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THUNDERBOWL ADDS BANDIT SERIES
by Dan Fleischer

APRIL 7, 2009 --- For the first time in three years, 360 c.i.d. non-winged Sprint Cars are coming to Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway to compete on the same program with their brethren, the 410 c.i.d. winged sprinters of the Golden State Challenge series.

Under the popular, long-running series title, Bandits, the non-winged machines will also appear on May 16th and 30th, and again on June 27th.

The allure of returning to Thunderbowl’s lightning fast 1/3-mile dirt facility has attracted drivers from out-lying areas including Danny Sheridan, who is familiar with the Tulare track, having run there several times in the past. Sheridan has been making his mark at Perris Auto Speedway during the past couple of seasons.

Regulars from Ventura and Santa Maria are also coming to challenge the current force in local racing, Peter Murphy. Murphy has dominated the 360 scene the past two years, capturing 16 features during that span, and recording one so far this year.

A field of 25 drivers is expected including perennial winner Davey Pombo, his cousin Albert, and twin brothers, Richard and Jace Vanderweerd, who recently celebrated their 18th birthday. Others expected include veterans Rusty Carlisle, John Iturriria, teenage sensations Justyne Hamblin and Michael Faccinto, Danny Faria, Jr., Tyler Schmidt, Jonathan Logan and Adam Frithsmith.

A full program includes qualifying, heat events, and the 30-lap feature. Each driver starting the Main event will receive $200 with the winner taking home a hefty $1,000. Second and third-place finishers will receive $750 and $500 respectively.

Bleacher tickets are $15 and grandstand $18. Gates open at 5pm, qualifying at 6pm, racing begins at 7pm. For complete information, call Thunderbowl Raceway at 559/688-0909 or visit their website, www.thunderbowlraceway.com. The racetrack is located within the Tulare Fairgrounds at the corner of “K” Streets and Bardsley.

Curious what "regulars" from VRA are going to Tulare? They have a "regular" race in Ventura and the author didn't mention any names.

VRA? Zero. Anyone running for points in the VRA are gonna be at Ventura this weekend. Is the Bandit a real series??? Some think not. Good luck to those that do make the trip. I'll be at Ventura watching the Real Show. VRA Sprints, Senior Sprints, Pro Dwarf Cars, USAC Midgets, USAC Jr. Focus Midgets, Jr. Midgets & Mini Dwarfs

Kenny

Cover your beer, the race is on!

People sure seem to jump on Pete Curto for taking a few jabs now you do it with your real show comment. I am really getting tired of the childish crap. On top of that advertising the VRA race on another persons post real lame!!

IF I SAID IT ITS CAUSE THAT ONE GUY TOLD ME TO!!!!!!!

Pete, I mean thatoneguy. You are right. BUT, the question was "which VRA regulars would be there?"

And to add, I never said that I was not childish nor lame. So you are right. and who cares!

Kenny

Cover your beer, the race is on!

Also, I didn't bash Pete on his last review of the Grand Slam race at VRA. He did a great service to himself, the Bandit Series. VRA and the racing community (fans) with his accurate and articulate post. Not one negative word when he isn't bashing someone else.

Cover your beer, the race is on!

I was at Ventura and I could have sworn they announced this Sat was for VRA seniors only. 'm too lazy to look it up and I'm sure someone will correct me.

"Real Show"? Have you been to Tulare?

Hi Kenny, FYI buddy, I am not that one guy, I am the other guy...lol...I am me.

For the VRA guys chasing points and running their home track great, it is what they outta do. There is an option for a couple of neat races at Tulare. That is with respect to the VRA there are some who love to race other tracks or for reasons of their own will would like to come and play- they are welcome and will be treated wonderfully.

The point is, for those not chasing points or wanting to tune up before the USAC/CRA event they are invited and encouraged to come and be part of this neat event. How often is there this great program on a great track? Not often enough.

For the many who have cars in the valley, the excitement and enthusiasm for running the Thunderbowl is understandably there and at this early stage of the season it is highlighted on their calender.

Will we see you there? I hope so. Come and say high.

Peter "the Pretty Good"

I think Ventura runs a great weekly program and it is a real show and a real treat.  

I know for a fact the Tulare program is a premium event with the GSC race, add to that Bandito's it becomes that much better- which is why Steve Faria and Don Sharp added to their great program.  That doesn't take away from the VRA- they have premium shows also.  The Thunderbowl is a special events track which to me means of the shows Tulare runs, they work very hard at creating something special.   I think they will be successful.    

With a great car count and great program they will want to keep it going.  There are a great many teams who have clamoured (sp?) for this event for quite a while.  It is reminiscent of the demand earlier this decade for getting the 360 non-wing cars together and the Bandit-VRA Grand Slam Challenge Series was born.    Speaking of which, there are a great many who would love to see a 'Slam event at the Thunderbowl.  I for one would predict 50+ and probably the strongest event ever. 

Peter "the Pretty Good"

The other guy, I mean Pete. We've never met and I'm not your buddy. LOL.

I posted what was running this week for JayP. The last midget race that I saw was at Perris. Bad ass race right there. This week, I will be at Ventura again, scraping mud and being a gopher. Have fun at Tulare. I hope to be there for the USAC/CRA race.

If Forsberg races, he is my pick for the GSC win. Good racer. Hes one of my favorites from Placerville where I raced stockers.

Kenny

Cover your beer, the race is on!

Hi Kenny, I consider the racing world full of friends I have yet to meet and I'll include you on that list. Friend, introduce your self or send me an e-mail and I'll be glad to come meet you at Ventura or Tulare's USAC race.

Love the Super Mod pic

Peter "the Pretty Good"

No problem. That pic is of a super mod that raced at West Capital Speedway. Just that it was cool. I remember those cars at Roseville back when it was dirt. I was 6 or 7y/o.

Cover your beer, the race is on!