Thunder Road Sponsor Spotlights: Event Sponsors, Part 1

This week in Sponsor Spotlights, we have part 1 of our look at the entitlement sponsors attached to each event. From weekly Thursday shows to major holiday and touring series events, these companies proudly attach their names to the Thunder Road action — and some have done so for more than 30 years. Make sure to show them some love throughout the year as a thank-you for supporting racing!  (Note: event sponsors are listed in the order they appear on the Thunder Road calendar.)

Community Bank N.A.

Sponsor of the Community Bank N.A. 150 on Sunday, May 2 for the ACT Late Model Tour

Although the Community Bank N.A. name is relatively new to Thunder Road, its auto racing heritage goes back much farther. The inaugural Merchants Bank 150 was held May 2, 1999, becoming the Thunder Road season opener. Merchants Bank continued to be the event sponsor until the company was acquired by Community Bank N.A. in 2017. Ownership has continued to see the value in auto racing and is currently signed as the event sponsor through 2022. This year will be the 23rd annual event which pits the ACT Late Model Tour regulars against many Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model competitors who are eager to finally start their season.

As part of their agreement, Community Bank N.A. also posts bonus money for multiple winners at the event. The ACT Late Model Tour winner gets an extra $500 on top of the $3,000 posted prize by ACT. The Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tiger winner receives a $300 bonus check while the RK Miles Street Stock winner pockets a $100 bounty. It’s a nice chunk of change that goes a long way for teams.

Community Bank N.A. has been serving the Northeast for more than 150 years. They were founded in 1866 as St. Lawrence County (NY) National Bank. Today, Community Bank N.A. has more than 230 throughout New York, Vermont, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Western Massachusetts that help members “Bank Happy”. Services include personal banking, business banking, investing, and insurance. Community Bank N.A. has been ranked in the top-12 banks in the region by Forbes for 12 years running, reaching as high as #3. Visit www.cbna.com to find a branch near you.

Mekkelsen RV

Sponsor of the Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 30

Mekkelsen RV is one of the longest-running partners at Thunder Road. Since 1994, they have presented the annual Memorial Day Classic — itself the second-oldest event in track annals. It’s an appropriate partnership given how many campers can be found on the Thunder Road property throughout the holiday weekend. (Mekkelsen RV presented Milk Bowl Friday in 2020 after the Memorial Day Classic was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) This year’s Memorial Day Classic is a 125-lap main event for the Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Models that opens the 2021 “King of the Road” chase. The Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tigers also have a 100-lap event to open the Myers Container Service Triple Crown Series.

However, Mekkelsen RV does much more than just put their name on an event. They also sponsor the Thunder Road Winner’s Circle program. As part of this, all Thunder Road feature winners receive a reserved parking space with a picnic table at the following event. These winners are then entered into a drawing to win a weekend’s use (4-days/3-nights) of a 29’ Class C motorhome from Mekkelsen RV with 500 free miles. The drawing is held during Vermont Milk Bowl Weekend. Mekkelsen RV is signed through 2023, which will be the 30th year they have worked with Thunder Road.

The company was founded in 1967 is a leader in helping Central Vermonters get away from it all. Based in East Montpelier, VT, the family-owned business has a large selection of new and pre-owned motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, expandable trailers, pop-ups, and truck campers. Mekkelsen RV also offers rentals, parts, and accessories along with 18 service bays. They are a factory-authorized warranty station for several leading RV brands. Find out more and plan your next vacation or camping season at www.vtrv.com.

Capitol City Auto Mart

Sponsor of the Friday, June 11 event

Capitol City Auto Mart is one of the newer members of the Thunder Road family. They joined in 2018 as the sponsor of a special Friday night show to open the weekly racing season. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they return in 2021 for their third year of action. As part of the event, Capitol City Auto Mart holds a vehicle display at the track plus an intermission parade. The event includes a visit from the New England Antique Racers and is also Scout Night for 2021.

As part of the AutoSaver Group, Capitol City Auto Mart helps Central Vermonters find a great deal on a great vehicle. The Capitol City Buick GMC dealership in Berlin, VT — located on Route 2 at the bottom of Gallison Hill Road — has a huge inventory of new and preowned cars, trucks and SUVs. Plenty of leasing and financing options are available. They also have a complete certified auto service center that performs oil changes, brake jobs, tire replacement, drivetrain repairs, and other maintenance. Sales and service are available Monday-Saturday to fit your schedule. Visit www.capitolcitybuickgmc.com to view their selection or make an appointment.

