Brett Thompson drives to a 5th

place finish at the Thunderhill TX RacewayBy Richard Fariello ~ TexasMarch 17th, 2009

he #61 car of Thompson Motorsports earns critical NASCAR Series points at the first race of the 2009 season. A 5th place finish at Kyle TX also represented a very satisfying triumph over adversity in addition to an

excellent combination of teamwork and driving skill. T The Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle TX) was the first stop for the NASCAR Camping World Grand National “West Series” cars. The track itself is a 3/8 mile venue set in the Texas Prairie. This facility definitely lacks ‘cache’ and is, for the most part, a single groove bit of asphalt. For most Teams, it is a long distance haul and thus, difficult to get to. Surprisingly, it is also without walls, and, any off-track excursion results in a dark drive out onto the Texas Prairie! What Kyle is, however, is a retro-race facility. This is racing from a bygone era. It is a bare fisted, barrel-chested, sleeves rolled up, old time racing brawl – and racing fans love it. For the drivers, it represents one more challenge and, another chance to hone their diverse skill set. Kyle also has the added importance of being the season’s first race, and a good finish there is a necessary stepping stone in the West Series point race. The background events leading up to race time were dominated by unseasonably cold and unsettled weather. Temperatures in the 40s with clouds, showers and, a moderate breeze, reminded competitors and fans that this really was an early season event. In the first practice session the #61 car was 9th fastest. Changes were made to the setup and new tires were installed for the second practice period. That session, however, was cancelled due to yet another brief rain shower. By 4:30 PM, the track was dry, qualifying began, and Brett qualified a very quick 3rd on the starting grid. Following driver introductions and some preliminary events, the race began at about 8:55 PM. Brett drove the first 64 laps in 3rd place, which was his starting position. This strategy was part of an attempt to save tires and brakes for the 2nd

half of the 150 racing laps. Unfortunately, on lap 64 Brett was the victim of some “bumper driving” from behind which resulted in the #61 spinning between turns 3 and 4. The car, other than some mild flat spotting of the tires, was able to continue the race but was now forced to restart from the back of the field.

The pre-race strategy was now rendered meaningless since passing at Kyle is very difficult, and, Brett now had the entire field to pass. It may be that adversity makes Brett an even better driver. Whatever the reason, the #61 car began a superb run toward the front of the field and was running 10th by lap 100; 9th by lap 130; 8th by lap 140; and finished 5th at lap 150. Those familiar with the sport of racing are fully aware that racing from last place at lap 70, to 5th place at lap 150, is a remarkable achievement. But Thunderhill is a very difficult track for passing, a reality that tends to define Brett’s accomplishment as simply being excellence in driving. Everyone at TMS leaves Texas with good feeling about the start of their season. From the Transport Drivers to the tire changers, every TMS Team Member shared a positive investment in the race result. Each TMS member is integral part of our racing fraternity and we are all anticipating our next race at the All American Speedway, Roseville CA.

Race notesThe Kyle Race will be rebroadcast on SPEED Channel on 2 April; please check local listings for the broadcast time.At just over 100 laps the #61 car was actually hit a second time resulting in a loss of 3 additional positions. Clearly, this made Brett’s recovery to 5th place even more difficult.

NEXT RACEPlease join Brett and TMS for the All American Speedway, Roseville CA, race on April 4, 2009. SPEED covers all NCWS races on a delay basis; real time race tracking can normally be found on;www.racingwest.com (click link “NEAR LIVE”)www.NASCAR.com (search: “West Series”)

Thank of you for your support; Brett;, and the entire TMS Team

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