Bobby Allison to Appear at Thunder Road in 2009
50th Anniversary Celebration at Thunder Road
Three-time Daytona 500 mile stock car champion Bobby Allison will participate in the 50th anniversary celebration at Barre, Vermont’s Thunder Road this summer. Allison will make an appearance at the high-banked track on Thursday night June 18th.
Ken Squier, co-owner of Thunder Road said the announcement of Allison’s appearance was part of a year-long Thunder Road effort to recognize and honor great racing talent from the beginning of the Barre track’s history to today. “The track’s intention is to honor the greats from the 60’s to today, national stars and Thunder Road’s own greats. Actually we’re planning to present another NASCAR star driver for the future who will compete against Thunder Road regulars later this season,” said Squier.
Already on tap on Thursday night, June 25th, will be one of today’s biggest name drivers, Tony Stewart, who has entered the Governor’s Cup 150. Stewart will compete in an ACT approved car carrying the number 14 Indiana.
Allison, who in 1988 suffered a life-threatening crash at Pocono, Pennsylvania that ended his racing days, represents the talent that grew the sport from the 1960’s when Thunder Road was presenting its first race meets.
Allison’s career started on Florida and Alabama short tracks. He went on to become an American legend with more regional oval victories throughout the United States than any other driver of that period. In the 1970’s Allison rose to NASCAR’s most celebrated series where he amassed 84 major wins tying Darrell Waltrip for third on the all-time win list behind only David Pearson and Richard Petty. In 1983 he was the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series National Champion.
“No one better represents the spirit of racing,” said Squier, “Bobby raced four and five nights a week. He said for him it was his golf game and he loved the short tracks as much as the Super Speedways.”
Allison’s greatest triumph came in the 1988 Daytona 500 when he defeated his own son, the late Davey Allison, by a car length.
The 50th Thunder Road season gets under way Saturday morning, May 2 with the Annual Barre Car Show on the city’s Main Street. The event judges the best-constructed cars in 4 classes. The highlight of the opening weekend will be the Sunday, May 3rd annual Merchants Bank 150.
Season tickets are still available by contacting Thunder Road at 802.244.6963 or PO Box 296, Waterbury, VT 05676.
Sources: ACT PR