Meet your
West End Thunder Staff
West End Thunder is run entirely by volunteers! We’re united by our shared love of drag racing and our strong desire to provide family friendly racing fun and lasting memories for our community.
Rob Nelson
Rob has been involved in all things racing since he was a kid, making his first pass at 16 years old at Bremerton Raceway. He grew up on the Navy base in Silverdale with a military father, later moved to Las Vegas where he gained extensive experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and is now happily back home in the PNW here in Forks. Always ready to contribute to his community, Rob has also been recently appointed as a City Planning Commissioner. This is Rob’s 5th season with West End Thunder and he is looking forward to many more!
President
Shawna DeChon
Shawna is the only member of the track staff with the distinction of having worked EVERY position at one time or another. From teching cars to working the starting line, Shawna can do it all, but her favorite place is in the heart of the action on the starting line! She is indeed our RACE MASTER!
Vice President & Race Master
Jolene Price
If you've spent anytime out in Forks, you are probably lucky enough to know Jolene! A true financial expert, Jolene's skills have kept us on track so we can get YOU to the track!
Treasurer
No task is too small and no skill is too random for Red! Our Tower Operator might just be the most versatile person you'll meet—her resume includes everything from graphic design and website development to hardcore handyman work. This lifelong doer was thrown on a tractor at age 4 and has been looking for the next project ever since (she even helped build golf courses in Idaho during her youth!). After stints in Arizona and Idaho, she’s happily put down roots in Forks. We’re thrilled to have her unique energy serving the community with just the right amount of chaos and joy.
Tower OperatorRED
Justin Dechon
Justin arrived at West End Thunder a few seasons ago, filling in when we found ourselves with no tower operator at the last minute. He managed to learn the entire computer system on the fly and kept the races going. Since then, he has worked hard to grow his skills and is now our track manager! We are very fortunate to have a problem solver of his caliber on our team! We are so grateful to have him!
Track Manager
Joe has many years of racing experience right here at West End Thunder! While there is no job at the track that Joe can’t do, his favorite place to be is right in the heart of the action, running the burn out box! Joe is also always ready to help just about anyone with just about anything. His boundless enthusiasm, big heart and incredible racing expertise have made him an absolute asset to our racing family!
Burn out box/Starting lineJoe Williams
Kat Jack at The Track comes to West End Thunder with a background in radio and television. Our own local all-purpose announcer and MC, she is enthusiastic, and... well, kinda weird. She keeps the crowd informed and entertained.
Announcer