Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – The season finale of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series invades the Grandview Speedway on Saturday night, October 16 with the Pioneer Pole Buildings Triple Roaring 20’s for Big Block/358 Modifieds plus a full program of Sportsman all getting underway at 6 PM.
Gates open at 4 PM. A series of qualifying events will determine the twenty-four car starting field for the Big Block/358 Modified feature events. Each feature will pay $2,000 to win.
If one driver should win all three features, they would earn $6,000 plus a $5,000 bonus from PPB making the payoff worth $11,000. There is also a $1,000 PPB Bonus for any driver that wins two feature events. That $5,000 PPB bonus for a three win sweep is possible as a 4-6-8 inversion will be used for the second and third features. A minimum of $600 will be paid just to start the three twenty lap feature events.
This season finale event started in October 2000 with the popular 4-25’s, a features only format showcasing four different divisions. The following October 2001, the event was expanded to the 5-25’s. This format continued until 2015 when the Halloween Party event transitioned to a Modified, Sportsman and Limited Sprint triple header. The Big Block/358 Modifieds were the headline division competing in a 40 lap feature that paid $5,000 to win. This format continued until 2019. In 2020, it was time for the introduction of the Triple Roaring 20’s. Sharing the victories were Kevin Hirthler, Ryan Beltz and Duane Howard.
The payoff is even more attractive with the addition of the GT Radiator Repair bonus, offering $200 to win each ten lap Modified heat. GT Radiator Repair, specializes in automotive radiators, including antique car radiators and commercial truck radiators. GT Radiators is also your source for farm radiator service, industrial radiator repair, oil coolers, and any other heat exchange units. For auto, truck or heavy equipment radiator needs, contact Harry or George Turner at GT Radiators on Main Street in Ambler, PA.
The Triple Roaring 20’s event will allow both Big Block and 358 Modifieds to compete together in a unique rules package. This special rules package is offered to the regions modified drivers, with both American Racer and Hoosier tires allowed for competition, and either Big-Block or Spec Small-Block engines permitted. An event sheet with the complete payoff, rules, and details is available at www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
There is no entry fee but drivers must pre-enter to be eligible for the posted payoff and to draw. Drivers that are not pre-entered will start at the rear of their heat race. Teams shall pre-enter by calling 443 513 4456.
The format for the Modifieds will follow a draw for the heats. The top twelve from the heats will redraw for the first feature, the balance of the qualified cars will start straight up from the heats and consolation. A 4-6-8 invert draw will determine the starting line-up for the second and third feature. Feature restarts will be double file up to lap eighteen.
Many race fans take advantage of the Thunder on the Hill Advance Ticket program. Fans with advance tickets may enter the grandstands at 3:30 PM providing them with choice seating. There are no reserved seats. Advance tickets are available by calling 443 513 4456. Please speak clearly and provide your first and last name and the number of tickets you need. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the WILL CALL window on race night at 3:30 PM. We ask that you please bring exact change. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 3:30 PM. Advance tickets orders can be processed up to the day before the race. We apologize, but advance tickets will NOT be available on race day.
Adult admission tickets are $25, Children 6 to 11 are $10, Children 5 and under will be admitted free. The pit fee is $40, and a license is not required.