From Bob Miller
Previously recognized in both Daytona Beach, FL and Indianapolis, IN the award winning NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series will present their one-hundred and eighth event in twenty-four years at the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night, July 2 when the Pennsylvania 410 Sprints and the 358 Modifieds present a double-header spectacular.
These two fan favorite divisions always present a crowd pleasing event on the “hill” and Tuesday night, July 2 will be no different. The 410 sprints will compete in a 35 lap $5,000 to win feature with the modifieds going 25 laps for $3,000 to win. Gates will open at 5 PM with time trial qualifying for the 410 sprints opening the program at 7:30 PM.
The fastest cars on dirt are the 410 sprints cars and they’ll be challenging the high banked one-third mile oval against the clock to establish a new one lap track record. The time to beat is 11.433 established in 2008 by Jeff Shepard. The track record has been in the books for five years and it’s very likely that Tuesday night, July 2 will see a new record time etched into the record books. A $100 cash bonus will be posted for fast time of the night.
Nationally known drivers like Fred Rahmer of Salfordsville, Pa, Greg Hodnett the defending winner of this event, Lance Dewease, Danny Lasoski, Brent Marks, Brian Montieth and Mark Smith are a few of the expected entries. Fred Rahmer, a former champion and many time feature winner in the modifieds at Grandview will make this a return to the home court. Rahmer is third on the Thunder on the Hill sprint car career win list with nine victories. Rahmer is Trailing Lance Dewease with 10 wins and Billy Pauch, an eleven time Thunder on the Hill sprint car feature winner. To put it all in perspective, Pauch last won a sprint feature at Grandview in August of 2006, Dewease last won at Grandview in October of 2003 and Rahmer’s last Thunder victory was July 2008, this same event, just five years ago.
Rahmer would like nothing more then to re-visit the coveted checkerboard Grandview Speedway victory lane on Tuesday night, July 2 and collect that huge $5,000 check.
Every driver in any division of dirt track racing wants to win at Grandview, a track that is demanding, prestigious and can be down-right nasty in the heat of the battle.
Some of the top drivers in Central Pennsylvania sprint car racing are still chasing that first ever Thunder on the Hill victory, drivers like Mark Smith who came so close on several occasions. Last year, Alan Krimes was laps away from victory until his hopes came to an end. On the Edge, Brian Montieth has been shut out of a Thunder victory along with Double “D” Danny Dietrich and Brent Marks. But that could all change on Tuesday night, July 2nd, when a first time winner could emerge.
Defending race winner Greg Hodnett likes the Grandview ‘bullring” and has five career Thunder on the Hill victories. Hodnett will be a favorite and a driver to watch. Hodnett is a three time Thunder on the Hill Champion taking the title in 2003, 2009 and 2012.
A $500 cash bonus is posted by MACH 1 Chassis in Mechanicsburg. A $500 bonus will be awarded to the driver that has the best combined finished between the July 2 second 410 sprint show and the June 5 USAC event at Grandview. Mach 1 Chassis maintains a large inventory of open wheel parts and accessories at their Mechanicsburg, PA shop. They inventory enough parts and products to essentially a complete race-ready roller. Mach 1 fabricates many parts in-house as well as serving as an authorized dealer for many of the sports leading manufacturers. If they don’t have it, Mach 1 will get it for you! Take a tour of the Mach 1 Shop by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8_
For the 358 modifieds, the event is open to all competitors and heat race qualifying will determine the twenty-four car starting field. The weekly Grandview Speedway rules will be in place. Craig VonDohren, hot off a win Saturday night at Grandview already has an eye on that $3,000 check. There will be two $100 Lee Myles Transmission bonus awards, going to the highest Grandview Speedway regulars outside the top twenty in current points. Lee Myles has a $100 bonus going to the highest finishing New Egypt Speedway regular as well.
Advance tickets for the Tuesday, July 2nd 410 Sprint & 358 Modified double-header are now on sale by calling 443 513 4456. Please be sure to leave your name, number of tickets you need and a call back phone number. You may pay for your tickets and pick them up on Tuesday night, July 2 after 3:30 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM, one-half hour prior to general admission tickets going on sale.
Some major announcements are planned concerning the fast approaching ROC 16th Annual Pioneer Pole Buildings Modified TRAFFIC JAM set for Tuesday night, July 30. Other announcements include plans for the 2014 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 25th Anniversary season.
Grandview Speedway Route 100 Bechtelsville, PA 10 mile north of Pottstown, Bechtelsville, PA
For GPS Users: 43 Passmore Road Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Adult General Admission $22, Children 6-11 $10, Children 5 and under Free Pit Fee $30
ADVANCE TICKETS NOW ON SALE: Call Donna Miller 443 513 4456 (Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstand at 4:30 PM)
TRACK PHONE: 610 754 7688
ADDITIONAL Thunder on the Hill INFORMATION: 443 513 4456 Bob Miller
WEBSITES: www.
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 51st Anniversary season in 2013. 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.