2021 Sponsor Spotlights: Division & Series Sponsors

Maplewood Convenience Stores & Irving Oil

Entitlement sponsors of the Late Model Division

Since 2018, Maplewood Convenience and Irving Oil have been proud to headline the Late Model class at Thunder Road. Maplewood first became involved with the track in 2016 and 2017 as the sponsor of the Late Model semi-feature and Triple Crown program. When the semi-feature was discontinued, Maplewood stepped up to become the co-sponsor of the entire division. Maplewood Convenience stores exclusively distribute Irving Oil gasoline at the pumps; add in the necessity of fuel for racers, and it made them a natural partner for a program that now enters its fourth year.

The Late Model sponsorship is one more way that Maplewood Convenience, along with its directors Wayne Lamberton and Randy LaGue, has become part of the Central Vermont community. There are currently Maplewood locations in South Barre, Berlin, Waterbury, and South Royalton. The Berlin location, located just off the four corners, doubles as a 24/7 Travel Center and state rest stop. Among other things, Maplewood stores offer gasoline, Green Mountain coffee, a deli, bottle redemption (select stores), snacks, Vermont souvenirs, and anything else people need on the go. The Travel Center also has a calling card of giving out $2 bills and 50-cent coins as change for those paying in cash; the tradition began when Doug Hill built the original store in 1985 and has continued ever since. You can find each of the Maplewood locations on Facebook.

As for Irving Oil, their story goes back nearly a century. This Canada-based producer of gasoline, oil, and natural gas was founded in 1924. They first expanded in the U.S. in 1972; now they can be found all over the Northeast, both with their own gas station network and as an affiliate of convenience stores such as Maplewood. Among other notable things, Irving operates Canada’s largest oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick as well as Ireland’s only refinery in Whitegate. They were the first Canadian company to offer unleaded gasoline for retail and were one of the first to sell gas with a low sulfur content. Irving is also known for its propane and heating oil services that keep Vermonters warm throughout the winter. Visit www.irvingoil.com to learn more about the company or find a nearby location.

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel

Entitlement sponsor of the Flying Tiger Division

In 2021, Lenny’s enters its fifth year with the famed Flying Tiger class and its 19th year of involvement at Thunder Road. The company first got into motorsports sponsorship in 2003 with the “Lenny’s Hot Shoe Challenge” program. From 2003 to 2016, the program awarded thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise certificates each year to Thunder Road drivers who had earned their first or second win of the season. In 2017, Lenny’s transitioned to headlining the Flying Tiger division and has been the partner through a rebirth for Thunder Road’s oldest racing division. Lenny’s also co-presented the Rawhide Rodeo’s appearance at the track in 2018.

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of supplying locals with high-quality outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear for all ages and genders. (It’s fitting for them to be involved with racing, as many drivers spend the offseason riding on snowmobiles or hunting in the woods, and thus have a need for premium winterwear.) Lenny’s was founded in 1990 by Lenny McCarthy and is now run by his sons Mark and Todd. Together, they operate four retail stores in Barre, VT; St. Albans, VT; Williston, VT; and Plattsburgh, NY along with a Barre outlet store that are all open six days a week. The company has also expanded into online sales with a store at www.lennyshoe.com so customers around the country can experience their motto of “We Fit You Right”.

rk Miles (formerly Allen Lumber)

Entitlement sponsor of the Street Stock division

The 2021 season sees a new name anchoring the Street Stocks — but really, it’s the same name with a slight makeover. The Allen Lumber Company spent 32 years from 1989-2020 as a division sponsor at Thunder Road, all but one of them with the Street Stocks. (In 1992, they sponsored the Flying Tigers after they’d been “promoted”.) In early 2020, it was announced that rk Miles would be purchasing the venerable chain of lumber stores. The sale was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but finally completed in November. However, just as the Allen brothers are stilling working at the rebranded stores, rk Miles is remaining as the Street Stock division sponsor with a contract that runs through 2022. Their signage is also proudly displayed on the Street Stock tech building.

It’s another chapter for two companies with a long history of serving Vermont. Allen Lumber was founded way back in 1888 and operated under the Allen name for five generations. rk Miles, meanwhile, has been in business since 1940. Both are known in their regions as leading building material suppliers for residential and commercial customers. The sale added Allen Lumber’s four locations in Montpelier, Barre, Waitsfield, and St. Johnsbury to the six rk Miles stores in Southern Vermont and Northern Massachusetts. Together, they continue to meet the needs of builders for anything from flooring to outdoor sheds. You can learn more or find the store nearest you at www.rkmiles.com.

Burnett Scrap Metals

Entitlement sponsor of the Road Warrior division

When the Road Warrior division returned to Thunder Road in the middle of the 2017 season, one of the most relevant sponsors in all of racing signed on to be part of the journey. Burnett Scrap Metals already was making its mark on the local racing scene; Christopher Burnett had campaigned a Flying Tiger for Jay Webb and then Jason Corliss before jumping to the Late Model ranks in 2014. (They’ve won a few races here and there.) Partnering with the Road Warriors further expanded the company’s motorsports presence — and gave teams a place to bring their cars once they’d finally bitten the dust. The partnership now enters its fifth year with a contract that runs through 2023.

Burnett Scrap Metals has continued to grow as well in this time. Its state-licensed metal recycling facility is the largest such facility in Chittenden County. From Hinesburg, VT, they serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout most of Vermont and Northern New York. The company recycles both ferrous (i.e. metals with iron in them) and non-ferrous scrap metals. You can drop them off directly at the Hinesburg facility or arrange for the company to deliver a roll-off container for large projects. Visit www.burnettscrapmetals.com for more information.

Myers Container Service

Entitlement sponsor of the Flying Tiger Triple Crown Series

Ever since the Flying Tiger Triple Crown was born at Thunder Road in 2017, Myers Container Service has been along for the ride. The annual trio of long-distance races gives Thunder Road’s most well-known division a chance in the spotlight. The first three years featured 75-lap events; in 2020, a 100-lap event was added, which will continue in 2021 as part of the Memorial Day Classic program. The series is popular among both drivers and fans, and as a result, Myers gets plenty of time in the spotlight, too. In addition to the Triple Crown program — for which they’re signed through 2022 — Myers is also the longtime sponsor (and employer) of Essex’s Mike Billado. This led to a true case of on-track corporate synergy on August 8, 2019 when Billado won the Triple Crown season finale.

It’s easy to know Myers is around when you see their distinctive red garbage disposal containers and trucks. Myers Container Service is a full-service trash removal company with offices in Colchester, Moretown, and St. Johnsbury. They also offer residential, commercial, and industrial recycling. Customers can choose weekly or daily pick-up; roll-off services are also available for commercial and industrial customers. Myers supports dozens of local charities to help make an impact on communities beyond just keeping them clean. Visit www.theredcanfamily.com to learn more about their services.