Archive for the 'Thunder Road' Category

Hoar Steals Second Merchants Bank 150

Published at April 28, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. Closed

The sun shined on eight-time American Canadian Tour Champion Brian Hoar, as his trademark patience brought him his second Merchants Bank 150 in as many years on a beautiful afternoon at Barre, VT’s Thunder Road on Sunday, April 28. Middlesex, VT’s Dave Pembroke came home a stout second, and 7-time ACT Champion Jean-Paul Cyr brought home a third place finish.

The race began with pole sitter Jay Laquerre running to a large lead in the early going, but it wasn’t long before Pembroke and Hoar muscled their way to the front in the outside lane, with Pembroke snatching the lead on lap 36. From there Pembroke surged, making short work of lap traffic and building his lead during a long 82-lap green flag run. ACT Rookie of the Year competitor Bobby Therrien impressed early, working his way towards the front of the pack as high as third in his third career ACT event before the caution.

When the race restarted, Pembroke was away again while young Therrien battled the veteran Hoar for second place. Meanwhile, Cyr, 2012 King of the Road Nick Sweet, and New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 Champion Jimmy Hebert crept through the field on their way to the leaders. When lap 100 struck, the veterans knew it was time to show their hand.

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Vermont State Late Model Championship Series Returns

Published at April 1, 2013 in ACT, Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road. Closed

Four-Race Schedule Set for Thunder Road and Devil’s Bowl

After its resurgence in 2012 following a 25-year hiatus, the Vermont State Late Model Championship Series will be back in 2013 for a four-race schedule split evenly between Barre, VT’s Thunder Road and West Haven, VT’s Devil’s Bowl Speedway.

The first event will be held at Thunder Road during the 51st Annual Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 26. Last year the event saw eventual King of the Road Nick Sweet take the victory in dominating fashion, picking up his first of two wins in the series. After that, the VSLCS will turn to the fast Devil’s Bowl half-mile on Friday, June 7 for the second jewel of the Vermont State Late Model Championship Series crown.

For the third race, the series will return to Thunder Road for the Vermont Lottery Governor’s Cup on Thursday, July 11, and the series finale will be held at Devil’s Bowl where the 2013 Vermont State Late Model Champion will be honored during their Vermont 200 weekend of September 14/15. Last year’s championship came down to a paint-trading last lap of the finale, leaving Champion Dave Pembroke and runner-up Brent Dragon just a single point apart.

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ACT Makes Key Staff Changes

Published at March 27, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Série ACT Castrol and Thunder Road. Closed

Lynch Joins Série ACT Castrol as Chief Steward

American Canadian Tour officials have announced the hiring of several new officials across the Série ACT Castrol, Thunder Road, and the American Canadian Tour for the 2013 season.

The overhaul is headlined by the hiring of former Kawartha Speedway (ON) manager Derek Lynch as the Chief Steward of the Série ACT Castrol. Lynch started racing with ACT at just 17 years old in the late 1980s, and had won the Oxford 250 before heading to the NASCAR Busch North Series. His career eventually led him to Charlotte, NC, where he worked in fabrication for Darrell Waltrip racing. In 2000, he married Cait Curley, daughter of long-time Thunder Road promoter Tom Curley, and took over management at Kawartha Speedway. He left Kawartha at the end of last season.

“I think the Castrol series is much like Kawartha. These teams are professional operations, and it’s going to be fun to work with guys doing this at such a high level,” said Lynch. “There are a lot of guys leading the charge that I’ve had the pleasure of racing with over the last few years, but what really stands out for me is the young talent on this tour. There is a great veteran presence, but there is also a talented group of young guys starting to make a name for themselves. I think that’s critical. I can’t wait to get started,” he finished.

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Thunder Road 2013 Schedule Announced

Published at March 19, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, NEAR and Thunder Road. Closed

Devil’s Bowl Dirt Modifieds to Run Memorial Day Classic

Thunder Road officials have put the final touches on the schedule for the Nation’s Site of Excitement for the 2013 season, kicking off the year with the Merchants Bank 150 on April 27th and 28th and closing out with the 51st running of the Vermont Milk Bowl on October 5/6.

The schedule will include 18 overall events at the Barre highbanks, with 14 of them counting towards the Late Model Track Title. The stars of the American Canadian Tour will start the year at the Merchants Bank 150 on April 27/28, and the chase to become the next King of the Road will begin with the 51st Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 26. The Devil’s Bowl Bond Auto Parts Dirt Modifieds will make their first Thunder Road appearance to run a 50-lap feature before the Late Model’s 100-lap classic.

Three-time Late Model King of the Road Phil Scott is excited to get the year started.

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Unbuckled: Getting To Know Jean-Paul Cyr

Published at February 7, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Airborne and Thunder Road. Closed

Unbuckled: Getting To Know Jean-Paul Cyr-Driver of the #32 Harrison Redi-Mix Chevrolet

Hometown: Milton, VT

2012: Finished 9th overall on American Canadian Tour

What are your favorite hobbies in the off-season?

Oh these days I try to snowboard, ride dirt bikes, and I’m trying to get into mountain biking.

What do you do for work?

I’m one of the owners of Cyr Lumber. It’s been the family business since 1970.

What is your biggest life accomplishment?

Probably watching my two children grow up into fine young adults.

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INFO UPDATED MEMO: Regarding Tom Curley/2013 ACT & Thunder Road

Published at January 24, 2013 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, ACT Tiger Sportsman, Thompson and Thunder Road. Closed

INTRODUCTION

First, I would like to thank you for all of the well wishes I have received from so many concerned about my recent health issues. The many emails, phone calls, text messages, prayers and thoughts have been very much appreciated. I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank Darla who has been with me for every hour of the past three weeks and continues to care for me as I recover.

I wanted to take this opportunity to review for all our ACT and Thunder Road race teams exactly what has been done over the past three months since the 50th Milk Bowl finally closed our season, and to hopefully provide a positive platform for everyone to become excited, positive, and energized about the upcoming race season.

FALL OFF-SEASON

1. QUEBEC ACT CASTROL SERIES:

As some of you know, I spent nearly 6 weeks in the immediate post season negotiating with Quebec promoters after the sale of Autodrome Chaudiere. The potential of having the Quebec teams split into PASS type Late Models and an unsustainable marketing plan, particularly in the Quebec City region, would have changed ACT type Late Model racing on both sides of the border dramatically. Fortunately, the ACT promoters were very supportive, a group of ACT Castrol teams provided tremendous support, and we were able to work out compromises among all parties. We actually have developed an outstanding program for fans, teams and promoters for the coming year. When the entries begin coming out in a few weeks I think teams from both sides of the border will be very happy with 2013 plans.

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The Setup For A Legendary 5th Anniversary

Published at December 10, 2012 in Lee USA, Monadnock, NEMST, NHMS, Riverside, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Thunder Road, Waterford and Wiscasset. Closed

The North East Mini Stock Tour (NEMST) will carry its large head of steam built in 2012 of large car counts and breathtaking racing with photo finishes into 2013, the NEMST’s fifth year in competition. The NEMST held its first event at Canaan Fair Speedway May 23, 2009 with Emerson Cayer taking home first NEMST winner’s trophy. Since that day the tour has held 33 additional events with 13 different Feature winners. The largest news in NEMST history came in February of 2012 when the dates at New Hampshire Motor Speedway were released for the mini-stocks to run on the 1.6 mile road course and the mini-oval setup in turn 2, as well as the news in 2011 of the NEMST signing on national sponsorship from Texas Roadhouse.

“We have worked very hard in making the series better from year to year and raising the bar for competitors, fans, and sponsors alike. The news of 3 brand new to us race tracks and the return to the NEMST’s home state of Maine is sure to make a tidal wave throughout the mini-stock racing community.” said NEMST Promoter Bob Guptill. Big news came in the form of one new track confirmed at the year end Championship Banquet in November with a date at the famed ½ mile of Stafford Motor Speedway confirmed in April for Stafford’s opening weekend Spring Sizzler.

Without further suspense, here is the 2013 Schedule of Events.

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2013 ACT Schedule Announced

Published at November 15, 2012 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Airborne, Beech Ridge, Canaan Fair, Devil's Bowl, Lee USA, NHMS, Riverside, Sanair, Star, Thunder Road and White Mountain. Closed

Three New Tracks Slated for 2013

ACT officials have announced a 14-race schedule for the 2013 American Canadian Tour season at eleven different Northeast short tracks. The schedule will include three new additions to the Tour schedule. There will also be three more non-point counting special events during the 2013 campaign.

The Tour will return to 2012 tracks Lee USA Speedway, Thunder Road, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Airborne Speedway, White Mountain Motorsports Park, and Beech Ridge Speedway in 2013. A visit to Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH is planned for a 150-lap event on Sunday, June 2nd and will mark the first time ACT has raced there since 2004. The American Canadian Tour will also head to Canaan Fair Speedway on Saturday, June 15th for the first time since 2005, and has set a date for Star Speedway on Saturday, July 6, last visited in 2003.

The American Canadian Tour schedule will include two point-counting combo events with the Canadian Série ACT Castrol at Sanair Super Speedway, which will be increased to a 150-lap event from 100, and at St-Croix, QC’s Circuit Riverside Speedway for the 4th Annual Can-Am 200.

Continue reading ’2013 ACT Schedule Announced’

Pembroke Thrills, Wins 50th Milk Bowl

Published at October 28, 2012 in ACT and Thunder Road. Closed

Therrien, Pilotte Claim 2012 Championships

Two-time Thunder Road Champion Dave Pembroke persisted through a wild 50th Milk Bowl to kiss the cow on a payday worth over $10,000 for the second time in his career. Eight-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar came up just short through a day of major adversity to finish second, and Maine’s Glen Luce earned third overall. 2012 ACT Champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr. battled to fourth, and 7-time ACT Champion Jean Paul Cyr rounded out the top five.

The day began with second place starter Brian Hoar blowing an engine in practice, with a new engine arriving from his Georgia, VT shop 45 minutes before the drop of the green. The RPM team changed the motor, and sent Hoar out just as the field fired for the pace laps to make the start. Hoar and Pembroke battled side-by-side for the first ten laps, before Hoar soared to the lead and began to slice through lap traffic. Just as Hoar began lapping the middle of the field, a nasty wreck involving ACT Champion Helliwell and others, developed directly in front of Hoar, but he slipped through the carnage to retain the lead. Hoar cruised to the segment win with Pembroke, 2012 King of the Road Nick Sweet, and multi-time Thunder Road Champion Cris Michaud on his heels.

Cyr took the early lead in Segment 2 until a brutal lap 4 pileup that involved Sweet, Michaud, Cody Blake and other top contenders. Ten laps later Sweet pulled into the pits, while Pembroke picked off the field one by one. Hoar, already with a bent hood from the pileup, tried to clamor through the grid to catch Pembroke, but fell deep in the field after taking a spin through the infield himself. The top contenders continued to drop like flies, while Pembroke methodically moved to the front. Cyr powered through for the victory, while Pembroke earned 7th, building an 8-point advantage over Hoar, Scott Payea, and multi-time Thunder Road Champion Phil Scott.

Continue reading ‘Pembroke Thrills, Wins 50th Milk Bowl’

Sweet Rolls to First Memorial Day Classic Victory

Published at May 28, 2012 in ACT, NHMS and Thunder Road. Closed

Therrien and Pilotte Claim Feature Wins

In a race that had eluded his prestigious racing career, Barre, VT’s Nick Sweet methodically worked his way to the victory in the 50th Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic at Thunder Road in Barre, VT on Sunday, May 27, 2012. The Memorial Day Classic was the first of four events in the Vermont State Late Model Championship series. Sweet held off Lt. Governor Phil Scott and Brent Dragon, who flew through the field from the 12th and 16th starting positions to finish second and third.

The race began with pole sitter and former Oxford Plains Speedway Champion Ricky Rolfe showing the way early, only to engage with a heated back and forth struggle with Milton’s Scott Payea. Rolfe and Payea traded the lead back and forth, side by side for more than half of the race. Scott and Sweet trailed the pair for the majority of the exchange as the top four ran in a tight battle for the point. Scott took over on the outside lane for 12 laps only to see Nick Sweet steal it away for good on a lap 68 restart.

Weekly standouts Brooks Clark, who started 14th on the grid, and Scott Payea came home fourth and fifth respectively. 2011 Rookie of the Year Jimmy Hebert, Rolfe, Chip Grenier, Dave Pembroke, and Cris Michaud rounded out the top ten.

The race was completed in 42 minutes and 24 seconds. The race was slowed by five minor cautions.

Continue reading ‘Sweet Rolls to First Memorial Day Classic Victory’

ACT Chevy vs. Ford Heats Up in 2012

Published at March 16, 2012 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. Closed

Three years ago the American Canadian Tour (ACT) introduced a Ford crate engine option to their racing program. The goal was to give the Late Model teams some variety, and hopefully make the racing more exciting for the fans, many of whom are die hard Ford fans.

Many of the top teams in ACT elected to switch from the Chevrolet crate program, which had been the mainstay of ACT racing since it was developed in 1999. After a couple of years of ‘tweaking’ the rules, officials are hoping that the two major manufacturers’ engine programs have reached the ultimate goal of parity for which ACT racing is known. The goal of Late Model racing has always been to make it a ‘driver’s series’, not a cubic dollar series.

“When I was asked to test the original version of the Ford crate motor, I knew it would take some time to get things sorted out. There was no perfect science without actually competing with the engines in actual race conditions,” said Chris Michaud, the three-time Thunder Road Champion and original team elected to do the Ford testing.

 

 

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Merchants Bank 150 Opens Thunder Road April 29, 2012

Published at March 14, 2012 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. Closed

The 14th annual Merchants Bank 150 will open the 53rd season of stock car racing at Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl (TR) in Barre, VT on Sunday, April 29, 2012.

There have been nine different winners since the inaugural event in 1999. Jean Paul Cyr, Milton, VT, a former ACT multi-time champion and 2010 ‘King of the Road’ at the Speedbowl leads the list of winners with three Merchant Bank 150 wins (2002, 2004, and 2006).

“I have come to really like the Merchants Bank openers at Thunder Road. I was on a pretty good run from 2002 through 2006, winning every other year. Scott (Payea), Milton, VT stopped that win streak in 2008 when he backed up his 2007 win. I’m feeling pretty good about how our team is finally getting back on track after a couple tough years, and stopping Scott and Nick Sweet from tying the Merchants Bank opening record of three wins is a pretty good motivator going into this year’s race,” said Cyr.

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Russ Stoehr and Russ Wood Jr. The Thunder Road Winners

Published at June 20, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Barre, VT — Russ Stoehr passed Mike Horn heading into turn one on lap 18 and went on to a convincing Northeastern Midget Association victory Sunday night at Thunder Road Speedbowl. It was NEMA’s first visit to the fame quarter mile since 1991.

Using the outside almost exclusively, Stoehr (Dumo’ Desire #45), who came from ninth, used an inside move to get brother Greg (Stoehr #26b) heading into three on lap 17. Two turns later he did the same to Horn (Horn #93x) en route to his second 2011 win in as many tries.

Greg Stoehr got Horn for second with five left. John Zych Jr. (Zych #9) and Jeremy Frankoski (Cantor #7ny) completed the top-five. Greg Stoehr had the fastest feature lap (11.377) although Russ’ 11.348 en route to the first heat win set a track record.

Paul Scally (Scally #30) treated the large crowd to some aeronautics in the feature. Going high to miss a spun Jim Miller (Miller #3m) in one, Scally appeared to just clip the wall and then flip end-over-end at least four times down the egress road. He was uninjured.

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Jeremy Frankoski Inspired; Looking Forward To Racing This Weekend

Published at June 17, 2011 in NEMA and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Huntersville, NC — After rain forced the cancellation of the second NorthEastern Midget Association (NEMA) event of the season, Jeremy Frankoski had some unexpected down time, so he decided to make a trip to visit family.

Little did the Huntersville, North Carolina resident know that he would become inspired from what became of the welcomed trip. While visiting his mother and sister, Frankoski was asked to attend a benefit where his sister’s husband, Brian Yurka, a member of the band WATTS On TAP were providing the musical entertainment for a youngster named Preston who is currently battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

More than willing to attend, Frankoski had the opportunity to meet Preston’s supporters on Sunday, June 12 at Union City Fire Station in Union City, New York. The gathering benefit offered music, 50 / 50 raffle, two different types of auctions and a bake sale.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Frankoski said. “It’s a disappointing that we were rained out at Twin State Speedway, but the chance to support a courageous boy like Preston made up for it ten fold. It was a neat event and it was electrifying to see the community come together to support the family. It was truly an honorable moment.”

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NEMA Set For Thunder Road

Published at June 14, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Brockton, MA — “The fourth turn wall,” is Greg Stoehr’s quick response to inquiries of his memories of Vermont’s Thunder Road Speedbowl. Stoehr, a winner there in 1992, leads the Northeastern Midget Association back to the banked quarter mile Sunday, June 19.

The NEMA Lites will face the famed “widow maker” as well.

“The wall just sort of lays out there,” continues Stoehr, one of the few NEMA competitors with Thunder Road experience. ”Coming out of four will make a lot of difference. You’ve got to be careful.”

While he agrees, promoter Tom Curley predicts a great show. “Thunder Road is perfectly suited for them,” offers Curley, pointing out the facility was built with Midgets in mind back in 1959. He remembers well the early 1960s NEMA visits with the likes of Joe Csiki, Billy Randall, Len Thrall. “Those guys were wild,” he says.

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Twin State, Thunder Road Next Stops for NEMA

Published at May 30, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites, Thunder Road and Twin State. 0 Comments

Brockton, MA —  The Northeastern Midget Association heads “North” in June. A visit to Twin State Speedway (Claremont, NH) on Saturday night, June 11, precedes a return to Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT on Sunday afternoon, June 19.

The NEMA LITES are on both dates as well. Ryan Bigelow, who scored his first-ever Lites win a few weeks back at Waterford Speedbowl, leads the club into two of Northern New England’s most historic ovals.

Randy Cabral and the Bertrand team aim to make it three straight at Twin State. “A demanding place,” offers Cabral who bested Adam Cantor in two of those wins. Now a car owner, Cantor, who was also second to Bobby Santos III back in ’08, will no doubt have some advice for driver Jeremy Frankoski.

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Brian Hoar and Nick Sweet Take Top Honors at ACT/Thunder Road Banquet of Champions

Published at January 22, 2011 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Seven-time American Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion Brian Hoar of Williston was honored for his 2011 ACT Late Model Tour stock car championship on Saturday, January 22 at the Sheraton-Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington. Hoar earned three wins and never finished outside the top ten in the 13 event 2011 season. The championship was his second in a row with car owner and crew chief Rick Paya, who also has seven career titles as a crew chief and owner. Over 400 team, fans and officials were in attendance to help celebrate the team’s championship, which included a $10,000 point fund check. The team earned over $30,000 for their efforts in 2010.

The 42nd Annual MacTavish Award was given to two-time Série ACT Castrol Edge Champion Donald Theetge of Boischatel, Quebec for his dedication to Northeast stock car racing and ACT for over two decades. The prestigious MacTavish Award is named for legendary New England racer Don MacTavish who was killed in 1969 while racing at Daytona International Speedway. Theetge began racing with ACT in 1988 on the former Pro Stock Tour and has been one of the most skilled and respected drivers in the Northeast and Quebec ever since. He accepted the award at the 2010 Série ACT Castrol Edge Banquet of Champions in Quebec City, Quebec on Saturday, January 15.

The 2010 Thunder Road International Speedbowl Late Model Championship honors went to hometown favorite Nick Sweet of Barre. Sweet earned the “King of the Road” title in just his third season of Late Model competition. The 2008 ACT Late Model Tour Rookie of the Year and former Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Champion returned to his hometrack and finished sixth in 2009. During his 2010 Championship run, he won two of the biggest events of the season in the opening day Merchants Bank 150 and the Carquest Governor’s Cup 100. In one of the closest battles in Thunder Road history, Sweet edged out runner-up Dave Pembroke and third place finisher Lt. Governor Phil Scott for the title.

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ACT/Thunder Road Announces Nominees for Special Awards at 2010 Banquet of Champions

Published at January 20, 2011 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

The American Candian Tour (ACT) and Thunder Road International Speedbowl have announced the nominees for the special awards to be handed out this Saturday, January 22 during the 2010 Banquet of Champions ceremony at the Sheraton-Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington. Over 400 teams, fans and officials will be in attendance for the celebration.

As in years past, the Most Improved Driver Award and the Sportsmanship Award winners will be selected by votes from their fellow drivers and ACT/Thunder Road officials. The top four nominees for each award have been determined. Also the top five finalists for the Dr. Gordon R. “Doc” Nielsen Rookie Award have been selected.

The “Doc” Nielsen Rookie Award is presented to the most outstanding rookie competitor each year. Past winners include Thunder Road Late Model Champions Jamie Fisher and Nick Sweet, as well as former Street Stock Champion and current Tiger Sportsmen competitor Bobby Therrien.

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NEMA Releases 2011 Schedules

Published at January 19, 2011 in Lee USA, NEMA, NEMA Lites, Riverside, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson, Thunder Road, Twin State and Waterford. 0 Comments

2011 schedules for NEMA MIDGETS and NEMA LITES are now posted. Discussions with Oswego, Airborne, and Star speedways for additional events are still proceeding.

NEMA
Sun. A. 4/3/2011 Waterford Speedbowl
Sat. N. 5/28/2011 Riverside Speedway Tenative
Sun. A. 5/29/2011 Thunder Road Speedbowl Tenative
Sat. N. 6/11/2011 Twin State Speedway
Tues. N. 6/28/2011 Stafford Motor Speedway
Thurs. N. 7/7/2011 Thompson Int’l Speedway
Fri. N. 7/15/2011 Lee USA Speedway
Wed. N. 7/20/2011 Seekonk Speedway
Sat. N. 7/30/2011 Waterford Speedbowl
Sat. N. 8/13/2011 Waterford Speedbowl
Sat. N. 8/27/2011 Seekonk Speedway
Sat. N. 9/3/2011 TBA
Sun. A. 10/8/2011 Seekonk Speedway
Sun. A. 10/15/2011 Thompson Int’l Speedway

Continue reading ‘NEMA Releases 2011 Schedules’

Vermont Motorsports Magazine Names 2010 Driver of the Year Candidates

Published at January 7, 2011 in ACT LM Tour, Bear Ridge, Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Over sixty stock car racers nominated for fan awards

Burlington, VT — The Vermont Motorsports Magazine website (www.vtmotormag.com) has announced the nominations for its second annual “Driver of the Year” awards. The fan-voted awards will recognize stock car drivers from Vermont or racing in Vermont for their efforts during the 2010 season across ten categories.

