Icebreaker this Weekend at Thompson
Thompson, CT — The season-opening Icebreaker race will be run this weekend, April 14th & 15th, at the Thompson International speedway. Thompson’s Icebreaker, a two-day event and the most anticipated race of the year, will feature seven different NASCAR racing divisions topped by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Joining the WMT will be Thompson’s “Super 6” NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions. The “Super 6” includes the Sunoco Modified, Super Late Models, Thompson Modifieds, Late Models, Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman and the Monster Mini Stocks.
For fans and competitors alike, Thompson’s Icebreaker is much more than a special race weekend. The Icebreaker is a renewal of the competitive spirit, friendships, and rivalries that have been hibernating since the track’s World Series event last October.
The best race drivers in the northeast make the trip to Thompson every year for the Icebreaker. Defending WMT champion, Ron Silk, will lead a banner field of Modified Tour drivers as they open their season with a 150-lap feature event. Keith Rocco, Thompson’s Sunoco Modified title holder, will top the list in his division as will Super Late Model champ, Larry Gelinas. Others who will be defending their championship crowns will be “Cam” McDermott (Thompson Modifieds), Tom O’Sullivan (Late Models) and Danny Field (Mini Stocks). Thompson’s Limited Sportsman will, at season’s end, crown a brand new champion since the 2011 title holder, Moose Douton, has moved up to compete in the track’s Sunoco Modified division. Like every season opener, there will be new race teams, new cars and new excitement.
Gates to Thompson’s grandstands will open at 11 AM on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Racers, on Saturday, will have practice time afforded them from 11 AM until 3:15 PM. Once practice is over, the WMT will line up for qualifying time trials for their 150-lap main event scheduled for 3:15 PM on Sunday. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions will follow time trials with heat races to determine starting positions for their Sunday feature events. Sunday racing is slated to get underway at 12:30 PM.
Thompson’s Icebreaker is a huge social event as well. The track’s huge parking lot will play host to weekend campers who move in for all of the activities that are part of this racing tradition. Much of the social activity is centered around Thompson’s Clubhouse. The famous Raceway Restaurant and Lounge will play host all weekend long and will feature an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings along with a great dinner and party. Saturday night. The beautiful Raceway Golf Course, which is open for the season, will attract large numbers as will the driving range.
For race fans, the Icebreaker is a “must see” event. In many ways, the Icebreaker sets the stage for the entire 2012 racing season. For race teams, a good finish in the first race of the year instills pride, confidence and can give them an advantage for the long racing season ahead.
Full Icebreaker weekend details may be found on the Thompson Web site. www.thompsonspeedway.com. Tickets are available by calling the track office at 860-923-2280.
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR