Pit Notes: PASS Takes to Thunder Road in Open Practice

By admin May 23, 2015 ACT, PASS, PASS North

Barre, VT—The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North took to Barre, VT’s Thunder Road on Saturday, May 23, marking the first time since 1995 that Super Late Models had been on the high banks. The four-hour open practice session was held in preparation for the Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 24.

The day began badly for two expected contenders. PASS North point leader Mike Rowe blew an engine after just a seven-lap run. Defending American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion Joey Polewarczyk Jr. also lost a motor later in the session.

Rowe is reportedly receiving a power plant from the RPM Motorsports team for Sunday’s event. Meanwhile, “Joey Pole” has borrowed an engine from Mike’s son Ben Rowe and Richard Moody Racing.

A mix of PASS and ACT drivers were at the top of the speed charts. 2013 PASS North Champion Cassius Clark, eight-time ACT Tour Champion Brian Hoar, and two-time ACT Tour Champion Wayne Helliwell Jr. all turned laps in the 12.6- to 12.7-second range. A large group of drivers were consistently near 12.8 seconds.

ACT and Thunder Road invaders were well-represented and all looked competitive. In addition to Pole, Hoar, and Helliwell, the field saw former Labor Day Classic Champion Travis Stearns and former ACT Rookie of the Year Bobby Therrien. Two-time “King of the Road” Dave Pembroke was also in attendance and is expected to do double-duty on Sunday.

The 53rd Annual Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic will be held at Thunder Road on Sunday, May 24. PASS North will run 150 laps in their inaugural visit, while Thunder Road’s ACT Late Models will kick off their 2015 title chase with a 100-lap event. The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen and Allen Lumber Street Stocks will also be in action. The front gates open at 10:00am with post time at 1:30pm. Admission is $30 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.

For more information contact the Thunder Road offices at 802.244.6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com or www.proallstarsseries.com.

Sources:Michael Stridsberg/ACT PR