Thompson Champs to Make June 18th True Value Modified Debut

By admin June 8, 2009 Thompson, VMRS

Thompson, CT — Two Thompson International Speedway division champions will make their first True Value Modified Series starts on Thursday, June 18th.  That’s the date that the exciting True Value Modifieds invade the Thompson race track for the running of the Town Fair Tire 75-lap main event.

Jeff Zuidema of North Brookfield, MA is a multi-time division champion at Thompson. But, in spite of all of his success at the Connecticut oval, Jeff will be behind the wheel of a Modified division race car for only the second time in his career.  Speaking about this new racing venture, Zuidema said, “It’s something new, challenging and different. We’ve had our hands in just about everything, so why not try it.” Zuidema has raced just about every kind of race car competing in the northeast and will now add an ultra-fast True Value Modified to his resume. The car is owned by veteran owner and driver, Dennis Gagliardi.

The second Thompson champion who will attempt to make the starting field will be Kurt Vigeant from Oxford, MA. Vigeant gained back-to-back Thompson Modified championships before making the move to a True Value Modified. “I’m really looking forward to it, said Vigeant. Thompson has been my home track. We have practiced with the car there and it felt good. But, this will be the longest race I’ve ever run, so I will need to learn to be patient. My goal would be a top ten finish, if possible.  On the other hand, if I walk out with four wheels still on the car, that would be a win, win situation for me. It will be a big step to suddenly be racing with the big guys. It will be my first time racing with Ted Christopher, Kirk Alexander and all of those guys. I’m really excited about it,” Vigeant concluded.

The True Value Modified Series will make a stop at Thompson on Thursday, June 18th.  The list of drivers and race teams is impressive. The popularity of this touring series has exploded in recent years and the series has attracted some of the very best racing talent in the northeast.

Mike Stefanik, the 7-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion will have a brand new car with which to compete. He’ll face some very tough competition from the likes of defending True Value champ, Chris Pasteryak, veteran Dwight Jarvis, Les Hinckley, Rowan Pennink, Andy Suess and last year’s winner at Thompson, Todd Owen.

Grandstands will open at 2 PM on June 18th with qualifying set for 5:30 PM. The first feature race is slated for 6:45 PM. The True Value Modifieds will be joined by Thompson’s “Super 6” NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions.  This combination will provide fans with a total of seven main events for the evening.

Tickets are family priced at only $20.00 for adults; $5.00 for youngsters ages 6-14 and those 5 years and under will be admitted free of charge.  The complete schedule for the event is available on the Thompson Speedway web page. www.thompsonspeedway.com.

Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR