Ok well that other thread for the LLM 09 preview turned out pretty good, and there was some good race related discussion on it, so as Dec dawns its time for part 1 on my take on what the Thunder field could look like for 2009. I envision about the same #s for Barrie's most competitive division from top to bottom, with a few drivers possibly trying Sunset this year in the lure of some big $$ if they indeed pay 1000 nightly to win. That being said we might have a few newcomers as well from the basis some like to run for "meaningful points"LOL ����  ����  ���� Time to letter rip!!!

#00 Darryl St. Onge ----- Racing fans all over Simcoe County know all about the accompilshments of St. Onge over the past couple seasons. Darryl's run has included a 3rd in points last season, as well as leading the division with 3 feature wins. Add to that a runner up in the points in 2007, as well as a couple invitational wins at Sunset over the past 3 seasons and it would be to nobody's suprise to see the Gerogian Waste Services Pontiac Grand Prix crowned the 09 champ. Did hear that Darryl wanted to possibly give it up to spend family time this year, so that might question the ability to win a title, as you could see possibly brother Steve in the car for a night or two as well. One thing for sure, crew chief Ron Mace will have the car flying to the front for whoever drives it in 09. 90 percent the car will be running all races this year, but the driver remains in question.

#2 Eddie Tremblay ------ Early season questions led to speculation of if Tremblay would get caught up in the "sour grapes" between TTR and the Barrie ownership group. I think of all the TTR cars at the track he is the most likely to return, as Eddie carries a few other title sponsors in the area as well. Finished 2nd in points in 09, and Eddie is my personal early season prediction for 2009 titlest. NO PRESSURE EDDIE!!!!LOL Eddie ran into some really bad luck at Mid Season or the 2008 title might of been his as well, with 4 time track champ Davey edging him by 35 points when all was said and done. Has captured 4 feature wins over the past couple seasons with a 2007 Invitational win at Varney mixed in as well. 100 percent returnee in my eyes, and with a bit more luck and consistency could really be a guy to keep an eye on in 09.

#3 Ken "The Intimidator" Denhollander ------ A member of the solid rookie class of 08, few drivers improved as much over the course of the season as Denhollander. A true gentleman of racing, the sleek looking red #3 Monte would record a season best 3rd in a feature, as well as an impressive 13th in points, also winning the Sportman of the Year award. Not a bad rookie season if you ask me, and I would look for Denhollander to step it up a further notch in 09, with a first win and top 10 in points not out of the question. Should be another 100 percent returnee in 09 I feel.

#6 Kevin "Tex" Aiken ------ CRO's resident cowboy runs on a limited budget, and does quite well with it. While the #6 Malibu isnt a front runner, Tex"s specialty lies in finishing races and keeping his nose clean, with a few top 15's to his credit along the way. Been limited to half a dozen starts over the past couple seasons due to work commitments and budget restraints, but I would look for Kevin to be back on at least a part time basis with possibly as many as 10 nights under the belt, as he also is quite active in helping out teammate Denhollander in the pits.

#9 Chris Burrage ----- really stepped up his game in 08, recording a couple podium finishes in his #9 Nor Weld Ltd. Monte. If not for an early season DQ, as well as a late season black flag, Burrage would of been a top 10 car again in 08, and likely would of bested the 9th place in the points that his 2007 rookie year brought about. I think this is the year Burrage should break through for that elusive first feature win, and if fortune can stay on his side a top 5 in points isnt out of the realm of possibility for this steady driver. Another 100 percent returnee as he stated that very fact on another thread on this site.LOL

10 Ray Shepherd ------- prior to competing in most of the 2008 feature races, the 65 year old Rockin Ray had stated it would be his last year behind the wheel of the 2003 championship car of son Gordie, and I haven't heard anything to the contrary in the off season that would lead me to believe differently. That being said it wouldn't suprise me to see Ray get "the itch" for a couple of nights, with Gordie possibly making a start or two as well, depending on the schedule of course, and if the LLM have a couple nights off when the Thunders race.

#12 Jim "The Polish Prince" Belesky ------- Not much more needs to be said about "The Crown Jester" of the Thunder Car division. One of Barrie Speedway's most cororful personalities, Jim is coming off an ultra solid season, recording a 7th in points with 1 feature win in Sept to his credit. Look for the Carthew Bay resident to have a new ride in 09, after a bad wreck at Fall Colors. Belesky should be a solid top 10 car once again, as long as a bad back injury doesnt keep him out of action. The long time division veteran should come in at 95 percent for his return, as I can already smell and taste those Warsaw Sausages!!!!LOL

#15 Donny Brandon ------- if there was one guy that suprised me from night one all throughout last season, it was the 2008 Thunder Car Rookie of the Year. Donny came in with a solid 8th in the season opener, and would also record 2 podiums late in the year, coming in an impressive 6th in points. Brandon also tasted victory in a heat race, had 9 top 10s in 12 starts, and ran very well in the season ending Thunder Car Nationals, running competitively with some of the best Thunder Car shoes in the province. Are you getting the feeling this rookie was consistant in 08??? I do!!!!LOL 2008 really was a dream season for this talented wheel man, and it will be interesting to see how he progresses in 09. 100 percent returnee in the #15 Graves Towing Monte, he's another that might break through to see a feature victory for the 1st time in 09.

Well there is part 1, getting a little tired of typing and need some dinner here. Look for parts 2 & 3 either later on this evening or tomorrow possibly, but should be done by the end of the week for all my loyal readers out there!!!LOL