6/27/2025
Georgetown Speedway
Pauch Jr. Storms from 8th to Victory, Grabs $3K Payday in Millman’s NAPA Modifieds; Peck Claims First 602 Sportsman Win of Season at Georgetown
By Chad Cathell - GEORGETOWN, DE – Frenchtown, New Jersey’s Billy Pauch Jr. once again proved why he’s one of the Northeast’s best, charging from the eighth starting position to claim the $3,000 top prize in the Millman’s NAPA Auto Parts Modifieds during a special Thursday Night Thunder program at Georgetown Speedway.
The midweek event, designed to help traveling teams beat the weekend beach traffic, was presented by Bay Line Construction and Delmarva 811 and featured top-tier talent in both the Big Block Modifieds and 602 Sportsman divisions.
All eyes were on the new clay surface, overseen by track prep expert Jamie Friesen—known as "The Track Whisperer." The revamped surface delivered in a big way, offering multiple racing grooves while also being gentle on tires and equipment.
The Modified feature saw Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., start on the pole alongside local standout HJ Bunting. Godown quickly jumped out to the early lead before a lap 2 caution slowed the field after Nick Nash came to a stop. On the restart, Godown maintained control as a fierce battle for second developed between Danny Bouc and Tanner Van Doren.
Meanwhile, Billy Pauch Jr. began slicing through the field using every inch of the racetrack. By halfway, the top five were Godown, Bouc, Pauch Jr., Van Doren, and Brandon Grosso, with Jordan Watson leading the Delaware contingent in sixth. Another caution on lap 18, triggered by a stopped Cole Stangle, tightened up the field. During the yellow, Joseph Watson alerted officials to a car leaking fluids, but no further action was taken. That warning proved valid—as on the restart, Van Doren’s engine expired, but the race stayed green as the 27 machine made its way to the infield.
Capitalizing on the chaos, Pauch Jr. used the high side to perfection. Down the backstretch, he feinted low before rocketing around Godown off turn four to take the lead by inches at the stripe. From there, he pulled away and never looked back.
At the checkered flag, it was Pauch Jr. taking the win, followed by Godown, Bouc, Grosso, and Jordan Watson in the top five. Watson’s strong fifth-place effort earned him the Taylor & Messick Delmarva Proud Bonus, pocketing an extra $250 as the highest-finishing local driver. WB James claimed the Taylor & Messick Spec Bonus, also worth $250, as the top finishing 358 Spec Motor.
Drawing the pole in the feature redraw, Matt Peck made the most of his front-row starting spot to score his first 602 Sportsman win of the season at Georgetown Speedway, leading every lap of a fast-paced, green-to-checkered affair on Thursday night.
Peck launched to the lead at the drop of the green, with Evan Dennis—a rising local talent—giving chase from the outside of the front row. Behind them, a fierce battle quickly developed among some of the top names in the Blue Hen Dispose-All 602 Sportsman ranks, including Ryan Heim, Michael White, Greg Humlhanz, James Hill, and Tom Sherby.
With the race running caution-free, the spotlight remained on Peck, who masterfully navigated lap traffic and set a blistering pace on the wide, smooth new surface that allowed drivers to search for speed across multiple grooves.
When the checkered flag flew, it was all Matt Peck, taking home the $1,500 payday, thanks to a generous bonus from an anonymous sponsor who increased the winner’s share from the standard $1,000. Ryan Heim crossed the line second, followed by James Hill, Michael White, and Tom Sherby to round out the top five.
TJ Williams was the winner of the Delaware Super Trucks.
Cale Pettyjohn was the Late Model and overall winner of the Southern Delaware Racing Club, Sean Metz was the Modified winner.
Bill Coada was the winner of the East Coast Vintage Racing Association.
Photo Credit - Derek Hauck
Article Credit: Chad Cathell
Submitted By: Chad Cathell