BARRE, Vt. — The familiar No. 48 Robbie Crouch is ready to make some more blistering laps at Thunder Road International Speedbowl for the first time in more than a decade.
Evan Hallstrom will pilot the Crouch-owned machine joining the stiff Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model competition on several outings in 2022.
Crouch tore up the former Northern NASCAR circuit starting in the 1970s, pulling five-day straight schedules from Thunder Road to the much-missed Catamount Stadium, into Quebec and New York, all with the same car. Crouch would continue to grow his legend, becoming a NASCAR North Tour and American-Canadian Tour champion through the 1980s and ‘90s and securing his name on all three granite monuments of our yearly marquee events. Recently, Robbie and his wife Ashley Jane decided to purchase a complete Port City late model from Pete Duto at Fast One Motorsports and began to build a team.
“My plan isn’t to drive, but to help out Evan,” said Crouch. “I want to jump in during practice and get a feel for it again, that’s what it all hinges on. Hopefully his young and energetic attitude rubs off and we’ll see how I feel, and what Evan’s schedule allows, before I make any definite plans [to get behind the wheel].”
After adding Hallstrom as the driver, the rest fell into place.
“Evan and Tony [Andrews] just work so well together,” Crouch said. “I’m looking forward to working with Tony, and Dick Glines [Crouch’s crew chief throughout the 1980s and ‘90s] may make the trip over occasionally. We’ll see what two old guys can do, but really it’s all up to Evan and Tony.”
Both Robbie and Ashley Jane made it clear that the No. 48 will be at the track when time and scheduling allows with the goal of an every other week outing for the team. They also made it clear that they want this venture to be fun and are confident that it will be. Both laughingly admitted that the only thing they’re worried about Thursday nights at Thunder Road is having to stay up past their bedtime.
“Right now we know our first race will be the May 1st Thunder Road opener and our second outing will either be the ACT Monadnock race or Memorial Day [Classic at Thunder Road]. Otherwise, 8 to 10 races at Thunder Road is the goal, while I’d really like to go back to Oxford and maybe make the trip to White Mountain,” said Crouch.
“Obviously, we’re thrilled to have Robbie return to the pit area, in any capacity,” said Thunder Road managing partner Cris Michaud. “His experience and knowledge will challenge the competition, and we know they’re just as excited as the rest of us. Robbie’s a hero to so many and we can’t wait for the legendary 48’s introduction to a new generation of fans.”
The 63rd season at Thunder Road begins on Saturday, April 30 with the annual Thunder Road car show and open practice. On Sunday, May 1, the ACT Late Model Tour kicks off the year with the 24th Community Bank N.A. 150 along with the Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tigers, Miles Street Stocks and Burnett Scrap Metals Road Warriors.