THOMPSON,Conn. -- The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Thompson International Speedway for the most popular race of the summer season, “The King of Beers BUD 150”, on Thursday, August 9th. The traditional summer race spectacular brings out thousands of race fans for what is traditionally one of the best WMT races of the year.

Following their spectacular race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14th, fans are really pumped up for a similar performance at Thompson. Seven-time WMT champion Mike Stefanik and defending WMT champ Ron Silk swapped the lead 17 times in the final 48 laps of that event with Stefanik coming out on top by some .003 seconds at the finish line. Both drivers will come to Thompson ready for another great race. Doug Coby, Ryan Preece, Donny Lia, Jimmy Blewett, Rowan Pennink and Ted Christopher, the 2011 race winner, are among the many other challengers expected to be in the hunt for a Bud 150 win.

This year’s race takes on special significance since it will be the last opportunity at Thompson for the WMT race teams to get ready for the second annual UNOH Showdown scheduled for the weekend of September 8th & 9th. This event brings together the WMT and the Whelen Southern Modified Tour for a thrilling weekend of racing. Each “Tour” will compete in its own 75-lap main event and will then be joined together for a 50-lap, non-points, Showdown. Last year’s inaugural Showdown was a big hit with both race teams and fans and this year’s rendition should be even better.

Grandstands for the Bud 150 will open at 2 PM with time trials for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starting at 5:30 PM. WMT drivers will also participate in an autograph session prior the running of their main event. Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series “Super 6” divisions will also be a big part of this very special Thursday night race program as each will compete in their own pre-qualified feature event.

For more information on the Kind of Beers Budweiser 150, including the entire day’s schedule, fans are urged to visit the Thompson Speedway web page. www.thompsonspeedway.com Advance ticket sales are available by calling the track office at 860-923-2280.