BARRE, VT – Late Model stock car drivers Eric Williams and Cris Michaud will square off in dramatic
fashion at Barre’s Thunder Road on Thursday (June 26) at the CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 100 at 6:00pm. Williams, of Hyde Park, has won the Governor’s Cup two years running, with Michaud finishing a close second each time.  A week ago, however, Michaud, of Northfield, beat Williams for a 50-lap victory by just three feet.

      Michaud has driven to three “King of the Road” Late Model Track Championships since 2001.  Williams is a former Tiger Sportsman division Champion and Labor Day Classic 200 winner at Thunder Road, and each driver is a past winner of the Chittenden Milk Bowl.

       “It’s my turn this year,” said Michaud.  “I’ve lost the last two Governor’s Cups to Eric, but the car has been running really well and I beat him last week.  I don’t see why I couldn’t beat him again.”

       Williams, on vacation in Montana until Wednesday, was unavailable to comment this week, but said in victory lane last week that he believed he has “a great shot” at taking his third consecutive CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 100 win.

       Other competitors looking to take the win from Williams include two-time feature winner John Donahue, former Thunder Road champions Dave Pembroke, Phil Scott, and Jamie Fisher, and American-Canadian Tour drivers Scott Payea of Milton, the series point leader, and Barre’s Nick Sweet, the top Tour rookie.  The Honorable Gov. James Douglas (R-Vt.) will be on hand to present the CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 100 trophy.  Miss Vermont 2008, 21 year-old Ashley Wheeler of Lyndonville, will also be present to sing the National Anthem and greet race fans.
  

     General admission for the CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 100 is $15 for adults and free for children 12 and under.  Adults will receive a $3 discount at the gate with a ticket stub from Thunder Road’s June 19 event, or with a Thunder Road coupon found in newspaper advertisements this week.  Championship events will also be held for the Tiger Sportsman, Allen Lumber Street Stock, and Power Shift Online Junkyard Warrior divisions.  Racing action begins at an early post time of 6:00pm.  For more information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.