“Dead Heat” Points Battle & Bobby Santos III Highlight NEMA’s Return to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
An epic battle has ensued at the top of the Northeastern Midget Association points standings over the first half of the season. John Zych Jr. and Avery Stoehr are currently locked in a “dead heat” at 1058 points, while five time champion, Randy Cabral trails the duo by just five points. Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) is known by NEMA as the “separate the men from the boys” facility, or as NEMA’s lone female driver, Bethany Stoehr would prefer – “separate the bold, from the rest.”
Cabral, the all time win leader at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, with eleven (11) wins, brings his Bertrand Motorsports #47 to the race after a runner up finish at the New-London Waterford Speedbowl last weekend. Zych, hot of a win at the Speedbowl, has been impressive at TSMP over recent years as well, clicking off the fastest lap ever in a midget last year at the World Series of Racing, an impressive 17.60.
Stoehr, who has been consistent all season, brings his Motor Cars International 15a to Thompson. Todd Bertrand, who has struggled this year, was one lap from winning his first Thompson feature last year at the World Series when a broken brake caliper slowed him to a second place finish, while Cabral made a bold move to pass him on the final lap. Paul Scally, Seth Carlson, Danny Cugini and Jim Chambers will all be vying for a first Thompson win as well.
All eyes will also be on Bobby Santos III, who climbs aboard the Bertrand Motorsports #74 machine. Santos, who has many NEMA victories, including TSMP – has been hot as of late on the Whelen Modified Tour, and continues to tear up the winged pavement sprint car series in the Midwest. He will drive the car that Doug Coby drove to the Boston Louie Memorial victory earlier this season.
“I’m excited about Wednesday. Tim and I are due for a good run together, and I’m excited to be teaming back up,” said Santos.
Sources: Tim Bertrand/NEMA PR