Claremont’s Cody Schoolcraft Joins Strong Late Model Rookie Class at Thunder Road

Barre, VT — After announcing a pair of family-tied hot shoes have entered the race for the 2023 Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model Rookie of the Year at Thunder Road, an unexpected third man has thrown his hat into the ring. Cody Schoolcraft of Claremont, New Hampshire has submitted his paperwork to the Barre, Vermont office and has stated his intention of tackling the Rookie award for one of the most competitive weekly racing classes in New England.

Cody Schoolcraft entered the racing fray behind the wheel of a four-cylinder at Claremont Motorsports Park, his hometrack, before taking on the V-8 Street Stock division. Schoolcraft took the 2019 Street Stock Rookie of the Year in the same competitive class that saw David Greenslit take two-consecutive NASCAR Division II national championships. After three years in the Street Stocks, Cody started 2022 in the same V-8 machines before moving up to the Late Model Sportsman midseason, earning one win in each division last year.

Schoolcraft has limited time on the unique Thunder Road highbanks, attempting to race with the Honey Badger Street Stock Series in 2021 but was unable to start the feature event. He stated his intention to run the full Thunder Road season in 2023 and included visits to White Mountain Motorsports Park and on the American-Canadian Tour might also be in the cards for the additional experience, should time allow.

“Let’s be honest, if you live up here and haven’t run a full season at Thunder Road you’re doing it wrong,” said Schoolcraft. “My car owner Nathan Kelly and myself are ready for it, we have great people behind us, a great crew and excited sponsors. I’m just looking forward to a full season in front of that crowd at that world class facility. We’re ready for May 7th.” 

Courtesy CMS

“We’re obviously excited to have such a strong rookie class at Thunder Road this season,” said Thunder Road managing partner Cris Michaud. “I’m thrilled that we’re seeing some ‘outside’ guys joining in, not only with Cody coming from Claremont but we’re also seeing a ton of rookie interest in the ACT Tour. Between the three of these guys, the Thunder Road rookie battle will be one to keep tabs on all season.”

Thunder Road opens with an epic 25th annual Community Bank N.A. lid-lifter weekend. It all starts with the Pro All Stars Series Super Late Models, Modifieds and R&R Street Stocks on Saturday, May 6th following the annual Thunder Road car show starting at 9:00am. Sunday, May 7th will feature the silver anniversary for the American-Canadian Tour Community Bank 150 plus the start of the championship season for the Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tigers and rk Miles Street Stocks with the Burnett Scrap Metal Road Warriors in tow. 

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.