The Valenti Modified Racing Series event at Thompson Speedway, Thompson CT, Sunday May 19, was postponed by heavy rain after one qualifying race won by Max Zachem of Preston, Ct.
The speedway announced ticket stubs and paddock wristbands will be honored at the next VMRS event scheduled Thursday, July 25. Track and VMRS management will also seek a suitable date to reschedule Sunday’s washout if possible.
Thompson, Conn — Inclement weather at Thompson International Speedway on Sunday, May 19, forced the postponement of the day’s racing events that were to include the Modified Racing Series (MRS). After completing qualifying for nearly all of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series divisions and a single heat race of the three scheduled for the VMRS Modifieds, a persistent drizzle turned steadier; ending any attempts at feature racing.
The remainder of this event will be completed on Thursday, July 25. The management of Thompson Speedway will work with the Modified Racing Series in hopes of finding a free date on the Modified Racing Series schedule with the goal of keeping three (3) series events on the 2013 schedule. When the race resumes, the Thompson Speedway management will honor all rain checks.
For more information on the complete Thompson Speedway schedule, visit thompsonspeedway.com.
VMRS 75: Today’s Race Marks First of Three Visits to the Big T
THOMPSON, CT — Rowan Pennink is off to a fast start this season. A regular competitor with the VMRS and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Pennink enters Thompson as the points leader on both circuits. With a combined 4 starts across both series, Pennink has not finished worse than 5th. He was second in Thompson’s Icebreaker and won at Monadnock last month. Pennink has won three of his last five starts on the VMRS. He also picked up his first career win at Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday night.
The Valenti Modified Racing Series will run its third race of the season at Thompson International Speedway today. Pennink hopes to return to victory lane. ”We’re going to Thompson this weekend with the 25 car,” Pennink said. “Hopefully we can put together a strong run up there and come home with a top-5, hopefully a win, and we’ll go on from there.” Pennink added, “Winning races always builds momentum and I think getting a win like that we can work off that win.”
Pennink in the Casella #25 has been the driver to beat lately in Thompson VMRS competition. In eight starts, Pennink has recorded three victories, five top-5s and five top-10s. Four of his last five starts have resulted in a 1st or 2nd. The one exception came last July when Pennink led 68 of 75 laps. He finished 17th, 1 lap down, after being black flagged for leaking. ”Gary’s got his car really hooked up when we go there and Mike Pettit builds up a great motor for up there for that car. And I think the combination it just works out and it seems to always be on point up there.”
Thompson and Stafford are the only tracks a 1/2 mile or larger that the VMRS visits. This season will mark the first time that both venues host three races. ”I definitely think we have a little bit of an advantage going to places like here at Stafford and up at Thompson and a couple of the other bigger tracks and just getting the experience that I have running the Tour car (#93) … (it) puts together for a stronger effort for Gary’s car.”
[Event Schedule] [Driver Points] [Owner Points]
Continue reading ‘Thompson: Pennink & Casella Look to Repeat in VMRS 75′
Preece & Defending Sunoco Modified Championship Team Look to Continue Thompson Success with #31
THOMPSON, CT — As has been the case for many years, Albert and Cathy Moniz will field their Falmouth Ready Mix team for another full-time effort in the Sunoco Modifieds at Thompson. Ryan Preece of Berlin, CT piloted the #31 Sunoco Modified last season to their first track championship on the strength of 10 victories. “They’re extremely happy, Preece said. “They’re always people that look at the glass half full not half empty; so they’re looking forward to this year, I’m looking forward to this year and hopefully we can repeat it, but if not hopefully we win a few races and have some fun.”
The team acquired a Tour-Type Modified over the winter. ”Mike Paquette from Chassis Dynamics mentioned to us that this car was for sale,” said Cathy Moniz. “He knew we had an MRS motor and would be a good fit if we were interested. We talked to Ryan and he was excited to run a few races as our schedules permit.”
The team is looking to run upcoming MRS races at Thompson and Stafford. “I pretty much committed to running Riverhead as many Saturdays as I can besides the Tour, said Preece. “I imagine were only going to do Thompson’s and Stafford’s. I’d like to go to Waterford or Monadnock but it all depends on the schedule, how were doing at Riverhead and just a whole bunch of different things.”
Preece will drive the red and yellow #31 in Sunday’s VMRS 75. “We’ve been working on the car all week so I hope it runs well. We definitely have plenty of horsepower from Pettit with that. I just hope we unload, we don’t have any problems and we just have a little fun.”
Continue reading ‘Moniz Team to Make VMRS Debut Sunday at Thompson’
McKennedy Returns to Thompson in Art Barry’s #21
Jon McKennedy, the 3-time and reigning Valenti Modified Racing Series champion, will make his first start of the season on Sunday. The Chelmsford, MA driver will pilot Art Barry’s #21 SPAFCO machine at Thompson. “We’re going to see if we can get up there and get a good run out of it,” car owner Art Barry said.
For 2013, McKennedy is not pursuing a fourth series championship in favor of driving an ISMA Supermodified full-time. He will be driving Paul and Helen Dunigan’s #79 car this season. He finished seventh in the season opener as Oswego, NY Speedway earlier this month.
“The Supers are something I’ve always liked,” McKennedy said. “I spent a few years in the Modifieds. I got a good opportunity with the Super. It is time to do something different.” He went on to say, “The plan is to run the Super full time. We’re running for a championship in the Super and just run as many Modified races as I can on the off weeks. I hope to run a few of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races. Hopefully the right opportunity, something will come up and I can run a few of those races. But there aren’t that many great rides (available).”
“I’ve been fortunate to have a few good people help me over the years and I’ve been in good quality rides. That helps a lot. I feel that I put a lot of effort into it. You only get what you put into it. It’s a lot of work to be able to adapt to both cars and run good.”
Continue reading ‘Reigning VMRS Champion McKennedy to Make First Start of 2013 Campaign’
THOMPSON,CT — The Valenti Modified Racing Series heads to Thompson Speedway this Sunday for the first of three appearances this year at the storied oval. A star-studded field of drivers is expected including defending champion, Jon McKennedy.
McKennedy will make his first start of the season in a Valenti Modified. His car owner, Art Barry, has been sidelined due to illness but he has improved enough to where he not only plans to field a car but fully intends to be at the track. “I’ve got enough guys to put a team together and I’m really looking forward to it,” said the long-time car owner.
The last time the Valenti Modified Racing Series was at Thompson was during the Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing last October. Rowan Pennink claimed the 75-lap victory and the current VMRS point leader will be looking for a repeat win. That, however, will be a tall order for the Pennsylvania driver who will face stiff competition from a host of extremely competitive VRMS race teams.
Continue reading ‘Valenti Modifieds Ready To Tackle Thompson on Sunday’
Pulliam Is Early Points Leader In Whelen All-American Series
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Despite an early season injury, Keith Rocco expects to be a contender in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national point race. Rocco was the series’ 2010 national champion and placed second to Lee Pulliam for the 2012 national title. Pulliam is off to an early lead in the 2013 national point race.
Rocco, 28, of Wallingford, Conn., is maintaining a winning pace despite injury. He broke a bone near his left wrist in an SK Modified heat race accident at Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl on April 27. After finishing fourth in that night’s feature event, he went to a hospital where the injury was diagnosed and placed in a “soft” cast. He started the following day’s SK Modified feature at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway. Under the first caution, seven-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Mike Stefanik hopped in the car and drove it to a seventh-place finish.
With no more need for a relief driver, Rocco returned to Waterford’s Victory Lane May 4. A runner-up finish to Ryan Preece at Stafford last Friday pushed Rocco’s eight-race record for the season to four wins, six top-fives and seven top-10s. He leads the Connecticut state point race and is seventh in the national standings.
THOMPSON, CT — All hands are on deck as the Thompson Speedway prepares for the start of its regular season. The track’s schedule of events fills the summer months with a great variety of racing action and special attractions with something for just about everyone.
Sunday, May 19th, is the date that racing returns to the 5/8th mile oval. Headlining that day’s racing will be the Valenti Modified Racing Series with a 75-lap feature event. Joining the VMRS in their first of three appearances this year at the speedway will be Thompson’s weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions that include Sunoco Modifieds, Late Models, Lite Modifieds, Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman and Monster Mini Stocks. Each of these six divisions will compete in qualifying races and feature races.
The following Sunday, May 26th, the tack becomes the center of madcap mayhem as the annual Eve of Destruction takes center stage. This Memorial Day weekend tradition will feature Monster trucks including the “World’s Original Monster Truck”, Big Foot. The action packed evening also includes auto thrill shows, motorcycle spectacular, jet powered vehicles, Transaurus, the car eating monster, demo derbies, the ever-popular trailer trash race, kids inflatable fun attractions on the midway and another famous Thompson fireworks display.
[VMRS Roster]
[Parking Map]
[Event Schedule]
Continue reading ‘Thompson Readies for the Start of the Regular Season’
Canaan, NH. — Huntingdon Valley, PA, modified driver Rowan Pennink knows the way to victory lane at Thompson International Speedway. He’s won three races at the famed Connecticut oval and will be looking for his second straight win there when the Valenti Modified Racing Series swings into Thompson, Sunday afternoon, May 19, for the first of three scheduled 75-lap events this season. Pennink won the May and October races last year.
Pennink has a slim10-point lead over Louie Mechalides, of Tyngsboro, MA, another previous Thompson winner. Steven Masse, of Bellingham, MA., is ranked third in the standings thanks to his opening day win at Waterford, CT. Masse always runs well at Thompson.
Madison, CT., veteran, Mike Holdridge sits fourth after two races with Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA, coming off an impressive run last month at Monadnock (NH) Speedway, currently fifth.
[VMRS Roster]
[Parking Map]
[Event Schedule]
Continue reading ‘Pennink Looks to Continue Thompson Success’
Holeshot drags scheduled for May 11th have been postponed until July 12th.
Continue reading ‘Holeshot Drags at Thompson Postponed to July 12th’
As a new feature to modifiedracingseries.com, we are going to feature a spotlight on our series drivers and sponsors.
Our first spotlight focuses on one the top young drivers in the country, Tommy Barrett.
Currently, his #9 team sits 5th in Valenti Modified Racing Series point standings. Barrett enters the next event, May 19th at Thompson Speedway, with the momentum of a great 2nd place finish last time out to Rowan Pennink in the Spring Dash 100 at Monadnock Speedway.
THOMPSON,CT — The Thompson Speedway will once again host its annual Eve of Destruction on Sunday, May 26th. This annual holiday weekend fan favorite will excite, thrill and astonish fans with stunts, crashes, explosions, monster trucks, motorcycles, demo derbies, trailer trash, fireworks and much more.
Bigfoot, the world’s original Monster Truck, will headline the show as it defends its reputation against the Instigator and XDP (Xtreme Diesel Power). These Monster Trucks will race, crush and jump in an incredible show of power, size and speed.
Bigfoot is, by far, the most famous Monster Truck in the world. It has thrilled fans all around the globe and holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Making its first-ever appearance at Thompson, this incredible machine stands 11feet, six inches tall, weighs 10,000 pounds and is powered by an 1800 horsepower Ford engine. Instigator is a 1500 horsepower Ford Super Duty and XDP, also a Ford Super Duty, is powered by a nitrous injected Cummins Diesel engine.
Continue reading ‘Eve of Destruction Set for Memorial Day Weekend’
MODIFIED COUNTRY, Conn. – It is a 31-mile drive from Stafford, Conn., straight across the state to the town of Thompson. From there, it’s a 53-mile virtual straight shot down I-395 to the Waterford, along the Connecticut shoreline. Heading back to Stafford? That’ll run 52 to miles to the northwest, back into the heart of what is clearly demarcated as “Modified Country.”
On a map, it’s an upside-down acute triangle that perfectly cradles the epicenter of the NASCAR Modified universe.
One-half of the drivers entered in last weekend’s CARQUEST Tech-Net Spring Sizzler for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour call The Nutmeg State home. Nearly all of the others come from the area a stone’s throw across the sound to Long Island.
Continue reading ‘FRIDAY FEATURE: State Line – Concentration Makes NASCAR Modified Racing Special’
THOMPSON, CT — Rowan Pennink, fresh off of a second place finish at the Thompson Speedway’s Icebreaker, will lead a full field of Valenti Modified Racing Series cars and stars to the Thompson Speedway on Sunday, May 19th. The Pennsylvania driver is the current points leader in the VMRS. He gained the top spot as a result of a 4th place finish in the season-opening race at the Waterford Speedbowl and then a win at the Monadnock Speedway. Pennink, like many drivers, competes with the Valenti Modified Racing Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
“I think we have a pretty good chance at Thompson”, Pennink said. “With the # 25 car, Thompson seems to be our best track. Gary (Casella) has a really good setup for that track and we have had great motors from Mike Pettit. Generally, we unload the car at Thompson and don’t touch it. The setup has been that good,” Pennink concluded.
When asked about the challenge of competing in every race on both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Valenti Modified Racing Series, Pennink said that they plan to run them all. He did indicate that there are a couple of races that are scheduled pretty close, but he indicated that the teams felt that if all went well they would be able to make every race.
[VMRS Roster]
[Parking Map]
[Event Schedule]
Continue reading ‘Pennink to Lead Valenti Modifieds to Thompson on May 19th’
Albert E Gaudreau
June 23, 1942 – April 27, 2013
NORWICH – Albert E. Gaudreau, 70, passed away in Norwich on Saturday, April 27th with family by his side.
He was born on June 23, 1942, the son of the late Albert J. and Annie (Mazarelli) Gaudreau. He was the beloved husband of Margaret “Peg” (Rude) Gaudreau who survives him. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary just last year.
Albert was born and raised in Norwich along with his brother Tom who now resides in Griswold with his wife Mary (Frye) Gaudreau.
Al graduated from NFA in 1960. After high school he worked as a welder at Electric Boat and for the plumbers and pipe fitters union. In 1976 he started Al’s Quality Auto and Marine Electric in New London which he ran until 2005.
Al and his wife Peg were avid auto racers. He built and owned many winning race cars in New England. He made many lifelong friends in the racing community and affectionately earned the nickname, “Buddha”. During the 70′s his car, called “Buddha’s Bullet” won 5 modified championships at the Waterford Speedbowl. In the 90′s he and his son Tommy raced Late Models and won two championships. In recent seasons he was been involved with his son Tom in a successful drag racing team. He was a great competitor and was rewarded with many checkered flags and victory lane celebrations.
Continue reading ‘Waterford Championship Car Owner Al Gaudreau Passes at 70′
THOMPSON, CT — The Valenti Modified Racing Series will make its first of three stops this year at Thompson Speedway on Sunday, May 19th. The VMRS will headline the six-division race program that will also feature Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series weekly divisions.
The VMRS is celebrating its 10th anniversary season and is expected to bring a large field of race teams to Thompson. Over seventy teams have registered this season for VMRS competition with many of them well known to Thompson fans. A host of drivers from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour are regulars on the VMRS as are a number of All-American Series competitors. Defending WMT champion Doug Coby is a registered VMRS competitor as are Rowan Pennink, Ryan Preece, Keith Rocco, Richard Savary and Woody Pitkat. Some other well-known VMRS regulars are Steve Masse, two-time champions Chris Pasteryak and Kirk Alexander, Todd Owen, Tommy Barrett and many more.
Race number one of the VMRS season was won by Steve Masse and Rowan Pennink picked up the victory in race number two this past weekend. Thompson is the third event on the VMRS schedule and it’s anyone’s guess who will walk away with a victory in the 75-lap main event.
Continue reading ‘Valenti Modifieds Next on Thompson Calendar’
James Edward Smith, Jr., 62 of Woodstock, CT, died unexpectedly on April 13, 2013. He was born on March 30, 1951 in Norwalk, CT to Jean Smith and James Edward Smith, Sr.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 35 years Debra T. Smith, daughter and son-in-law Jenna and Jason Seymour and grandson Taylor James, daughter Jessica Smith, sister and brother-in-law Lebris (Lee) Quinn Gamble and Travis Gamble, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pamela and Thomas Bannon, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matthew and Tracey Tedone and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Thomas and Joyce Tedone. He also leaves nieces and nephews, racing buddies Ernie Dupont and Damon O’Palick and mentor and friend of 30 years Stanley Matzak.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved pets and 5 am buddies Mya, Harper, Jack and Jezebel. James graduated from Wilton High School and Southern Connecticut State University. He worked 40 years in the fastener/seals industry and was the V.P. of Manufacturing for Seals It in Ellington, CT. Jim was an avid NASCAR member and fan and he enjoyed passing along his knowledge of race car mechanics to anyone interested in learning. He had a passion for automobiles, history and dogs, especially his Boxers Tina and Peanut. James was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was excited about his new grandson Taylor James and often said he was going to get him a quarter midget. James will be greatly missed by his family.
Continue reading ‘Thompson Speedway Driver Jimmy Smith Passes at 62′
George Bessette of Danbury, CT added his name to the growing list of winners on the Granite State Pro Stock Series. The second year touring group opened the season at a new venue, but it was a familiar face for the Thompson Speedway fans waving the checkered flag. “This is for them,” George beamed from Victory Lane, pointing to the LaMountain Bros. team. “The fans have watched me run like a bag of you know what for the past couple of years, and to win today, feels great!”
The 50 lap main event started with Billy Brady of Marston Mills, MA and Glenn Tyler of Hampton Bays, NY bringing the 21 car field down to the green. Tyler jumped out to the lead, and set a fast pace around the 5/8 mile oval. Brady ran second, but started to slide back just a little, as Mike O’Sullivan moved into the runner up position. O’Sullivan put pressure on Tyler, but could not squeeze by the Katie’s of Smithstown machine.
Former Thompson Pro Stock Champion Larry Gelinas of Buxton ME ran fourth for several laps before being overtaken by Tyngsboro’s Louis Mechalidas, who was working his way up from his tenth starting position. By the time he moved into fourth, he had some ground to make up, and in ten laps, was up to third. As he closed in on the leaders, he made quick work finding himself in a battle for the lead.
Sat. 04/13
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Sun. 04/14
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Continue reading ‘George Bessette Opens Granite State Pro Stock Season with Icebreaker Victory’
Third Icebreaker Victory, Fifteenth Overall At Thompson
THOMPSON, Conn. – The legend of Mike Stefanik added another chapter Sunday at Thompson International Speedway as he captured NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory No. 73 in the season-opening Icebreaker.
Stefanik charged to the lead by Ryan Preece following a restart on Lap 141 and held off multiple hard charges from Preece, Rowan Pennink and Ron Silk to extend his tour career record for wins. The final margin of victory was just .229 seconds.
Pennink finished second followed by Preece, Silk and Ted Christopher. Jimmy Blewett, Doug Coby, Justin Bonsignore, Chuck Hossfeld and Timmy Solomito brought home the top 10.
Sat. 04/13
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Sun. 04/14
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Thompson, CT — Mike Stefanik held off a hard-charging Rowan Pennink and Ryan Preece to capture his 73rd NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory in the Icebreaker 150 at Thompson Speedway. Stefanik took the lead on a lap 141 restart for the victory. The win marks Stefanik’s third Icebreaker win and his 15th victory at Thompson Speedway.
Pennink, who finished in the second position, led early in the race after moving to the front at lap eight, where he remained until he pitted during a caution around lap 56. Preece, who finished third, took over the lead on the restart at lap 57 and led until Pennink reclaimed it on a lap 111 restart. Stefanik, however, was fast approaching, and proved to be unstoppable as he drove around Pennink on the restart.
“I’m getting old, but this doesn’t get old,” said Stefanik after the race. “I knew Rowan had a strong car, he just didn’t have the fresh tires that we did. This was a good start to the season.”
NASCAR Whelen All American Series wins went to Keith Rocco, Glenn Boss, Cam McDermott, Larry Barnett, and Scott Michalski. The Granite State Pro Stocks showcased a 50-lap event that was won by George Bessette.
Sat. 04/13
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Sun. 04/14
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Continue reading ‘Stefanik, Rocco, and McDermott Capture Modified Wins at Icebreaker’
Tenth Career Whelen Modified Tour Pole At Thompson
THOMPSON, Conn. – Mike Stefanik saved his best for last Saturday at Thompson International Speedway.
The last car out in qualifying, Stefanik took the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Coors Light Pole Award on the second of his two laps in advance of Sunday’s season-opening Icebreaker. Has fast lap was recorded at 18.668 seconds (120.527 mph).
The pole was the 48th of Stefanik’s career and the 10th at Thompson. From Coventry, R.I., Stefanik has a pair of wins in the Icebreaker, the last coming in 2006. He also holds the Whelen Modified Tour record for overall wins at Thompson with 14.
Prior to Stefanik’s last-lap run, Ryan Preece was in position for the Coors Light Pole. He will instead join Stefanik in the front row on Sunday thanks to a fast qualifying lap of 18.707 (120.276).
