Thompson Modified Division Now Open to All Drivers
Thompson, CT — Brand new for the 2008 racing season will be driver eligibility for the popular Thompson International Speedway Modified division. Since its inception, the “TIS” modified division has been limited to either new drivers or drivers moving up to compete in this open wheel NASCAR Whelen Modified division.
After numerous requests by drives and race teams and much consideration by the management of the Thompson International Speedway, the decision was made to open the division to any and all drivers who are at least 16 years of age.
“Many drivers have approached us since we started this division asking if they could compete in a Thompson Modified, said speedway owner, Don Hoenig. After much consideration and discussion by our management team, we have decided that by opening the division to all drivers, everyone will benefit. This change will give drivers the chance to get additional track time in this exciting division and will offer the race fans even more exciting racing in an already exciting division,” Hoenig concluded.
The T.I.S. Modifieds began as a brand new division in 2005. In their three years of competition, the Thompson Modifieds have become a fan favorite and, due to the restrictions on the cars and the costs, it is a very attractive division for the competitors.
Week in and week out, the race teams of the T.I.S division have put on some incredible, wheel-to-wheel battles that have made for great NASCAR Whelen All American Series weekly racing.
The rules committee at Thompson made a few minor changes in the rules governing the T.I.S. division and virtually no changes in any of the other five divisions that compete on a weekly basis at Thompson. The 2008 rules have been posted on the Thompson web page and any changes for the 2008 season in the racing or general safety rules are shown in red. Competitors are urged to download copies of the rules that pertain to their division and the General and Safety rules that apply to every division.
Anyone without access to the Internet, my call the track office to receive a copy.
Race teams are reminded that January 15th is the deadline for renewing car numbers. If a car number is not renewed by that date, it will be offered on a first come, first served basis. In the event of duplicate requests for a given number, the car number will be awarded to the first request received by the Thompson track office.
The next event that is on tap at the historic speedway is the awards banquet weekend. The banquets are a two-night affair and will be held on Friday, January 25th and Saturday, January 26th. Both evenings will be held at the Raceway Restaurant and Lounge on the grounds of the Thompson Speedway. Race teams finishing in the top 10 in the final points standings will be honored and should get their tickets early as they are going fast.
For more information on any of the off-season activity at Thompson, fans and competitors may call the track office at 860-923-2280 or my visit the Thompson web page at www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson Int’l Speedway PR