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:

Seasons greetings to you as well Ernie.

Bill; thanks for the greeting. I hope you're planning on seeing us again, soon. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Bill; please call me ASAP. I have an idea you might like! The number is (540) 439-6085. 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.

Jan.15th race

I think I'm going to be able to make that race. Jazzy and I are hard at work building four cars for the Birds, so that we have fresh rides to lay it down with.
I'd like to see everyone from the money race show up, and some. We had a really good time last race.

Look forward to seeing everyone,


V+M=W
Rhinehart

Chris; I look forward to seeing you and Jazzy again. You guys are a class act; and you're always welcome at Thunder Road. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Ernie.. Just wondering u run pargon or Jack the Gripper at Thunder Road? Just want to know.

Almost without exception (as far as I've seen) every one uses Paragon at Thunder Road. I hope to see you on the 15th. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

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

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

Just curious what kind of car count u have for legends. Sorry it took so long to respond back. Will be there on the 15th if nothing goes wrong.

Steve; it looks like we will have at least enough Legends to run two mains. Thats only counting pre-entries, not those who have said they will be there; and you know how racers hate to pre-enter. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Ernie. Can u e-mail the directions coming from 29 n. My e-mail address is rc_racing_2004@yahoo.com. Would aprreciate it. Thanks. Sorry buts it a an _ between words in my address.

Check the website thunderroadrc.com for a detailed map. Basically, you want to follow 29 North to Charlottesville. From Charlottesville:
Head out 250 East from Charlottesville, and turn left onto 22. Continue straight and merge left onto 231. Once reaching the Gordonsville traffic circle, continue straight onto 15. The track is about 1.5 miles on your right.

The website also has our phone number; and we'd be happy to talk you in. See you tomorrow. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool:

Below are the (incomplete) results of The Snowbirds Warmup ARCOR State Race on 01/15/05. Thanks; Ernie P.

Legends:

1. Robert Pratish Jr.

2. Butch Beaver

3. Larry Boyd

4. Brad Kennett

5. Derek Law

6. Robert Pratish Sr.

7. Mike Arrington

8. Steve Arrington

Comments: Yeah, thats eight cars on the track at one time. The legends drivers insisted on putting all eight cars in one big A Main race. I guess these guys just like driving in heavy traffic or buying parts. Larry Boyd, driving Jesse Bean's borrowed Legends car, had every one covered all night... until the Main. Despite having what seemed the best handling car (but not the fastest on the straight pieces), Larry got caught up in the mayhem when the money was on the line. Unable to avoid the frequent pileups, which scrambled the running order every few laps, Larry spent the race going from deep in the pack to the lead; and straight into the next accident. In the end, Robert Pratish Jr. did the best job of dodging the flying bits and pieces; and put six laps on his nearest pursuer.

Stock:

1. Chris Rhinehart

2. Steve Downs

3. Steve Wallace

4. Steve Nelson

5. Eric Thomas

6. Joe Vaughan

Comments: The Rhino seemed to have everything under control all night long. Steve Downs was having a good night as well. He chased Chris hard, and wound up less than two seconds back at the finish line. Steve Nelson lead the local contingent, driving a steady and fast pace into fourth place. Local racers Steve Herndon, Jesse Bean and Kevin Randolph fought hard in the B Main; looking like a (very tight) freight train right to the finish.

19 Turn Open:

1. Steve Downs

2. Ritchie Mac

3. McLin

4. John Pritchett

Comments:

Steve Downs looked like he was on rails all night long. Ritchie and Lin Vaughan looked fast; but not quite fast enough. A steady and controlled race left Steve on a lap of his own at the end.

General Comments:

KSG driver Eric Thomas won the drawing for the new Undertaker chassis and NASCAR body; both prepared by none other than RIP's Bill Osborn. A lot of people (including your's truly) tried hard to talk Eric into selling his prize; but he kept muttering something about "takin' it to the 'Birds". Jaco, SMC, Associated and McAllister donated enough door prizes to ensure everyone left with something.

ARCOR's own JB handled Tech and did a thoroughly great job. She and Butch are great people; and we hope they return to Thunder Road soon. The ARCOR Drivers Meeting went well; with a lot of debate and back and forth on issues affecting the future of the sport. If the opinions of all the drivers could be distilled into a single statement, it would be "Listen to our opinions; think and plan carefully; tell us what the rules are; and let's go racing".

The racers took home over $1,200 in winnings and door prizes. The loud sobbing noises from the track owner didn't seem to bother anyone, though. I received numerous comments from the racers about how much fun they were having; and I've never seen a nicer bunch of competitors. From the beginning of the evening to the very end, everyone was laughing and having a great time. If you weren't there, you missed a great night of racing... and a thoroughly enjoyable evening of fun. We're going to do this again, real soon. Thanks; Ernie P. :cool: