T.C. Unbeatable at Thompson
Thompson, CT — Thompson International Speedway finally played host to the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series divisions in Thursday Night Thompson Thunder after several weeks of bad weather. A full racing card featured both open-wheel and full-fendered excitement with the Sunoco Modifieds, NASCAR WRS Pro Stocks and all their support divisions. Winners on the evening included George Bessette, Bill McNeil, George Savary, Ted Christopher, Dennis Coates, Scott Bronczyk, and Lyle Wolfinger.
The Senior Tour Auto Racers were the first to take to the 5/8th mile oval. Mark Alden took down the win in the #21 Modified built by Winston Cup Legend Banjo Mathews and driven by George Savary. The S.T.A.R. Group honored George Savary in victory lane with an award for his 40 years in the sport. Fittingly 21 years ago the same Vega Modified sat in Thompson victory lane. Savary capped off the evening with a win in the Pro Four Modifieds.
Thirty-six Strictly Stocks took the green in the June 22nd Make-up feature. Randy Waterman of Danielson, CT showed the way through lap seven when on a restart Ed Puleo took the lead. Heavy hitters Bill McNeil, Ryan Stone, and Lyle Wolfinger were quickly making their way to the front from deep in the pack. The complexion of the race changed dramatically when Tim Taylor and Kevin Mason made contact on lap 17. The enduing pile-up eliminated several top ten contenders. Current point leader Ryan Stone suffered severe damage. The three-lap shoot out featured a battle between McNeil and Lyle Wolfinger. McNeil would hold on for the win.
In the night capper Lyle Wolfinger bested his runner-up performance by taking the win in the Strictly Stock regularly scheduled event. Ryan Stone was able to repair his #39 to finish a respectable 10th place in the feature.
The NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Pro Stocks had a 40-lap make-up event held over from last week’s rain out. Early leader A.J. Begin surrendered the lead to defending champ Roger Godin on lap eight. Godin distanced himself from the field until a caution at the halfway point when the engine in Rob Murray’s Dur-a-Flex #18 expired. George Bessette took advantage of a bauble by Godin on a lap 27 restart to take the lead. After several restarts for minor incidents, the two waged a fierce battle. Godin and Bessette ran side-by-side for the final two laps. At the stripe it was Bessette by inches.
The Sunoco Modifieds made a triumphant return to the historic Connecticut oval after a several week absence. Pole sitter Darryl Tiezzi of Ivoryton, CT led the way from the drop of the green flag. The caution flew on lap three for a pile-up on the backstretch triggered by contact between Ted Christopher and Scott Quinn. The melee collected many front running cars including Tom Tagg, Bert Marvin, and Jamie Asklar.
On the restart T.C. would line-up outside Tiezzi. It was only a matter of yards before Christopher took the lead. Todd Ceravolo followed through to take second. Several cautions slowed the event but they could not slow the point leader Ted Christopher; who checked out for the win. Christopher is unbeaten in Sunoco Modified action at Thompson this season.
Billy Prisco of Pawtucket, RI would take the lead on lap three of the Mini Stock feature and move out to a sizeable lead over the field. Dennis Coates had moved from this last row starting spot, reeled in Prisco, and took the lead on lap nine. Point leader Chris Gagnon also came from deep in the field to come home in the third spot. Last week’s winner Chuck Weimer III was fourth and Lee Hayes recovered from a spin early in the race to finish fifth.
Next up on the Thompson Speedway schedule is a full plate of racing and family fun as Eve of Destruction hits on Sunday, July 2, 2000. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. NASCAR Weekly Racing Series action will be followed by two Demolition Derbies with Fireworks capping off the fun-filled night. For more information call (860) 923-2280 or visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Strictly Stock finish (June 22 Make-Up) Bill McNeil, Taftville, CT; Lyle Wolfinger, Moodus, CT; Ed Puleo, E. Haven, CT; Tim Taylor, Danielson, CT; Frank Kiser, Jr., N. Providence, RI; Bart Ramos, Putnam, CT; Mark DeCosta, Cranston, RI; John Bercham, W., Greenwich, RI; Kevin Bowe, Pawtucket, RI; and Todd Dean, Danielson, CT.
Pro Stock finish (June 22nd Make-Up) George Bessette, Danbury, CT; Roger Godin, Spencer, MA; Steve Ribbe, Kingston, MA; Bobby LeClerc, N. Dighton, MA; Dick Houlihan, Berkley, MA; Ken Kohler, Jr., N. Providence, RI; Andy Johnson, Rehoboth, MA; Norm Wrenn, Nashua, NH; Phil Rondeau, Baltic, CT; A.J. Begin, Georgetown, MA.
Sunoco Modified finish: Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; Todd Ceravolo, Groton, CT; Darryl Tiezzi, Ivoryton, CT; Bert Marvin, Waterford, CT; Curt Brainard, Canton, CT; Shawn Buffington, Plainfield, CT; Scott Quinn, Slatersville, RI; Jamie Asklar, Southington, CT; John Sneade, Oxford, MA; and Dave Lassard, Westport, MA.
Mini Stock: Dennis Coates, Wrentham, MA; Billy Prisco, Pawtucket, RI; Chris Gagnon, Moosup, CT; Chuck Weimer III, Danielson, CT; Lee Hayes, Fall River, MA; Roger Larson, Milford, CT; Pat Moreau, Auburn, MA; Cindy Larson, Milford, MA; Dave Huard, Oxford, MA, and Rod Rixham, Jefferson, MA.
Late Model: Scott Bronczyk, N. Grosvenordale, CT Strictly Stock (June 29, 2000): Lyle Wolfinger, Moosup, CT; Timothy Taylor, Danielson, CT; Lawerence Barnett, Ledyard, CT; Ken Fecteau, Franklin, MA; Ed Puleo, E. Haven, CT; Kevin Mason, W. Warwick, RI; Scott Cook, Uncasville, CT; Norm Beauvais, Jr., Mapleville, RI; Frank Kiser, Jr., N. Providence, RI; and Ryan Stone, Branford, CT.
Sources: Thompson Speedway PR