06/22/2026
ROLLERCOASTER WEEKEND FOR THURSTON FAMILY RACING
While we continue to struggle to find the issue with our engine, last week we went through things and thought we had found the problem. It didn't take long for the problems to continue though, on lap one of the heat, the engine completely shut off, forcing Greg to be pushed in.
We went to work trying to find the issue and finally got it to fire by changing the rev box, which was already unhooked. We were not totally convinced that was the entire problem so we were offered a new rev box and wiring harness to try.
They were rushing the show along because of possible rain, but what should have been a quick change turned into a problem when the wiring harness was different and by the time we got things ready, the feature had started, forcing Greg to miss the race.
We went out after the races to make a few laps and the engine finally seemed to be where we would like it.
Saturday we spent the day getting ready for the DIRTcar North Series event at Brockville Ontario Speedway and were looking forward to finally getting in a good night. While the engine was fine Friday after the races, Greg went out for time trials and now the engine had developed a constant skip, so it was back to searching everything we had already done.
With 31 cars signed in, everyone would qualify so our next chance to try things would be the heat race. Greg lined up 9th and managed to finish 7th which would put him 20th in line for the 40 lap feature.
The skip was still there, but with this being a series race we needed to look at the points situation, so we decided to go until the first caution or getting lapped, unless the engine got worse. Greg pitted on lap 18, he was holding his own running 19th and said the engine was the same, so we sent him back out. The final caution flew on lap 37 with Greg running 14th, but he lost a spot on the restart and finished 15th.
All in all an okay night with a skipping engine and we came away tied for 9th in the North Series point standings, which will be a big help considering our struggles going into the final 3 point races.
We will get back to work this week, again trying to find the problems. Greg will leave early Saturday morning for the long ride to Autodrome Drummond in Drummondville Quebec for a race Saturday night and will also compete Sunday night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall Ontario, before heading back home for the final point race at Can-Am on Wednesday July 1st for the Pabst Shootout.
We have had an outpouring of help the past few weeks and thank everyone that has offered up advice, help, parts, whatever we needed, we truly appreciate it.
Thanks to all our friends and supporters, Dorr marine and excavation Inc., Rick's Plumbing and Heating, Westward Painting, Clayton Towing, Fast L**e of Watertown, ALT Travel, D&S Garage, Number One Speed Oval Track Supply and Bob Sr., the backbone of Thurston Family Racing.
Remember to support those that support us, as well as short track and go-kart racing. We hope to see all our Canadian friends this weekend at Drummondville and Cornwall.
