Bechtelsville, PA — (June 1, 2015) — Anticipation builds for the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 9th Annual Eastern Storm AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car event, on Tuesday, June 2 at the Grandview Speedway. The 40 lap “Jesse Hockett Classic” event features the top wingless Sprint Car drivers from all over the country, in their only east coast tour, and is a staple on the ‘must attend’ list of every race fan. The ARDC Midgets will also be on the program that starts at 7:30 PM with gates opening at 5 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM.
Defending race winner, Chase Stockon of Elizabethtown, Indiana currently sits second in the series points standings and has finished in the top-10 in each of the series’ thirteen events, to date. The 27-year-old driver has proven he knows the quick way around the Bechtelsville, PA 1/3 mile high banked dirt oval – capturing the 2014 edition of the Jesse Hockett Classic besting a hard charging Jon Stanbrough and two rain delays. Last year, Stockon’s first victory of 2014 came at Grandview Speedway and he finds himself in the same position searching for that elusive first win of the season.
Standing in Stockon’s path is Rocklin, California’s Robert Ballou who maintains the top-spot in the Series standings with a two point lead. Ballou has four wins this season in the USAC National Sprint Car Series heading into the Eastern Storm events and is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Heading into the Eastern Storm, Kokomo, Indiana racer Dave Darland has his eyes on a different milestone. Darland has 99 USAC wins in the three National series and a victory at Grandview on Tuesday, June 2 would put him in select company with A.J. Foyt, Rich Vogler and Mel Kenyon as the only drivers to reach 100 victories. Sitting third in the series standings, Darland sole Eastern Storm victory came at the Port Royal Speedway in 2013.
Series regulars Jon Stanbrough, Kevin Thomas Jr., Tracy Hines and 2014 Eastern Storm Champion, Brady Bacon are all expected to be in attendance. Local drivers from a variety of divisions have indicated their interest including Pennsylvania Sprint Car standouts Brent Marks and Kyle Moody, and ARDC Midget racers Trevor Kobylarz and Brett Arndt.
Local driver, Joey Biasi, of Mary D, PA — will recognize Sergeant First Class (Retired) Joe Weser as the honorary Crew Chief for the Biasi family-owned No. B1 machine as part of an initiative between Keystone Wounded Warriors and the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. Representatives of the Keystone Wounded Warriors will be on hand, on Tuesday, June 2 raising awareness and seeking support for their program and services.
Alongside the USAC National Sprint Car Series is the popular ARDC midgets completing a full-night of wingless action.
Grandview Speedway kicked off the initial Eastern Storm swing of USAC National Sprint Car Series events in June of 2007, at its inception and has remained one of the most popular events of the week. Past winners of the USAC event at Grandview Speedway include: Levi Jones (2007, 2010), Jesse Hockett (2009), Bobby East (2011), Bryan Clauson (2012), Daron Clayton (2013) and Chase Stockon (2014).
General Admission ticket pricing for Tuesday, June 2 is $25 for Adults, Children 6-11 are $10 and Kids 5 & under are FREE! Pit Admission pricing is $35.
Advance tickets are on sale now and may be ordered by calling 443-513-4456. Please provide your name and the number of tickets requested. Tickets may be picked up and paid for on race night after 3:30 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM, one half hour prior to the sale of General Admission tickets.
Action kicks off early at 4:30 PM with the popular Low Down & Dirty Radio Show Meet & Greet taking place right outside the main entrance.
Grandstand Gates open at 5:00 PM and Racing starts at 7:30 PM
Celebrating the 26th season of racing action NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series always includes fun for the fans with activities such as: Pre-Race Pit Tours, the Inside/Out Experience – where fans can sign-up to watch hot laps from the infield, JOE “THE PIZZA DUDE”, giveaways, fireworks and appearances by the Thunder Girls.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with Thunder on the Hill as the Series title sponsor joined by: Quaker Steak & Lube, Window World, GALCO Business Communications & Pioneer Pole Buildings.