Archive for Thunder on the Hill
THUNDER SERIES NEWS
Posted by: | CommentsAPRIL 18, 2019
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
NAPA AUTO PARTS THUNDER ON THE HILL CONTINUES. . . . . .
ORDER ADVANCE TICKETS NOW FOR 30TH THUNDER SERIES OPENER, TUESDAY, JUNE 11, $10,000 TO WIN USAC NON-WING SPRINTS PLUS MODIFIEDS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (April 18, 2019) – The NAPA Auto Parts 30th Anniversary Thunder on the Hill season opener is set for Tuesday night, June 11 at the Grandview Speedway. The series that just doesn’t quit will return to the hill on Tuesday night, June 11 with the Jesse Hockett $10,000 to win USAC Non-Wing National Sprint Series event, joined by the 358 Grandview modifieds. Fans with Advance tickets may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM with General admission tickets going on sale at 5 PM. Race time is set for 7:30 PM. This spectacular double header brings together two premier divisions that is sure to rock the house.
Advance tickets may be ordered for the Tuesday, June 11 USAC Sprints & Modified show by calling 443 513 4456. Please speak slowly and clearly when leaving a message and be sure to leave your name and number of tickets you will need. Feel free to leave your phone number as well. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the WILL CALL Window on race night after 3:30 PM. These tickets will entitle you to enter the grandstands at 4:30. Adult admission tickets are $30, children 6 to 11 $10 and children five and under will be admitted for free.
“It’s exciting to think that we are going into our 30th year of Thunder on the Hill and the Jesse Hockett Classic is a great way to open the series” Promoter Bob Miller said. Some 13 years ago, it was Miller and track owner Bruce Rogers who worked out the deal to bring the nationally known USAC stars back to Pennsylvania.
On June 11, the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series takes to the track for thJesse Hockett Classic, featuring a $10,000 payday that will help highlight the King of the non-wing jungle. ‘The Macho Man’ Brady Bacon proved he has mega powers at Grandview Speedway claiming the past two USAC victories – but anything can happen on the third-mile when there are $10,000 bucks up for grabs.
The PA Posse 410 sprint cars invade the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday, July 2 and they’ll be competing for $10,000 to win the twenty-fifth Grandview Speedway Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speed Week event. NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson has put the PA Posse in their place for two consecutive seasons, but a strong field of local competitors plans to keep that cash on home turf. Look for local favorite Ryan Smith to hunt down and capture that first career Thunder victory wheeling the Mike Heffner sprint car in the new season.
The debut of the NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midgets takes place on Tuesday, July 30. For years fans have begged, bargained, and pleaded for the Midgets on the Bechtelsville high banks and there’s no better time than the 30th Anniversary season of Thunder on the Hill. Many of the same USAC Sprint Car stars will strap into midgets for this event like Brady Bacon and Kevin Thomas, Jr.
The 5th Annual Levan Machine Truck Equipment Thunder Cup event brings the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions to the one-third mile Grandview Speedway on Thursday, August 22. A highlight of the Thunder season, the All Star event will pay homage to the late Greg Hodnett, with a special memorial trophy.
The 358 Modifieds will co-headline all of the previously mentioned events, competing in 30 lap events for $3,000 to win and lucrative NASCAR points. Grandview’s premier weekly division always thrills the crowd with side-by-side action.
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series concludes on Saturday, October 22 with the House of Thunder Halloween Party featuring the 22nd running of the Modified Traffic Jam – where Big-Blocks battle Small-Blocks in the Mods at the Madhouse. Alongside the Modifieds, the Sportsman, and MASS Sprint Cars will also be in action.
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, and Galco Business Communications.
2019 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Schedule
Tuesday, June 11 USAC Non-Wing Sprints 40 laps & 358 Modifieds Jesse Hockett Classic $10,000 to Win!
Tuesday, July 2 PA Sprint Speed Week 410 Sprints $10,000 to win & 358 Modifieds
Tuesday, July 30 USAC Midgets 30 laps & 358 Modifieds
Thursday, August 22 All Star Sprints Smoke on the Hill Thunder Cup & 358 Modifieds
Saturday, October 19 House of Thunder Halloween Party, 22nd Annual Traffic Jam 40 laps Modifieds, Sportsman and MASS Sprints
Grandview Speedway Contact Information
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller, and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 30 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 132 events, over $4.6 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events. The 2019 30th Anniversary Series of Thunder on the Hill is dedicated to Bruce Rogers.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 57th Anniversary season in 2019. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill racewear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
THUNDER ON THE HILL NEWS
Posted by: | CommentsJANUARY 17, 2019
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
THUNDER ON THE HILL PLANS STRONG 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY. . . . .
