CHARLES, RUNCIE, NICHOLS, STICH END JUNE WITH WINS AT THE HILL

After being plagued by rain for several weeks, the key word to Thunder Hill’s Saturday nights has been “hot.”  This week, promoter Mike Conkwright adjusted the start times back 30 minutes to help beat the heat, but for Tom Charles, Travis Runcie, Mike Nichols, and Brian Stich, it was still a very hot night, as all four found victory lane.

Charles has had an up-and-down year, losing an opening night win to a disqualification, and encountering some on-track controversy last week with contact between himself and Jordy Nelson that may have cost both a shot at the feature win.  This week, however, the Bonner Springs veteran came from his third-row starting spot to post his second feature win of the season, followed by Mat Stallbaumer and Travis Patch.  First-time visitor Bobby Bills made the tow from Wichita worthwhile by taking fourth, while Danny Holt showed that last week’s win was no accident by rounding out the top five.  Nelson used his sixth-place finish to retain a 26-point lead over Patch, with Brent Alverson third in the standings, and Jeff Herbers and John Kampsen completing the top five.

Twenty-eight IMCA Northern SportMods checked into the Thunder Hill pits, necessitating a B-Feature.  One of the longest tows was registered by Beatrice, Nebraska competitor Travis Runcie, who was able to haul the first-place trophy back North with him.  Runcie survived a challenge from Bryan Rigsby, who eventually had to settle for second, followed by Mike Taylor, Eddie Schwope Jr., and Joey Schwope.  For Eddie Schwope Jr., third was good enough to keep the point lead in the division, with Kyle Olberding, Taylor, Rich Boyden, and Joey Schwope ranking 2-5.

“Beat Nichols!” is the cry from the IMCA Stock Car ranks, as three-time National Champion Mike Nichols once again ended up in the winner’s circle, making him 5 for 5 in Thunder Hill visits this year.  A charging Greg Deters took second, with Dustin Newlin taking third, Marvin Griffith Jr. in fourth, and Leif Weyer coming home in the fifth spot.  Griffith is still the division point leader, with Eric Weyer, Deters, Matt Haid, and Tim Lange making up the top five.

The IMCA Hobby Stock fans may be thinking the same thing about Brian Stich, who extended his point lead with another Thunder Hill win.  Taking the checkered behind the #21 were three drivers who posted their best finishes of the year – David Hirsch in second, Pat Streeter in third, and Melissa Bruning in fourth.  Jim Streeter rounded out the top five.  As noted, Stich is the division point leader, with Rodney Walker in second, John Bass in third, Melissa Bruning in fourth, and Pat Streeter in fifth.

Thunder Hill is already in preparations for a July filled with special events.  Next Saturday, July 3, the Midwest Mod-Lites make their third visit of the year.  On Saturday, July 17, Thunder Hill will remember longtime area racer Oren Covert with the Oren Covert Memorial.  The week after, on July 24, the NCRA Late Model Series will make their first visit in several years.

Next Saturday, July 3, the IMCA Weekly Racing Series continues at Thunder Hill, with the regular four weekly classes to be joined by the Midwest Mod-Lites.  Gates open at 4:00 PM, with the driver’s meeting set for 6:30.  Hot laps will hit the track at 7:00, with heat races to follow.  Pit passes will be $25.00.  Grandstand general admission is $10.00, Seniors 65 and up are $8.00 each, kids 6-12 are $5.00, and kids 5 and under are free.  Thunder Hill Speedway is located at 11995 142^nd Road in Mayetta, KS (2 miles West of US-75 and 142^nd Road).  For more information, please visit http://www.racethunderhillspeedway.com.