Next Generation Set for Late Model Rookie of the Year Battle in 2024

Barre, VT — Possibly two of the most iconic racing names in the State of Vermont have once more found themselves among the Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model division at Thunder Road International Speedbowl. Young Jesse Laquerre of East Montpelier is set to pilot the #71VT Laquerre Powersports Chevrolet against South Hero’s Taylor Hoar in the #48VT NEFCU/VSECU Dodge Charger with both looking to tackle the 2024 Rookie of the Year title at the Nation’s Site of Excitement!

The Laquerre name has been a staple in Vermont and Northeast motorsports since the 1950s when Armand Laquerre got the family tradition started during the post-World War II racing boom. Son Joey began as a car owner in the 1960s and a Thunder Road driver in 1973. Joey continues to race stock cars in his sixth decade of turning laps, with the involvement of his sons and grandsons collecting over a dozen Thunder Road titles.

Likewise, one cannot think about Thunder Road and the American-Canadian Tour without the Hoar Family name attached. Brian Hoar remains the most decorated American-Canadian Tour champion with 8 titles to his credit and 43 wins on the international circuit. In 1999, Brian was able to tackle the heap and take home the ACT, Thunder Road King of the Road and Vermont Milk Bowl titles in grand style.

For both families, the torch was passed into the hands of a pair of young rk Miles Street Stock winning drivers at Thunder Road who are both moving up from the region’s top four-cylinder class to one of the nation’s most competitive headline divisions. Knowing the move to the top isn’t without challenges, both Jesse and Taylor will be in the capable hands of Vermont’s best asphalt crew chiefs.

Alan Ward photo

Alan Ward photo

Multi-time King of the Road track championship crew chief Jeff Laquerre will turn the wrenches on nephew Jesse’s Chevrolet while multi-time ACT Tour championship team leader Rick Paya is sure to keep Taylor’s Dodge Charger on rails.

“Our biggest goal is to win Rookie of the Year, it would be an honor to become the first female Late Model Rookie of the Year,” said Taylor Hoar. “Thinking realistically, this season is going to be about learning and finishing races clean.”

“Honestly, I’m just looking to learn, learn as much as I can,” Jesse Laquerre similarly echoed. “I’ll be looking for the Rookie of the Year title but wins and stuff aren’t exactly on my radar.”

Both were asked how the family legacy weighed on their minds. “It’s definitely a little added stress to keep up with the family name that has been at the top in Tigers and Late Models,” said Laquerre, “but I’m ready to try and be the next part of that legacy.”

“I would be lying if I said my last name doesn’t come with added pressure,” said Hoar. “I have a huge amount of respect for my Dad’s accomplishments, but I also work hard to build my own name. I come to the track and race my heart out as Taylor Hoar, being Brian Hoar’s daughter is just an added bonus.”

While both are expected to make their first run on May 5 with the American-Canadian Tour Community Bank 150, the Thunder Road Rookie title fight begins in earnest on Sunday, May 26 with the 61st Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic 125 alongside the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series Granite City 100!

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.