NAPA RETURNS AS SERIES SPONSOR, USAC SPRINTS & MIDGETS, PA SPRINT SPEED WEEK, ALL STARS SPRINTS & MODIFIEDS ARE ON THE SCHEDULE
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (JANUARY 17, 2019) – Five exciting events have been scheduled for the 30th Anniversary season of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series at Grandview Speedway, in Bechtelsville, PA.
A diverse schedule of events includes three nationally touring racing circuits plus, Thunder staples like the Modifieds and the 410 Sprint Cars in a jam-packed agenda – that is highlighted by two lucrative $10,000-to-win events.
The 2019 season kicks off with a $10,000-to-win event on Tuesday, June 11. The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series competes in the Jesse Hockett Classic. ‘The Macho Man’ Brady Bacon is sure to put on a show, the Broken Arrow, OK native has scored victories in the past two USAC non-wing Sprint Car events at Grandview Speedway. Alongside the USAC competitors is the 358 Modifieds – Grandview’s top weekly racing division. Gates open at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM.
The twenty-fifth scheduled Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek event takes place on Tuesday, July 2. Nothing is more American than 410 Sprint Cars and the fans on ‘The Hill’ know how to celebrate our nation. NASCAR Cup Series star, Kyle Larson has claimed victories in the past two Grandview Speedweek events – but with $10,000 up for grabs Pennsylvania’s famed PA Posse is ready to keep that payday local. The 358 Modifieds join the 410 Sprint Cars for a thrilling double header.
The NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midgets’ first recent appearance at Grandview Speedway takes place on Tuesday, July 30. Fans have been clamoring for the Midgets to hit the high-banks in Bechtelsville and you can be sure they’ll be ready for a good time. Familiar Grandview Sprint Car faces like Brady Bacon and Tyler Courtney challenge 2018 National Midget Champion Logan Seavey – and most likely some local flavor in what is expected to be an action-packed event.
The Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions return to Grandview Speedway on Thursday August 22 for the 5th Annual Levan Machine and Truck Equipment Thunder Cup. In 2018, Aaron Reutzel drank champagne from the two-foot tall gold chalice with confetti flying in the background. The best-of-the-best in 410 Sprint Car racing will be on hand for their second appearance at the Berks County dirt track.
The season closes out on Saturday, October 19 with the House of Thunder Halloween Party featuring the 22nd running of the Modified Traffic Jam. Lauded as one of the most exciting Modified races around the Traffic Jam boasts previous winners like Brett Hearn, Tim McCreadie, Jimmy Horton, Ryan Watt, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard and Craig VonDohren among many others. A Big-Block vs. Small-Block rules package allows for a outsiders to try their hand at the one-third-mile Grandview Speedway. Alongside the Modifieds will be the Sportsman, and MASS 305 Sprint Cars.
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, and Galco Business Communications.
2019 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Schedule
Tuesday, June 11 USAC Non-Wing Sprints 40 laps & 358 Modifieds Jesse Hockett Classic $10,000 to Win!
Tuesday, July 2 PA Sprint Speed Week 410 Sprints $10,000 to win & 358 Modifieds
Tuesday, July 30 USAC Midgets 30 laps & 358 Modifieds
Thursday, August 22 All Star Sprints Smoke on the Hill Thunder Cup & 358 Modifieds
Saturday, October 19 House of Thunder Halloween Party, 22nd Annual Traffic Jam 40 laps Modifieds, Sportsman and MASS Sprints
Grandview Speedway Contact Information
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 30 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 132 events, over $4.6 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events. The 2019 30th Anniversary Series of Thunder on the Hill is dedicated to Bruce Rogers.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 57th Anniversary season in 2019. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
Thunder News
Posted by: | CommentsNOVEMBER 23, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON - 2019
GRANDVIEW MIDGET RACING HISTORY TO CARRY ON IN A BIG WAY. . . . . .
