T Road Support Divisions                  

 

       The Flying Tigers have been and will always be the ultimate support division at Thunder Road because, at one time, they were the entire show - holding the fort until the late models could be developed. Northeastern Speedway had tried the same thing with the B Class cars for a while, when the track could no longer support carrying a dwindling coupe class as headliners; but that did not last long.  

        Over the years, the Tigers would be followed by such classes as Hurricanes, Mini Stocks, Limited Sportsman, Grand Americans, Street Stocks [earlier and later], and New Tigers. The New Tigers exist today as Tiger Sportsman cars and there is a different Street Stock class that seems to have come more from  the Mini Stocks than the Street Stocks of old.

 


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Replete with tiger shirt and signature scruffy hair, Lennie "Tiger" Stockwell was the soul of the Flying Tiger division at both tracks.


Courtesy of Ray Lasnier
The Hurricanes live up to their name as Ray Lasnier [98], Jerry White [50], Peanut Blow [06]
and nephew Ron Blow [05] avoid a car 40 on its roof.

 


THE HURRICANE CARS OF THE EARLY TO MID 1970's

           As Ken Squier was grooming his former support division, the Flying Tigers, to be headlining late model sportsman cars by 1972, he recognized that - in order to keep the talent coming - he needed another support class. He came up with a full - sized, automatic transmission, fully stock class. Ever the promoter, he came up with a number of creative names and racing scenarios, most of which did not pan out to be practical.


Cyr Family Photo
Norm Cyr's Catamount - dominating T Bird still has the headlights in here.

          One idea was to have the new class be called Night Riders and race with most of the track lights off. That was not altogether a stretch at Thunder Road where the lighting was lacking to begin with; but, at Catamount Stadium, that was a real switch. This lasted only through one race, wherein half the headlights on the cars were broken. Another creative stroke was to have them race in either direction on the track, at the immediate whim of management. But that wasn't going to really train people to drive or do car setups.


Cho Lee Photo
Barre's Don Tofani was T Road's answer for Norm Cyr.

         The name Hurricanes was settled upon, at a time when Albany - Saratoga and Devil's Bowl Speedways had similar Charger cars, as well as neighboring Airborne, some of whose cars would run at Catamount, in particular. Starting with Norm Cyr as Catamount's Hurricane star and Don Tofani at T Road, the division would evolve fast and develop some of Northern NASCAR's top talent in years to come before being phased into a six cylinder class.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
Charlie Benoit [74] and Larry Caron find the Widowmaker at T Road around 1973. Believe it or not, by now
the Hurricanes were much better handling cars. Caron would go on to very successful career in three divisons.
Benoit was partriarch to a racing family that included Charlie, Jr., Ray, and Danny. He was grandfather to Joey
Roberts.

 

 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Wayne Corwell,
Eseex Jct, VT
Became the next
division star after
Cyr's departure
 
Courtesy of RIch Palmer
RIchard LeClair,
Fairfax, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jim Barton,
Milton, VT

Courtesy of Chris Companion
Paul Begins,
Colchester, VT
Car 86
 
Courtesy of Chris Companion
Bill Hood,
Burlington, VT


 
Ladabouche Photo
Bob Lash,
Charlotte, VT


Courtesy of RIch Palmer
Ronnie Bonnette,
St. Albans, VT

Courtesy of Dave Turner, Jr
Brad Wright,
Burlington, VT
 
Ladabouche Photo
Roger "Buzzy" Lambert,
Burlington, VT
1973 State Champion
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Richard Buzzi,
Barre, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Charlie Ladd,
Cheslea, VT
Former Darrell Owen Car
 
Courtesy of Cho L
Ralph "Chick" Bessette,
Colchester, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Denny Alderman,
Milton, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dean Bundy,
Essex Jct, VT
 
Courtesy of Dayne Cote
Del Mayo,
Colchester, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Don Johnson,
Colchester, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Don Turner, Jr,
Milton, VT
Future VT House Minority Leader
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
"Gentle George " Davis,
Orange, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
George Wells,
Milton, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
George Boudreau,
Colchester, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
George Boudreau,
Colchester, VT
Later Car
 
Ladabouche Collection
George Boudreau,
Colchester, VT
Same car as left
 
Ladabouche Collection
Grandpa Leon Bundy,
Essex Jct, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Jay Yantz,
Monkton, VT

b
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Milt Wright leads the way at T Road as hometown hero Richard Buzzi spins his Ford. Jerry White moves to avoid Buzzi.
That may be Perry Poquette in the winged Mopar [far left].

 

 
Ladabouche Photo
Jim Cayea,
Alburgh, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Kevin Holcomb,
Colchester, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Larry Caron,
So. Burlington, VT
Early car
 
Ladabouche Collection
Larry Caron,
Burlington, VT
Later car that
would be sold
to Milo Lockerby
 
Ladabouche Collection
Larry Warren,
Burlington, VT
Car went thru 5 owners
 
Courtesy of Steve Pecor
Leo Bushey,
Burlington, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Bert Thornton,
Burlington, VT
 
Ladabouche Photo
Luc LaFrance,
Iberville, QU

 
Ladabouche Collection
Dennis Tucker,
Washington, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Mike Barry,
Bolton, VT
2nd Hurricane
 
Ladabouche Photo
Dave Brunelle,
Burlington, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Milo Lockerby,
Isle LaMotte, VT
Ex Caron Chevy
 
 Courtesy of Andy Boright
Milt Wright,
Hardwick, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Perry Poquette,
Georgia, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Red Mead,
No. Hyde Park, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Wade Walker,
Montpelier, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Wes Cota,
Essex Jct., VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Not sure who this is. MIght be Mason.
Ran only at T Road
 
Ladabouche Collection
Tim Griffin
 
Courtesy of The Blow Family
Ronnie Blow,
Milton, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Ray Ringer,
Vergennes, VT
Had been active at the dragstrip before trying this
.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Ralph Bessette,
Colchester, VT
Earlier car.
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Charlie Benoit,
Colchester, VT
Later car
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
The Buzzi gang:
Dennis Tucker, HC Harvey,
Louie Cassani,, and Richard.
Only one missing is Tank.

 

 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
West Topsham's wild Ralph Baldwin takes a big Mopar up the Widowmaker at T Road.

 

 
Ladabouche Collection
Norm Andrews,
Warren, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Carl Nelson,
Moretown, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Paul Gagne,
HIghgate, VT
 
Bob Mackey Photo
via Mike Watts, Sr.

Roger Benjamin,
Alburgh, VT
Usually an Airborne car.
 
Bob Mackey Photo
via Mike Watts, Sr.

Bob McClatchie,
Plattsburgh, NY
Usually an Airborne car.
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Cliff Randall,
.

Ladabouche Collection
Alvin Gover [34],
Williston, VT

Courtesy of Chris Companion
Aimer "Sonny" Gover,
Milton, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Allen Ward,
Burlington, VT

Ladabouche Photo
Al Maynard,
Colchester,VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Mike Barry,
Bolton, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Pauly Robar,
Burlington, VT

Courtesy of Chris Companion
Bev Stearns,
Monkton, VT
 
Courtesy of Jim Watson
Barbara "BJ" Willard,
Charlotte, VT

Courtesy of Alex Alexander
Linda Alexander,
Chelsea, VT

Courtesy of Ray Lasnier
Ray Lasnier,
Colchester, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Guy Brown,
Hardwick, VT

Courtesy ofAllison Belisle
George McRae,
St. Albans, VT
Earlier Car

Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Jim Duell,
Winooski, VT

Courtesy of Wayne Bettis
Karl Bushey,
Colchester, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Unidentified Hurricane
that ran 1st year at
T Road
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Wes Cota,
Essex Jct., VT
Later car
 
Courtesy of Ray Lasnier
Peanut Blow,
Milton, VT
 
Courtesy of Ray Lasnier
Rene Companion,
Colchester, VT


Courtesy of Andy Boright
 Ralph Bessette [far left] looks amused as he and Ed Orton end up on the Widowmaker. Big John Untied eyes the  mess as
Chief Rescue Official Roger Paquette looks on in the white shirt.

 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Ed Orton,
Plainfield
, VT
         

THE LIMITED SPORTSMAN CARS OF 1976 and GRAND AMERICANS

           Squier's next plan for the support division [which had since been joined by mini stocks] was to transition over to efficient, smaller six cylinder pony cvar s like Camaros, Mustangs, Javelins, Darts, and the like. For a fair, smooth transition, he used 1976 as the year to segue over while still allowing the now well -established Hurricane stars like Perry Poquette, Norm Andrews, Carl Nelson, and others to get another season out of their thundering automatic tranny V-8's.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
The bigger V-8's still ruled the day in the single - year limited season of 1976. Norm Andrews [shown here with his first -ever win]
would be the season champion.

