For August 28, 2003

As race fans, we hold fond memories of some of the great races we have been fortunate enough to witness over the years. Some of us chase the NASCAR Modified and Busch North Series hoping to catch one of those unforgettable battles. We tune our televisions to every Winston Cup venture just hoping today is the day. Some of us stock car types even turn to the IRL or CART searching for a race we can talk about for eons to come. Sometimes were lucky, sometimes not so fortunate.

            Last Thursday at Thompson International Speedway, it was a beautiful day for racing; warm and sunny, but not overly humid. It was a regular Thursday Night Thunder program, with five divisions taking to the track. There were the “Big Three”, so to speak, of Sunoco Mods, Pro Stocks, and Late Models. Then there were what some folks (not I) like to call the filler classes, the Limited Sportsman (Street Stock) and Mini Stocks rounding out the evening’s show. You generally expect to see some fine, hotly contested, action when you attend the Northeastern Connecticut oval, but this past Thursday was even better than the norm. There was lots of hard racing, few cautions, and one feature that will stand out in my memory for a long time to come.

            First up were the Mini Stocks and the 19-car starting field put on a good show for the huge crowd assembled. A single caution marred the event (for a lost wheel on one of the cars) that saw Eric Bourgeois grab his fifth win of the season on the 5/8-miler.

            The Late Models matched the Mini Stocks in cautions as the yellow waved only once during the 25-lap main. R J Marcotte came home victorious and it was his first-ever checkered flag at Thompson. He had to hold off a determined Jeff Plakias (who has had a roller coaster type season) before he could sit in Victory Lane. It was a happy occasion for the #81 team and they partied long into the night. For Plakias, his runner-up finish was almost (but not quite) as good as a first. Jeff (as have many short track racers) has been plagued with financial woes for his racing program and it’s been a day-to-day, week-to-week, struggle just to get to the speedway. This finish should help a little.   

            The Limited Sportsman class then took to the track for their 20-lap go. I have to tell you that this was one of those races I’m glad I caught. It was a beauty. The race went non-stop. Veteran Mike Cavanaugh and Youngster (17 years old) Danny Cates broke to the front early and began pulling away from the rest of the 32-car starting field. They waged a terrific two-car battle up front. But as good as they were racing, there was even more fantastic action in the middle of the pack. For 15 of the 25 circuits, positions three through 20 were involved in three, four, and sometimes five wide duels. It was unbelievable! It was classic! 

The top contenders in the Limited ranks were fighting hard to break through the logjam, and it wasn’t until five circuits remained before they were able to see daylight. Unfortunately, the two leaders were well ahead by that time and they wouldn’t be caught on this particular night.

            With Cavanaugh looking for his first trip to the Thompson Winner’s Circle in more than a decade of trying, young Cates was determined to garner his first win, also. The two raced side by each, lap after lap, with a display of hard, but clean driving, that many of the so-called Pros from other ranks would do well to emulate. Each time Cates tried to get Cavanaugh high, Mike would thwart him with power moves that he said later he wasn’t aware the motor was capable of.

            Finally, as the duo emerged from turn four on the final lap, Cates eked his #26 machine ahead of Cavanaugh’s #86 and crossed the stripe a mere six inches in front. It was a joyous win for the Cates team, and a heartbreaking loss for the Cavanaugh clan. Cates then did a victory lap around the track and smoked some donuts on the frontstretch. As he was lighting up the tires, another competitor who had made an additional trip around the oval was struck by the donuting Cates. There wasn’t much damage to either machine, but it did catch the attention of the State Police who admonished both parties, but nothing further was done to them.

            The Cates Team celebrating came to an end soon after. After going through tech, it was discovered that the #26 had an aluminum flywheel and the #26 was disqualified. This gave the win to Cavanaugh. Mike was elated with the news. He would have liked to win it on the track, but he wasn’t about to let that interfere with his “Victory Party”. “A win is a win is a win,” he stated. “After all these years, I finally have a trophy from this place to put on the mantel.” One couldn’t help but feel happiness for the entire Cavanaugh team. Let’s hope this is only the beginning of a long line of wins for them. In addition, it would be nice if the Thompson officials brought the #86 team into Victory Lane this week so that they could properly thank their sponsors. They were denied that opportunity as the Cates team held court last week before they suffered the DQ. For Mike to win after such a long time trying, and not get the proper recognition just doesn’t seem right. Everyone who has persevered under trying conditions deserves to receive their fair share of the accolades and limelight.

