Showing posts with label THUNDER ROAD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label THUNDER ROAD. Show all posts

2012-04-30

UN PREMIER PODIUM POUR PATRICK LAPERLE

Pour diffusion immédiate (30-04-12=06)

Merchants Bank à la piste Thunder Road
Champion en titre de la série ACT-Castrol, Patrick Laperle de St-Denis-sur-Richelieu a démontré qu’il était prêt à entreprendre la défense de celui-ci, dimanche après-midi à la piste Thunder Road de Barre au Vermont. Cette épreuve, le Merchants Bank 150 a été remportée par nul autre que Brian Hoar, le multiple champion du tour américain de l’ACT alors que Laperle a pris place sur la troisième marche du podium.

Cette course a nécessité six drapeaux jaunes dont un pour un carambolage au 70e passage impliquant neuf voitures dont celles de Brent Dragon, Chris Michaud, Ben Rowe, Glen Luce et Randy Potter. Le poste de commande a changé en neuf occasions parmi six pilotes.
Lors de sa qualification, Laperle avait pris le départ de la troisième place pour terminer quatrième alors que dans le Merchants Bank 150, il est parti de la 19e position pour remonter en troisième dans le dernier tiers.
Laperle a été plus chanceux que ses compatriotes Stéphane et Daniel Descostes ainsi que le nouveau venu Réjean Bissonnette qui n’ont pu se qualifier.
Dimanche prochain, le tour américain disputera sa troisième épreuve de la saison à la piste Devil’s Bowl au Vermont alors que Laperle entreprendra la défense de sa couronne ACT-Castrol à l’Autodrome Montmagny, le samedi 26 mai.

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14th Annual Merchants Bank 150 Weekend

Thunder Road International Speedbowl
PITS NOTES SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2012
·         109 cars attended the annual Car Show held at Thunder Road
·         46 ACT Late Models participated in practice in preparation for Sunday’s Merchants Bank 150.
·         Joey Polewarcyzk Jr. of Hudson, NH had the fastest lap time of 13.069.
·         Other fast times were set by defending Late Model Champion Dave Pembroke, two-time defending Merchants Bank 150 Champion Nick Sweet, Lt. Governor Phil Scott, former Rookie of the Year Cody Blake, as well as Ben Rowe, Brooks Clark, Randy Potter, and Cris Michaud in the Merchants Bank Ford Fusion.

·         Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, ME was also fast in practice after flying back from a fifth place finish at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL in his Brad Keselowski Racing Development ride on Friday night.
·         Four (4) Canadian teams participated in practice with former ACT Champion Patrick Laperle the fastest among them with a time of 13.175
·         Cris Michaud, of E. Montpelier won the pit stop contest with a time of 21.69 after Patrick Laperle’s team recorded a time of 21.63 but received a 10 second penalty for two loose lugnuts
·         Brent Dragon of Milton, VT was the most consistent driver of the day.  He was in the top five fastest cars in the first three practices.
·         All but two of the ACT Late Model Champions over the past 20 years (Pete Fecteau and Lance Ferno) will attempt to qualify for The Merchants Bank 150
·         David Finck of Barre, VT and Shawn Fleury of Middlesex, VT  were consistently the fastest Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen
·         Cam Ouelette of Barre, VT and Tommy Smith of Williamstown, VT ran the fastest times of the day in the Allen Lumber Street Stock division. 
·         Street Stock driver Brock Parrot of Williamstown, VT took a spin after a malfunction in the drive train, and the wheel of the #35 Street Stock of Keith Fortier of Hinesburg, VT came off entering turn one.  All were okay. 
·         With no major wrecks or spins, all the cars participating in practice today are expected to attempt to qualify for the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29 at 1pm. 
ACT Late Model Top 20 Practice Times
Saturday, April 28, 2012
1. 97nh Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. - 13.069
2. 88vt Nick Sweet - 13.105
3. 10nh Ben Rowe - 13.140
4. 14vt Phil Scott - 13.169
5. 55vt Brent Dragon - 13.172
6. 68vt Brooks Clark - 13.172
7. 02nh Randy Potter - 13.175
8. 91qc Patrick Laperle - 13.175
9. 99vt Cody Blake - 13.184
10. 6vt Cris Michaud - 13.186
11. 40vt Eric Chase - 13.193
12. 44vt Dave Pembroke - 13.197
13. 18vt Jamie Fisher - 13.205
14. 57me Austin Theriault - 13.211
15. 85vt Trampas Demers - 13.227
16. 37vt Brian Hoar - 13.235
17. 27nh Wayne Helliwell, Jr. - 13.242
18. 89vt Scott Payea - 13.255
19. 16vt Joey Becker - 13.269
20. 58vt Jimmy Hebert - 13.273



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2012-04-08

14th ANNUAL MERCHANTS BANK 150 OPENS THUNDER ROAD SEASON

                                    

                       
BARRE’S NICK SWEET LOOKS FOR THREE IN A ROW

For Immediate Release                                   TR – 040612-18

Attached Photos:
pic1.jpg: Nick Sweet celebrates his second straight Merchants Bank 150 win in 2011. (Photo by Eric LaFleche)
pic2.jpg: Brian Hoar (37VT) wins the 2011 Milk Bowl with Nick Sweet (88VT) following him to the line in the closest finish in Milk Bowl history. (Photo by Eric LaFleche)

            Barre, VT – The ‘Nation’s Site of Excitement’, Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl will open for the 53rd year of stock car racing with the traditional Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29, 2012. There has been over $30,000.00 in purse and prize money posted for the event, with the winner receiving $3,000.00 for the 150 lap contest. Defending event champion Nick Sweet from Barre, VT has an opportunity to become the first driver to win three in a row. The St J Auto team has back-to-back wins in 2010 and 2011 already in the record books.

“The opening Merchants Bank 150 has become really special for our family team. I was born and raised in Barre, I live and work in Barre, and winning at Thunder Road in front of a home town crowd is about as good as it gets in racing for us,” said Sweet.

Sweet has three ACT US career wins; all have come at Thunder Road. “We have been lucky to finish second at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and second in the Oxford 250--that was unbelievable--but winning at home is, well, there really is nothing like it. I know how tough it is to race with Phil (Scott, three-time Thunder Road Champion), Dave Pembroke (defending Thunder Road Champion) and Cris Michaud (another three-time Champion) every week at the ‘Road. When you add in the ACT US teams….it really sets the bar high. We will sure give it our best effort to win our third one,” concluded Sweet.

The field for this year’s Merchants Bank race is expected to have an exceptionally competitive entry list. Besides the regular Thunder Road teams, the best of the ACT drivers have entered the event. Brian Hoar, an (8) eight-time ACT champion who has won just about every major race on the Tour during his career will look for his first-ever Merchants Bank win.

“I have won a championship title at Thunder Road, I won another Milk Bowl there at the end of last year, it really bugs me that I have not been able to win a Merchants Bank 150 opener. Rick (Paya, owner of RPM racing for whom Hoar drives) and I have talked about how much we would like to add that race to our win list. Unfortunately, there are about a dozen Thunder Road regular teams, and probably that many tour teams, that can make winning any race at Thunder Road a pretty lofty goal to achieve. I do like the idea that, for the first time, we can make a tire change during the race this year. I think it might prove to be a good strategy move, and it should make the race more interesting for the fans,” said Hoar.

Thunder Road will open its doors for the 53rd season on Saturday, April 28, 2012 for the annual car show. With the major construction in downtown Barre, the 2012 car show will be held in the Thunder Road pits from 10am-12am. Admission is free to the public. The pit stop contest will take place at 11:00am. Practice for all divisions will take place from 1-5 pm on Saturday.

Gates open for the 14th Merchants Bank 150 at 10 am on Sunday April 29, 2012. Post time is set for 1:00 pm. Admission is: Adult $20.00, Children 12 and under are free.

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com; media@acttour.com
                                         

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2012-03-28

Thunder Road Car Show Returns to the High Banks

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    ACT-032712-15

Attached Photo: pic1.jpg – Stock cars line the infield of Thunder Road during class day ceremonies before the 2011 season opening Merchants Bank 150. (Photo by Alan Ward)

Barre, VT – Thunder Road officials have announced the return of the annual car show to the “Nation’s Site of Excitement” on Saturday, April 28. The event is scheduled for one day prior to the opening event of the 53rd Thunder Road season, the 14th Annual Merchants Bank 150, on Sunday, April 29.

 

All the stars of the American Canadian Tour and Thunder Road will be on hand for the car show. The event, which most recently was held in downtown Barre, will be located in the Thunder Road pit area from 10am to 12noon. Fans of all ages can check out the cars and meet their favorite drivers free of charge. The annual Pit Stop Contest will also be held in the pit area at 11am.

The 53rd season atop Quarry Hill will kick off with the second event on the American Canadian Tour, the Merchants Bank 150, on Sunday, April 29. 2010 Thunder Road Champion and hometown favorite Nick Sweet will attempt to claim his third straight season opener.

For more information please contact the Thunder Road office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.

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2012-03-26

Ford Blue Oval Cup Program Enters Third Season in 2012

                     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             ACT-032612-14
Waterbury, VT – The Ford Blue Oval Cup expects continued growth entering its third season in 2012. The program has awarded over $30,000 to American Canadian Tour Late Model teams around the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada since its inaugural 2010 season.

The Blue Oval Cup program was developed for Ford competitors in ACT Late Model events and ACT affiliated tracks in 2010, the first full-season of the Ford engine’s inclusion in the ACT rulebook. The program saw a near 100% increase in participating competitors during the 2011 season.
“Ford Racing is once again proud to renew the Blue Oval Challenge Cup with the American Canadian Tour.  This is the third year for one of the richest programs that Ford Racing offers for the short track racer.  Not only do the top 10 ACT Racers using the S347JR have the opportunity for the season end-cash rewards, but all Ford-Powered ACT Racers have access to technical support directly from Ford Racing,” said Mike Delahanty of Ford Racing. “In the three years since introducing the Blue Oval Challenge Cup, a number of the top ACT Teams have made the switch to the S347JR engine, not just for the benefits of the program, but for the race-winning performance that the engine delivers.”
The program is expected to continue to grow during the 2012 season as Ford has posted $27,000 in awards for Ford Late Model teams. The Ford awards contingencies to podium finishing Ford competitors in all ACT events throughout the season. Registered Ford teams also receive points all season long for competition in ACT events and ACT affiliated tracks for the Ford Blue Oval Cup.
Wayne Helliwell, Jr. earned his second straight Ford Blue Oval Cup Championship in 2011, while also claiming second in the ACT standings. Ford has also scored several big wins, including Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.’s 2010 ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 2010 People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road and 2011 Goodyear Speedweeks Cup at New Smyrna (FL) Speedway.
The 2012 ACT season will kick off on Sunday, April 15th with the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH.
For more information, please contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, media@acttour.com or visit www.acttour.com.
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2011-08-24

T-Road Regulars Tough to Beat in Bond Auto Labor Day Classic Event

For Immediate Release             TR – 082411-47

 

        Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) stars will find the competition the toughest of the 2011 race season when they return to Thunder Road for the 33rd running of the Bond Auto Labor Day Classic on Sunday, September 4th. A field of over 40 of the best Late Model racers in the region will attempt to qualify for the $5000 to win, $40,000 summer holiday classic, including some of the best weekly racers in New England.

 

The 200-lap event on the high banks at the “Nation’s Site of Excitement” is viewed as one of the most physically demanding events on the ACT schedule, and the competition from the weekly Thunder Road Late Model teams has proven to be equally so.

 

“There have been 9 different winners at Thunder Road in the12 races staged so far this season,” said Nick Bigelow, Media Director for Thunder Road. “The only repeat winners have been John Donahue with three, and Dave Pembroke with back-to-back wins in mid-July, including the Times Argus double point Mid Season Championship which catapulted him into the points lead. Needless to say, there is a definite challenge ahead for the ACT teams,” concluded Bigelow.

 

Many of the Thunder Road regulars played a pivotal part in the early development of the ACT. Veteran ‘King of the Road’ Champions Pembroke, Lt. Governor Phil Scott and Cris Michaud, (both three-time Thunder Road Champions), along with 1995 Champion Dave Whitcomb and 2003 title holder Jamie Fisher, all have long distance race experience while helping to build the popular regional touring series. They all plan to compete in the 2011 Classic.

 

“We have the makings of one of the all-time great Bond Auto Labor Day Classic 200’s. When you add defending Classic winner Patrick Laperle, defending ACT title holder and current ACT point leader Brian Hoar, along with defending Peoples Milk Bowl winner Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., from Hudson, NH, and some of the tough guys like Randy Potter, (recent hometown winner of the Riverside, NH Clash), and former Thunder Road Champ Eric Williams, along with top ACT point chaser Wayne Helliwell, Jr. as possible entrants, this should be one of the most competitive fields ever for this annual race,” said Tom Curley, Promoter of Thunder Road.

 

The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen and Allen Lumber Street Stocks will join the Late Models for this end of summer tradition. Qualifying for the Sportsmen and Street Stocks will be on Saturday afternoon, September 3, 2011. Fans will be treated to the completion of the rained-out Riverside Speedway 50 lap special from Sunday, August 21st on the Saturday of the Bond Labor Day Classic, as well as the only time trials the two Thunder Road support divisions run all year.

 

Advanced tickets can be purchased at all 32 Bond Auto locations throughout the region. There is a $5.00 per ticket Adult discount if purchased by 5:00pm on Friday, September 2, 2011 at the Bond locations. Day of event Adult tickets can be purchased for $25 and child tickets 6-12 can be purchased for $5.00. Camping for self contained campers will be available at $15 for the holiday weekend, with the grounds opening Friday at noon. Campers must vacate the property by Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at noon.

 

        SCHEDULE:

 

                             Saturday

                             9:00    Pits open

                           11:00    Front Gate open

                                       Practice

                            1:30    Qualifying and Grovetona, Riverside 41 lap Special completion

                           4:30    Close track

 

 

                           Sunday

                       9:00    Pits open

                         10:00    Front Gate open    

                               Practice

                          1:30    Post Time

                         5:30    Victory Lane

 

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.

 

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2011-05-30

THUNDER ROAD: Donahue, O'Donnell Take Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic Doubleheader Wins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              TR-052911

Barre, VT – Graniteville’s John Donahue and Bradford’s Derrick O’Donnell claimed wins in Mekkelsen RV Memorial Classic doubleheader at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT on Sunday, May 29. Donahue, a former Milk Bowl champion and four time winner at Thunder Road in 2010, claimed the Late Model 100 lap feature win.

 

Donahue fought his way past Middlesex’s Dave Pembroke in a battle of two Fords on lap 33. The two battled hard for the first 32 laps with Donahue trying everything he could to get by leader Pembroke before finally gaining the edge. Donahue would lead the rest of the way for the most part uncontested.

 

Pembroke held off Vermont Lt. Governor Phil Scott to take second. Scott, 2010 King of the Road Nick Sweet and Brent Dragon rounded out the top five. Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., rookie Jimmy Hebert, Matt White, Reno Gervais and Cris Michaud completed the top ten.

 

Donahue lapped all but the top 11 cars of the 27 car field. The 100 lap event was completed in just 29 minutes and saw just two cautions.

 

Derrick O’Donnell earned his second win of the season in the first two events at Thunder Road. O’Donnell followed up his opening day win on May 1 with a win in the Bond/WIX Tiger Tour season opening Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day 100. The Bradford native took the lead from leader Bobby Therrien to lead the final 50 laps without a challenge.

 

Therrien would hold on for what appeared to be a second place finish before being penalized for rough riding. He was dropped to the final car on the lead lap in seventh. Eric Badore inherited second, while 2010 Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Champion Tony Rossi took third. Joe Steffen and Joey Roberts completed the top five.

 

Josh Demers, Therrien, Mark Barnier, David Finck and Mike Ziter completed the top ten. O’Donnell managed to lap all but the top seven cars as the 100 lap event saw just two cautions. The race took just over 34 minutes to complete. A total of 37 cars attempted to qualify for the first of five Bond/WIX Tiger Tour events to be held in 2011. The starting grid had 28 cars.

 

The Allen Lumber Street Stocks saw Jefferson, NH’s Nick Pilotte, a former White Mountain Motorsports Park Champion, earn his first career win at Thunder Road. Sid Sweet, Jr., Greg Adams, Bunker Hodgdon and Martin Ingram all claimed top fives.

 

Williamstown’s Brock Parrott earned the win in the Junkyard Warriors. He was followed to the line by Jason Woodard and Danny Brassard.

 

Thunder Road has the next two weeks off before its first Sunday twilight event on Sunday, June 12. All four divisions will be in action for a regular event presented by Ferguson Waterworks. The event will also feature the New England Antique Racers.

 

Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic Doubleheader

Thunder Road International Speedbowl – Barre, VT

Sunday, May 29, 2011

 

Thunder Road Late Model Unofficial Results

Fin. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed

1. (4) John Donahue, Graniteville, VT, 100 Laps

2. (2) Dave Pembroke, Middlesex, VT, 100 Laps

3. (3) Phil Scott, Berlin, VT, 100 Laps

4. (10) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT, 100 Laps

5. (9) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT, 100 Laps

6. (19) Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Hudson, NH, 100 Laps

7. (15) #Jimmy Hebert, Williamstown, VT, 100 Laps

8. (8) Matt White, Northfield, VT, 100 Laps

9. (1) Reno Gervais, Island Pond, VT, 100 Laps

10. (5) Cris Michaud, E. Montpelier, VT, 100 Laps

11. (12) Chip Grenier, Graniteville, VT, 100 Laps

12. (21) Cody Blake, Barre, VT, 99 Laps

13. (16) Jamie Aube, N. Ferrisburgh, VT, 99 Laps

14. (23) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT, 99 Laps

15. (11) Mike Bruno, Rutland, VT, 99 Laps

16. (7) Grant Folsom, Waitsfield, VT, 99 Laps

17. (18) Brooks Clark, Fayston, VT, 99 Laps

18. (14) Joey Becker, Jeffersonville, VT, 99 Laps

19. (20) Eric Chase, Milton, VT, 99 Laps

20. (22) Dave Whitcomb, Essex Jct., VT, 99 Laps

21. (6) Scott Payea, Milton, VT, 99 Laps

22. (24) Brett Wheeler, Waterbury, VT, 98 Laps

23. (17) Ricky Roberts, Washington, VT, 98 Laps

24. (25) Brad Mattson, Graniteville, VT, 98 Laps

25. (26) #Jim Morris, Barre, VT, 98 Laps

26. (13) Mike Bailey, South Barre, VT, 97 Laps

27. (27) Marcel Gravel, Wolcott, VT, 35 Laps

Time of Race: 29:32                                         Margin of Victory: 3.86 seconds                

Cautions: 2 (Laps 10, 50)                                                                               

Leaders: Dave Pembroke, 1-32; John Donahue, 33-100                                                                  

Heat Winners: Mike Bruno, Chip Grenier, Grant Folsom                                                                

 

Bond/WIX Tiger Tour Unofficial Results

Fin. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps completed

1. (3) Derrick O’Donnell, Bradford, VT, 100 Laps

2. (2) Eric Badore, Milton, VT, 100 Laps

3. (7) Tony Rossi, Peacham, VT, 100 Laps

4. (10) Joe Steffen, Grand Isle, VT, 100 Laps

5. (6) Joey Roberts, Georgia, VT, 100 Laps

6. (11) Josh Demers, Middlesex, VT, 100 Laps

7. (1) Bobby Therrien, Hinesburg, VT, 100 Laps

8. (5) Mark Barnier, Essex Jct., VT, 99 Laps

9. (14) David Finck, Barre, VT, 99 Laps

10. (15) Mike Ziter, Williamstown, VT, 99 Laps

11. (17) Pete Ainsworth, Jr., Middlesex, VT, 99 Laps

12. (9) Christopher Pelkey, S. Barre, VT, 99 Laps

13. (19) John Lambert, Northfield, VT, 99 Laps

14. (16) Troy Gray, Fairlee, VT, 99 Laps

15. (12) Scott Coburn, S. Barre, VT, 99 Laps

16. (13) Mike Billado, Essex, VT, 99 Laps

17. (22) Jason Bonnett, St. Albans, VT, 99 Laps

18. (8) Shawn Fleury, Middlesex, VT, 99 Laps

19. (21) Brendan Moodie, Wolcott, VT, 98 Laps

20. (18) Bradley Bushey, Fairfax, VT, 98 Laps

21. (4) Mike Martin, Craftsbury Common, VT, 98 Laps

22. (25) Blair Bessett, Worcester, VT, 98 Laps

23. (23) George May, Barre, VT, 98 Laps

24. (27) #Micheal MacAskill, Williamstown, VT, 98 Laps

25. (28) Tucker Williams, Hyde Park, VT, 97 Laps

26. (20) Tim Churchill, Lincoln, NH, 88 Laps

27. (24) Jason Corliss, Danville, VT, 85 Laps

28. (26) Brian Gosselin, Bethlehem, NH, 38 Laps

Time of Race: 34:04                                         Margin of Victory: 4.724 seconds                             

Cautions: 2 (Laps 86, 89)                                                                               

Leaders: Eric Badore, 1-3; Bobby Therrien, 4-42; Derrick O'Donnell, 43; Therrien, 44-49; O'Donnell 50-100.                                                                             

Heat Winners: Joey Roberts, Tony Rossi, Josh Demers, Shawn Fleury                                                                     

NOTE: Apparent second place finisher Bobby Therrien was penalized to the last car on the lead lap for rough riding.                                                                       

 

Allen Lumber Street Stocks Unofficial Top Ten

Fin. Car # Driver Hometown

1. 11 Nick Pilotte, Jefferson, NH

2. 51 Sid Sweet, Jr., Williamstown, VT

3. 38 Greg Adams, Jr., Hardwick, VT

4. 83 Bunker Hodgdon, Hardwick, VT

5. 02 Martin Ingram, Essex Jct., VT

6. 77 David Whitcomb, Elmore, VT

7. 43 Jamie Davis, Wolcott, VT

8. 92 Garry Bashaw, Lincoln, VT

9. 39 Troy Kingsbury, Waitsfield, VT

10. 9 Ron Gabaree, Barre, VT

 