           Guys who decided to get in on the six cylinders' weight advantage earlier, have told me that the V-8 traditionalists did not like the change and would bang the smaller sixes around as much as they could get away with. Jim Barton, one of the very first, was a tough enough man with whom I don't imagine they tried the rough stuff for very long. By 1977, all the old Hurricanes were put out to pasture.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
One of Tom Waters' potent Camaros in the Grand Americans. He and close friend Larry Caron had really fast
Camaros. as did Richard Buzzi.

       By 1977,  it was the all - six cylinder Grand American division with some of the finest support class cars T Road would ever see. Old Guard Hurricane guys went to these cars, except for Perry Poquette. The Camaros were dominant. although George McRae's Hornets and Jay Yantz' s Mustang did offer resistance. The division got serious right off when Bear Ridge regualr owner Jim Vance came with a Howe chassis Camaro and driver Brother Eastman, a Bear Ridge star. Eastman drove it like dirt and had quite a time.


Courtesy of Tony Miller
Along with the Mini Stocks, the Grand Americans soldiered along at a neglected, poorly - attended Thunder Road
run by Tommy Kalimiris. He could not attract the late models any longer.

       The division lasted through the 1981 season, when management took them and the Street Stocks to create what would be a hugely - successful New Tigers class that would go on to today as Tiger Sportsman cars.



Ladabouche Collection
Jim Barton,
Milton, VT
If not THE first six, he was among the first

Ladabouche Photo
Paul Donahue,
Graniteville, VT
1st of several Mopar
entries he had.
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
B.J. WIllard,
Charlotte, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Wes Cota,
Essex Jct., VT
GA car said to once have been Tom Tiller's Dart.
 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Bruce Jaycox,
Woodstock, VT
A rare full - sized
6 cyl. entry

 
Ladabouche Collection
Ervine "Brother" Eastman,
Post Mills, VT
Big $$ Howe chassis
entry
 
Ladabouche Collection
Richard Buzzi,
Burlington, VT
 
Ladabouche Photo
George Boudreau,
Colchester, VT
1st lettering of
this car.
 
 
Ladabouche Photo
George Boudreau,
Colchester, VT
2nd lettering of
this car.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Bob Wood,
Plattsburgh, NY

Ladabouche Collection
Geroge McRae,
St. Albans, VT
The 2nd of the famed
AMC Hornets

Ladabouche Photo
Harry Rathburn,
No. Ferrisburgh, VT
One of 2 car team.
Various drivers.
 

Ladabouche Photo
Harry Rathburn,
No. Ferrisburgh, VT
One of 2 car team.
Various drivers.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Drew Nolin,
Colchester
, VT
2nd, less well - known
Chevelle with a 6 cyl motor.

Ladabouche Photo
Ray Lasnier,
Colchester, VT
Built this Friebird. Didn't drive it long. It went through four owners.

Ladabouche Photo
Joe Myers,
Essex Jct., VT
 2
nd owner; my
2nd lettering job on it.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Norm Andrews [4],
Warren
, VT
3rd owner. Only shot I have of it.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Joey LaQuerre,
East Montpelier, VT
4th and final owner. Car actually a "New Tiger" by
now. Joey changed body to a Camaro
 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Dave Gibbs,
Westford
, VT
Dave began in Hurricanes and went thru GA's, late models, and New Tigers.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Larry Caron,
So. Burlington
, VT
This Nova was his first 6 cyl motor.
 
Ladabouche Photo
 Larry Caron,
So. Burlington, VT
Later entry. This Camaro was a rocket, as were the
Camaros of Buzzi and Waters.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Larry Garen,
Charlotte, VT
The former Larry Caron
Nova.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Luc LaFrance,
Iberville, QU
Not sure if this was
an 8 or a 6.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Mallory Hutchins,
Hudson, QU

v
Courtesy of Andy Boright
This is one of the few photos of 1976 Limited Sportsman action I have. It shows the newere six cylinder car  of Harry Rathburn [40] as well as
The very first race car of legendary Leon Gonyo [far right], one of the oldest Hurricane cars [built by Jim Cayea].

 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Jim Duell,
Winooski, VT
Duell stuck with the
V8 until the end.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Milt Wright,
Hardwick, VT
I think Milt had a 6
in this one.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jay Yantz,
Monkton, VT
Pretty much the Ford standard bearer for a while.
 
Ladabouche Collection
Monty Jarvis,
Swanton, VT
The former Jay Yantz Mustang.
 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Perry Poquette
Georgia, VT
He retired when the
V-8's did.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Tom "TR" Waters,
Washington, VT
 
Courtesy of Mike Gilbert
Ralph Baldwin,
West  Topsham, VT
Rapid Ralph came in
at the end of the GA era.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
A composite of Tom Waters
 
Courtesy of Walter Newell
Larry Garen took the Caron - built Nova to
victory at T Road.
 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Henry VanAcker,
Champlain, NY
Pre
paring the former
Owen Wimble car here.
 
Courtesy of Henry VanAcker

This is how that turned out.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Sonny Gover,
Milton, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Alvin Gover,
Williston, VT
One of the former
Harry Rathburn Camaros
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jamie Aube,
No. Ferrisburg, VT
One of the former
Harry Rathburn Camaros
 
Courtesy of Justin St. Louis

It didn't end up being
sold that day.
 
Courtesy of Alex Alexander
Linda Alexander,
Chelsea, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Jim Barton,
Milton, VT
A later Camaro
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Drew Nolin,
Colchester, VT
His first car
 
Courtesy of Walter Newell
Charlie Ladd,
Chelsea, VT
 
Courtesy of Paula Barry
Jay Yantz outside
of Joe Myers
 
Ladabouche Photo
Bob Thompson,
Essex Jct, VT
Converted Lasnier's LMS to a GA
 
Courtesy of Mike Gilbert
Carl Nelson,
Moretown, VT

Denis LaChance Photo
Pete Quintin,
Georgia, VT
One of the few Mopars
 
George McRae Photo
Barney McRae,
St. Albans, VT
What I think is
George McRae's
first Hornet.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
The  six cylinder cars labor at Thunder Road


Norman Morley Photo
The  Grand American pits show MIlt Wright's 03, Van Acker's 17. the Vance 51, Nelson's 0 and more.


THE MINI STOCKS

           The Mini Stocks had been a dependable support division at tracks like Oxford Plains long before Squier decided to install them at T Road and Catamount in 1974. Unlike the Hurricanes, this kind of car was a whole new smoke and attracted participants from different  places and walks of life than the previous classes had. There would be only a few cars in the inaugural programs, but the class turned out to be one of the steadiest ones in the span of the Northern NASCAR experience.


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Montrealer Monique Proulx won the  first Mini Stock race ever. I seriously doubt the car was remotely legal, but
Catamount and Thunder Road needed cars desperately at the time. We never saw her agai
n.


         The Mini Stocks would grow in leaps and bounds, with Burlington's Butch True being the class's
first superstar. Eventually, Barre area drivers Joey LaQuerre, Sr. and Jerry perantoni would become very dominant
for years in the division that featured mostly Volkswagens with a smattering of Volvos, Pintos, and other makes. Towards the end, about the time T Road was in the grips of Tommy Kalimiris, the class flirted with running as Mini Modifieds before being
phased out entirely.


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Butch True headed a Chittenden County contingent that was very active and successful in the first
Mini Stock season before the class seemed to be taken over by Barre area teams later.

 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dick Lafayette,
Barre, VT
 
Courtesy of Terry LaFerriere
Tom Glaser,
Shelburne, VT
 
Ladabouche Collection
Arlo Cota,
Essex Jct, VT
The one and only Renault
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Barney McRae,
St. Albans, VT

COurtesy of Cho Lee
Bill MacRitchie,
Montpelier, VT
 
Courtesy of Steve Pecor
Boomer Mumphord,
Charlotte, VT
Last Catamount champion
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dave Gibbs,
Jericho, VT
One of the few American
Mini Stocks
 
Courtesy of Terry LaFerriere
Don Therrien,
Ferrisbug, VT
 
Courtesy of  Cho Lee
"Easy Ed" Orton
Plainfield, VT
 
Courtesy of  Cho Lee
Ken Hoadley had a
little troubole with
the safety truck.
 
Courtesy of  Cho Lee
Steve Fenoff leads
Harry Gammell
 
Courtesy of Jim Watson
Tom Glaser,
Shelburne, VT
His earlier car
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Harry Gammell,
West Barnet, VT
A 2nd generation
champion
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dick LaFayette,
Barre, VT
Earlier version of
his car
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dick Myers,
Jericho, VT
 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Jim Carlson,
Williston, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Jerry Perantoni,
Barre, VT
A division
champion

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Joey LaQuerre, Sr.,
East Montpelier, VT
A division champion who fielded numerous cars for other drivers
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Joey LaQuerre, Sr,
East Montpelier, VT
A later entry
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Joel Jennett,
Northfield, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Joey LaQuerre, Jr,
East Montpelier, VT
A 2nd generation
driver
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Ken Squier tried his hand at minis, much as CJ Richards did at Devil's Bowl.

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Mark Senesac,
St. Albans, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Mike Richmond,
Williston, VT


Courtesy of Andy Boright
Butch True is headed for a fall here on turn four. Notice Lebanon Valley star and dirt
mini modified builder Bob Hackel [97] is a guest in the field.


 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Mike RIchmond,
WIlliston, VT
A later entry
 
Ladabouche Photo
Randy Therrien,
Ferrisburg, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Rick Wheeler,
Waterbury, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Ken Thompson,
So. Royalton, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Roy Dyke,
Bristol, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Ralph Potwin,
Randolph, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Bob Therrien.
N. Ferrisburg, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Steve Fenoff,
St. Johnsbury, VT
 
Mishkit Collection
Steve Mishkit,
Granville, V
T
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Stu Fenton
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Danny Casey,
Jericho, VT
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Dale LaPerle,
Barre, VT
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Mark Rossi,
Plainfield, VT

Ladabouche Photo
Peter Bushey,
Burlington, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
Kevin Frink,
Middlesex, VT

Courtesy of Cho Lee
John Mascitti,
Barre, VT

Courtesy of Paul Mascitti
Barney's 1st Car

Courtesy of Ernie Adams
Chris Ford,
Barre, VT

Courtesy of Walter Newell
Glaser wins one at T Road.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Stan Mason,
Barre, VT
He actually won this car
in a track giveaway.
 
Ladabouche Photo
Therrien Cars: Randy
in foreground; Don's
84 behind.
No. Ferrisburg, VT
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Prime mini action
 
Norman Morley Photo
Danny Casey and one
the the LaQuerre cars
can't seem to get along.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Johnny Gammell,
St. Johnsbury Ctr., VT
The Suzanne LeGault VW
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Suzanne LeGault 07
When Joey, Jr. drove it.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Vince Conti,
Barre, VT
Another Legault car
 
Norman Morley Photo
Arlo Cota [yellow Renault] starts some mischief as the field scatters.
 
Norman Morley Photo
Apparent continuation of the action from left: Cota [yellow Renault] starts sto fly off turn four as followed by Ken Hoadley. Jim Calrson struggles to control the Volvo on the high side by the wall.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Stowe, VT
The promoter had an
unusual make for his car
 

vv
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
A full field of mini  is headed for what promises to be a packed turn one. Rrecognizable are Mike Richmond [48],
a team mate of Richmond [84], Butch True [28], Joey LaQuerre, Sr [black car], andKen Squier's Saab in back.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
Kevin Frink [7] and Mike Richmond fly off the turn at T Road.


Norman Morley Photo
Minis at Catamount around 1977.


THE STREET STOCKS

           The class seemed to come in two time periods. The first was begun in 1978 and was an immediate hit with the fans. Mostly large car with drivers who were real characters, the Street Stocks were kept more closely in check, in terns of development, than had been the Hurricanes and, therefore, kept its personality. The original band of crazies included three of the four Caron brothers, the inimitable Al "The Animal"  Simoneau, Richard "Choo Choo" Smith, Cramer "The Creamer" Humphrey, Don King [one of the first champions], and dozens more.


Courtesy of Mark Austin
Al Simoneau, with his stuffed Tasmanian Devil mounted on the huge #5 Chevy, was the poseter child for the early
Street Stock division, which was heavily populated with crowd - pleasing crazies. Below -Simoneau finds
himself a little too high coming out of four.


