Four First Time Icebreaker, Road Race Style Champions Crowned at Thompson
THOMPSON, CT – Thirty-seven entrants participated in the Icebreaker, Road Race Style at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) this weekend. Those entries were divided up into four different groups, and in the end there were four first time Icebreaker, Road Race Style Champions.
Jeff Swann was fast from the time that he unloaded his Spec Racer Ford. Swann started from the pole position in Group One and never relinquished the lead throughout the 25-minute race. The Black Swann Racing driver bested defending Icebreaker, Road Race Style Champion Ken Payson, who finished in the runner up position. Sixteen year old, Evan Karl, finished in the final podium position. The New York-native just got his license a week ago.
Dave Woodle, who was piloting the T1 Corvette throughout the weekend, also had a dominant performance in Group Two. Woodle led the way throughout practice and qualifying. His only scare of the weekend came during final practice on Saturday morning when his No. 89 went spinning at full speed on Thompson’s long front straight. The veteran driver was able to use his skills – and a little self-admitted luck – to keep his entry off the Armco, before completing his 360 degree spin and continuing on. When it came race time, though, it was all a distant memory as Woodle beat Dan “The Man” Preston and rookie driver, Adam Strelczuk to the start-finish line.
The closest race of the weekend was among three Miatas in Group Three. Evan Karl, who was double dipping – racing in Group 1 & 3 – battled with John Raudat and Rob Sturgis throughout the 25-minute race. Sturgis put his No. 16 entry out front early, leading the first seven circuits. Raudat beat Sturgis to the line on lap eight, but Sturgis quickly fought back and edged Raudat on lap nine. Sturgis’ lead was short-lived, however, as he overdrove turn one and ending up spinning, relinquishing the lead back to Raudat. Evan Karl, meanwhile, was buying his time, patiently waiting for his chance to capitalize on opportunity. The SCCA Divisional Champion followed Raudat for the next five laps before darting his way to the top of the leaderboard. Raudat and a hard-charging Rob Stubrgis would stalk Karl over the closing laps, but to no avail. In the end, it was Karl who was victorious over Raudat in a very close finish. Sturgis crossed the line third.
The No. 05 entry for Nicholas Galuardi appeared to be unstoppable throughout the weekend. He paced both the qualifying and feature races, in route to his first Icebreaker, Road Race Style win. The second generation racer finished ahead of Thompson resident, Watler Popiak, and Tyler Reynolds
Noah Korner swept both Midstate Site Development Legends Series races on Friday, and Nick Maniatis defended his 2015 North East Mini Stock Tour road course win on Saturday.
For full results, please visit MyLaps and search for 2nd Annual Icebreaker, Road Race Style. For more information about the event, please visit www.otbpromos.net.
Sources: Theresa Condict/Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park PR
Photo Credit: Clarus Studios