USAC MIDGETS JOIN THE NAPA AUTO PARTS THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON TUESDAY, JULY 30
BECHTELSVILLE, PA NOVEMBER 23, 2018. . . . . . .. It all started when Don Kreitz Sr. won the very first midget race sanctioned by UMRC at the Grandview Speedway on June 12, 1965.
Grandview Speedway is just the perfect venue for midgets with its’ high-banks and racy straightaways. For years, Grandview has thrilled many race fans with the excitement that only midgets can provide at the track on the hill. Some 228 events were presented at the primer one-third mile Berk’s County oval since that first event in 1965. Midget racing continued at Grandview Speedway through the years including some thrilling double-header Sunday night events presented by prominent Promoter Ed Darrell. The midgets last run at Grandview was part of a Thunder on the Hill event on May 24, 2015 when Tim Buckwalter earned win.
Through this long and rich history, the midgets competed at Grandview under several different sanctioning bodies. As the UMRC Midgets presented the first event, other sanctioning bodies included SMRC, AOM, ARDC and on two occasions, ARDC and USAC teamed up for a pair of events on the Hill. There were also two non-sanctioned midget races. ARDC was the dominant organization, sanctioning over one-hundred and eighty of two-hundred and twenty-eight events.
Joining Don Kreitz Sr on the midget win list from 1965 to 1969 were the likes of Dutch Schaeffer, Len Duncan, Johnny Coy, Tommy McAndrews and Earl Halaquist. But this list goes on to include almost every legend in midget racing. On two previous occasion, the USAC Midgets ran the hill with ARDC co-sanctioning the event. Rich Vogler took the win on July 3, 1988 as Russ Gamester scored the other win on July 2, 1989.
So the tradition will continue on Tuesday night, July 30 when Grandview Speedway opens the Eastern Swing of the P1 Insurance USAC National Midget Series. Time Trials and qualifying events will lead up to the 35 lap USAC Midget feature. Making this double-header even bigger, the NASCAR 358 Modifieds will be on the card racing in qualifying events and a 30 lap feature. Gates will open at 5:00 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM. Some special pre-race activities will take place honoring the long and exciting history of the midgets at Grandview Speedway with special guests and restored race cars on hand.
Some of the 2018 stars of the P1 Insurance USAC National Midget Series include Logan Seavey, Brady Bacon, Chad Boat, Spencer Bayston, Tyler Courtney, Justin Grant, Tanner Carrick, Kevin Thomas, Jr, Zeb Wise and Ryan Robinson. Favorites from the 2018 Eastern USAC Midget roster include Alex Bright, Adam Pierson, Ryan Greth, Tommy Kunsman Jr., Ryan Wilson, Shawn Jackson and Steve Craig just to name a few. A star-studded field is expected for this return of the midgets to the “track on the hill” for the 30th Anniversary Thunder on the Hill Racing Series.
GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY- - MIDGET ALL TIME CAREER FEATURE WINNERS: 22 Leigh Earnshaw, 20 Bob Cicconi, 17 George Ferguson Jr., 13 Johnny Coy, 10 John Heydenreich, 9 Lenny Boyd, 9 Steve Buckwalter, 8 Hank Rogers Jr., 7 Jimmy Maguire, 7 Jim Hettinger, 7 Van May, 7 Ray Bull, 6 Nick Fornoro, 5 Duane Carter, 5 Dana Carter, 4 Jimmy Kirk, 4 Johnny Hubbard, 4 Midge Miller, 4 Lou Cicconi, 4 Tim Buckwalter, 3 Wayne Woodward, 3 Drew Fornoro, 3 Binky Lederer, 2 Jan Opperman, 2 Dub May, 2 Billy Hughes, 2 PJ Roberts, 2 Guy Cicconi, 2 Tim Dietz, 2 Andy Martin, 2 Billy Pauch Jr., 2 Alex Bright,
Drivers with 1 win, Don Kreitz Sr., Dutch Schaeffer, Len Duncan, Tommy McAndrews, Earl Halaquist, Gene Bergen, Sonny Sanders, Ken Good, Dennis Schaeffer, Stevie Howard, Bruce Jones, Frank Holz, Chris Chrisman, Kim Ceasare, Sleepy Tripp, Ronnie Dunstan, Frank Fiore, Joe Lingle, Rich Vogler, Russ Gamester, Brett Mowrey, Walt Stearly, Marc Dailey, Jerry Coons Jr., Tracy Readinger, Nick Wean, Trevor Kobylarz, Brendan Bright, Steve Drevecki.
