Brent Dragon of Milton, VT made an unexpected visit to Barre, Vermont’s Thunder Road International Speedbowl Sunday for the 42nd annual Mekkensen RV Memorial Classic and did not leave disappointed. The second-generation racer dominated the 100-lap feature race after starting on the front row next to pole-sitter Eric Williams. Williams, from Hyde Park, VT finished second with Waterbury Center, Vermont’s Chad Wheeler in third. Completing the top five were Roger Brown from Lancaster, NH and Mooers Forks, NY driver Mark Lamberton. (PHOTO: The 28-car starting field lined up in front of a huge crowd on a glorious day)

Thunder Road's weekly Late Model point battle begins tomorrow with one of the biggest races of the season, the 42nd annual Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic. Some 30 cars are expected to attempt to qualify for the event, one of two 100 lappers on tap for 2006, including several ACT Tour competitors. The Tour drivers have the weekend off following a partial rain-out last Sunday at New Hampshire's Lee USA Speedway.

Cris Michaud of Williamstown, Vermont is the last of the 2005 Thunder Road title holders to begin defense of a championship. The NAPA Tiger Sportsman, Allen Lumber Street Stocks and Power Shift Junk Yard Warriors began their title hunts at April's Merchants Bank 150 opening event at the ¼ mile oval.

The Memorial Day Classic is a historical race for the Barre speedplant. The prestige of the event is drawn from the extensive list of past winners including the inaugural victor, Roy "Pappy" Forsythe, who captured the checkered flag in 1961. The list of previous champions reads like a who's who of late model racing across the region. Among those who've claimed victory in the Memorial Day Classic are legendary Canadian racer, Jean-Paul Cabana (4 wins), Bobby Dragon, Dave Dion (9 wins), Robbie Crouch (3 wins), and others.

Late Model competitor, Trampas Demers is more than just a race car driver; he’s a Vice President, pilot and son. The South Burlington resident maintains a low profile while at the race track; even if he is a silent contender his hobbies make plenty of noise. Most know Trampas for his #85 Late Model Monte Carlo that he races weekly at Thunder Road however many may not realize that he is also a pilot. He enjoys flying his plane and helicopter; he even performs stunts in his stunt plane. He may seem like a “dare devil” but this Champlain College business graduate knows what it takes to manage a successful corporation. Trampas is the Vice President of the family business, Shelburne Limestone Corporation; he stays busy overseeing the daily operations of the company and assisting in decisions which impact the future of the business.