Thunder On The Hill Pot Sweetened For The Mods, USAC Midgets At Grandview August 3rd
Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is back at the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night, August 3 for a spectacular Twin 30’s doubleheader that will showcase the 358 Modifieds chasing a $3,500 payday joined by the Ken Brenn Midget Masters, staring the NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midgets also running a 30 lap main event, paying $4,000 to win.
This event marks the second running of the Ken Brenn USAC Midget Masters and it was Chris Windom who won the inaugural event in 2019 after a heated battle with Tyler “Sunshine” Courtney. The 2020 event fell victim to rain. On Tuesday night, August 3, gates will open at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM.
Special thanks to GT Radiators, located on Main Street in Ambler, PA. GT Radiators has sweetened the modified payoff with an additional $500 going to the winner ($3,500), and an extra $200 for second. In addition, GT Radiators will pay $100 to the winner of each modified heat race. And, there is more to come from GT Radiators and they want to do something for the fans. GT Radiator Repair specializes in automotive radiators, including antique car radiators and commercial truck radiators. GT Radiators is also your source for farm radiator service, industrial radiator repair, oil coolers, and any other heat exchange units. For auto, truck or heavy equipment radiator needs, contact Harry or George Turner at GT Radiators.
The Midgets have a long and rich history at Grandview, and many say, the Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA is the perfect track to run these race cars. The winningest driver in the Midgets at Grandview is Morgantown, PA’s Leigh Earnshaw, with 22 wins. Bobby Cicconi is a 20-time midget winner followed by George Ferguson Jr (17), Johnny Coy (13), and John Heydenreich with 10 victories.
The past midget winners list at Grandview looks like a page out of the history books with legendary drivers like: Lenny Boyd, Hank Rogers Jr., Jimmy Maguire, Van May, Nick Fornoro, Duane Carter, Jimmy Kirk, Johnny Hubbard, Dana Carter, Midge Miller, Jan Opperman, Don Kreitz Sr., Len Duncan, Earl Halaquist, Stevie Howard, Sleepy Tripp, Ronnie Dunstan, Rich Volger, Jerry Coons and most recently, Tyler Courtney just to name a few. In total, sixty-two different drivers have shared victories in the 229 midget feature events presented on the high-banks of Grandview Speedway.
This special night is dedicated to Ken Brenn, an individual with a reputation rich in midget history and someone who once promoted midget racing at Grandview. Ken Brenn is an absolute “class act” and has been part of the local racing fabric for many years, enjoying much success as a modified car owner and a former promoter of the Bridgeport Speedway. Ken plans on attending this special event in his honor.
The Tuesday, August 3 event at Grandview Speedway opens the five race Eastern Swing of the NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midget Speed Week.
Time trials and qualifying events will lead up to the Ken Brenn Midget Masters 30-lap feature event paying $4,000 to the winner.
The 358 Modifieds will play an equally important part of this event with qualifying and a 30 lap feature that will pay $3,500 to the winner. Brett Kressley, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard, Craig VonDohren, Rick Laubach, Doug Manmiller, Kevin Hirthler and Kyle Weiss are expected modified entries.
The Tuesday night, August 3, Ken Brenn Midget Masters and 358 Modified doubleheader will get underway at 7:30 PM with gates opening at 5 PM.
Some expected USAC Midget entries include point leader Buddy Kofoid, Chris Windom, Justin Grant (recent USAC Sprint winner at Grandview), Emerson Axsom, Tanner Thorson, Thomas Meseraull, Daison Pursley, Logan Seavey, Kevin Thomas Jr., Jason McDougal and Cannon McIntosh. We should expect some popular local midget stars to be in the field as well.
Adult admission tickets are $28, Children 6 to 11 are $10, Children 5 and under will be admitted free. The pit fee is $40, and a license is not required.
Advance tickets are available by calling 443 513 4456. Please speak clearly and provide your first and last name and the number of tickets you need. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the WILL CALL window on race night. We ask that you please bring exact change. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM. Advance tickets orders can be processed up to the day before the race. We apologize, but advance tickets will NOT be available on race day.