61 different drivers have won the 228 events. Most Consecutive Wins, 1975 Jim Hettinger 5 win in a row.
Midget Statistics provided by Jeff Alhum.
Additional events on the 2019 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series will be announced over the next few weeks.
2019 Dates
Tuesday, June 11 USAC Non-Wing Sprints & 358 Modifieds Jesse Hockett Classic $10,000 to Win!
Tuesday, July 2 PA Sprint Speed Week 410 Sprints $10,000 to win & 358 Modifieds
Tuesday, July 30 USAC Midgets & 358 Modifieds
Thursday, August 22 All Star Sprints Smoke on the Hill Thunder Cup & 358 Modifieds
Grandview Speedway Contact Information
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 30 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 132 events, over $4.6 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events. The 2019 30th Anniversary Series of Thunder on the Hill is dedicated to Bruce Rogers.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 57th Anniversary season in 2019. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
THUNDER SERIES 2019
Posted by: | CommentsNOVEMBER 21, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
THUNDER ON THE HILL TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON AT GRANDVIEW IN 2019, HERE’S AN EARLY LOOK AT SOME SPECIAL EVENTS. . . .
$10,000 TO WIN FOR USAC & 410 SPRINT SPEED WEEK, USAC MIDGETS TO OPEN SWING AT GRANDVIEW, MODIFIED SURPRISE STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (November 21, 2018) – What began in August of 1990 -- when Steve Smith parked his Black Bandit #19 in the Grandview Speedway victory lane -- has grown over three decades to become the region’s most anticipated series of events, and next year, the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series turns 30.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Thunder on the Hill and Grandview Speedway along with series partners, teams, drivers and fans will join together in a season-long 30th Anniversary celebration that will include cornerstone Thunder events, as well as, added bonuses and surprises.
“Almost thirty years ago, Dave Kelly along with Bruce Rogers and myself, laid a foundation that today supports some of the region’s most prominent auto racing events,” said Series Promoter Bob Miller. “The story of Thunder on the Hill over the past three decades is fascinating, and one that I relish the opportunity to share. It’s also a story that wouldn’t be complete without the support of our loyal racing fans.
“With our regular events secured and new events on the agenda, it will be a year-long celebration for everyone to enjoy – plus, we still have a few more surprises up our sleeves.”
A pair of $10,000-to-win races highlight two of Thunder’s premier events. The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series competes on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 for the Jesse Hockett Classic and the 410 Sprint Cars join on Tuesday, July 2 for PA Speedweek – with both events offering a staggering $10K to the winner.
New-for-2019, the USAC National Midget Series hit the Bechtelsville high banks on Tuesday, July 30 while the All-Star Circuit of Champions return on Thursday, August 22.
All four of these shows will be coupled with Modified action for a string of exciting double top division events.
More events will be announced as plans are solidified.
Since 1990, NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series has held 132 racing events and paid out over $4.6 million dollars to nearly every major racing series and division. What started as a one race effort has taken numerous turns and transitions to develop into what the series is today. And thirty years later, the series continues to attract the largest attendance numbers for short track racing events presented in the region.
The list of main event Thunder on the Hill feature winners is staggering and talent-filled to say the least.
Thirty years later, drivers and race teams alike have a Thunder on the Hill win on their “to do” list. Billy Pauch, winner of eleven Thunder on the Hill sprint car wins tried year after year to win a Thunder on the Hill modified feature, that win finally came in 2018. Ryan Watt also kicked the jinx and found the Thunder victory lane in the October 2018 event.
Thunder on the Hill 410 Sprint Car Feature winners; 11 wins Billy Pauch, 10 Lance Dewease, 9 Greg Hodnett, 9 Fred Rahmer, 4 Keith Kauffman, 4 Steve Kinser, 3 Tyler Walker, 2 Cris Eash, 2 Jesse Hockett, 2 Levi Jones, 2 Jeff Shepard, 2 Steve Smith, 2 Bryan Clauson, 2 Brady Bacon, 2 Kyle Larson, 1 Bill Brian Jr., 1 Daron Clayton, 1 Alan Cole, 1 Danny Dietrich, 1 Bobby East, 1 Jac Haudenschild, 1 Chad Kemenah, 1 Mark Kinser, 1 Mike Kerby, 1 Don Kreitz Jr., 1 Danny Lasoski, 1 Brian Leppo, 1 Johnny Mackison, 1 Daryn Pittman, 1 Tim Schaffer, 1 Donny Schatz, 1 Todd Shaffer, 1 Chase Stockon, 1 Sammy Swindell, 1 Bobby Weaver, 1 Stevie Smith, 1 Dale Blaney, 1 Freddie Rahmer Jr., 1 Aaron Reutzel.
Thunder on the Hill Modified Feature winners include: 13 wins Jeff Strunk, 11 Duane Howard, 6 Craig VonDohren, 5 Brett Hearn, 4 Doug Manmiller , 3 MeMe DeSantis, 2 Jimmy Horton, 2 Tim McCreadie, 2 Frank Cozze, 2 Billy Decker, 2 Mike Gular, 2 Rick Laubach, 2 Matt Sheppard, 2 Billy Pauch Jr., 2 Ryan Godown, 1 Glenn Strunk, 1 Rick Schaffer, 1 Tom Mayberry, 1 Keith Brightbill, 1 Kevin Hirthler, 1 Kenny Gilmore, 1 Tom Umbenhauer, 1 Tim Fuller, 1 Stewart Friesen, 1 Danny Johnson, 1 Brett Kressley and winning their first Modified Thunder on the Hill win in 2018, Billy Pauch and Ryan Watt.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment and GALCO Business Communications.
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 30 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 132 events, over $4.6 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events. The 2018 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is dedicated to Bruce Rogers.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 57th Anniversary season in 2019. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES RESULTS
Posted by: | CommentsOCTOBER 13, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
NAPA THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES CONCLUDES TWENTY-NINTH SEASON, SATURDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW. . . .
RYAN WATT OVERCOMES A TRAFFIC JAM TO WIN THUNDER FIRST; WHITMOYER AND SMITH CLAIM SPORTSMAN AND SPRINT CAR WINS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (October 13, 2018) – It was a chilling fall night of racing when Boyertown, PA’s Ryan Watt scored the victory in the twenty-first running of the Modified Traffic Jam, the season finale of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series events at Grandview Speedway Saturday night. Watt has been haunted from winning a Thunder show for years, so how appropriate that his first win came in the Halloween House of Thunder event. Craig Whitmoyer and Kyle Smith claimed victories in the Sportsman and MASS Sprint Car Series events, as part of the thrilling three-division show.
“I can’t believe we won, I’ve tried to win a Thunder on the Hill Race so many times -- I finished second at the August race, and I’m glad to get one of these Thunder wins finally," an ecstatic Watt said in victory lane while surrounded by family, friends and crew members. His first win earned him $5,000 in a very lucrative payoff that offered $1,000 to finish tenth and $500 just to start the feature event.
Forty-six modifieds attempted to qualify for the big event and it was Ryan Watt who rolled off second in the 24-car starting line-up, alongside 2018 Grandview Speedway Modified Champion, Mike Gular. Watt won the drag race down the front stretch taking the top spot despite strong attempts from Gular. Battling for the lead, the top two dueled side-by-side for the initial stage of the race, followed by Frank Cozze and Kenny Gilmore.
Meanwhile, Craig VonDohren charged forward from an eighth-place start into the fifth position on lap 4, leading a train that included Jared Umbenhauer and Doug Manmiller.
The lead pack closed in on lapped cars by the tenth circuit, and the aptly named ‘Traffic Jam’ bunched the field with multiple two and three-wide battles. Relief came after a close call for the leaders when two cars tangled directly in front of them.
“Lapped Cars made things tricky tonight,” Watt said in victory lane. “You never know which way anyone is going to go and when they are side-by-side, it gets tricky.”
Opting for the outside lane on the restart, Watt left the door open for Gular, who pulled alongside challenging for the top spot. Jared Umbenhauer charged into the third on the restart and swapped the second position with Gular just two laps later.
Ryan Watt pulled away in the later stages of the 40-lap event, weaving in and out of slow traffic and maintaining the top spot as laps clicked off.
It was all Watt as the checkered flag waved, Mike Gular finished in second – holding off a late race charge from Jared Umbenhauer, who settled for third. Craig VonDohren finished in fourth, and Doug Manmiller finished in the fifth position.
