It’s been a tumultuous season of change for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, but as the final race approaches, two familiar faces stand atop the standings.

Justin Bonsignore, of Holtsville, N.Y., has won three of the eight races in a pandemic-shortened season and holds a 27-point lead in the standings heading into Sunday’s season finale at Thompson (Conn.) Speedway Motorsports Park.

Chasing Bonsignore is Doug Coby, of Milford, Conn., who is chasing history to become only the second seven-time champion in Tour history. He has answered all doubts as to his ability to thrive in his first year as an owner-driver. Coby’s No. 10 car is sponsored by Mayhew Tools, of Turners Falls.

The math is on Bonsignore’s side, as all he has to do in the Sunoco World Series 150 is finish 23rd or better, regardless of what Coby does, in order to become a two-time champion. Recent history also favors driver No. 51, as he enters one of his favorite tracks.

Bonsignore won seven of the eight events at Thompson in 2018 and 2019 and 12 over his career. He finished second behind Ron Silk in last month’s Thompson 150. Coby is a six-time Thompson victor, though those wins are spread out over several years and teams.

While everyone is paying attention to the championship contenders, a solid group of drivers could slip into Victory Lane. Silk has won two of the last three trips to Thompson, and he has vaulted into the top five in points despite missing a race. Silk has five career Thompson wins, second behind Bonsignore and Coby among active Tour drivers. Jon McKennedy, of Chelmsford, occupies the third spot in the standings and was third behind Silk and Bonsignore last month. Some of those looking for their first win of the year include Craig Lutz (fourth in points), Woody Pitkat, Dave Sapienza, Matt Swanson, Anthony Nocella, Ronnie Williams and Eric Goodale, among others.

The Sunoco World Series 150 is set to begin at 4 p.m. Sunday and it will be streamed live for those with the NBC Sports Extra Gold Pass. It will air Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

MORE WORLD SERIES STUFF: The World Series of Speedway Racing is one of the highlights of the yearly racing schedule in the Northeast. Because of scheduling changes due to COVID-19, it won’t be the final weekend in the region. Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway still has an Open Modified show in a few weeks.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the World Series will have a little different flavor, as the grandstands will be limited to 25-percent capacity, per state regulations. Face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible. Camping, which is the highlight of the weekend, is allowed but limited.

I’ve only camped at the World Series once, with friend LJ Alaimo, and it ended up being the final race I covered for the Republican in 2013. The camping scene can be a release after a long Saturday night of nearly countless features and heat races. The brisk fall weather makes layering essential. That night, it wasn’t too cold, but it was drizzly at times. Going to all the popular campgrounds and sharing a few adult beverages was unforgettable. Then waking up the next morning to join the flock for breakfast at the Clubhouse restaurant was a good way to prepare for the races ahead.

The schedule includes the following divisions: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour; Tour-Type Open Modifieds; Sunoco Modifieds; Late Models; SK Light Modifieds; Limited Sportsman; Mini Stocks; 350 Supermodifieds; 8-Cylinder Street Stocks; Vintage Modifieds; PASS Super Late Models; EXIT Realty Trucks; STAR Sportsman and Modifieds; NEMA Midgets; NEMA Lites; Pro 4 Modifieds; North East Mini Stock Tour.

Tickets are available at buff.ly/33uwGsn. Pit passes are $75 ($40 for kids 12 and under) and only available for three days (Friday through Sunday). This year’s World Series is promoted by the American Canadian Tour.

Jason Remillard is a copy editor and page designer at the Recorder. He can be reached at jremillard@recorder.com and followed on Twitter @racinwithjason