BARRE, Vt. – The start of the Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl stock car racing season is now set.
Track officials have announced the track will hold a pay-per-view-only event Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. on the Northeast Sports Network.
Under an agreement reached with the state of Vermont, spectator attendance will not be permitted at the event in compliance with state health and safety guidelines related to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, fans around the world can still watch the racing thanks to NSN, which recently also broadcast a doubleheader event at New Hampshire’s White Mountain Motorsports Park.
All four Thunder Road divisions are opening their campaigns at the event. This includes point-counting features for the Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Models, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tigers, and Allen Lumber Street Stocks. The Burnett Scrap Metals Road Warriors round out the program. Teams will be limited to 10 people including the driver. The Kids Rides that were originally scheduled have been postponed until a time when it is healthy and safe for fans to participate.
As part of the announcement, officials also postponed the Capital City Automart Night event scheduled for Friday, June 12. This decision was made so teams and officials can properly prepare now that there is more certainly about the season ahead.
Beginning with the June 18 pay-per-view, the track’s plan is to follow the original season schedule as closely as possible. The June 12 event, along with the Community Bank N.A. 150 and the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic, will be rescheduled for later in the year. Other adjustment may be made as needed. Officials remain hopeful that fan attendance is approved in the near future.
“We know our teams and fans have been eagerly waiting for this day,” Thunder Road managing partner Cris Michaud said. “We want racing, and they want racing, so we’ve been working non-stop with the state to find a solution that would allow racing in a healthy and safe manner.
“It won’t quite be the same without fans, but we’re optimistic that next step is coming soon,” he continued. “In the meantime, NSN has already shown they can put on a professional-level, easy-to-watch broadcast. With the knowledge everyone has gained from doing pay-per-view events at White Mountain, we’re confident things will just keep getting better.”