Archive for the 'Thompson' Category

Tour-Type Modifieds Kick Off the Holiday Weekend at Thompson

Published at August 30, 2010 in Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The Labor Day weekend begins this Thursday when the Tour-Type Modifieds return for the third of four appearances this season at the Thompson International Speedway. These popular events attract many of the top Modified drivers in the northeast for the 40-lap shoot out that pays $2500.00 to win.

The Tour-Type Modifieds had four races scheduled at Thompson this season. Two very competitive events have captured the race fans with the high speed, wheel-to-wheel racing action. Ronnie Silk, a driver who has realized considerable success at Thompson in the past couple of years, won the first 40-lap shoot out. He was followed across the finish line by Ted Christopher, Louie Mechalides , Steven Reed and Keith Rocco.

When the Tour-Type Modifieds returned for round two, it was seven time NASCAR Modified Tour champion, Mike Stefanik who claimed the win. Silk tried to make it two in a row, but Stefanik was just too strong for Silk to overcome. Silk had to settle for second with Reed, Mechalides and Tom Bolles crossing the finish line behind him.

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Pennink Tops Christopher at Thompson MRS Event

Published at August 27, 2010 in TVMRS and Thompson. 0 Comments

984367856 6WQdM S Pennink Tops Christopher at Thompson MRS EventThompson CT — Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, PA., passed race leader Bobby Santos III, Franklin, MA., on lap 56 to go on and win the 75-lap modified feature race at the Thompson International Speedway, Thompson, CT Thursday night. The race was sanctioned by the Modified Racing Series, sponsored by BobValentiAutomall.com. The win was Pennink’s second this season and his third career victory.

Mike Stefanik, Coventry, RI. jumped into the lead at the drop of the green flag leading 30 of the first 31 laps. Santos took command leading laps 32 thru 55 when he was passed by a hard charging Pennink. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT., became a factor applying late race pressure to Pennink before settling for second. Santos III was third followed by Eric Goodale, Wading River, NY., with Les Hinckley III, Windsor Locks, CT., finishing fifth.

Sixth thru tenth was Steve Masse Bellingham, MA., Charlie Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., Ken Barry, Preston, CT., Jeff Malave, Manchester, CT., Jimmy Kuhn, Bridgewater, MA.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

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#25 -Rowan Pennink

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Christopher Reigns Supreme at Thompson; O’Sullivan, Coury, Arena, Studley, & Gorgieveski Score Victories

Published at August 26, 2010 in Thompson. 0 Comments

984367856 6WQdM S Christopher Reigns Supreme at Thompson; O’Sullivan, Coury, Arena, Studley, & Gorgieveski Score Victories Thompson, CT — The Thompson International Speedway played host to the Modified Racing Series for the second time in 2010. In the end it was “one of their” own standing in victory lane with Rowan Pennink of Huntington Valley, PA, scoring his third Modified Racing Series victory. In NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action, Ted Christopher of Plainville, CT, earned his ninth Sunoco Modified feature event of the season. Mike O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, bested a strong field to post the victory in the Super Late Models.

Wayne Coury, Sr. of Milford, CT, celebrated with a win in the Late Models. Joe Arena of Bristol, CT, earned a hard-fought victory in the Limited Sportsman division. John Studley of Framingham, MA, streaked to consecutive victories in the TIS Modifieds. It was a night banner night for Mike Gorgieveski of Auburn, MA, who scored his first career victory in the Mini Stocks.

Rowan Pennink of Huntington Valley, NY, who has called Thompson International Speedway home for the last few seasons competing in the NASCAR All American Series Weekly, claimed the victory in Modified Racing Series 75. Mike Stefanik showed the way in the early going before relinquishing the lead to Bobby Santos III. Stefanik would retire from the event two laps shy of halfway.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

YouTube Preview Image
#25 -Rowan Pennink

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Keith Rocco Returns to Thompson on Thursday

Published at August 25, 2010 in NASCAR WA-AS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Newly crowned national champ Keith Rocco returns to Thompson this week to compete in both the Sunoco Modified and the Modified Racing Series events.

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Tune-In Alert: Thompson

Published at August 25, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Don’t forget to tune in to the Budweiser King of Beers 150 (Aug. 12) NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race from Thompson International Speedway tonight on VERSUS at 7 p.m.

VERSUS can be found at:
DirecTV Ch. 603 / 603 HD
Dish Network Ch. 151 / 151 HD
Cable – check local listings

Sources: Jason Cunningham/NASCAR WMT PR

Hinckley Looks to Sweep at Thompson, Large Field Expected

Published at August 24, 2010 in TVMRS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT – - 13 time winner Les Hinckley of Windsor Locks, CT., fresh off a strong second place finish last weekend at Seekonk, MA, Speedway, leads the list  of 32 pre-registered drivers for Thursday nights return engagement by the Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.com, at Thompson International Speedway, Thompson, CT. Hinckley won the series race in June, his first ever win at the famed speedway.

Hinckley, an early leader in the point standings for the series championship, has overcome some recent tough luck to stay within striking distance of point leaders Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT., and Jon McKennedy, E. Chelmsford, MA. Hinckley is 39 points from first place. Only five points separate Jarvis and McKennedy.

“Hopefully we turned it around. At Waterford, we hurt the motor, needed a new clip. It was discouraging. Our guys worked very hard. Seekonk was a shot in the arm. We’ll go to Thompson and keep our chin up,” said the second-generation driver.

Thompson Schedule

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NASCAR Takes Action Against Thompson Speedway Competitors

Published at August 23, 2010 in NASCAR WA-AS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has imposed an indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition on four drivers following an incident on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the Thompson International Speedway. NASCAR is the sanctioning body for races at Thompson and NASCAR officials are in charge of the competition at the speedway. The official penalty notice from NASCAR cited the drivers for “Actions detrimental to stock car racing.”

Race drivers Fred Michalski of Dayville, CT, Scott and Trevor Michalski of South Killingly, CT and Scott Jassaume of Danielson, CT all received the same penalty from NASCAR. In addition, the Speedway has informed these drivers and Ruth Michalski of South Killingly, CT that they are no longer welcome on the property in and around the race track.

“We feel the actions taken by NASCAR are appropriate considering the seriousness of the incident in our pit area last Thursday. We can not and will not tolerate that kind of behavior by anyone. We believe that these actions are in the best interest of the Speedway, its fans and competitors”, Said track owner, Don Hoenig.

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Modified Racing Series Returns to Thompson this Week

Published at August 23, 2010 in TVMRS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The exciting Modified Racing Series returns to the Thompson International Speedway this Thursday night for their second 75-lap race of the season. The MRS made its first appearance of the year in June and thrilled fans with a great evening of open wheel action.

Les Hinkley of Windsor Locks, CT claimed the victory in the hotly contested TOWN FAIR TIRE MRS feature race in June at Thompson and he is looking to make it two in a row at the largest track on which the MRS competes. Hinkley will be challenged by current MRS points leader Dwight Jarvis and other top contenders like Jon McKennedy, Rowan Pennink, Steve Masse and Ken Barry. A full field of Modified racers is expected for this special event.

Modified race cars will dominate the late summer schedule at Thompson. One week after the MRS event, the track will play host to the third of four open competition Tour-Type Modified 40-lap shoot out races on September 2nd.

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Lindeman’s First Truck Win at Thompson Speedway

Published at August 21, 2010 in NETS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Andy Lindeman of Poestenkill, NY, came on late in the New England Truck Series (NETS) feature event to score the victory. The NETS had a short field but there was no shortage of action; especially in the early going. The #16 Lee-Boy sponsored Chevy of Willy Auchmoody, took advantage of his front row starting position to show the way from the drop of the green flag.

The #83 FEB sponsored Chevy of Gee Perry had rocketed from his fourth starting position to run second on the opening lap, immediately, Perry was locked in a heated battle for the lead with Auchmoody.

Starting the feature from the back, the # 0 New England ATV sponsored Chevy of Howard Hurricane Payne, wasted no time in pursuit of the third position in tow with Perry. Coming out of turn four, on lap four, Payne moved up into second position with Perry on his inside in third, making contact sending Payne into the infield putting him down two laps.

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Pitkat Blisters Field to Score Sunoco Modified Victory; Milestone Victory for Barnett; Linderman Truck Series Winner; Ramstrom, Gentes, Studley & Dorr Weekly Winners

Published at August 19, 2010 in Thompson. 0 Comments

976415848 V8Gwj S Pitkat Blisters Field to Score Sunoco Modified Victory; Milestone Victory for Barnett; Linderman Truck Series Winner; Ramstrom, Gentes, Studley & Dorr Weekly WinnersThompson, CT — Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, dodged a bullet in the opening laps of the Sunoco Modified feature event and then looked like he was shot out of a cannon to score a dominating win at Thompson International Speedway on Thursday night. Larry Barnett of Moosup, CT, reached a milestone on Thursday night; scoring his 50th Limited Sportsman feature win at Thompson in dominating fashion. Derek Ramstrom of Worcester, MA, scored his sixth Super Late Model feature win of the season while Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, RI, scored his fifth in Late Model action.

