An Update from Thunder Road and ACT Regarding the 9/1 Labor Day Event

September 3, 2019

First of all, we want to thank everyone for their positive thoughts, prayers, vibes, and support over the last two days. Countless people have reached out to the officials, drivers, and fans who were at Sunday’s Labor Day Classic event as well as to us directly. Times like this are proof of how tightly-knit the racing family is, regardless of what driver, track, or series you may consider your “favorite”.

The two officials involved in Sunday’s accident are both expected to recover fully. One was discharged from the hospital on Sunday night and is at home awaiting surgery on a leg injury. The other is still at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire and likely will be for several more days. Both have been in good spirits throughout the ordeal. At least one has spoken directly with the drivers involved and expressed their desire to see them back on the track.

We also need to thank all the rescue personnel, safety workers, officials, drivers, teams, and fans for their response in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s accident. The professionalism they showed in the moment and afterwards has been nothing short of remarkable. This response is a big part of why the current outlook is positive for everyone involved.

An announcement is expected either today or tomorrow regarding a make-up date for the Labor Day Classic. A suitable date may involve shuffling other parts of the Thunder Road schedule. But make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to complete the event, as well as the rest of the Thunder Road season. One of the officials involved was disappointed we didn’t go back racing the same day! Again, we thank everyone for their continued support, and we hope to see all of you at the track soon.

Cris Michaud & Pat Malone

Joint Statement from Thunder Road and ACT Regarding the 9/1 Labor Day Event

As many of you have heard by now, an accident occurred during qualifying for the Labor Day Classic event on Sunday, September 1. Near the end of a qualifying race, a car went over a retaining wall and struck two officials – one Thunder Road official and one American-Canadian Tour (ACT) official.

The news we’ve gotten so far about both officials is positive given the circumstances. One is being treated at Central Vermont Hospital in Vermont while the other is being treated at Dartmouth Medical Center in New Hampshire. Both sustained leg injuries as a result of the accident and continue to be evaluated. More information will be released as it becomes available.

At this time, we ask that everyone please show compassion for the officials and drivers involved in the accident as well as the fans who witnessed it. Positive thoughts, prayers, and support are what is needed at this time.

An announcement will be made later this week regarding the completion of the Labor Day Classic program. We will look at our options and come to a decision that we believe is the best for everyone.

Cris Michaud & Pat Malone

Labor Day Classic Program Postponed After Accident

Barre, VT – The 41st Labor Day Classic at Barre’s Thunder Road has been postponed due to an on-track accident that occurred during qualifying. An announcement regarding the completion of the program will be made later this week.

Near the conclusion of a qualifying race on Sunday, a race car flew over a retaining wall and struck two track officials. The officials were transported from the track for further treatment and evaluation. Both officials were awake and alert at the time of their departure. No other information is currently available.

Out of respect to those involved, drivers from all divisions voted to postpone the completion of the event. Information regarding rain checks will be announced at the same time as the make-up date.

American-Canadian Tour (ACT) qualifying was partially complete at the time of the accident with Tyler Cahoon, Dylan Payea, and Ryan Kuhn taking wins in the heat races.