The Rare Silence of Tim Connolly: NASCAR Honor Leaves Him Speechless

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News of his selection as one of the top 40 drivers in the history of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour left Tim Connolly speechless—a rarity for the popular, garrulous competitor.

Connolly was driving from his home in New York to North Wilkesboro Speedway when he got the news.

“Pretty big surprise,” Connolly said of his selection as one of the first 10 drivers revealed during the 40th anniversary of the series. “A lot of great company out there. It’s like race weekend—it’s a tough field.

“It’s just very flattering, very honored and also humbling.”

A former star quarterback at Ithaca College, Connolly found his calling in racing. His career blossomed when he landed a ride in the iconic “Mystic Missile,” the No. 4 car owned by Robert Garbarino.

In 1997, driving Garbarino’s car, Connolly claimed four of his nine career victories and finished second in the series standings.

Connolly ran three races in 2002 and subsequently left the tour, only to return in 2023 at age 62 with his own car.

But Connolly faces a new experience in Sunday’s Whelen Modified Tour race at North Wilkesboro. Ryan Newman, not Connolly, will be driving the car.

“I miss the seat horribly—I won’t lie to you,” said Connolly, who is on his third back surgery. “The problem is I keep forgetting I’m 64. I’m not making any promises to anyone about anything right now. I’m going to keep my mouth shut and my options open.”

Even with a fierce competitor like Newman in his car, Connolly said it will be difficult to spend the race as a spectator.

“I want to kick Ryan out and get back in my car,” Connolly quipped. “You’ve got a lot of big names in the show. It’s not going to be a lot of fun being on the sidelines, honestly. I’d rather be out there.

“This will be my first time, having somebody else drive my car. I don’t even let people drive my passenger car. I don’t let anyone drive my hauler other than me.”