Icebreaker to Open 77th Season at Historic Short Track
Press Release By: THOMPSON SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS PARK MEDIA
Photos By: DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
THOMPSON, CT – March 24, 2017-Despite efforts to remove snow from the race track and venue grounds, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Officials were forced to cancel Saturday’s Test & Tune, as a result of remaining snow and ice. The event will not be made up, and attention now turns to the 43rd running of the Icebreaker, beginning March 31 – April 2.
“Our team spent most of the week outside moving snow and preparing for Saturday. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get all of the snow and ice removed from the track. I’m confident, given the amount remaining and the upcoming forecast that the Icebreaker will get in as scheduled,” General Manager, Josh Vanada, explained.
Camper drop off begins on Sunday, and remains on as scheduled, with lot restrictions expected through Wednesday. A full list of restrictions will be announced Saturday afternoon, and emailed to registered campers. For the most up-to-date camping information, please visit the Icebreaker event page on thompsonspeedway.com.
The 43rd Annual Icebreaker kicks off with an optional practice day for all NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, Lite Modified, Mr. Rooter ProTruck Series, Thompson Open Street Stock and the Vintage Outlaw teams. Gates open at 12pm with cars on track for three rounds of practice beginning at 1pm. Pit passes are only $15. After 5pm, teams may come and park their haulers without having to pay the $15 practice fee, providing they have a weekend pit pass.
Saturday begins and ends up at the Raceway Restaurant with the traditional Breakfast Buffet being offered from 7-11am, and a nightcap with the Prime Rib Dinner from 5-11pm. As far as the racing action goes, the day will feature practice and qualifying for 11 of the 12 divisions participating. Feature events will also be contested for the Vintage Outlaws, Mr. Rooter ProTruck Series, Thompson Open Street Stocks, NEMA Lites, and the Lite Modifieds. In addition, Thompson’s four defending NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champions will be competing in a match race Saturday evening in equally prepared cars from The Racing School.
Once again on Sunday, the day will begin at the Raceway Restaurant with a Breakfast Buffet, beginning at 7am and running until 11am. The Champions’ Banner Raising Ceremony and Fan Appreciation Party will kick off the racing festivities on Sunday. The increasingly popular Fan Appreciation Party will provide race fans the opportunity to meet, take selfies with and get autographs from their favorite drivers on Thompson’s historic 5/8-mile racetrack. Seven features races are on Sunday’s card, beginning with Thompson’s top-tier division, the Sunoco Modifieds. A 75-lap National Championship Event for the Pro All Stars Series, a 20-lap Limited Sportsman race, and a 25-lap Late Model race will follow. In a schedule adjustment for 2017, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will qualify for their race later in the day. After their qualifying session, the Mini Stock Division will compete in their first race of the season, before the day culminates with the Icebreaker 150 featuring the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
For the most up-to-date information on the Icebreaker, and all the events planned at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, visit thompsonspeedway.com, or follow us on social media.
