It's time that Thunder Road in Gordonsville, VA had a thread of it's own on this forum! Ernie is busting his A_ _ (and his wallet) getting T-Road up to snuff and making improvements.

Check out http://www.thunderroadrc.com/ for the race flyer and entry form for their December race. BIG BUCKS!!

Well, I would have to agree, Lin. In the interim, you guys have a great race at Coopers. FWIW, I will always do anything I can to support another RC track. Fighting over who has the biggest slice of the RC pie isn't nearly as important as making the pie bigger. And that will take cooperation from all of us. Take care; Ernie P. :cool:

Just a reminder that the rehab of Thunder Road will begin next Staurday and Sunday. Volunteer help is solicited. We'll have the track open at 9:00 A.M.; and will start on clearing out the track and doing the heavy cleaning and paint prep. For those who have, for years, been saying "You need to...", this is your chance to have it your way. The world is run by those who attend the meetings; and next weekend is the first meeting. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Just as a reminder, guys; Thunder Road is now closed until we have completed the rehab. We hope to be open for business by November 6th, possibly sooner; and I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all your past support, and we look forward to seeing all of you at Thunder Road in November; practicing and getting your setups tuned for the 2004 Virginia Oval Championships on Decenber 4th. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Hope to see everyone there on Saturday for the clean-up.

I want to thank the racers who showed up at Thunder Road this weekend, to help with the rehab. Your help was greatly appreciated. We made a lot of progress; and I think the rest of you will be pleased when you see what we have done. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Okay, guys; I have arranged for a Verified Paypal Account for Thunder Road. You can now pay for your advance entry via Paypal; by logging into paypal.com, and making payment to "Thunder_Road_RC@hotmail.com". Why enter in advance? Because pit positions will be assigned as entries are received. IOW, the permanent, and newly refurbished, pit positions will be assigned as entries are received. If you choose to enter on the day, you may wind up pitting in a temporary pit position. So enter early, if you want to be assured of a better pit position. Thanks; Ernie P.

Can't wait for the re openning, and the state chapionship race. when i oppened the door this saturday, the apperance was 100% better. i think the past racers would be pleasantly surprised with the renovation now and we're not even finished. I think the new look will be appealing to the new crowds also. c-ya for the Big Money Race December 4th.

Jesse; just wait until we're finished. The number of manhours going into rehabing ThunderRoad is incredible! I think every one will be pleased with the results. See you at The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

I will see everyone at the track Saturday for some more renovations. We're getting closer. Don't forget about the 2004 VA Oval Championship money race on Dec. 4th!!!

Everybody did a great job today and the pit tables and pit table lights look awesome! Keep up the great work. We should be racing soon! www.thunderroadrc.com

Guys; just to get the word out, there will be a Concours event at the 2004 Virginia Oval Championships on December 4th, at Thunder Road RC Speedway, in Gordonsville, VA. Rules follow:

(1) Concours will be judged prior to the first heat.

(2) Concours entries will be limited to those cars and bodies actually participating in the race. Any entry in Concours which fails to compete will be disqualified. Any damage resulting from practice will be ignored.

(3) All Classes will be judged together. Plaques will be presented to the winner in each Category.

(4) Cars will be judged in three Categories:
(A) Best NASCAR Replica. The entry should be an exact replice of a given current or past NASCAR entry. Photos or representations of the actual NASCAR entry are allowed and encouraged.
(B) Best in Appearance. The entry will be judged solely on appearance; and need not be a representation of an actual past or current NASCAR entry; but must be a NASCAR Theme.
(C) Racers Choice. The entry will be judged by the voice or hand vote of the assembled throng; with no discernable criteria beyond whatever seems to motivate the masses.

(5) All decisions of the judge are final; with no protest allowed.

(6) Ernie P. will be, or will appoint, the sole judge; and may/may not seek counsel from any person or resource available.

Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

As a result of the proposed ARCOR rules for the Min-T's, the following rules will be used for Mini-T Stock And Mini-T Modified for the 2004 Virginia Oval Championships. Specific questions should be addressed to me at thunderroadrc.com or Thunder_Road_RC@ hotmail.com. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

MINI-T STOCK

Mini-T Stock Class will be run as a box stock class. The *ONLY* option we will allow is (in the interest of economy) a rechargeable battery pack, rather than four individual cells. The optional battery pack offered for the Mini-T's is a *five-cell* 1200 mAh pack. We'll allow that mod; just to keep people from having to buy individual, non-rechargeable, cells; or to purchase a special purpose charging setup.

MINI-T OPEN MODIFIED

The Mini-T Open modified class will have no limitations on motors, electronics, or replacement parts, to include any after-market part designed for the Mini-T. Motor approval for the Mini-T Open Modified class is not necessary. Batteries will be limited to a maximum 6 cells for the Mini-T Open Modified Class.

1. CHASSIS: Modifications and/or hop up chassis replacement chassis allowed. Graphite chassis are allowed.
2. STEERING: Titanium or steel turnbuckles, end balls may be changed from the original as supplied with the Mini-T RTR. Original equipment servo saver may be changed from that supplied with the Mini-T RTR
3. Ball bearings may be used on the front and rear axles.
4. RADIO/ELECTRONICS: May be changed from original equipment.
5. SHOCKS: Replacement oil shocks may be used, that are specifically manufactured for the Mini-T RTR
6. ELECTRONIC CONNECTORS: Motor or battery plugs are not required, direct soldering is allowed.
7. BODIES: Original truck body or any body designed specifically for Oval racing to include sprint cars, EDM cars Coupes or Sedans associated with Legends type racing. No changes allowed from the trim lines, except for 1/8” tolerance around wheel openings. Body must be painted and all windows clear. Bodies may not be excessively trimmed. All windows will be clear and remain intact. Tracks may allow different body styles to run together.
8. No roll over or stiff antennas are allowed. Antenna may be mounted under the body.
9. TIRES and WHEELS: Any tire or wheel specifically designed for the Mini-T will be allowed.
10. MOTORS Any after-market motor allowed, including the brushless motor system.
11. BATTERIES: Maximum 6C ONLY AA size batteries, these may be Alkaline, Ni-Cad or NiMh rechargeable.
12. GEARS: Any gearing
13. REVERSE: Not normally allowed, it should not be required, but can be a track option.
14. RACE LENGTH: 4 minute races.
15. DRIVE TRAIN: Any replacement parts allowed.

Well, the rehab is now complete. Thunder Road will be open for racing, starting this Saturday, the 6th of November. We will open at 9:00 A.M. for practice; with racing beginning promptly at 3:00 P.M.

You have exactly four weekends to practice before The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships on December 4th; so start working on your setups now.

Many thanks to those who worked so hard, and long, to make the rehab a go. Thunder Road's facelift goes 'way beyond simple cleaning and painting. We think you'll like the new look; the new pit facilities and the new electrical system. Come see and judge for yourselves. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

this saturday Thunder Road in Gordonsville, VA will be open for the first time since the facilities renovation is now complete. Please stop buy and start setting up for the 2004 VA Oval Championships witch will be held on December 4th. Racing this weekend will start at 3pm, shop opens at 9am. We will be racing 1/10 stock and 19 Turn and Spec. 1/12 road cars are also encouraged to come out and try out our new roadcourse. c-ya this saturday :thumbsup:

The Orange, VA Holiday Inn Express is offering a special discount to racers attending The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships. Their rate will be $69.00 vs the normal $80.00/night. Contact info is:

Orange Holiday Inn Express
750 Round Hill Drive
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-6691

The Holiday Inn is located just North of Orange, Virginia; about ten miles from Thunder Road RC Speedway. Just tell them you are racing in The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships; and they will apply the discount. All the normal fast food establishments are near the Holiday Inn; as well as some full service restaurants. We are trying to work a discount with a very good local restaurant near the track. More later; Ernie P. :cool:

The Stock Class racing was enjoyable; but Jessie Bean seemed to be having more fun that everyone else combined. After sweeping all three heat races he ran, Jessie finished up the evening by cruising to an easy victory in the A Main; finishing over a lap in front of Lin Vaughan, who chased Jessie all evening. Jessie ran a torid 63 lap pace in driving to an all but uncontested victory. Harold Ruckle ran third; with Kritter (can't spell the last name by memory, Kritter. Sorry) bringing up the rear. Harold and Kritter seemed to have quick, and closely matched, cars, but they had trouble staying with Lin; and Jessie was in a class of his own.

