(From series press release)

NAPLES, Maine – After an extremely successful start to the southern season, the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model North season will kickoff this weekend with “The Icebreaker” at Thompson Speedway in Connecticut.  “The Icebreaker” is doubly important as it will mark the halfway point of the PASS National Championship Series, which will once again crown Super Late Model racing’s only true national champion.

Massachusetts’ driver Derek Ramstrom has a steely-eyed focus on winning the 2016 PASS National championship.  Ramstrom and Maine’s Jeremy Davis are the only drivers to finish in the top five in both of the PASS National races so far this season at Greenville-Pickens Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway.  This weekend Ramstrom comes to Thompson Speedway with the PASS National points lead and with momentum on his side.

“It feels great to be leading the PASS National Championship standings heading to Thompson,” says Ramstrom, driver of the Ramstrom’s Service Center/Matthews Truck Service #35.  “Our team hasn’t contended for a championship in a while and it’s a great morale booster to have two top five runs to start the season.”

Although not in his native state, Thompson Speedway is a “home” track of sorts for Ramstrom.  He won the Pro Stock championship at Thompson in 2010 and went to victory lane with PASS North there two years later.  For many, Ramstrom comes into this weekend’s “Icebreaker” as a favorite to take the checkered flag and extend his PASS National Championship points lead heading into the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 in August.

“Thompson is a high-banked, fast track and by far one of the best speedways I have ever raced at,” says Ramstrom.  “We should have a great car this weekend and be able to contend for the win.”

Ramstrom will be faced with a tough field for Sunday’s 75 lapper, including former PASS National Champions, Ben Rowe and Joey Doiron, as well as former PASS North Super Late Model champions, Travis Benjamin, Johnny Clark, Mike Rowe, and DJ Shaw.  Defending PASS South champion Tate Fogleman is entered, along with defending Oxford 250 winner, Glen Luce, and last year’s North-South Shootout winner, David Garbo, Jr.  PASS National championship contenders, Jeremy Davis, Matt Matheson and John-Michael Shenette are entered as well, along with PASS North championship contenders Bryan Kruczek, Reid Lanpher, and Trevor Sanborn.  Additional entries include George Bessette, Corey Casagrande, Larry Gelinas, Derek Griffith, Garrett Hall, Donald Theetge, and Jake Vanada.

The PASS Super Late Models and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour get on track for the first time on Saturday, April 9, with practice beginning at 11:20 AM followed by qualifying/heat races, and main events for the support divisions.  On Sunday, April 10, grandstand gates will open at 10 AM, followed by an autograph session, and main events starting at 12:35 PM.

PASS North Super Late Model entry forms for the events at Thompson Speedway, Oxford Plains Speedway, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, and the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America’s premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary HP Hood Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South’s Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to [email protected].  For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or [email protected].  And, don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

(VMM file photo)