Chili 100-Sue Matthews Memorial Heads West to Thunder Mountain Speedway
Nestled in the mountains of west central Pennsylvania sits one of the areas fastest, best maintained, best kept secrets in dirt track racing that this region has to offer in Thunder Mountain Speedway. When the engines fire at the speedway on October 20th, 2012 it will mark the thirteenth annual running of the Chili 100 - Sue Matthews Memorial Late Model race. What started out as a few local racers from Clinton County Speedway some years ago; asking for someone to put together a 100 lap race, has turned into one of the largest and most competitive events taking place. In its lifetime the Chili has enjoyed multiple hospitable homes including Clinton County Speedway, Ace High Speedway, Gambler’s Raceway Park, Hummingbird Speedway and now will make its farthest trek west to Thunder Mountain Speedway this Saturday.
Throughout the history of The Chili 100 – Sue Matthews Memorial the biggest questions have always been “will anyone garner that elusive second victory?” twelve events, twelve different winners; and “who will show up?” Will someone new add their name alongside the likes of Carl Billet, Jeff Rine, Al Brewer, Luke Hoffner, Ron Kline, Bud Whitmer, Mike Altobelli, Chris Farell, Mike Blose, Jim Yoder and Sammy Stiles? Will a former winner write his name again in the history books?
While speaking with Chili Promotions, promoter Janney Flora and Thunder Mountain Speedway promoter Audie Geer both commented that they are very happy to be bringing this race to the race fans at Thunder Mountain and of the Chili 100 – Sue Matthews Memorial. In recent years the event had found what was thought to be a permanent home but the stars aligned when Janney was looking for a place to race this year and the Geer family offered the use of the track. Racing for charity is no stranger to Thunder Mountain as they have held many events where proceeds went to a charitable organization and they know just what this event means to Janney and her team. While the Chili 100 will be shortened to 50 laps this year due to the size of the track, there will be no shortage of excitement when the green flag falls.
Sharing the event with the late models will be street stocks competing in the 30 lap Chili Pepper as well as Pure Stocks and Front Wheel Drive Four Cylinders tearing it up for 20 laps in each class. We have always enjoyed giving these support classes a marquee event to compete in. Everybody has to start somewhere in racing, almost nobody jumps straight into a late model, said Flora.
Join us in sending the 2012 season out in a big way and come on out to Thunder Mountain Speedway this Saturday for the Chili 100 and feel the THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!
Gates open at Noon with racing at 4:00 PM.
......i love how you guys keep acting like i have a personal vendetta against the class....so once again, this time for the slower people......I NEVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT THE FWD RACERS OR THE TIME THEY HAVE TO PUT IN ON THE CARS...i simply said i didn't think they should be part of the chili....
