Jimmy Blewett Returns to Thompson in Family-Owned 76

  To say Thompson International Speedway has been unkind to Jimmy Blewett would be the biggest understatement ever made. Despite being one of the top Modified drivers, in the Northeast, for many years, he has yet to win at the Connecticut speedway in his 22 starts there. Yet, those statistics pale in comparison to the personal tragedy he, and his family, suffered here a little more than four years ago.
  Jimmy, was racing with his older brother John, just after a restart, when the two collided. The resulting crash tragically resulted in the death of John Blewett III. A family, well known and respected throughout NASCAR, and with race fans along the entire East Coast, was devastated.
  Jimmy, who has spent much of 2011 learning the ins and outs of dirt racing at New Egypt Speedway, with the exception of a handful of starts on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, will return to Thompson this weekend. When the Howell, N.J. driver rolls onto the track he will do so in the Blewett family-owned number 76. A car number very special to not only their family, but to New Jersey race fans for many years.
  Jimmy, who at one time went by the nickname of "Showtime", has been a very polarizing driver over the years among fans. Seems you are either a fan of his aggressive style or you are not. However, one thing is clear, should he manage to win this weekend at Thompson the ovation may only be exceeded by the number of tears shed by those who know the Blewett family history.
  The weekend at Thompson may actually give Jimmy two shots at a victory. NASCAR has put together a pretty interesting event that will see the Southern Modified Tour run a 125-lap event at 12:30pm on Sunday, followed at 2:30pm by a 125-lap race for the North cars. They will then run a 50-lap event for the top 12 finishers in each race, along with 12 provisionals for a 36 car field to complete the day.
  I wrote a post, NJ's Chances for a NASCAR Whelen Modified Win Ended with the Passing of John Blewett III, recently, that I really hope is disproved this weekend by Jimmy. Most weekends I just hope the Tour has good weather, and a great race, not really caring who wins. You see I lost my favorite Modified driver in that crash here at Thompson four years ago.
  This weekend I will be hoping beyond hope that somehow Jimmy Blewett can win here. Not because it would make a great story, but because the Blewett family deserves it. Good Luck Jimmy.