Sunoco Modifieds Go for 50 Laps on Thursday
Thompson, CT — Thompson’s Premier NASCAR Whelen All-American Series division, the Sunoco Modifieds, will face their toughest test of the season this week at the historic Connecticut oval. The longest race of the season, 50 laps, will be the challenge facing this division’s race teams when the green flag drops on their main event this Thursday. An autograph session with these drivers will be held on the midway before their 50-lap grind. This special night will be presented by the Series’ Title Sponsor, Whelen Engineering.
In the first eight events of the 2011 racing season, five different drivers have visited victory lane in this highly competitive, open wheel, division. The year started with Todd Ceravolo putting everyone on notice that he would be tough this season when he secured the first of two races on Icebreaker weekend. The next day, it was Ted Christopher who bested the field and set the stage for the intensity of competition that would prevail into the summer months.
Once the regular season got underway in May, Keith Rocco laid claim to victory lane on the opening night of Thursday Night Thompson Thunder (TNTT). Ryan Preece claimed the top spot in the next event but Rocco came back strong a week later and claimed the win. Then came Thursday, June 16th. Rocco and Woody Pitkat staged what was arguably one of the best Modified races seen in years. Pitkat claimed that win and the stage was set for some extremely exciting races to come. Fans were not disappointed as each of these racers has been in the thick of the battle ever since, but it has been Rocco who has emerged on top in the last two weeks.
This week marks the biggest night of the year for the division. The annual 50-lap race is believed to be the one to win. There is extra purse money plus the bragging rights of being the best. Sunoco Modified race teams will burn the midnight oil in preparation for this once-a-year opportunity to stand in a very special spotlight.
Joining the Sunoco Modifieds will be Thompson’s Super Late Models, Thompson Modifieds, Late Models, XTRA/MART Limited Sportsman and Monster Mini Stocks. Qualifying races start at 6 PM with features starting right around 7 PM. Fans can visit Thompson’s web site for the complete schedule of events.
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR