Thompson Vintage Motorsports Festival 2014

The inaugural Vintage Motorsports Festival at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park was held June 25-29, 2014 in Thompson, Connecticut. Sanctioned by Vintage Racer Group (VRG) and Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA), the historic racing event served as a grand re-opening of the oldest road racing course in the United States.

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, formerly Thompson International Raceway, was the first asphalt-paved racing oval track in the United States, opening in 1940 on farmland in the northeast corner of Connecticut. The 11-turn, 1.7-mile road course was reconstructed in 2013.

This historic event brought together, for the first time, the racing clubs VRG and VSCCA. The Thompson Vintage Motorsports Festival 2014 featured Formula Cars, Vintage Production, Sports Cars, Sports Racers, plus a car show and much more. Race cars that competed at Thompson in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s were also on display throughout the weekend.

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Photographer Michael DiPleco documented the debut Thompson Vintage Motorsports Festival 2014, offering the following images from the track located in the beautiful northeast Connecticut region. We split up Michael’s 225 pictures into two galleries. The first gallery starting below features our favorite images, all displayed in the full-width view of Sports Car Digest, while the second gallery can be found on the last page of the article and gives a comprehensive view of all the photographs.

Thompson Vintage Motorsports Festival 2014 — Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)

1959 Austin-Healey "Frogeye" Sprite- Ray Stone. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1959 Austin-Healey \”Frogeye\” Sprite- Ray Stone.

Robert Cunningham- Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Robert Cunningham- Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite.

Alan Patterson Elva MkIII Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alan Patterson Elva MkIII

Mark Lydell has a scary moment in his MGB. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mark Lydell has a scary moment in his MGB.

Chris Silvestri- Porsche 912 and Storm Field MGA Coupe. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Chris Silvestri- Porsche 912 and Storm Field MGA Coupe.

VRG Group 2- Medium Bore Production Sports Cars. Michael Casey-DiPleco — VRG Group 2- Medium Bore Production Sports Cars.

Herb Wetanson- Lotus 7 and #3- Mark Lydell MGB. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Herb Wetanson- Lotus 7 and #3- Mark Lydell MGB.

Rex Miscovitch- Royale RP21. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Rex Miscovitch- Royale RP21.

Donald Denomme- VanDiemen RF80. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Donald Denomme- VanDiemen RF80.

Steve Scullen Crossle 16F. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Steve Scullen Crossle 16F.

John Rutherford Lola T342 FF. Michael Casey-DiPleco — John Rutherford Lola T342 FF.

David Gussack- Porsche 914/6. Michael Casey-DiPleco — David Gussack- Porsche 914/6.

Group 4 exits Turn 2. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Group 4 exits Turn 2.

Damon Josz Porsche 911 and Ford Pinto of Robert Black. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Damon Josz Porsche 911 and Ford Pinto of Robert Black.

Ben Sinnott- Lola S2000. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ben Sinnott- Lola S2000.

Stephen Fog- Alfa Romeo GTV. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Stephen Fog- Alfa Romeo GTV.

Margo Otey- Porsche 911. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Margo Otey- Porsche 911.

Lola T-598 Jim Montana. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Lola T-598 Jim Montana.

Robert Duell's quirky Pandhard 850. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Robert Duell\’s quirky Pandhard 850.

Frank Mount, MG-TB and Sandy Leith Bugatti Special. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Frank Mount, MG-TB and Sandy Leith Bugatti Special.

Alfa Romeo Monza. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alfa Romeo Monza.

James Stein- Porsche 356. Michael Casey-DiPleco — James Stein- Porsche 356.

Jim Bok- Lous 7. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jim Bok- Lous 7.

Marc Cendron- Alfa Romeo Sprint. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Marc Cendron- Alfa Romeo Sprint.

Elva MkII- Paul Wilson. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Elva MkII- Paul Wilson.

VSCCA Group 4 Formula Jonior and FV on the grid. Michael Casey-DiPleco — VSCCA Group 4 Formula Jonior and FV on the grid.

Disassembled Michael Casey-DiPleco — Disassembled

Rick Neves 1956 Austin Healey. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Rick Neves 1956 Austin Healey.

John Jeffery- 1972 Datsun 240Z. Michael Casey-DiPleco — John Jeffery- 1972 Datsun 240Z.

1967 Marcos GT- Richard Brown. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1967 Marcos GT- Richard Brown.

Lou Parrotta 1967 Lotus 51. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Lou Parrotta 1967 Lotus 51.

Micahel Rand 1973 Brabham BT40. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Micahel Rand 1973 Brabham BT40.

John Rutherford 1975 Lola T342 FF. Michael Casey-DiPleco — John Rutherford 1975 Lola T342 FF.

Ben Sinnott- 1979 Crossle 32F. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ben Sinnott- 1979 Crossle 32F.

Frank Del Vecchio- 1981 Van Dieman RF81. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Frank Del Vecchio- 1981 Van Dieman RF81.

Brian Rechtiene- GRD Formula B. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Brian Rechtiene- GRD Formula B.

Rod Folia Mazda RX-3. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Rod Folia Mazda RX-3.

Curt Vogt throws his Ford Boss 302 Mustang around Turn 9. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Curt Vogt throws his Ford Boss 302 Mustang around Turn 9.

1965 Corvette of Jim Glass. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1965 Corvette of Jim Glass.

David Gussack 1971 Porsche 914/6. Michael Casey-DiPleco — David Gussack 1971 Porsche 914/6.

Chuck Bentley- 1967 Camero Z-28. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Chuck Bentley- 1967 Camero Z-28.

Hoodless Dana Marek 1958 Corvette. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Hoodless Dana Marek 1958 Corvette.

Michael Dube- 1970 Porsche 914/6. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Michael Dube- 1970 Porsche 914/6.

Ben Sinnott 1991 Lola S2000. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ben Sinnott 1991 Lola S2000.

Jim Messenger Alfa Romeo GTV. #4-Michael Lawton- Alfa Romeo Spider. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jim Messenger Alfa Romeo GTV. #4-Michael Lawton- Alfa Romeo Spider.

Taylor Mudge- #91 Porsche 911. Margo Otey- Porsche 911. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Taylor Mudge- #91 Porsche 911. Margo Otey- Porsche 911.

Victor Pastore Gemini Mk11. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Victor Pastore Gemini Mk11.

Harry Sroka- Autodynamics Formula Vee. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Harry Sroka- Autodynamics Formula Vee.

Dan Chesanow- Formula Vee. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dan Chesanow- Formula Vee.

Sandra McNeil - Cooper Monaco. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Sandra McNeil – Cooper Monaco.

James Juhas MGA Coupe. Michael Casey-DiPleco — James Juhas MGA Coupe.

Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce.

Edward Potter- Alfa Romeo Sprint. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Edward Potter- Alfa Romeo Sprint.

Roger Cassin- Alfa Romeo Sprint. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Roger Cassin- Alfa Romeo Sprint.

Jeff Daigle- Austin Healy Sprite. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jeff Daigle- Austin Healy Sprite.

Ben Bragg Ford V8 Special "Ole Grey Mare". Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ben Bragg Ford V8 Special \”Ole Grey Mare\”.

Mike Virr- Riley. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mike Virr- Riley.

Robert Duell- Panhard 850. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Robert Duell- Panhard 850.

Vistor Cromie- Austin Ulster. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Vistor Cromie- Austin Ulster.

Peter Greenfield- Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Peter Greenfield- Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza.

Jeff Daigle Austin Healey Sprite. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jeff Daigle Austin Healey Sprite.

Emest Steubesand- Lotus Super 7. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Emest Steubesand- Lotus Super 7.

Bob Girvin- Allard GT. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Bob Girvin- Allard GT.

Bob Millstein
Hansgen Jaguar Michael Casey-DiPleco — Bob Millstein Hansgen Jaguar

Stefan Vappa, Quantum Saab. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Stefan Vappa, Quantum Saab.

Formula Jr's enter the front straight of Thompson. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Formula Jr\’s enter the front straight of Thompson.

