The 2004 NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series season got under way today at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, CT.  The 150 lap Icebreaker 2004, was originally scheduled to be run April 4th but postponed due to rain.  As defending champion of the Icebreaker 2003, Chuck was eager to get back behind the wheel of Bob Garbarino's v4 Mystic River Marina Dodge and begin his conquest for the 2004 NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series championship.

An axle problem during qualifying forced the Mystic Missile team to take a provisional starting position of 34th.  Starting from the back of the field is something the #4 team doesn't have to do very often, though they always manage to put themselves in position to contend for the win at the end of the race.   Today, was no different, as Chuck and the team pulled it together and turned a bad start due to the mechanical problem into a very positive top-5 finish at the end of the day. 

Demonstrating his skill, Chuck had driven the car up to 3rd place with one lap to go.  Ed Flemke Jr. (79) pulled off a last lap pass as Hossfeld crossed the line in 4th place behind Todd Szegedy (50), Ted Christopher (13), and Flemke.  However, Szegedy the apparent race winner, was disqualified in post race inspection due to an improper gear ratio, giving the win to Ted Christopher and bumping Hossfeld to 3rd.  Third would be good finish on any given day, but after coming from so far back in the field, it is a great momentum builder and positive start to the 2004 season, and proof that the v4 Mystic Missile team will be a force to be reckoned with in this year's championship hunt.

Chuck will be at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford, CT next weekend on April 24th & 25th.  The Hot Shoe will make his debut behind the wheel of the #47 Wisk/Clorox SK Modified for the start of the 2004 SK Modified® season in two 35 laps features, one each day.  Sunday Stafford Motor Speedway hosts the second race of the 2004 NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series with the 33rd Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler Presented By Carquest.  Hossfeld and the Mystic Missile team will be attempting to improve on their 4th place finish in last year's Spring Sizzler.

Click here for more results from the Icebreaker 2004 at Thompson International Speedway.