Story By: DAN KAPUSCINSKI / TEAM TAPOUT RACING – OSWEGO, NY – Oswego Speedway has presented a Rookie of the Year in its Supermodified division since 1967, with this year’s title being awarded to 16-year old Fulton, NY driver, Tyler Thompson.
When the calendar turned to 2018, Thompson and Jason Simmons Racing expected to be focused solely on DIRTcar racing, but a phone call from former Supermodified racer, Ray Graham, changed all of that this spring.
Following a deal struck between Graham and Simmons, Thompson found himself behind the wheel of an 800-plus horsepower Supermodified for the entire 2018 season at Oswego Speedway, and he made the most of it.
Last Saturday night, Thompson cruised to his eighth top ten finish of the season at Oswego with a ninth-place run, finishing his year eighth in the overall driver’s championship with more than enough points to be crowned Rookie of the Year.
With the regular season and Rookie of the Year race behind him, Thompson now focuses on Budweiser International Classic Weekend with his Lindsey Aggregates No. 98 Hawk Supermodified.
“It means a lot to be crowned Rookie of the Year at Oswego Speedway,” said Thompson. “It would not have been possible without my great team, supporters, and sponsors. I also want to think all of our fans who have been visiting us at the track and following on social media. It makes racing at Oswego even more special. We’re looking forward to a big Classic Weekend.”
Classic Weekend will see Thompson contend during all three days of action with pole day for the International Classic 200 set for Friday, August 31.
Thompson will then return on Saturday, September 1 to compete in the Bud Light ISMA Super Nationals before Sunday’s grand finale, the Budweiser International Classic 200.
Following Saturday night’s action at Oswego, Thompson traveled to Glen Ridge Motorsports Park in Fultonville, NY for the 602 Crate Regional Championship in Memory of Don Warner.
Thompson drove his No. 98T DIRTcar Sportsman to a hard fought seventh place finish, after having to come from the rear of the field.
Starting ninth on the grid, Thompson was into the top five before having to head pit side due to a rubbing body panel. After heading to the pits, Thompson stormed back through the field to take the seventh position at the conclusion of the event.
With Oswego Speedway off this weekend, Thompson will return to kart racing on Friday night at Oswego Kartway for the Justin Lamb Memorial Track Championship night before returning to Fulton Speedway on Saturday for more DIRTcar Sportsman competition.
