RACERS AND FANS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON AT THOMPSON

THOMPSON, CT.  Race fans and competitors alike are looking forward to another exciting year of competition at the Thompson International Speedway. It all starts with the ICEBREAKER on the weekend of April 4^th and 5^th at the historic 5/8ths mile oval. The ICEBREAKER is the traditional season opening race for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the “Super 6” NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions that compete each week at Thompson.

             Much of the excitement centers on the fact that the 2008 racing season was the most competitive in years at Thompson. Fans and race teams remember that not a single NASCAR Whelen All American Series track title was determined until the final night of competition during which track points were awarded.

            Going into that final event, nerves were frayed and anticipation was high as a total of twenty two different drivers had a shot a claiming one of the six NASCAR Whelen All American Series titles. When the final lap of competition had been completed, it was Kerry Malone (Sunoco Modifieds), Fred Astle, Jr (Pro Stocks), Jeff Zuidema (late Models), Kurt Vigeant (Thompson Modifieds), Scott Sundeen (Limited Sportsman) and Danny Field (Mini Stocks) who claimed their respective division’s crowns. The 2009 season promises to be another one filled with excitement and challenges right down to the wire for championship crowns.

            The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship was a very tight race all season long. That championship was also decided in the final race of the season at Thompson. Ted Christopher went into the final 150-lap event with a small points advantage over Matt Hirschman but crossed the finish line with a 127 point advantage and his first Modified Tour championship. Christopher, a two-time ICEBREAKER winner, will lead the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour into its 25^th anniversary year with a 150 lap main event on ICEBREAKER weekend.

            A brand new season means that the long drive for a NASCAR championship begins again at Thompson. The two-day ICEBREAKER event is one of the key races of the season. Fans have high hopes for their favorite driver and the race teams work tirelessly to get a good finish at this tradition-laden race. It is a commonly shared view that a good finish at Thompson’s ICEBREAKER will set the stage for the season. All cars will qualify on Saturday, April 4^th.  Once qualifying has been completed, Thompson’s Sunoco Modifieds and Late Models will compete in feature event races. Sunday, April 5^th, will feature all seven divisions in feature event competition.

            The track will open for practice on Saturday, April 4^th, at 9 AM. Grandstands will open at 9:30 AM. Qualifying will begin at 1:30 PM and the Sunoco Modified and Late Model features will follow.  The traditional Saturday night ICEBREAKER dinner and dance will be held at the Raceway Restaurant and Lounge on Saturday night. Grandstands will open at 9:30 AM on Sunday, April 5^th and pre-race activities will get underway at about 11:30 AM. The race program along with a huge autograph session for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers will get underway at 12 Noon.

            ICEBREAKER tickets are available at the Thompson International Speedway track office. Fans may call and order their tickets and avoid long lines on race weekend. (860-923-2280). The complete schedule of events for this incredible weekend of racing may be found on the track’s web page.  www.thompsonspeedway.com