The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads for Thompson International Speedway this Thursday night for the annual running of the King of Beers Budweiser 150. The Bud 150 will mark the Tour’s first appearance at Thompson since the track hosted the season-opening Icebreaker back in April.
Fresh off his win at Stafford, Doug Coby, current WMT points leader, will head a potent field of New England’s most popular touring series to the historic speedway for what is traditionally one of the best races of the year. The race has become a true fan favorite based in its rich history of incredible competition by NASCAR’s best Modified drivers.
Defending WMT champion, Ron Silk opened the season by winning Thompson’s Icebreaker and he will look to repeat that magic in the Bud 150. Silk, who comes into the race sitting third in the points battle, will face Ryan Preece, second in points, and others who have seen much success at Thompson. Some on that list include Jimmy Blewett, Ted Christopher, Justin Bonsignore, Eric Beers, Rowan Pennink, Mike Stefanik and many more.
Preece has had a tremendous year in Thompson’s Sunoco Modified division and will be tough to beat. To date, Preece has four wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth in this division and is the current points leader.
Mike Stefanik, always tough at Thompson, claimed the win at NHMS in July and the seven-time champ proved that he is still very much a factor in WMT competition. Other former champs, Todd Szegedy and Donny Lia will be part of this star-studded field. The WMT will be joined by Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series ‘Super 6” divisions.
Grandstands will open at 2 PM so that fans can watch race teams practice prior to qualifying time trials slated for 5:30 PM. Feature event races will follow time trials with the King of Beers Bud 150 scheduled to take the green at roughly 8:30 PM.