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031609 - Nick Holt interviews Tavo Hellmund Pt. 2

“Bringing you all the racing action across the great state of Texas.” ^TM

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Pursley, East and Barker score big wins at Allstate Texas Racefest at Thunderhill Raceway

It was bone-chilling cold in Kyle, Texas, but the racing on the 3/8-mile Thunderhill Raceway oval was plenty hot as the Allstate Texas Racefest took the green flag at Thunderhill Raceway Saturday night. About 4,000 fans braved chilly, 50 degree temperatures for a rare NASCAR Grand National West appearance as well as an equally rare visit by the USAC National Midgets and the season opener for the Texas Super Racing Series Late Models.

A controversial finish highlighted the featured NASCAR Grand National West 150-lapper at the tight 3/8-mile, paved Thunderhill oval.

After leading the last third of the race, Mike David of Modesto, CA, found himself facing a green, white checkered finish because of a caution period on the next to last lap. Since NASCAR utilizes side-by-side restarts, Eric Holmes of Escalon, CA, lined up outside the leader with Greg Pursley of Newhill, CA, positioned directly behind David.

David and Holmes raced door-to-door for a lap with David forcing Holmes up the track as the field took the white flag. This gave Pursley a chance to dive to the inside and the trio went into turn one three wide, which doesn’t usually work well at the Kyle speed plant.

Pursley, on the very inside, collided with David as he came back down the track, sending the latter into a spin, then took the lead and sprinted to the finish line for his first win in the prestigious series.

“Mike and Eric were beating each other up pretty good,” Pursley said. “I got under (David) and he turned down. It definitely wasn’t intentional. We don’t run that way. David is a friend of mine and we’ve been racing together a long time.”

However, David appeared to be upset at the turn of events after he led for more than 60 laps before the mishap on the last circuit.

“It’s just one of those thing,” Pursley said.

Moses Smith of Tempe, AZ, who had not been a factor in the race until the end when he scooted around the last lap skirmish, finished second while Holmes took third.

Unofficial Results

1. 26 Greg Pursley, Newhall, CA, 155 laps
2. 16 Moses Smith, Tempe, AZ, 155
3. 20 Eric Holmes, Escalon, CA, 155
4. 88 Jamie Dick, Albuquerque, NM, 155
5. 61 Brett Thompson, Jerome, ID,155
6. 17 David Mayhew, Atascadero, CA, 155
7. 2 Mike David, Modesto, CA, 155
8. 34 Johathon Gomez, Twin Falls, ID, 155
9. 6 Jason Bowles, Ontario, CA, 154
10. 10 James Warm, Aurora, OR, 154
11. 21 Blake Koch, West Palm Beach, FL, 154
12. 3 Wes Banks, Oakdale, CA, 153
13. 15 Jack Sellers, Sacramento, CA, 152
14. 5 Jonathan Hale, Rio Linda, CA, 152
15. 1 Jim Inglebright, Fairfield, CA, 150
16. 09 Bow Carpenter, San Antonio, TX, 147
17. 12 Paulie Harraka, Wayne, NJ, 106
DNF 04 Phillip Hollis, Evandale, TX, 29
DNF 31 Jim Marchino, Modesto, CA, 5

Earlier in the evening, Bobby East of Pittsboro, IN, knocked out an easy victory in the Texas Lightning 100 USAC midget car race. By the time 30 of the race’s 60 laps were in the books, East had lapped seven cars and had built a huge lead over the 22-car field.

“I could tell the car was fast, but you never know how fast until you run,” East said.

Even after a caution flag bunched the cars after 30 laps, East re-asserted himself and won virtually without contest.

“We had a great lead and the car ran great the whole race,” East said. “Hopefully, it’s a sign of things to come.”

The win was East’s first in four starts this season. Within three weeks, he said, his team will be back up in Indiana, where midget racing enjoys its greatest popularity. After starting the season with three races in California, East wasn’t alone in expecting the Texas weather to be more accommodating.

However, race night temperatures in the upper 40s kept the track from heating up enough to prevent sliding.

“It was colder here today than it was in Indiana,” East said.

Unofficial Results

1. 4 Bobby East, 60 laps
2. 3 Darren Hagen, 60
3. 7A Dakoda Armstrong, 60
4. 67 Kevin Swindell, 60
5. 21 Tracy Hines, 60
6. 17B Brad Kuhn, 60
7. 1 Cole Whitt, 60
8. 11 Jerry Coons Jr, 60
9. 98 Bobby Santos, 60
10. 7C Caleb Armstrong, 60
11. 30 Chad Boat, 60
12. 49 Brad Sweet, 60
13. 20 Levi Jones, 60
14. 69 A.J. Fike, 59
15. 8 Ricky Ehrgott, 58
16. 97 Cale Conley, 58
17. 12 Henry Clarke, 57
18. 06 Mario Clouser, 54
19. 17 Chris Windom, 44
20. 16 Slade Miller, 25
21. 31 Buddy Lowther, 21
22. 5D Zach Daum, 4

In the night’s first race, a 50-lap Texas Super Racing Series feature, Robert Barker beat Heath Stewart by one-half car length after the two raced neck and neck for the duration.

