Glen Reen missed the draw for qualifying at Stafford Motor Speedway (CT) last Friday night for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, but it was because he was selecting his race tires.  Drivers often help out when it comes to working on the race car, but this time in Reen’s operation, he was half the team.  Driven by the thought of just being able to compete at Stafford, Reen put down what he had for money to get his white number 17 car in the field with the help of a lone crew member.  In the race results he will be listed as 15th, but the fact he did it with a one person pit crew is more of the story then the finish. 

“We don’t have a lot of money and really almost no help,” said Reen. “We spent like $800 this weekend and we had a good racecar. Some teams are spending 15 grand out here and we ran with them.  I knew the track was going to be super loose so we went with more of a race setup then a qualifying set up and that paid off for us right before halfway.”

Reen rocketed up to the front and moved as high as eighth before the power steering failed leaving him fading back through the pack.  Reen managed to hang on to an out of control racecar to finish in the 15th position. 

“I have to commend the old timers that drove racecars with no power steering because that was a handful,” added Reen.  “The good news is we have the car ready to go to Thompson so that will be good to get back behind the wheel so quickly.  We would love to go to Bristol, but the funds are just not there.”

Thompson is Reen’s next schedule race and that will take place on Thursday, August 12th at the Thompson International Speedway (CT). 

Reen Manages a 15th-place Run With Small Crew at Stafford

Top 10 Finish Was Within Reach Before Power Steering Failed

Glen Reen got into the top 10 before halfway.  Power Steering then cost him a solid finish. (Jim DuPont Photo)