Points competition heats up at Thunderhill Raceway
June 30, 2008
KYLE, TX - Fans were treated to impressive show for the Texas Roadhouse Night at the Races at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) on Saturday - including plenty of close, wheel-to-wheel action by the local drivers.
The Texas Pro Sedans kicked off the evening with their 20-lap feature event. Tom Johnson (Kingsland, TX) held the lead for most of the race but was penalized several positions due to a technical infraction. The current points’ leader, Mike Merrell (Kingsland, TX), was awarded the victory following the post-race inspections.
Mike Steinman (Austin, TX) claimed victory in the 20-lap NasKart race - holding off Brian Kuempel (Austin, TX) who has already won several of the NasKart events at THR this year.
The Pro Trucks were next on the agenda, and Jason Marshall (Leander, TX) took the checkered flag on the 50-lap event. Marshall was stripped of the win during a post-race technical inspection, and second-place finisher Jim Albert (Lockhart, TX) was awarded the victory.
The Pro Modified ExpressJet 50 was the featured race of the evening, and the close racing action did not disappoint the fans. Tuffy Hudson (Ingleside, TX) started on the pole, but the driver of sleek #44 black and silver machine, HE Naumann (Del Valle, TX), challenged Hudson for the lead. Naumann started in the third position and managed to slip by Hudson and Mark Chrudimsky (Hutto, TX) to take over the lead on Lap 12. JC Umscheid (Alvarado, TX) tried to squeeze under Naumann during the last few laps, but Naumann held his line to claim a narrow victory.
In the Thunder Stock feature race, young Anthony Gordon (San Antonio, TX) started on the outside pole. He grabbed the lead early in the race and managed to hold off several strong competitors - including Gary Chancellor (Bastrop, TX) and Joey Tschoerner (Bartlett, TX). Gordon made it all the way into victory lane, followed by Chancellor and Tschoerner. Mason Teague (Paige, TX) had the Thunder Stock points’ lead going into Saturday’s race, but his fifth-place finish opened the door for Tschoerner to snatch the lead - ending the night six points ahead of Teague.
The ASA A-Line Super Stocks began with a fiery situation on the first lap of their feature event. The black #18 car driven by Mickey McKim (Manchaca, TX) broke out into flames caused by a fuel spillage. The safety crews quickly extinguished the fire, and McKim was able to rejoin the field on the restart - finishing the race in the fifth position.
Cary Stapp (San Marcos, TX), the current THR A-Line Super Stock points’ leader, started the 40-lap feature race in the eighth position. Stapp quickly worked his way up through the field - grabbing the lead on Lap 15. Stapp holds a commanding lead in the Super Stocks and is currently running second in the West Region of the ASA Short Track National Championship. Saturday night’s win could possibly put Stapp back in the lead this week (regional results released on Tuesday of each week).
Seventeen Grand Stocks took the green flag for the last race of the night - a fast-paced and entertaining 25-lap feature event. The current points’ leader, Carolyn Aramendia (San Antonio, TX), started near the rear of the field (14th position) and quickly picked off her male competitors as she headed for the front. Aramendia finally worked her way up to the second position and posed a strong challenge to Art Ganss (Driftwood, TX) for the lead. Although Ganss managed to hold off Aramendia to claim the checkered flag, Aramendia is still holding a slim lead in the points’ race over her brother-in-law, James Aramendia (San Antonio, TX).
The next race scheduled for Thunderhill Raceway will be held on Saturday, July 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. The racing action will be highlighted by the ExpressJet Pro Modifieds, Pro Trucks, Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas and the Allison Legacy Race Series- along with the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and NasKarts.
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval stock-car race track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.
By DEBBIE WILLIAMS
PR Director - Thunderhill Raceway
Thunderhill Raceway Official Results - June 28, 2008:
TEXAS PRO SEDANS: (1) Mike Merrell, Kingsland; (2) Sergio Hexsel, Live Oak; (3) Lalo Leal, Corpus Christi; (4) Mike Knotts, Universal City; (5) Tom Johnson, Kingsland; (6) Jason Krueger, Seguin; (7) Jesse Sandoval, Corpus Christi; (8) Bruce Mabrito, San Antonio; (9) Adam McCosh, Cibolo; (10) Lisa Sandoval, Corpus Christi
NASKARTS: (1) Mike Steinman, Austin; (2) Marty Kreis, Austin; (3) J M Skaggs, Austin; (4) Brian Kuempel, Austin; (5) Travis Roberts, Austin
PRO TRUCKS: (1) Jim Albert, Lockhart; (2) Rusty Mirth, Austin; (3) Terry James, Buda; (4) Volker Steffan, Marble Falls; (5) Nick Riddell, Sunnyvale; (6) Joshua Tuttle, San Antonio; (7) Cameron Moore, Jr., Buda; (8) David Lewien, Blanco; (9) Roy Frazier, San Antonio; (10) Pat Wiley, Sunnyvale
PRO MODIFIEDS: (1) HE Naumann, Del Valle; (2) JC Umscheid, Alvarado; (3) Mark Chrudimsky, Hutto; (4) Tuffy Hudson, Ingleside; (5) John Paul Kliewer, Fair Oaks; (6) Rick Wycough, Richardson; (7) Bob Slezinsky, Beeville; (8) Ronnie Loomis, Dickinson; (9) Marc Madison, Tioga; (10) Jay Guthrie, Dallas
THR THUNDER STOCKS: (1) Anthony Gordon, San Antonio; (2) Gary Chancellor, Bastrop; (3) Joey Tschoerner, Bartlett; (4) Steve Joyce, Buda; (5) Mason Teague, Paige
ASA A-LINE SUPER STOCKS: (1) Cary Stapp, San Marcos; (2) Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca; (3) Duane Toyne, Leander; (4) Matt Hodge, Kyle; (5) Mickey McKim, Manchaca
GRAND STOCKS: (1) Art Ganss, Driftwood; (2) Carolyn Aramendia, San Antonio; (3) James Aramendia, San Antonio; (4) Homer Pitner, New Braunfels; (5) John Fitch, Buda
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Cary Stapp (San Marcos, TX) claims the checkered flag the ASA A-Line Super Street 40-lap feature race on Saturday night at Thunderhill Raceway. Stapp is currently ranked second in the West Region of the ASA Short Track National Championship competition.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Garvin
Naumann Upsets Umscheid At Thunderhill
June 29, 2008
J.C. Umscheid is currently leading the Texas Championship Pro Modified points’ race in his number 5 car and after an impressive race win two weeks ago, he was the man to beat at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday. But H.E. Naumann had other plans in his black and silver number 44 machine.
Naumann, a Kyle, Texas product, took the green flag and held on for 50 laps to claim the big win. Umscheid kept looking in and out but could not squeeze past the 44 machine. The race was clearly the best of the night but as crowds keep growing at our local track so will the competition.
In Texas Pro Sedans Mike Merrell of Kingland, Texas took the win over Sergio Hexel of Live Oak, Texas. In NasKarts, Mike Steinman of Austin beat Marty Kreis also of Austin.
In Pro Trucks it was the Jim Albert of Lockhart show he blasted the competition and won by almost a half lap over Rusty Mirth of Austin.
However, the win for the hometown crowd came as Cary Stapp of San Marcos in the Miller Lite Number 88 won easily over Shawn Paul Lehman of Manchaca; this was Stapp’s second race in a row to win at Thunderhill Raceway.
The track will have racing again on July 12th at 7 p.m. and they will be featuring the Express-Jet Modified, this could be one of the best races of the year.
Special thanks to Debbie Williams for statistics from the track.
From Staff Reports
THUNDERHILL RACEWAY
UNOFFICIAL RACE RESULTS
JUNE 28, 2008
TEXAS PRO SEDANS: (1) Mike Merrell, Kingsland; (2) Sergio Hexsel, Live Oak; (3) Lalo Leal, Corpus Christi; (4) Mike Knotts, Universal City; (5) Tom Johnson, Kingsland; (6) Jason Krueger, Seguin; (7) Jesse Sandoval, Corpus Christi; (8) Bruce Mabrito, San Antonio; (9) Adam McCosh, Cibolo; (10) Lisa Sandoval, Corpus Christi
NASKARTS: (1) Mike Steinman, Austin; (2) Marty Kreis, Austin; (3) J M Skaggs, Austin; (4) Brian Kuempel, Austin; (5) Travis Roberts, Austin
PRO TRUCKS: (1) Jim Albert, Lockhart; (2) Rusty Mirth, Austin; (3) Terry James, Buda; (4) Volker Steffan, Marble Falls; (5) Nick Riddell, Sunnyvale; (6) Joshua Tuttle, San Antonio; (7) Cameron Moore, Jr., Buda; (8) David Lewien, Blanco; (9) Roy Frazier, San Antonio; (10) Pat Wiley, Sunnyvale
PRO MODIFIEDS: (1) HE Naumann, Del Valle; (2) JC Umscheid, Alvarado; (3) Mark Chrudimsky, Hutto; (4) Tuffy Hudson, Ingleside; (5) John Paul Kliewer, Fair Oaks; (6) Rick Wycough, Richardson; (7) Bob Slezinsky, Beeville; (8) Ronnie Loomis, Dickinson; (9) Marc Madison, Tioga; (10) Jay Guthrie, Dallas
THR THUNDER STOCKS: (1) Anthony Gordon, San Antonio; (2) Gary Chancellor, Bastrop; (3) Joey Tschoerner, Bartlett; (4) Steve Joyce, Buda; (5) Mason Teague, Paige
ASA A-LINE SUPER STOCKS: (1) Cary Stapp, San Marcos; (2) Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca; (3) Duane Toyne, Leander; (4) Matt Hodge, Kyle; (5) Mickey McKim, Manchaca
GRAND STOCKS: (1) Art Ganss, Driftwood; (2) Carolyn Aramendia, San Antonio; (3) James Aramendia, San Antonio; (4) Homer Pitner, New Braunfels; (5) John Fitch, Buda
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Number 29 Brandon Hill and Anthiny Gordon Number 18 battle in thunderstocks.
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Bill Labarge drives his BMW down to the rim after a blowout.
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Brent Reeves gets spun out into the infield in action at Thunderhill Raceway.
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Main Shot - H.E. Naumann and his number 44 was the best of the best on Saturday.
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Staff Photos
This weekend at Thunderhill Raceway - 06/25/08
June 25, 2008
Schedule of events for Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday, June 29th, 2008
- 12:00 (noon)-Pit Gate Opens for Garage/Pit Passes
- 1:00-Tech Opens-All cars must get a 2008 safety inspection prior to entering the race track. Upon inspection, a THR sticker will be issued and will be valid for the entire season.
- 1:00 until 3:20-Organized “Test-n-Tune,” as follows:
From one in the afternoon to three thirty, the seven classes of racing Saturday will be tested and tuned to track specifications. The different series include, the Texas Pro Sedans, Pro Trucks, the Pro Modified, Thunder Stocks, Super Stocks, Grand Stocks, NASKARTS
(All meetings will be held in the Pit Garage Lounge Area)
- 4:00-Meeting for THR Officials/Staff and Touring Series Representatives
- 4:00-Grandstand Gates Open
- 4:30-Mandatory Meeting for Pro Truck and ExpressJet Pro Modified Drivers and Spotters
- 5:00-Mandatory Meeting for all THR Drivers and Crew Chiefs
- 5:00-Track closed for Cleanup
- 6:00-Qualifying (green, white, checkered): Pro Trucks-Qualifying followed by technical inspections and Top 6 Pick of the Dice - ExpressJet Pro Modifieds-Qualifying followed by technical inspections and Top 6 Pick of the Dice (2) Texas Pro Sedans Qualifying Heat Races (8 laps each) NasKarts Heat Race (8 laps)
- 7:00-Opening Ceremony & Parade of Aid - Note: We will stop the program as close to 7:00 p.m. as possible. The THR Grand Stock, Thunder Stock and Super Stock heat races may possibly start before 7:00 p.m.
- Thunder Stocks Heat Races (8 laps each)
- ASA A-Line Super Stocks Heat Races (8 laps each)
- Grand Stocks Heat Races (8 laps each)
- Feature Races
- Texas Pro Sedans (*20 laps or 20 minutes)
- NasKarts (*20 laps or 10 minutes)
- Pro Trucks (*50 laps or 30 minutes)
- JRA Kids Bike & Power Wheel Races
- Pro Modified Driver Introductions & Pro Modified “ExpressJet 50″ (*50 laps or 30 minutes)
- Thunder Stocks (*30 laps or 30 minutes)
- ASA A-Line Super Stocks (*40 laps or 30 minutes)
- Grand Stocks (*25 laps or 20 minutes)
*Whichever comes first
**Schedule is subject to change, if necessary
Pricing for Tickets is:
$10 for Adult Grandstand tickets, Kids under 12 get in free.
(There is a $2 discount for all students, senior citizens, police officers, firefighters and EMS with ID)
Military in uniform get in free.
JC Umscheid honors his dad with race victory
June 19, 2008
Second generation racer brings home a win for Father’s Day
KYLE, TX - JC Umscheid isn’t the first racer in the family to visit the winner’s circle, but he’s certainly proud to carry on the family tradition.
