August to End On A High Note at Thompson
Thompson, CT — The month of August will go out with a bang at the Thompson International Speedway when the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Sunoco Modifieds take on their longest race of the TNTT season. This week’s 50-lap main event, all part of Whelen night, is crucial in the points chase for the track championship.
Todd Ceravolo will go into the competition with an eight points advantage over Danny Cates. Ceravolo, a former champion, knows the pressures that exist in a late season points chase. Cates, the Sunoco Modified 2007 Rookie of the year, is brand new to a Modified division championship run. However, Cates has surprised everyone with his performance in an open wheel car since the 2007 season opened.
These two competitors are not alone in their run for the top honors. Veteran Kerry Malone, Keith Rocco, Tom Cravenho, Jr. and Woody Pitkat are all within striking distance. With five points races remaining in the 2008 season, the run for the Sunoco Modified crown is still very much up for grabs.
The importance of this week’s 50-lap race is can’t be understated. Winning the biggest race of the TNTT season not only awards fifty points, but also provides a morale boost to the entire race team and can provide the necessary momentum needed to capture the title.
While most attention will be centered on the 50-lap modified race and the championship battle, the other five divisions in Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All American Series “Super Six” will also be chasing checkered flags and points.
With the same five race dates remaining, the Pro Stock points race shows only a two points advantage for Michael O’Sullivan over Fred Astle going into this week’s competition. In close pursuit of O’Sullivan and Astle is Norman Wrenn who leads Jay Macedonio by a similar two points advantage. The “Mad Dog”, George Bessette is fifth in the standings and is well within striking distance of the leaders.
The points races in the Late Model, Thompson Modified, Limited Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions are also very close. Jeff Zuidema leads Marc Palmisano in the Late Model division by some twenty six points while Glenn Boss holds a margin of ten points over Kurt Vigeant in the Thompson Modifieds. Scott Sundeen, Ed Puleo, Joe Arena and Larry Barnett have a very tight points race going in the Limited Sportsman division with defending Mini Stock champ, Mike Romano leading Danny Field by a slim margin.
Grandstands open at 4 PM with qualifying races slated for a 5:15 PM start. The first of six feature races will get underway at roughly 6:15 PM. Current points standings, race results and much more is available on the Thompson web site. www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR