David Standridge is stepping down as National Director of Thunder Roadster GTR, effective immediately. Jason Oehler has been appointed as the new National Director of the Thunder Roadster GTR series, which uses a purpose-built racing car manufactured by U.S. Legend Cars International. The series focuses on fun, safe, and affordable racing while encouraging driver development and close competition. Oehler has been the NASA Great Lakes series leader since 2022.

“I completed comp school with NASA Great Lakes in fall 2016 and I bought a GTR-spec car the same week. I fell in love with the series during a test drive in a buddy’s car and knew from that point what class I wanted to join,” said Oehler. “In 2017, I won the regional champ and was Great Lakes rookie of the year. I’ve won four regional championships amid incredible growth in the class, and scored podium finishes at the NASA Championships in 2018 and 2019.
“The series took off nationally in 2018, and I was able to witness the growth and structuring of the class watching Dave, Brian Bohlander and Gary Tinker build the rule book. I saw firsthand and appreciated the efforts that the leadership made to keep the competition fair and class rules tightly structured to keep it cost effective, spec racing,” Oehler added. “Going forward, I will be looking for further refinement, and mostly, stability with the rule book. Encouraging growth of the individual drivers will continue to strengthen the overall group of racers, a particular passion of mine.”

Standridge had been National Director for a number of years and has played a key role in the development of the Thunder Roadster GTR. Oehler brings a wealth of experience to the role, and is focused on the growth and parity of the series.

“After 25 years of racing, I’ve decided to hang up my racing shoes. I cannot think of a better person to take over the series as the National Director. Jason is well respected and liked by all the GTR racers across the country. I am confident that the series will be in good hands with him,” said Standridge a NASA NorCal racer. “I plan to use the extra time to get back into golf, tennis, mountain biking, skiing, boating, etc. It’s been a good run but it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation of racers. 

Images courtesy of Jeremy Bryner and David Standridge

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