When the green flag drops for Thursday Night Thunder on Thursday, July 23rd, race fans at Laird Raceway will have an exciting new driver to cheer for as Eric Purcell of St. Cloud, Florida makes his debut on the challenging 1/3-mile oval behind the wheel of the white #22 Delpaggio Racing Modified.
Purcell will make the trip north to Northern Ontario for a two-race Canadian swing, beginning with Thursday Night Thunder at Laird Raceway before returning to action at Kinross Speedway on Saturday, July 25th. The July 23rd program will also feature the always popular Spectator Drags, adding even more excitement to an action-packed night of racing.
The opportunity to bring Purcell to Laird Raceway has been months in the making according to Delpaggio Racing driver and team owner J.P. Delpaggio, who sits atop of the Modified division standings heading into July 23rd Thursday Night Thunder.
“The opportunity was discussed all throughout the winter. Eric and I spent some time at New Smyrna Speedway together and chatted about him potentially coming up here to race, and we just made it happen,” said Delpaggio.
While Laird Raceway has developed a reputation as one of the more technical short tracks in the region, Delpaggio believes Purcell’s experience will allow him to adapt quickly.
“I think Eric will adapt quite well as he has a bunch of racing experience. Laird being the trickier track out of the two, he does understand it will take a little more finesse to take on Laird’s intricacies, but I believe he will have no problem figuring out the 1/3-mile in his first heat race or so.”
Delpaggio also credits his business, Delpaggio Overhead Doors, and valuable partnerships for making opportunities like this possible.
“I’m happy to be able to do things like this through Delpaggio Overhead Doors. Becoming an entrepreneur in the last few years has opened up some very cool avenues for me through networking, and the partnership we have with Stefano Narducci and Tractor Boys is one of them. Bringing Eric up here will be fun, and we’re looking forward to it.”
The friendship between the two racers began through the sport they both love.
“I met Eric through buying some parts for our Modified program whilst down in Florida, and I’ve known Eric for a couple of years now. We’re basically two goofy dudes who don’t take ourselves too seriously, and it’s been fun to banter with each other and talk about racing on a daily basis.”
Delpaggio believes fans are going to enjoy both Purcell’s personality and his driving style.
“I expect Eric to come and have fun, compete with some of the best around in Northern Ontario, and I’m sure the fans will love him. I’m proud to be able to bring solid people like Eric to our facility we call home. I’m proud on both sides of the coin to show Eric what Laird is all about, and I am proud to show Laird what Eric is all about.”
For Purcell, the trip north represents a brand-new challenge, and he’s already been doing his homework.
“So my first impressions from what I’ve seen is that it looks like it will be a bit challenging to figure out right off the rip. The entries into Turns 1 and 3 are completely different. Hopefully I can adapt pretty quickly and make good lap time.”
Preparation has included studying onboard footage from Delpaggio’s previous races.
“To prepare, I’ve been watching some of JP’s GoPro footage. That’s really all you can do at this point until you roll onto the track. The engine in the car I’m driving is the engine out of my old Modified, so at least I know what to expect in that aspect.”
Purcell is making the long journey with one goal in mind—putting on a show for the fans while battling his friend on the racetrack.
“To the fans, I just hope to be able to put on a show. The goal for JP and I is to run one-two both nights and have some fun. I’m obviously there to win, and that’s what I’m going to try to do. If it comes down to it, we will race each other harder than most but be respectful at the same time. He wants to win. I want to win. He is racing for points, so he has a little more to lose at the end of the day,” Purcell laughed. “But shake and bake will be on for sure.”
Purcell explained that his connection with Delpaggio came through mutual racing friends and the Modified racing community.
“JP and I met through Maverick Macdonald as my good friend Johnny Sarpriacone used to build Modified chassis for Mav Sr. and also drove for him. We made many trips to New Smyrna and Five Flags Speedway for the Snowball Derby in the Rehab Racing Development (RRD) cars. We got to talking after JP purchased some roofs and hood scoops that we make down here in Florida. We stayed in contact, had a lot in common, and became friends. He presented me with this opportunity, and who in their right mind could say no? Leaving Florida while it’s 110 degrees to come to Canada and race? No brainer.”
With one of Florida’s experienced Modified racers making the trip north, the Delpaggio Racing team welcoming a special guest driver, and Spectator Drags returning to the schedule, Thursday Night Thunder promises to be one of the most anticipated race nights of the season. Fans won’t want to miss seeing Eric Purcell take on the unique challenge of Laird Raceway for the very first time as he looks to battle with Northern Ontario’s best in what should be an unforgettable night of racing.
