Changes Coming and Going at Thompson International Speedway

By Ron P. Coderre

In the middle of January there usually isn’t any news coming from Thompson International Speedway, but last week a flurry of news emanated from the racing venue that is starting its 74th season in 2014.

Word out of Hartford from Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office indicated the state will lend the Speedway $800,000 for upgrades to its facility.  A few days later the Speedway issued a surprise statement via e-mail on the sudden departure of Director of Competition Jeff Zuidema.

State to Assist with Improvements

In what will be a big boost to the effort to restore the track’s 1.7-mile road course, the State of Connecticut announced an $800,000 loan at 2 percent interest over a 10-year period to the Thompson Speedway.  The funds will be directed to the repaving project, which has been ongoing.  The funds will also be used to erect a 15,000 square foot garage building comprising classrooms for driver education, new offices, restrooms and a pro shop.  Improvements will also be made to safety and fencing systems, a bridge structure, storm water control systems and other support facilities.

Thompson Speedway employs 48 individuals and plans to hire another 23 over the next two years.  The loan, which is being provided through the Economic and Community Development office, stipulates that $200,000 of the loan principle will be forgiven provided the track maintains its current workforce and lives up to the hiring projections.

Thompson, known for its 5/8-mile oval track, is the premier racing venue in the Northeast.  In the late 1960s Thompson also featured a road racing course, which eventually went out of existence.  

In June 2013 the Speedway, owned by the Hoenig family, started efforts to renew and improve the former road course.  Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is anticipating a June 2014 opening.  Construction will continue to take place in phases throughout 2014.

Director of Competition Resigns for Personal Reasons

In October 2013 Thompson Speedway announced the retention and promotion of Jeff Zuidema as Director of Competition based on the outstanding job he’d done the previous racing season.

On Jan. 13 in a prepared statement Zuidema said, “I’d like to thank the Hoenig family for the great opportunity and confidence they have shown in me.  Unfortunately, I find myself having to resign my position as Director of Competition at Thompson Speedway due to ongoing and worsening back conditions.  I hope you all will continue to support all of the efforts made at Thompson Speedway.  I have always said that the greatest people in the world are racing people and I truly believe that.  I hope to see you all at Thompson Speedway in the future as a spectator.  Thanks for the years of support and some of my greatest memories.”

Zuidema had a great background in racing.  As a driver he was a four-time track champion at Thompson and amassed a total of 52 victories.  

“We wish to thank Jeff Zuidema for the work he has done in improving our oval track program.  He has invested countless hours and amounts of energy into his work, and has been a great asset to our company.  We wish him well, and hope he finds effective treatment for his chronic back condition.  He has long been, and will continue to be, a friend of both Thompson Speedway and the Hoenig family,” said the Speedway e-mail in a prepared statement.

 

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