9/27/2025
Cody Thompson
Thompson turns in top-5 finishes in Modified portion of Iron Cup
As he has at several events in recent weeks, Cody Thompson raced both an IMCA Modified and a Late Model during this year’s edition of the Iron Cup at Park Jefferson Speedway. The winningest driver in Iron Cup history struggled with the Late Model at his home track in North Sioux City, South Dakota, but earned two strong top-five finishes in Modified competition.
On Friday, Thompson was one of 32 Modified competitors seeking the $1,000 winner’s share at the quarter-mile track. He drove his Tri-State Coatings No. 25c machine from seventh to third in his heat race, positioning him fourth to start the 22-lap A-Main. He led the first 10 laps and ultimately finished as runner-up, 1.036 seconds behind winner Brandon Beckendorf. Jesse Dennis, Izac Mallicoat and Nick Meyer completed the top five.
Thirty-two IMCA Modified competitors were at Park Jefferson again on Saturday, this time with $1,500 going to the winner. Thompson grabbed second in his heat and turned in an 11th-to-fifth run in the 25-lap feature. He rounded out the top five behind Justin Zeitner, Beckendorf, Kelly Shryock and R.J. Merchant.
In the IMCA Late Model division on Friday, Thompson piloted the North Ridge Excavating No. 7 in a 28-car field. He was unable to transfer into the $1,000-to-win feature through his heat; however, he charged from seventh to a runner-up result in the B-Main. He started 18th in the 25-lap feature race but suffered a DNF and came home 20th.
Saturday saw Thompson compete for a $2,000 top prize with the Tri-State Late Model Series. The series' championship event attracted an impressive 37 cars. Thompson qualified third in his group, then went on to win his heat from the pole. He rolled off from the top spot in the 25-lap feature and ran inside the top five for much of the race. He ran into trouble with just a handful of circuits remaining and recorded a 17th-place result with another unfortunate DNF.
Full results from Park Jefferson Speedway are at www.parkjeff.com and www.tristatelatemodels.com.
Article Credit: Purdy Photography image
