Championship battle heats up as Modified racing’s top talent chases $10,000 victory in Saturday’s 75-lap showdown
THOMPSON, CT – One of New England’s most celebrated weekends in short-track racing is about to get even bigger as the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series takes center stage on Saturday, October 10, headlining the second day of the 64th Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
With $10,000 awaiting the winner in Sign Pro Victory Lane, a championship battle that remains far from settled, and the largest entry list of the three Modified divisions competing during World Series weekend, Saturday’s 75-lap showdown brings an impressive field of the sport’s top talent to Thompson’s legendary 5/8-mile high banks.
Saturday’s event marks the Series’ third visit to Thompson in 2026 and comes at a pivotal point in the championship chase. Just two races remain on the schedule, making every position and every point increasingly important. Originally absent from the 2026 schedule, Saturday’s World Series event replaces the August race at Star Speedway, which was canceled due to weather concerns. The addition marks the Series’ first-ever third appearance at Thompson in a single season.
McKennedy, Silk & Williams Lead Championship Showdown
Jon McKennedy enters Saturday’s race with a narrow 13-point championship lead over Ron Silk, with Ronnie Williams also firmly in contention. Both McKennedy and Silk have celebrated in Sign Pro Victory Lane at Thompson this season, winning the April Icebreaker and June events, respectively. McKennedy carries additional momentum following his October 2 victory at Stafford’s NAPA Auto Parts Fall Final, setting the stage for a pivotal championship showdown with just two races remaining.
Star-Studded Field Ready to Tackle Thompson
Saturday’s entry list features an impressive collection of established veterans, former winners, and rising stars.
Beyond McKennedy and Silk, the field includes Matt Swanson, Woody Pitkat, Eric Goodale, Patrick Emerling, Austin Beers, Teddy Hodgdon, Anthony Nocella, Tyler Rypkema, Jake Johnson, and several other formidable competitors. Young talents including Noah Korner, Tyler Chapman, and Steven Chapman will also look to make their mark against some of the sport’s most experienced drivers.
With Thompson’s demanding high banks and the prestige of a World Series victory on the line, fans can expect an exciting afternoon of wheel-to-wheel competition.
Special Awards Add to the Stakes
Beyond the $10,000 winner’s payday, competitors will have opportunities to collect additional awards courtesy of the Monaco Modified Series’ valued marketing partners.
The Van Horst General Contractors Hard Charger Award will provide $500 to the driver advancing the most positions in the feature, while Constantine Paving & Sealing will award $250 to the competitor leading the most laps.
The race winner will also receive a $500 gift card courtesy of Creative Racing Products, along with the opportunity to celebrate in Sign Pro Victory Lane.
The championship battle also carries additional significance through the USNEPower and Union Insurance Group $50,000 championship point fund, which rewards the top 10 drivers in the final standings.
The USNEPower Energizer Zone adds another layer of competition, awarding $2,000 to the driver who spends the most race weeks among the top five in championship points. With the season nearing its conclusion, the battle for that bonus remains an important storyline.
Mr. Rooter Kids’ Club Brings Fall Fun to the World Series
Young race fans can join the excitement through the Monaco Modified Series Kids’ Club Presented by Mr. Rooter.
Saturday’s special activity will feature pumpkin decorating, with kids invited to personalize their own pumpkins using stickers and markers. The Kids’ Club will run from 2 PM until the start of the Pro-4 Modified feature, offering a fun, family-friendly addition to an action-packed day at the speedway.
Three Days of Racing Tradition
The 64th Sunoco World Series features three consecutive days competition, beginning Friday and concluding Sunday afternoon.
Saturday’s program also includes the New England Supermodified Series, Pro Truck Challenge, Thompson Sunoco Modifieds, Pro-4 Modifieds, Crown Vics, and American Vintage Modifieds.
Grandstands open at 11:30 AM, with racing scheduled to begin at 2 PM. Thompson’s full schedule and ticket pricing information is available on our website.
Fans unable to attend can catch Saturday’s racing action live on the North East Short Track Network (NESTN).
Following Saturday’s World Series showdown, the Monaco Modified Series will turn its attention to the season-ending USNEPower Haunted Hundred at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday, October 24, where the 2026 championship will be decided.
For additional information, entry lists, championship standings, and Series updates, visit MonacoModifieds.com and follow the Monaco Modified Series on social media.
Photo courtesy of Tom Morris Racing Photography.