Thorn Credits Campbell Motorsports Team for Winning Fourth SRL Title
Bakersfield, CA – The driver who holds nearly every significant record, in the SPEARS (SRL) Southwest Tour Series, has added another one to his legacy, after the “Season Finale 125 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas” at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Saturday night. Thorn entered the event only having to start the race, to clinch his fourth SRL Championship, breaking a tie with West Coast legend Jim Pettit II. In his record breaking season, he also moved ahead of Pettit in top five, and top ten finishes. The all-time leader in wins, fast times, qualifying average, race winnings, and laps led also closed to within 0.017 in average race finish, trailing only Pettit 5.118 to 5.164.
Thorn finished the season with three wins, seven top five and eight top ten finishes in nine starts. His worst finish of the season was a 15th, at Madera Speedway in July, when a cut tire caused him to graze the wall, and eventually retire. The three wins was his smallest total since 2011, but consistency and a fast car, led him to the title. He was the fast qualifier in seven of the nine races, setting two track records along the way. Thorn led a series high seven times, for 592 laps, and earned $54,000 in cash winnings, when including his SRL Winter Showdown win. Thorn counts that win as the high on-track moment of the season.
“The highlight of the year was definitely the Winter Showdown, as we really got our season off to a strong start, and it has always been a race I’ve wanted to win”, Thorn began. “To continue on, we didn’t win as many SRL races as we have in the past, but we picked up and got the win here (Bullring at LVMS) in the (Senators Cup) Fall Classic. We had some good runs, but a little more bad luck than we usually do, in the SRL.”
Thorn is quick to give credit to the Campbell Motorsports Owner, Crew Chief and team members for the success he has had over the last several seasons.
“I am so proud of the guys, and I am so blessed to be driving for such a high caliber team, that Byron and Carol Campbell have put together. To have Mike Keen running this thing, turning the wrenches, and making the cars as good as they are, I feel real fortunate. Having Carlos Vieira as a teammate and 51FIFTY Energy Drink and Race for Autism’s support is so special. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am enjoying every moment of it. It is something that is special, and it is like family to us, and it is great to be a part of it.”
When it comes to being a champion, in the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, Thorn knows exactly what it takes to be successful.
“The credit just goes to the team”, Thorn stated. “There is so much extra effort that goes into being a championship team, and putting together an entire season. It takes money, energy, resources, and blood sweat and tears that go into a lot of different things. And there are always frustrating nights. You are always trying to win races, and that is the first goal, but the second goal is to be up front in the championship standings. You just need to make sure you are smart about it.”
Thorn continued, “To be a four-time champion, in this series, with the caliber of teams that are here in this series, means a lot. We have gotten a lot of poles and wins and it’s Byron and Carol Campbell, along with the whole team, that make this all possible.”
As evidence of the team concept, at Campbell Motorsports, the driver and team members decided not to go to the 50th Annual Snowball Derby in Pensacola, FL when Byron and Carol would not be able to make the trip.
“It wouldn’t be right to go, without Byron and Carol. Byron gave us the option to go, but it wouldn’t be right. Byron and Carol are the heart and soul of this team, and if they can’t go, than we can’t go. And that’s the way it is.”
Thorn would like to thank each and every member of the team, who has contributed to the championship effort. Those include; Byron Campbell, Carol Campbell, Mike Keen, Vicki Keen, Scott Sanchez, Sal Arceo, Scott Franchimone, Chris Howard, Jen Howard, Carlos Vieira, Aysia Vieira, Bryan Brown, Ronnie Beam, Crissie Lukacs, Robbie Hornsby and last but not least his wife Erika Thorn.
To support the Campbell Motorsports, 51 FIFTY Energy Drink, and Race for Autism Team, it takes an equally dedicated list of sponsors. Those would include; 51FIFTY Energy Drink, RaceForAutism.net, Hronis Racing, Double Eagle Transportation, Alta Vista Cold Storage, Surface Pumps Inc., Almanac Group, Advanced Racing Suspension, GARC Chassis. Victory Circle Chassis, AR Bodies, Eibach Springs, Joes Racing Products, Freight Train Peters Racing Engines, Bassett Wheels, H and S Auto Body, Finish line Signs and Schoenfeld Headers.
Looking ahead to 2018, Thorn has circled the 2018 Winter Showdown, to hopefully duplicate his 2017 success. The $30,000 to win event is sure to draw some of the best Super Late Model drivers from throughout the country, and maybe a surprise or two. The remainder of his schedule will be set for his Campbell Motorsports, 51 FIFTY, Race for Autism and Sunrise Ford Teams, when the schedules come out for both the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Look for Thorn to gather many more wins, and possibly another championship in 2018.
