Thunder on the Hill Racing Series

October 9th, 2023

THUNDER ON THE HILL AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY, IT ALL STARTED IN 1990

October 9, 2023. . . . . . Leading up to the opening event of Thunder on the Hill in 2024, we will take a look back at the thirty-four year history and the 152 races that were presented at the Grandview Speedway. This series started after a meeting in mid-June 1990 at the Bally Hotel with Grandview Speedway Owner Bruce Rogers, Modified/Sprint Car driver Dave Kelly and race official and publicist Bob Miller. The decision was made to give one race a try on Tuesday night, August 7, 1990. “ At this meeting, we laid a foundation that today supports some of the region’s most prominent auto racing events,” said Bob Miller. “The story of Thunder on the Hill over the past three plus decades is fascinating, and one that I relish the opportunity to share. It’s also a story that wouldn’t be complete without the support of our loyal racing fans and competitors.”

Tuesday, August 7, 1990 started with rain falling at the crack of dawn and a forecast of rain all day. By early afternoon, a brilliant sun was beaming over a saturated Grandview Speedway. The decision was made to move forward with the race, the track crew was confident of providing a great track. A capacity crowd turned out and a field of forty-one sprint cars were in the pits for the first ever single division Thunder on the Hill event.

The four heat race winners were Todd Shaffer, Chuck Reinert, Paul Lotier and Dave Haight as Kenny Adams won the “C” Main with Mike Lehman taking the victory in the “B” Main.

Steve Smith won the Inaugural 35 lap Thunder on the Hill 410 Sprint event that paid $5,000 to the winner. Chasing Smith to the wire was Billy Pauch, Fred Rahmer, Joey Allen and Steve Siegel. Making up the top ten were Dan Dietrich, Glenn Fitzcharles, Don Kreitz Jr., Robbie Hart and Dave Kelly. The finish from 11th to 24th was; Kenny Adams, Kramer Williamson, Alan Cole, Buzz Wilson, Paul Lotier, Todd Shaffer, Dave Haight, Johnny Mackison, Jimmy Nace, Chuck Reinert, Todd Rittenhouse, Mike Lehman, Glen Clarke, Tony Greener. DNQ: MeMe DeSantis, Bobby Fletcher, George Suprick, Tom Wanner, Ron Keys, Bill Brian Jr., Bob Beidelman, Burt Shoop, Paul Koch, Dave Hahn, Rod Hanna, Kenny Eldreth, Bobby Weaver, Tom Bear, Kevin Frey, Wade Wisnewski Steve Stambaugh.

Looking forward to 2024, Tuesday night, June 11 the Jesse Hockett Classic will return to Thunder on the Hill hosting the opening event of the USAC Non-wing Sprint National Tour, The Eastern Storm. This popular double-header will find the NASCAR Modifieds sharing the program with race time set for 7:30 PM.

Always a popular event, Tuesday night, July 2 will host the Hodnett Cup, the $10,000 to win Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speed Week Series event as it returns to Grandview Speedway. The NASCAR Modifieds will once again be on this race card. Rico will be looking for the 410 Sprint “hat trick” in 2024.

Although a firm date is not confirmed as yet, we did get the nod that the High Limit 410 Sprints will also be back on the Hill in 2024. Rico Abreu won the first event High Limit Sprint event in the Northeast and also won the 2022 Thunder on the Hill Speed Week event.

Also returning in 2024 is the Balls to the Wall 50 for Modifieds and the 602 Sportsman will also be on the program with both divisions taking part in the unique Invert Race format. The date for this event will be confirmed shortly.

Check out our website and visit Facebook to stay up to date on all coming Thunder on the Hill Racing Series news.

We extend our appreciation to the many sponsors who helped present this popular series. We salute our long time Series Sponsor NAPA Auto Parts as well as Associate Sponsors Levan Machine & Truck Equipment, HVAC Distributors, Pioneer Pole Buildings, Rich Mar Florist and GT Radiator Repairs. We’re looking to their return in 2024.

Grandview Speedway Contact Information Track Phone: 610-754-7688 GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505 Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA

Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443 513 4456 www.thunderonthehillracingseries .com

Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com

Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill

43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505

Race Day Phone Number: 610-754-7688

THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES EVENTS AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY

Thunder on the Hill Racing Series events are held at Grandview Speedway, one of the most historic and celebrated dirt track venues in the Northeastern United States. Located just east of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, Grandview Speedway is a one-third-mile, high-banked clay oval that has hosted continuous professional stock car racing since opening in 1963.

Built by Forrest Rogers and operated by the Rogers family for multiple generations, the speedway has become known for its exciting, close-quarters racing and deep roots in grassroots motorsports. The track features weekly competition in divisions such as Modifieds and Sportsman and hosts a variety of special events and touring series throughout the season.

ABOUT THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES

Born from the vision of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving standout Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series has become one of the most anticipated traditions on the racing calendar.

Across more than 130 marquee events, nearly $6 million in prize money has been awarded to the region’s top competitors. What began as a single 410 Sprint Car showcase has grown into a premier destination for the sport’s biggest names and national touring series, including the High Limit Sprint Car Series, USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws, Super DIRTcar Series and the All-Star Circuit of Champions.

From 358 Modifieds and 360/410 Sprint Cars to USAC Non-Wing Sprints, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legends Cars and ROC Modified competition, Thunder on the Hill continues to deliver headline-caliber short-track racing at Grandview Speedway.