(Press Release from Thompson Speedway)
The Late Model division in action at Thompson Speedway (Photo: Thompson Speedway/Clarus Studios)
Racing action returns to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Wednesday, June 1 for the Late Model 20/20 Sprint on Whelen Military night presented by King Cadillac GMC. In two races this season, one driver in each division has won both of the events held so far. Keith Rocco has won both Sunoco Modified events; William Wall has completed the same feat in the Late Models, while Josh Wood and Dave Trudeau have done it in the Xtramart Limited Sportsman and Mini stocks.
All those drivers will be going for the hat trick on Wednesday, but the man with the toughest challenge in front of him will be William Wall. The Late Models will run three distinct segments as part of their 20/20 sprint race. The first two are 20 lap affairs that will each count independently toward season ending championship points. Segment one will be lined up by the handicap system using current championship points. The cars with the most points will start toward the back of segment one, meaning Wall will start deep in the field. The lineup for segment two will be set by inverting the lead lap finishers from the first segment. The last segment is a 10-lap dash for the dollars.
Wall’s two wins he has this year are the first of his Late Model career meaning so far he has been able to shrug off the dreaded sophomore slump.
“It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Wall. “The harder we work the luckier we get. We know we have a fast race car and a good program, but we are not taking that for granted. We are trying to make everything we do better, faster, and more efficient.”
As Wall put it, his success is may be related to the variety of different racing machines he has driven in his career. Having experience in NEMA Midgets and Thompson’s Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman division have taught him how to get the most out of car even if the setup isn’t just right.
Another driver has proven to be a quick study in the division is Matt Lowinski-Loh. In just two starts, he has secured two top-5s with a 4th place effort in the Icebreaker and a 3rd place finish last time out. His brother John was a regular at Thompson and helped set the car up on Icebreaker weekend. John has since gone on to dabble in the ARCA Racing Series.
Josh Wood has established himself as the driver to beat in the ultra competitive Limited Sportsman division. The birthday magic will not be there this time though after he won on his 22nd birthday during the last event. Many eyes are focused on the speed and race pace Ryan Waterman had as the two fought for the victory. Waterman is known for his aggressive style and he is becoming a regular contender.
In the Mini Stock division, newcomer Jordan Hadley has already made a lot of noise both on and off the track. He has posted two top-5 finishes this season on the track while the off-track noise comes from his raucous cheering section that can be heard above the sound of the cars. Hadley is in his second season driving a mini stock, but first at Thompson. He campaigned a car at the New-London-Waterford Speedbowl in 2015.
“Our setup guy (Bruce Thomas) is doing the best he can and we just try to get the best of the best stuff that we can,” said Hadley. “I raced at Thompson at the World Series two years ago and last year as well. I like the high banks and for me it is not all that different than running Waterford.”
After struggling during the Icebreaker, both Woody Pitkat and Rowan Pennink have been able to rebound nicely in Sunoco Modified competition. They finished 3rd and 4th respectively two weeks ago and look to carry the momentum forward. Pitkat is coming off his first two wins of the season Friday night at Stafford Speedway, which should bolster his confidence.
Whelen Military Night presented by King Cadillac GMC takes place on Wednesday June 1, which will also features the 3rd Annual Late Model 20/20 Sprint. The gates will open at 4:30PM and racing will begin at 6:30PM. For tickets and more information, please visit www.thompsonspeedway.com.
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