Sat. 04/13
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Sun. 04/14
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Continue reading ‘QUALIFYING: Stefanik Captures Icebreaker Pole’
Fastest In Whelen Modified Tour Icebreaker Practice
THOMPSON, Conn. – Rowan Pennink paced the field during NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour practice for the season-opening Icebreaker at Thompson International Speedway.
Pennink, from Huntingdon Valley, Pa., posted his fastest lap just eight circuits into the 90-minute session at 18.646 seconds (120.669 mph).
Pennink will look for his first career Whelen Modified Tour pole during Coors Light Pole qualifying later today at 5 p.m.
Sat. 04/13
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Sun. 04/14
[Photo Gallery] by Paul Fohlin
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Bobby Pelland, III of Cranston, RI experienced the best season of his young racing career, earning a career best 2nd in Seekonk Late Model point standings and 3 wins. Pelland called last season, “Definitely an improvement, I think myself as a driver had more experience and confidence going into the year as well as finding some stuff in the car to wake it up,” Pelland said. “Overall, it was a great season and great points battle. Unfortunately, we had some bad luck due to wrecks and parts failures, but I can’t thank my team enough for never giving up.”
After race 10 of 17, Pelland faced a 37-point deficit to Gerry DeGasparre, Jr. Within three races, Pelland had reduced the margin to six. As DeGasparre and Pelland swapped the points lead, 2nd place remained within six markers for the rest of the year. Pelland led the points standings for three of the last 4 weeks before DeGasparre regained the points lead by six on the final points night for his sixth Late Model crown. “I think that says something about Team V and the guys”
“The 71 team has been a staple in the Late Models at Seekonk for years,” Pelland said. “I remember watching him when I was maybe as young as 10 when I was at the track watching my father. They clearly have their stuff in order and the team is run great by Gerry Sr. As far as Gerry, the accolades speak for themselves. He is clearly a great driver. It’s no secret he will be in contention for the title and I hope it’s a great battle between Gerry and I again this year, with a little different results of course.“
Continue reading ‘Bobby Pelland III Adds Super Late Models to Busy 2013 Slate’
Analyzing The Icebreaker At Thompson International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will headline the racing action during Icebreaker weekend at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway when it opens the 2013 season on Sunday, April 14. Below is a statistical look at the performance of series and selected drivers at the track:
Thompson Race Setup:
• The 29th season of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will commence at Thompson International Speedway with the Icebreaker for the 12th year in a row.
• Ted Christopher’s last 18 NWMT starts at Thompson have included seven wins and an additional eight top-five finishes. He is one win shy of tying Mike Stefanik’s track record of 14 career wins and already possesses the NWMT record for the most wins in the Icebreaker with four.
• Mike Stefanik and Chuck Hossfeld also have a history of success in the Icebreaker. Stefanik won the race during two of his championship seasons – 1998 and 2006 – while Hossfeld has a win and three runner-ups in the event.
THOMPSON, CT — The Thompson Speedway Icebreaker is set for this weekend. The two-day season opener will be run this Saturday and Sunday at the historic speedway. The Icebreaker is the most anticipated race of year and will feature seven divisions of exciting short track racing action.
Headlining the Icebreaker will be the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Defending WMT champ Doug Coby will lead a star-studded field of ground pounding Modifieds to their 150-lap main event on Sunday, April 14th. Practice and time trials for the Modified Tour are slated for Saturday, April 13th.
Coby will face some very tough competition as pervious Icebreaker winners will be looking to repeat. Last year, it was Ron Silk who made his way to victory lane in a controversial finish that had officials calling Rowan Pennink for jumping the restart in the closing stages of the 150-lap event. The 2011 edition was won by Ted Christopher in spite of the fact that at one point in the race he was scored two laps down to the leaders. It was Christopher’s third Icebreaker victory. Bobby Santos claimed the 2010 Icebreaker and Christopher took home the laurels in 2009. Ed Flemke, Jr. celebrated a win in the 2008 rendition and it was James Civali edging Chuck Hossfeld at the finish line when the race was run in 2007. It was Hossfeld’s second consecutive finish in the runner up spot as he was edged by Mike Stefanik in 2006.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is set for the traditional season-opening event at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway – the Icebreaker – on April 13-14.
