Upcoming Extra Distance Event Grows Even More at Thompson
Late Model Feature Boosted to 40 Laps for May 19; Limited Sportsman Scheduled for 30 Laps
THOMPSON, Conn. – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park’s next event just keeps on growing.
The fourth annual Limited Sportsman extra distance and Military Night is slated for Sunday, May 19, and the 30-lap feature for Thompson’s Division IV class headlines the afternoon. All active military and veterans will also be admitted into the grandstands for free as a way of Thompson showing appreciation for their brave service to the country.
But, in a new announcement this week, the Late Model feature for the second race of the season has been boosted from the normal 25 lap distance up to 40 laps, giving drivers 15 extra circuits to get the job done. It will be the longest race of the season for the full-fendered machines, and will truly showcase driving talent, as drivers will be forced to keep the handles under them for nearly double what a normal feature would be.
On the NASCAR side, the day will feature a full slate of action both with full-fendered extra distance events for the Limited Sportsman and Late Models, a 15-lap event for the Mini Stocks, and action-packed excitement from the open-wheel Sunoco Modifieds and SK Light Modifieds®.
On top of the NASCAR action, Lock City Drift will begin their partnership with the Whelen All-American Series shows, by bringing competitive drifting via their Street Series to the facility on the same day.
“We are really looking forward to this event,” General Manager Terry Eames said. “We have a lot of different types of racing at the facility all in one day for our fans.”
Entering the Limited Sportsman headliner, Ryan Waterman comes off his victory at the Icebreaker looking to continue his success to hopefully spark another title run. Waterman picked up the win last year in this event, but will have his work cut out for him as he charges from the back of the pack.
Waterman isn’t the only driver at the top of the standings looking to keep his success rolling. Tom Carey III won the season-opener for the Late Models on Icebreaker weekend, dominating the 25-lap race. For Carey, the extra laps will give him a bit more of a chance to mount a charge through the field.
In the Sunoco Modifieds, Keith Rocco opened his quest for a fourth straight championship by winning at the Icebreaker, while Steve Michalski opened the Mini Stock season in Victory Lane. Bryan Narducci remained perfect in SK Light Modified® competition, winning their season opener.
Lock City Drift is holding 19 total events at Thompson this season, and the Street Series is the one that will showcase the most intense competition with drivers pushing it to the edge for victory. Judges will award winners on May 19.
Through the new competitive drifting partnership with Thompson, Lock City Drift will fans will be able to attend NASCAR oval racing for what could be the first time. On the flip side, NASCAR fans will be able to take a walk across the facility and watch drifting in a completely different environment all in one day.
Keep up to date with everything from Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park by following the track on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information, fans can also visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: Kyle Souza/Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park PR