One of the most exciting things about Motorcycle racing is being at the point of change. New tracks open, old tracks close, reputations are made and broken, and the whole sport is evolving.
A similar feeling can be had at a race track called Thunderhill, which has just closed its doors for the season. The final laps were particularly exciting as the riders battled it out for position at the final corner. The track had reopened three years earlier, but the past few months have seen it host a number of one night stands as opposed to the traditional two or three night stands. This year has seen the series schedule go from a maximum of six events to a perfect ten, with a couple of races even being held at night.
The scene at the conclusion of the season finale was reminiscent of the last race held at Laguna Seca a couple of weeks earlier. Both Fontana and Laguna were seeking to cement their place in the pantheon of motorcycle racing tracks. With just two events remaining on the schedule, the championship contenders jostled for position at the top of the standings.
However, unlike Laguna, the scene at Thunderhill didn’t have a fairy tale ending. The final two races were canceled due to lack of interest from the fans. This could have been just a blip on the radar, but the writing was already on the wall. Thunderhill is a hard track to put back together again. There are a lot of moving parts, and unless you have a steady hand and are prepared to spend the money, it’s next to impossible to keep a track like this open. Even the diehard motorsport fans were no longer making the pilgrimage to the legendary track. This is a tough pill to swallow for the team behind the wheel, especially as they had invested so much in bringing the track back to life.
Thunderhill’s Finest Hour
Thunderhill is a challenging track to negotiate. The entire place is built on a steep learning curve, and unless you are a native English speaker, it’s going to be hard to navigate the grounds without falling over yourself. This is especially difficult if you have never been there before, as there are a number of one way streets that only a select few are aware of. A newcomer could easily get lost, especially at night when the ambient light is not sufficient to keep you from straying off course.
This is where the story of Thunderhill begins. The track was born in the wake of the 2008 Economic Collapse. The owners of Thunderhill, a group of motorcyclists, had gotten together and decided that it was time for an end run around the economic uncertainty. If they could make the track pay for itself, they could lower the entry fees and offer some amazing deals to the fans. This is how tracks earn their keep these days. They have to be financially self-sufficient, and the more they can do to reduce their reliance on corporate sponsorship, the better. More tracks are going this route than you’d think, even some of the larger stadiums that were initially built for the purpose of hosting sporting events during the Expansion Era.
The first thing that you’ll notice about Thunderhill is how the sound of the engines echoes throughout the entire place. The second thing that you’ll notice is how fast the cars go. The third thing that you’ll notice is that the cars don’t stop until they absolutely have to. The last thing that you’ll notice is that it’s hard to keep your hat on during the whole experience.
No Budget, Unlimited Fun
If you’re looking for a track that doesn’t cost too much to get into, take a look at Thunderhill. The entry fee is a modest $25, and the good news is that this is all you need to pay. There is no extra charge for parking or camping, and if you’ve got a powerful laptop, you can even bring it along and use one of the many available Wi-Fi hotspots to enhance your experience. This may not sound like much, but given how expensive most other motorsport venues can get, this is a great value.
There is one important stipulation that you must remember about Thunderhill. You must be prepared to have fun. It’s a difficult thing to balance cost and entertainment value, but if you can pull it off, you’ll be in for a real treat. This is one of the few tracks where horsepower is actually measured in feet, not a more conventional metric such as horsepower per hour. The result is that even the slowest bikes can feel like a rocket on the straightaways. You won’t be holding back on any cylinders, and this is going to be reflected in your enjoyment of the event. If this sounds like something that could be right up your alley, why not give it a try?
Thunderhill Is One Of The Most Historic Tracks In The Country
If you’re a history buff, you’re probably already aware of the storied past that Thunderhill has. The track was initially constructed as a half-mile oval in 1911, with the second turn being added in 1923. It wasn’t until 1947 that they expanded the track to its current configuration. The area where they built the second turn was originally known as Devil’s Corner, and it still bears that name today. This is the part of the track where many of the famous crashes occurred. Between 1947 and 1965, 45 people died at the track, making it the location of one of the most tragic sports accidents in history. Even today, with all the safety measures in place, it’s not an easy place to be. If you’ve got a thing for old buildings, abandoned places, and historic reenactments, this is the track for you.
Bring Your Best Friend
If you’re driving, make sure that your friend is aware that this is a motorcycle race and not a car race. There are a number of sharp turns and fast corners, and your buddy is going to need some help keeping their head from snapping off. This is also the place where friends come together. If you’re driving with someone, they’re going to need your help keeping an eye out for slow cars and debris so that they can enjoy the experience alongside you. Even better, bring a camera! There are a lot of great shots available online that you can use for free, or download for a small fee. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to have some fun and enjoy the experience. This is what it’s all about.
If you’re looking for a place to crash, camp, or just enjoy a night on the town, take a look at Thunderhill. It may not be the most luxurious place in the world, but it’s certainly a unique one. This is a place to be proud to call your home for a night, and it’s a location that not even the most ardent of sports fans have managed to forget. While it is sad that the season is coming to an end, with only two races remaining on the schedule, it’s time for the fans to go home and prepare for a glorious summer of racing. One thing is for sure. This is one place that the whole family can enjoy, and that is a sentiment that the owners of Thunderhill would very much like to extend to you.