Barker, the runnerup to 2008 TSRS Late Model champion Heath Stewart last season, got a bit of revenge as he got the jump on Stewart at the very start of the race then held off Stewart for the entire race and won by a scant half-a-car length at the finish.

The win is Barker’s fourth career TSRS win, moving him up into a tie for fifth place on the all-time TSRS win list with Stewart as well as former series champ Ronny New.

This race also generated a bit of controversy.

On Lap 44, Stewart, who was being challenged hard by ‘08 Rookie of the Year Jake Kruger, spun coming out of Turn 2 after contact with Kruger. After some discussion among race officials it was ruled that Kruger had spun Stewart and sent Kruger to the back while Stewart retained his second-place spot.

Official Results
1. Robert Barker, Boerne
2. Heath Stewart, Del Valle
3. Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort
4. Chris Schild, Leander
5. Cary Stapp, San Marcos
6. Jeff O’Neill (R), Round Rock
7. Dillon Spreen, Boerne
8. Jake Kruger, Bastrop
9. Bradley Burke, Johnson City
10. Kendall Bumbera (R), Sealy
11. Todd Farris, College Station
12. Mark Mathias (R), San Antonio
13. Jason Hollander, Round Rock
14. Cody Smith, La Vernia
15. Levi Krauss (R), Schertz

(R) Denotes 2009 TSRS Rookie

Staff Report
Photos by Jeff Garvin and Tory Christopher

Allstate Texas Racefest still on despite damp weather

Tavo Hellmund of Full Throttle Productions, the Austin-based company putting this weekend’s Allstate Texas Racefest stock car racing event on at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, told Lone Star Speedzone that the races set for Saturday evening are still “on” despite the uncooperative weatherman.

“At this point all we’ve had to do is move the Texas Super Racing Series Late Models qualifying from today to tomorrow (Saturday) morning,” Hellmund said in a telephone interview late Friday afternoon. “We’re going to do everything we can to run this show off as advertised.”

Many of the NASCAR Grand National West teams have already arrived at the 3/8-mile, D-shaped oval just off I-35 North at the 210 exit. The USAC Midgets, who are also on the Racefest lineup, are scheduled to compete at Red River Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas, tonight, but it is unclear whether that event has been postponed due to the soggy conditions.

Anyone interested in “up-to-the-minute” status of the Allstate Texas Racefest should log into the forum area of Lone Star Speedzone by clicking on the “Forums” button at the top of this page.

Staff report

Proven field lines up for Texas Super Racing Series opener this weekend at THR

There will plenty of “bragging rights” at the start/finish line when the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models line up to take the green flag for their season opener this Saturday for the Allstate Texas Thunder 50 at the 3/8-mile asphalt oval that is Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX).

Among the drivers expected to start the TSRS season opener, there are 22 track and series championships, along with four Rookie of the Year (ROY) trophies.

Included in that barrage of championships and ROY titles is 2005 TSRS champion Chris Schild (Leander, TX), who had a four-year run of winning at least one race, which was snapped last season. Schild, the 2005 TSRS champion, has more than enough incentive to drive to victory lane on Saturday, as he’s tied with ‘06 series champ Tommy Gural for the most career wins in TSRS history (eight).

And expect Schild to start near the front as he’s the series leader in Fast Qualifier Awards (13).

There will be plenty of competition from a field that includes a host of up-and-coming youngsters. Fifteen-year-old Jake Kruger (Bastrop, TX) won two series races in ’08 and beat out Dillon Spreen (age 14) for the ROY award last season. Spreen, from Boerne (TX), is a nine-time champion (seven quarter-midget regional championships, two Allison Legacy championships) and will be out to add another drivers’ award to his large trophy case.

Two more young guns who will take their first laps in TSRS at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) on Saturday: Levi Krauss (age 17, Schertz, TX), the ‘08 ASA A-Line Super Stock ROY at THR; and, Kendall Bumbera, (Sealy, TX) the sister to Kristin Bumbera, who is currently driving in the NASCAR Camping World Series East for Bobby Hamilton, Jr.

Schild is one of a few “grizzled veterans” who will be spotlighted Saturday. Cody Smith, who was the 2006 TSRS ROY and Runner-up Champion as well as the ’05 THR Hobby Stock Champion, will steer his #05 car onto the track. He and Schild will be joined – among others – by Cary Stapp, the 2008 ASA National Champion and four-time THR ASA A-Line Super Stock champ; and, Bobby Teer Jr. (Comfort, TX) the 2004 THR Super Stock champ.

Information on TSRS can be found at www.manracingpromotions.com. Information about THR and the Allstate Texas Racefest can be found at www.texasracefest.com.