Paul Buttrose- 1968Zink Formula Vee. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Paul Buttrose- 1968Zink Formula Vee.

1964 MG Midget (with a Frogeye bonnet) of Gary Hagopian. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1964 MG Midget (with a Frogeye bonnet) of Gary Hagopian.

1964 Austin Healey 3000, Jon Einhorn. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1964 Austin Healey 3000, Jon Einhorn.

Kenneth Wild- 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Kenneth Wild- 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Group 2- Medium-Bore Production Sports Cars. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Group 2- Medium-Bore Production Sports Cars.

Robert Thompson 1968 Datsun 510. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Robert Thompson 1968 Datsun 510.

Ray Quaranto- Alfa Romeo Duetto. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ray Quaranto- Alfa Romeo Duetto.

Battlling Healey's Michael Casey-DiPleco — Battlling Healey\’s

Mark Wheatley 1962 Triumph TR4. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mark Wheatley 1962 Triumph TR4.

Rob Brownlee-Tomasso- 1958 MGA. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Rob Brownlee-Tomasso- 1958 MGA.

John Faulkner- 1959 MGA 1600. Michael Casey-DiPleco — John Faulkner- 1959 MGA 1600.

Niel Hamilton, 1972 Mallock. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Niel Hamilton, 1972 Mallock.

Ralhp Kennedy 1981 Tiga FF-81. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ralhp Kennedy 1981 Tiga FF-81.

Jim Glass- 1965 Corvette. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jim Glass- 1965 Corvette.

Frank Grimaldi- 1968 Camero. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Frank Grimaldi- 1968 Camero.

Michael Dube 1970 Porsche 914. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Michael Dube 1970 Porsche 914.

Jim Montana- Lola T-598. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jim Montana- Lola T-598.

Dave Edsinger Yenko Stinger Coupe. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dave Edsinger Yenko Stinger Coupe.

Theodore Goneos- 1968 Porsche 911. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Theodore Goneos- 1968 Porsche 911.

Malcolm Rutherford- Rutherford Special. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Malcolm Rutherford- Rutherford Special.

Tim Cashman 1970 BMW 2002. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Tim Cashman 1970 BMW 2002.

Michael Lawton- Alfa Romeo Spider. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Michael Lawton- Alfa Romeo Spider.

Ivan Long Autodynamics FV. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ivan Long Autodynamics FV.

Donald Dingman- Osca FJ. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Donald Dingman- Osca FJ.

Nick Grewal- Lotus 18. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Nick Grewal- Lotus 18.

1955 Ford Thunderbird- Mark Riley. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1955 Ford Thunderbird- Mark Riley.

George Vapaa
Quantum Michael Casey-DiPleco — George Vapaa Quantum

Maxter Phillips- Lotus 11 Michael Casey-DiPleco — Maxter Phillips- Lotus 11

Alfa Romeo Veloce- Stephen Lehrman. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alfa Romeo Veloce- Stephen Lehrman.

Stu Forer- Turner 950S. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Stu Forer- Turner 950S.

Alfa Romeo Veloce- Bradley Price. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alfa Romeo Veloce- Bradley Price.

Dan Leonard- MG-TC Special. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dan Leonard- MG-TC Special.

Sandy Leigh- Bugatti Special. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Sandy Leigh- Bugatti Special.

Sprinter. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Sprinter.

Mercedes-Benz 190V. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mercedes-Benz 190V.

Stutz Safty Car. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Stutz Safty Car.

Group 1 heads for the banking. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Group 1 heads for the banking.

MG-P Lister Special- James Urban. Michael Casey-DiPleco — MG-P Lister Special- James Urban.

David Holmes MG-TC. Michael Casey-DiPleco — David Holmes MG-TC.

1958 Elva Courier- Drew Cullen. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1958 Elva Courier- Drew Cullen.

1964 Fiat Abarth 1000TC. Alain Raymond. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1964 Fiat Abarth 1000TC. Alain Raymond.

Tom Taylor 1971 Royale RP-3. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Tom Taylor 1971 Royale RP-3.

Panhard Dyna rolls out of tech. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Panhard Dyna rolls out of tech.