EVENT SCHEDULE | ENTRY LIST | PRACTICE RESULTS | QUALIFYING RESULTS | RACE RESULTS
Continue reading ‘LIVE: Mod Tour Breaks The Ice at Thompson’
2013 Points Season Opens With Icebreaker
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With another NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season set to begin – the 29th campaign for the northeast-based circuit – there is plenty of reason for optimism for a whole host of teams that dare to dream about hoisting the championship trophy at year’s end.
Five of the last six seasons have culminated in a driver winning his first championship, including Doug Coby a year ago. In those previous six years only one driver has won two titles – Donny Lia – and there hasn’t been a driver able to secure back-to-back titles since Tony Hirschman in 2004-05.
Gone are the days where just one or two drivers are head and shoulders above the competition like Mike Stefanik and Hirschman were for nearly two decades. Those titans of NASCAR Modified racing combined to capture 12 of 18 championships from 1989-2006. Today’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is more balanced than ever.
Thompson, CT — Race fans from up and down the east coast will gather at the Thompson Speedway this weekend for an experience like no other in New England auto racing. The Icebreaker, known as the most anticipated race of the year, offers winter weary fans their first look at the 2013 racing season at Thompson and the opening round in the championship battle for on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
The huge Thompson facility offers fans a first class experience that is not found at any other New England race track. The primary focus is, of course, centered around the largest and fastest track in southern New England. However, the Icebreaker experience is much more for fans choosing to take advantage of the beautiful 18 hole championship Raceway Golf Course and Driving Range, the comfortable Lounge and the huge restaurant that make Thompson such a unique racing destination.
Hundreds of race fans make Thompson their home for the weekend. Motor homes and travel trailers are dusted off and brought to the track for a weekend stay. Families and friends gather for fun and games before and after the on-track activities and evenings are spent partying well into the night.
Continue reading ‘Racing, Camping, Family Fun and Patries Make Icebreaker Special’
Thompson, CT — Mike Stefanik held off a hard-charging Rowan Pennink and Ryan Preece to capture his 73rd NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory in the Icebreaker 150 at Thompson Speedway. Stefanik took the lead on a lap 141 restart for the victory. The win marks Stefanik’s third Icebreaker win and his 15th victory at Thompson Speedway.
Pennink, who finished in the second position, led early in the race after moving to the front at lap eight, where he remained until he pitted during a caution around lap 56. Preece, who finished third, took over the lead on the restart at lap 57 and led until Pennink reclaimed it on a lap 111 restart. Stefanik, however, was fast approaching, and proved to be unstoppable as he drove around Pennink on the restart.
“I’m getting old, but this doesn’t get old,” said Stefanik after the race. “I knew Rowan had a strong car, he just didn’t have the fresh tires that we did. This was a good start to the season.”
Continue reading ‘Stefanik, Rocco and McDermott Capture Modified Wins at Icebreaker’
THOMPSON, CT — The popular Granite State Pro Stocks will make their first-ever appearance at the famed Thompson International Speedway on Icebreaker weekend. An impressive lineup of Thompson veterans and new comers will open their season on the biggest track on their 2013 racing schedule when they roll into Thompson on the weekend of April 13th and 14th.
Leading the field of Pro Stocks will be 2012 GSPSS champion, Bobby Cabral. He will face a host of Thompson Pro Stock veterans including the track’s 2011 champion, Larry Gelinas. Other Thompson veterans expected for the Icebreaker include the 2007 Pro Stock champ, Mike O’Sullivan and his brother Tommy, George “Mad Dog” Bessette, Jim Banfield and Fran Colson. Add to the mix such GSPSS standouts as Bobby Baillargeon, Barry Gray, Zig Geno, Matt Frahm, Russ Hersey, Babe Branscombe, Louie Mechalidas and many more and the division’s Thompson debut becomes a must see event for New England race fans.
A full field of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars will also kick off their regular season at the Icebreaker with the 2012 champ, Doug Coby heading the field. Coby will be joined by many other WMT veterans in their 150-lap Icebreaker event. Ted Christopher, Ron Silk, Ryan Preece, Mike Stefanik, Rowan Pennink and many more are expected to be looking for a great start on the season by picking up a coveted Icebreaker trophy.
Continue reading ‘Granite State Pro Stocks to Make Thompson Debut at Icebreaker’
