Thunder Hill Story in SA Express-News

[NickHolt]

From the Sann Antonio Express-News, 2/27/04

 

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Thunder Hill Raceway receives face-lift

 

Mike Haag

Special to the Express-News

 

Construction has begun on the track surface at Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle.

 

Brian Callaway, owner and general manager at THR, announced that the back straightaway is being widened 20 feet and will be banked to give drivers more racing room as they exit the second turn.

 

The seven-year-old, 3/8-mile speedway has received mixed reviews by drivers because of its tricky D-shaped design.

 

"It's going to make for multi-groove racing and faster lap times by virtually every class that races there," said Neil Upchurch, race director and administrator for the Texas Pro Sedans. "Our members can't wait to race on this new track."

 

Callaway said that construction crews also will move the outside wall of Turn 4 back some 30 to 40 feet to give the drivers more racing room.

 

Recent rains and cold weather have plagued the project, and work crews are scrambling to complete the job by the season opener on March 27.

 

"We're still at the mercy of the weather," Callaway said. "But with a little luck, we can get the work done in about two weeks."

 

The season opener will feature the ROMCO Super Late Model Series, along with the Texas Dwarf Cars and the THR Street, Hobby and Grand Stocks.

 

Licata returns: After a one-year absence, Chuck Licata has been rehired as the race announcer and marketing director at Thunder Hill.

 

"My duties will include working with the drivers to get more exposure as well as announcing on race nights, which is something I truly enjoy," Licata said.

 

In addition to working at THR, Licata will continue to host The Motorsports Zone, a weekly motor sports radio talk show. The one-hour show, which airs at 10 a.m. Sundays on KVET-AM 1300 in Austin, is co-hosted by Ric Clark.