In the B main, two new racers squared off. Kevin Randolph, a road racing transplant, had an easy time of it; besting Johnny Barnett, who fought an evil handling car all evening and finally had to drop out. Johnny is more used to banked oval racing; and the transition to a flat oval was giving him fits. But, Johnny vowed to return with a better handling car next time.

Big Clay didn't race; but he watched closely all evening. He seemed to be taking notes as he watched Jessie whiz around. After the racing was finished, Big Clay hit the track with a barn stormer of his own. When last seen, he was muttering something about "having something ready for the youngster, next week". We'll see.

All in all, a solid performance by several drivers; a learning experience by some new talent; but no one had anything to offer Jesse; who was grinning all evening. He kept muttering something about "new batteries", every time I got near him. Hint: Jesse was running a brand new battery pack, folks.

I hope to see all of you next weekend. Hopefully, some one will come up with a way to keep Jesse Bean from turning the Main into a cake walk next time. But that remains to be seen. And thats the racing news from Thunder Road, folks. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Do you still have pit space available for the Dec. race???? Greg

We still have plenty of pit space available. No promises if you wait much longer, however. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Hope to be there this Saturday for some Stock racing. Jesse, you better watch out and McLin, you better head down to Sandhills!!! :)

I'll be there, the finish line that is, just waiting patiently for you to catch up. C-ya there. :roll: LOL!

Looking at the racers who have committed to making The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships race at Thunder Road on December 4th, it occurs to me we're going to have one fast "B" Main. All these hot shoes can't fit in the "A". At least it will be a fun race to watch! Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Any visiting racer planning on picking up an easy (and big) check at The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships had best have your best stuff ready. Jesse Bean, a local racer, just set a new Stock Class Track Record of 66 laps last night. Its going to be *FAST* on December 4th. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

it was actually 65/400.97 which is the new stock record. it really was a cake walk with the new to me ksg car with fresh equipment. C-ya this weekend for some fast racin. :thumbsup:

just figured it was worth mentioning Thanks to the RnR battery manufacturer. i ran my fastest pace using their cells. :wave:

Hey Mclin how about saving me a couple of pit spaces for the Dec race. I'm going to come up with Eric and have some fun on the flat track. Might have to dust off the old stock motors. Eric has started talking trash about how we used to race stock and i got scared and moved up to 19t,LOL!! thanks man.

Ritchie Mac

Ernie, are pit tables being reserved or is it first come? Only reason I'm asking is if you are out of reserved tables will I need to bring my own?? Thanks in advance...

The procedure for pit tables is very simple; and exactly the way it was first announced. "The first 35 racers to enter are guaranteed a pit space. After that, you may be pitting out of your truck". I intend to be fair to EVERY ONE; and that means every one will follow the exact same procedure.

Let me clarify that. The first 35 racers to give me a signup sheet with payment, are guaranteed they will have a place to pit and electrical power. After that, it may get interesting; and I'm not guaranteeing any thing to any one. In fact, I'm betting I'll have 35 posted entries after this weekend. Go to thunderroadrc.com and you'll find a downloadable entry form; the Thunder_Road_RC@hotmail.com e-mail address; and, yes, I take Paypal. I also take checks and (at the track) Visa and MC.

On the day of the race, it's going to be first come, first served. Smart racers will be there practicing on Friday night; and just leave their stuff on the table. Thats fine with me. But it will be your stuff in your pit spot. Not your stuff in two adjoining spots in case your two friends decide to show up on Saturday. I'll be making a list and checking it twice; and I ain't Santa.

