Star-Studded Field Shaping Up for Sunoco Modified Divsion
THOMPSON, CT — An impressive list of drivers have filed registrations to compete in Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park’s (TSMP) Sunoco Modified division in 2014.
Last year’s champion, “Kid Roc”, Keith Rocco will be back to defend his title. Not only did the champ pick up his fourth Modified championship at Thompson, but also finished third overall in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Championship point standings. Rocco now has a seven year streak of finishing at least 4th or better in the national standings, dating back to 2007. Despite those credentials, Rocco knows this year will be tough. “There is some fierce competition again this year,” states Rocco. “We are just looking to go out, win races, and show some growth. Another national championship would be perfect, though.”
Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champ Ryan Preece will be returning to compete at TSMP in 2014 as well. The Berlin, CT driver was named one of the top 13 drivers to watch in the NASCAR Next program in June, along with drivers Chase Elliott and Dylan Kwasniewski. Preece will be driving the #31 Falmouth Ready Mix entry for Al and Cathy Moniz. The team is looking to return to the form they were in in 2012, when they were the division’s titlists. In addition to his competition in the local and regional Modified ranks, Preece also slated to compete part-time in the Nationwide Series for Tommy Baldwin Racing.
Two drivers from TSMP’s Lite Modified division will be stepping up to the Sunoco Modified division in 2014. Defending Lite Modified Champion, Cam McDermott, will be making the jump to the Sunoco Modifieds, as will Troy Talman. Both drivers began their career at the Little T, which is TSMP’s 1/10-mile Quarter Midget facility. Talman is aware the competition will be tough, but he feels that he is up for the challenge. “I feel like I’m a combination of a bunch of drivers,” Talman admits. “Guys like TC (Ted Christopher), Preece, and (Woody) Pitkat. I feel like I have taken a bit from each of them, not just one.” Talman’s goals for 2014 are modest – get some valuable seat time and finish in the top five of the standings at season’s end.
Woody Pitkat, Danny Cates, and former Waterford Speedbowl Champion Tyler Chadwick will join the list of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers. With this field of drivers, the Sunoco Modified division at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park promises to be one of the most competitive divisions in throughout the area.
The season starts on April 5th and 6th with the Icebreaker, as nine divisions are scheduled to take to the compete, headlined by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Visit www.thompsonspeedway.com and for more information, and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Sources: Shawn Sicard/Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park PR