(Press Release from American-Canadian Tour)
Race fans in New England are preparing for the official kick-off of the 2022 season in just under two weeks. Operated by the staff at the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Pro All Star Series (PASS), Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park will roar back to life for the 48th running of Icebreaker weekend, April 1-3, with nine divisions of racing.
All of the action will be headlined by the $10,000 to win Icebreaker 125 for the Outlaw Open Modified Series, but will also include championship points races for the Pro All Star Series, EXIT Realty Pro Truck Series, NEMA Lites and all five of Thompson’s local divisions. With an optional practice day on Friday and qualifying and feature racing across both Saturday and Sunday, race fans won’t want to miss the opener at one of Connecticut’s top short-tracks.
The Outlaw Open Modified Series race is shaping up to be a bit of a battle between youth rising stars and veterans for the big check. On the veteran side, Ronnie Williams, who won multiple Outlaw Open Modified Series races at Thompson in 2021, will return to competition with car owner Gary Casella to chase the trophy. Williams is no stranger to winning at Thompson, and is also a multiple-time SK Modified champion at Stafford Motor Speedway, just across the state. Williams and Casella have been a potent combination since their first race together and will surely be a threat before the end.
Jonathan McKennedy, a longtime Modified regular, is also entered to return to Thompson for the Icebreaker. McKennedy, now a full-time driver on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, ran the Outlaw Open Modified Series events last year and was a threat to win many. However, some late-race strategy didn’t quite play out his way. Strategy will once again be a factor at the Icebreaker – so only time will tell if the Middlesex Interiors team has what it takes to grab the win.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour regular Eric Goodale and veteran Chris Pasteryak are also part of the early entry list. Both of them have plenty of laps on the high-banks of Thompson, and would love to leave with the check at the end of 125 laps.
On the youth side, a recent track champion at Thompson and an additional former SK Lite Modified winner are making the move to the big dance. Anthony Bello, who captured the SK Lite Modified track title last year, is entered to compete in the No. 19 for the Outlaw Open Modified Series. Bello took the SK Lite Modified division by surprise last year, rocketing to the front and ending the season with the championship. Bello’s Tour-Type Modified experience might be a bit limited, but look for this youth talent to have a goal of finishing all the laps and trying to get to the front in the final circuits.
On the other side, rising star Teddy Hodgdon proved in February he would be a threat in the Tour-Type Modified ranks for 2022. As a former Thompson winner in the SK Lite Modifieds and former champion of the division over at Stafford, Hodgdon went to New Smyrna Speedway’s World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing and finished inside the podium in the championship standings for the week. At one of the toughest tracks, in his debut Modified starts, Hodgdon competed against some of the best. Now, he’s hoping to carry that confidence and momentum back to New England at the Icebreaker.
“Definitely exciting to head back to Thompson, especially with the recent history of success for our family-owned team,” Hodgdon said. “Thompson is always a super fun track to run, and I can’t wait to start the season up north on high note. The track is pretty tricky when you get started. It’s a very line-sensitive track on where you can run, but once you find your footing it can be rewarding against the competition. I think I’ve grown a lot there since my first laps.”
Like Bello, Hodgdon wants to finish all the laps and try to challenge those veteran competitors when the race hits the final laps.
“The goal coming from a great week down at New Smyrna is to continue to grab solid finishes and run up front,” Hodgdon said. “If we can do that, we will definitely be up there when it counts most. All of us are just excited to get the race season officially started.”
The Outlaw Open Modified Series teams will be allowed to practice on Friday and Saturday, but all qualifying and feature racing will take place on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Sunoco Modifieds, Pro All Star Series, EXIT Realty Trucks, Mini Stocks and NEMA Lites will qualify and race to kick-off Icebreaker weekend. Sunday, the Thompson Late Models, Limited Sportsman and SK Lite Modifieds will join the Outlaw Open Modified Series to wrap the weekend.
Following Friday’s practice session, ACT and PASS officials will honor the 2021 Thompson track champions at the Clubhouse Raceway Restaurant with a banquet ceremony. Tickets for the banquet are currently on-sale with a purchase deadline of March 25. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased by filling out a short form. Fans can find the form online at http://www.thompsonspeedway.com/uploads/1/3/2/8/132820123/2021_thompson_banquet_ticket_order_form.pdf.
Icebreaker weekend tickets are available in a package that offers a grandstand pass for both Saturday & Sunday, or each day separately. Fans who purchase the two-day pass have a price set at $60 for adults, with children ages 12 & under just $20. Tickets for Saturday only are $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 & under, while Sunday tickets to watch the Outlaw Open Modified Series stars race for $10,000 are $40 for adults and $10 for kids 12 & under. All tickets for the grandstands are now available at https://happsnow.com/event/Thompson-Speedway-Motorsports-Park-YHPQ?fbclid=IwAR1kPUX_T0agjATzemg_A18UuaT2Vm1x7rWs7Mb9RHTEszNRAjMllwmjcgI.
Pit passes for the weekend will also be offered in a package, but will only be sold at the track. Passes are $75 per adult for a two-day pass, with those 12 & under just $40. Pit passes for just Saturday are $50 for adults and $30 for kids 12 & under, while Sunday alone is $50 for adults and $30 for kids 12 & under. No pit passes will be sold in advance.
For more information about the American-Canadian Tour, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, [email protected], or visit www.acttour.com. You can also get updates on Facebook and Twitter at @ACTTour.
For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, and for media or marketing questions, please contact [email protected] or visit www.proallstarsseries.com. Don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.
For general Thompson Speedway inquiries and camping reservations, call (860) 923-2280, email [email protected], or visit www.thompsonspeedway.com. You can follow Thompson Speedway on Facebook and Instagram at @ThompsonSpeedway or on Twitter at @ThompsonSpdwy.
