Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – Dirt track racing is Americana. Nothing speaks more to that statement than a Memorial Day holiday weekend and two nights of racing at Grandview Speedway.
The 1/3-mile dirt track in Bechtelsville, PA prepares for a double-header with their NASCAR racing program on Saturday, May 27, followed by the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill special event series kick-off on Sunday, May 28.
On Sunday, NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presents the Triple Thunder Thriller presented by Pioneer Pole Buildings. The main event features the over 800 horsepower ground-shaking Big-Block Modifieds challenging the ultra-quick Small-Block Modifieds in a 40 lap duel to the finish, where a $5,000 jackpot waits in victory lane. The lucrative Modified kick-off event includes a $1,000 tenth place prize and $500 payday to start the feature.
With a special rules package, the region’s top Modified racers are expected to be in attendance. Hometown heroes like Craig Von Dohren, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard and Doug Manmiller defend the Berks County oval against New Jersey invaders Billy Pauch Jr. and Ryan Godown. Young and hungry drivers like Danny Bouc, Jared Umbenhauer, and Ryan Krachun search for their first Thunder on the Hill Victory.
The rules package allows for competition from Big-Block and Spec 358 engines and both American Racer and Hoosier tires. No open small block motors are permitted. For further rule information visit www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Along with an exciting Modified main event, the Sportsman will compete in a $1,300-to-win, 25-lap feature event; and the MASS Sprint Car Series debuts.
Helping to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend will be a stunning firework display prior to the start of the main event.
The Pioneer Pole Buildings Mobile Sales Unit will be on display in the mid-way along with all of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series mainstay promotions including the Low Down & Dirty Radio Show pre-race Meet and Greet, pit area tours, the Inside/Out Experience – where fans can watch hot laps from the infield, Joe ‘The Pizza Dude’ offering up free pizzas to the rowdiest fans, give-a-ways, and appearances by Miss Thunder on the Hill, Lauren Fischer.
Spectator gates will open at 5 PM, with racing action set for 7:30 PM. Adult General Admission is $25, Children 6-11 are $10, and Children 5 and Under are Free of Charge. Pit Area pricing is $35 and a license is not required.
Saturday’s program includes the TP Trailer NASCAR 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models, Sportsman and Blast form the Past vintage racers. Craig VonDohren leads the weekly championship standings heading into Saturday night action.
Adult admission for Saturday night racing is $15 while youngsters 11 and under being admitted free. Military personnel with proper ID are admitted FREE. Pit admission is $30 with a NASCAR license. Free parking is available on the speedway grounds.
Fans have the ability to camp out at the Speedway for the ultimate weekend experience. Campers are asked to park in the turn 4 parking area, there are no hook-ups available, and no box camping allowed. Track officials ask that all fires be contained. There is no fee for camping.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Quaker Steak & Lube, and GALCO Business Communications.
2017 Thunder Racing Series Schedule:
Memorial Day Triple Thunder Thriller –Sunday, May 28 7:30 PM – Grandview Speedway — Big Block/358 Modifieds* 40 laps, Sportsman & MASS Sprint
11th Annual Jesse Hockett Classic – Tuesday, June 13 7:30 PM — USAC National Wingless Sprint Car Series Eastern Storm and 358 Modifieds*
Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek – Tuesday, July 4 7:30 PM – 410 Sprint Cars & 358 Modifieds*
3rd Annual Thunder Cup Arctic Cat All-Star Circuit of Champions – Thursday, August 17 7:30 PM – 410 Sprint Cars & Sportsman*
Mods at the Madhouse Halloween Party – Saturday, October 14 6 PM – Big-Block/358 Modifieds 40 Laps, Sportsman & MASS Sprints
*NASCAR Points event