Third Annual Thunder Cup: Smoke On The Hill Thursday At Grandview

Story By: ERNIE SAXTON / GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series roars back into action at Grandview Speedway this Thursday, August 17. The Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars, compete in the 3rd Annual Thunder Cup presented by Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, alongside Grandview’s popular Sportsman division.

THE ACTION – The Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars will compete in a 35-lap, $5,000-to-win main event, while the Sportsman will compete in a 25-lap feature offering up a lucrative $1,300 winner’s share.

Both divisions will participate in a full qualifying program. The 410s will time trial, to set up heat race line-ups, and then compete in a B-Main to line up the A-Main. Inversions will mix the line-ups throughout the night.

For the Sportsman, a blind draw will set the heat race line-ups, and a top-12 redraw will set the feature event, with the consolations filling in the remaining qualifying spots.

SMOKE ON THE HILL – Three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Tony Stewart, will join the field competing in a 410 Sprint Car against the best drivers in the region. ‘Smoke’ is no slouch in a Sprint Car – he scored the win at the All Star’s event at Pittsburgh, PA Motor Speedway at the end of July.

RICO ON HIS WAY – One of the most popular racers in the nation, Rico Abreu joins the All Star field at Thursday’s Thunder Cup event. Abreu – who competed at Grandview’s earlier PA Speedweek event – is confident heading into the race, after having a strong run back in July. Abreu will have his merchandise trailer on display for Pennsylvania race fans.

WINNER, WINNER… – Six NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series winners will be competing in Thursday’s Thunder Cup event – Greg Hodnett, Danny Dietrich, Chad Kemenah, Tim Shaffer, Sammy Swindell and Dale Blaney.

THE LOWRIDER – In 2016, ‘The Lowrider’ Dale Blaney, collected the win in the All Star Circuit of Champions return to Grandview Speedway. Blaney – who has spent most of the season racing the Pennsylvania dirt track scene – climbs aboard the Zemco No. 1 machine. The John and PeeWee Zemaitis-owned Sprint Car set the track record in 2008 with Jeff Shepard behind the wheel.

ALL STAR SCENE – The Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars makes their second appearance after a sixteen-year hiatus from Grandview Speedway. Along with Dale Blaney, 2016 winner, past winner’s include: Cris Eash (2000), Jeff Sheppard (1999), Fred Rahmer (1999), Billy Pauch (May 1998, August 1998), Donnie Kreitz (1997, 1986), Jimmy Horton (1982), and Steve Smith Sr. (1982).

SAMMY’S STILL GOT IT – Don’t count out 61-year-old, Sammy Swindell. The five-time World of Outlaw Sprint Car champion heads into this weekend’s All Star Circuit of Champions events aboard the Mark Coldren-owned No. 07 machine. Swindell races into Grandview with three consecutive top-three finishes including a win at Orange County Fair Speedway at the end of July. Swindell finished second in last year’s All Star event at Grandview.

FEEL THE THUNDER – This Thursday’s event is the third Thunder Cup event. Typically held in late July the Thunder Cup event joins the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions August event. Previous Thunder Cup winners include Danny Dietrich (2015) and Stevie Smith (2016).

FAN INFORMATION – General Admission gates open at 5 PM on Tuesday, July 4. The Low Down and Dirty Radio Show Driver Meet and Greet will take place from 5-6 PM. Warm-Ups will start at 6:45 PM, with 410 Sprint Car Time Trials at 7:30 PM.

General Admission tickets are $30 for Adults, $10 for Children (6-11), and Kids under 6 are always FREE! Pit Admission is $35, and no license is required.

Fans may camp out at the Speedway for the ultimate All Star experience. Campers are asked to park in the turn four parking area, there are no hook-ups available, and no box camping allowed. Track officials ask that all fires be contained. There is no fee for camping.

THUNDER ON THE HILL FAN FUN – Fans are encouraged to sign-up for the Inside-Out Program, a free fan experience that allows you to watch 410 Sprint Car and Sportsman Warm-Ups from the infield of Grandview Speedway.

Along with Inside-Out fans are encouraged to sign-up for free tours of the jam-packed pit area. Sign Ups are available inside the main gate with the Thunder Girls.

JOE THE PIZZA DUDE – Joe ‘The Pizza Dude’ will offer up delicious (and Free!) pizzas to the rowdiest of race fans. Keep an eye out after the National Anthem, when Ryan McNichol Lawn & Property Maintenance sponsor of Jim Houseworth’s No. 72 car present Joe ‘The Pizza Dude’.

FAN PHOTO CONTEST – Stay engaged with the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill team at the track by following @TOTHRACING on Instagram and Twitter. Take a photo and use #TOTHRACING to enter our Fan Photo Contest – whether it be the crowd, the pits, the parking lot, or your favorite driver. The winner will receive a FREE General Admission to our Saturday, October 14 Mods at the Madhouse Halloween Party event.

NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment and GALCO Business Communications.