Race Fans Get Bonus This Thursday at Thompson

By admin July 27, 2008 Thompson

Thompson, CT — Fans of Thompson International Speedway’s Thursday Night Thompson Thunder will enjoy extra events this Thursday night, July 31st.  Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All American Series Mini Stocks will be featured in an extra distance event and the exciting Late Model division will race in two feature races.

The double features for the Late Models are the result of a make up race going back to the Icebreaker last April. The rains came on that Sunday afternoon and forced the event to be re-scheduled. The 20-lap event will be run this week in addition to a full schedule of Thompson’s “Super 6” racing divisions.

July 31st will also be the biggest night of the season for the ever-popular Mini Stock division. Each racing division at Thompson has an extra distance race as part of their schedule. The spotlight will be on the Mini Stocks this week.

These races are particularly important in the points races that determine the track champions in each racing division. Mini Stock competitor and defending champion Mike Romano is the current points leader. He holds a 30 point advantage over Danny Field. Leo Defevers is a close third and is followed by Scott Michalski and Chuck Rogers.

The Late Model double features this week will be even more critical. Jeff Zuidema holds a 20 point advantage over Marc Palmisano with defending champ Rick Gentes only 4 points behind Palmisano. Even though the top three hold a considerable advantage over 4th place Jay Stuart and 5th place Mark Jenison, a race night with double features can quickly change the standings in a major way.

The points races in Thompson’s other divisions are also very competitive. Veteran Kerry Malone tops the points chase in the Sunoco Modified division. But, nipping at his heals are Todd Ceravolo and Danny Cates. Rounding out the top five are Jimmy Blewett and Bert Marvin.

Fred Astle, Jr., fresh off of a 50-lap feature event win, leads the Pro Stockers. Norman Wrenn, Derek Ramstrom, Mike O’Sullivan and Jay Macedonio round out the top five in yet another very close points race.  Thompson Modified defending champ, Kurt Vigeant is trying to repeat for the division crown and holds a small advantage over Glenn Boss and R.J. Marcotte. Shane Michalski and Richie Ferreira complete the top five in the standings going into this week’s competition.

The Limited Sportsman division is as exciting in the battle for the points lead as is the weekly action on the track. Scott Sundeen holds a slim margin over Ed Puleo and Joe Arena. Ernie LaRose and Larry Barnett round out the top five. Sundeen has a tough road ahead of him as three former division champions are in the top five and they prove to be tough competition each and every week.

Racing action begins with qualifying races at 5:15 PM with the first of seven big features getting underway about one hour later. More information may be found at www.thompsonspeedway.com.

Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR