Heather Koontz
BARRE — An evening at Thunder Road International Speedway, dubbed the “nation’s site of excitement,” promises nonstop action, historical racing, and family-friendly entertainment — all set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains.
The quarter-mile paved short track was founded in 1960 by late legendary sports journalist and NASCAR commentator Ken Squier. In partnership with a local pavement contractor, the Waterbury native opened the asphalt track during a time when dirt tracks (often converted from horse racing) had previously dominated. The track has since hosted numerous high-profile races, including runs of the NASCAR North Tour and NASCAR Busch North Series.
Squier also introduced the Thursday Night Racing series, which continues to bring high-octane entertainment to Barre every week throughout the summer. Originally scheduled to coincide with payday for local quarry workers, these special summer evenings invite attendees to sit in the bleachers or claim a spot on the sprawling lawn. Picnic blankets, chairs, and outside food and beverages are allowed — making for a unique dinner-and-a-show.
Plus, spectators don’t need to be racing experts or car enthusiasts to enjoy a night at the track.
“If Thunder Road is someone’s first experience at a racetrack, we’re extremely happy to be that introduction,” Thunder Road General Manager Cale King said. “Folks can expect to see some of the best short track racing in the country surrounded by Vermonters who are rabid about their sport and sponsors they’re sure to recognize from across the area.”
On Your Mark
Thunder Road is sanctioned by the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and has competed under ACT rules since 1979. With no selection process for entry, aspiring drivers with an eligible car can enter the races and may receive a handicap for starting position in the events.
At Thunder Road, this means the potential to cheer on your neighbor, colleague, or favorite local service provider.
“We have drivers who are mechanics, Vermont state employees, postal workers, educators, farmers, landscapers, and local public works employees,” King said.
Professional drivers have also raced at Thunder Road, including the late Kyle Busch. The NASCAR Cup Series Champion driver ran the Vermont Governor’s Cup in 2017.
Of course, one of the most notorious stock car drivers in Vermont has also raced at Thunder Road. Barre native Gov. Phil Scott won the late model series in both 2017 and 2019 and earned the track’s most coveted title — King of the Road — in 1996, 1998, and 2002. Awarded to the driver with the highest points in the top weekly division, the title was also labeled Queen of the Road when Tracie Bellerose won it in 2000.
Most recently, Scott competed in the 2022 Vermont Governor’s Cup, ending 23rd.
“To our knowledge, Governor Scott is the only sitting state governor to pilot a race car, let alone attempt to win a Governor’s Cup-type event,” King said.
Get Set
There are several divisions that race at Thunder Road, including Maplefields/Irving Oil Late Model, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tiger, and rkMiles Street Stock.
The highest of these divisions is the late models. Purpose-built cars with modified engines, these vehicles were officially introduced in 1948 when NASCAR standardized the rules for entry following an interest in racing modified pre-World War II models. At the time, requirements included American-made vehicles, full stock fenders, and no bumpers or mufflers. Seventy-eight years later, some rules have changed, but the division is still subject to lengthy requirements to ensure equal competition.
While the late models are high horsepower cars with heavily customized builds, the Flying Tigers division has rigid rules to maintain cost-effectiveness. Currently, only 17 car models ranging from 1986 to 2007 are eligible to compete.
The street stock division features standard production vehicles, making it a more accessible and budget-friendly option for amateur drivers. Models in this class are typically mass-produced American street cars, such as the Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang.
Occasionally, Thunder Road will also host supermodified races. These open wheel race cars boast impressive horsepower and lighter weights, allowing them to average upward of 150 miles per hour and push the limits of the sound barrier.
Go!
Each fall, Thunder Road also hosts the iconic Milk Bowl. Since 1961, fans have turned out for a unique Vermont-only race originally created by Squier. After three 50-lap segments, the driver with the best average finish receives the award and a cup of milk as a trophy.
The most exciting part of the event isn’t necessarily the race itself, however, but what comes after.
“[It’s] a special end-of-the-year spectacular that closes with a big smooch on the prettiest Ayrshire dairy cow in Vermont,” King said. “A race that simply can’t be forgotten by either the fans in the stands or the winner of this great event!”
This year’s Milk Bowl is set for Sunday, Oct. 4. Other fan favorite events will be sprinkled throughout the season, including the annual Port-a-Potty Grand Prix on July 30. The prix is another Squier original and features homemade outhouses on wheels competing for the coveted Golden Throne.
Additional events include kids rides, where children are invited to ride around the track (at much lower speeds) with drivers, as well an Independence Day event July 2. Another anticipated event is the Bolduc Metal Recycling Enduro 200, nicknamed the “The People’s Race.” The 42nd annual event will take place Aug. 2, with a $3,000 prize for the winner.
From one-of-a-kind events to friendly local competition, Thursday nights at Thunder Road offer a wide variety of entertainment right here in central Vermont.
“My hope is that folks enjoy everything that we have to offer, from the on-track activities … to the timeliness and affordability of our events, as well as the unique traditions that make Thunder Road one of the most well-known short tracks in the country,” King said.
The Thursday night series runs weekly through Sept. 3. General admission ranges from $10 to $20, with free admission for children age five or under. Family passes are $50 and grant admission for two adults and two children. Hearing protection is encouraged for those who prefer to avoid loud noises. Learn more at thunderroadvt.com.
