Thompson to Open for Practice Prior to 2013 Icebreaker
THOMPSON, CT — The first of two open practice dates at the Thompson International Speedway is slated for Saturday, March 30th with a second scheduled for Saturday, April 6th. The practice sessions will be open to any safe race car and run from 11 am until 5 pm on both days.
In spite of Mother Nature’s desire to extend the long New England winter, track officials are working extra hard to have the speedway in race condition when the paddock area gates open 9 am. All vehicles will be inspected and then allowed onto the track for a full day of practice. The practice sessions will, as always, be conducted in a “round robin” format by division. The on-track activity will be virtually non-stop during each of the practice days.
Race teams look forward to these open practice days so that they can test their race cars prior to the Icebreaker, the most anticipated race event of the year. The Thompson Icebreaker will be run on the weekend of April 13th and 14th and will feature the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, The Granite State Pro Stocks and Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Sunoco Modifieds, LKQ/Keystone Lite Modifieds, Late Models, Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman and Monster Mini Stocks.
Other types of race cars that will be in action at Thompson during the 2013 racing season are also expected to take advantage of these pre-season practice opportunities. In previous years, NEMA Midgets, ISMA Super Modifieds, Antique Classic stock cars and others have taken full advantage of this very valuable track time.
It is generally believed that race teams that go into the Icebreaker weekend with a day or two of practice under their belts have a considerable advantage over those that did not participate. The open practice sessions provide race teams with a great opportunity to shake down their new or rebuilt race cars and help them to prepare for the Icebreaker and a full season of competition at Thompson.
The general admission grandstands will not be open for either practice day. However, fans who are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2013 racing season can get an up close look at the class of 2013 race cars. Paddock admission, however, is limited to those who are at least 14 years of age. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 must have a parent or legal guardian to sign the necessary forms for paddock area admission.
Fans looking to obtain grandstand tickets for the Icebreaker may call the track office during normal business hours. (860-923-2280) All major credit cards are accepted. Advance ticket holders avoid the long lines at the ticket booth on race weekend. The complete schedule of events for the Icebreaker is available on the Thompson web site. www.thompsonspeedway.com
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR