Tyler Rypkema Secures Dramatic NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
In a breathtaking display of determination and skill, Tyler Rypkema captured his first-ever NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in the most dramatic fashion possible. The 13th race of the 2025 season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway culminated in a spectacular last-lap incident that saw Rypkema cross the finish line with a destroyed race car, securing a historic victory that will be remembered for years to come.
A Early Morning Start Leads to a Late Race Spectacle
The event, the only race on the tour with a start time before noon, commenced at 9:15 AM EST. This unique scheduling allowed fans arriving early for the subsequent Truck Series race to witness an unforgettable finish. The stage was set for a showdown between Rypkema and Justin Bonsignore, who along with Jonathan McKennedy, had dominated the lead for the majority of the competitive event.
The Overtime Restart Sets the Stage for a Final Lap Duel
Following a late caution, an overtime restart compressed the field for a two-lap shootout to decide the winner. Bonsignore held the lead for the final 20 laps, relentlessly defending against relentless pressure from a charging Rypkema. The No. 3 driver repeatedly attempted a classic bump-and-run maneuver, setting the stage for a final-corner clash that would decide the race’s outcome.
A Daring Final Corner Move Seals the Victory
Entering turn three on the final lap, Rypkema executed his planned move, making contact with Bonsignore’s car to take the lead. The aggressive pass did not come without consequence. The two cars collided again on the front stretch, sending Rypkema hard into the wall. The impact sheared off his right front tire, leaving his damaged vehicle with only three wheels. Despite the catastrophic damage, Rypkema’s momentum carried his crippled car across the finish line just ahead of a recovering Bonsignore and a fast-approaching Craig Lutz.
Post-Race Reactions from the Key Players
The dramatic finish elicited strong reactions from both drivers. A disappointed Justin Bonsignore questioned the move on the FloRacing broadcast, stating, “He had me clear off of four. I don’t know why he decided to go to victory lane junked.” In victory lane, Tyler Rypkema explained his win-at-all-costs mentality, vowing not to lift off the throttle in the final corners. He analyzed the block from Bonsignore, noting that its timing allowed him to reposition his car and make the winning arc into the corner. Rypkema acknowledged the torn-up state of his car but celebrated the ultimate result: a hard-fought first victory in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Tyler Rypkema’s three-wheeled triumph at New Hampshire Motor Speedway embodies the sheer grit and never-give-up attitude that defines NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour. His willingness to sacrifice his entire car for a single position resulted in a landmark victory, etching his name into the history books with one of the most memorable finishes of the 2025 season.
