Thompson, CT -- The list of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers submitting entries for the 2006 ICEBREAKER at Thompson Speedway reads like a who’s who in the most popular racing division in the entire northeast. The list includes the best of the best. This lineup of racing talent can only lead to an extremely exciting season opener for race fans when the flag drops on the 150 lap ICEBREAKER feature event this Sunday, April 9^th.

Whelen Modified Tour defending champion, Tony Hirschman, leads the impressive list of driving talent signed up to compete in the ICEBREAKER.  Six-time champion, Mike Stefanik, Rick Fuller, Ted and Mike Christopher, and Ed Flemke, Jr, will be joined by one of the most successful drivers in the history of modified racing, Reggie Ruggiero.

Todd Szegedy, with national sponsorship from Wisk and Snuggle, returns to the Modified Tour battles. He will lead the charge of young guns that have been so impressive in this extremely competitive division. Young Zach Sylvester, who came within inches of winning last year’s ICEBREAKER, will be looking to gain that win this year since it was snatched from him in the last lap of the 05 running of the ICEBREAKER by Ted Christopher. Matt Hirschman is following in his father’s foot steps and showed his talents in last year’s World Series of Speedway Racing at Thompson. Jimmy Blewett, Eric Berndt, Chris Pasteryak and James Civali are only a few of the extremely talented young drives who will challenge the veterans in the 150-lap ICEBREAKER.

In all, some forty three drives have filed entries a week before the race and more are expected. The 2006 ICEBREAKER could easily be one of the most competitive events of the year. Race teams will put forth their very best efforts to jump start a successful racing season.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars will qualify for the ICEBREAKER this coming Saturday, April 8^th and then have 24 hours to make the final preparations for the Sunday, April 9^th race. Excitement surrounds this traditional season-opening event, but this year it seems that the excitement level is at an all-time high.

Following two open practice sessions at Thompson International Speedway, race teams representing the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series are also ready to go. The final preparations are in full swing for race teams in these six divisions that will also play a major role in the racing excitement that has become the hallmark of Thompson’s ICEBREAKER.

 Sunoco Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Late Models, Thompson Modifieds, Limited Sportsman and Mini Stocks make up the highly competitive, six-division NASCAR Dodge weekly Series.

Race fans will once again find that the ICEBREAKER is not only a major NASCAR racing event, but is also one auto racing’s social highlights of the year. The Thompson Speedway complex provides the perfect gathering place at the Raceway Restaurant and Lounge, better known to racers as the ‘Club House,” The “Club House” will be open all weekend serving breakfast and dinner. A special ICEBREAKER menu will highlight the entertainment on Saturday night in what has become as much of a tradition for fans as the race event itself.

Gates to the grand old speedway will open for pit entrance at 8 AM on both Saturday and Sunday with the giant grandstands opening at 9:30 AM on both days.

Qualifying is slated to start at 1:15 PM on Saturday and will be followed by feature races for both the Sunoco Modified and Late Model divisions. Sunday’s “Super Seven” races will start at 12 Noon.

For more information on the exact schedule for the 2006 ICEBREAKER, fans may check the Thompson Web site at  www.thompsonspeedway.com. They may also call the speedway office for information or tickets at 860-923-2280.