SPECTATOR ELIMINATOR RETURNS / 2011 TITLES UP FOR GRABS AT THUNDERHILL RACEWAY

By Edward Anschutz

 

(Sturgeon Bay, WI) April 10 - Titles in all six divisions will be for grabs at Prestige Yacht Coatings ThunderHill Raceway for the 2011 season. The Spectator Eliminator will make its return to the speedway since going away in the mid 1980’s. Fans will be able to race their street cars for one lap around the speedway, full press release of rules and requirements coming soon. The 2011 season will kick off with a car show and practice on April 23 with the regular points season kicking off a week later on April 30.

A bunch of new ideas are being discussed by the track prompter Bryan “Woody” Wodack. “I feel its important to keep the fans entertained, whether its during intermission or at the end of the program” stated Woody; “The fans are the reason were able to have racing every Saturday night, so were going to give them a show like they’ve never seen before!” “And as for the Spectator Eliminator it brings back something I enjoyed watching as a fan and give fans a chance to get out on the track without having to buy a racecar.”

Some of the races that maybe added to the nightly events, time trials on the first night to set the field, bus races, chain races, and powder puff races just to name a few. Returning will be the Trailer Race of Destruction. Dan Lewis Photography will be returning and the track will once again be sanctioned by IMCA. A full press release will be made soon as everything is finalized.

Drivers will be chasing after Jay Matthias who topped the IMCA Modified ranks in 2010, capturing his first career title. Todd Dart will throw his hat in the ring, with his brand new Harris Chassis, Dart will be eyeing his 7th modified crown. Kevin Sternard who finished third last year, will not be racing as he has sold his car to Rick Johnson. Throw in guys like Shawn Kilgore, Jeremy Jacobs, Kyle Kudick Billy LeMieux and James Tebon. Last year the modified class was the most competitive featuring only two drivers to win more than one feature.

The class they call “Too Tough to Tame” came down to the last night to crown a champion and when the dust settled there was two drivers holding the crown, Greg Gretz and Charlie Kroll. Both drivers will be looking to once again take the top spot in the IMCA Stock Cars. Add in Rookie of the Year Jeremy Wiitala, the fall special winner Dave Bouche, Troy Muench, Bret Koehler, Shawn Havel and Aaron Thornton the title again could come down to the last night.

The IMCA Sport Mods is by far the fastest growing class in North Eastern Wisconsin. Which makes it even harder to repeat as champion. Eric Arneson was a model of consistency last year as the former state champ took home his first ThunderHill track title. Keep your on eye local hot show Brad Lautenbach, who had dominated the division before an injury sidelined his title hopes. Veterans like Ryan LeMieux, Tom Stark and Bernie Reinhardt will be in the title hunt.

The title will be open in the IMCA Hobby as defending champion Luke Lemmens heads the IMCA Stock Car division after purchasing one of Matt Junio’s cars. Runner up Brandon Peterson will be eyeing his first career title. But don’t count out former champion Frank Paul, Marcus Moede, CJ Weckler, and Rookie of the Year Travis Hackett.

Geno Sternard will return to defend his crown in the Street Stocks. He will have his hands full with second year drivers, Kipp Burlo, James Bosman, runner up Tony Everard and veteran Jimmy Anderson.

After a dominating performance in the Sport 4’s, Jeremy DuBois will return to defend his championship.

Drivers list in each division, subject to change without notice. More details to follow. All information for upcoming events as well as the weekly schedule can be found on the track website www.racethunderhill.com or you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter