Thompson Honors 2011 Champions
Thompson, CT: On Friday and Saturday, January 27 & 28, 2012, Thompson International Speedway crowned champions in its six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions. Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, took center stage on Saturday night as the Sunoco Modified champion. Late Model titlist Tommy O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, and Keith “Cam” McDermott of Scituate, RI, also received accolades. On Friday night, Larry Gelinas of Buxton, ME, shined as the Super Late Model champion. Sharing the spotlight were Chris “Moose” Douton of Waterford, CT, for his Limited Sportsman title and Danny Field of Deep River, CT, for his Mini Stock championship.
In looking back on the 2011 season, despite significant weather problems, the Thompson Speedway faithful were treated to some truly exceptional racing. Week-after-week, the level of excitement was equal only to that of the level of competition. Championships in four of the six divisions were not determined until the very last Thursday night race event; some came down to the final laps.
The competition at Thompson Speedway is unparalleled; proving once again that a championship at the historic facility is a tremendous accomplishment.
Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, has become synonymous with winning at Thompson. The Sunoco Modified 2011 title was his second championship in three years at the Speedway (and third overall). The title was a hard-fought one for Rocco and company. Many nights the battle for victory came down to the final turn of the final lap. Intense competition from the likes of runner-up Ryan Preece, Woody Pitkat, Danny Cates, Rick Fuller, and Todd Ceravolo brought fans to their feet time and time again.
“Whether there are 10 cars or 30 cars, on the last lap the fans are always on their feet,” said the champion from the podium at the Raceway Golf Club, “because you never know what is going to happen. That is why I love racing here at Thompson.”
In sixteen races Rocco secured 15 top-five finishes including six victories. Despite the impressive numbers, the championship came down to the final point race. Mechanical woes on Rocco’s #57 early in the race made for some drama. In the end, Rocco earned his car owners Mark and Mike Payne and the M&M Stone Creations team the title by six points over Preece.
For his efforts, Rocco received a bronze eagle trophy from Thompson Speedway. He also received hardware from NASCAR and a champion’s jacket from Hoosier Racing Tires to commemorate his achievement.
Young gun Ryan Preece of Berlin, CT, took over the Falmouth Ready Mix #31 for owners Al & Cathy Moniz at the start of the 2011 season. It became evident early in the season that the new combination would be a force to be reckoned with; giving Rocco and others a run for the money. At season’s end, Preece had earned 15 top-five finishes in 16 starts including three wins. Danny Cates, of Chaplin, CT, continued to develop as an open-wheel driver posting 14 top-ten and 11 top-five finishes with one victory to finish third in the final point standings. Carl Oberg Sutton, MA, rode consistency to fourth place in the final point standings. He was also recognized as the divisions “Most Improved Driver”.
Former divisional champion, Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, had an eventful season taking over the potent ride for owner Jimmy Paige on June 16, 2011. After debuting with a victory, Pitkat went on to score 12 top-ten finishes, 11 top-five finishes and three additional wins; finishing fifth in the final point standings. George Wilkinson of Pawcatuck, CT, who finished eighth in the final point standings, earned Rookie-Of-The-Year honors.
Always a strong competitor Tommy O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, turned in one great performance after another on Thursday nights in 2011 to earn the title of Late Model Champion. In fourteen races, the T&E Motorsports Team recorded 13 top-five finishes. A handful of victories proved to be insurmountable as O’Sullivan cruised to the championship.
“This championship gives my parents seven total as car owners,” said O’Sullivan. “My brother Mike and I now both have championships adding our three to the four earned by Tom Rosati. I am so proud to be a part of that.”
During the presentation, O’Sullivan received awards from the Speedway, NASCAR and Dave Lind Racing.
O’Sullivan bested a history-laden crop of competitors. Rick Gentes, who sits second on the all-time win list at Thompson, came home as the runner-up. The well-deserved “Most Improved Driver” Mike Scorzelli of Malta, NY, finished third in the season-long standings. John Falconi of Oakham, MA, continued a family legacy of racing success in New England that spans many decades with his fourth-place honors. Falconi was also presented with the Chief Starter’s Award for Sportsmanship. Accomplished competitor Phil Rondeau of Baltic, CT, returned for a full assault on the Late Models in 2011 to round out the top-five in the final point standings.
The Late Model division did not have a rookie contender in the field in 2011.
Keith “Cam” McDermott of Scituate, RI, had been “the bridesmaid” finishing second in the TIS Modified championship chase two consecutive years. At the start of the 2011 season, his sheer determination to make the ultimate leap was evident. Each week, amidst a tight point battle, McDermott seemed to get more focused. And, after 15 top-ten and 14 top-five finishes (in 15 starts) including four victories, the championship accolades belonged to McDermott.
McDermott shared the limelight with his car owners, parents Keith and Calista McDermott.