It was a long time coming for John Studley of Framingham, MA, who also reached a racing milestone; scoring his career first victory in the TIS Modifieds. Dwayne Dorr of Ledyard, CT, made it two straight in Mini Stock competition. In the visiting New England Trucks Series, Andy Linderman of Poestenkill, NY, proved why he is the point leader with his impressive victory at Thompson on Thursday night.

Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, was flawless in the Sunoco Modified main event to score the victory. Tim Sullivan brought the field to green to start an action-packed 30-lapper for the Sunoco Modifieds. The complexion of the Sunoco Modified main event changed drastically with a lap one incident. The #44 of Dave Salzarulo slowed coming out of turn two. In the chain reaction, several cars were collected including point leader Ted Christopher, Rowan Pennink, Bert Marvin, Ricky Shawn and Carl Oberg. Christopher was able to make repairs to his car to rejoin the field.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

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It’s Official: Rocco Earns National Crown

Published at August 17, 2010 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. 0 Comments

Conn. driver clinches Whelen All-American Series title early

Daytona Beach, FL — For three straight years, Keith Rocco put together seasons that would be the envy of most drivers. But they fell short of his ultimate goal.

He was determined not to be denied again.

To that end, Rocco has been nearly unstoppable in the asphalt Modified Divisions on the short tracks of Connecticut. The 25-year-old Wallingford, Conn., driver picked up his 19th and 20th wins of the season this past weekend.

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New England Truck Series to Join Thompson’s “Super 6″ on Thursday

Published at August 16, 2010 in NETS and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The New England Truck Series will make its first of two 2010 appearances this Thursday at the Thompson International Speedway. Truck racing has become a regular part of the yearly schedule at Thompson and fans look forward to their exciting and competitive racing.

New England Truck Series (NETS) points leader, Andy Lindeman will lead the field of race trucks. He will be joined by such tough competitors as Gee Perry, Greg Butler, Jr., Craig Cashman, John St.Germain and many more.

NETS is also a very popular part of the annual World Series of Speedway Racing. This annual season-ending event in October draws hundreds of race cars and trucks and is a full three-day, action packed event that features some fifteen different racing divisions. This week’s event for the race trucks will serve as a great tune up for their October appearance. Joining NETS this Thursday will be Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series “Super 6” divisions.

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Christopher Dominates Budweiser 150 At Thompson

Published at August 12, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Takes NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Points Lead With Win

968547719 sDPvH S Christopher Dominates Budweiser 150 At ThompsonThompson, CT — For most of the night Ted Christopher made it look easy. Almost too easy.

Christopher paced the field from the start and only relinquished the lead twice during the Budweiser King of Beers 150 on Thursday at Thompson International Speedway to record his 37th career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory.

It was Christopher’s 10th Whelen Modified Tour win at Thompson, and his fourth in the Tour’s last six races at the .625-mile oval. The Plainville, Conn., driver led 141 of the 156 laps.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

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ROUGH AND TUMBLE: More Bad Luck For Ryan Preece And Ole Blue

Published at August 12, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — As the old adage goes, if it weren’t for bad luck NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Ryan Preece would have no luck at all.

This time the misfortune reared its ugly head Thursday night at Thompson International Speedway, where Preece had charged up to fourth in the Budweiser King of Beers 150 — only to have something short-circuit in the electrical system of his No. 3 Cape Cod Copper/Mizzy Construction Chevrolet. The car affectionately nicknamed “Ole Blue” rolled to a halt on the long Thompson backstretch, finishing Preece’s night.

The final rundown: A 22nd place finish at a track where he finished second to open the current season back in April.

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Christopher Earns WMT Pole, Two Race Victories & Point Lead at Thompson; Stefanik Scores First Super Late Model Win; Oliveira, Sundeen, Marcotte & Dorr Also Weekly Winners

Published at August 12, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

968543978 ZYAc5 S Christopher Earns WMT Pole, Two Race Victories & Point Lead at Thompson; Stefanik Scores First Super Late Model Win; Oliveira, Sundeen, Marcotte & Dorr Also Weekly WinnersThompson, CT — On Thursday night, Thompson International Speedway hosted their traditional summer classic-the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Budweiser 150 and the big winner was Ted Christopher of Plainville, CT. A dominating performance in the WMT found Christopher in victory lane with the point lead.

Christopher also scored a thrilling victory in the Sunoco Modified feature. Fellow Whelen Modified Tour double-duty driver Mike Stefanik of Coventry, RI, turned in a dominating performance to earn the Super Late Model victory.

