Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Opens 77th Season with Icebreaker Test Day

By admin April 7, 2017 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, Thompson
THOMPSON, CT — Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) opened it’s 2017 season with the test day for the 43rd running of the Icebreaker. 100 cars participated in the optional practice, including the four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions, plus the Lite Modifieds, Vintage Outlaws, and Thompson Open Street Stocks.

Of the cars recording times today, several defending champions and some newcomers topped the speed charts. Rowan Pennink and Glenn Griswold led the way in the Sunoco Modified and Lite Modified Divisions, respectively. Scott Sundeen, and Joe Arena showed the way around the 5/8-mile in their Limited Sportsman and Thompson Open Street Stock racecars, while defending Mini Stock Champion, Wayne Burroughs, Jr., was the fastest in his Division. Newcomer Ray Christian, III, laid down the fastest Late Model lap and Frank Dumicich, Jr. was quickest in the Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series.

The day concluded with practice for the Race of Champions – a unique 12-lap match race that will face the four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champions off against each other in equally prepared cars from The Racing School. Defending Sunoco Modified Champion, Keith Rocco, will be driving the No. 21.  William Wall – defending Late Model titlist – will be behind the wheel of the No. 29. Wayne Burroughs, Jr. will be representing the Mini Stock Division in the No. 19, and Ryan Waterman – the top point-getter for the Limited Sportsman – will be driving the No. 09.

The Icebreaker will formally begin on Saturday, with a full day of practice, qualifying, and feature races. The pit gates open at 8 am with grandstands opening at 10:30 am. Tickets are still available on site. Pit passes are $55. General admission tickets are $48 and Senior tickets are $46. On-track activity begins at 9:30 am.  Before coming to the racetrack, though, the breakfast buffet will be served at The Raceway Restaurant, beginning at 7 am. For more information on the Icebreaker, please visit thompsonspeedway.com.