A diverse group of sixty-two drivers from asphalt, dirt, full-fender, and open-wheel disciplines make up the ballot.

Competitors are nominated for selection for “Driver of the Year” awards in the Open Wheel, Late Model/Limited/Sportsman, and Four Cylinder categories, as well as categories for Touring Series drivers and those competing at Vermont’s three weekly race tracks: Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, and Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl in Barre. There also nominations for Breakout Driver of the Year and Youth Driver of the Year.

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ACT Track Facts: Speedways on the 2011 ACT Schedule By the Numbers

Published at December 1, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Airborne, Beech Ridge, Devil's Bowl, Lee USA, NHMS, Oxford Plains, Thunder Road, Twin State and White Mountain. 0 Comments

In anticipation of the 2011 ACT Racing Guide, which will be published and ready for sale soon, we’ll take a look at the speedways on the 2011 ACT Late Model Tour schedule. All of these stats (and more) can be found in the 2011 ACT Racing Guide. The stats below include ACT Late Model Tour point counting events only, unless otherwise noted. More information on the Racing Guides will be available soon.

ACT Late Model Tour 

Airborne Speedway – Plattsburgh, NY – ½ mile
First ACT event: May 23, 1992
# of ACT events: 38
Total event payout: $563,079
Number of starters: 1,176
Most starts: Dave Whitcomb (34)
Most wins: Brian Hoar (7)
Most top fives: Brian Hoar (16)
Most top tens: Brent Dragon (25)
Most money earned: Brian Hoar ($28,702)

Total laps run: 5,162   Continue reading ‘ACT Track Facts: Speedways on the 2011 ACT Schedule By the Numbers’

Goodyear Announces Development of New 14” Race Tire

Published at November 3, 2010 in Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Officials of the Goodyear Racing Division and Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl in Barre, VT have announced that the D2810 – 14” economy designed tire for a weekly type 4-cylinder short track division will be available for the 2011 race season.

Goodyear Racing and the American Canadian Tour (ACT), the Northeast sanctioning body that manages Thunder Road Speedbowl, have a long history of short track tire development. “I never realized how much work, expense, and effort go into bringing a race tire to the marketplace,” said Tom Curley, President of ACT and managing partner of Thunder Road Speedbowl with Ken Squier. “We have always tried to be on the cutting edge of technological improvements for short track racing, and Goodyear has played a vital part with us in that process for over 25 years.”

In the mid 1980’s, Goodyear Racing and ACT developed an 8” treaded groovedunit that is still one of the most popular tires in the Goodyear short track inventory. Over the past six years Goodyear engineers and ACT competitors have developed an economy Late Model 8” racing slick (D2672, D2882 and D2884), a 7.5” Limited Late Model unit (D2637) and will now introduce their latest short track tire, a 14” tire (D2810) that will serve a vast number of entry divisions around the country.

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Phil Scott “Race to the Finish” Schedule

Published at October 27, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Come support Phil Scott on Monday, November 1st at the following locations:

STOP #1: 4:45am-5:00am
On the Run/Walkers Farm Home and Tack
555 Fairfax Rd., St. Albans

STOP #2: 5:25am-5:40am
Apple Island Resort
70 US Route 2, South Hero

STOP #3: 6:05am-6:20am
Goss Dodge
1485 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington

STOP #4: 7:20am-7:35am
Foster Motors
7 South St., Middlebury

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Ford Blue Oval Challenge Bonus Lifts Milk Bowl Winner Past $15,000

Published at October 6, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

The Ford Blue Oval Challenge contingency awards, announced earlier this season for the competitors on the American Canadian Tour (ACT) and various affiliated weekly track participants, was the final bonus at Thunder Road’s Milk Bowl to raise winner Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.’s (Joey Pole) total winnings to over $15,000.00. The race posted over $80,000.00 in posted prize money and awards.

The unique three-segment event, promoted as the ‘toughest short track race in America’, was contested for the 48th time at the high-banked quarter mile oval in Barre, VT on Sunday, October 03, 2010. Joey Pole bested over 60 of the region’s top Late Model teams to win one of the most prestigious short track events in the country. With the $1,000.00 posted by the 2010 FORD contingency program for the event, Joey Pole became not only the youngest to win the event in the past 48 years, but set a record winner’s share of $15,420.00.

