Allison Legacy Series to “go racing” with TSRS!
February 21, 2009
The Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS), the premier racing series in Texas, announced today its expansion of operations to now include the oval track touring part of the Texas Allison Legacy Racing Series.
As part of the transition, this class of cars will be named the “TSRS Allison Legacies,” and it’s expected that the Legacies will travel with the Late Models to several Texas race tracks (plans not finalized yet).
Kris Kerr and his #24 TSRS Allison Legacies car
Currently, the TSRS Late Models compete at tracks all over the state of Texas – including Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX), Houston Motorsports Park (Houston, TX), Corpus Christi Speedway (Corpus Christi, TX) and Red River Speedway (Wichita Falls, TX).
Randy Andersen (Dickinson, TX) has been managing this group of talented drivers for the past year and is really happy about this change. “This is a huge step in Texas racing,” said Andersen. “Advancing this series is something I’ve wanted to see happen for quite some time. This is the best opportunity for some of these young drivers to gain valuable experience – locally and beyond. To be tied into the premier racing series in Texas can only be a good thing for the Legacies drivers.”
Mary Ann Naumann is the owner and founder of the Texas Super Racing Series – along with being the owner and promoter for Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) – and she is very pleased about adding this group to her TSRS team. “I’m incredibly excited about the Allison Legacies becoming part of TSRS,” said Naumann. “I’ve always been proud of the TSRS Late Models, and now we’ll have a great opportunity to help young drivers sharpen their racing skills and fulfill their dreams to go as far as they want in the racing world.”
Three current TSRS Late Model drivers are already doing quite well due to their background with the Allison Legacies and the skills they’ve acquired. Jake Kruger (age 15) claimed two wins in 2008 and finished 5th in the overall TSRS Late Model points’ battle. He also earned the Rookie of the Year title. Fourteen-year-old Dillon Spreen finished 7th and claimed several Top 10 finishes. Levi Krauss (17) will be a newcomer to the TSRS Late Models this year, after finishing fifth in points and capturing the Rookie of the Year title in the ASA A-Line Super Stock class at Thunderhill Raceway.
Plans are underway for this series to include a mentoring program where each of the TSRS Allison Legacies drivers will be paired up with a current TSRS Late Model driver to gain valuable insights on how to improve his/her performance on the track.
The Allison Legacy Series features 3/4-scale stock cars that are patterned after the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars. These cars are safe, durable and affordable. Many of the drivers in this series are very young (minimum age is 12), and the experience they gain on the track prepares them to move on to more advanced forms of racing.
The TSRS Allison Legacies will make the first appearance under the new structure at the March 21 season opener at Thunderhill Raceway (THR). All of the THR local classes – including the ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks, Mini Stocks and NasKarts – will also be on the agenda, along with the Pro Modifieds and SportMods. The racing action will begin at 6 p.m.
The TSRS Late Models were established in 2003, and the series has continued to grow throughout the years. This prestigious group will be part of the Allstate Texas Racefest that’s scheduled on March 14 at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) – along with the NASCAR Grand National Division, USAC National Midgets and the TSRS Late Models.
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt 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, please visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. Information on the TSRS Late Models may be found at www.manracingpromotions.com, and details about the TSRS Allison Legacies may be found at www.texomalegacymotorsports.com.
By Debbie Williams and Lone Star Speedzone staff
Photo courtesy of Texas Super Racing Series
Abilene Speedway’s “Ice Breaker” kicks off this weekend
February 19, 2009
An open practice session is on tap tonight, Thursday, Feb 19, 2009, and leads into the season-opening “Ice Breaker” special this weekend at Abilene Speedway.
Last year’s Ice Breaker winner Keith White
Pit gates open at 5 p.m., with IMCA Modifieds, Southern SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks turning laps from 6-10 p.m. this evening. Feature events for all four sanctioned divisions are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20-22.
Modifieds race for $500 to win each night. The Saturday show is also the first regional event of the season for the Southern SportMods and pays $750 to win.
Top prize for Stock Cars all three nights and for the Southern SportMods on Friday and Sunday is $300. First in the Hobby Stock features is worth $250.
All applicable IMCA points, including home region points for Stock Car and Hobby Stock drivers, will be awarded each night.
Pit gates open at 4 p.m. for Friday’s show. Hot laps are at 5:30 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, pits open at 3 p.m., hot laps are at 5 p.m. and racing is at 7 p.m.
Worship services at the track are at 10 a.m. Sunday. Pit gates open at 11 a.m., hot laps are at 11:30 a.m. and racing is at 1 p.m.
Pit passes are $25 each night Friday through Sunday. Grandstand admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12 and five and under get in free.
Questions about the Ice Breaker, presented by Smiley’s and Showtime Signs & Designs, can be directed to promoter Rob Poor at 325 537-4494 or 325 692-8800.
Passes to get into the pit area for tonight’s practice are $12.
“Hot” tickets for the upcoming Allstate Racefest recovered after a successful police “sting”
February 18, 2009
To hear Full Throttle Production’s Tavo Hellmund tell it, the saga of the stolen tickets to their March 14 Allstate Racefest auto racing event at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, was almost as action-packed as the upcoming on-track racing action promises to be.
A portion of the recovered Allstate Racefest tickets
“I’m telling you, Nick,” Hellmund said in a phone interview with Lone Star Speedzone on Tuesday, “ this whole deal unfolded just like those reality police shows you see on TV.”
Hellmund and his Full Throttle Productions business partner, Aryn White, had ordered tickets from a company in Georgia, but the tickets never arrived even though the FedEx on-line tracking system showed that the shipment had been delivered.
After calling the ticket company and FedEx numerous times in a futile effort to locate the tickets, reportedly worth about $178,000, they faced the reality that the tickets had most likely been stolen so they began checking various popular internet sites that featured classified advertisements.
According to Hellmund it didn’t take long before an ad for the “discounted” tickets showed up on Craiglist, a no-cost classified ad service popular with internet users. The Austin Police Department was notified and a “sting” operation was set up to catch the culprit red-handed.
And just like in those reality shows, again according to Hellmund, the police and Federal law enforcement officers responded to the ad, arranged to meet the unsuspecting suspect and, after two false alarms where the seller did not show up with the tickets, the third try was successful. The detectives met with the suspect near MoPac and Slaughter Lane on Feb. 10 and purchased four tickets, according to the arrest warrant.
Caught with his hand in the cookie jar, the suspect reportedly confessed and a warrant was obtained to search the suspect’s living quarters where the rest the FedEx packages – some un-packed and some not - and other mail that was not addressed to the suspect were found according to published reports.
Paul Michael Dejesus
Paul Michael Dejesus, 21, has been charged with theft, a second-degree felony, and is currently in the Travis County Jail on $200,000 bond.
“In spite of the unusual circumstances, we plan on honoring any and all tickets that may have been purchased in good faith,” Hellmund said. “But if you know you are a victim of this scam, please contact the Austin Police Department since they are interested in obtaining as much evidence as they can to help convict this individual.”
“The police are keeping the rest of the stolen tickets as evidence,” Hellmund explained, “so we have obtained new tickets that look nothing at all like the stolen ones. I want to emphasize that anyone who has purchased tickets through our Full Throttle Productions website need not worry because tickets purchased on-line will be available at the “will call” window at Thunderhill Raceway two or three hours before the gates officially open. And, as I said, we will be honoring tickets purchased in good faith by our race fans. “
Earlier Tuesday a news conference was held at the Austin Police Headquarters in Austin. Representatives from all four major network TV stations attended as did at least three radio stations and various print media outlets.
The Allstate Racefest event will be held on Saturday, March 14 at the 3/8-mile paved, D-shaped Thunderhill Raceway oval in Kyle. Major sponsors include Allstate Insurance, NAPA Auto Parts, Mercedes Benz, Budweiser and South Side Wrecker Service.
For more information about Racefest, visit http://www.texasthunder200.com/racefest.html
By Nick Holt
Photos courtesy of Full Throttle Productions and Austin Police Department
Texan James Buescher gets “peeled” by the “Onion” to start the “Big One” at Daytona
February 14, 2009
James Buescher, the eighteen year-old Plano, Texas, driver who is making a splash (I know it rhymes with crash, but we’ll get to that later) in the upper echelons of stock car racing, had a great run going in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR trucks race at Daytona on Friday, but due to an unfortunate racing incident ended up in the middle of the “big one” to finish disappointing 25th.
James Buescher
That wreck - involving nine trucks - took out defending truck champion Johnny Benson and rookie Ricky Carmichael, a former motocross star who was making his NASCAR debut.
On lap 48, Buescher, who won the ARCA race at Daytona last Saturday, had a good head of steam up and made an outside move on the race leader Ron Hornaday, Jr., but eventual race-winner Todd Bodine appeared to clip the left rear of Buescher’s International Maxx Force Diesel Ford 150. Buescher then ran into Hornaday Jr.’s truck and spun out of control, causing a chain reaction that took out Johnny Benson, Carmichael and Johnny Sauter, among others.
At the post-race press conference Buescher explained: “I just got a run to the outside of Hornaday and was trying to get around him to go try to lead a lap early on. They said he (Bodine) hit me. I don’t really know what happened, but started spinning and took a lick in the door and a lot of smoke.”
Tough luck for the youngster making his first Daytona NASCAR Truck Series start.
by Nick Holt
Photo courtesy of autoracingdaily.com
Stacy O’Brien named Thunderhill Raceway Race Director
February 12, 2009
With the start of the 2009 racing season just a few weeks away, Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) officials are proud to announce that Stacy O’Brien will fill the recently-vacated – but very important – position of Race Director.
Stacy O’Brien
O’Brien will begin this important role during the March 21 season opener for the local classes. She takes over for Rick Day – following his decision to return to his hometown of Tampa, FL, a few weeks ago. Mary Ann Naumann, THR Owner/Promoter, feels that O’Brien was the perfect choice for the Race Director position.
“I knew that Rick left behind some hard shoes to fill, and I’m confident that Stacy will do a great job in the Race Director position,” said Naumann. “She’s a tough gal, but she also understands and sees things from many different perspectives. I’m really looking forward to having her become such an important part of an already incredible staff.”
Formerly known at the track as Stacy Millard, she and Ronnie O’Brien were married just a few months ago. O’Brien also has a 15-year-old stepdaughter (Katie) and an 11-year old daughter (Brittany). O’Brien lives in Thorndale (TX), and she’s also a Legal Assistant who serves as the Office Manager for a local law firm.
O’Brien’s racing career began in the 1990s where she started as a scorekeeper at Longhorn Speedway (Austin, TX). She was also hired as a scorekeeper for the Texas Pro Sedans and became the Assistant Scorekeeper when the doors were opened at Thunderhill Raceway (THR).
Eventually, O’Brien became part of the staff for the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models – serving in several capacities as a scorekeeper, a pit area assistant and the Assistant Race Director for the series. She also served as the Pit Steward for THR in 2007
“I’ve done just about everything at the track, except drive a race car,” joked O’Brien. And she feels that being a part of the “Thunderhill Raceway family” is also important. “I know that racing is a family sport, and I’ve always felt like I was part of the family at THR.”
O’Brien is very excited about this new opportunity at THR. “I’m really looking forward to being the 2009 Race Director for Thunderhill Raceway,” said O’Brien. “I think my years of experience, especially with the many different positions I’ve held, will give me a special insight into all of the different aspects of racing.”
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210).
Thunderhill Raceway will kick off its 2009 racing season on March 14 with the Allstate Texas Racefest. Full Throttle Productions is hosting this popular annual event that will feature the NASCAR Grand National Division, USAC National Midgets and the TSRS Late Models.
The THR local classes – including the ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks, Mini Stocks and NasKarts – will be part of the March 21 season opener that will also include the Allison Legacy Series, Pro Modifieds and SportMods. The racing action will begin at 6 p.m.
For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. Information on the Allstate Texas Racefest may be found at www.texasracefest.com.
Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - 2/11/09
February 11, 2009
In this Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, the crew headed to Willis to see what’s going on in the dirt. Dirt Track that is. Gator Motorplex is located north of Conroe in Willis and it’s the site of some big time action on Saturday night! Join Chris Doelle and Nick Holt as they talk with track management as well as the voice of Gator! Special thanks to Arthur Hermiz for the “in car” video!
Stick with Lone Star Speedzone for all your Texas racing action!
Kristin Bumbera named NASCAR “Participant of the Year” in the Drive for Diversity program
February 11, 2009
The 2nd Annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Ceremony was held today, February 11, 2009, at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR executives and Drive for Diversity supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate many accomplishments in the area of diversity and inclusion across NASCAR and the motorsports industry.
Kristin Bumbera and Max Siegel at NASCAR Awards Ceremony
In what is said to be an overwhelming vote, 21-year-old Kristin Bumbera of Sealy, TX was awarded the 2008 “Participant of the Year” award. Bumbera was the single driver or crew member recognized for outstanding performance on-track as well as reaching out to youth regarding NASCAR and motorsports.
“I would not be receiving this award if not for my Golden State Racing team - Frank Jordan and Eric Snyder and everything they’ve done. To be chosen by my peers as well as NASCAR executives for such an award is really humbling,” Bumbera said. “I just do what I know is important and take care of business every day.”
Last year Bumbera drove for Golden State Racing in the NASCAR Whelan Late Model Series as part of the Drive for Diversity program. She earned 2 wins, 4 pole awards, 12 top 5’s, 14 top 10’s and currently holds the Late Model track record at All American Speedway, Roseville, CA. She also holds the Late Model track record at Monroe Motor Speedway, Monroe, LA.
A demanding schedule of 25 races across the country was only part of Bumbera’s agenda in 2008. She worked year-round towards her degree in marketing, appeared at numerous charity and children’s events as well as public appearances for her sponsors throughout the country. She was always willing to jump on a plane when asked to speak to high school students about initiatives and opportunities in motorsports. Bumbera also made a few NASCAR public appearances and even a television commercial.
Hamilton Racing lead by Bobby Hamilton Jr. has signed this rising star to drive the #94 in the NASCAR Camping World East Series this season. Hamilton has a lot of confidence in his new driver who he’s been watching for a while.
“How you pick a driver in the racing world is you ask,” Hamilton said. “You ask people about them. There is always going to be somebody who knows you. I know in my heart that she has the talent, and I know in my heart that she has the will. It’s going to be a fun year.”
Sponsoring the new team this year is Wide-Open Energy Drink, Coyote Ugly Saloons, Love’s Travel Stops and Bumbera’s Performance Associates.
Bobby Hamilton Jr. is a well-known NASCAR driver with over 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series starts who now adds the title NASCAR Team Owner to his repertoire.
For more information visit www.kristinbumbera.com and www.bobbyhamiltonjr.com
Brooke Daniels to be Allstate Texas Racefest’s “Official Starter” and trophy presenter
February 9, 2009
Full Throttle Productions – producer of the “Allstate Texas Racefest” – announces MISS TEXAS USA® 2009 Brooke Daniels as the official starter and trophy presenter for the three-time award winning event held on Saturday March 14, at Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle, Texas just outside of Austin.
Brooke Daniels
In 2009, the 5th annual Allstate Texas Racefest is the only place in the country where fans will see both a NASCAR race and a USAC race at the same facility on the same day.
In addition to giving the command to “start your engines” and present the trophies to all the race winners, Miss Daniels will participate in the autograph session starting at 5:00pm on race day.
“We are very happy to welcome Brooke to Racefest this year,” Tavo (CT) Hellmund, co-founder of Full Throttle Productions, said. “Brooke is an outstanding young woman and a wonderful choice to represent Texas in the MISS USA® pageant in April. We understand why she is a favorite to go on to the MISS UNIVERSE® later in the year.”
The brown-eyed blonde beauty, who was named last year as one of the 25 most beautiful people by H-Texas Magazine, is a senior at Sam Houston State University. With plans to earn a masters degree and to pursue a career in television and film, Brooke is majoring in mass communications with a minor in radio and television, and she enjoys a career as a professional model.
Finding joy in helping others, Brooke supports various community and charitable organizations including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s Sprint for Life, the Periwinkle Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Shriners Hospitals, and others. After witnessing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in her grandfather, Brooke has gained a particular interest in that disease and in supporting those who care for its victims.
The eldest of three children, Brooke is family-oriented and likes to spend time at home reading, cooking, scrap booking, and playing with puppies, Houston and Charlie. For a good work-out, she trains with weights and takes long runs with her IPOD. Her other interests and activities are hunting, karaoke, and going to the movies. Atypically for a young woman her age, she hates spending time texting and chatting on her cell phone!
As MISS TEXAS USA® 2009, Brooke will spend the months prior to the national pageant acting as a goodwill ambassador, making appearances on behalf of sponsors and charitable organizations, giving motivational speeches, and preparing for the MISS USA® competition.
For Information and tickets, visit www.texasracefest.com
About the MISS USA®
The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda’s Club, Miss USA is armed to educate women today.
About the Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer in the United States and the second-largest of all personal lines insurers in the U.S. Allstate was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Allstate sells 13 major lines of insurance, including auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and commercial insurance. Allstate also offers retirement and investment products, and banking services. Its advertising campaign is centered around its “Your Choice Auto” product, which offers accident forgiveness and lower deductibles.
About Full Throttle Productions
Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, based sports and special event production company that provides event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.