It is at least good to see the speedway sign say Modified Racing April 1,2,3! A step up from the last few years!
Tough economy for a $60 race weekend.
I cant wait. But, why are the Sunoco Modifieds NOT racing Sunday?? $40 for Sunday without Sunoco Modifieds is a bit high. I’m still going though, I love my tour mods at Thompson.
It is $5 less for the weekend than last year.
Once we get an ENTRY LIST for the OUTLAW OPEN Modified Race we can start the
PICK’EM POOL for ICEBREAKER 125 Race ……… Have Fun = Be Happy in 2022
Given the weather and cold today, it’s hard to believe the Icebreaker is just a little over one week away. The Ice breaker is always a sign that Spring and warmer weather is soon to come. It seems like its been a long winter this year. Anyway, I will probably skip going in person to this one with the cost of everything right now, are theydoing the PPV again this year? I might check that out but didnt see it on speed51/racing america. Have a great time at the races.
Shawn, can you please post the early Open Modified entry list for the Thompson Icebreaker? I just asked the Santos team and they are not racing Thompson- only Richmond next weekend.
There were NO Entry list given in 2021 for Thompson Opens and it seems unlikely you will see any in 2022, my guess is 18-20 cars
THE NWMT Richmond race will definitely impact the OOM @ Thompson.
Gonna propose a couple small changes to the Pick-em I think you’ll like.
First all the pickers have gotten more strategic and better at picking. At first choosing sentimental favorites, got sick of looking bad and we all gravitated to the favorites with only the order pretty much in play. Tie breaker far too often and in some cases that was murky and inconclusive requiring too much interpretation. So for the tie breaker lets go to the RaceDayCt format. 1 point for first, 2 points for second etc and lowest total is the winner.
Secondly I propose we end the wild card. It also gets murky at times especially at opens and only one person has won with it.
Let’s go with the “outsider”. Can be anyone even the favorite to win. Thing is if you pick a favorite and he wins as the “outsider” you only get the same three points as the winner but you lose the chance for him to accumulate points in the top 5 should he not win. Adds strategy and risk.
Sound good?
It just sucks the NWMT race has to be on the same weekend as Thompson. I just wish all the heavy- hitters would always race Thompson (I know gas and tires are more expensive than ever). I’m assuming Bonsignore and Coby wont race Thompson as well. Hopefully I’m wrong. I guess the 3 with Lia won’t race either. Who knows if Preece is racing Thompson I doubt it since he’ll be in Richmond. Of course Hirschman won’t race in it. Well, hopefully McKennedy wins the Icebreaker. At least my favorite track will get my $80 Sunday for my gf and I. Probably another $16 for chicken tenders and fries but, they’re tasty. I still can’t wait for April 3rd – Open mods at Thompson!
Doug, Sounds good…Tie Breaker to RDCt Format..& The Outsider is worth 3 points .. But can’t be in your TOP 5 so it keeps People from double dipping …. Have Fun = Be Happy
Wait to see who is entered at Richmond, then everyone else might show up at Thompson. Remember, many teams are not running tours anymore, but staying close to home and picking and choosing what’s available. There’s a good chance that there will be a decent roster at Thompson.
I just wish they would post an entry list.
Again guys Posted purse for ICEBREAKER is $45,900, YES 10 K to winner while the posted purse for Richmond is $112,250!
Well we know Rocco never leaves the state
True wmass, but for a New England racer Connecticut is a lot cheaper to get to. And considering paid full-time crew members are slim to none in the Modified world, it would be easier for them as well.
So what’s the problem we’re having the same discussion as last year while this year is pretty much the same thing. Round two isn’t even worth having a poll like last year.
Thursday April 8, 2021 Martinsville, 35 modifieds, overall a great field of cars. April 11, 2021 at the Icebreaker 25 cars. Not a banner field but it’s the Icebreaker with more racing then one person can absorb.
This year it could be interesting because the 16, 79, 3 and others I’m sure that were at the Icebreaker will probably be in Richmond. McKennedy committed to the Icebreaker so that should be interesting to watch.
Come on man it’s the breaking of the ice. The modifieds don’t have to beat the Richmond field the entire event is a better racing value and it isn’t even close.
Richmond is on FloRacing and the Icebreaker is on the schedule for RacingAmerica all three days.
Buckle up…..zoom, zoom!
Is there an entry list for the modifieds anywhere for next weekend at Thompson???
Jerry,
Not yet.
I just looked and Racing America has the PPV for Thompson’s Ice Breaker. Its 60 dollars for the two day broadcast. I believe Racing America is the rebranded speed51tv which covered some of the local Tri track, Pass and Granite state races. I havent subscribed or watched anything on the service,. Anyone have any experience with their product. Is it still generally the one camera set up speed51 had? Enjoy the races.
Don’t want to jinx it but it is starting to look promising weather wise for the weekend. Chilly but it is the Icebreaker after all.
So I guess the deal with Racing America is they are going to direct us to the two day package even though they show Saturday and Sunday options. Then will allow the Sunday option at some point before Sunday.
Busy weekend. NWMT Friday from Richmond at 6:30. All afternoon Saturday at Thompson and SMART sometime late afternoon. Thompson all afternoon Sunday.
Inflation on all our minds now but in race streaming there is deflation with all the new events being covered under FloRacing.
Shawn, regarding the entry list for the IceBreaker… did the OOMS series post entry lists for all events last season? For some reason, I don’t think OOMS posts entry lists.
Will OOMS be posting entry lists this season? It sure would be nice. 👍
Thanks.
Darealgoodfella,
There were no entry lists last year for any of their events.
20 mods? Sure hope there’s more than that
If anyone is interested, there’s 24 PASS SLM’s entered so far. The entry list is on the PASS site.