Junkyard Warriors Unofficial Top Three

Fin. Car # Driver Hometown

1. 23 Brock Parrott, Williamstown, VT

2. 68 Jason Woodard, Waterbury, VT

3. 30 Danny Brassard, E. Randolph, VT

 

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2011-05-29

Thunder Road: Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic Doubleheader

FULL STORY COMING SOON

 

Thunder Road International Speedbowl – Barre, VT

Sunday, May 29, 2011

 

Thunder Road Late Model Unofficial Results

Fin. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed

1. (4) John Donahue, Graniteville, VT, 100 Laps

2. (2) Dave Pembroke, Middlesex, VT, 100 Laps

3. (3) Phil Scott, Berlin, VT, 100 Laps

4. (10) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT, 100 Laps

5. (9) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT, 100 Laps

 

6. (19) Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Hudson, NH, 100 Laps

7. (15) #Jimmy Hebert, Williamstown, VT, 100 Laps

8. (8) Matt White, Northfield, VT, 100 Laps

9. (1) Reno Gervais, Island Pond, VT, 100 Laps

10. (5) Cris Michaud, E. Montpelier, VT, 100 Laps

11. (12) Chip Grenier, Graniteville, VT, 100 Laps

12. (21) Cody Blake, Barre, VT, 99 Laps

13. (16) Jamie Aube, N. Ferrisburgh, VT, 99 Laps

14. (23) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT, 99 Laps

15. (11) Mike Bruno, Rutland, VT, 99 Laps

16. (7) Grant Folsom, Waitsfield, VT, 99 Laps

17. (18) Brooks Clark, Fayston, VT, 99 Laps

18. (14) Joey Becker, Jeffersonville, VT, 99 Laps

19. (20) Eric Chase, Milton, VT, 99 Laps

20. (22) Dave Whitcomb, Essex Jct., VT, 99 Laps

21. (6) Scott Payea, Milton, VT, 99 Laps

22. (24) Brett Wheeler, Waterbury, VT, 98 Laps

23. (17) Ricky Roberts, Washington, VT, 98 Laps

24. (25) Brad Mattson, Graniteville, VT, 98 Laps

25. (26) #Jim Morris, Barre, VT, 98 Laps

26. (13) Mike Bailey, South Barre, VT, 97 Laps

27. (27) Marcel Gravel, Wolcott, VT, 35 Laps

Time of Race: 29:32                                         Margin of Victory: 3.86 seconds                

Cautions: 2 (Laps 10, 50)                                                                               

Leaders: Dave Pembroke, 1-32; John Donahue, 33-100                                                                  

Heat Winners: Mike Bruno, Chip Grenier, Grant Folsom                                                                

 

Bond/WIX Tiger Tour Unofficial Results

Fin. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps completed

1. (3) Derrick O’Donnell, Bradford, VT, 100 Laps

2. (2) Eric Badore, Milton, VT, 100 Laps

3. (7) Tony Rossi, Peacham, VT, 100 Laps

4. (10) Joe Steffen, Grand Isle, VT, 100 Laps

5. (6) Joey Roberts, Georgia, VT, 100 Laps

6. (11) Josh Demers, Middlesex, VT, 100 Laps

7. (1) Bobby Therrien, Hinesburg, VT, 100 Laps

8. (5) Mark Barnier, Essex Jct., VT, 99 Laps

9. (14) David Finck, Barre, VT, 99 Laps

10. (15) Mike Ziter, Williamstown, VT, 99 Laps

11. (17) Pete Ainsworth, Jr., Middlesex, VT, 99 Laps

12. (9) Christopher Pelkey, S. Barre, VT, 99 Laps

13. (19) John Lambert, Northfield, VT, 99 Laps

14. (16) Troy Gray, Fairlee, VT, 99 Laps

15. (12) Scott Coburn, S. Barre, VT, 99 Laps

16. (13) Mike Billado, Essex, VT, 99 Laps

17. (22) Jason Bonnett, St. Albans, VT, 99 Laps

18. (8) Shawn Fleury, Middlesex, VT, 99 Laps

19. (21) Brendan Moodie, Wolcott, VT, 98 Laps

20. (18) Bradley Bushey, Fairfax, VT, 98 Laps

21. (4) Mike Martin, Craftsbury Common, VT, 98 Laps

22. (25) Blair Bessett, Worcester, VT, 98 Laps

23. (23) George May, Barre, VT, 98 Laps

24. (27) #Micheal MacAskill, Williamstown, VT, 98 Laps

25. (28) Tucker Williams, Hyde Park, VT, 97 Laps

26. (20) Tim Churchill, Lincoln, NH, 88 Laps

27. (24) Jason Corliss, Danville, VT, 85 Laps

28. (26) Brian Gosselin, Bethlehem, NH, 38 Laps

Time of Race: 34:04                                         Margin of Victory: 4.724 seconds                             

Cautions: 2 (Laps 86, 89)                                                                               

Leaders: Eric Badore, 1-3; Bobby Therrien, 4-42; Derrick O'Donnell, 43; Therrien, 44-49; O'Donnell 50-100.                                                                             

Heat Winners: Joey Roberts, Tony Rossi, Josh Demers, Shawn Fleury                                                                     

NOTE: Apparent second place finisher Bobby Therrien was penalized to the last car on the lead lap for rough riding.                                                                       

