Super Late Models Headline This Week at Thompson
Thompson, CT — The Super Late Models return to Thompson International Speedway this week to add to the Whelen Engineering Thursday Night NASCAR lineup. The Super Late Models, running a limited schedule this year, will make their second of six scheduled appearances at the historic oval ON Whelen Engineering night, the Title Sponsor of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Whelen Engineering is based in Chester, CT and is the world’s leader in providing visual and audible warning products for police, fire, EMS, towing and D.O.T. professionals everywhere. Whelen Engineering has been number one in its field for over fifty years and they proudly make all of their products in the USA.
The Super Late Model race cars have always been popular with Thompson fans and will compete in a 50-lap main event. Their first appearance at Thompson this year was at the Icebreaker in April. Derek Ramstrom, the 2009 and 2010 division champion, claimed the season-opening victory. Ramstrom beat the best drivers in the division including the track’s 2011 champ, Larry Gelinas, the 2007 champion Mike O’Sullivan, Jim Banfield, George “Mad Dog” Bessette and Norman Wrenn.
All of these drivers are expected to be on hand this week to try to claim the top spot. It won’t be an easy task as other top Super Late Model chauffeurs will also be on hand looking for the brass ring. Fans can also look for drivers like Scott Rutherforth, Jeff Hartwell, veterans Dick Houlihan, Fran “JR” Colson and many more.
A great field of Super Late Models was on hand for Icebreaker weekend and another impressive filed is expected this week. The limited six-race schedule along with the fifty lap features and increased race purses have proven to be very popular with the Super Late Model race teams.
Joining the Super Late Models will be Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American “Super 6” divisions. Sunoco Modifieds, LKQ/Keystone Lite Modifieds, Late Models, Thompson Modifieds, Xtra/Mart Limited Sportsman and Monster Mini Stocks make up the “Super 6”.
Grandstands open and practice sessions begin at 4 PM with qualifying races slated for a 6 PM Start. Once qualifying is complete, the first of seven feature event races will roll out. Fans are urged to check the Thompson web page for the detailed schedule for race days, upcoming events, news, driver’s rosters, points standings and more. www.thompsonspeedway.com
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR