Thompson Readies for Thursday Night Thunder
Thompson, CT — Thursday Night Thompson Thunder (TNTT) returns to the Thompson International Speedway on Thursday, May 22nd. The TNTT series will once again feature six NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions in a fast-paced race program that has been so popular with race fans.
The Thompson Sunoco Modifieds lead the way with a roster of drivers bursting with talent. The competition is second to none and race fans love the close, high-speed competition of this exciting open wheel division.
Former division title holder, Bert Marvin, claimed the victory on ICEBREAKER weekend in the first of two events scheduled for the Sunoco Modifieds. He was followed across the finish line by Jimmy Blewett, Doug Coby and Danny Cates. The 2006 and 2007 division champions, Woody Pitkat and Keith Rocco respectively, were eliminated from the competition early in the event. The second of two races scheduled for ICEBREAKER weekend was rained out and will be rescheduled.
Pro Stock veteran and defending champion, Mike O’Sullivan claimed the honors his division’s opening act for the 2008 season. He bested Norman Wrenn, Fred Astle, Jr. and Dave Darling in the thrilling 30-lap race.
The Late Model division, like the Sunoco Modifieds, had a twin bill scheduled for ICEBREAKER weekend. Like the Modifieds, Mother Nature intervened in the Sunday race. However, Saturday night’s race saw Late Model veteran, Jeff Zuidema claim the victory in a hard fought battle with Mark Palmisano, Jay Stuart and Rick Gentes.
Jesse Gleason was victorious in the Limited Sportsman debut and it was Glenn Boss in victory lane in the Thompson Modifieds. Danny Field claimed the victory in the thrill-a-minute Mini Stocks.
Prior to the May 22nd opening of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series TNTT races at Thompson, the track will be open for two practice sessions. These will be held on Thursday, May 8th and Thursday, May 15th. Both open practice dates will be available to any race car meeting Thompson’s safety requirements and will operate between the hours of 2 PM and 7 PM.
These two open practice dates are being offered to competitors who want to fine tune their race cars for the season’s weekly competition. They also offer a great opportunity for new drivers to get valuable ‘seat time’ and for new race teams to hone their skills.
Three days after the track opens for Thursday night racing, the annual Eve of Destruction is scheduled. This traditional Memorial Day weekend family fun night will once again present a fun-filled evening of smash and crash events, large and small car demo derbies, school bus demo, daredevil acts, the ever-popular Trailer Trash race and a huge fireworks display to round out the evening. The show starts at 6 PM on Sunday, May 29th.
More details on these events will be forthcoming here and on the pages of the Thompson International Speedway web site. www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: Russ Dowd/ Thompson Int’l Speedway PR