Welcome to the Thunderhill Open
May 15-17, 2026
We’re doing this our way.
Three days of racing, drifting, music, and motorsport culture —
part Augusta, part Caddyshack, and full throttle.
For one long, loud weekend each year, Thunderhill Raceway Park turns into something bigger than a race event — it becomes a full-tilt gathering of modern grassroots motorsport.
Come race, come hang, come watch it all unfold.
Group 1
Spec Miata — Limited to 50 entries
Group Lead: Greg Hoff – greg@sfrscca.org
Group 2
Western Touring Car Championship
Group Leads: Oscar Jackson, Jonathan Lugod – team.wtccracing@gmail.com
Group 3
RushSR West
Group Lead: Jeff Schneider – jeff@rush-california.com
Group 4a
Spec E46
Group Lead: Peter Jones – peter@legacy-motorworks.com
Group 4b
Spec E30
Group Lead: Tim F. Barber – tfbperformance@gmail.com
Group 5
Formula Awesome -
presented by World Speed
Group Lead: Telo Stewart – telo@worldspeed.com
Road Racing Format
Given that most of what we’re doing is pretty non-traditional, we figured—why not do the same with the format?
We’ve always loved the heat-based structures popular in karting and dirt series across the country.
Here's What To Expect
- A single practice session on Saturday morning
- 4 heat races
- Heat 1 starts with a random grid
- Finishing position from each heat sets your grid for the next heat
- Heat 3 finish sets your starting position for the Main
- Main: The weekend podium is based on the finishing position in the Main
Event Requirements
Event Requirements: For road racing classes, a valid competition license is required.
Questions? Email matt@thunderhill.com Tech, logbook, and other requirements specific to your class should be directed to your Group Lead.
Races
Heat races will be 8 laps (not time-based),
And the Main is scheduled for 12 laps.
Presented by Drift Cave and Animal Style
Thunderhill Open Drift Format
Saturday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM — Open Practice
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Judged Practice
5:30 PM — Top 16 Selection, Brackets Announced
6:00 PM — Drift Competition Starts
Sunday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Demos and Ride-alongs, Signings
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM — The BEST good times good vibes.
The Deets
- By application and approval only — limited spots.
- The registration option is for applying to be selected.
- Judges: Daniel Chow, Julian Jacobs, Matt Field
- The Top 16 will advance to the competition.
Drift Program Notes: The Drift Program is by application. Driver and tech requirements will be clarified throughout the selection process by emailing: driftteamanimalstyle@gmail.com, danielc@driftcave.com
How to Apply Today
- Email: driftteamanimalstyle@gmail.com, danielc@driftcave.com
- Julian and Daniel will be making the selections.
- In your email, include:
- Instagram username
- A brief resume of your driving history
- Pictures/specs of your comp car
- What tire and tire size you plan to run
Entry is $250 for the 35 selected drivers.
How to get here
The Thunderhill Open takes place at Thunderhill Raceway Park, located just west of I-5 in Northern California.
The track is easily accessed via County Road 306 off Highway 162 and is the single entry point for all attendees — racers, crews, spectators, vendors, and media.
Follow posted event signage on arrival. Plan ahead and arrive only through the main gate.