New Clay, Expanded Pit Area For 2016 Season; Excitement Grows As Open Practice (April 23) & Season Opener (April 30) Approach
Story By:BRETT DEYO /BD MOTORSPORTS MEDIA
Photos By:THUNDER MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY/ DAVE DALESANDRO/RACERSGUIDE.COM
CENTER LISLE, NY –March 22, 2016- Work has been non-stop at Thunder Mountain Speedway preparing for the 2016 season.
Owner Karl Spoonhower is set for his third season back at the helm of the three-eighths-mile clay oval located just outside of Whitney Point, 25 miles north of Binghamton. The speedway has experienced a resurgence in the last two seasons, with 2015 being among the strongest on record for the facility. Car counts and fan attendance at Thunder Mountain lead the way in the Southern Tier region.
As 2016 approaches, the management team is ready for more.
A fresh layer of rich clay – more than 100 loads – was spread on the speedway last fall. Corners were banked steeper to promote additional side-by-side racing. The clay has been groomed this spring and is nearly race-ready.
As car counts have increased, pit area space has come at a premium. That, too, will change for the ’16 season as a significant pit-area expansion project is underway at the speedway.
During the off-season, purse increases were announced. Modifieds will now receive $175 to take the green – the strongest in the area – with a number of higher-paying events on the schedule offering $1,500 or more.
Crate 602 Sportsman will now battle for a $500 winner’s share weekly. The green money for Crates, $100, tops the Southern Tier. Street Stocks and Rookie Sportsman have also seen bumps through the field. Complete pay structures can be found on the official Thunder Mountain Speedway website.
Also new for ’16: Thunder Mountain Speedway racers are eligible to take part in the American Racer Cup program. Modifieds and Open Sportsman, respectively, will share in the American Racer Cup rewards. Crate 602 Sportsman racers will have their own giveaway program. A free American Racer tire will be distributed via a random draw every other weekend on the Mountain.
All weekly divisions return to the Mountain in ’16, led by the big-block/small-block Modifieds, Open Sportsman, Crate 602 Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks, XCel 600 Modifieds and FWD Four Cylinders.
Touring series will visit, as well, including the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP, Short Track Super Series for Open Sportsman, Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) 360 Sprint Cars, CRSA 305 Sprint Cars, Fight Night Street Stocks, NY6A Micro-Sprints, XCel 600 Modified tour, Empire Lightning Sprints, SRP Sprints and more.
A change on the flag stand is also forthcoming. Jeff Wayman has been named head starter at the speedway for the new season.
The first on-track activity of 2016 takes place on Saturday, April 23 with an open practice session.
The Season Opener is set for Saturday, April 30 headlined by a $1,992-to-win Modified feature plus all weekly divisions. The ’16 point battles begin at the opener and run through September.
For Thunder Mountain Speedway general information and a complete schedule, visit www.thundermtnspeedway.com. The speedway office number is 607.657.8202. On race day, call 607.849.7899. The speedway e-mail is thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com. “Like” Thunder Mountain Speedway on Facebook or follow @thundermtnspeed on Twitter.
Thunder Mountain Speedway is located at 91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797, approximately 25 miles north of Binghamton. The three-eighths-mile clay oval features hillside concrete seating, free parking and camping, a variety of concession items and novelties, a family environment and more.
