Randy Myers started the brand new KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series last season and saw strong fields of cars, strong fan support and exciting racing action. The series was a breakout success.
The inaugural event for the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series was held at Hickory Motor Speedway. That race saw endless side-by-side racing action. That type of thrilling racing action became the norm for the series. Series director Randy Myers considered the inaugural season a success – though shied away from comparing the series to the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour (NWSMT).
“I think, overall, the season was successful,” Myers said. “We talk a lot about it amongst ourselves, I don’t think we’re an alternative to the NWSMT or equal to, we’re just what we are. We’re giving guys an option to come and race with us on a series that goes to some different racetracks. We put on a different type of show. We focus on the fans, cost savings. It’s just a deal that’s, it’s time for it.
“I will say, I’ve got nothing against NASCAR. I grew up with my dad and uncle and everybody in the system but, when NASCAR saved us from ourselves in 2005, things changed. If they had done what they could have done and should have done, I’d be sitting in my rocking chair on my porch right now but, it is what it is as far as how they do their programs. I appreciate what they do and we’ll do our deal the way we do it.”
Despite the overwhelming success the series had, they also ran into their fair share of issues – as any upstart series would. The KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series instituted live, green flag pit stops whereas NASCAR stops the race at halfway and allows teams to work on their cars during the intermission. Those live pit stops in the KOMA tour created issues in the scoring tower, issues the series tried to resolve all season long.
“The issue was with timing and scoring,” Myers explained. “We do have a new scoring group coming on this year with a lot of experience. Last year’s group had a lot. We had hiccups. Part of the problem was with the racetracks not having a loop or the person doing the scoring couldn’t keep up with who was where but we were able to sit down and resolve the issues and finish where they were supposed to and got their due credit.”
Myers hoped to end the 2014 season on a high note but, at the season finale at Myrtle Beach Speedway, scoring issues once again caused a lengthy red flag period, leaving teams and fans frustrated.
“The Myrtle Beach deal was inexcusable but it happened. We hired new scorers. New scorer is Kerry Bodenhamer and I think that’s a name everyone knows. He’s a well-respected car builder and he owned the UARA series. He and his crew will score our races. They provide us with good equipment, experience and a couple pairs of good old fashioned eyes to see what’s going on.”
Another former UARA promoter coming on board to assist with the operations of the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series in 2015 is Harold Crook, who also served as the promoter at Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, Virginia for several seasons.
“I’m not going to be calling the races in 2015. We hired Harold Crook and he’s going to be the race director. That gives me more time to do the things around the racetrack to promote the show and keep fans interested and keeps the sponsors happy.”
Last year, the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series ran eight races. This season they will run 12 races – including three races with the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model tour. Those races will be held at Kingsport Speedway in Tennessee on May 8th, Concord Speedway in North Carolina on May 22nd and Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Easley, South Carolina on October 24th. Myers said he was “excited beyond belief” about those races.
“We’re going to partner with the longest running Super Late Model series in this region. It’s well respected and always drawn good car counts at good locations. We’re lucky to take stuff to the table to help Tom [Mayberry] and make it work for all of us. What Tom does and our marketing through KOMA, it opens the door to a lot of possibilities. Hopefully it will really excite some people. They’ve got an opportunity to see really fast fender cars and open wheel cars. I think it will be great.”
The first race of the 2015 season for the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series will be held at Hickory Motor Speedway on March 21st.
KOMA UNWIND MODIFIED MADNESS SERIES: Website | Facebook | Twitter
2015 KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series season schedule
March 21st: Hickory Motor Speedway — Newton, North Carolina
April 18th: To Be Announced
May 8th: Kingsport Speedway — Kingsport, Tennessee
May 22nd: Concord Speedway — Concord, North Carolina
June 19th: Ace Speedway — Altamahaw, North Carolina
July 3rd: Hickory Motor Speedway — Newton, North Carolina
July 17th: Anderson Motor Speedway — Williamston, South Carolina
August 29th: Dillon Motor Speedway — Dillon, South Carolina
September 12th: To Be Announced
October 10th: Orange County Speedway — Rougemont, North Carolina
October 24th: Greenville-Pickens Speedway — Easley, South Carolina
November 21st: Myrtle Beach Speedway — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
