6/13/2007

THOMPSON SPEEDWAY HOSTS NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIEDS

    The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to the Thompson International Speedway on Thursday, June 21st for the Charter Cable, Internet, Telephone 150. This will be the second of five Whelen Modified tour events to be featured at the historic Connecticut oval.
    Leading the “Tour” line up will be current points leader Jimmy Blewett. Blewett is but one of the exciting crop of young drivers who have captured the top spots and the imaginations of race fans in the first four “Tour” events of the young 2007 season. The invasion of the “young guns” has created a frenzy among Whelen Modified Tour fans. NASCAR’s oldest division has traditionally been lead by crafty veterans and not up-and- coming young drivers. However, the incredible talent displayed by this young crop of drivers has had a profound impact on the interest of both race fans and the media. As a result, the Thompson race on June 21st is expected to bring out NASCAR Modified fans from far and wide to witness this possible changing of the guard.
    While many have been predicting this change, the veteran drivers are not about to pack it in. Not one has demonstrated concern for the over 40 crowd. In fact, most long-time Modified experts express confidence that the many years of experience will provide the veterans with a winning hand before the season reaches the mid way point.
    Defending Champion, Mike Stefanik’s season got off to a rough start when he was forced out of the season-opening Thompson ICEBREAKER with mechanical problems. Mechanical ills also played a role the efforts of Ed Flemke, Ted Christopher and Jerry Marquis. Other long-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers that did not fare well at Thompson were victims of on-track accidents. They included names like Rick Fuller, Reggie Ruggiero, and Tony Hirschman.
    As a result of the season’s early results, fans can expect to see the veterans looking for a strong run when the green flag drops on the Charter Cable, Internet and Telephone 150. Grandstands will open at 2 PM and Whelen Modified Tour Time Trials will be held at 5:45 PM. The 150-lap main event or the “Tour” is slated to roll off at 8:30 PM.
    Joining the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will be Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions in feature only appearances. All six of these divisions will be part of the special night of competition at Thompson.
    Tickets for this June racing thriller are available for advance purchase from the speedway office. (860)-923-2280. The complete schedule for the day’s events may be found on the Thompson web site at www.thompsonspeedway.com.

Source:  Thompson International Speedway PR
Posted:  June 13, 2007