By Phil Whipple
ACT Correspondent
BARRE, Vt. — It’s known as the one of the toughest short track races in the nation, and this year’s edition is going to be very special for a number of reasons.
Race fans around the northeast are gearing up for a very special weekend in Vermont on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30, as officials at Barre’s famed Thunder Road International Speedbowl present the 50th annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl.
With its three-segment, Monza- style format with an inverted field after each stint, the Milk Bowl is without argument the biggest annual challenge for any driver who earns a coveted starting position.
Roughly 60 of the finest Late Model teams in the region are expected to attempt Saturday’s qualifying rounds. That show alone should be tremendous, as drivers fight for a spot in Sunday’s big dance. Racing begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with Sunday’s Opening Ceremonies also slated for a 1 p.m. start.
Thunder Road is famous for its rich history; one visit to the grounds and a look at the numerous granite monuments engraved with names of the sport’s pioneers is proof of that. Some of the famous names etched into those beautiful pieces of Barre granite include Ronnie Marvin, Harold Hanaford, Roy Forsythe and Larry Granger.
If you want to be inspired by Vermont racing history, you need to be at T-Road next Sunday. The pre-race show will be one to remember – and don’t forget the camera.
I spoke with track promoter and ACT president Tom Curley shortly after the completion of last Saturday’s fourth annual ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The multi-time RPM Promoter of the Year says we’re all in for a treat atop Quarry Hill as the 50th edition of this Fall Classic unfolds.
“We’ve worked on this event for almost a year,” Curley said. “It will be the biggest race we’ve ever put on there, so everybody is really looking forward to it. Something new we’ve added this year is a special Reserve Milk Bowl event for those who don’t make the main show. It offers $3,000 to win and a $20,000 overall purse. We know how hard it is to qualify for this thing, so we try to offer everybody a chance to compete. With two days of racing, tons of cars and great competition, it should be a super weekend.”
As a Vermont native with an addition to racing since 1979, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend at least half of the Milk Bowl event s run thus far. Each edition had its share of high-stakes drama and surprise, and I have a feeling we’ll see things we don’t expect in the 5oth annual tilt. Heck, we all were a little shocked yet pleased for Ray Parent when he claimed the ACT Invitational last Saturday in Loudon.
Who knows what kind of surprises lay ahead in the Granite Capital of the World? Safe travels to all who plan to attend, and don’t forget the Al’s Fries when hunger strikes at the mighty Thunder Road. And remember, a visit to Vermont this time of year will provide more colorful views than you’ve ever seen.