AVONDALE, Arizona -- Brett Thompson drove his Thompson Motorsports Chevy Monte Carlo to a 9th place finish in Sunday’s NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series, United Rentals 125.
During two practice sessions Saturday Thompson was 15th fastest among the 38 cars trying to qualify for 34 spots. The Thompson Motorsports crew made the right adjustments and Brett Thompson drove a hot lap to qualify 11th on the grid.
After moving up a few positions Thompson pitted early in the race and made adjustments. Thompson was moving up again when the yellow came out about mid-way in the race. The leaders pitted, Thompson stayed out and inherited the lead. After leading a few laps Thompson was passed by cars on fresher tires.
Thompson pitted later in the race for tires, came out 17th but charged forward to 9th place when the checkered flag flew.
Overall Thompson was pleased with the results for the first race of the season and looks forward to improving on that result. Thompson was also “real pleased with our new crew members and how well they worked with our returning crew members”. “I also appreciate how hard they worked getting ready for this race and the season” added Thompson. Crew Chief Rob Dixon added “considering where we have finished in the past here (PIR), we’re happy with a Top 10.
Thompson is officially 8th in 2006 NASCAR Grand National Division West Series points. Thompson also indicated the team came home with new setup ideas for the return to PIR in April
Brett Thompson and Thompson Motorsports enter 2006 coming off their best season in 2005, finishing 6th in NASCAR Grand National Division West Series championship points. Brett and the team scored 2 Top-5s and 8 Top-10 finishes including a 3rd place podium finish at Irwindale. Brett Thompson is anxious to get back to Victory Lane like he did in 2004.
Thompson Motorsports is based in Jerome ID and prepares racecars out of a 12,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility completed in February 2004. Thompson Motorsports prepares Rich Thompson Trucking Chevy Monte Carlos for Brett Thompson for the NASCAR Grand National Division AutoZone West Series, in addition to preparing cars for customers for regional and local racing series.
