Growth has been a theme during Super DIRT Week at Oswego Speedway.
Whether it’s the fan experience off the track or Features running under the lights, “Racing’s Biggest Party” continues to evolve. That includes the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, who take center stage on Friday, Oct. 10, for the Salute to the Troops 150.
In 2024, a record 98 drivers entered the Small Block Modified crown jewel, up from 78 in 2023 and 69 in 2022. And according to 358 Modified veteran Lance Willix, the rise in numbers can be attributed to one factor—affordability.
“We tried the Big Block deal in 2010 and 11, and that just about put us out of racing,” Willix said. “So, I said if we’re going to keep racing, we’ll have to move back down to 358s, and I’m glad we did. I think we’re one of the top ones now. It was the right decision.”
“The concept now that everyone thinks they have to have a $30,000 small block to compete is the furthest thing from the truth. You don’t need all that. You can buy a good used engine and get it freshened up.”
Super DIRT Week isn’t the only place the class has seen growth. In 2024, 186 drivers attempted to qualify for a Feature on the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series, which included Super DIRTcar Series drivers, 358 Modified veterans, and drivers moving up from the Sportsman division.
Mike Mahaney, who recently won a Series event at Can-Am Speedway, agreed with Willix on the importance of affordability. However, the Elizabethtown, NY driver said another reason is a rise in the number of tracks running the class weekly.
Four tracks were added to the DIRTcar Northeast family in 2025, including Cornwall Motor Speedway, Mohawk International Raceway, Airborne Park Speedway, and Devil’s Bowl Speedway.
“There’s races at more tracks this year than we’ve had in the past,” Mahaney said. “So, I think going into Oswego, there will be more competition this year than ever.”
That’s something that DIRTcar Northeast Series director echoed and said it strengthens the roster at any 358 Modified Series event.
“While car counts can be considered mild at some tracks, it does mean there’s more total cars out there,” Reynolds said. “And when you have a special race like the DIRTcar 358 Series you then get your high 30’s into the 40’s.
“We’re seeing more and more Sportsman drivers making the jump and down the road they also could he Super DIRTcar Series stars.”
Mahaney also said there’s a significant difference in how a Big Block handles compared to a 358, which allows someone new to the division to build confidence.
“(It’s) an incredibly different drive,” Mahaney said. “The weight of the engine just seems to be a huge factor in the handling. The Small Block just seems to handle so much better than a Big Block. That big, heavy engine is a lot to throw around in the corner. And the Small Block’s just drive so nice. They race really good and they’re a lot of fun.”
Another driver who competed in the Salute to the Troops 150 last season is Andrew Buff, who won the DIRTcar Sportsman Series championship in 2023. The Latham, NY driver said he loves competing against the top drivers in Modified racing, which allows him to eliminate bad habits he developed while driving a Sportsman.
“Racing with all those guys really makes you watch and re-learn everything you knew or thought you knew,” Buff said. “You just have to re-do it all over again, and it’s really fortunate to race with those guys to get the experience.”
Willix, who narrowly missed out on the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series title to Felix Roy last season, added he also loves racing against the best of the best.
“When we get (Mat) Williamson, (Peter) Britten, (Felix) Roy, and (Mike) Mahaney to come down, it makes us guys better having to race with them. We look forward to it, and we enjoy racing against those guys because they’re the best.”
Whether it’s the top drivers in the Northeast, or competitors getting their first look at the “Clay Palace,” the growth of the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds will be on full display at Super DIRT Week 53, Oct. 6-11.
For more on the DIRTcar Northeast, follow the DIRTcar Northeast Facebook page and the Series’ X/(Twitter) page.
If you can’t make it to Super DIRT Week, watch all the action live on DIRTVision, either online or with the DIRTVision app.
