Column By: TOM WENNER / RPW – OAKS, PA – Ryan Watt made a big splash at the Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports Racecar and Trade Show over the weekend debuting his new Troyer TD5 DIRT Modified.
Watt was front & center in the Bob Hilbert booth as fans entered the arena.
Ryan and his son Logan were proudly showing their new rides for the 22’ season and both have big plans to bring the “Electric Company & ½ Watt” back to Northeast Modified racing prominence.
Ryan shared that he has always liked Troyer race cars. The 1st car that Ryan built with a trick setup and saw a ton of success with was a Troyer mount. Ryan approached Billy Colton to build a new chassis with some new ideas and Colton was not interested in pairing up. Ryan took those ideas elsewhere.
The Watt team has reconnected with new Troyer leadership for 22’ and are very excited to run this new TD5 Troyer Modified. Ryan watched Tim Sears Jr. run competitive in NY at Oswego last season and feels that the new TD5 chassis is the way to go.
The TD5 is a Short Rod Coil Car. The new owners of Troyer are more focused on the dirt program and supporting their drivers. With the majority of racers running the latest Bicknell design, Ryan knows if he hits on a hot setup with this Troyer TD5 he will have an edge on everyone.
Ryan Watt is one of the hardest working guys in the garage and pit area. He will certainly find a way to return the 14W to victory lane in 2022.
Also in the Watt shop are several Bicknell 14w that are freshened up and ready for battle on the dirt tracks this season.
For 2022 Ryan will be racing Big Diamond Speedway on Friday Nights for the Shawn Fitzpatrick Team in the T102 Bicknell Modified. The Fitzpatrick T102 is a Bicknell car that was completely reworked over the winter, using Penske Shocks that Ryan is comfortable with and is ready to run.
This move will allow Ryan to bring a bag and race while focusing on helping Logan in his first full season of 602 Crate racing at Big D. On Saturday nights Ryan will haul the 14w south to NJ to compete at the Bridgeport Speedway in Spec 358 Modified action.
Ryan, Logan and Lesley Watt have mapped out a solid 22’ race season. They will race the Brett Deyo Short Track Super Series South Region events. Ryan likes Georgetown Speedway and will support those races as well. The Watt team is looking forward to opening the season at the Cherokee Speedway event in SC.
After Cherokee, The team head north to prepare for the Northeast racing action at Georgetown, Selinsgrove and Port Royal.
Logan Watt debuted his new ride for 2022. Logan is 1 of several young stars making their mark on Dirt Modified racing. Logan graduated from quarter midget racing last year and immediately struck gold with a Big Diamond 602 Crate Sportsman win.
The younger Watt is the future of the sport and he has a talented father in Ryan mentoring him as he learns in the sport. Logan’s bright pink 4 is the trusty Watt “Stitch” chassis. It is marked as ½ Watt on the door, A cool designation for the young Watt.
This car has a long history of success and is certainly well suited for young Logan Watt in 2022. Ryan shared that Logan’s 4m will be hauled to the track on a vintage Ramp Truck. Ryan mentioned that a tire rack was being installed the weekend of Motorsports and it would be picking up the 4m from the show after it was over on Saturday.
There is nothing cooler than seeing a Modified cruising down the highway on the back of a vintage Ramp Truck. Kudos to Ryan and Logan for doing it in style in 2022.
Both Watt Modifieds are well supported with Marketing Partners – Support for the 4m & 14w comes from: Ronnie’s Auto Repair, Birdsboro NAPA Auto Parts, Penske Racing Shocks, IVY Settlement Group, ARRAY of Monograms, Eibach Springs, Troyer TD5, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Jones Racing Products, CTC Construction Inc., Diamond Disposal, Pioneer Pole Buildings, Bill Brown & Company, and Manmiller Electric.