“We left Little ‘T’ six years ago, “said McDermott, a former quarter midget competitor, during his acceptance speech. “The first time we drove into the big track we had no clue what we were doing. It took us three years to figure it out. For the last three years we have been in contention. My parents stuck with me through it all. This championship would not have been possible without them.”
McDermott also acknowledged that the advice and assistance from Charlie, Chris, and Carl Pasteryak was instrumental in his success.
McDermott also received champion’s laurels from Thompson Speedway, NASCAR, and Dave Lind Racing.
Only four points was the difference between first and second place in the Thompson Modified Division’s final standings. Glenn Boss gave it a valiant effort with 15 top-ten and 13 top-five finishes and six wins. He claimed victory in the final point race only to come up four-points (two positions) short in the season-long chase for the championship. By virtue of his six wins in 2011 Boss’ career win total is now 52; placing him in the top-5 of all-time winners at Thompson.
Another former champ R.J. Marcotte of Millville, MA and two up-and-comers Jason Sundeen of Douglas, MA, and Ryan Morgan of Mystic, CT, rounded out the top-five in the final Thompson Modified point standings.
At Thompson, the Most Improved Driver Award is not decided simply by the advancement in points from year-to-year but by careful consideration by both track officials and fellow competitors. In the Thompson Modifieds Ryan Morgan was recognized as the division’s “Most Improved Driver”. Again, at Thompson, the Rookie-of-the-Year is not simply the rookie driver finishing the highest in points at year’s end. It is the driver that exhibits skill, respect, and sportsmanship. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr. was honored as such in the Thompson Modifieds for the 2011 season.
The previous evening, Friday, January 27, competitors in the Super Late Models, Limited Sportsman, and Mini Stocks were honored with a ceremony of their own.
Super Late Model champion Larry Gelinas of Buxton, ME, was honored for prevailing in what was one of the tightest point battles in recent history at the Speedway. On the final night of points competition, there were three teams in the hunt for the title-Gelinas, Mike O’Sullivan, and Derek Ramstrom. In the end, 12 points separated the top 3 with Gelinas’ margin of victory a mere 6 points over O’Sullivan. Gelinas and car owner NEAR Hall-of-Famer Rollie Lindblad earned the top-honor by virtue of his 13 top-ten and 12 top-five finishes including three wins.
“I have raced at 25 different race tracks and earned five championships at three different tracks,” said Gelinas. “Thompson will always be one of my favorites. The competitors in this division race hard but keep it clean.”
Gelinas received hardware from Thompson and NASCAR along with a championship jacket from Dave Lind Racing. Gelinas was also recognized with the Chief Starter’s Award.
The last two divisional champions, O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, and Ramstrom of Worcester, MA, settled for second and third respectively in the season-long chase for the championship.
“The competition is wicked,” added Gelinas. “O’Sullivan and Ramstrom were always faster than me. I just got luckier.”
Ramstrom’s crew chief, his father Rick, was honored with the NASCAR Craftsmen Mechanic of the Year. Jim Banfield of S. Glastonbury, CT and Scott Rutherforth of Glastonbury, CT, rounded out the top-five in the point standings. Rutherforth was also recognized at the "Most Improved Driver”. Rookie-Of-The-Year honors went to Jeff Hartwell of E. Putnam, CT.
The Limited Sportsman Division, with its “no holds barred” style of racing, is a fan-favorite at Thompson International Speedway. Divisional champion Chris “Moose” Douton of Waterford, CT, love him or hate him, is masterful at this brand of racing.
Douton, in 15 races, earned 14 top-five finishes and three victories. The veteran competitor and his car owner Don Stebbins where honored with awards from Thompson Speedway, NASCAR, and Dave Lind Racing.
Former champ Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA, chased Douton all season to finish second in the final point standings. Shawn Monahan of Waterford, CT, Jason Chicolas of Sutton, MA and Brandon Chamberland of Moosup, CT, completed the top-five in the standings. Chamberland was also recognized as the “Most Improved Driver”. Rookie-of-the-Year honors went to Michael Malbaurn of Sterling, CT.
Mini Stock Champion Danny Field of Deep River, CT, was a dominant force in the Mini Stocks in 2011 with a total of eleven wins in 15 races including seven in a row. All totaled Fields posted 14 top-five finishes.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Field. “It was the perfect season.”
Leo Defevers, of Moosup, CT, Tyler Poulin of Pascoag, RI; Joe Baxter, also of Pascoag, and Eric Bourgeois of Moodus, CT, rounded out the top-five in the final point standings for the Mini Stocks. Specialty awards were presented to Joe Baxter as “Most Improved Driver” and Travis Jurcik as Rookie-Of-The-Year. Jurcik scored a win during his rookie season.
