David Vodden Reflects on Thunderhill Raceway’s Legacy and Future at EPARTRADE’s 5th Annual Race Industry Week
David Vodden, the longtime business consultant to motorsports at Thunderhill Raceway, shared the compelling story behind the creation, growth, and enduring success of the iconic California road course during EPARTRADE's 5th Annual Race Industry Week. From its humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of recreational motorsports, Vodden’s journey highlights resilience, community engagement, and innovative thinking.
The Birth of Thunderhill: A Bold Vision in Motorsports
Thunderhill Raceway was born out of necessity. As California’s legendary tracks like Riverside and Ontario Motor Speedway faced closure, a group of road racers from the San Francisco region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) decided to secure their future by building a new track. “The desperation to find a home for road racing led to an extraordinary solution,” Vodden explained. “Building a racetrack in California is a monumental challenge, but they made it happen.”
After scouting multiple locations, the team secured land in Glenn County, with critical support from local officials. Thunderhill’s grand opening in October 1993 marked the culmination of their efforts. “The community embraced us, and we worked hard to be a good neighbor, integrating into local life rather than existing in isolation,” Vodden said.
A Business Model for Longevity
Vodden emphasized that Thunderhill’s survival and success stem from a sustainable business model. “Unlike traditional tracks reliant on weekend events, we operate every day, generating multiple revenue streams,” he said. The facility boasts two tracks, a skid pad, 62 garages, and a vibrant calendar of activities, including track rentals, driver education, testing, and recreational motorsports.
The addition of automotive research and development programs has further diversified the track’s offerings. “We’re proud to serve as a hub for enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders,” Vodden added.
Thunderhill’s Role in the Racing Community
Thunderhill isn’t just a track; it’s a launchpad for motorsports innovation and culture. Organizations like Hooked on Driving and 24 Hours of Lemons found early support at the track before expanding nationwide. The facility also fosters collaboration with neighboring road courses like Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway, exchanging resources and ideas to strengthen the regional motorsports ecosystem.
Preserving and Expanding the Legacy
Despite retiring in 2023, Vodden remains a key figure in Thunderhill’s ongoing success. The track recently acquired an additional 104 acres, bringing its total to 634 acres. “The larger the footprint, the longer and stronger Thunderhill’s future will be,” he said. While the new land’s purpose is yet to be determined, Vodden envisions possibilities like a drag strip to fill a growing void in the region.
Lessons for the Industry
Reflecting on his career, Vodden stressed the importance of long-term thinking in motorsports. “Too often, tracks fail because they focus on short-term gains rather than sustainable growth,” he said. Thunderhill’s success demonstrates the value of diversifying revenue, engaging the community, and prioritizing adaptability.
A Personal Milestone
For Vodden, the greatest reward has been witnessing Thunderhill’s evolution. “Standing on the elevated overlook and seeing the tracks, the garages, and the activity—it’s incredible to think how far we’ve come,” he shared. “Thunderhill exists today because of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to serving motorsports enthusiasts.”
About Thunderhill Raceway
Established in 1993, Thunderhill Raceway is a premier motorsports facility in Northern California, offering state-of-the-art tracks, facilities, and programs. Owned by the San Francisco region of the SCCA, Thunderhill serves as a hub for recreational motorsports, professional testing, and automotive innovation. For more information, visit www.thunderhill.com.
To watch The 5th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, please CLICK HERE
For more information, please visit: www.epartrade.com
