Thompson Notes: Rick Gentes Streaking In Late Models; Cam McDermott Sweeps Twin SK Light Features

THOMPSON – Rick Gentes has joked this season that he’s going to retire from racing when he gets his 100th victory at Thompson International Speedway.

Rick Gentes celebrates once again at Thompson International Speedway

At the rate he’s going this year, he’s starting to rethink that declaration.

Gentes, of Woonsocket, R.I., scored his third consecutive victory in the 20-lap Late Model feature Thursday at Thompson International Speedway.

“We’ll have to go for 125 [wins] I guess,” Gentes said. “I’m starting to have fun doing this this again.”

John Lowinski-Loh of Milford, Mass. was second and John Falconi of Oakham, Mass. third.

Gentes has been a fan of the newly introduced American-Canadian Tour style rules in the Late Model division at Thompson this year, include the new crate motors being used.

“The car is just good,” Gentes said. “Everyone’s cars are equal this year so I think that makes it a little bit better for me. Before some guys had better engines than others. To know that everyone is getting the same stuff I think is playing into my favor. Every race so far this year, we’ve won three in a row and all three of them we actually had to work for them.

“I don’t know if more experience pays off. I’ve kind of struggled with the crate motor because I’m used to using an engine with power to make the car turn. With the crate motors they don’t. I’m still getting used to it. I’ve still got a little bit more work to do but I can get better I think.”

Cam McDermott of Scituate, R.I. won both 20-lap SK Light Modified features.