BAKERSFIELD, California — Derek Thorn, driver of the Le Rivage Hotel Chevrolet in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series, is set to start a new chapter in his young racing career. Thorn, joins Bob Strandwold Racing and will pilot the familiar #2 car that was made famous by former Southwest Tour champion Craig Raudman. Thorn's first test will be the fan favorite All American Speedway this Saturday night in the running of the Mo's Gold "125".
While Thorn may have big shoes to fill, he enters this season full of optimism. "I have been working really hard to get back into a race car for the last since moving back to California from Wisconsin," Thorn offered. "I have met a lot of great people in the past year and when Bob (Strandwold) called me and talked about putting me in the car, I just knew that is was an awesome opportunity for me to win races and make a run at a championship."
Thorn will make his second career start in the Southwest Tour this weekend and while he may only be a rookie in the series he comes with a lot of experience. Thorn has many starts in the ASA Late Model Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series, and other Late Model series', but winning in the SRL has been a goal of his for a long time.
Last July, Thorn made his first series start and turned a lot of heads at Irwindale when he qualified fifth and moved to the lead early in the event. His time at the front was short lived as his engine expired but everyone knew he had a great car and was capable of running of front.
Thorn may be considered a sleeper in the SRL field this weekend and that may work to his advantage in the deep field of entries for round one of the ten race championship. His intense desire and focus to be the best will drive this young 23-year old as he climbs the racing ladder. Thorn works full-time at Joiner Motorsports in Bakersfield, CA and attends Bakersfield College studying Business.
Derek Thorn is sponsored by Le Rivage Hotel, Joiner Motorsports, Approved Memory, Victory Circle, Finishline Signs, JDA, and Peters Racing Engines. The race at All American is part of the opening weekend for racetrack and will also feature the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and SRL Legends Series.