 

Allen Lumber Street Stocks Unofficial Top Ten

Fin. Car # Driver Hometown

1. 11 Nick Pilotte, Jefferson, NH

2. 51 Sid Sweet, Jr., Williamstown, VT

3. 38 Greg Adams, Jr., Hardwick, VT

4. 83 Bunker Hodgdon, Hardwick, VT

5. 02 Martin Ingram, Essex Jct., VT

6. 77 David Whitcomb, Elmore, VT

7. 43 Jamie Davis, Wolcott, VT

8. 92 Garry Bashaw, Lincoln, VT

9. 39 Troy Kingsbury, Waitsfield, VT

10. 9 Ron Gabaree, Barre, VT

 

Junkyard Warriors Unofficial Top Three

Fin. Car # Driver Hometown

1. 23 Brock Parrott, Williamstown, VT

2. 68 Jason Woodard, Waterbury, VT

3. 30 Danny Brassard, E. Randolph, VT

 

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2011-04-14

Thunder Road PR : SWEET TO DEFEND THUNDER ROAD TITLE AND MERCHANTS BANK OPENER

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                ACT – 041411-19

 

        Waterbury, VT – Every hometown needs sports heroes. Barre, VT is a sports town. The “Granite Capital of the World” is a blue collar town with master craftsmen making a living working with huge slabs of granite, which their neighbors have hauled deep from inside Quarry Hill that looks over the city below.

 

For over fifty years, racing at Thunder Road International Speedbowl has been part of the fabric of this town and region. The latest local hero to follow in the tradition of local and regional heroes like Stub Fadden, Ronnie Marvin, Roy ‘Pappy’ Forsythe, Harold ‘Hardluck’ Hanaford, the Dion Brothers, Joey Laquerre and dozens more is another local kid, Nick Sweet, from Barre.

 

Sweet came through the Thunder Road system with remarkable success. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year honors in all levels he competed in, including the 2003 Allen Lumber Street Stock division, and the 2005 Tiger-Sportsman division, considered by many to be the most competitive division in weekly short track racing, where he also earned the Thunder Road track title in 2007.  In 2008 he moved to the region’s most successful touring series, the American Canadian Tour (ACT), and won the Rookie of the Year.

 

His Saint J Auto team followed what seems to be a three-year success pattern by winning the Thunder Road “King of the Road” title in 2010. It was one of the most hotly contested battles for a title in the 51-year history of the track. Entering the final event of the 2010 season, Sweet held off two former Thunder Road Champions, Phil Scott (1996, 1998, and 2002) and David Pembroke (2007) to win the title by just 6 points.

 

“I think Nick (Sweet) has a very good chance to repeat in 2011,” said seven-time ACT Champion and 2009 Thunder Road Champion, Jean Paul Cyr from Milton, VT. “At Thunder Road you have to have a lot of trust and respect, Nick has earned and given both. That is a big key to winning at that track. Getting around people on the outside is critical, and he does that as well as anyone. I would race him anywhere, anytime. He does not get rattled, he takes what the track and race gives him, and I think he is one of the most well-rounded racers in short track racing today”, Cyr said.

 

Sweet scored his first-ever ACT Late Model win in the traditional Merchants Bank 150 opening event at Thunder Road in 2010. It was an ACT point event and not a point-counting Thunder Road race. “It was great to win the opener at the ‘Road last year and gave us some great momentum going into the season. We really wanted to give our sponsor, Saint J Auto maximum exposure last season, and that was a good way to start. I guess winning the title at Thunder Road was also a pretty good way to finish,” said the always humble Nick Sweet.

 

The thirteenth (13th) annual Merchants Bank 150 will have a huge field of past champions. The driver of the Merchants Bank Ford entry is three-time Thunder Road Champion, Cris Michaud from Northfield, VT.

 

“First, I would really like to win my sponsor’s race. Next, I would really like to beat Nick Sweet for the 2011 Thunder Road title, but his team is just plain old school and hard working. They are tough. His dad Shayne is meticulous in preparation. Nick has become one of the best drivers to race against at Thunder Road. We struggled with our new Ford program last year, and I really had a tough season not being in contention for the title. We think we have solved our problems during the off-season and I am excited to get started again,” said Michaud.

 

“I think there will be as many as five serious contenders for the Thunder Road title this year and there are also going to be some interesting additional teams coming back to Thunder Road this summer. It should be fun and sure looks like it is going to be different than the last couple years. I can’t wait,” concluded Michaud.

 

Thunder Road opens for the 52nd season with the downtown Barre car show and unique race car parade up Quarry Hill to officially open the 2011 race season on Saturday, April 30 from 9am to noon.  Fans are invited to watch that afternoon’s practice at no charge, and then return Sunday, May 1st for the 13th annual Merchants Bank 150. Gates will open at 10am, Class Day will be presented at 1:00, and post time for the second event of the 2011 ACT US Tour season is 1:30. Admission is just $18 for Adults and kids 6-12 just $5. A family pass for $36 for four people will be available.

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.

 

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2011-01-18

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             ACT-012011-07

Waterbury, VT – 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.

This year’s finalists include ACT Late Model Tour Rookie of the Year Brad Babb of Windham, Maine, and fellow ACT rookie Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine. All three Thunder Road Rookie of the Year winners have also been nominated. Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen and former Street Stock Champion Jason Corliss of Danville, is joined by Street Stocker Thomas Placey of Bradford, and in the Late Models second generation driver from Barre, Cody Blake.

