Burkett Sets Thompson Overall Track Record
Thompson, CT – The first qualifying session of the Atlantic Championship Series finale weekend saw many drivers take fast laps. Series points leader, Daniel Burkett, ended up setting the fastest lap and getting pole for race one, running only two laps. Burkett’s time of a 1:01.961 became Thompson Speedway’s overall fast lap.
Burkett said that he was “pleased to set an overall record at such a historic track”. He also added a thank you to his sponsors: Champion Spark Plugs and Roam Mobility, along with his K-Hill Motorsports team. In regards to his time and the upcoming race the 19 year old confidently stated that he will be beating his own record during the race.
Burkett spent the beginning of qualifying sitting in pit lane. During the time he was not out on track, the fast lap was held by multiple drivers. Ethan Ringel of COMPREP was quickest early on, followed by Connor Kearby of K-Hill taking the fast lap for a lap. Keith Grant of Polestar also held the fast time for a lap.
The session came to an early conclusion due to a black flag incident in turn 10 that required lengthy track clean up. Starting next to Burkett on the front row of the Atlantic field for the afternoon’s race was K-Hill Teammate and GK Motorsports driver, 17 year old Connor Kearby. COMPREP’s 20 year old driver Ringel took third, followed by Grant in fourth.
An Atlantic Challenge driver, Bruce Crockett picked up the fifth place starting position, followed by another Atlantic Challenge driver in sixth, Connor Burke. K-Hill’s Gaston Kearby attained the seventh starting position.
Race one of the Atlantic Championship Series weekend at Thompson Speedway starts at 3:30pm.