Modified drivers conduct tire test at Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Burt Myers has become one of the most popular figures in motorsports over the past year.

He’s given countless interviews, received boxes of fan mail and signed hundreds of autographs.

“I even had one man stick his prosthetic leg through the window of my racecar and ask me if I would sign it,” Myers said.

The charismatic Myers is a third generation racer, but most of his newfound fame has come via his role on the reality TV series “Madhouse.” The show, which began its original run Jan. 10 on the History Channel and acquired a cult-like following, followed four modified race car teams through a season at historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, N.C.

“We’ve been very blessed to be in this situation,” Myers said. “People have come from all over the country to Bowman Gray. If we can get that kind of support at other tracks, we will be doing good.”

There was no glamour for Myers Monday. The hot day was reserved for an exhaustive and high-speed research mission at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Along with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour points leader James Civali, Myers helped engineers from Hoosier Tire in their quest to devise a durable and safe tire compound for the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 on Aug. 18 at BMS.

“I think the right rear tire teams used here last year were a little harder than what [Hoosier] thinks we might need,” Myers said. “The right rear is taking a lot of abuse today.
“Basically this is just one of those deals where we keep putting tires on the car until we find the right combination.”

Myers and Civali also participated in a Hoosier test at BMS on May 13 with modified legend Mike Stefanik. During that session, Cavali posted the fastest unofficial time with a lap of 14.700 seconds.
During a break in testing Monday, Civali said that the tight and fast confines of BMS present a never-ending challenge.

“This track is very unique, and that’s what draws so much attention to it,” Civali said. “It’s such a fast and fun place, but it strains your muscles going around the corners.”

While tire tests can be mind-numbing, Civali feels Monday’s test will benefit both drivers and fans.

“We had an interesting race here last year, and I think this year’s race will be even better because teams are going to be more prepared,” Civali said.

One interesting aspect of the BMS modified race is the clash of driving styles from the southern and northern modified series. Civali admitted that a rivalry exists between the two passionate factions.

“There always will be some of that,” said Civali, whose hometown is Meriden, Conn. “In the South there are a couple guys who are really fast, and the races are run a little bit more conservative where the guys save tires. Up North, we’re on the go button all the time and there is lot of bumping and grinding.”

Myers is more interested in a victory than earning bragging rights.

“I don’t look at it as a North and South thing,” Myers said. “I just come to win the race no matter who I beat. We’re all modified drivers, and we’re out to put on a good show for the fans.”

From Winston Salem and New Jersey to Bristol, Myers feels that the “Mod Squad” offers entertainment for fans who still prefer the basics of racing.

“It’s really nice that we get to come to a venue and have the exposure that the modifieds have deserved for a long time,” Myers said. “That along with the support “Madhouse” has given to modifieds has really helped the sport in general.”

According to BMS vice president of public affairs Kevin Triplett, the Bowman Gray fan contingent has already expressed interest in the Bristol race.

“We expect a huge draw from Bowman Gray,” Triplett said. “We figured that we would get 3,000 fans just from that area last year, but it rained in North Carolina almost all day.”

Myers said he’s hopeful that the Speed Channel will pick up the rights to “Madhouse” next year.

agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544