Pennink Leads Valenti Modified Racing Series To Thompson

Canaan, NH. -- Rowan Pennink of Huntingdon Valley, PA, takes a slim point lead into Thompson Speedway, Thompson, CT., Thursday, June 16, when the Valenti Modified Racing Series makes the first of two visits to the famed speedway. 

Pennink, leads Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., by two points and Les Hinckley III, of Windsor Locks, CT., by four, entering the Thursday night program. Swanzey, NH., veteran Rob Goodenough is 22 points back, in fourth place. Nashua, NH., driver Norm Wrenn sits fifth in the point standings. The top five drivers are expected entries Thursday. 

The 25-year old Pennink has a win this season at Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH., and is a three time-series winner. 

Expected entries include, Louie Mechalides, Tyngsboro, MA., a 2006 winner at Thompson, defending and two-time series champion, Jon McKennedy, E. Chelmsford, MA., veteran Kenny Barry, Preston, CT.,  Sanford, ME, driver Jacob Dore, Koszela Speed Rookie of the Year contender, Timmy Jordan, Plainfield, CT., Todd Annarummo, Swansea, MA., Max Zachem, Preston, and Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH. 

9-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik, of Coventry, RI., and Eric Goodale, of Wading River, NY., have indicated their intent to enter the event. 

Thursday’s race is the first of four qualifying races leading up to the “Ricky’s Race for Kids” event at Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH., July 16. That event carries a purse of $36,500 for the 112-lap race scheduled. The four-race series carries it’s own point fund and bonus payoff.  

Qualifying for the VMRS gets underway at 5:00 PM with the 75-lap feature race slated for an 8:00 PM start.