Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing fast approaching at Thunderbowl Raceway

By Gary Thomas

Tulare, CA – September 20, 2023…The most anticipated period of the season at Thunderbowl Raceway is fast approaching with the Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing ready to invade Tulare on October 19th, 20^th and 21^st.       

Something sure to add intrigue once again this year will be the “Trophy Cup Tune-Up” headlined by the Kings of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars on Saturday October 14^th. The event held on the weekend before Trophy Cup is guaranteed to fill the pit area as drivers get one final stab at the track prior to the big show.

It’s sure to be a classic lead-in for the Trophy Cup, as teams and fans get to enjoy back-to-back weeks of racing at the Thunderbowl.

The Trophy Cup continues to be one of the premier Winged Sprint Car showcases in the country and the 2023 version is sure to be one of the biggest and best yet. The 29th edition of the Trophy Cup boasts a record $225,000 overall purse for the three nights, with 90 cars entered for competition.

The event originally started at San Jose Speedway in 1994 and was held at the track until its closing in ‘99. It then moved to Ocean Speedway for one year, before heading to the Kings Speedway in Hanford from 2001-2004. In ‘05 the Trophy Cup was moved to Thunderbowl Raceway, where it has been held ever since.

With its unique format the Trophy Cup regularly produces some of the best Winged Sprint Car racing fans will witness all season. Each time a driver hits the speedway for competitive racing there are points on the line. It’s all a lead-up to the 50-lap feature on Saturday night, which features the top-20 in overall points inverted, plus the four transfers out of the B-main comprising the final four spots. 

All cars that start the Saturday A-main are guaranteed at least $6,000 in weekend winnings and the overall champion is guaranteed a record $29,000 in weekend winnings. The Trophy Cup is always an all-star showcase in California, with champions and winners from all over the state and beyond in action.

Tickets and Details:

Adult grandstand tickets for the 29th Trophy Cup cost $50 on Thursday and Friday and $55 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $45 on Thursday and Friday and $50 on Saturday. Kids pricing and senior pricing is also available. 

Tickets can be acquired by calling 559-688-0909 or at the gate. Pre-sale tickets will be available until two weeks prior to the event, as all track staff will be at the raceway daily and not in the office, in preparation to make sure everything goes as well as possible. The event has never sold out and tickets will be available if you choose to purchase at the gate.

If you are unable to buy pre-sale tickets please do not worry, as you’ll be able to purchase them at the gate. We are aware of the kinks with the new phone system and are still attempting to get them sorted out.

Something new this year as well, on Wednesday October 18^th (day before the race) Thunderbowl GM Josh Miller will be around the campground if you’d like to obtain your Will Call Tickets, or if you need to purchase additional tickets. By handing out will call tickets on Wednesday, this will help alleviate the line at the box office on race day.

The pit gate opens at 10am on Thursday October 19th, with the drivers meeting around 3:20pm. Wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and heat races will follow.

The special events that have become so popular are also returning. Following the races on Thursday will be BBQ Night sponsored by High 5 Pizza and Catering, while Friday after the races will be Taco Bravo Fiesta Night featuring Tacos. On Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm Steve Faria and Thunderbowl Raceway will present the annual Spaghetti Feed.

The post-race parties start 20 minutes after the checkered flag with beer, water and soft drinks also available for purchase inside. A donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the door during all these events is appreciated.

Over the last 28-years Dave Pusateri and the Trophy Cup team have helped gather more than 2.5 million dollars in donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fans and teams are all encouraged to attend the special eating events. More info on the Trophy Cup, as well as an entry list can be found at www.trophycup.org

Special thanks to Promoter Steve Faria with System 1 and System 1 Pro Ignition, General Manager Josh Miller, along with all our partners for making things happen at Thunderbowl Raceway including Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Budweiser, Roth Motorsports, KRC Safety, General Manager Craig Borba at Garton Tractor, Double “D” Towing and JD Heiskel & Company.

For more info on the Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway visit www.thunderbowlraceway.com and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Tulare-Thunderbowl-Raceway-392991907541396/?fref=ts

The Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street Tulare, California 93274. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. Camping is available for fans off turns three and four.

Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway Remaining Schedule

Saturday October 14^th: Kings of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Western RaceSaver Sprints and Legends of Kearney Bowl (Trophy Cup Tune-Up)

Thursday October 19th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing
Friday October 20th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing
Saturday October 21st: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing

Images courtesy of Tim Holland and M&M Racing Photos