FREMONT, California — NASCAR Modified rookie Cody Thompson, 18, won the biggest race of his career when capturing his first career Modified win on Saturday night at All American Speedway outside Sacramento. The three-time USAC Ford Focus Midget winner finally broke through after three runner-up efforts in the last four features.
"In an ultra-competitive qualifying session, Thompson qualified seventh quick with a 14.594 second lap around the speedway."
Thompson, an Eagle Scout, drives his family-owned #68 Southern Rock-sponsored entry in the NASCAR-sanctioned Modified divison on the one-third mile asphalt oval at the Placer County Fairgrounds. The win is a culmination of a season-long effort to get to the front in a field full of veteran drivers.
“Our crew chief (Cody’s dad) made all the right calls and the car was great,” Thompson said. “After two consecutive second place finishes it was time for a win!’
In an ultra-competitive qualifying session, Thompson qualified seventh quick with a 14.594 second lap around the speedway. His lap was just .053 seconds off of fast-time yet still only seventh. The qualifying effort turned out for the best as a seven car invert was pulled placing Thompson on pole for the 35 lap main event.
Thompson led the field to green from the pole position and points leader Dan Jinkerson jumped up into second place immediately. A caution on lap two saw Jinkerson go outside Thompson for the lead, but Thompson was able to defend the position.
Thompson began to pull away to nearly a straightaway advantage before lapped traffic became a factor on lap 24. Although he was in the midst of traffic, Thompson was able to pull even further ahead of Jinkerson.
Racing with veteran poise, Thompson lapped up to ninth place before the checkered flag. The win gives Thompson his fourth top-two in the last five races. Despite missing a race due to engine problems earlier in August, Thompson still finds himself seventh in the track standings. Thompson has not finished out of the top-ten since July 2nd and has an average finish of third in that timespan.
Thompson will look to continue his streak of three straight top-two finishes this weekend as a pair of 50 lap main events will be run. A large turnout of cars is expected to race in the event.
Cody Thompson Racing thanks sponsors Southern Rock Granite & Marble, RPM NorCal Racing, San Jose Custom Cabnetry, Weisner & Cerato Machine Shop, Josh Bews Fabrication, Blakesley Sports Media, Top One Designs, and MTFX Graphics.
