Symington shifting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear on racetrack

The Symington for Governor race carDemocratic House Speaker Gaye Symington, who is running for governor, will be at the Thunder Road Speedbowl in Quarry Hill tonight to watch her campaign's sponsored car in its first appearance. Car No. 90 will compete this season in the Tiger Sportsmen Division and will be driven by Barre native Tony Rossi.

The stunt isn't the first of its kind according to racetrack president Tom Curley. "It's quite frequent actually," he told PolitickerVT.com. “And you see it more and more during election time."

"We have a diverse group here," he said. "Politicians are reaching out to the hardworking blue collar worker or the executive who's just retired from National Life," Coley said, referring to former National Life CEO Tom MacCleay who frequents the track. Curley estimates that with tonight's weather forecast, between 4,000 and 5,000 fans will be in attendance.

In a statement, Symington said: "It will be fun to be at such an exciting sports event with so many other Vermonters, especially because I'll have a chance to root for Tony Rossi and the Symington car."

Symington's opponents, Republican Gov. Jim Douglas and Progressive Anthony Pollina will also sponsor cars this cycle. Douglas' ride will make its debut at the Governor's Cup 100 on June 26 and Team Pollina will hit the racetrack June 21 at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, N.H.