“We at Ford could not be prouder of Joey Pole and the entire team. They have worked all season to bring our Ford crate program to the front and there is no question that Ford is now in the short track business with a very competitive program. Winning on the mile at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last month was certainly the highlight of our initial full season with the Ford Blue Oval Challenge, but now winning the biggest race of the year at Thunder Road’s quarter mile is far more than we expected this early with the development of it,” said Mike Delahanty, Program Manager-Sportsman Circle Track Racing for the Ford Racing Technology division of Ford Racing.

Continue reading ‘Ford Blue Oval Challenge Bonus Lifts Milk Bowl Winner Past $15,000′

Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. Wins 48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl

Published at October 3, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, ACT Tiger Sportsman and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Rossi, MacAskill and Christmam Earn Thunder Road Championships

Hudson, New Hampshire’s Joey “Pole” Polewarczyk, Jr. earned his second big American-Canadian Tour win in a month at the 48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Pole, who won the second annual ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September, won the first 50-lap segment of the Milk Bowl after missing his fourth career pole award by just 22 one-thousandths of a second. He completed his win by finishing seventh and fourth respectively in the final two 75-lap segments. Pole’s win earned him a check of over $10,000 in the non-point counting event.

Pole sitter Brian Hoar held the lead at the beginning of the third segment as he sped his way through to the front while Pole was stuck in heavy traffic. Once the traffic cleared Pole methodically worked his way to the front and eventually got around Hoar to seal the win with a combined 12 points. Hoar would use his third segment finish of fifth to claim second after a tie breaker with last year’s Milk Bowl Champion John Donahue, who claimed third. The two both finished with 20 points but Hoar’s better finish in the final segment earned him the spot.

Brent Dragon and Joey Laquerre completed the top five, while Patrick Laperle, Eric Williams, Dave Pembroke, Jamie Fisher and Ben Rowe rounded out the top ten. The three segments were won by Pole, Pete Potvin, and Jean-Paul Cyr.

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Brian Hoar Claims Booth Bros./H.P. Hood Pole

Published at October 2, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Williston, Vermont’s Brian Hoar claimed the Booth Bros./H.P. Hood pole position for the 48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road in Barre on Sunday, October 3. The two-time (1998 and 1999) Milk Bowl Champion set a fast time of 13.001 on the day. Three-time Milk Bowl pole sitter Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. of Hudson, NH was just 22 one-thousandths of a second of Hoars time and will sit on the outside pole.

An impressive 61 ACT Late Models completed time trials. The fast three times, which were Hoar, Polewarczyk and Montreal, Quebec’s Patrick Laperle set the top three spots in the segment 1 line-up of the Milk Bowl. The Triple 50 lap heat races added the top five finishers from each to the starting lineup. Brent Dragon, John Donahue and Joey Laquerre claimed the wins in the Triple 50s. The next six spots were filled in based on the six fastest times that were not qualified yet.

The first 24 positions are now set for tomorrow’s 48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl. The final six positions will be decided the Last Chance race which will be set to roll at 1:00pm tomorrow, Sunday, October 3 at “The Nation’s Site of Excitement” Thunder Road in Barre.

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48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl Schedule of Events

Published at September 21, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl
Thunder Road International Speedbowl
Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, 2010
Complete Schedule of Events

Friday, October 1, 2010
12noon Camping Opens

Saturday, October 2, 2010 – Booth Bros./H.P. Hood Qualifying Day
8:00am LM Pits Open
Tire Compound Opens (Max 8 tires – 2 unused(stickers) may be used at Waterford or returned)
Tech Inspection
9:00am Pits Open – Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Warriors
9:30am MANDATORY DRIVER MEETING
10:00am Spectator Gate Opens

Practice
-ACT Late Models
-Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen
-Allen Lumber Street Stocks/Junkyard Warriors
-ACT Late Models
-Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen
-Allen Lumber Street Stocks/Junkyard Warriors
-ACT Late Models

12:50pm Post Parade (91QC, 90TS, 20SS, 4JYW)

1:00pm Tiger Heats
SS Heats
JYW Heat
Booth Bros./H.P. Hood Time Trials
Tiger Consi
SS/JYW B-Feature
Booth Bros./H.P. Hood “Triple 50s”
ACT Late Model Final Practice

5:30pm CLOSE TRACK

6:00pm Spaghetti Dinner/Calcutta at Turn 3 Pavilion (LM Auction – All Divisions are welcome)