Lee Walsh 1964 Turner MkII. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Lee Walsh 1964 Turner MkII.

1970 Vitesse Sports Racer- Robert Anderson. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1970 Vitesse Sports Racer- Robert Anderson.

Dean Hutchinson- 1959 Lotus 7. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dean Hutchinson- 1959 Lotus 7.

David Gussack- #88 Triumph Spitfire. Michael Casey-DiPleco — David Gussack- #88 Triumph Spitfire.

Ralph Kennedy Tiga FF-81. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Ralph Kennedy Tiga FF-81.

1975 Lola T342 FF- John Rutherford. Michael Casey-DiPleco — 1975 Lola T342 FF- John Rutherford.

Mallock MkIIb. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mallock MkIIb.

Chuck Bentley 1967 Camaro Z28. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Chuck Bentley 1967 Camaro Z28.

Marc Sharinn 1967 Corvette. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Marc Sharinn 1967 Corvette.

Jim Scott- Porsche 911. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jim Scott- Porsche 911.

Fred Presbrey- Jabro Mk1. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Fred Presbrey- Jabro Mk1.

Grid Boss. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Grid Boss.

Dick Fryberger- Lotus 11. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dick Fryberger- Lotus 11.

Well worn Bugatti Michael Casey-DiPleco — Well worn Bugatti

Lotus in the light Michael Casey-DiPleco — Lotus in the light

Mark Wheatley- Triumph TR4. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mark Wheatley- Triumph TR4.

Turn 9 -10 complex, great view from the hill. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Turn 9 -10 complex, great view from the hill.

Lou Parrotta- Lotus Mk51. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Lou Parrotta- Lotus Mk51.

David Hutchings Porsche 911. Michael Casey-DiPleco — David Hutchings Porsche 911.

James Hamblin Porsche 911ST. Michael Casey-DiPleco — James Hamblin Porsche 911ST.

Norman Latulippe, Chevrolet Corvair/Yenko. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Norman Latulippe, Chevrolet Corvair/Yenko.

Steve Limbert Porsche 914/6. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Steve Limbert Porsche 914/6.

Alex Vogel- 1970 Volvo 142. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alex Vogel- 1970 Volvo 142.

Tom Clifford- Lotus 11. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Tom Clifford- Lotus 11.

Jackie Amarosa- Triumph TR3. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jackie Amarosa- Triumph TR3.

Alfa Romeo Veloce- Stephen Lehrman. #143- Scott Hill Alfa Romeo Spider. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Alfa Romeo Veloce- Stephen Lehrman. #143- Scott Hill Alfa Romeo Spider.

#555- Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce. Michael Casey-DiPleco — #555- Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce.

Earle Tucker #564 MGA #555- Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Earle Tucker #564 MGA #555- Santo Spadaro- Alfa Romeo Veloce.

Scott Hill- Alfa Romeo Spider. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Scott Hill- Alfa Romeo Spider.

Jack Boxstrom- Lotus 18. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Jack Boxstrom- Lotus 18.

Josh Mitchel Lotus 18. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Josh Mitchel Lotus 18.

Michael Dube- Porsche 914/6. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Michael Dube- Porsche 914/6.

Sandy Leith Bugatti Special. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Sandy Leith Bugatti Special.

Mike Virr in his Riley. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mike Virr in his Riley.

Victor Cromie, Austin Ulster. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Victor Cromie, Austin Ulster.

Peter Greenfield- Alfa Romeo Monza. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Peter Greenfield- Alfa Romeo Monza.

Olga Rendlova 1960 Porsche 356 Michael Casey-DiPleco — Olga Rendlova 1960 Porsche 356

Chris Fragomeni- 1959 MGA Twin Cam. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Chris Fragomeni- 1959 MGA Twin Cam.

Rocco Lojac- 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Rocco Lojac- 1961 Sunbeam Alpine.

Mark Lydell- 1980 MGB. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Mark Lydell- 1980 MGB.

Dave Edsinger 1966 Yenko Stinger Coupe. Michael Casey-DiPleco — Dave Edsinger 1966 Yenko Stinger Coupe.

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