Craig Whitmoyer claimed the victory in the 25-lap Sportsman event – his 13th Grandview Speedway victory. Mike Lisowski started on the outside pole and led the early stages of the race– but Lisowski was forced pitside on lap 15 when officials discovered missing right front lugnuts on his No. 15 machine. Brad Grim inherited the lead on the restart and lost the lead to Whitmoyer after a three-car battle for the top spot that also included Kevin Hirthler. A lap 22 yellow slowed the field for the final time and Whitmoyer engaged in a three-car race to the finish with just three circuits remaining. Whitmoyer held on for the win with Grim and Hirthler settling for second and third, respectively. Dean Bachman finished in fourth, and Kyle Kania finished in the fifth position.
Kyle Smith of Great Barrington, Massachusetts picked up the victory in the 25-lap Mid-Atlantic Sprint Car Series event, holding off Jeff Geiges and a slew of late race caution flags. Geiges of Hamilton, NJ took the early lead and led the initial eleven circuits before a lap 11 yellow slowed the field. With a double-file restart, Geiges opted to restart on the top side opening the door for Smith, who powered down the front stretch overtaking the top spot. Geiges slid inside Smith but couldn’t stick the attempted slide job. Geiges would settle for second, Ryan Stillwaggon finished in third, Jon Haegele coming home in fourth and Tyler Reinhardt rounding out the top 5 finishers.
For more information about NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series visit www.thundeornthehillracingseries.com
Thunder Notes
- 46 Modifieds, 21 Sportsman, and 24 Sprint Cars competed in the 2018 Thunder Series finale.
- Fans of all ages dressed in costume as part of the House of Thunder Halloween parade – judges selected the best-dressed children and rewarded them with prizes.
- Plans are currently in the works for 2019 racing season and the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 30th Anniversary of events.
October 13, 2018 Race Results
Modifieds
Heat 1 (10 Laps) – 1. Ryan Grim 2. Kenny Gilmore 3. Mike Gular 4. Don Norris, Jr. 5. Richie Pratt, Jr.
Heat 2 (10 Laps) – 1. Kyle Merkel 2. Doug Manmiller 3. Jared Umbenhauer 4. Meme DeSantis 5. Eric Biehn
Heat 3 (10 Laps) – 1. Steve Swinehart 2. Ryan Lilick 3. Frank Cozze 4. Kevin Hirthler 5. Craig Whitmoyer
Heat 4 (10 Laps) – 1. Craig VonDohren 2. Ryan Watt 3. Rick Laubach 4. Jeff Strunk 5. Danny Bouc
Consi 1 (10 Laps) – 1. Ray Swinehart 2. Frank Yankowski
Consi 2 (10 Laps) – 1. Chris Esposito 2. Brett Gilmore
Feature (40 Laps) – 1. Ryan Watt 2. Mike Gular 3. Jared Umbenhauer 4. Craig VonDohren 5. Doug Manmiller 6. Frank Cozze 7. Kevin Hirthler 8. Rick Laubach 9. Jeff Strunk 10. Ryan Grim 11. Kenny Gilmore 12. Danny Bouc 13. Ryan Lilick 14. Ray Swinehart 15. Richie Pratt, Jr. 16. Don Norris, Jr. 17. Chris Esposito 18. Meme DeSantis 19. Kyle Merkel 20. Craig Whitmoyer 21. Frank Yankowski 22. Brett Gilmore 23. Steve Swinehart 24. Eric Biehn
DNQ: Matt Stangle, John Willman, Ryan Godown, Justin Grim, Ryan Beltz, Billy Osmun, Jason Miller, Aleah Geisler, Scott Albert, Gary Hager, Steve Young, Louden Reimert, Brian Hirthler, Mark Kratz, Brandon Grosso, Bobby Gunther Walsh, David Hunt, Ron Myers, Brian Houseknecht
Sportsman
Heat 1 (8 Laps) – 1. Kyle Kania 2. Brad Grim 3. Mike Lisowski 4. Nathan Mohr 5. Dean Bachman 6. Derrick Smith
Heat 2 (8 Laps) – 1. Kevin Hirthler 2. Craig Whitmoyer 3. Brian Hirthler 4. Joseph Brown 5. Kenny Bock 6. BJ Joly
Feature (25 Laps) – 1. Craig Whitmoyer 2. Brad Grim 3. Kevin Hirthler 4. Dean Bachman 5. Kyle Kania 6. Joseph Brown 7. Mike Mammana 8. Derrick Smith 9. Kenny Bock 10. Andy Clemmer 11. Ray Cost 12. Scott Kohler 13. Dylan Swinehart 14. Mike Lisowski 15. Nico Flammer 16. Nathan Mohr 17. Brad Arnold 18. Lex Shive 19. BJ Joly