Umscheid has been on a winning streak in his colorful #5 Pro Modified racecar, and he notched his fourth victory of the 2008 season at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) this past Saturday night (June 14) - just a few hours before the start of the family’s Father’s Day festivities.
The race evening got off to a good start. Umscheid set the fastest qualifying time (15.503 seconds) and then drew the pole position for the 40-lap event. But it wasn’t long until he had to face his first challenge. Justin Long started on the front row outside and managed to grab the lead at the start of the race.
“I didn’t get off to a good start,” said Umscheid. “I actually work on Justin’s car, and he’s got the same stuff as mine on his car. He just got a better start and was able to hold me off for a few laps.”
Long held onto the lead until Umscheid was able to make a clean pass on Lap 10. Umscheid then dominated the field for the rest of the race and eventually made his way into victory lane.
This 25-year-old racer from Alvarado (TX) knows that he has some tough shoes to fill. His dad, David Umscheid, is a veteran racer - claiming several championships at Longhorn Speedway, with TIDA (Texas International Drivers Association) and in the Legends Series.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dad,” commented Umscheid. He taught me everything I know about racing - the best teacher in the state of Texas in my opinion! I really wanted to win this race for my dad.”
Umscheid is currently leading the Texas Championship Pro Modified points’ race. His patience during Saturday’s race helped him find his way into the winner’s circle.
“We’ve been in a position to win every race this year, and it hasn’t always happened,” said Umscheid. “Sometimes I’ve made a mistake or I’ve had some bad luck during a race. Our current strategy is to lean back a little more and not tear up the car.”
Umscheid added, “I owe a lot to my car owner, Raymond Delahouysse, and to my sponsors - Tri-Lectric AC & Heating of Houston and San Antonio, Westside Performance, Swenson Racing Chassis, Omega Powder Coating, Ray’s Truck and Auto Sales, Polydyne TX-7, Davidson Motorsports and Umscheid Race Services. And I can’t forget to mention my appreciation of the support I get from my mom (Sherry) and my wife (Matty).”
Umscheid will be looking for another victory this Saturday (June 21) in the Fiesta Mart 60 at Houston Motorsports Park. The next ExpressJet Pro Modified race at Thunderhill Raceway will be held on Saturday, June 28.
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210).
For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. Information on Houston Motorsports Park can be found at www.houstonmotorsportspark.com
By DEBBIE WILLIAMS
Public Relations Director - Thunderhill Raceway
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JC Umscheid (left) made Father’s Day extra special for his dad (David) by visiting the Winner’s Circle at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday night after winning the Pro Modified race.
Staff Photos
Dwarf Cars Put On Show At Thunderhill
June 16, 2008
Thunderhill Raceway featured a 50-lap Pro Trucks race and a 50-lap Pro-Modified “ExpressJet 50″ to highlight the action at the San Marcos area track. The 3/8 mile, asphalt D-shaped oval track was the place to be on Saturday night. Action also included the NasKarts, Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Grand Stocks, Thunder Stocks and the ASA A-Line Super Stocks.
The Dwarf Cars turned in a night of very competitive racing. Their competitiveness is in part due to their engines they are four cycle and four cylinder motorcycle engines and they have been built originally by the motorcycle factory for a production run of 500 or more and must be at least two years old at the beginning of the present season. Engine size is limited to a maximum of 1205cc.
The track also recognized all fathers in attendance for an early Father’s Day recognition and also featured a Parade of Aid.
Cary Stapp of San Marcos claimed his second ASA A-Line Super Stock feature win of the 2008 racing season at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday night. Stapp started in the tenth position and worked his way to the front, he finally passed Matt Hodge (#58) on Lap 24 and holding on to the lead for the victory.
The crowds continue to grow with an estimated 2,000 in attendance for the races. The following is a list of feature race winners and action photos. Racing will return again on June 28th with the Pro trucks and Pro Modified being the main attractions. Special thanks to Nick Holt at Texas Speed Zone and Richard Mallet and Debbie Williams for race results.
