THOMPSON – When it comes to the traditional Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway the last few years, one can almost guarantee when the SK Modified division takes the checkered flag for their feature Keith Rocco would more than likely be standing in victory lane.
Though the same has never held true when it comes to the Sunoco World Series at Thompson.
More often than not Rocco is battling for a division championship at Thompson Speedway, which might call for a little more conservative effort.
With only two events being held at Thompson Speedway in 2020, there was no points championship on the line for the SK Modified division and conversely there was no stopping Rocco on his blast to the front.
Rocco passed Troy Talman on lap five and went unchallenged the rest of the way in winning the 30-lap SK Modified feature Sunday at the Sunoco World Series at Thompson.
Rocco, of Wallingford, guessed he’s won SK Modified features at the World Series just twice in 15 years of competition.
“On a regular basis it seems like we always win the Icebreaker and never the World Series so this is pretty cool,” Rocco said. “My car owner [Mark Pane], we were talking about it before the race that we’ve never won a World Series together because we’re always too banged up or we’re points racing.”
Ronnie Williams of Tolland was second and Bryan Narducci of Colchester third.
Rocco also won then other SK Modified event at Thompson this year on Sept. 3. Sunday’s victory completed a perfect weekend of SK Modified racing for Rocco who also won the final SK Modified event of the season Friday at Stafford Motor Speedway. Rocco won his fourth Stafford SK Modified championship in 2020.
“It was a great year for us, and to win the final Friday night and then the final race here is just awesome,” Rocco said.
SUNOCO MODIFIEDS Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown 1. Keith Rocco ( 57 ) Berlin , CT 2. Ronnie Williams ( 50 ) Tolland , CT 3. Bryan Narducci ( 01 ) Colchester , CT 4. Troy Talman ( 3 ) Oxford , MA 5. Eric Berndt ( 14 ) Cromwell , CT 6. Max Zachem ( 27 ) Preston , CT 7. Jeff Malave ( 23 ) Manchester , CT 8. Andrew Molleur ( 35 ) Shelton , CT 9. Woody Pitkat ( 10A ) Bellingham , MA 10. Joe Allegro Jr. ( 08 ) CT 11. Rick Williams ( 59 ) CT 12. Chris Jensen ( 19CT ) CT 13. Joshua Zentek ( 81X ) CT 14. Todd Owen ( 81 ) Somers , CT 15. Tyler Leary ( 1X ) Hatfield , MA 16. Paul LaPlante ( 02 ) MA 17. Mike Christopher ( 82 ) Wolcott , CT
The final race here! The final race here? I am assuming he might mean for the season? But maybe not. It will happen sooner or later.
Unfortunately, we’ll all be in the dark, probably till January or so. Hopefully the promotional team that saved Thompson this year will find a way to put together a 2021 season.