Which Racers Will Be Rewarded With Mods At The Madhouse Payoff?

Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – “The first win is the hardest one to get,” a statement passed down from one race car driver to another as they battle it out wheel-to-wheel on the high banks of Grandview Speedway.

A new group of drivers gets their shot this coming Saturday Night, October 14 (Raindate: October 15) at Grandview Speedway when NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series present the Mods at the Madhouse – 20th Annual Traffic Jam, a triple Thunder thriller event featuring the Modifieds, Sportsman and MASS Sprint Car Series.

Chasing checkered flags at the famed one-third mile dirt track isn’t easy – but plenty of drivers that have found Grandview victory lane, are still searching for their first Thunder on the Hill victory. With a $5,000 top prize on the line, competition is at an all-time high and having not won a Thunder show just adds a little more pressure.

Among drivers searching for their first Thunder on the Hill win is 37-year-old Boyertown, PA racer, Ryan Watt. With twenty years of Modified experience, Watt holds two Grandview Speedway point race victories and dominated special events at his home track, Bridgeport Speedway, this season – defeating the Super DIRTcar Series regulars and being crowned King of the Big Blocks. But don’t let that big track experience fool you, Watt is a force to be reckoned with on the Berks County high banks.

With just a few years of Modified experience, Orefield, PA’s Brett Kressley has scored three regular season Grandview Speedway wins – including two in 2017. Kressley is a fan-favorite, and a win from the 25-year-old racer would be exciting to watch.

Surprisingly, Billy ‘The Kid’ Pauch is winless in the Modified division at Thunder on the Hill special events. The Modified legend has won nearly every race imaginable – and while Pauch is the leads the Thunder All-Time Sprint Car win list – Pauch has yet to score a Modified victory.

Drivers like Jared Umbenhauer, Chris Esposito, Tim Buckwalter, Ryan Grim, and Kyle Weiss have claimed Grandview wins and hope for their first Thunder on the Hill special event victory.

That win will be well-earned with established Thunder winners — like Jeff Strunk, a 12-time winner; Duane Howard an 11-time winner; Craig VonDohren a 6-time winner; Doug Manmiller a 4-time winner; Meme Desantis a 3-time winner; Frank Cozze, Mike Gular, Billy Pauch Jr., and Rick Laubach all 2-time winners; and Kenny Gilmore, Ryan Godown and Kevin Hirthler – with their sights set on another triumph.

There is no entry fee, and no track/series license required to compete in this event and a special rules package is offered as a ‘treat’ to the region’s competitors, with both American Racer and Hoosier tires allowed for competition, and either Big-Block or Spec Small-Block engines permitted.

Sportsman competitors from racetracks around the region have already registered to compete in the 25-lap, $1,300 to win Sportsman event at the Halloween Party spectacular. A loosened tire rule is in effect for the Sportsman – competitors are allowed to compete on Hooser or American Racer rubber. Grandview Sportsman rules are in effect and competitors are allowed to run sail panels. Full rules are available on the Grandview Speedway website.

A higher payout will also entice MASS Sprint Car drivers from the area as they compete in a 25-lap main event with $500 up for grabs – as well as, an increased payout throughout the top spots.

All three divisions will compete in full qualifying heat races, consolations, and feature events. This show is open to all competitors, with IS NOT based on invitations.

The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Haloween Party has been a staple of the Grandview Speedway schedule for over 15 years and will conclude the 2017 season of events. Race fans young and old are encouraged to dress in costume to be eligible for special Halloween prizes.

‘Joe the Pizza Dude’ will offer up hot, delicious, and FREE pizzas to the rowdiest of race fans before the action kicks off. Make some noise when ‘The Pizza Dude’ comes around, to earn yourself a free pizza!

Fans interested in early admission can take part in our Advance Ticket Reserve. Advanced tickets are available by calling 443-513-4456, where you can leave a message with your name, contact number, and the number of tickets you would like. Tickets may be paid for, and picked-up at the Grandview Speedway Will Call window on race night after 3:00 PM. Advanced ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 3:30 PM a full half-hour before General Admission tickets go on sale.

General Admission ticket pricing for Saturday, October 14 is $25 for adults, Children 6-11 are $10 and Kids 5 & Under are FREE! Pit Area admission is $35, and a license is not required.

The Pit gates open at 2:00 PM, Advanced ticket holders can enter at 3:30 PM, General Admission gates open at 4:00 PM and the first Green flag flies at 6:00 PM.