From Staff Reports
Grand Stock Feature
32 Tammy Thames Bastrop, Texas 25 laps
65 Floyd Reed Spicewood, Texas 25 laps
79 Homer Pitner New Braunfels, Texas 25 laps
97 James Aramendia Seguin, Texas 25 laps
50 Carolyn Aramendia San Antonio, Texas 25 laps
91 Marcia Moore Cedar Creek, Texas 25 laps
53 Cody Smith Kyle, Texas 25 laps
08 Mike Farish Copperas Cove Texas 25 laps
44 Kevin Schoener Hutto, Texas 25 laps
7 Kris Wilson Austin, Texas 25 laps
00 Ben Jenkins Austin, Texas 24 laps
70 John Fitch Buda, Texas 16 laps
07 Richard Fitch Buda, Texas 6 laps
68 Kenneth Wright McQueeney, Texas 4 laps
13 Jim Lynch Cedar Park, Texas 0 laps
Thunder Stock Results
14 Joey Tschoerner Bartlett, Texas 30 laps4 Gary Chancellor Bastrop, Texas 30 laps
16 Mason Teague Paige, Texas 30 laps
33 Charles Earnhardt LaVernia, Texas 30 laps
73 Bryon Reed Kyle, Texas 30 laps
20 Steve Joyce Buda, Texas 30 laps
18 Anthony Gordon San Antonio, Texas 30 laps
2 (50) Aaron Brungot Cedar Park, Texas 30 laps
7 Robby White Lockhart, Texas 28 laps
29 Brandon Brown LaVernia, Texas 28 laps
56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, Texas 27 laps
75 Duane Sanders Killeen, Texas 26 laps
8 David Sevilla Jr. San Antonio, Texas 5 laps
13 James “Cooter” Lynch Cedar Park, Texas DQ
ASA A line Super Stock Results
99 Cary Stapp San Marcos, Texas 40 laps
58 Matt Hodge Kyle, Texas 40 laps
01 Terry Tschoerner Taylor, Texas 40 laps
4 Duane Toyne Leander, Texas 40 laps
18 Mickey McKim Manchaca, Texas 40 laps
09 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, Texas 38 laps
51 Greg Rohmer San Antonio, Texas 22 laps
28 Shawn Paul Lehman Manchaca, Texas 22 laps
02 Doug Ayers Pflugerville, Texas 16 laps
32 Levi Krauss Seguin, Texas 16 laps
79 Keith Garrett New Braunfels, Texas 16 laps
11 Tracy Tschoerner Taylor, Texas 16 laps
10 Alvin Powell Pflugerville, Texas 7 laps
21 Robert Mayberry San Antonio, Texas 0 laps
9 Chris Birmingham Leander, Texas DNS
Dwarf Car Results
05 Keith Roach 20 laps
6 Jim Rogers 20 laps
3 Rocky Bassham 20 laps
15 Eric Schmitt 20 laps
60 Richard Smith 20 laps
72 Arden Vikre 19 laps
32 Hoppy Malatek 19 laps
8 Chuck McCormick 19 laps
93 Robert Knandel 19 laps
37 Butch Havelka 18 laps
64 Kevin Chandler 16 laps
13 Willie Yelverton 14 laps
16 Chris Knandel 5 laps
NasKart Results
10 Brian Kyempel 20 laps
29 Marty Kreis 20 laps
14 Lyndon Kirk 20 laps
77 Jim Mullins 20 laps
20 Gary Smith 20 laps
07 Megan Smith 20 laps
47 Chris Terry 19 laps
71 Mike Steinman 9 laps
8 Stephen Pepper 4 laps
6 Kevin Hummel 2 laps
Pro Trucks
42 Jason Marshall, 40 laps
07 Rusty Mirth, 40 laps
30 Brian Meredith, 40 laps
61 Volker Steffan, 40 laps
4 Joshua Tuttle, 40 laps
13 Nick Riddell, 40 laps
19 Roy Frazier, 40 laps
56 Pat Wiley, 39 laps
3 David Lawien, 39 laps
31 Jim Albert, 11 laps
ExpressJet Pro Modifieds
5 JC Umscheid, 35 laps
42 Justin Long, 35 laps
22 John Paul Kliewer, 35 laps
9 Ian Webster, 34 laps
26 Robert (Bob) Slezinsky 34 laps
78 Greg “Doc” Baber, 34 laps
88 Larry Hughes, 26 laps
81 Cory Lovell, 9 laps
For more information about Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at http://www.thunderhillraceway.com.
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Doug Ayers and Robery Mayberry race for position at Thunderhill raceway on Saturday night.
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Jason Marshall claims the Pro Truck win the 50-lap feature.
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Jim Albert looks for position in the Pro trucks feature race.
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The Dwarf Cars head into turn one at Thunderhill Raceway Saturday night.
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Mary Ann Naumann, owner of Thunderhill Raceway, calls in instructions to the drivers prerace.
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Richard Smith of Wimberley and Butch Havelka of Helotes, Texas battle for points in the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas.
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Steve Joyce gets bumped into corner two on Saturday night.
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Staff Photos
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