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| Q. Where is Thunder Mountain Raceway? A. TMR is located on 80 acres of raw beauty at the top of a mountain. It is an eighth mile drag strip, where 80-100 racers from the southern border & past Vernon call their ‘home track’. 2007 brings us into our 12th year of providing, a safe, fun and competitive race environment in the Okanagan, where men and women of all ages, new to the sport or getting back into drag racing, can get their feet wet or renew that wonderful passion for the sport. Q. Tell me about the track, its location and what it has to offer? A. Thunder Mountain Raceway is approx 40 k southeast of Kelowna on Highway 33. Once you have passed the Big White turnoff, you travel 5 k and turn right at the signs. Proceed on the gravel service road for 1 mile, turn right at the entrance to the facility. The track elevation is around 1250 meters above sea level. Overnight camping is permitted. There are portable washrooms, a mobile catering service, some grandstands, lots of parking for spectators and room for approx. 100 race cars. The electrical services are strictly allotted for running the facility. No plug ins are available. If you are staying for the weekend bring lots of drinking water as there is no running water on the property, clothing for all types of weather, and an assortment of insect repellent (depending upon the time of year). Q. What are the hours of operation during a race weekend A. On Friday the gates are usually open around 3:00 p.m. and closed at 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday gates are open at 8:00 am, closed at 10:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 pm on Sunday Q. What kind of race cars can I expect to see? A. We have everything from Jr. Dragsters, to a Sled/Bike class thru Sportsman, Pro, Super Pro, our newly formed Door slammer class right up to the big guns of Top Comp, where we boast a field of 7-10 blown alcohol door cars and dragsters. Q. Can I bring my pet? A. Yes, if it is on a leash and you are prepared to scoop up any messes. Q. Do I have to buy a pit pass? A. No. This is part of what makes spectating at Thunder Mountain Raceway so special. Every ticket is a pit pass, allowing you and your family to get close to the drivers and cars. Q. Can I get drivers’ autographs? A. Yes. During the race day drivers are available for autographs in their pits. Keep in mind that on race day, drivers, are concentrating on the rounds ahead. Q. Can I buy tickets in advance? A. It is not necessary, as the gates are open all day, and there is plenty of room for everybody. Q. Is there a place to buy souvenirs? A. Over the years we have had T-shirts etc, for sale. Each year brings a new challenge for the organizers, so stay tuned to our website for updates. Q. What facilities will be available if I have a medical problem? A. At all Thunder Mountain Raceway events there are Emergency Medical personnel situated at the facility. In the event medical assistance is needed, contact any TMR employee or event staff, give them the location of the situation, and first aid will be contacted immediately. Q. What dining, lodging, and entertainment facilities are available in the area? A. The Idabel Lake Resort and McCullough Lodge are just a few miles down the road from the track. Both are situated on lakes surrounded by lots of green space. Big White Ski Hill is approx 30 kms away with year round amenities. Q. Can I camp at Thunder Mountain Raceway? A. Camping is available during all race events. Even though the Okanagan Motorsport Park is still in a very raw state, we ask that you respect the facility and clean up your area when you leave. Q. What food concessions are available? A. We have an on-site Catering truck. It arrives at 8:00 am and leaves the facility at 5:00 pm each day. It carries a variety of breakfast sandwiches, burgers, smokies, sandwiches, beverages and snacks. Q. Is beer available at the track? A. No. We do not carry an additional rider for a liquor licence. Q. Are cameras (video or still) allowed at the races? A. You are allowed to take video or still shots of the cars and drivers at any time from the grandstand seats or in the pits. Q. If I am under 18, can I race? A. Racers under the age of 18 must bring a parent or guardian, or bring a Parental Consent, Release and Waiver form, signed by both parents or guardians. You can race with a “N” but not an “L”. Q. Can I ride with a racer on the Drag Strip as a passenger? A. Yes, if the driver is making Time Only passes. You must wear an SFI approved helmet, the appropriate clothing and use a fully functioning seat belt. Q. How soon before the race should I plan on arriving at Thunder Mountain Raceway? A. For most events the gates open well in advance of the start of the event. There is plenty of parking. Q. Can I use my cell phone at Thunder Mountain Raceway? A. Yes/No. The track is usually in a no service area, but sometimes we get great reception, depending on what service provider you have. Q. Are check cashing services available? A. No. There are no check cashing facilities at Thunder Mountain Raceway. Q. Are there ATM machines at Thunder Mountain Raceway? A. No. There is no ATM machine at the track. Q. Is there a lost and found? A. Yes. All items can be brought to the Tech Shack, from there a description of the item is announced over the PA system. Q. Are ear plugs available? A. Yes. You may purchase ear protection at the Tech Shack adjacent to the staging lanes Q. Where do I get my tickets at the track? A. As soon as you turn into the facility and park, you will come to the Main Gate and purchase your admission, at which time you and your party will sign a waiver and receive a color coded wristband that corresponds with that day & continue up to track. From the Spectator Parking lot to the track takes 2 minutes to walk. Guest With Disabilities Parking Thunder Mountain Raceway allows wheelchair equipped vehicles access to the top pit area that faces the track. As we are situated on the top of a mountain, there is very little shade, so be prepared with a large umbrella. Wheel Seating & Viewing At this time we do not have a designated, raised area for disabled spectators, but we do let them park right at the fence line with a fairly unobstructed view of the track. The racing service is approx. 40’ away. Restrooms There is one wheelchair accessible portable washroom. Service Animals Thunder Mountain Raceway recognizes the importance of service animals in assisting guests with visual and other impairments. These animals are welcome throughout the property, but must remain leashed and harnessed at all times. |
