12th Eastern Storm Brewing Heading To Grandview For Jesse Hockett Classic
Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – It’s a phrase I hate to say, especially with all the rainy weather we’ve experienced this year. The EASTERN STORM is brewing and the thunder and lightning are heading east.
For the 12th consecutive year, the AMSOIL USAC Non-Wing Sprints EASTERN STORM will open at the Grandview Speedway on Thursday night, June 14. This wildly popular event is always a crowd pleaser as the nationally known stars rim-ride the outside boilerplate of the one-third mile Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA. The USAC Non-wing sprints will team up with the 358 NASCAR Modifieds with gates opening at 5:00 and qualifying taking the green flag at 7:30 PM.
With all the hype of this event, let’s take a moment to remember Jesse Hockett, one of USAC’s finest who lost his life in an electrical accident in 2010, preparing for the Eastern Storm. It was the prior year, 2009 when The “Rocket Man” swept the Twin 20’s in the same night at Grandview Speedway. Hockett had one of the most exciting driving styles, a passion for the race fans and always a joy to hear when he was interviewed in victory lane. Hockett is certainly missed but he will always be remembered with the 40 lap, $6,000 to win Jesse Hockett Classic.
The RT Racing #14 USAC Sprint Car driven by Trevor Kobylarz is running the Berks County Animal Rescue League “Patriotic Paws” Logo during the 2018 season. Patriotic Paws is a program to save animals and to honor those who’ve bravely served our country. The team’s goals are to raise awareness about the program and raise funds to support the program and the rescue league. There are two avenues to help the cause:
Kobylarz’s RT Racing Team will be selling team t-shirts with an added twist. The cost for the shirt is $20 for Small through X-Large, $22 for 2X-Large, and $23 for 3X-Large. There are 3 colors available, Black, Grey, and Blue.
Second is to bring pet food to Round 1 of the Eastern Storm at Grandview Speedway. Donators will receive a complimentary special edition Patriotic Paws Trevor Kobylarz Eastern Storm Shirt. We are encouraging people to donate a 10+LB Bag. People are also encouraged to bring blankets and toys to be donated as well. You are also encourage to donate blankets and Toys as well. The proceeds will go to supporting the Rescue League.
USAC will bring their absolute best to Grandview Speedway on Thursday, June 14 to include the People’s Champion Dave Darland of Lincoln, IN, Tyler “Sunshine” Courtney from Indianapolis, IN, “The Mad Man” Robert Ballou of Rocklin, CA, Isaac Chapple from Willow Branch, IN, Justin Grant of Ione, CA and Brady Bacon of Broken Arrow, OK . Bacon is the defending winner of the Jesse Hockett Classic “on the hill”.
In the 358 Modifieds, the locals always put on a show in chase of the $3,000 win in the 30 lap feature. Craig VonDohren, Brett Kressley, Jeff Strunk, Ryan Godown and Rick Laubach are some of the expected entries. Fifth in the feature will pay $1,000 and $300 is offered just to take the green flag. This event will be a NASCAR point race.
General Admission ticket pricing for Thursday, June 14 is $30 for Adults, Children 6-11 are $10 and Kids 5 & under are FREE! Pit Admission pricing is $35.
Advance tickets are on sale now and may be ordered by calling 443-513-4456. Please provide your name and the number of tickets requested. Tickets may be picked up and paid for on race night after 3:30 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM, one-half hour prior to the sale of General Admission tickets.
The Pioneer Pole Buildings Mobile Sales Unit will be on display in the mid-way along with all of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series mainstay promotions including the Low Down & Dirty Radio Show pre-race Meet and Greet, pit area tours, the Inside/Out Experience – where fans can watch hot laps from the infield, Joe ‘The Pizza Dude’ offering up free pizzas to the rowdiest fans, give-a-ways, and appearances by Miss Thunder on the Hill.
Grandstand Gates open at 5:00 PM and Racing starts at 7:30 PM
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.
2018 Race Dates
Thursday, June 14 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 7:30 PM
12th Annual USAC Non-Wing Sprints Jesse Hockett Classic Plus 358 Modifieds*
Tuesday, July 3 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 7:30 PM
24th Annual 410 Pennsylvania Sprint Speed Week Series Plus 358 Modifieds*
Thursday, August 23 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 7:30 PM
All Star 410 Sprints & 358 Modifieds*
Saturday, October 13 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 6 PM
Mods at the MADHOUSE Halloween Party
Big Block/358 Modifieds, Sportsman, MASS Sprints
12th Annual USAC Non-Wing Sprints Eastern Storm
Thursday, June 14 Grandview Speedway
Friday, June 15 Williams Grove Speedway
Saturday, June 16 Port Royal Speedway
Sunday, June 17 Susquehanna Speedway
Monday, June 18 Bridgeport Speedway
Tuesday, June 19 Weedsport Speedway
