a new driver takes the reigns in the series for the first time this season. That driver will be Johnathan “JonBoy” Brown.
The last time JonBoy was at the famous 4/10’s mile in Altamahaw NC was in 2012, as he and Burt Myers had a spited battle for the “Meltdown Series” crown. But that day ended in one of the most controversial finishes in racing memory, as Brown seemingly won the championship but Myers would protest his own backup car and win the title after tech… and some three days later. Brown has vowed to never come back there but his love of the track and for racing itself could not keep him away.
“I hate what happened in 2012 but I just love that track,” said Brown. “After everything settled, I know it wasn’t the track itself as much as it was the people I was racing with crying about it, so I’m not going to hold a grudge against a racetrack. We just put this deal together this week with me driving Tommy Neal’s car so I’m pumped about it. I have a few more things I’m changing on the car before Monday and I think we will be a contender.”
Asked about racing with the same people he had controversy with a week before at Bowman Gray stadium, Brown didn’t mince words.
“I’m looking forward to it,” an eager Brown stated. “I’m not done racing, I just took some time off, as you could see last week I’m still good to go, at least I think I am. These boys have to race with me for many years to come, they are just going to have to accept that.”
Tommy Neal is the car owner and regular driver but has been excited all week about having JonBoy back in his car for another race at Ace Speedway.
“When we did this two years ago, we left holding the checkered flag and ultimately a championship,” Neal said. “The championship was stolen from us but we are coming back to win again, I have a good car and with him behind the wheel I don’t see why we wouldn’t have a good a shot as anyone.”
Although they will be racing, sponsors are needed badly to foot the bill of the day.
“We are barely making it there. We will be competitive, no doubt, but we still need some sponsors to come on board since this deal was put together just a few days ago. Anyone interested can contact me or Tommy… I promise you will get exposure,” he said with a laugh.
This Monday, for the “Back To School 125”, gates will open at 3pm, qualifying at 3:4pm0 and then an on-track autograph session at 4pm. Racing will start at 5pm and will include twin races for the Bowman Gray Sportsman cars (Limited Late Model), a race to be announced and, of course, 125 laps for the mighty Modifieds. With names like Tim Brown, Burt Myers, Jason Myers, Scott Hall, Zach Brewer, Jeremy Mayfield, Cale Gale and now JonBoy Brown, this will be a show no one should miss.