Thunder Hill Raceway
Located just outside of Austin on IH-35 in Kyle, Texas. Exit #210 (Yarrington Road)
Photo courtesy of LoneStarGridiron.com
Abilene Speedway gearing up for “The 2009 Ice Breaker”
February 9, 2009
Abilene Speedway will be hosting “The 2009 Ice Breaker” at their fast quarter-mile, clay oval on Friday, February 20, Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2009.
The IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sportsmods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and the 305 Sprint Cars wi be featured all weekend long along with the “trophy classes,” the Pure Stocks and Mini Stocks. Abilene Speedway owner and promoter Rob Poor will be offering Abilene Speedway points all three days.
For ticket information contact the track at 325-692-8800 or log on to their website at http://abilenespeedway.com or email the promoter at speedway@abilene.com.
Staff Report
Texan James Buescher, 18, conquers Daytona
February 8, 2009
One of the best ways to avoid the “big one” at Daytona is to stay out front. That’s exactly what 18-year-old James Buescher did most of the way to win the wild ARCA RE/MAX Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 Saturday afternoon at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
Buescher takes the checkered a car length in front of Joey Logano
Buescher, who led the final 44 laps in the Kevin Cywinski-owned Wolfpack Toyota, held off NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Joey Logano in a one-lap shoot-out to earn the biggest victory of his career.
James Buescher celebrates after a huge win at Daytona
“We’d been getting pretty good restarts all night,” said Buescher. “Just pulling away from the pack, the car was pretty good and I knew Joey [Logano] was going to try to get me in turn three because that is what he had been trying to do all night. I told my spotter not to be quiet the entire last lap and he didn’t, so he really helped me through it. Daytona is on top of everyone’s list so this means a lot.”
Buescher, who started from the tail-end because of unapproved adjustments, also steered his way through several multi-car wrecks en route to the front.
“Starting from the back, we did what we had to do to get there. These guys on this crew rebuilt the whole suspension last night. ARCA didn’t like what we had under there, but I think it made the car faster anyway.”
In all, there were six cautions for 47 laps that eliminated a wide variety of contenders including defending winner Michael Annett, Matt Carter, 1999 series champion Bill Baird and Tom Hessert to name a few.
The race was also red flagged for 19 minutes during the final caution, which involved Patrick Sheltra, Larry Hollenbeck and Frank Kimmel. Both Sheltra and Hollenbeck were transported, conscious and alert, to a local hospital for further evaluation while Kimmel finished the race in 11th, the last car on the lead lap.
Bobby Gerhart, following a one-car incident, was also transported, conscious and alert, to a local hospital. Gerhart was evaluated and released.
Logano, in the Venturini Motorsports Toyota, finished second, one length away from Buescher.
Justin Lofton, who earned the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell on Friday, finished third after leading the first 35 laps in the Lofton Cattle Toyota.
“I was hoping for the 09 car [John Wes Townley] to be a little stronger behind me to give me some momentum and help push me past Joey [Logano],” Lofton said.
John Wes Townley, in the Zaxby’s Ford, finished fourth in a back-up car with Ken Weaver, in the 1-800-4-A-Phone/Tricolor Dodge, finishing fifth. Weaver, making his series return after a two-year hiatus, also earned the CGS Imaging Hard Charger Award for advancing the most positions.
Ed Kennedy, in the Thunder 2-Daytona Lagoon Chevrolet, earned a career-best sixth place finish as did rookies’ Parker Kligerman and Tim George, Jr., who finished seventh and eighth respectively. George also earned the Highest Finishing Rookie Award. Under-funded independents’ Darrell Basham and Norm Benning finished ninth and tenth.
The event served as a prelude to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout.
Buescher also earned the Aaron’s Lap Leader Award for leading the most laps.
On Tuesday, race fans can ask Buescher about the 2009 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 via a live audio chat on arcaracing.com. The segment, titled 30 at 30, will debut on Tuesday, February 10th at 3:30 p.m. ET on arcaracing.com.
The next event on the ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule is at Salem Speedway in Salem, Indiana on Sunday, April 5th. For more information on the ARCA RE/MAX Series, visit www.arcaracing.com.
TOP-10 UNOFFICIAL ARCA RE/MAX SERIES POINTS AFTER THE LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST 200 AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY (2-7-09): 1) James Buescher 235; 1) Justin Lofton 235; 3) Joey Logano 225; 4) John Wes Townley 210; 5) Ken Weaver 205; 6) Ed Kennedy 200; 7) Parker Kligerman 195; 
Tim George, Jr. 190; 9) Darrell Basham 185; 10) Norm Benning 180.
by ARCA PR
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