On both evenings, the top-fifteen in each division received recognition. Trophies were presented to all drivers in the top-ten in the final point standings. The Management of the Speedway presented Specialty Awards including “Dedicated to Thompson’ Award. This year’s recipients were George Sawyer, Norbert “Metz” Santerre, and Herb Sward. The coveted John Hoenig Memorial Award was presented to Tom Stroiney.
Master of Ceremonies Russ Dowd ended the festivities both evenings with a message of appreciation on behalf of the Hoenig Family and the entire staff of the Speedway and a warm welcome to all for the upcoming 2012 season that gets underway in less than nine weeks at the Icebreaker. The 2012 schedule can be found at thompsonspeedway.com
Sunoco Modifieds (Top 15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 2. Ryan Preece, Berlin, CT; 3. Danny Cates, Chaplin, CT; 4. Carl Oberg, Sutton, MA; 5. Woody Pitkat, Stafford, CT; 6. John Catania, Agawam, MA; 7. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 8. George Wilkinson, Pawcatuck, CT; 9. Rick Fuller, Auburn, MA; 10. Shelly Perry, Westerly, RI; 11. Rick Shawn, Bradford, RI; 12. Andrew Charon, Thompson, CT; 13. Joe Allegro, Jr., Vernon, CT; 14. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 15. David Morgenstein, Taftville, CT.
Super Late Model (Top-15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Larry Gelinas, Buxton, ME; 2. Mike O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 3. Derek Ramstrom, Worcester, MA; 4. Jim Banfield, S. Glastonbury, CT; 5. Scott Rutherforth; Glastonbury, CT; 6. Jeff Hartwell, E. Putnam, CT; 7. Jeff Connors, Ellington, CT; 8. George Bessette, Danbury, CT; 9. Keith Caruso, Millbury, MA; 10. Mike Stefanik, Coventry, RI; 11. Michael Rivard, N. Scituate, RI; 12. Tom Metcalf, N. Stonington, CT; 13. John Materas, Voluntown, CT; 14. Greg Nanigian, Braintree, MA; 15. Scott Foster, Broadbrook, CT.
Late Models (Top 15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Tommy O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 2. Rick Gentes, Woonsocket, RI; 3. Mike Scorzelli, Malta, NY; 4. John Falconi, Oakham, MA; 5. Phil Rondeau, Baltic,CT; 6. Damon Tinio, Mendon, MA; 7. Randy Tucker, Millis, MA; 8. John Materas, Voluntown, CT; 9. Jeremy Sadowski, Voluntown, CT; 10. Mark Oliveira, Blackstone, MA; 11. Mark Palmisano; Hadley, MA; 12. Wayne Coury, Sr., Milford, CT; 13. Ryan Waterman, Danielson, CT; 14. Corey Hutchings, Salem, CT; 15. Robert O’Connell, Wretham, MA.
Thompson Modifieds (Top 10) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Keith McDermott, Scituate, RI; 2. Glenn Boss, Danielson, CT; 3. R.J. Marcotte; Millville, MA; 4. Jason Sundeen; Douglas, MA; 5. Ryan Morgan; Mystic, CT; 6. John Lowinski-Loh, Jr., Milford, MA; 7. John Studley, Framingham, MA; 8. Brian Tagg, Oxford, CT; 9. Chad Labastie, Uxbridge, MA; 10. Denis Legere, N. Reading, MA.
Limited Sportsman (Top-15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Chris Douton, Waterford, CT; 2. Scott Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 3. Shawn Monahan, Waterford, CT; 4. Jason Chicolas, Sutton, MA;5. Brandon Chamberland, Moosup, CT; 6. Joe Coates, Groton, CT; 7. John Carpenter, Danielson, CT; 8. Dwayne Dorr, Ledyard, CT; 9. Art Moran III, Waterford, CT; 10. Michael Malbaurn, Sterling, CT; 11. Larry Barnett, Moosup, CT; 12. Tom Shea, New London, CT; 13. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill, CT; 14. Chris Bisson, Putnam, CT; 15. Joe Plonski; Worcester, MA.
Mini Stocks (Top-15) 2011 Final Point Standings: 1. Danny Field, Deep River, CT: 2. Leo Defevers, Moosup, CT; 3. Tyler Poulin, Pascoag, RI; 4. Joe Baxter, Pascoag, RI; 5. Eric Bourgeois, Moodus, CT; 6. Mike Viens, Seekonk, MA; 7. Tim Armstrong, Uxbridge, MA; 8. Brent Gleason, Norwich, CT; 9. Roger Ducharme, Foster, RI; 10. Chad Baxter, Pascoag, RI; 11. Travis Jurcik, Chaplin, CT: 12. Steve Romjue, Coventry, RI; 13. Lloyd Anderson, Jr, Wauregan, CT; 14. Louis Bellisle III, Lisbon, CT; 15. Alicia Thatcher, Pascoag, RI.
Sources: Thompson International Speedway PR