NJ's Chance at a NASCAR Whelen Modified Win Ended with Passing of John Blewett III

  I can't help think about, perhaps the greatest asphalt Modified driver I have ever seen in my lifetime, the late John Blewett III, every time I get to witness a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race. This was especially true as I looked forward to, and watched this week's race at Bristol.
  You see, as much as I am a fan of the Modifieds, I am just that much more a fan of NJ drivers. When I looked at the entry list for Wednesday's Bristol race it pained me to see only one entrant from New Jersey, Jamie Tomaino. While I have a great respect for Jamie, and all he has accomplished in his career, the truth is he had very little chance of contending for a win.
  The name missing from that list, John Blewett III, would of not only given NJ another entrant, but one that would've certainly been counted among the favorites to challenge eventual winner Ryan Newman. Four years later, and another NJ driver has not stepped up to claim that spot.
  Honestly, the amount of talented young drivers who could possibly do well on the Tour, from NJ, is limited at best. Wall Stadium would obviously be the launching point for anyone looking to advance onto the Tour, and frankly, I can only think of one driver who could currently compete, with an honest chance of winning. Anthony Sesely.
  The Matawan driver seems to have the right amount of aggressiveness, and car control necessary to be a contender. Whether he will ever get that chance is unknown. The Tour is not only extremely expensive, but incredibly time consuming. With a majority of the events located in Connecticut, and others in Iowa, and now Canada, it requires someone with the ability to miss a significant time from work.
  Another young driver who appears to possibly have the ability to advance his career beyond Wall Stadium would be Eric Mauriello. However, he has not even advanced to the Wall Modifieds, yet, so the Tour isn't even realistic to think about, at this time.
  A driver who is originally from NJ, and shows the talent necessary to contend on the Tour, is Danny Bohn. The son of Eddie Bohn currently competes in the North Carolina area, where his family relocated to work for Ray Evernham. He even won, earlier this year, at Bowman Gray Stadium, in an older and heavier machine than the rest of the field.
  Sad as it is to say, New Jersey's chance at winning an event on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, may have ended at Thompson International Speedway, four years ago, this month. John Blewett III is missed by many people, for many different reasons. Selfishly for me, it's every time I get to see a NASCAR Mod race, and know if John was only in the field, NJ would not only have a chance, but a contender.