Pair of Modified Up-and-Comers Enter Mason-Dixon Meltdown

As the Thanksgiving weekend Mason-Dixon Meltdown at South Boston Speedway (VA) draws closer, the entries for the twin 250-lap Tour style-Modified and Super Late Model races are coming through the mail. The latest entries for the Modified portion of the event are a pair of young racers who are looking to make a name of their own in the family business of racing.

Billy Pauch, Jr. watched his father, Billy Pauch, Sr., win countless dirt sprint car and modified races. Chris Pasteryak was treated to seeing his father Charlie and uncle Carl run up front in the NASCAR Modified ranks. Both drivers are carving out their own reputations now and will be racing at the Meltdown.

“We’re going to the Mason-Dixon Meltdown, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Pasteryak. “We’ll pack up the turkey, bring it down there and have Thanksgiving at the track a day later.”

“I can’t wait to do that race,” said Pauch of the Meltdown. “I’ve heard about South Boston a lot. It’s a great track. The Greenfield Dodge #06 will be there, and hopefully it will be a good show.”

Both drivers are welcoming the chance to go against the best of the Southern Modified community at the Meltdown.

“They say that everyone down there is really good to run with,” said Pauch. “I’ve been down south to run dirt tracks, but never asphalt. I’ve met some good people down there and can’t wait to meet some more.”

There is no clear-cut favorite side when it comes to this racing Civil War either.

“Everybody’s got good stuff now, and everybody is a good driver,” said Pasteryak. “So we won’t have to worry about one group having an advantage. Those guys have their game on.”

The Mason-Dixon Meltdown will be a good chance for both drivers to hone their skills, too. Pauch, an accomplished dirt racer already, is looking to get more comfortable on paved tracks.

“In asphalt racing, this is all car,” said Pauch. You can’t really man-handle them too much. They’re fast, too. When they go, they go. It’s fun, and I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Pasteryak is looking for some experience in running a longer race.

“I’m looking forward to running a 250-lap race,” said Pasteryak. “I didn’t go to Martinsville, so this will be the longest race that I do all year.”

The drivers also know what a treat fans will be in for at the Mason-Dixon Meltdown. From the sound of things, Chris Pasteryak would be sitting in the stands for the race if he wasn’t wheeling a Modified in it.

“It should be fantastic,” said Pasteryak. “250 laps of Super Late Models and 250 laps of Modifieds. $30 for 500 laps of racing – you can’t beat that!”

The Tour-Type Modified portion of the “Mason-Dixon Meltdown” features a 250-lap main event on Saturday, November 25th. The PASS South Super Late Models also have a 250-lap event that day and both premier divisions will be racing for a $12,500 paycheck for the winner, plus lap money and other bonuses to be announced soon. Also competing during the “Mason-Dixon Meltdown” weekend are the Legends Cars (Friday only) and the Pro Challenge Series (Saturday only).