NASCAR has announced that Gary Putnam has been named the new Series Director for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, becoming the fifth person to hold the position in the Tour's storied history. Putnam succeeds Jimmy Wilson, who has overseen the series since 2013. Earlier this year, Wilson accepted the role of Sr. Technical Director of NASCAR Regional.

Putnam joins an esteemed line of Series Directors that includes Jerry Cook (1985–1992), Ed Cox (1993–2007), Chad Little (2008–2012), and Jimmy Wilson (2013–2025). His appointment marks a new chapter for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as it enters its 41st season in 2026.

"Few people embody the heart and grit of the Tour the way that Gary does," said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director of NASCAR Regional. "He's lived it from every angle--as a fan, crew member, driver, and leader--and that perspective will drive the Tour to even greater heights. His vision and determination will ensure the future of Modified racing remains as fierce and proud as its past."

A Vernon, Connecticut native, Putnam's passion for motorsports began early. A graduate of Rockville High School, he was the first in his family to take an interest in racing. As a child, he spent weekends convincing his father to take him to Stafford Speedway, where he developed a lifelong love for the sport.

"This opportunity truly means a lot to me," said Gary Putnam, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series Director. "Growing up in Connecticut, the NASCAR Modifieds were everything, and I attended nearly every race I could. To now lead the series that inspired my passion for motorsports is an incredible honor. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is in a strong place, and my focus is on building upon that success—enhancing the experience for our competitors, officials, and fans while continuing to grow the series for the future."

Putnam's professional journey through NASCAR spans nearly four decades, covering almost any role in the garage. In the 1990s, he gained early experience working in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour alongside Charlie and Carl Pasteryak.

In 1996, Putnam relocated to North Carolina to pursue a full-time career in NASCAR, eventually joining Larry Hedrick Motorsports with driver Ricky Craven in the NASCAR Cup Series. He later worked on the cars for Bill Elliott Racing before moving to Petty Enterprises in 2002, where he served as crew chief on the No. 44 with driver Jerry Nadeau. In 2003, he also worked with drivers John Andretti, Christian Fittipaldi, and Jeff Green on the iconic No. 43 car.

Putnam went on to join Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2007 and stayed at the company as it transitioned to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, where he reached the pinnacle of his Cup career as car chief for the No. 1 team, winning the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and the fall Charlotte Motor Speedway race in 2010 with driver Jamie McMurray.

In addition to his leadership and technical expertise, Putnam is also the first person to be named the Series Director who has competed as a driver in the modern-era NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Since his debut in 2014, he has made 34 starts, earning two top-10 finishes, with his most recent start coming in 2025 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also competed in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour (2010–2016), recording three top-five and 30 top-10 finishes in 63 starts.

Putnam will be suspending operations of his own NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team effective immediately as he transitions fully into his new role as Series Director.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will kick off the 2026 season at New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 7, marking the fifth straight year fans can check out the high-powered Modifieds at the half-mile Florida oval just down the street from NASCAR headquarters.

For more information and schedules for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, visit NASCAR.com/Whelen-Modified-Tour.