NER, MoHud and CART Host Time Trials National Tour

The largest event NER has participated in since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down racing, brought competitors back to the track for the July 3-4 Time Trials National Tour presented by Haggerty at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.

NER representatives Kathy Barnes and Dick Patullo were among many of the volunteers that helped organize and facilitate this return to racing.  Both commented that “the event was excellent!” Patullo added that new Covid regulations and rules “were in place to keep everyone safe and the participants were happy to comply. It was worth it to be at the race track.”

Barnes noted how the event marked the anniversary of the first SCCA event ever 75 years ago. “It was special because this event was the 75th anniversary of the first SCCA Competition – a Time Trial held at Thompson.”

Noteworthy Contributions

It was truly a team effort between organizations to make this event successful. Both NER and MoHud provided volunteer workers, but it was the CART (Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team) that really came through.

Per the SCCA national team, “New for 2020, the Time Trials Champion award is presented to the participant who does the most to champion both the program and the experience of Time Trials. The Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team (CART) was not only indispensable throughout the weekend, helping with setup, tech, grid, timing and more, but they also have been some of the most ardent supporters of Time Trials in the New England area. For these reasons, the entire CART organization earned the honor of Thompson Time Trials Champion.”

When the TTNT smoker stuck in South Carolina, the CART team also stepped up to organize a party. With the help of JB Swan, they brought grills and cooked a LOT of food for the socially distant grab and go party!

Another standout contribution came from Greg Rickes. The veteran Lime Rock Park announcer, showed up and volunteered to serve as the PA all weekend despite not having access to the control tower.