It’s been over 40 years since a modified race car has turned a lap at the historic Thunder Road International Speedbowl, Barre, VT, but the True Value Modified Racing Series will bring that long drought to an end, Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 25, when the fifth year series rolls into Vermont for the first time for 100 laps of ground pounding open-wheel modified racing at “The Nations Site of Excitement.” The TVMRS will join with the American-Canadian Tour Late Models who will compete in the 46th annual Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic. To say series drivers and officials are anxiously looking forward to the holiday weekend program is almost an understatement.
    “Everywhere you go, all you hear is Thunder Road.” said series announcer John Spence Sr. Up and down pit road at Waterford , Monadnock, and Lee, drivers, car owners, media and fans were really buzzing about this event. The enthusiasm is at an all time high and has been since Tom Curley and Jack Bateman announced the date. This is not only an historical event in Vermont , but in New England motorsports. I told Tom at Lee if Mother Nature is good he’ll hit a grand slam with this one.” Spence added, “The break in the schedule since Waterford really allows everyone to be ready. The officials are looking forward to it just as much as the competitors are.”
    Present point leader David Pinkham, Buxton ME, recent winner at Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut was quick to point out in post race interviews “We won at this historic race track now lets go get the next one (Thunder Road). I’d really like to win that one.” Pinkham feels a Thunder Road victory would fulfill his career.
    Pinkham’s comments are echoed by many. Defending champion Kirk Alexander is focused on Thunder Road . Alexander has won at every track competed on by the modified racing series. Now T-Road and later Wiscasset are on the list to conquer.
    Carrying the home torch are going to be brothers Dwight and Peter Jarvis, both long time racers out of Ascutney VT. Dwight has never raced at Thunder Road , Peter did over 20 years ago. Both would like to win the inaugural event in their home state. Dwight is the 2006 TVMRS champion while Peter is the 2007 Rookie of the Year.
    Also carrying the “Green Mountain State” banner will be Thunder Road standout Jean Paul Cyr, Milton , VT , who will pilot the Roscoe Racing # 25 modified owned by Gary Casella. Cyr drove the car to a 12th place finish at Lee April 20.
    Additional expected entries include, Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks CT, Rob Goodenough, Swanzey, NH, Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT, Louie Mechalides, Tygnsboro, MA Sean Bodreau, Claremont, NH, Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH, and Eddie Dachenhausen, Danbury, CT, and Vinnie Annarummo, Swansea, MA, to name a few.
    TVMRS heat races, 12 laps in distance, will determine starting positions for the 100 lap green flag race. Qualifying races for both the ACT and TVMRS are slated for a 1:30 PM start on Sunday May 25.
    The Thunder Road event is also the second qualifier race for the Sunoco Race Fuels sponsored Mod Mania weekend at Thompson CT. Speedway Sept 6, 7.

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