Three Vermont stock car drivers will be representing their race teams, their home counties, and their impressive resumes at the 48th Times Argus Mid-Season Championships at Barre’s Thunder Road this Thursday.  Williamstown’s Cris Michaud, a three-time “King of the Road,”

Cris Michaud is looking for Times Argus Mid-Season Championship win #3

will carry the Central Vermont banner for Orange County, Rich Lowrey of Charlotte will represent the Northwest for Chittenden County, and former Thunder Road Late Model Champion Pete Fecteau of Morrisville will carry Lamoille County and Northern Vermont.

While the three veteran racers hail from different regions of the state, each has some things in common with the others: A checkered past in the Mid-Season Championship, and a desire to build upon their victory totals in the double-points event.  Together, the trio has copped the last six editions of the event – two apiece – with Fecteau gathering a third win in 1997, the year of his “King of the Road” title bid.

“My crew and I are really looking forward to Thursday’s race,” said Michaud, the Times Argus Mid-Season Championship winner in 2002 and 2004.  “With double points on the line we’re in a good position to gain on (point leader) Dave Pembroke.  Plus, the annual autograph session is a great time.  The fans at Thunder Road are great, and I know the drivers in all four divisions love the autograph session.”  Michaud will pilot the Merchants Bank/Burrell Roofing Ford for his Kendell Legendre-led team on Thursday.

Entries for the 23rd Annual M&M Beverage Enduro 200 amateur stock car race at Barre’s Thunder Road continue to file in at the track’s head office in Waterbury.  To date, nearly 80 drivers from Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and even Florida have entered the smash ‘em, bash ‘em, crash ‘em, survival-of-the-bravest event on Sunday, July 29.  More than 100 competitors are expected to take a shot at the $2,000 top prize.  Post time for the race is 6:30pm.

“Participants will be able to enter the M&M Beverage Enduro 200 on the day of the race, but we are encouraging drivers to file an early entry with us at the office,” said Thunder Road Administrator Tina Gallison.  “The advantages of filing an entry include being able to reserve a number for your Enduro racer ahead of time.  Number assignments are on a first-come, first-served basis, and they’re going fast.”

Tonight's Fisher/Federated Auto Parts Trophy Dash at Barre's Thunder Road Speedbowl has been postponed due to rain. A rescheduled date will be announced in the near future.

In addition to a full card of ACT Late Model, Tiger Sportsmen, Allen Lumber Street Stocks and Power Shift Warrior action, the Fisher/Federated event was to feature "Media Madness", a special race for members of the press as well as a demonstration with cars and drivers participating in the upcoming M&M Beverage Enduro 200 (Sun, July 29).

Thunder Road will be back in action next Thursday, July 26 for the 48th annual Times Argus Mid-Season Championship, a double point race for the high banked quarter-mile's four divisions. The annual driver autograph session is slated for intermission. Post time is 6:30 pm. Spectator gates will open at 4:30. Adult admission is $9.00, kids (ages 6-12) are $3.00 and the "Family Fare" for any two adults and two kids is an affordable $18.00.