Newsmakers of the Week // Ryan Smith & Tommy Barrett Jr.

It takes time to get to the top.
This past week, two drivers who have won plenty of races at lower echelons were on top of the racing ladder after inspired drives.
Tommy Barrett, Jr. of Millis, Mass., is a rookie in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Touring Series. He brushed aside earlier season woes with a spectacular drive at Bristol (TN) Motor Speedway last Wednesday, winning on what is arguably the Mod Tour’s grandest stage.
The night before, in the high profile Jersey Rush 410 Sprint race at New Egypt (NJ) Speedway, Ryan Smith of Kunkletown Pa. rocketed to his first career 410 Sprint Car win. His apprenticeship was longer than Barrett’s and perhaps more frustrating.
For both Barrett and Smith, their victories were predictable., even expected. The question was always when.
The answer – now – is Newsmaker Of The Week material.