Thompson, CT. For those of you who know Fred Bates, driver of the #43 Limited Sportsman at Thompson Speedway, you know of his big smile, deep laugh and his willingness to help out fellow drivers every chance he gets. Fred needs our help now, more importantly he needs our prayers.

Fred has been stricken with a serious illness and is currently in intensive care and has been for over a week. We will give you more details when they become available but for now the most important thing to do is keep our friend and fellow driver in our prayers.