NWMT: Woody Pitkat Notches First Career Pole at Thompson

Woody Pitkat, 34-years-old, out of Stafford, Connecticut, captured his first career NASCAR WHELEN Modified Tour (NWMT) pole on Saturday for the Icebreaker 150 presented by Town Fair Tire at Thompson Speedway.

Pitkat posted a fast lap of 18.724 seconds (120.167 mph) in his first event with the Buzz Chew Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet team.

“The work that goes into this car, like the guys at the shop put in 12-hour days, it’s just unbelievable,” Pitkat explained in the media center after the qualifying effort. “This car is just unbelievable; I can’t thank (my team) enough.”

Pitkat, after running seven seasons in the NWMT, has scored 34 top-10 finishes and six top five finishes, but is yet to notch the elusive first victory. Yet, he still feels he needs to prove himself, and breakthrough with that all-important trip to victory lane.

“I’ve said it since day one; I don’t think I’ve really proven myself on the tour.” Pitkat further explained. “I’ve been here awhile now, and I feel I’ve ran really well in the SK (Mods) and the Late Models, but I just haven’t proven (my capabilities) on the Tour.”

While Pitkat will be seeking his first career victory, Justin Bonsignore, Donny Lia and Ryan Preece are hoping to add to their astounding resumes this weekend with a triumph to victory circle.

Bonsignore, 26-years-old, will start outside of Pitkat, and is gunning for his second trip to victory lane at Thompson. Lia rolls off third after qualifying an 18.796 seconds (119.706 mph), and will be searching for his 18^th NWMT win this weekend.

The Icebreaker 150 will take the green flag at 3:45 PM EST with live coverage on fanschoice.tv.