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Wade Cole (Photo: Jim DuPont/RaceDayCT)

Multiple sources have confirmed that longtime NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Wade Cole was killed in an accident at his home Sunday.

Cole was 67 years old.

“Just an absolutely great guy that you always looked forward to seeing pull through the gate,” NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour series director Jimmy Wilson told RaceDayCT. “I’m just absolutely shocked.”

Cole was also the First Selectman in the town of Hartland, CT

Cole had competed with the Whelen Modified Tour since its first season in 1985. He started at least one race every season with the series besides 1986.

Overall Cole made 371 Whelen Modified Tour starts since 1985. He had a career best 11th place finish in the series standings in 2017.

Cole started all 16 Whelen Modified Tour events on the schedule in 2019.

Multiple sources indicate that Cole was killed while working on his race car late Sunday.

His familiar No. 33 car was not known for being near the front of the field often, but Cole was revered among those on the Whelen Modified Tour for his dedication to the series and Modified racing.

Cole was a throwback, rolling into the track for each event with his car on a flatbed truck. He typically went to events with a very limited crew.

“My team and I are extremely saddened by the news of Wade’s passing,” six-time and reigning Whelen Modified Tour champion Doug Coby told RaceDayCT. “Wade taught all of us that above everything else, racing is supposed to be fun, and his dedication to our series was unmatched. No matter how his day was going, Wade always had a smile and kind words for everyone in the pit area. The Modified Tour will not be the same without him.”

He was a second generation driver, who grew up working on his father’s cars. He began racing in 1972.

“I used to drive a little crazy on the road and now that I drive the race car I pretty much drive real slow,” Cole told reporter Denise DuPont for the Chrome Horn website in 2010. “My wife tells me ‘Can you go a little faster?’ It’s not a thrill on the road. The thrill is driving on the race track with the people that are here. the fans and the little kids that are here.”

Cole had seven top-10 finishes over his Whelen Modified Tour career. His 371 career starts ranks eighth all-time on the Whelen Modified Tour.

“Wade was a part of the backbone of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour,” Wilson said. “Always had a smile on his face, hard working, had fun and happy to be at the race track. Wade will truly be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wade’s family, friends, race team and fans during this very difficult time.”

STATEMENT FROM THOMPSON SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS PARK:Wade Cole was a fixture of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour racing at… Posted by Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Monday, March 16, 2020

Sad news in Modified racing, long-time driver and car owner Wade Cole has passed. Thought's and prayers with all of Wade… Posted by Stafford Motor Speedway on Monday, March 16, 2020

Sad news. Such a good guy, well-respected Tour regular with scant resources, but rarely asked for help. I met Wade 1970, Riverside Park. Frank Moulton drove Walt's #33, son Wade was crew, eventually took over driving. Their cars usually made the feature and rarely broke. RIP. — Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 16, 2020