Thunder ready to roll in New Minas

BY BRENT FOX

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

Things are shaping up for the 30th annual Thunder in the Valley to take place next month in New Minas. Organizers say as well it’s more than just racing trucks along the riverbank.

The races take place at the end of Jones Road, past the New Minas Fire Hall and RCMP detachment, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12. Registration is at 8 a.m. each day, with races beginning at 9 a.m. For more information call Steve at 678-4538 or 538-8514.

The annual motor event draws thousands of spectators and their families to New Minas each year, with spinoff to everything from fuel sales, accommodations, food services and shopping.

About 100 trucks and drivers from as far away as Prince Edward Island take part in the races, which draw between 3,000 to 5,000 spectators.

Proceeds go toward the News Minas Volunteer Fire Department and the Coldbrook and District Lions. The amounts depend upon attendance and canteen sales.

Organizers apologize for any inconvenience that could be caused to nearby residents and work toward making the event as unobtrusive as possible.

The classes include Four Cylinder, Six Cylinder, Eight Cylinder Stock, Prolite, Super Stock, Prostock, Modified and fastest time. The event will take place rain or shine.

At the organization meeting in Kentville Sept. 16, president Steve Gillis said there has been concern with the village commission over the noise bylaw. “It’s a lot of hassle, but we deal with it every year. We want to work something out.”

Vice president Eric Wilson said, “we apologize to the community” for any noise or inconvenience and “we appreciate their patience.”

Malcolm Keith said it’s not just a question of the races and the funds realized for local causes, it’s also about supporting businesses. The drivers bring their families to New Minas to shop. With food and other expenditures, the spinoff could be well in excess of $200,000 to the village and surrounding area.

Keith said planning begins in earnest at least two months before the event, but in reality, preparations begin immediately after the races end in October.