Norman Morley Photo


          The class grew and attracted many more particpipants including two or three of the Payea brothers, whose offspring are racing today. The division did not oulive its usefulness; rather, when the fertile imaginations of Curley and Squier came up with the idea of re - instating a Flying Tiger class in for 1979, the Street Stocks [as well as remnants of the Grand Americans] were blended with other cars to man the new class.


Ladabouche Photo
Milton's Jim Barton got in tot he Street Stocks after a successful run in the Grand Americans. He actaully ran in every support
class except Mini Stock : Flying Tigers, Hurricans, Grand Americans, Street Stocks, and New Tigers. He even ran a little
Late Model Sportsman. This is Richard Caron's title - winning Grand Prix, with which Barton won another.

           Later on, well into the 1980's, with the Tigers off and prospering, the Street Stocks were brought back. That is getting into a time period I do not cover as I was gone from racing after 1987 until 2005. But names like Johnny Clark [old Tiger driver], Rupert "Flipper" Irwin, Coope MacRitchie, and others came out of that second class. Today's Street Stock division, being four cylinders, bears no resemblance to the two older classes.


Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Typical phrenetic action with the second phase Street Stocks at T Road. Don Lahue mounts the wall,
followed by Big Brendon Moodie.



Courtesy of Cho Lee
Unidentified Street Stock.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Al "The Animal" Simoneau
Burlington, VT

 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Bob Jennings
 
Courtesy of Jamie Muir
Richard "Choo Choo" Smith
 Milton, VT
 
Courtesy of S. Blow Family
Steve Blow,
Milton, VT
 
Courtesy of S. Blow Family
Steve Blow,
Milton, VT
Later version
 
Ladabouche Collection
Richard Caron,
Burlington, VT
Original Car
 
Ladabouche Photo
Jim Barton,
Milton, VT
Bought from Caron
 
Turner Family Photo
David Turner, Jr,
Milton, VT
Bought from Barton
 
Turner Family Photo
David Turner, Jr,
Milton, VT
She got a little rough
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Gordy Ritchie
 Milton, VT

 
Dragon Family Photo
Ron Blow,
MIlton, VT
Team car to Steve's 06
 
Courtesy of Chris Humphrey
Cramer "The Creamer" Humphrey,
Milton, VT
Won first ever SS race.
 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Dickie Strobridge,
Colchester, VT
The Original Street Stocker.
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Bruce Dusablon,
Milton, VT
 
Ladabouche Photo
Steve Cushing,
Milton, VT

Courtesy of Andy Boright
This was labeled as New
Tigers, but I believe them to be Street Stocks.
 
Norman Morley Photo
An UNK Street Stock
losing a motor.

Norman Morley Photo
Busy pit scene. There's
that UNK car 48 again.

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Dickie Strobridge finishes
a race.

Norman Morley Photo
Steve Miller,
No. Ferrisburg, VT.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Lorraine "The Racing Grandmother" Parsons,
Fairfax, VT
 



LATER

STREET

STOCKS
 
 
Courtesy of Phyllis Palmer
John Clark,
Williamstown, VT
 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Said to be Dave Moody,
I'm not certain.
 
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Chet Devarney,
Fairfax, VT
 
 
David Heath Photo
Courtesy of Al Ward
Don Lahue,
Northfield, V
 
Courtesy of ohnny Racer
Ruppert Flipper Erwin,
Waterbury, VT
 
Hence, the nickname
 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Tony Andrews,
Warren, VT
 
 
Courtesy of Amanda Mercier
Tony LaCasse,
Barre, VT
 
 
A & A Ward Photo
Danny Benoit,
Colchester, VT
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright
"Banzai Billy" Barcomb,
Colchester, VT

Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Cooper MacRitchie,
Williamstown, VT
 
With John Clark [rt]
 

   
Norman Morley Photo
Steve Cushing bites the wall at Catamount asRon Blow [05] goes by.  Below - Another popular Morley
photo catches Choo Choo Smith's 07 with hood up.

    



Norman Morley Photo
Unruly Street Stocks scatter in their first year at Catamount.

v
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
A first rate T Road Street Stock pileup with John Clark getting the worst of it.

