CATAMOUNT COMPETITORS

In response to the the rapidly - spreading popularity of mini stock divisions at other tracks like Oxford Plains, Northern NASCAR decided to put in a mini stock class at both Catamount and Thunder Road around 1974. The class started out very vaguely, with a group of cars from mostly North of the Canadian border. In fact, a Canadian, Monique Proulx, won the first mini stock feature, and she remained the only woman to win a feature at Catamount to this day.

Courtesy of Chris Companion
Monique Proulx, winner of Catamount's first mini stock race.

Butch True became the division's first big star, and it seemed to be controlled by Burlington area drivers. But, but the second year, it was very clear that the class of the field seemed to be centered in the Barre area - especially in the persons of Jerry Perantoni and Joey LaQuerre. The division remained for about seven years. Although the Volkswagen Bug was always the car of choice, the division saw participation from other makes, like the Carmann Ghia, the four cylinder Ford, Volvos, and a few Datsuns.

The Mini Stocks produced its own stars of repute, and some of its participants went on to higher race divisions. Arguably the most prominent and accomplished graduate was Joey LaQuerre, Sr, who still excels in racing - especially at Thunder Road. Barney McRae, who started in the minis, has gone on to run in the NASCAR Busch Grand National North circuit. Boomer Mumphord and brother, Peter, went on to distinguish themselves in a similar division at Devil's Bowl.

MAIN COMPETITORS PAGE	Dick LaFayette Barre, VT	Butch True Burlington, VT	Courtesy of Cho Lee Jerry Perantoni Barre, VT Courtesy of Terry LaFerriere	Photo Source Unknown Joey LaQuerre E. Montpelier, VT
COUPES ERA	Courtesy of Cho Lee Kevin Frink Plainfield, VT	Photo Source Unknown Randy Therrien, Charlotte, VT Courtesy of Terry LaFerriere [Front] Randy Therrien [84] Don Therrien Charlotte, VT	Courtesy of Cho Lee Ralph Potvin Randolph, VT	Photo from Dan Nolin Tom Glaser Shelburne, VT Courtesy of Terry LaFerriere Courtesy of Jim Watson
EARLY FLYING TIGERS	Photo Source Unknown Harry Gammell, West Barnet, VT From Andy Bright, via Outside Groove Site	Photo Source Unknown Roy Dyke Bristol, VT	Catamount Program Dave Gibbs, Westford, VT Catamount Program	Courtesy of Cho Lee The safety truck was none too safe when Ken Hoadley attacked.
LIMITED SPORTSMAN	Courtesy of Andy Boright Remember when Ken Squier tried driving a mini ?	Courtesy of Mark Austin Jim Carlson, Shelburne, VT
HURRICANES
LATE MODEL SPORTSMAN Early Later
MINI STOCKS
GRAND AMERICANS
STREET STOCKS
ACT CARS
NEW TIGERS

Do you have pictures of other drivers from this era at Catamount ? If you would like to make them available for me to place on this site contact me at: wladabou@Adelphia.net