            After the Limited Sportsman race ended, the fans stood and cheered, as one, for the performances they had just witnessed by the entire field of racecars. The murmurs and buzzing were heard throughout, as everyone wanted to tell the neighbors what they had been privy to. So you see, you don’t always have to travel far, nor spend mega-dollars, or even glue yourself to the TV to see some fine racing. It oft times just pops up when you least expect it, and from divisions you wouldn’t normally associate with such high-caliber talent. I’d like to say thanks to those Limited competitors who really made my day and gave me something to talk about for a long time to come. Thirty-two racecars, 20-laps, closer than close action, and it went non-stop; as a fan of the sport, how could you ask for more than that? You guys done good.

            The Sunoco Mods were next up, and they were going to be hard up to match the excitement that had preceded their extra-distance 75-lapper that was scheduled. They didn’t go non-stop, but they did put on a great show. Bo Gunning took command early from Bert Marvin, and though he faced several challenges from different contenders, he was able to go on to victory. There was lots of good racing behind the leader as positions were swapped continually. Only six yellows slowed the event. The drivers had their stuff together for this show. Eric Berndt took down second followed by Todd Ceravolo, Marvin and Kerry Malone.

            Joe Lemay had found himself at the wrong end of some major incidents the previous two weeks, but on this Thursday he was the class of the field. He may have been the class of the field, but it wasn’t a cakewalk into Victory Lane. Lemay was dogged by the likes of Dave Berghman and GeGe Gravel before he could lay claim to the checkered flag. Jeff Connors and Norm Wren rounded out the top five finishers. This week (Aug 28) the Pro Stockers will finish off their remaining 50 laps of the 75-lapper that was postponed by inclement weather a few weeks back.

            Woody Pitkat blew an engine in his Late Model during the warm up session and was behind the wheel of another machine for the feature. Woody, the past champion, has been struggling recently and is in need of a major sponsor to get the team back up to standard.

            Dennis Werner, who has been running Seekonk on a part time basis, was at Thompson last Thursday trying to get his bearings on the large oval. He hopes to compete at TIS on a full schedule in 2004. He’ll be driving a J & L Fabrication Late Model owned by John and Lynn Murray. Don started last in the 27-car field and brought the LM home a respectable 14^th. I don’t know why, but it just looks this young man has enough talent to become a big winner.

            This Saturday, Aug 28, Thompson will be going with their final Family Fun night of the year. The Pro Four Modifieds, the American Race Trucks, and the Mini Stock divisions will be just part of the night’s festivities that includes a gigantic demo derby and thrill show.

            Next weekend, Sept 6 and 7, it’s the 24^th annual Thompson 300. Not only is the 300 the longest race event on the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour schedule each year, it is also the most prestigious. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by calling the track office at (860) 923-2280. Avoid the long lines at the ticket windows and call today to reserve your seat for this two-day affair.

            If you not familiar with the show, tune in to Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel each evening (Monday thru Thursday) at 9 PM on Speed Channel. It’s worth the look. He does a great job and usually has some interesting guests. He’s definitely not afraid to ask the tough questions.  

            Because of thyme constraints, I have to cut this column short this week. My thought to leave you with is, “24 hours in a day; 24 beers in a case. Coincidence?”

           Any news/notes/comments/suggestions can reach me at 15 Carue Dr, No. Scituate, RI 02857-1012. You can ring me at (401) 568-0075, or e-mail notes to onthyme60@aol.com.

Until next we meet, think racing and remember to support those who support the sport.

Visit Dave Dykes Waterford Speedbowl Page From The Past

Visit the New England Antique Racers Web Site and New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame

More Vintage Photos Can Be Found At