Barre, VT – Barre’s Thunder Road will initiate the use of alternative energy in the 2005 racing season, introducing an optional agricultural grain-alcohol Ethanol and gasoline fuel mix to power race cars in one of its successful stock car divisions, populated by more than 40 race teams. The effort to utilize an environmentally-friendly fuel is believed to be one of the first by a stock car organization in the United States.

“At first, our Allen Lumber Street Stock Research & Development car will be powered by a 9-to-1 gasoline-to-Ethanol mix,” said Thunder Road Promoter Tom Curley, “but we hope to convert the entire division by the end of the season.” That Ethanol requires no changes to conventional gasoline-powered engines for use appeals to Curley. “We want to make a statement that a cleaner burning corn-based fuel will not only help the environment, it will provide the same exciting level of competition to our fans, and at no extra cost to our competitors,” he said.

Barre, VT – In association with the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program, Barre’s Thunder Road will promote the “Click It Or Ticket” message in 2005, urging race fans to increase seat belt usage and keep safety a priority on Vermont’s highways. Thunder Road’s “Click It Or Ticket” campaign will begin at the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, May 1, and continue through the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 29, culminating on Thursday, June 2 with Hannaford Markets/Pelletier Quick Lube Night.

Apparently, the Seacoast Late Model Challenge 100 has so huge even Mother Nature couldn’t handle it. As you probably know by now, the opening event of the ACT Late Model Tour was rained out last weekend, but Lee USA Speedway officials have rescheduled the race to Friday, May 6. Gates will open at 1:00pm, practice starts at 3:00pm, and the qualifying action gets under way at 6:00pm. We expected as many as 65 cars, so it's a show you won't want to miss! With the rain, that means the 2005 season opener will now take place at Barre, VT’s Thunder Road this weekend, with the Merchants Bank 150.

The Merchants Bank Car Show returns to Main Street in Barre City on Saturday, April 30, where cars from the Tour and each of Thunder Road’s four racing divisions will line the streets of the Granite Capital. Show hours are 9:00am to Noon, with an all-divisions – and likely all-methods necessary for some teams – Pit Stop Contest at 10:30am. The show will close with a full parade of race cars up Quarry Hill to the speedway, with practice sessions beginning at 1:30pm. Thunder Road’s famous “Class Day” ceremonies will kick the season off in style on Sunday, May 1 at 1:00pm, with the first green flag waving at 1:30pm.