Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles
Why not Thunder Road and Tony Stewart SRX Series
Episode 407
August 21, 2022
Thunder Road should be on Tony Stewart’s SRX Series
Practically from the debut of Tony Stewart’s made-for-TV race series, Superstars Racing Experience (SRX) in 2020, I have thought that Thunder Road Speedbowl, a high-banked 1/4-mile asphalt track nestled in the hills of Barre, Vermont, should be considered for a hosting opportunity.
The track has made many capital investments including some of the best lights I have seen, thousands of square feet of paving, a turn 3/4 viewing berm with unbelievable close (and loud) viewing, clean restrooms, and gallons of green and yellow paint.
Vermont Tire and Service Night Thursday August 18, 2022 (yes…Thursday night) had four divisions of racing starting on time at 7 pm and finishing in less than three hours with 100 cars in those divisions. The smallest class started 18 cars!
A view of turn three action as racers barrel into the steeply banked corners leading to fast speeds and tussling to get track position. It has always been amazing that Thunder Road gets over 2300 spectators on Thursday nights. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Brothers Kane (left) and Connor Hatch (right) mimicking every move of the Thunder Road flagman Jason Lamoy, Plattsburgh, New York. Many young fans aspire to be drivers or mechanics, however, these two, the sons of Darryl & Karmen Hatch of Stowe, Vermont have chosen a different route, flagmen. (HTF Motorsports photo)
The older of the Hatch brothers, Kane (10) displays the checkered flag and his complete set of race flags that he keeps against the fence in turn four area of the track. From their station the brothers are able to monitor action on the track as well as keep an eye on the flagman. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Connor Hatch (7) displays his special wave of the yellow flag during action at Thunder Road’s Vermont Tire & Service Night. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Unique to Thunder Road is their Race to Read book program for kids from 3 to 10 years of age. The program was recognized by Governor Phil Scott for its unique way to entice the youngest race fans to read. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Thunder Road had a rather unique situation arise in this late season race night. It shows how competitive their divisions are when they had FOUR first time winners that evening:
Late Models, Tyler Cahoon, Danville, Vermont Flying Tigers, Mike Billado, Grand Isle, Vermont Street Stocks, Kyler Davis, Berlin, Vermont Road Warriors, Ryan Foster, Waterbury, VermontAfter watching an evening of great racing and enjoying the highly recommended Thunder Road “Widow Maker” from the super clean concession stands, I was back at my daughter’s home in Huntington in slightly over one hour. Tony Stewart take notice please. Thunder Road and SRX 2023!
Kody Swanson wins setting new speed record
Kody Swanson with family and Doran Racing crew in Victory Circle Friday August 19 at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) USAC Silver Crown OutFront 100. In addition to his win, Swanson broke the all-time USAC top-speed record with a speed of 146.699 mph. This also eclipsed Chris Windom’s former record of 144.778 mph at WWTR in 2013. (Courtesy Jacob Quick Photos)
Trevor Swanson, oldest son of Kody and Jordan Swanson enjoying a familiar place for this family, Victory Circle. His father won his 40th pole position at WWTR, won at his 14th different track (setting another USAC Silver Crown record of 13 held by J.J. Yeley in his career), and led 55 of 80 laps at the 1.25-mile paved oval after never leading a single lap in three previous races at WWTR. Thus, the big smile on Trevor’s face. (Jordan Swanson photo)
Caribou Cares About Kids Car Show/Parade 2022
The 2022 edition of Caribou Cares About Kids Parade lasted 50 minutes with a large number of participants. UpNorth Motorsports was on site to report about the cars in the parade and on display after the parade at Caribou Wellness Center off Bennett Drive. As usual time and space permits highlighting only a portion of the total cars in the parade.
Here are a few:
Daryl Saunders, Caribou, 1979 Chevy Squarebody pickup (HTF Motorsports photo)
Daryl Saunders with his ’79 Chevy pickup converted from 4 wheel-drive to straight axle front end and two wheel-drive. Powered by GM 502 Big-Block 450 horsepower crate engine with Turbo 400. Interior by Kendall Sutherland. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Boulevard Graphix’s Joe Lapierre, Limestone with his 1997 Silverado 3500. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Joe Lapierre’s custom Silverado has air-ride suspension, 24″ Alcoa semi- truck wheels, 2wd from 4wd conversion, and four-inch stretched rear fenders to accommodate the wide rear differential and tires. Lapierre a former customs shop owner in Florida has been working on this project truck for four years. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Caribou’s Dell Brissette with his 1995 Mustang. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Dell Brissette’s 1995 Electric Blue Ford Mustang is powered by stroker 4.2 -liter engine. He has owned the Mustang for less than a year and plans to continue with a series of modifications. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Phil St Peter’s olive drab Jeep Rat Rod in the 2022 edition of Caribou Cares About Kids Parade/Car Show. (HTF Motorsports photo)
In three months Caribou native Phil St. Peter completed his Willy’s MB Rat Rod. The 360 Chrysler is backed by a 727 Torqueflite transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end. They reside in a Speedway Motors 4 link rear coil over Bucket T-frame. The front radiator support is the stock original 1945 part. (HTF Motorsports photo)
Coming SOOOOOOOON
The place to see racing in The County next weekend.
One of New England’s premiere motorsports events the 49th Annual Oxford 250
Coming September 11, 2022, the re-scheduled Feed the County 150 at Spud Speedway.at 1 pm. You will not want to miss this stock car racing extravaganza.
Let’s go racing,
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria (Matthew 5:16)
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