Derek Thorn has rolled into Five Flags Speedway at least a hundred times over the past decade and a half but this is the first time he’s done it as reigning Snowball Derby champion.
“I don’t know that it’s sunk in because it’s one of those things we’ve been trying to do for so long but I think one day in 10 to 15 years, I’ll be in a rocking chair or something with a cup of coffee in my hand and that’s when I can remanence,” Thorn said.
“Looking back, I have failed miserably at enjoying the moment more. I don’t sit and just think about it. It’s just, oh I picked that up and I’ve accomplished it and then, I guess …”
You move on to the next one.
“Yeah, like, it’s my business and I have to perform. It’s how I make my living. I love winning and that will always be there but at the same time, I feel like my mind is also moving on to the next race and just trying to get the best of that.”
The next one, this weekend for Thorn, is the inaugural ASA STARS National Series race with the Shafer Motorsports No. 7 team. The deal was made possible with an assist from crew chief Chris Purdy who first worked with Thorn when he moved to Wisconsin in 2007.
There, he will run five ASA races at Pensacola, Slinger, North Wilkesboro and the All-American 400. The other one hasn’t been decided yet but Paul Shafer Jr. will run the other races. With Thorn running his driver development and coaching program out west, this will allow him and the Shafers to chase and owners championship, which is how ASA championship purse money is paid out anyway.
“I have always had a good relationship with Chris even as our paths went different directions for 15 years,” Thorn said. “We started talking last year with Byron (Campbell) getting ready to shut our team down.
“I said I didn’t want to race after that because it set such a high bar unless I knew it would be a good deal and we’re here to take a shot at it.”
And at 200 laps, 100 less than the Derby, Thorn has a familiar feel for what he needs even if it’s a different car.
“It’s like the Derby a little bit but it’s more like Nashville,” Thorn said. “The tire structure is different. They give you 10 tires. Two at a time. You car will constantly have to adjust for left sides or right sides so that’s different.
“It will be like predicting the future so that will be a wild card of sorts.”
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