The ACT Late Model Tour Sportsmanship Award nominees include three veterans: Brent Dragon of Milton, Randy Potter of Groveton, New Hampshire and Mark Lamberton of Mooers Forks, New York, as well as second year driver Jeff Zuidema of North Brookfield, Massachusetts. The ACT Most Improved Driver Award has come down to rookie Dave Paya of Milton, first time ACT winner in 2010 Mark Hayward of Newport, New Hampshire, and 2010 full-time competitor Mark Hudson of Norton, Massachusetts. They will be joined by Zuidema who was also among the top nominees.

Finalists for the Thunder Road Late Model Sportsmanship Award are 2010 Champion Nick Sweet of Barre, former “King of the Road” Dave Pembroke of Montpelier, veteran Rich Lowrey from Charlotte, and Fayston’s Brooks Clark, who earned the 2009 Sportsmanship Award. The Late Model Most Improved Driver Award will be decided between Northfield’s Matt White, Barre’s Mike Bailey, former Tiger Champion Reno Gervais of Island Pond and Brooks Clark.

The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Sportsmanship Award finalists are Milton’s Eric Badore, Williamstown’s Mike Ziter, Barre’s Dave Finck and former champion Shawn Fleury of Middlesex. They have also elected Eric Badore for the Most Improved Driver finalists, as well as Barre’s George May, Worcester’s Jeff Bousquet, and Nielsen Award nominee Jason Corliss.

The Allen Lumber Street Stocks have selected West Topsham’s Tim Campbell, Hardwick’s Greg Adams, Montpelier’s Donny Yates, and Wolcott’s Jamie Davis as their Sportsmanship finalists.

The top vote getters in the Junkyard Warriors Sportsmanship Award running are Kevin Wheatley of Williamstown, Barre’s Kevin Dodge, Northfield’s George Sanders, and the 2010 Champion Ken Christman of Cabot.

The 2010 ACT/Thunder Road Banquet of Champions is this Saturday, January 22 at the Sheraton-Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington, Vermont.

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2010-10-04

PHOTO ALBUM & Highlights: 2010 Milk Bowl

Joey Polewarczyk a remporté la 48e édition du Milk Bowl, une course à 3 étapes de type monza, disputée à la piste de Thunder Road Speedbowl le 3 octobre.

 

Pilotant des voitures ACT Late Model, 61 participants ont tenté de se tailler une place dans la course de 50-75-75 tours avec positions inversées.

 

Les positions 1-24 ont été déterminée par temps chronométrés et par des courses de quailfication, tandis que les positions de 25 à 30 ont été déterminée par une course B-feature et un choix ACT (meilleur non qualifié ACT 100%)

Joey Polewarczyk won the 48th annual Milk Bowl, a monza style 3 segment race, held at Thunder Road Speedbow on October 3rd.

 

Driving ACT legal Late Models 61 participants attempted to qualify for the 50-75-75 laps segment inverted start race.

 

Positions 1-24 were set via time trials and qualification races, while 25 to 30 were set by a B-feature and an one provisional (best non qualified ACT 100% competitor).

 

 

Joey Polewarcyk qui vient de remporter l’épreuve au New Hampshire Motor Speedway a fait le 2e meilleur temps chronométré avec un 13.023.

 

Le meilleur temps a été tourné par le Champion ACT 2010 Brian Hoar.  Le seul Canadien a s’être taillé une place dans la finale a été Patrick Laperle qui a tourné un 13.131.

 

Polewarzyck a remporté le premier segment et a terminé 7e et 4e dans les deux autres segment pour un total de 12 points.

 

Hoar a terminé deuxième avec des finish de 2, 13 et 5 pour un total de 20.

 

La troisième place est allé au vainqueur de l’an dernier, John Donahue, qui a terminé 3, 9 et 8 pour un total de 20.

 

Le bris d’égalité a été brisé par la position de fin du dernier segment.

 

Le deuxième segment a été remporté par Pete Potvin III, qui en était dans sa dernière course à Thunder Road avant de se relocaliser en Floride.

 

Le troisième segment a été remporté par le multiple Champion ACT Jean-Paul Cyr.

 

Le québécois Patrick Laperle n’a pu faire mieux qu’une 6e place avec des résultats de 8, 11 et 11 pour un combiné de 30.  Considérant la performance de sa voiture dans le premier segment, l’accident dans le 2e segment.  Laperle et sont équipe ont sauvé la journée… mais c’est tout de même bien loin de l’objectif : la victoire d’un 4e milk bowl.

 

Trois autres pilotes du Québec ont tenté de se qualifier dans l’épreuve prestigieuse : Yvon Bédard, Daniel Bergeron et la recrue ACT Castrol Alex Labbé.

 

Labbé qui a tourné le 24e meilleur temps est venu le plus près de se tailler une place.  Malheureusement il a été impliqué dans un tête-à-queue qui là replacé à la queue du peloton,

A ce moment il était à une position de se qualifier, repositionné à l’arrière et seul avec son rêve de participer dans son premier Milk Bowl.

Joey Polewarcyk hot off a New Hampshire Motor Speedway win turned 2nd fastest time trial to secure his way in the main event with a lap time of 13.023.

 

Quickest time, a 13.001, was turned by ACT 2010 Champion Brian Hoar.  While the only Canadian competitor to secure his way into the main event was turned by Patrick Laperle with a 13.131.

 

Polewaryzyck won the first segment and finished 7th and 4th in the later two segments for a total combined score of 12.

 

Second place went to Hoar who scored 2, 13 and 5 for a total of 20.

 

Third place went to last year’s winner John Donahue who scored 3, 9 and 8 for a total of 20. 

 

The tie between Hoar and Donahue was broken by virtue of the last segment finishing order.