Sunday, October 3, 2010 – 48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl
8:00am Pits Open (All)
Tire Compound Open
Tech Inspection
10:00am MANDATORY DRIVER MEETING
Spectator Gate Opens

11:00am Practice
-ACT Late Models
-Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen
-Allen Lumber Street Stocks/Junkyard Warriors
-ACT Late Models
-Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen

12:45pm Close Track – STAGE FIRST 24 CARS
People’s United Bank Draws

1:00pm People’s United Bank Milk Bowl Last Chance
Pre-Race Ceremonies/Intro Segment 1
Segment 1 People’s United Bank Milk Bowl (50 Laps)
Tiger B-Feature
SS/JYW Feature (25L)
Segment 2 People’s United Bank Milk Bowl (75 Laps)
INTERMISSION – Cow Chip Contest
Tiger Sportsmen Feature (50L)
Segment 3 People’s United Bank Milk Bowl (75 Laps)
People’s United Bank Milk Bowl Victory Lane

Schedule Subject to Change

Sources: ACT PR

Thunder Road Milk Bowl Gets Facelift

Published at September 15, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Officials from Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT announced today a change in the format of one of America’s best-known short track events, the People’s United Bank Milk Bowl.

For most if its 47-year history, the Milk Bowl has been comprised of qualifying and three 50-lap segments, with a unique scoring system that crowns the Champion after the completion of the final segment. In 2010, fans will see a change in the number of laps to the Milk Bowl format. As usual, the first 50-lap segment will be determined from a pole and outside-pole effort in time trials. The second and third segments have traditionally seen a full inversion of the previous segment, with the last place driver from the previous segment starting on the pole and the winner last. Beginning with the Peoples United Bank 2010 Milk Bowl, the event will look the same until the second segment when the laps will increase from 50 to 75. Again 75 laps will be run for the third and final segment, after the second segment inversion, making the new format a 200-lap Milk Bowl versus the 150-lap event of the past.

“Over the past few years, the racing by the weekly Late Models at Thunder Road and on the ACT has been remarkably respectful. It has left little time for drivers stuck out back to have a fair opportunity to challenge for many wins. In the interest of fair competition, and in an attempt to provide the fans with the most exciting racing we can, we are going to expand the laps. We hope it will increase the excitement of the overall Milk Bowl,” said Tom Curley, Promoter of Thunder Road in Barre, VT.

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Patrick Laperle Claims Bond Auto Labor Day Victory

Published at September 5, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Barre, VT — St-Denis, Quebec’s Patrick Laperle held off a late charging Phil Scott to claim the ACT Late Model Tour win in the 32nd running of the Bond Auto Labor Day Classic at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT on Sunday, September 5. Laperle led the final 14 laps of the 200 lap event after getting around Dave Pembroke.

Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. and current ACT Late Model Tour point leader Brian Hoar battled for the first 160 laps of the event. They swapped the lead eight times amongst themselves before Pembroke joined the mix with fresher tires on lap 160. Pembroke would hold the lead until lap 187 when Laperle took over also on fresher tires.

Phil Scott ran in the top three for the majority of the event until pitting for tires on a lap 167 caution. He proceed to slice through the field followed closely by Hoar and Randy Potter who also pitted on lap 167 with the same strategy.

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Sweet Defends Home Turf in Bond Labor Day Classic

Published at September 1, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour and Thunder Road. 0 Comments

Barre’s own Nick Sweet will defend his home turf at Thunder Road International Speedbowl against the ACT Late Model Tour stars in this Sunday’s (September 5) 32nd running of the Bond Auto Labor Day Classic 200. The recently crowned 2010 “King of the Road” will battle with the likes of current ACT Tour point leader Brian Hoar, Brent Dragon, John Donahue, who has won the last three Thunder Road Late Model features, and Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. among others.

As the hometown favorite, Sweet has had one of the most outstanding seasons at the “Nation’s Site of Excitement” in recent memory. He has already captured two big wins this season with the Thunder Road season opening ACT Tour Merchants Bank 150 in May and the Carquest Governor’s Cup 100 in June. In the 15 events held at Thunder Road this season Sweet has yet to finish outside the top ten. It is this consistency that helped him claim the 2010 Thunder Road Late Model Championship by just six points last Thursday (August 26).

“I think you get a huge advantage running there (Thunder Road) weekly,” said Sweet. “It’s not just the big races, but the races throughout the year. The regulars will do well because they know what they want for the feel of the car. It’s not about how fast you go, it’s how you maintain it, which is why the feel of the car is so important,” he continued. “It seems the Thunder Road weekly guys like Pembroke, Scott, Michaud, Donahue always finish well. Having experience at Thunder Road is a big advantage.”

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