Next Generation Ready for Late Model Stardom Starting with Rookie of the Year Battle

Barre, VT — After cutting it up in the world-famous Flying Tiger division last summer, a pair of second-generation drivers are ready to take it to the next level as they chase a new Thunder Road title. Justin Prescott, stepson of 1999 King of the Road Brian Hoar, and Kaiden Fisher, son of 2003 King of the Road Jamie Fisher, and have both made it their goal to be the top rookie in the ultra-competitive Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model class in 2023.

Justin Prescott had a stellar season in 2022, taking his first Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tiger win last April on opening day of his sophomore season. He used that momentum to stay inside the top-three leaderboard all season long before coming home in a tie for second-overall with Myers Triple Crown champion Derrick Calkins. Prescott will pilot the Arny Hill #04VT A.H. Fence Company Chevrolet after getting his first taste with Hill at White Mountain Motorsports Park last September and is enthusiastic to start the season. 

Kasen Hodgdon photo

“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenges of the next level,” said Prescott. “The competitiveness and prestige of the Late Model division is something I’ve always admired so I’m just flat-out excited for this opportunity that Arny has given me and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.” Along with learning the ropes in the ultra-competitive division, Prescott will also be fending off a season-long storm in his search for the rookie title. 

‘Tropical Storm’ Kaiden Fisher has also stated his intention to chase the Thunder Road rookie honors as the next in his family to climb aboard a Late Model. Following his championship-winning father ‘The Hurricane’ Jamie Fisher, American-Canadian Tour winning Uncles Chris and Steve and with help from wrench-turning Uncle Peter, young Kaiden has already proven his power on track. Kaiden took down two Flying Tiger wins in his rookie bid last season, coming off a stellar rk Miles Street Stock season that saw the young ace take the four-cylinder championship.

Alan Ward photo

As in the past, Fisher remains quietly confident. “We plan on running for the title and Rookie of the Year at Thunder Road and the American-Canadian Tour events at the Road as well,” said Fisher. “If time allows, we might possibly make it to a few more ACT Tour and White Mountain Motorsports Park events too but we’ll see.” After a third-place qualifying effort and a sixth-place finish in his first Vermont Milk Bowl presented by Northfield Savings Bank last October, it’s easy to understand where that coolheaded confidence comes from.

Although Thunder Road opens it’s gates for a double-shot of lid-lifting action that includes the American-Canadian Tour and Pro All Stars Series on May 6th and 7th, the Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model season starts in earnest with the 60th Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic 125 on Sunday, May 28th. The Memorial Day Classic will once again feature the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series with their $10,000-to-Win Granite City 100 set to feature the top Tour-type Modified talent in the Northeast. 

For more information, contact the Thunder Road offices at (802) 244-6963, media@thunderroadvt.com, or visit www.thunderroadvt.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ThunderRoadVT.