Casella Resource Solutions

Sponsor of the Thursday, June 17 event

In 2021, Casella Resource Solutions and Casella Waste Systems mark their 20th year of Thunder Road involvement. Thursdays are the night for racing in Central Vermont, and for many years, Casella has proudly presented the annual Thursday night opener. Pending health and safety guidelines, this year’s Casella Resource Solutions night will include the annual Kids Rides for youngsters 12 and under to enjoy a trip around the track. There’ll also be a full card of action for all four divisions plus a Casella vehicle display and parade. Casella is already signed through the 2024 season, speaking to how highly they value stock car racing.

Casella Waste Systems has been serving the Northeast for more than 40 years. The company was founded in 1975 in Rutland, VT as Casella’s Refuse Removal. They opened the state’s first recycling facility in 1977 as part of a vision for resource renewal and integrated waste management services. Today, The company has more than 130 facilities throughout New England, New York, and Northern Pennsylvania that serve more than 150,000 customers. Casella offers a wide range of waste management and recycling services for homeowners, small businesses, and organizations. Visit www.casella.com to learn more about their services and find a facility near you.

Community College of Vermont

Sponsor of the Thursday, June 24 event

Community College of Vermont (CCV) began its partnership with Thunder Road in 2015 and has become one of the tracks most enthusiastic associates. They annually sponsor an event in late June — except for one year where their event became Championship Day due to a series of weather postponements. This year’s CCV event is the first official race of summer and features the Marvin Johnson Memorial First-Time Winner’s event for the Street Stocks. A full card of championship action for all four divisions is also on tap.

CCV is Vermont’s second-largest college with 12 campuses and learning centers throughout the state. Each semester, more than 5,000 students take CCV classes. They offer 11 associate degree and 22 career certificate programs in-person or online at the lost in-state cost per credit of any Vermont college. Opportunities are also available for workforce, secondary, veterans, and continuing education. Multiple Thunder Road racers have attended CCV through both their college courses and the high school Duel Enrollment program. CCV is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Learn more about their educational offerings at www.ccv.edu.

Preston’s Kia (NEW!)

Sponsor of the Thursday, July 1 Holiday Spectacular

Thunder Road is pleased to welcome Preston’s Kia as the new sponsor of the Independence Day event. The program is set to include a full card of championship action plus one of the state’s biggest fireworks display by Northstar Fireworks. In non-pandemic times, the Holiday Spectacular is one of the most-attended events at Thunder Road, making it a prime opportunity for our friends at Preston’s Kia to introduce race fans to their dealership.

From their location at 51 Gallison Hill Road in Montpelier, Preston’s Kia is known throughout the Central Vermont area for great customer service and the best prices. Their inventory includes the latest Kia car and SUV models along with an assortment of certified pre-owned vehicles. The Kia service and parts center offers tire rotation, engine diagnostics, oil changes, transmission repairs, and many other auto repair services. Preston’s Kia also houses the Woodbury Auto Body Shop, which has been doing professional accident repair on many vehicle makes since 1978. Get started on your next vehicle purchase or repair at www.prestonskia.com.

Efficiency Vermont (NEW!)

Sponsor of the Thursday, July 8 event

After a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Efficiency Vermont joins the Thunder Road event sponsor line-up. They will present the July 8 event, which includes the second leg of The Myers Container Service Triple Crown Series. The Efficiency Vermont team will be on-site educating race fans about ways to reduce their energy costs while staying comfortable throughout the changing seasons.

Efficiency Vermont is a non-profit organization based in Winooski that helps Vermonters live better and save money while producing cleaner energy. They do extensive research to determine the best option for each person’s HVAC, appliance, refrigeration, lighting, and electronics needs. Efficiency Vermont has a large network of certified contractors that can provide assessments, installation, renovation, and other services. They also offer regular educational workshops and can help people, businesses, and organizations find product discounts. More than 70,000 Vermonters take advantage of Efficiency Vermont’s services every year. Find out how you can live green while saving some green at www.efficiencyvermont.com.

FloRacing (NEW!)

Posting double-purse awards at July 22 and August 19 events

Thunder Road’s newest live streaming partner is also assisting the racers with monetary contributions to two events. As part of the new multi-year agreement, both the Midseason Championships on July 22 and Vermont Tire & Service Night on August 19 will pay twice the purse to all spots in all divisions. This means nearly $30,000 in potential awards spread throughout the local racing community, helping drivers get the track through the second half of the season. These events plus all Thunder Road auto racing events can be watched live or on-demand at www.floracing.com.

FloRacing is one of the world’s largest motorsports live-streaming platforms. They broadcast events from dozens of tracks and series throughout North America, including stock car racing, open-wheel racing, drag racing, and motocross. Fans can also watch news programs, expert commentary, motorsports-themed movies, documentaries and other content. FloRacing is part of the FloSports Network, which has more than 300,000 hours of content across 25+ sports and competitions. For a $150 annual subscription fee, viewers get access to the entire FloRacing and FloSports catalog! Visit https://bit.ly/32NDamR to create an account.