August 2cd, 2009
$5000 to Win! 250 Laps around the highbanks of Thunder Road. A night of racing excitement like no other!
It's been about 15 years since I have raced in an Enduro at Thunder Road. I can't wait to get back out there and mix it up with over 100 other Enduro racers.
The past two years I have run in Groveton, NH's Riverside Speedway's season ending Enduro races. There are some big differences between the way these races are run, and I feel like racing at Grovetona has been great practice for my return to Thunder Road.
Groveton's Frostbite 250's are fast. The racetrack is kept free of wrecked cars, and red flags are thrown often to get people out of cars that are on the track. Groveton allows anybody to race. Their Cyclone Division races right in the Frostbite with everyone else. The regular racers have a noticeable advantage on the track.
Thunder Road's enduros are called "The People's Race". Regular drivers and professional drivers are not allowed, or are severely handicapped by the management. This is the chance for the little guy, for the wanna be racecar driver, to shine. Many of Thunder Road's weekly racers got their start in the enduros.
Thunder Road's Enduros are more like a survival type, endurance kind of race. There are no cautions, and red flags are rare, only being displayed for rollovers, fires, and should the track become completely blocked by wrecked cars.
Remembering where wrecked cars are accumulating is a big key to survival. Looking way out in front of you is too. You have to be aware of what is going on in front of you. When I come out of Turn 2, I'm glancing over at the Frontstretch and Turn 4. When I'm coming out of Turn 4, I'm taking a look at Turn 2 and the Backstretch. It's a lot to take in in just a second or two, but it can add a lifetime to your Enduro car due to all of the accidents you will avoid.
Bringing good equipment is important. You want to race a solid car. Rusted out junks have a way of falling apart when exposed to the violence of an Enduro race. My good friend David Austin, of Dave's Painting 802-456-1239, has offered me the chance to drive his Enduro Car in this year's Enduro 250.
I jumped at the opportunity and was pleasantly surprised when I got a look at the hotrod. It's a beauty and I'm planning on giving it one hell of a ride out there!
My 22 Laps of Glory!
Many Sponsors have come on board for this event. There is no way we could pull this off without their support.
I want to Thank...
First, I want to thank David Austin, Tyler, Zach, and Sherry for giving me the opportunity to drive their Enduro car. David is Dave's Painting, but he does so much more than just paint. If you need it built, fixed, or painted, give David a call. E. Calais, VT 802-456-1239
I want to thank M&M Beverage for their support. I like the thought that I am representing M&M Beverage in the race they have sponsored for 25 years! Get your gas, soda, and beer at M&M Beverage!
I want to thank my friend Rich. He is actually the guy that got me hooked up with M&M Beverage. He was going to race in the Enduro, but the car he was going to run turned out to be junk, so he hooked me up with a little extra support.
I want to thank Louis Hallstrom of Hallstrom Excavating! If you need it dug in the summer, or plowed in the winter, give Louis a call. (802) 496-6286 Waitsfield, VT hallstromexcavating@tds.com
Robin's Automotive 802-485-3031
Hurricane Automotive 802-485-4202 - My Pit Crew
Adam Davis - More Pit Crew
Flash Floyd
Joe Doney Painting
Bill Codling - Scorer
Sherry - Camera
More Pics!
