(Press Release from North East Street Tour)
Two years ago, the North East Street Stock Tour (NESST) was just an idea, known to the public only through a Facebook group. Now, the start-up stock cars series, which races later model Chevrolet, Buick, and Ford production cars, is readying to begin it’s sophomore season at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park’s (CT) 42nd Annual Icebreaker. The NESST race, presented by RAD Auto Machine, kicks off a ten-event championship circuit, that also culminates at the 5/8-mile oval.
Defending Champion, Joe Arena (Bristol, CT), leads an experienced list of drivers into the 20-lap event. Arena, who competed at Thompson regularly for nearly two decades, finished second in the Tour’s inaugural event at the famed facility last October, en route to his first career championship.
Arena will be challenged by Chris “Moose” Douton (Waterford, CT). Douton, who has three championships to his credit—two at Waterford (1997 and 1999 Street Stock) and one at Thompson (2011 Limited Sportsman)—“can’t wait” for the season-opener. Since 2008, Douton has been a regular at Thompson, and without reservation said that the speed is what keeps him coming back. The 36-year veteran said, “The faster the better. . . .The speed you take into the corner is cool.”
Thompson’s 2013 Limited Sportsman Champion, Steve Kenneway (Lowell, MA), is also entering the season-opener. Kenneway brings 13 years of racing experience and a strong passion for Thompson. “It’s always been home. It’s where I started racing,” the driver of the No. 38 explained. Not only is he passionate about Thompson, but also about the type of car. He argues, “The division has the best competition.”
It’s likely that these three drivers will be competing against some of Thompson’s regulars: Scott Sundeen (Sutton, MA), Corey Hutchings (Salem, CT), Josh Wood (Palmer, MA), and Frank L’Etoile, Jr. (Wethersfield, CT). In addition, northern drivers like Patrick Tanguay (Lebanon, ME) and Geoff Rollins (Groton, MA) are expected to compete for the first NESST win of the season.
Three rounds of optional practice for NESST will begin at 1pm on Friday, April 8, for $15. NESST will practice once again on Saturday morning, prior to qualifying and the feature event later in the day. For more information about the NESST race, presented by RAD Auto Machine, visit www.nestreetstocktour.com, and be social with us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about attending the 42nd Annual Icebreaker, visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.
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