Rumors swirled after Matt Hirschman's crash on the backstretch at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in August that he was done for the season. He suffered a broken arm and missed a month, but only a month. Hirschman made his return to NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competition since that crash for the first time on Saturday night at North Wilkesboro Speedway, and he did so in typical Hirschman style: winning.

Saturday's race was long-anticipated ever since the 2023 schedule was released a year ago. Everyone had this race circled on their calendars, but everyone knew they'd have to go through Hirschman. When the surface is abrasive, there's no one better than Hirschman at saving their equipment for when it really matters. 

It's the second time in as many seasons that Hirschman scored the victory in a highly anticipated NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour track debut. Hirschman took down the win in the long-awaited first trip to New Smyrna Speedway last year, and now he goes down as the first driver to take the elevator ride to victory lane in NWMT competition at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Hirschman held off Ron Silk, Justin Bonsignore, Eric Goodale, and Patrick Emerling on a green-white-checkered Overtime finish to take the victory.

Winning Quote From Matt Hirschman

"Last year was just historical, but this year is an even bigger race. It was a highly anticipated event. I find it's reminding me of the inaugural New Smyrna Whelen Tour race last year that we won. Just because of the anticipation of many years of something like this happening. And for this place to ever reopen, most people thought it would never be possible. It was great to see that and experience that last year, and come back here and put that knowledge to use and get an even bigger win here on the Whelen Tour." - Matt Hirschman

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour At North Wilkesboro Speedway Highlights

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway Results

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Remaining Schedule