Thompson Speedway’s story began in 1938 when the devastating “Long Island Express” hurricane destroyed John Hoenig’s family farm in Thompson, Connecticut. Rather than relocate, Hoenig rebuilt by clearing the land and using its resources to construct the nation’s first asphalt racetrack, which opened on May 26, 1940, to a capacity crowd and soon earned the title “Indianapolis of the East.” As racing evolved, Thompson added a ¼-mile oval to support stock car and jalopy racing, later expanding into sports car and SCCA events throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In 1969, the speedway introduced its modern road course, solidifying Thompson as a premier motorsports destination in the Northeast. Over the decades, it became a proving ground for future stars like Pete Hamilton, Ron Bouchard, the Bodine brothers, and Joey Logano, with legends such as Richie Evans and Ted Christopher cementing its legacy. Beyond racing, the property grew to include the Raceway Golf Club and Restaurant, creating a one-of-a-kind venue that celebrates both motorsport and community tradition.