MASS Sprint Car Series
Heat 1 (8 Laps) – 1. Jeff Geiges 2. Tom Carberry 3. Ryan Stillwagon 4. Rick Stief 5. Zack Burd 6. Dominic Melair 7. Devin Adams 8. Craig Pelligrini
Heat 2 (8 Laps) – 1. Larry McVay 2. Jon Haegele 3. Dave Brown 4. Tyler Reinhardt 5. Eddie Wagner 6. Scott Frack 7. Kassidy Kreitz 8. Ian Detweiler
Heat 3 (8 Laps) – 1. Mike Haggenbottom 2. Kyle Smith 3. Austin Bishop 4. Joe Kay 5. Tim Tanner Jr. 6. Bobby Scherff 7. Chad Connor 8. Daniel Leaper
Feature (25 Laps) – 1. Kyle Smith 2. Jeff Geiges 3. Ryan Stillwaggon 4. Jon Haegele 5. Tyler Reinhardt 6. Scott Frack 7. Tim Tanner Jr. 8. Joe Kay 9. Devin Adams 10. Larry McVay 11. Dave Brown 12. Kassidy Kreitz 13. Craig Pellegrini 14. Dominic Melair 15. Daniel Leaper 16. Chad Connor 17. Tom Carberry 18. Bobby Scherff 19. Eddie Wagner 20. Zack Burd 21. Rick Stief 22. Austin Bishop 23. Mike Haggenbottom
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
Posted by: | CommentsOCTOBER 12, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
HALLOWEEN PARTY & MODIFIED TRAFFIC JAM, SPORTSMAN & SPRINTS ON THE HILL SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 13 6 PM
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (October 12, 2018) . . . . Be part of the Halloween Parade watch for Ghostly Ghouls and be part of the MODS at the MADHOUSE in a big night of Spooktacular racing on the “haunted hill” of Grandview Speedway Saturday night, October 13 for the finale of the 29th season of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. The 358 Modifieds/Big Block modifieds will battle in the 21st running of the Traffic Jam, a 40 lap feature paying $5,000 to win, $1,000 for tenth and $500 to take the green for pre-entries of the 40 lap feature. The Sportsman and MASS Sprint cars will also be on the program that starts promptly at 6 PM.
A treat of pre-entries includes Freedom 76 winner Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk, Craig VonDohren, Billy Pauch, Ryan Godown, Billy Pauch Jr, Ryan Watt, MeMe DeSantis, Mike Gular, Brandon Grosso, Don Norris, Jared Umbenhauer and Gary Hager just to name a few.
Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars will also be a part of this Triple Thunder Thriller event with pit gates opening at 2:30 PM, general admission tickets go on sale at 4 PM with cars taking the green flag at 6 PM.
Fans interested in advance tickets may order them by calling 443-513-4456. Please speak clearly and leave your name and the number of tickets you would like. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the Will Call Window on race night after 3:00 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 3:30 PM, one-half hour before general admission tickets going on sale at 4 PM. Advance tickets orders will be available until 9 AM on race day, Saturday, October 13, then general admission tickets go on sale at 4 PM. The pit page will open at 2:30 PM and race time is set for 6 PM.
This haunting Halloween trick-or-treat celebration will spotlight the Modified Traffic JAM -- a race rich in history, having started in 1998 when Brett Hearn took the inaugural win. In the twenty year history of the Traffic Jam, Hearn is a four-time winner.
A special rules package is offered as a 'treat' to the region's competitors, 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. Drivers may pre-enter by calling 443 513 4456.
The popular Sportsman division is also on the card, competing for a $1,300 top prize for 25-laps of competition on 'the hill.' The same tire rule is in effect for the Sportsman - competitors are allowed to compete on Hoosier or American Racer rubber. Grandview Sportsman rules are in effect and competitors are allowed to run sail panels. Full rules are available on the Grandview Speedway website.
The MASS Sprint Cars will compete in heat race qualifying action and a 25-lap A-Main. Standard MASS club rules apply to competitors.
Fans are invited to come dressed for the occasion, Halloween costumes will be popular attire for the night with awards going out to best dressed for children and adults. Please expect some Halloween candy and of course, this night always provides some tricks and treats along the way.
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Halloween Party has been a staple of the Grandview Speedway schedule for over 15 years and will once again include the fan Costume parade. Race fans young and old are encouraged to dress in costume to be eligible for special Halloween prizes.
'Joe the Pizza Dude' will offer up hot, delicious, and FREE pizzas to the rowdiest of race fans before the action kicks off. Make some noise when 'The Pizza Dude' comes around, to earn yourself a free pizza!.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment and GALCO Business Communications.
Grandview Speedway
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
Posted by: | CommentsOCTOBER 4, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY PRESENTS THUNDER ON THE HILL HALLOWEEN PARTY, PLANS TRICK OR TREATS AND,
21ST ANNUAL MODIFIED TRAFFIC JAM TO OFFER $5,000 TO WIN, $1,000 FOR TENTH AND $500 TO TAKE THE GREEN SATURDAY, OCT 13
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (October 4, 2018) . . . . Trick or Treat, a Halloween Parade, Ghostly Ghouls and the MODS at the MADHOUSE make up a big night of Spooktacular racing on the “haunted hill” of Grandview Speedway Saturday night, October 13 for the finale of the 29th season of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. The 358 Modifieds/Big Block modifieds will battle in the 21st running of the Traffic Jam, a 40 lap feature paying $5,000 to win, $1,000 for tenth and $500 to take the green for pre-entries of the 40 lap feature. The Sportsman and MASS Sprint cars will also be on the program that starts promptly at 6 PM.
It is no surprise who the early pre-entries are and the list includes Freedom 76 winner Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk, Craig VonDohren, Billy Pauch, Ryan Godown, Billy Pauch Jr, Ryan Watt, Don Norris, Jared Umbenhauer and Gary Hager just to name a few.
Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars will also be a part of this Triple Thunder Thriller event with pit gates opening at 2:30 PM, general admission tickets go on sale at 4 PM with cars taking the green flag at 6 PM.
Fans interested in advance tickets may order them by calling 443-513-4456. Please speak clearly and leave your name and the number of tickets you would like. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the Will Call Window on race night after 3:00 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 3:30 PM, one-half hour before general admission tickets going on sale at 4 PM. Advance tickets orders will be available until 9 AM on race day, Saturday, October 13, then general admission tickets go on sale at 4 PM. The pit page will open at 2:30 PM and race time is set for 6 PM.
This haunting Halloween trick-or-treat celebration will spotlight the Modified Traffic JAM -- a race rich in history, having started in 1998 when Brett Hearn took the inaugural win. In the twenty year history of the Traffic Jam, Hearn is a four-time winner.
A special rules package is offered as a 'treat' to the region's competitors, 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. Drivers may pre-enter by calling 443 513 4456.
The popular Sportsman division is also on the card, competing for a $1,300 top prize for 25-laps of competition on 'the hill.' The same tire rule is in effect for the Sportsman - competitors are allowed to compete on Hoosier or American Racer rubber. Grandview Sportsman rules are in effect and competitors are allowed to run sail panels. Full rules are available on the Grandview Speedway website.
The MASS Sprint Cars will compete in heat race qualifying action and a 25-lap A-Main. Standard MASS club rules apply to competitors.
Fans are invited to come dressed for the occasion, Halloween costumes will be popular attire for the night with awards going out to best dressed for children and adults. Please expect some Halloween candy and of course, this night always provides some tricks and treats along the way.
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Halloween Party has been a staple of the Grandview Speedway schedule for over 15 years and will once again include the fan Costume parade. Race fans young and old are encouraged to dress in costume to be eligible for special Halloween prizes.
'Joe the Pizza Dude' will offer up hot, delicious, and FREE pizzas to the rowdiest of race fans before the action kicks off. Make some noise when 'The Pizza Dude' comes around, to earn yourself a free pizza!.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment and GALCO Business Communications.
Grandview Speedway
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: Track Website: http://www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 29 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 131 events, over $4.5 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 56th Anniversary season in 2018. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