I have around 25 nice pit spots in the shop, with plenty of light and power; and I have room to set up a couple of 8' tables. I have, in the adjoining area, temporary table space for probably another 18 racers; working off extension cords. Not nearly so nice; but workable. After that, it's going to be cigarette lighter/power plug time; while you mutter something about "Shoulda signed up. Shoulda signed up. I was warned. Next time..."

Be advised: I will be very fair, very balanced, and I will treat every one the same. But my momma told me I was also a "Hard nosed SOB". Momma always did understate things.

I hope that clarifies things. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Thanks Ernie that clarifies space available. I intend on bring my entry form to practice this Saturday.

11/27/04 Race Report
Thunder Road RC Speedway

The Stock Class Racing was fast and furious at Thunder Road on Saturday night. After spending a long time stuck in traffic, Matt Tyson and his running mate, Bill Auchterlonie, arrived at the track later than most. But, once there, there was nothing slow about either one of them. Three hard fought Heat Races behind them, the racers lines up for the Mains.

In the C Main, Charlie Johnson had an easy run; his only problem being trying to dodge Johnny Barnett’s evil handling car. Johnny had made some improvements in handling throughout the evening, but a hard crash seemed to destroy his car’s handling ability. After that, he would look smooth for a couple of laps; them something would suddenly send his car careening into whatever was closest. All too often, that was Charlie!

The B Main had some folks in it that were more used to running for the A Main win; but that’s the kind of competition the evening offered. At the end, Big Clay suddenly looked better than he had all evening; cruising to a relatively easy win. Behind him, Lin Vaughan had to fight off a suddenly and all too competitive Kevin Randolpf. Kevin had looked squirrelly all evening; but he seemed to find something in the round three heat race; and looked even stronger in the B Main. He had started the evening running in the 4.9’s; and ended up running 3.9’s. A great comeback effort for Kevin! Steve Downs struggled all evening; and finished a distant and decidedly unhappy fourth.

The A Main was a torrid affair from the start until the last lap. Matt Tyson was never headed; although he was chased pretty hard by Bill Auchterlonie, Jesse Bean and Chris Rhinehart. At the flag, Matt still held onto a half lap margin. Jesse Bean held off Bill Auchterlonie until a few laps from the end, when Bill went under him as they both moved to lap a struggling Chris Rhinehart. Jesse’s current lap record held up; although it was under assault by Matt Tyson all night long. At the finish, Matt missed setting a new record by only a couple of thousandths of a second.

A number of racers served clear notice that Jesse’s lap record would not stand beyond The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships on December 4th. Still, Jesse seems to be in a good position to crack his two week old record himself. Whether any one else will get a look, remains to be seen.

Track Owner’s Note: I was really impressed by the caliber of racers who ran last night. Even more, I was impressed by the courtesy and gentlemanly conduct of all the racers. Even in this crowd of nice people, Chris Rhinehart and Bill Auchterlonie managed to stand out as two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Hard driving competitors thought they may be, they are both also very nice people. Thanks, guys. Ernie P. :cool:

I forgot to mention that both Matt Tyson and Bill Auchterlonie were running the new Undertaker chassis. It looks like RIP's newest chassis is going to be a hit among the graveyard set. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Thunder Road will open on Friday at 09:00; and close when the last racer goes home. A number of racers have asked us to stay open late, so they can practice for The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships; so that's what we'll do.

Saturday, we'll open at 08:00. Entries will close at 2:00 P.M.; Concours will be at 2:30; and the racing will start at 3:00.

After 12:00, we reserve the right to regulate practice time by class; to make sure someone practicing for 19-turn Open doesn't have to share the track with a Stock Class Mini-T. We'll play it by ear.

