Certainly, 2020 will go down in the history books as one of the strangest years in recent memory — and that applies to racing, too. Empty grandstands. Last-minute scheduling. Temperature checks and required masks at some venues. The one constant, however, has been Derek Thorn. Thorn continues to visit victory lane in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, winning the last four races. His streak dates back to the last SRL event of 2019, held at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
However, his trips to victory lane haven’t come without a touch of strangeness, too. In January, he won a trophy made of tubing, with a plexiglass case filled with $10,000, in $20 bills, at Irwindale Speedway. Last weekend he sat tall on a barstool trophy made from racing wheels at The New Stockton 99 Speedway (pictured). He celebrated the victory in front of an empty grandstand.
Thorn races for veteran car owner Byron Campbell and seasoned crew chief Mike Keen. He credits his team for much of his success.
Derek Thorn said he won’t let the notion of a winning streak enter his mind as he prepares for the next SRL race at Irwindale on July 18.
