Jared Roy Off to Strong State in Thompson Mini Stocks
THOMPSON, Conn. – Jared Roy almost had two wins in a row in the Mini Stock division.
As part of the Thompson 125 last week, Roy went into turn three on the final lap side-by-side with Scott Michalski headed for the final stretch. When they crossed the finish line, it was Michalski who was celebrating after winning by just .002 seconds.
But for Roy, even though he didn’t capture another checkered flag, he’s cemented himself as the early favorite in the Division V NASCAR Whelen All-American Series class. Roy’s background does include some racing, since his father competed in Mini Stocks at Thompson years ago.
But Jared didn’t start in the Mini Stocks.
“I actually rode dirt bikes in the woods before racing Mini Stocks,” Roy said. “Dirt bikes were a lot of wear and tear on your body.”
In the first three races, Roy has a sixth-place finish in the Icebreaker, a victory on May 19 and his second place last week. The early lead he holds in the championship standings is eight points, and with seven races remaining before a champion is crowned, Roy is hoping he can seal the deal.
Last year, he was certainly a threat. He opened the 2018 season with five finishes of fourth or better, but a few misfortunes in the summer months cost him a shot at the title. He finished third in the standings, and is hoping this year marks a finish that is two positions better.
“It was definitely a lot different as far as the feel of what the car felt like compared to what the bike felt like when they were sliding,” Roy said. “I got put to the back a few times last year and I think if I was a little bit more patient, I might have had some better outcomes for those races.”
With a few strong runs in his record book now, Roy is looking forward towards the remainder of the season, where he hopes to continue his success.
“I ran well at the Icebreaker but I just got together with the No. 2 a little bit and that messed up the day, but we drove the car on the trailer, so that’s alright in my book,” Roy said. “I’m actually more comfortable now than I was before in the car, and learning the track, especially where the bumps are. I’ve learned what I can and can’t do.”
What are his goals for the rest of the year?
“My goal is to win the championship this year,” he said. “And I’m happy now that I got my first win because that is a monkey off my back.
Thompson Speedway returns to action on Saturday, June 15, when the American Canadian Tour returns to the Connecticut oval for their first of two visits this season. Four of Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions will also compete. The Late Models have the evening off so drivers can compete in the 75-lap feature for the ACT Tour.
Rotating practice begins at 1:15 p.m. for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, while the ACT Tour will have the track from 1:55-2:45 p.m. Qualifying heats begin at 4:45 p.m., followed by feature racing at approximately 6 p.m. The 75 lap main event for the ACT Tour will conclude the night of racing.
For more information on Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, fans are encouraged to visit www.thompsonspeedway.com, and follow the track on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sources: Kyle Souza, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park