Entries have been steady; and we're looking forward to hosting the fastest group of racers on the East Coast. Drive safely on the way, guys. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

we'll be open at 9am tomorrow till late i'm sure. we'll be getting some impressive smc packs in stock but they will be first come first serve. i'd suggest you take advantage of the practice time b/c the racing in saturdays top groups will have no room for slacks! c-ya there, Jesse :)

The very first thing I need to do is thank the companies who were so generous in providing door prizes for the race. Literally EVERY ONE who was signed up to race went home with a door prize.

Phantom provided some of their great Stock motors; and some really nice T-shirts.

Associated provided a large sampling of their front end parts, and various other bits and pieces from their huge catalog. A *LOT* of bits and pieces!

SMC provided a big box of their stokin' battery packs; with some really nice numbers on them.

And Jaco gave away enough tires to stock a small hobby shop!

That kind of support is important to the success of any race; and Thunder Road appreciates their generosity. Thanks to all of you. Ernie P. :cool:

Well, the racing at Thunder Road on December 4th, was fast and furious. I'll post more later; but the bare bones results of the 2004 Virginia Oval Championships were as follows:

4 CELL STOCK

TQ Chris Rhinehart 65/402.27

1 Chris Rhinehart 2 Steve Downs

3 Matt Tyson

4 Jessie Bean

5 “Big Clay”

6 Bill Auchterlonie


19 Turn

TQ Chris Rhinehart 68/4:00.83

1 Steve Downs

2 Richie McDonald

3 Chris Rhinehart

4 McLin

5 Gary Warren

6 Eric Thomas

4 CELL SPEC

TQ Harolde Ruckle 58/401:03

1 Harold Ruckle

2 Roger Foley

3 Gary Thurman

4 Steve Nelson


Mini T’s

1 Steve Walker

2 Jessie Bean

3 Bryan Farmer


Legends

1 Steve Smith

2 Ray Foley

3 Jessie Bean

Chris Rhinehart had every one covered in Stock and 19-turn; but I hope he shared the two (very big) checks he collected with Jazzy. Chris was a bit off the pace, earlier in the evening; but Jazzy kept on twisting the wrenches, and, when it counted, Chris stuck it to every one. Great racing; a great bunch of guys; a great time! And if any one ever says that the "big time" racers get nasty when there's big money on the line... tell them Ernie P. says thats pure BS! I've never seen a nicer group of racers.

Hmmm.... think we should do this more often? Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Oops! I forgot to mention that McAllister provided a huge box of bodies for door prizes at The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships. The racers received examples of McAllister's Monte Carlo, Taurus and Intrepid in 1:10 Scale; as well as the neat Midget and Sprint cars for the Mini-T 1:18 Scale cars. Needless to say, the racers who received the McAllister bodies were delighted. Again; my apologies to McAllister for not mentioning their support in my first message. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Hey guys! We had such a great turnout and race for The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships, that we've decided to follow it up with the "Snowbirds Warmup" on January 15th, 2005. This will be an Official ARCOR State Race. I can't give cash awards, per ARCOR rules; but I will guarantee a *BUNCH* of great merchandise awards.

We'll follow the same general format and classes as in The 2004 Virginia Oval Championships. Look for further word in the near future; but, for now, just mark the date on your calendars! Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

To make sure every one gets the word: Thunder Road will be closed until January 5th; so our racers can enjoy the Christmas holiday with family and friends. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

From all of us at Thunder Road, to all RC racers everywhere; a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

As you all know, the Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race at Thunder Road, on January 15th, has been advertising over $700.00 in merchandise awards (mostly in the form of "Thunder Road Bucks", which can be redeemed for any merchandise we stock or can order). Some one pointed out that $700.00 seemed an awkward figure; not exactly round and not an even amount.

So, we have upped the ante to an even $1,000.00 in Merchandise Awards. Yeah, that looks better! Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

P.S. Check the website at thunderroadrc.com

Make your plans to attend the Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race at Thunder Road on January 15th. Some lucky racer will win a brand new RIP Undertaker chassis; personally assembled by Bill Osborn himself! And the prize package will include one of Bill's custom painted "NASCAR motif" bodies!

