Pennink Looks to Continue Thompson Success
Canaan, NH. — Huntingdon Valley, PA, modified driver Rowan Pennink knows the way to victory lane at Thompson International Speedway. He’s won three races at the famed Connecticut oval and will be looking for his second straight win there when the Valenti Modified Racing Series swings into Thompson, Sunday afternoon, May 19, for the first of three scheduled 75-lap events this season. Pennink won the May and October races last year.
Pennink has a slim10-point lead over Louie Mechalides, of Tyngsboro, MA, another previous Thompson winner. Steven Masse, of Bellingham, MA., is ranked third in the standings thanks to his opening day win at Waterford, CT. Masse always runs well at Thompson.
Madison, CT., veteran, Mike Holdridge sits fourth after two races with Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA, coming off an impressive run last month at Monadnock (NH) Speedway, currently fifth.
[VMRS Roster]
[Parking Map]
[Event Schedule]
Besides, Mechalides, other former series winners heading to Thompson include Todd Owen, of Somers, CT., and Ted Christopher, of Plainville, CT, who will pilot Joe Brady’s famed #00, the car he wheeled to victory last summer.
Three-time and defending series champion Jon McKennedy will make his season debut. The SPAFCO /Barry team has been forced to delay their start due to illness suffered by car-owner Art Barry. The legendary car owner is making progress toward recovery. The Barry team is planning to compete.
Two-time series champion, Chris Pasteryak of Lisbon, CT, will compete at Thompson. Norman Wrenn, of Nashua, NH, Max Zachem, of Preston, CT, Rob Goodenough, of Swanzey, NH, and rookie Dylan Kopec, of Palmer, MA, are expected.
Practice starts at 12 noon with qualifying races at 2:00 PM.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR