This past Thursday evening, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returned to Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway for the running of the New England Dodge Dealers/Bud 150. The event marked just the second of five visits to the 5/8th-mile oval scheduled during the 2005 season.

Plenty of cars were on hand as 37 competitors attempted to qualify for just 33 starting positions. WMT regular Renee Dupuis qualified to the 22nd starting position for the rare mid-week show.

Early on, Renee tangled with another car and, as a result, struggled for much of the way with an ill-handling racecar. Eventually, NASCAR officials ‘parked’ the car Renee had problems with – eliminating him from competition for the remainder of the event.

In the end, Renee preserved to cross the finish line in 19th place. The No. 90 team is now ranked 17th in the season-long points championship. A total of 76 drivers are currently ranked.

Next up, the NASCAR WMT will return to the tight Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday, August 27 for a 150-lap race.