In other NASCAR Whelen All-America Series action, Mark Oliveira of Blackstone, MA, was victorious in an eventful Late Model feature. Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA, took down his first Limited Sportsman win of the 2010 season. R.J. Marcotte of Millville, MA, continued to roll in the TIS Modifieds. Dwayne Dorr of Ledyard, CT, posted his second Mini Stock win.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

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New England Truck Series at Thompson Speedway

Published at August 12, 2010 in NETS and Thompson. 0 Comments

The New England Truck Series (NETS) will do battle for the first time under its new banner on August 19, 2010 at Thompson, CT making their first of two appearances in 2010, and second, attending the World Series weekend October 15th-17th for their Championship finale race of the 2010 season.

The high banking 5/8 mile feature race will showcase the stars of the region’s lone touring truck division as they continue on with their action packed season in hot pursuit of the coveted Series’ title. The green flag racing competition begins with our seasoned drivers, and new rookies joining our racing family .

“This should be a hard fought battle as Thompson is a highly competitive fast track . The truck competitors look forward to running at this historic facility”, states Series Director Lorraine Pard.

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QUALIFYING: Chirstopher Gets It Done

Published at August 12, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Wins 22nd Career Whelen Modified Tour Pole

Thompson, CT — Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ted Christopher took advantage of drawing a late qualifying number to earn his 22nd career Coors Light Pole Award overall, and his sixth at Thompson, with a fast lap of 18.624 seconds (120.812 mph).

Christopher piloted his No.  36 Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet around Thompson International Speedway to the top spot in tonight’s running of the Budweiser King of Beers 150. He was followed by Rowan Pennink, Mike Stefanik, Bobby Santos and Eric Berndt.

Bobby Santos, who was fastest in practice held earlier in the day in his No. 4 Mystic Missile Dodge, held the top spot for most of qualifying with a fast lap of 18.775 seconds until veteran Mike Stefanik catured the top spot with a time of 18.763 seconds.

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PRACTICE: Santos Once Again Leads The Way

Published at August 12, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Budweiser King Of Beers 150 Qualifying Set For 5:30 p.m.

Thompson, CT — Bobby Santos led the way in afternoon NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour practice in advance of tonight’s Budweiser King of Beers 150 at Thompson International Speedway.

Santos, who won practice, qualifying and the race in the Whelen Modified Tour’s first appearance of the year at Thompson, laid down a fast lap of 18.697 seconds (120.340 mph) during the 90-minute session on Thursday.

The current points leader, by a mere six tallies over Ted Christopher, Santos set the track qualifying record in the season-opener at Thompson. He’ll look for his fourth Coors Light Pole Award of the year when qualifying gets underway today at 5:30 p.m.

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Mahder Making Most of Rookie Run

Published at August 10, 2010 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. 0 Comments

Rocco Maintains NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Lead

Daytona Beach, FL — When the regional touring series Chad Mahder ran last year in Iowa closed down, he went looking for something closer to home. The 25-year-old from Eou Claire, Wisc., found it in the form of Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisc.

He also found plenty of success.

Mahder, who is coming off a weekend where he finished first and third in twin features, has six wins and nine top fives in 12 races in his first year running in a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Feature Division. That has him leading the track’s Impact Printing Late Model Division, fifth in the Wisconsin state standings and, at 40th in the national standings, Mahder is the highest rookie.

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Statistical Advance: Analyzing The Budweiser King of Beers 150 At Thompson

Published at August 10, 2010 in NASCAR WMT and Thompson. 0 Comments

Daytona Beach, FL —  The second race for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2010 at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway is scheduled for this Thursday, Aug. 12 with the Budweiser King of Beers 150.

At Thompson International Speedway:
History
•  Opened on May 26, 1940 as the first asphalt racing surface in the United States, and the largest track in New England at the time.
•  Has one of the oldest NASCAR affiliations in the nation.
•  Held NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 1951, 1969 and 1970.
•  Has played host to 110 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races, the most of any facility in the NWMT’s first 26 years of competition.
•  Features six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions as part of the “Thursday Night Thompson Thunder.”

Notebook
•  There have been 29 different race winners at TIS, led by Mike Stefanik’s 14 victories.
•  There have been 37 different pole winners at TIS, led by Jeff Fuller’s 13.
•  Bobby Santos set the NWMT qualifying record in the first race of the year at TIS, and then led 91 of 150 laps to take the checkered flag.
•  Ted Christopher has won three of the last five races at TIS, and finished fourth there in the season-opener.
•  The preliminary entry list for the Budweiser 150 features nine drivers who have won at TIS during their careers: Stefanik (14), Christopher (9), Ed Flemke Jr. (4), Ron Silk (3), Todd Szegedy (3), Santos (2), Eric Beers (1), James Civali (1) and Chuck Hossfeld (1).

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