While fellow competitor Jack Sellers will make his 250th NASCAR K&N Pro Series start this weekend, Thompson brings a level of experience (108 career series starts) not easily matched by the rest of the field. Since 2000, Thompson has concentrated his racing efforts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series after successful stints in regional touring and local competition.
This Saturday night at Colorado National Speedway located north of Denver, Thompson will make his sixth start at the 3/8-mile paved where he has always had a fast car at in the past. While his finishes do not tell the whole story, as racing luck (bad) and circumstance may have stolen a victory from his grasp, Thompson is looking forward to the 150-lap race this time around.
"CNS is one of my favorite tracks," Thompson offered. "The fans are incredible and the racing is always really good. We have always been fast and competitive and nearly won the race back in 2009 if it had not been for a flat tire late. Charlie Wilson and all the guys have worked really hard on our short track car and we are excited for the race."
Optimism runs high at Thompson Motorsports and a lot of emphasis has been placed on the next several short track races. Thompson tested new setups in preparation for the CNS event where he and his team will entertain customers and guests from their Denver trucking operation.
"This is a big race for us," Thompson said. "We have a lot of employees, customers, and guests who will be at the race. We will have a BBQ and hospitality gathering on Friday night where we show off the team and give rides on our two-seater. The customers love it and it is a great way for us to connect with the fans."
In five previous starts at CNS, Thompson has two top ten finishes with a best finish of sixth last season. "Our finishes have not reflected just how good we have been at Colorado," Thompson said. "We need a good qualifying effort and that will really propel the team for the race."
In eight previous series races at CNS, there have been only two repeat winners and only one race has been won from the pole. "In this series in order to win to win, you typically need to start up front and that is our goal for Saturday night," Thompson continued. "While CNS is wide and real racey, it can be quite a challenge to hit the right set up. The bumps will keep you on your toes and you always have to drive somewhat defensively as the action often gets three-wide. We just need to qualify well and the rest will take care of itself."
August in the Rockies is spectacular. Thompson is hopeful that his experience and the team's passion spell success at one of America's great short track venues.
Through nine races this season, Thompson has averaged a finish of 11.5 while completing 94% of all laps contested and has been running at the conclusion at eight of the nine races. He currently holds down the sixth position in the point standings on the strength of two top five and four top ten performances. In his NASCAR K&N Pro Series career, Thompson has started 108 NKNPS races since 2000 scoring one win, one Coors Light Pole Award, 22 top five and 60 top ten performances. His best points finish was fifth in 2009.
Thompson Motorsports is a premier racing organization based in Jerome, Idaho providing complete race car preparation and fabrication supporting the local grassroots racer and experienced professional driver. TMS prepares and fields race vehicles in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series, CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series, Intermountain Pro Truck Series, and entries at local area short tracks. TMS has corporate partnerships with Rich Thompson Trucking Inc. (RTTI), Jerome Truck Service Inc., Eibach Springs, Schroeder Torsion Bars, United Oil, Speedbear Fasteners, and Hagerman Valley Spring Water. For all the latest news and information about Brett Thompson and Thompson Motorsports, log onto www.brettthompsonracing.com or NASCAR Hometracks.
The Event: NAPA/Toyota 150
Place: Colorado National Speedway
Date: Saturday, Aug. 6 Time: 8:15 p.m. MT
TV Schedule: SPEED, Aug. 25, 6 p.m. ET
Track Layout: .375-mile paved oval
2010 Winner: Eric Holmes
2010 Polesitter: Luis Martinez Jr
Event Schedule: Saturday: Practice 12-12:45 p.m., 1:15–2 p.m., Qualifying 5:30 p.m.
Track PR Contact: Brian Enyart (303) 665-4173 brian@coloradospeedway.com
Fast Facts
Race: This event is the 10th of 14 events on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.
Procedure: The starting field is 22 cars, including provisionals. The first 18 cars will qualify through two-lap time trials. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 150 laps (56.25 miles).
Track: Colorado National Speedway is a .375-mile paved oval with four degrees of banking in the straights and progressive banking of six to 12 degrees in the corners. The track has hosted seven series events.
Records: Qualifying: Brian Ickler, June 2, 2007, 82.057 mph, 16.452 seconds; Race: Paulie Harraka, Aug. 15, 2009, 63.341 mph, 53 minutes 17 seconds.
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