SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Thursday Night Thunder is ready to return to Laird Raceway! The track will host its 2024 season opener on Thursday, June 27, making it part of a monumental night for the 1/3-mile asphalt oval.
What started as a mid-’90s vision by racer Donnie Varcoe Jr., came to fruition in the summer of 1999 when the green flag waved, and stock car racing returned to the Ontario side of the International border for the first time since the late ’80s.
Now under the guidance of Varcoe and his daughter Rita-Ann – along with the many accompanying support staff, sponsors, drivers and fans – Laird is excited to celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary season this summer.
The eight-event schedule kicks off Thursday, June 27 with a full ‘5-in-1’ show presented by Country 104.3 and Kiss FM. On-track fans can watch their favourite driver amongst the Service Rental and Sales Super Late Models, NAPA Reyco Automotive Modifieds, Lakeway Automotive Factory Stocks, Northland Autobody Four Cylinders and AIM Recycling Enduros.
PLUS this week, intermission will feature two added bonuses – the first-ever ‘Powder Puff’ (ladies) School Bus Race while the Algoma Lawn Mower Racing Association will entertain on the infield dirt oval as well. Entering Thursday Night Sault Ste. Marie, ON product Chase Wilson (#77) will look to defend his track championship in the Service Rental & Sales Super Late Model Division.
One year ago the 2nd-generation pilot bettered fellow Sooite Dustin Jackson (#61) by 12 points in the standings. The duo are expected to be joined by a strong field of cars that will see Cody MacLean and Mike Hearty expected to join the stout local field in the premiere division at Laird.
Thessalon, ON native Jason Herrington (#78) is expected to return to defend his NAPA Reyco Modified title from season ago. Herrington ran a summer of consistency one season ago before being crowned track champion with a 5 point advantage over Mark Laakso (#84). Laakso will hit the track with a brand new car for 2024 in another stout division of the open-wheel warriors.
The elder of the Bibeau Racing brothers, Brad Bibeau (#80), was crowned Lakeway Automotive Factory Stock Champion following a pair of feature wins in 2023. His advantage over Rookie pilot and third-generation Owen Brown (#12Y) was a mere 3 points.
While the Northland Auto Body Four Cylinders is expected to see a new champion crowned after 2023 Champion Tyler Praysner (#05) has moved up divisions after his 9 point victory one year ago over the Soo’s Dyllen Sherrard (#16).
Time trials are set for 6 PM with green flag racing set for one hour later, at 7 PM.
Grandstand admission remains unchanged from one season ago – General grandstand admission is $20 while Children and Youth (17 & Under) and Seniors (75+) are absolutely FREE. Pit admission is $30 (all ages). Laird Raceway is conveniently located 20 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie in Laird Township at the Laird Fairgrounds.
Laird Raceway is proud to be home of Contingency Connections $100,000 Racer Rewards Program.
For further information visit their website at www.lairdraceway.com or visit the track Facebook page (lairdraceway).
