Polk Bros’ Recap: UMP Modified Championship at Winchester Speedway
AUTHOR - Rick Polk
I got the chance to watch Justin Cullum win his 2nd championship in a row last night—in person! Determination and grit were the themes of the evening.
Even his beautiful three-month-old daughter and fellow race car driver wife—Alyssa Rowe—were in attendance.
Justin is a humble and talented 3rd generation driver and the Polk Brothers are proud to be his sponsor. Just like our father sponsored Justin’s grandfather back in the 1970s.
Here are Justin’s thoughts on the race that clenched his Championship win.
We were blessed with beautiful weather on our last points race. A gentle cool breeze swept through the stands, as the sun was at our backs. As we watched them water and run the track in, anticipation grew, we had a championship to win. Let’s go!
Timed hot laps were next. We were in the last of three groups. We timed 2nd fastest in Group C. #77 was the fastest overall with 16.84, and he also was in Group C.
Started 2nd in the heat race but we couldn’t hold it and ended up finishing 3rd. That meant we were starting in the middle/back of the pack with the squirrels.
Had the prayer and the national anthem, but no prep work was done to the track in the meantime, not even one push truck! There were no sliders or high side hustling, that’s for sure!
So we got ready for the dust bowl!
The car wouldn’t start and needed a push. (Really?!? Does she know that tonight is the last points race??) She finally got herself together and we started at P9. There was some work ahead of us but I got to it right away. By the second caution on Lap 3, we had gotten up to P5. We only had two cautions so far and the leaders started lapping the pack as the laps counted down.
The leaders were battling and so were we for P4. When we finally—I mean finally—got 4th, the gap was big and the yellow never waved again. We started gaining and getting closer, but we ran out of laps.
Overall, it was a great night! Baby Saylor got to see daddy race, the car’s in one piece back in the box, and we are the FIRST repeat Modified CHAMPION at Winchester!
I’m so happy and honored to be your two-time modified champion!
A huge “Thank you” to my father!
We did this! On and off the track every week! Our season had its limits with what we had, but we made a commitment and carried it out. We were determined and then blessed from all of the hard work. Thank you!!
Final Stats from the UMP Modified Division on August 30, 2025
- 17 cars
- TIMED HOT LAPS: Group A 16.97 #35 / Group B 16.92 #2b / Group C 16.84 #77
- Justin was the second fastest in Group C
- HEAT: 8 laps / Started 2nd / Justin Finished 3rd
- FEATURE: 20 laps / Started 9th / Justin Finished 4th!