BECHTELSVILLE, Pa. – Kevin Hirthler is ready for Oct. 17, when the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series closes out the season at Grandview Speedway with the Trick or Treat Triple 20’s for big-block and 358 modifieds.
Hirthler has three wins this season at Grandview, and he would like nothing more than to sweep the Triple 20’s and pocket $8,500.
Each feature will pay $2,000 to win, and a bonus of $2,500 is posted by Pioneer Pole Building’s if one driver pulls off the hat trick. There is a PPB $500 bonus if one driver wins two features.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. with race time set for 6 p.m. Pit gates will open at 2:30 p.m. In addition to the big-block/358 modified Triple 20s, the sportsman will also be on the program competing in a series of qualifying events leading up to the 20-lap, $1,300 to win, main event.
Hirthler owns 15 Grandview Speedway victories and scored one Thunder on the Hill win back in 2005. His most significant win on the Hill came in 2012 when he took the victory in the Forrest Rogers Memorial, earning $10,000.
“With the format offered, it certainly is possible to win all three features in one night, but you will need a real fast, hot rod and a lot of luck.” Hirthler said. “This different format is going to be interesting, and I think some drivers might try to use it to their advantage, never-the-less, it is going to be neat to run three features in one night.”
The 2020 season for Hirthler has been up and down. The three wins were impressive, but mechanical failures kept him from qualifying on a few nights, and as a result, they dropped in points.
“The completion level on the Hill is probably the toughest around, the cars are so close anymore and the amount of talent that shows up week in and week out from young to old is unbelievable,” said Hirthler.
He will have a busy night, competing in both the modified and sportsman divisions. His brother, Brian Hirthler, will also be doing double duty.