For more than two decades the NAPA Thunder Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park have served notice that winter was over and spring had returned to the historic track. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was the Top Eliminator on the original May dates for this year’s event. However, the rain clouds have cleared and even bigger fields are expected for the second attempt at the 2010 running of this great event. The 2010 NAPA Thunder Nationals should prove to be a worthy part of that great series of races as it expands to two nights for the first time ever. “The Fastest Track in Michigan” will host the 2010 NAPA Thunder Nationals this Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10.

For more than two decades the NAPA Thunder Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park have served notice that winter was over and spring had returned to the historic track. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was the Top Eliminator on the original May dates for this year’s event. However, the rain clouds have cleared and even bigger fields are expected for the second attempt at the 2010 running of this great event. The 2010 NAPA Thunder Nationals should prove to be a worthy part of that great series of races as it expands to two nights for the first time ever. “The Fastest Track in Michigan” will host the 2010 NAPA Thunder Nationals this Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10.

During the off-season US 131 Motorsports Park repaved their track. Their already impressive surface now features a concrete surface to the 1,000-foot mark for maximum traction. The new surface should once again prove that US 131 is indeed the "Fastest Track in Michigan." Headlining this year’s racing card are the stars and cars of the Mountain Motor Pro Stock Association (MMPSA). In fact, the Thunder Nationals will be only the third event ever for the newly formed association and US 131’s Pro Stock records are likely to fall.

"We are pleased that the MMPSA chose US 131 Motorsports Park as one of their venues for their inaugural season," US 131 Motorsports Park's General Manager Jason Peterson said recently. "Pro Stocks have been a fan favorite at this track for many years and the professionalism they exhibit make them a real crowd pleaser. We are delighted to once again host racers like Pete Berner, Bob Bertsch, and John Montecalvo as well as the father and son duo of John and Vincent Nobile. Many other Pro Stock stars who previously raced in the IHRA series, like Mark Martino, Elijah Morton, and John Konigshofer are also expected to participate."

MMPSA qualifying begins Friday at 5 pm with two more runs following at 7 and 9 pm that evening. Saturday will see one more qualifying session at 1 pm with eliminations beginning at 3:45 pm. Oklahoma’s Cary Goforth, the series’ points leader, will be looking to continue his winning ways after capturing a victory at the first event of the new series in Rockingham, North Carolina earlier this year. That might be easier said than done because every racer currently in the Top 10 in MMPSA points is pre-entered along with another half dozen contenders.

In addition to the MMPSA competitors, this year’s NAPA Thunder Nationals will also feature two big shows on Saturday night at 7 and 10 pm. Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars, the Bowen Family’s Violator Trans/Am Nitro Funny Car, the legendary Chi-Town Hustler, the wild Supercharged Thunder cars, Jimmy DeAngelo’s wheel-standing fire truck, and Jill Canuso’s Queen of Diamonds Jet Dragster will all be a part of Saturday’s professional shows.

Known as “The Little Jiant” due to her petite 4 foot 11 1/2” stature, Jill Canuso is a motorsports veteran who includes SCCA Road Racing and Monster Trucks on her racing resume in addition to numerous 300 mile-per-hour Jet Dragster runs. US 131 Motorsports Park is located alongside US 131 between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Use Exit 55 from US 131 for quick and easy access to the track.

Friday tickets are just $12. Adult Saturday tickets are $25 at the gate and $18 in advance at www.us131msp.com while kids are just $7. See participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores for a $10 off coupon for Saturday’s event. For more information call the track at 269-672-7800 during business hours or visit www.us131msp.com anytime.