 

Second segment was won by Pete Potvin III, who was competing in his last race at Thunder Road before moving to Florida.

 

Third segment was won by multi-time ACT Champion Jean-Paul Cyr.

 

Quebec’s Patrick Laperle could not do better than a 6th place overall with segment scores of 8, 11 and 11.  Considering the handling of his car in segment 1, the crash in segment 2.  Laperle and crew salvaged a bad day... but short – by  a ton - of his 4th Milk bowl win.

 

Three other Quebec drivers attempted to qualify for the prestigious event: Yvon Bédard, Daniel Bergeron and ACT Castrol rookie Alex Labbé.

 

Labbé who turned 24th fastest time came closest to make the field.  Unfortunately he was involved in a spin and wreck, at the time he was one spot from being qualified, which sent him to the back of the field and with only a dream of racing his way into his first Milk Bowl.

 


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Thunder Road: Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. Wins 48th Annual People's United Bank Milk Bowl

Rossi, MacAskill and Christmam Earn Thunder Road Championships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 ACT-100310

Barre, VT – 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.

The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen completed their 2010 season with a 50 lap main event. Bradford, VT’s Derrick O’Donnell picked up his third win of the season, while Tom Therrien, Mike Ziter, Eric Badore and Troy Gray completed the top five. Tony Rossi of Peacham, VT used his sixth place finish to earn the 2010 Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen track championship.

The Allen Lumber Street Stocks also concluded their championship season with Williamstown, VT’s Mike MacAskill taking the crown. Sid Sweet, Jr. also of Williamstown took the feature win followed by Ron Gabaree, Tim Campbell, Will Hennequin and Alex Whitcomb rounding out the top five.

Cabot, VT’s Ken Christman finished of his dominating Junkyard Warrior Championship season with his 12th win in just 18 starts. He was followed by Kevin Dodge, Mike Devino, Fred Schroeder and Matt Leblanc.

The 2010 Thunder Road International Speedbowl season has come to the a close. The ACT Late Model Tour has one event remaining at Waterford Speedbowl in Waterford, CT next Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th. The ACT Bond/WIX Tiger Tour also has one event remaining next Saturday, October 9th at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH.

48th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl
Thunder Road International Speebowl
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Unofficial Results
Pos     Car #     Driver                             Hometown          Total Pts

1         97NH     Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.     Hudson, NH                     12

2         37VT     Brian Hoar                     Williston, VT                   20

3         26VT     John Donahue                Graniteville, VT              20

4         55VT     Brent Dragon                 Milton, VT                       22

5         15VT     Joey Laquerre                E. Montpelier, VT           29

6         91QC     Patrick Laperle               St-Denis, QC                   30

7          7VT      Eric Williams                  Hyde Park, VT                 31

8         44VT     Dave Pembroke             Montpelier, VT               32

9         18VT     Jamie Fisher                   Shelburne, VT                 34

10       10NH     Ben Rowe                       Turner, ME                     34

11       14VT     Phil Scott                        Montpelier, VT               34

12       7ME     Glen Luce                       Turner, ME                     38

13       55NH     Brad Leighton                Center Harbor, NH         40

14       78NH     Quinny Welch                Lancaster, NH                 41

15       89VT     Scott Payea                    Milton, VT                       41

16        8VT      Richard Lowrey              Charlotte, VT                  42

17       32VT     Jean-Paul Cyr                 Milton, VT                       44

18       41VT     Pete Potvin III                 Graniteville, VT              47

19       05VT     Craig Bushey                  Cambridge, VT               48

20      57ME    #Austin Theriault           Fort Kent, ME                 56

21       16NY     Mark Lamberton            Mooers Forks, NY           58

22       68VT     Brooks Clark                   Fayston, VT                     58

23       16NH     Travis Fadden                 N. Haverhill, NH             60

24        6VT      Cris Michaud                  E. Montpelier, VT           61

25       42VT     Matt White                    Northfield, VT                 65

26       00VT     Mike Bailey                    South Barre, VT              73

27       12VT     Reno Gervais                  Island Pond, VT               75

28       81VT     Grant Folsom                 Waitsfield, VT                 80

29       75VT     Pete Fecteau                  Morrisville, VT                85

30       02NH     Randy Potter                  Groveton, NH                  85

 

Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Unofficial Feature Top Ten

Pos     Car #     Driver                             Hometown

1           68       Derrick O’Donnell          Bradford, VT

2           48       Tom Therrien                 Hinesburg, VT

3           26       Mike Ziter                      Williamstown, VT

4           04       Eric Badore                    Milton, VT

5            5        Troy Gray                       Fairlee, VT

6           90       Tony Rossi                      Peacham, VT

7           31       Shawn Fleury                  Middlesex, VT

8           29       #Jason Allen                   Barre, VT

9           94       Brendan Moodie            Wolcott, VT

10         58       Jimmy Hebert                Williamstown, VT

 

Allen Lumber Street Stocks/Junkyard Warriors Unofficial Top Ten

Pos     Car #     Driver                             Hometown

1          51ss      #Sid Sweet Jr.                 Williamstown, VT

2           9ss       Ron Gabaree                  Barre, VT

3          34ss      Tim Campbell, Sr.          W. Topsham, VT

4          47ss      William Hennequin        Morrisville, VT

5          78ss      #Alex Whitcomb            Montpelier, VT

6          43ss      Jamie Davis                    Wolcott, VT

7           3ss       Micheal MacAskill         Williamstown, VT

8          92ss      Garry Bashaw                Lincoln, VT

9          33ss      #Thomas Placey             Bradford, VT

10         6ss       Daniel Lathrop               Hyde Park, VT

 

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