RPW Exclusive: For Hunter Lapp, It’s Time To Go Modified Racing At Accord Speedway In ’24

Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – ACCORD, NY – Hunter Lapp, a very successful Sportsman racer, has announced that he is moving up to the Modified division at Accord Speedway.

“We’re going Modified racing at Accord, We borrowed an engine from Joe Grasso. I’m really excited about it,” Hunter said. “I’ve had a little experience with them, but this will be my first full season attempt racing with the big boys in the division.”

Hunter realizes that as a rookie in the division, he will be up against some tough competition. But he does have some goals for the season.

‘I’d like to get a couple of top 5’s here and there. A win would be huge. I want to try to stay consistent and earn some respect. And enjoy the move up. Not everybody gets a chance like this.”

The Lapp family has been involved with racing for many years as his dad, Nick Lapp, raced along with Nick’s brothers.

Getting his start in racing with Slingshots at the age of 8, Hunter moved into Sportsman racing in 2017.

After racing several years at Thunder Mountain, the team decided to race at Accord for 2023. Hunter raced well, grabbing his first two Accord Sportsman feature wins, including the Phil Goetschius Memorial.

As he starts his Modified racing, one thing that he has plenty of is determination. One of his most memorable races showed just what he’s made of.

“Last season’s Gobbler was pretty hectic. I was involved in 3 wrecks, the 3rd one saw me flipping. I thought to myself, ‘That was a fun one.’ But I knew that I didn’t hit anything important. I just kind of slid in there. I still managed to get a 3rd place out of it. The Goetschius Memorial was special also.”

Hunter has learned much about Accord by observing the driving style of Accord’s all time leading winner, his uncle, Rich Ricci Jr.

“My Uncle Rich, I grew up watching him race and dominate the place. He was always smooth, right around the bottom.”

Like many others in the sport, Hunter enjoys the time at the track with family and friends.

“The friends you make at the track, they are your friends for a long time. Many of them have the same interests. Some of my best friendships have been made at the racetrack.”

Sponsors for the team are 209 Storage Vault, Pinks Links Virtual Golf, Ace Oil, Metal Roofing, Dave Smith Construction, Arold Construction, Dig Race Products, Wind Energy Power Company and Grasso Motorsports.

Crew members are his Mom & Dad, Aunt Christa, Uncle Tim, his Grandmothers, and any other friends and family that help out.

It’s a big upcoming season for Hunter Lapp as he makes the transition from Sportsman into Modified. Based on his past record, he should have some good moments on the bullring in 2024.

Good luck Hunter.