Towards the end of the 2024 season, Modified veteran Jimmy Blewett was competing full-time on the SMART Modified Tour when he began to have abdominal pain. The discomfort increased and before the season finale at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, the Howell, New Jersey driver went to the doctors. It was determined that he had an intestinal infection known as diverticulitis. The degree in which the condition had progressed required surgery. 

“They went in and did a re-section on me where they took the piece out and reconnected me,” Blewett explained.  “Everything was good. I was eating. I felt great. I was planning on coming home the next morning and abruptly it didn’t hold. I had an anastomic leak which put me septic and put me in a really bad state. Luckily for myself, I wasn’t back home. If I was back home or sitting in my chair, I wouldn’t be talking to you right now. I thank the good Lord for that.” 

The medical emergency that put his 44-year old’s life in jeopardy and the subsequent surgeries have forced Blewett to sit out racing cars during the 2025 season. The thought of being on the sideline had the seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour winner emotional. 

“It’s been a long road and a long three months for my family and myself to adjust,” said an emotional Blewett.  “Trying to act normal and be normal. It’s been tough. You can only eat certain things. I can't lift anything. I really can't do too much. The only thing you can really do is walk. I've had a great support group from all of you guys in auto racing… my racing family. I’ve had everyone and everybody call up and show their thoughts for me. I’ve really appreciated that. When they say you don't have your health you don't have your wealth, they ain’t lying there. One day at a time. One step at a time. I can’t even go in the shop. I can’t go out there. You just have to stay strong and get through it.” 

Blewett has accomplished a lot in his racing career. He has 89 career Modified victories at his home track of Wall Stadium including 24 wins in the Turkey Derby between all the divisions that race at the annual fall event. Blewett also has six championships at New Smyrna Speedway’s World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. 

In 14 career starts on the SMART Modified Tour, Jimmy has yet to capture a SMARTY Trophy. The Jamie Tomaino owned No. 99 Modified that he has driven on the Tour will be driven by Jake Crum, a former winner of the Martinsville Speedway Valley Star Credit Union 300.

In the coming months, Blewett will undergo more surgeries as he continues to repair and heal. Doctors have outlined a plan and told Blewett to expect a full-recovery. He hopes to be back at the track behind the wheel in 2026.  

For now, he will focus on furthering his son James Blewett’s career. The 16-year old has been racing Dirt Modifieds and asphalt Crate Modifieds. James is planning on racing at New Jersey’s New Egypt Speedway and Bridgeport Speedway while running some local shows at Wall and various Crate Modified events during the 2025 season..