Kelly Thacker

#V8

Kelly Thacker drives the #V8 Super Late Model Class car.  He lives in China Grove, NC.  His home track is Cherokee Speedway but he can also be found racing at Thunder Valley and Carolina Speedway.

He started racing in 1979 in the Hobby Class at Southern Ohio Speedway because he's an engine builder by trade.   He quit for ten years and then  returned in the Late Model Class.  His first win was in the Late Model Class in 2003 at Cherokee Speedway.  Kelly was the Track Champion at Cherokee Speedway in 1996 in Open Wheel Modified.

The thrill of racing for Kelly is just being around the sport and people.  He likes the speed!  His most exhilarating racing moment was the Open Wheel Modified at Thunder Valley.....5 changed leads for 20 laps......it was Kelly's favorite race.  He's most proud of trying to race Late Model's and the win at Cherokee!

Charlie Swartz is Kelly's racing hero.

Of racing, Kelly says, "Dirt Racing is addicting!".