This past weekend, Renee Dupuis returned to action when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opened the 2006 season at Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway.

With Saturday’s original plan of action succumbing mostly to sleet, snow and rain – NASCAR rescheduled the WMT’s activities to Sunday afternoon.

Problems with the new brake system immediately plagued the team – eventually limiting them to just three practice laps and a disappointing qualifying run. As a result, the No. 90 machine started deep in the 37-car field.

However, by the start of the 150-lap race, seemingly having conquered the braking difficulties, Dupuis managed to gain positions – fighting her way up thru the field.

At around the lap 60 mark, Dupuis was hit from behind and spun toward the infield – needlessly, by a car several laps down. She quickly recovered, without losing a lap – or even many positions, for that matter. Shortly thereafter, the team pitted for fresh rubber and - with less than 50 laps remaining - battled all the way up to eighth place!

On a lap-103 restart, the brake system problems inexplicably resurfaced – abruptly ending Dupuis’ run in the first turn wall.

“We’ve already been on the phone with the manufacturer of every single brake component on that car,” detailed Dupuis. “It is already a non-issue.”

With a few weeks respite, the NASCAR WMT will next visit Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 30 for the running of the 200-lap annual Spring Sizzler event.

Please be sure to visit our site's gallery for pictures - all courtesy of Howie Hodge - from the weekend.