Thorn Seeks to Finally Claim the Motor City Throwdown Bonus at the October Classic

Bakersfield, CA – There is one driver who has been shut out of the opportunity to take home the Motor City Throwdown Challenge Bonus over the last three events. That driver will now have the opportunity to grab that extra $3,500 when the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series visits Kern County Raceway Park for the 33rd Annual “Bulwark Protection October Classic 150” on October 23rd. Derek Thorn is riding an eight race win streak, and as a result, he has withstood all challengers, making himself eligible to take home the bonus in the season finale.

“The Motor City Throwdown Challenge has added some intensity to our season”, Thorn began. “Our goal for the last 10 years at Campbell Motorsports has been to win every race, but racing is a very humbling sport, and dishes out its fair share of ups and downs. We’ve been fortunate to have a great streak going. At Kern we will just do what we normally do and let the cards fall where they may. It’s been awesome to have Motor City Buick GMC put up the extra money and I’m pumped we finally have a shot at it.”

Not only does Thorn have a shot at the $3,500 bonus, but he is also assured of his sixth series title by finishing 34th or better in the finale. A win could net the number one ranked Super Late Model driver in the country a $10,500 victory, which would extend his all-time single season money won record to $90,700. The Lakeport, CA native has now taken home over $400,000 in career earnings in the series.

Thorn has had a dream season in the SRL, only missing a perfect campaign by finishing 26th in the season opening “Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown 200” at Irwindale Speedway. He has three Performance Friction Brakes Zero Drag Fast Time Awards, bringing his career total to 63. His eight wins brings him to 57, a full 40 ahead of Jim Pettit II. A victory this weekend will be a challenge, however. Former SRL Kern winners Jeremy Doss and Blaine Rocha will be entered. 2018 Winter Showdown runner-up and former track champion Buddy Shepherd will be a strong contender. Several KCRP SRL runner-up finishers will look to improve one position. Those include 2015 SRL Champion Jacob Gomes as well as Colorado National Speedway star Jace Hansen and 2020 SRL Championship runner-up Carlos E. Vieira. ½-mile ace and Irwindale Speedway’s all-time winningest driver Trevor Huddleston will also look to take home the $10,500 prize.

Thorn and the Campbell Motorsports Team have a history of success going back a decade and Thorn is thankful for those who continue to support he and the team.

“I would like to thank Byron and Carol Campbell and all my Campbell Motorsports team, as well as my Crew Chief Mike Keen. Also, all my great sponsors; Power Grade Inc., Double Eagle Transportation, 51 FIFTY, KDD Media Company, AP Brakes, Reeves Complete Auto Center, Family Funeral and Cremation, Fury Race Cars, Swift Springs, JRI Shocks, Tilton, Tripple R Transportation, Hightower Transmissions, Joes Racing Products, Victory Circle, Finish line Signs, Performance Parts Supply, West Air, Strange Oval, Bassett Wheels, Magnus Rear Ends, Peters Racing Engines, and Butler Seats.

A stout field of Super Late Models are expected in the final championship race of the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series schedule. The winner could take home $10,500 in the two segmented race, thanks to the Motor City Throwdown Bonus of $3,500. All drivers will be eligible for the bonus, that was offered to beat Derek Thorn. Three positioning Heat Races will proceed the “BulWark ‘FR October Classic 150” The Super Late Models will be joined by the Spears Manufacturing Pro Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services and the Spears Modified Series.

For those unable to attend, catch all the action LIVE at www.SpearsRacing.TV. The event will also air on MAVTV at a time and date to be announced later.

Celebrating its twenty-first season in 2021, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.