Thompson Excited for New Challenge at Spokane This Weekend

JEROME, IDAHO (August 31, 2011) Brett Thompson, driver of the RTTI/Jerome Truck Service Inc. Chevrolet, is looking to close out the season strong propelled by three consecutive top ten performances in the last three series races. This weekend, the Thompson Motorsports team heads to Spokane (WA) County Raceway for round 12 of the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series.




The NASCAR K&N Pro Series last visited Spokane County Raceway back in 1979 where three-time series champion Roy Smith set the initial track record around the fast half-mile paved oval while Jimmy Insolo won that day in a 150-lap contest. This season, nearly everything will be new except for maybe the aging asphalt.



The Spokane "200" will feature a field of driver's who have never competed at the facility in the series, but new tracks are nothing new for Brett Thompson. Over the past decade, he has raced at 32 different race tracks throughout the western United States and looks forward to the challenge this weekend.



"I really get excited and like the challenge of racing somewhere new," Thompson said. "Everybody is on a level playing field and it is a great opportunity for us to shine."



Thompson is very optimistic about making it back to victory lane this weekend. His lone series win came at the now shuttered Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield; a track that shares a lot of similarities with Spokane County Raceway. "We have always been really good on half-mile tracks and feel 200-laps is an advantage for our team."



Thompson will be driving the same car he has used on the short tracks this season though crew chief Charlie Wilson is trying some new set ups this weekend. "After Montana we went to work on the front end of the car and Charlie has made some big changes that we feel are going to make us more competitive," Thompson explained. "We have been good so far this season but we need to be great as we close out the year."



Thompson will utilize Chassis #015 which is a composite bodied car that is lighter and allows the team to move weight around more efficiently. "No matter what the track or the car, it is important to save tires until the final run," Thompson said. "While 200-laps may seem like a lot, it is very easy to get behind and once you do it is tough to make up. The goal is to start up front and stay there."



In order to start up front, it all begins with qualifying and while Thompson has picked up his average qualifying position this season, starting up front is the name of the game. "You look back over the history of the series and not too many race winners have started outside the top five," Thompson offered. "We need to unload fast and qualify in top five and the race will take car of itself."



Thompson has averaged a finish of 10.8 while completing 95% of all laps contested and has been running at the conclusion at ten of the eleven races this season. Thompson is locked in a top five battle in the point standings where he is currently in fifth place just 42-points out of fourth place and 44-points behind third place. In his NASCAR K&N Pro Series career, Thompson has started 110 NKNPS races since 2000 scoring one win, one Coors Light Pole Award, 23 top five and 62 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. For all the latest west coast racing action, log onto www.racingwest.com.



Fast Facts

Race: This event is the 12th of 14 events on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Procedure: The starting field is 24 cars, including provisionals. The first 20 cars will qualify through two-lap time trials. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 200 laps (100 miles).

Track: Spokane County Raceway is a .5-mile track. The series previously visited the track in 1979.

Records: Qualifying: Roy Smith, Aug. 31, 1979, 93.244 mph, 19.304 seconds; Race: To be established at this distance.



Race: Spokane "200"

Place: Spokane County Raceway

Date: Saturday, Sept. 3 Time: 8:30 p.m. PT

TV Schedule: SPEED, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. ET

Radio Schedule: NASCARHomeTracks.com Radio, Live

Track Layout: .5-mile paved oval

2010 Winner: Event not held

2010 Polesitter: Event not held Event

Schedule: Saturday: Practice 12-12:45 p.m., 1:15–2 p.m., Qualifying 4:15 p.m.

Track PR Contact: Cindy Gibbs (509) 244-6983 racespokane@gmail.com Twitter: @racespokane

NASCAR IMC Contact: Kevin W. Green (661) 392-8543 kgreen@nascar.com



Visit NASCAR HomeTracks for complete event information.