Matt Hirschman takes the Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 victory

Many of the best Modified drivers from the North and South made the trip to Wilkes County looking to write another chapter in North Wilkesboro’s storied history.

Matt Hirschman earned the distinction of winning the first Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 after surviving several late restarts. Hirschman was one of the first to claim a checkered flag during North Wilkesboro’s revival in 2022 and was honored to take another elevator ride to Victory Lane.

This was a comeback win of sorts for Hirschman as he was sidelined back in August after a bad crash at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. Being out of the car for a period of time was frustrating for Hirschman but he put in the work and was able to get back behind the wheel in the middle of September. 

The Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 was Hirschman’s first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race since sustaining that injury. Once he made several laps in practice around North Wilkesboro, Hirschman knew he was in perfect shape both physically and mentally to contend for a victory on Saturday night.

After pitting early, Hirschman cycled to the lead of the race before falling to second behind NASCAR Legend and the 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman. During the final pit stops of the evening with 40 laps left Hirschman’s team opted for two tires, allowing him to take the lead and eventually the win.

Even though Hirschman had track position, he still had to play defense during the closing stages. Newman, Doug Coby and Ron Silk all provided Hirschman with strong challenges, but the veteran driver withstood everything that came his way to triumph at North Wilkesboro.

Silk finished behind Hirschman in the second position with Justin Bonsignore, Eric Goodale and Patrick Emerling completing the Top 5. Newman, Andrew Krause, Cobb, Kyle Ebersole and Bobby Santos III were the rest of the Top 10 finishers.

If you missed the broadcast of the race or couldn't be there in person. CNBC will broadcast a replay of the Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Last night's race was the end of an era at North Wilkesboro and the beginning of a new era as the track is set to be repaved for the first time since 1981 to make preparations for next year's All-Star Race. While the action last night wrote another chapter in the tracks storied history. 

Only two races remain on the 2023 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule. The penultimate event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 8 at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park with the running of the World Series 150 present by FloSports.com. FloRacing will provide live coverage.

I did briefly speak to Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman after the race last night in the garage area. both declined to be interviewed as they were ready to head home after a long day of racing. However, they were both very cordial even though they were a bit dejected at how their nights ended at the track. Newman and Labonte will both compete in the Whelen Modifired Tour's last race of the season this month.