BARRE, VT – Stock car racing fans at Barre’s Thunder Road will be put to the test on Thursday, as NAPA Auto Parts and Make-A-Wish present the return of “Run What You Brung” spectator races at “The Nation’s Site of Excitement.” Race fans will have the opportunity to steer the family “grocery-getter” on Thunder Road’s famous high banks in an elimination-style race, with the winner of each match-up advancing to the next round.
Past entries have run the gamut of street vehicles, from everyday sedans to sporty Corvettes and BMWs, from pickup trucks to utility vans, and from limousines to bread trucks and community shuttle busses. “Run What You Brung” competitors must be 18 years or older, and enter registered and inspected street-legal automobiles at the pit area registration booth before 6:00pm on the day of the race. The entry fee will be $25 at the pit gate, and no entries will be accepted after 6:00pm. No studded tires will be allowed, and all drivers must wear a helmet.
Championship point races continue in Thunder Road’s weekly stock car divisions on NAPA Auto Parts/Make-A-Wish Night. American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model driver Jamie “Hurricane” Fisher of Shelburne leads an exciting see-saw battle over Williamstown’s Cris Michaud and Montpelier’s Dave Pembroke. Just 17 points separate the three drivers at the top of the standings. Fisher and Michaud are each looking to carry the checkered flag for the first time this season on Thursday.
Barre’s Nick Sweet has a commanding 99-point lead over Northfield driver Matt White in the NAPA Auto Parts Tiger Sportsman division. On the strength of four wins in his rookie season, Hinesburg teenager Bobby Therrien leads Barre veteran Lloyd Blakely by a tight 10 points in the Allen Lumber Street Stock class, while Hardwick’s Bunker Hodgdon paces Wolcott driver Jamie Davis by 20 markers in the Power Shift Online Junkyard Warrior division.
The NAPA Auto Parts/Make-A-Wish event, featuring “Run What You Brung” spectator races, begins with early qualifying rounds for the Street Stock and Warrior divisions at 6:30pm on Thursday. Thunder Road’s traditional Post Parade rolls out at 7:00pm. General admission is only $9 for adults, $3 for children (6-12, kids under 6 get in free!), and just $18 for a “family ticket” for two adults and two children. Gates open at 4:30pm. For more information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.