 


THE "NEW" FLYING TIGERS


Courtesy of Jason Lahue
A veteran of later model racing at both Northern NASCAR and Norwood Arena, Randolph body man
Jerry Driscoll was drawn back into racing by the Flying Tigers. Today, he still races - at the
Mount Washington hill climbs.

           NASCAR North was going strong, although the traveling nature of the lead division now made both seeing the lead class and identifying with it that much harder because locals did not see them as often [no more weekly shows]. Curley always had an eye on development of new talent and he apparently did not think that the lumbering Street Stock division was going to accomplish all that. He also knew that there had to be a successor to the fine tuned product that the Hurricanes and the Grand American divisions had turned out to be.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Keith Lamell [above] and brother, Ron Jr. were typical of the new blood that stocked the large New Tigers roster.

           In 1982 there appeared a new class that seemed to take from both the original Street Stocks, the Hurricanes, and especially the Gramd Americans. Technically referred to as "modern Tigers', most of us simply called them the New Tigers. Cars came out of the sticks that hadn't raced in a while, particularly old Grand Americans. A few, such as Jim Payea, brought out old original Street Stock cars, and there started to appear specially - made cars for the class.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
New Flying Tiger action on the high banks sees Steve Toppin in an unusual body style against one of the Caron brothers.

           Builders such as Graniteville's Chuck Beede [to name only one] started producing Camaros - first for themselves and later for customers. In not time the New Tigers were well staffed with many competitive, quality entries. The class ran at  the soon - to - close Catamount; but, it seemed to shine the most at Thunder Road. A semblence of that class remains at the track today.

 

 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Jim Payea,
Milton, VT
 
One of the former Street Stock cars
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Carl Nelson,
Moretown, VT
 
One of the former Grand American cars 
 
Courtesy of Cho Lee
Owen Wimble,
Waitsfield, VT
 
One of the former Grand American cars 

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Andy Boright,
Piermont, NH

former Driscoll GA

Courtesy of Andy Boright
John Clark [maybe],
Williamstwon, VT
Specially made Tiger
 
Ed Merrill Photo
Wayne White,
Northfield, VT
 
One of the former Grand American cars 
 
Courtesy of Tony Miller
B.J. Willard,
Charlotte, VT
 
One of the former Grand American cars 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Wes Cota,
Essex Jct., VT 
One of the former Grand American cars 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Dale Packard,
E. Montpelier, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger 
 
Courtesy of Roger Minkler
Dan Beede,
Graniteville, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Tony Miller
Duncan McKay,
East Barre, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Jeff Utton
Jerry Humiston,

Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Marvin Minkler
Jim Gallison,
 Montpelier, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Joey LaQuerre, Sr,
E. Montpelier, VT
 
Former GA car
 
Courtesy of MIke Brunelle
Marty Borden,
Burlignton, VT
 
Former GA and former
later model car
 
Courtesy of Tony Miller
Mike Buzzi,
Barre, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Mike Olsen,
No. Haverhill, NH
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Kip Stockwell,
Randolph, VT

Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Mike Osborne,
Barre, VT
 
Veteran of T Road
flat head coupe racing
brought back for a while.
 
Courtesy of Marvin Minkler
Ron Bettis,
 Middlesex, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Ron Lamell, Jr.,
 Essex Ctr, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger

Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Brett Currier,
 Middlesex, VT 
Specifically made Tiger

Courtesy ofAndy Boright
Jim Barton,
 Charlotte, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
A & A Ward Photo
C.V. "Butch" Elms
No. Haverhill, NH 
Specifically made Tiger
          

                                                                                                     


 
Andy Boright Photo
C.V. "Butch" Elms,
No. Haverhill, NH 
Specifically made Tiger, later version
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Greg Lyman, Sr,
 Hinesburg, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jim Gallison,
 Montpelier, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
later version

Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Joey LaQuerre, Jr,
 E. Montpelier, VT 
Specifically made Tiger

Courtesy of Andy Boright
Joey LaQuerre, Sr,
 E. Montpelier, VT 
Specifically made Tiger - former Lamell
T Bird
 
COurtesy of jason Lahue
Keith Lamell,
Essex Ctr., VT 
Specifically made Tiger

Courtesy of Stephan Beattie
Ralph Baldwin,
West Topsham, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Mike Gilbert
Ralph Baldwin,
 West Topsham, VT 
Might have been a
GA car first
 
Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Raymond Hay,
 Hardwick, VT 
Not sure it's even a
Tiger. Might be a Street Stock.
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Petere Michaud,
 Williamstown, VT
 

 
A & A Ward Photo
Steve Miller,
No. Ferrisburg, VT
 
Much later version
 
A & A Ward Photo
Ricky Roberts,
Washington, VT
 
Much later version
 
Courtesy of Chas. Casavant
Paul Donahue,
Graniteville, VT 
Specifically made Tiger - the red
variation
  
Ladabouche Photo
Paul Donahue,
Graniteville, VT 
Specifically made Tiger - the green
variation
 
Courtesy of Jason Lahue
Clem Despault [3],
Topo Despault [33]
Waterbury, VT 
Specifically made Tigers
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Greg "Burger" Blake,
Barre, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Steve Pecor
Dennis Caron,
Colchester, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
A & A Ward Photo
Tom Tiller,
Essex Jct, VT 
Much later version 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Gary Caron,
Shelburne, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Mark Austin
Guy Brown,
Hardwick, VT 
Probably a former
Grand American
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jim CIlley,
Groton, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Joey LaQuerre, Sr,
E. Montpelier, VT 
Specifically made Tiger - later version
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Larry Caron,
So. Burlington, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Larry Hebert,
Williamstown, VT 
Specifically made Chuck Beede Tiger

b
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Jim Cilley, 68 - Groton, VT versus Dwayne Lanphear, 40 - Morrisville.


 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Mark Marsh,
Fairlee, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Steve P
ecor
Mike Prescott,
Waterbury, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Norm Andrews,
Warren, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger:
Lanphear Racing stable
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Norm Andrews,
Warren, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger:
Later car, 1990
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Pat Corbett,
Williamstown, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
 A & A Ward Photo
Red Mead,
North Hyde Park, VT 
Specifically made earlier version
 
 A & A Ward Photo
Red Mead,
North Hyde Park, VT 
Specifically made later version
 
Ladabouche Photo
George "Skip" May,
Moretown, VT 
Specifically made earlier version
 
 Bob Doyle Photo
via Blow Family
Steve Blow,
Milton, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
One of my last lettering jobs


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Dave Whitcomb,
Essex Jct, VT 
Specifically made Tiger. 1987. Been racing ever since

 Norman Morley Photoo
Jerry Driscoll,
Randolph, VT 
Specifically made later version
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Bob Bigelow,
Lyndonville, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Dave Baker,
St. Albans, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Keith Lamell,
Essex Ctr, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Charlie Ladd,
Chelsea, VT 
Likely a former
Grand American
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Lanny Covey,
Williamstown, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Larry Lambert,
 VT 
Likely, a former
Grand American
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Milt Wright,
Hardwick, VT 
Former GA;
Back to his original color scheme
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Monty Jarvis,
Swanton, VT 
No idea
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Phil Jean
Barre, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Rick Fadden,
No. Haverhill, NH 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Sheridan "Fuzzy" Fassett,
Barre, VT 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Denis LaChance Photo
Courtesy of Andy Boright
UNK Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Red Fisk,
Northfield, VT 
Specifically made Tiger

vv
A and A Ward Photo
Mid 1980's Tiger action with
Bob Bigelow leading Dan Beede and Burger Blake at T Road.


 
Courtesy of Justin St. Louis
Jean Paul Cyr,
Milton, VT 
Looks like a
Dave Whitcomb car
 
Courtesy of Justin St Louis
Tiller or Lamell
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Blair Bessette,
Morrisville, VT
 
Specifically made Tiger
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
George May,
Barre, VT 
Specifically made Tiger [might be a
B Tiger]
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Skip May

Father to George

 
Courtesy of Andy Boright
Chuck Beede,
Graniteville, VT 
Specifically made Tiger by Chuck,
who made a lot of Tigers.
   
Ladabouche Photo
Larry Lambert

Former GA car
 
David Heath Photo
Guy Brown,
Hardwick, VT 
Unusual AMC Tiger car

Courtesy of Johnny Racer
Rupert "Flipper" Erwin,
Waterbury, VT

Courtesy of Justin St. Louis
Chuck Beede,
Graniteville, VT 
1987 version 
 

 

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