One of the most prestigious pavement modified races in America is coming to FloRacing in 2025. The Turkey Derby, scheduled for November 28-29 at Wall Stadium Speedway, will be streamed live on FloRacing for the first time.
Since 1950, auto racing has rumbled the grounds of the Jersey Shore oval and each year it all leads up to the track’s most prestigious race, the Turkey Derby. The excitement of this year’s event at the New Jersey bullring will be available to watch with a FloRacing monthly or annual subscription.
Turkey Derby LII (52) will include nine-divisions of action on the ⅓-mile high banked oval over a two-day racing card. Wall Modifieds, Factory Stocks, 4-Cylinders, INEX Legends Cars, and Limited Late Models will race on Friday. On Saturday, the TQ Midgets, 602 Sportsman and All Pro Speedstrs will join the card highlighted by the 150-lap Tour-Type Modified Turkey Derby.
The Turkey Derby has been dominated by drivers from the Garden State. However, the 2024 version was captured by Long Island, New York driver, Timmy Solomito. It was the first time since the second and third edition of the Derby (Jim Hendrickson) that a Long Islander wore the winner’s wreath.
Other winners from outside of the border include Horsehead, NY’s George Kent in 1979, Connecticut’s James Civali in 2007, Pennsylvania driver Rowan Pennink in 2009 and Connecticut native and NASCAR Cup racer Ryan Preece in 2015. The most successful of all invaders has been “Big Money” Matt Hirschman. The Northampton, Pennsylvania driver leads the list, having taken eight Turkey Derby triumphs over the last 14 years.
The first ever Turkey Derby, held in 1974 was won by New Jersey Modified racing legend and eight-time Wall track champ Gil Hearne. Notable winners of the November Thanksgiving weekend classic include Martin Truex, Sr and his son, 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr. and 1990 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino. Eddie Bohn, father of current SMART Modified Tour driver Danny Bohn, is a five-time winner of the event.
The family that has dominated the Turkey Derby the most is the Blewett family. Father John Blewett Jr drove his famed red-white-and-blue No. 76 to two wins. His sons, the late John Blewett III (4) and Jimmy Blewett (7) have brought the Tour-Type Modified win total for the Turkey Derby up to 13 victories.
Jimmy will return to the seat of a Modified at this year’s Turkey Derby after health issues have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. The veteran driver will pilot the Hartwig family-owned Modified that is typically campaigned by Paule Hartwig III on the SMART Tour.
Fans unable to attend in person will be able to watch all of the week’s racing live on FloRacing. If you’re not already a FloRacing subscriber, click here to sign up today.
