Thunder Road Legend Demar Dies after Battle with Cancer
Barre, VT – Thunder Road legend Larry Demar died Thursday, November 12 overnight at his home after a battle with cancer. The Hardwick native made his name at Barre’s Thunder Road as well as its sister track Catamount Stadium in the formative years of both speedways, which included becoming the first driver ever to win all three segments of the Vermont Milk Bowl.
Demar rose to stardom in the early years of the famed Flying Tiger division. He earned the “King of the Road” titles in 1966 and 1967, capping the two-year run by winning the Milk Bowl in 1967. He remains one of only three drivers to sweep the three-segment event in its 53-year history. In addition, he won the Labor Day Classic both years and was the 1966 Memorial Day Classic Champion.
Demar, known as “The Driver for the Common Man”, also found success at Milton’s Catamount Stadium. He was the 1968 track champion and won 19 races at the 1/3-mile oval, including 10 in 1967. Demar totaled 28 career wins between Thunder Road and Catamount, with all of them coming in the Flying Tigers. Alhough Demar retired from racing in the early 1970s, he remained a presence at Thunder Road, most recently making an appearance at the 53rd Milk Bowl in October.
White Fiess Funeral Home in Lake Elmore is in charge of arrangements. For more information call802.888.2865.
Sources: Michael Stridsberg/ACT PR