Thunderhill plays host to popular sports cars

Hot cars and hot weather rolled into Willows Friday for the 26th annual Nor Cal Shelby Mini Nationals.

It’s the second year in a row the Shelby club hosted their annual gathering in Willows.

“The town and the people here are very good to us,” said Richard Ravel, a club spokesman.

Speed exhibitions began early Friday and were followed by a miniature police-escorted parade from Thunderhill Raceway Park, west of town, to Sycamore Park in downtown Willows.

Nearly 200 classic American muscle cars were displayed at Friday’s car show. Thunderhill sponsored a free swim day at the nearby public pool all day Friday.

“It was just a really good experience,” Ravel said.

Dozens of local car enthusiasts turned out to admire the famous Ford-built cars. Willows local Cecily Duggins took her 2-year-old nephew, Gage Ortiz, to the car show Friday.

“It’s funny,” Duggins said, “he wants to drive one really bad.”

Ravel said Friday’s festivities were the highlight of the weekend, which included three days of on-track competition.

“The track stuff is always fun no matter what,” he said. “But, the community is really supportive and that’s kind of why we consider Thunderhill to be our home track.”

Ravel said plans for next year’s event have not been made, but said the club likely will return to Willows again.

“Everyone in town does so many great things,” Ravel commented, “I can’t think of one reason that we wouldn’t come back.”

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.