Imagine a legendary short track racing event colliding with one of the most iconic short tracks in the sport—that’s exactly what happened at Thompson Speedway this weekend. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a driver truly dominate a race on a track they’re still mastering? Matt Hirschman proved it’s possible, clinching his 10th Race of Champions victory at the 75th edition of this prestigious event, held for the first time at Thompson Speedway as part of the Sunoco World Series.
Sponsored by the North-South Shootout (https://carawayspeedway.com/north-south-shoot-out-1), this RaceDayCT coverage highlights Hirschman’s remarkable achievement. Despite admitting he’s still ‘figuring out’ Thompson Speedway, Hirschman dominated the second half of the 150-lap race, outpacing Jon McKennedy to claim the checkered flag. ‘It was really smooth,’ Hirschman reflected. ‘Early on, [Jon McKennedy] was strong, and [Ron Silk] made a comeback after falling to the back. I knew they’d be tough to beat here. I give them credit—they’re better at Thompson than I am. But I’ve been gaining ground, and this win feels extra special because of the challenge.’
Hirschman’s victory wasn’t just another win; it was his 10th in this storied event, spanning four different tracks. ‘It’s pretty crazy,’ he said. ‘I don’t think we were the favorites today, but we pulled it off. This race has been incredible for my career. I’m not done yet, but having one for the other thumb is a good thing.’ And this is the part most people miss: Hirschman’s humility shines as he acknowledges he’s in the ‘back nine’ of his career, yet he’s still pushing for more.
McKennedy, who finished second, praised Hirschman’s performance: ‘Matt was really good. He’s one of the best.’ But McKennedy’s weekend was no less impressive. After winning the Thompson Outlaw Modified race the night before and the New England SuperModified Series race earlier that day, his second-place finish in the Race of Champions capped off a ‘pretty awesome weekend.’
The race itself was a strategic battle, with pit stops, cautions, and position swaps keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s the real question: does strategy outweigh raw speed in short track racing? Hirschman’s ability to capitalize on restarts and pit road efficiency suggests a blend of both. His final restart on lap 122, where he reclaimed the lead after Emerling’s sideways moment, sealed the deal.
Patrick Emerling, who finished third, played a pivotal role in the race’s dynamics, battling Hirschman and McKennedy throughout. Yet, it was Hirschman’s resilience and calculated moves that ultimately secured his victory. ‘Maybe the only mistake I made all day was overshooting my pit on the last stop,’ Hirschman admitted. ‘But we got a good restart and got back out front.’
As the dust settles on this historic event, one thing is clear: Matt Hirschman’s legacy in short track racing continues to grow. But what do you think? Is Hirschman’s dominance a testament to his skill, or is there room for others to challenge his reign? Let us know in the comments—this discussion is far from over!
