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  2nd 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 Preparing 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 again.

         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, VT	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

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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 Pecor 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

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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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