Also, we will have a *limited* number of discount coupons available; good for a 10% discount, when you order a new Undertaker chassis through Thunder Road within ten days of the race. The RIP Undertaker chassis is the latest hot tip for oval racing; and this is your chance to win one! The support of RIP Motorsports will put this race over the top!

See you at Thunder Road, Gordonsville, VA, on January 15th, for the Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race. And you'd better have your game face on; the competition is looking pretty stout! Some lap records are going to fall; so BE THERE when it happens. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Visit our website at WWW.thunderroadrc.com.

Jazzy and I should be there to shake down our new equipment before the birds.

Peace ,

Rhinehart :thumbsup:

Hey Chris; glad to know you will be there again. When you and Jazzy arrive, talk to me about an idea I have. I need your help with something; and I think you'll really like the idea. You aren't planning on leaving with all the loot again, are you? Last time, I thought about sending an armed guard with you guys! Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

The competition at Thunder Road is stiff and more so on our advertised races. If you want to setup w/ the guys who will win at the snowbirds, better get to Thunder Road for the Snowbirds warmup race on Jan 15.The snowbirds competition are the elite and this is where the elite come to practice. So, if you don't want to be left behind, you better be at the warmup! :thumbsup:

Only one weekend to practice before the Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race at Thunder Road. As before, those who sign up first are guaranteed a spot in the front of the shop. Those who wait till the day of the race to sign up may find themselves in the rear area. We will have tables, light and power in the rear area; but the conditions are not as nice as in the front.

We will have open practice on Friday, the 14th. Anyone practicing on Friday, and signed up for the race, is welcome to leave their pit area set up for the following day; to hold their pit area.

*NO* pit area will be "reserved" or "held" for racers not yet signed up. First come, first served. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Check the website for entry form and info: thunderroadrc.com

Hey Erine, Looking forward to comeing back up in a few weeks. Are you going to be opened on Fri. Eric and I are comeing up Fri and just wondering if you will be there. Thanks Ritchie Mac

Glad to hear you guys will be back, Ritchie. Thunder Road will be open at 09:00 on Friday the 14th; to give every one plenty of time to practice before The Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race on the 15th. We always do what we can to help you guys out, you know, that! I'll look forward to seeing you guys again. Let every one know we will have plenty of killer SMC batteries available. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Just a reminder that this is the last weekend to practice, prior to The Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race at Thunder Road RC Speedway, on the 15th. Over $1,000.00 in merchandise awards; including a brand new Undertaker Chassis, built by Bill Osborn himself; and topped by one of his custom NASCAR motif bodies! Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Guys; I just fixed up a deal with a local motel in Charlottesville; just down the road from the track. I've posted details on the Thunder Road website; thunderroadrc.com. Anyone attending The Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race can get a special deal of $40.00/night. That price is good the nights of the 7th, 14th and 15th. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

I'm looking forward to hosting all the ARCOR Circuit Riders next Saturday, January the 15th, at Thunder Road RC Speedway, in Gordonsville, Virginia. Check the website at thunderroadrc.com for the latest news.

With over $1,000.00 in merchandise awards and door prizes (Including an Undertaker chassis and NASCAR motif body, both done by RIP's Bill Osborn, himself!!), I'm hoping for a good crowd. If any one doesn't walk away with prizes and awards greater than his entry fee, he isn't really trying! (We lose money on every customer; but make up for it on volume.)

I'm glad to see McAllister's new Dodge Charger Body approved; because I have them for sale; and several to give away as door prizes! I've laid in some Legends parts, lots of Jaco tires and killer SMC battery packs; and I think I am getting pretty close to having an acceptable inventory of the normal spares.

There will be free coffee and doughnuts for the racers, as always. We want every one to feel at home when they visit Thunder Road. We're loking forward to seeing every one again. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

P.S. Wait until you see what we have planned for Saint Patrick's Day!! That race (March 12th) will be almost as big as the race on... well, wait and see! Lots of stuff in the works! EP