Kuhnle Motorsports Park – Ohio’s Thunder Capital!

Steve Pollock
June 2024

THOMPSON, OH… The Thompson Drag Raceway was one of Ohio’s earliest race tracks.  First opened in 1958, the race track was host to nearly every racing sanctioned group and saw many records set in its over 60 years of racing history.

The track was purchased in December of 2021 by Kuhnle Brothers, a Newbury, Ohio based trucking company.  In 2022, Kuhnle Brothers built a semi-truck track next to the car track.  Now known as Kuhnle Motorsports Park, the track is host to both car and semi-truck events on separate tracks and held on different dates.

Kuhnle Motorsports Park has instituted the “Semi Stampede”, a series of events being held June 21-23, August 2-4, and September 20-22.  The Semi Stampede features Quebec style side-by-side uphill truck drag racing on a 1/8 mile asphalt paved track.  The heats include Bobtail and Pulling Trailers loaded with 93,000 pounds. 

There are 4 classes:

Fully Modified
Semi-Modified
Working Class Road Tractors (Stock)
Mechanical Engines (pre-electronic)
All races are paired according to class but classes are mixed during the heats. Rules are listed on the website.  The June Semi Stampede will also feature a sanctioned NAST Truck Show for Bobtails and Combos.  You can find info about the NAST Truck Show at www.nastshowtrucks.org  All three Semi Stampede events will have fireworks on Saturday night and live bands and DJs.

Kuhnle Motorsports Park is also host to several car events including the Gasser Nationals (Antique Cars); Grudge Racing (Wed. nights); IHRA Hot Rod Racing; Test And Tune; Independence Eve; and Stripper Glitter.  Details, Rules, and Registration for all events can be found at www.kuhnlemotorsports.com

All Stampede events are Rain or Shine and weekend camping is available on the premises.  Food vendors are also at each event, along with  Bands (for most races).  Passes are good for the entire weekend.  Attendees are invited to arrive Thursday night so that they can watch the practice runs on Friday.

Come to Kuhnle Motorsports Park for never-ending action!  They are located at 8233 Sidley Road in Thompson, Ohio.  You can contact them at 440-564-7168 or by visiting www.kuhnlemotorsports.com