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Jeff Garvin

Gator Motorplex enjoys action-packed opening night

The Lone Star Speedzone crew made the trip from San Marcos to Gator Motorplex in Wills, Texas, to catch the “opening night” racing action at the wonderfully-prepared, red clay, high-banked, quarter-mile “almost-oval” oval. I say “almost” because the entry to turns one and three are tighter than the exits to their corresponding turns, two and four, making for some interesting differences in driving styles as drivers searched for the quick way around.

Despite the threat of rain, a great opening night crowd was on hand, with the crowd about evenly divided between the concrete “grandstands” and the terraced hillside just outside turn 3-4. The clouds only turned dark enough to actually rain for a brief 15-minute period and the track was soon race ready thanks to some quick work by the two famous Gator school buses, one of which has six wheels on the rear axle.

Since this was my first race at Gator, I only knew a couple of drivers - Lone Star Speedzone’s very own Arthur Hermiz in the Hobby Stock class and David Lege, Jr (I actually know your dad, David…) in the Limited Modified division. So, if I have messed up someone’s name or have something else totally mixed up, please be nice.

Modifieds

The Modified feature had Kevin Sturgess and Jeff Wood on the front row, but the 20-lapper got off to a rocky start with lots of banging and bumping and a spin or two which brought out an immediate yellow flag.

The next start was much better with Sturgess getting out first, followed by Wood who went to the inside. Bryan Vollmer quickly moved into third as Wood worked the outside while Sturgess searched for grip down low.

Meanwhile, Steve Pugh moved into fourth behind Vollmer while Ricky Bain took over the fifth spot.

Not sure at what lap, but after a few laps of working on Sturgess, Wood pulled into the infield, done for the night. Pugh, who had gotten by Vollmer a bit earlier, then inherited the tough job of running down Sturgess.

Pugh’s job was made much easier, though, when the yellow flew at about mid race for a turn 3-4 spin by Russell Moore.

On the restart, Pugh seemed poised to make a move on Sturgess, but his engine went up in a cloud of blue smoke going down the front straight. It was pretty much a cakewalk for Sturgess after that.

Sturgess, who ran a smart, smooth race was followed to the line by Kaif Sellier, who took advantage of the fact that several in front of him had problems, Pugh and Belge.

Russell Moore and Bryan Vollmer won their heat races.

Modified results showing Finishing Position, Starting Position, Car Number, Name, Hometown

1 1 121 Kevin Sturgess Tomball , Tx
2 12 4$ Kalif Sellier Katy , Tx
3 6 156 Steve Pugh Willis , Tx
4 9 7 Mike Belge Willis , Tx
5 5 44 Marcus Berndt Katy , Tx
6 10 32 Doug Byrns Willis , Tx
7 3 148 Russell Moore Conroe , Tx
8 7 55 Roger Faulkner Conroe , Tx
9 13 167 Alan Drewry
10 8 07 Keith Wright Willis , Tx
11 4 129 Bryan Vollmer Tomball , Tx
12 2 51 Jeff Wood Willis , Tx
13 11 28 Ricky Bain College Station, Tx

Hobby Stocks

The Hobby Main featured a great duel between eventual winner Ronnie Williams and heat-race winner John Warner.

Ronnie Williams and Mark Gallagher started on the front row with Rodney Mears and John Gregory in row two. Williams got out first but Gallagher and Jessie Flowers tangled in 3-4 to bring out the caution flag before a lap was complete. That moved Mears up to the front row and Warner inherited a row two spot for the restart.

Warner moved past Flowers using the outside immediately after the restart and set his sights on and quickly caught Williams.

The front-running pair easily separated themselves from the rest of the field and made a bit of contact with each other occasionally as they diced for the lead. They had half a lap on the field at the halfway flags with Mears and Ricky Hudson heading the rest of the pack. But Hudson lost his spot after taking a quick trip through the infield.

With six left, Clayton Lorenz stopped his damaged car in turn four. This bunched up the field which had become so spread out that the leaders were about to start lapping the back markers.

The restart had Williams, Warner, Brandon Moore and Arthur Hermiz up front. Williams got a great jump and took off with Warner in hot pursuit, but debris in turn one only a lap later brought out another yellow.

Warner valiantly tried the inside for the last few laps, but Williams took the checkered flag with his rival glued to his rear bumper.

Jessie Flowers, John Warner and Rodney Mears were the heat winners.

Hobby Stock Results showing Finishing Position, Starting Position, Car Number, Name, Hometown

1 2 2 Ronnie Williams Conroe , Tx
2 6 20 John Warner Conroe , Tx
3 13 123 Brandon Moore
4 9 76 Daniel King
5 15 777 Arthur Hermiz Conroe , Tx
6 4 17 Ricky Hudson Montgomery , Tx
7 1 6M Mark Gallagher Bryan , Tx
8 11 41 Charles Viereck Willis , Tx
9 7 27VF John Gregory Montgomery , Tx
10 10 21R Ronnie Racer Shelby Conroe , Tx
11 3 77 Rodney Mears Tomball , Tx
12 14 21 Earl Schultz Spring , Tx
13 8 777L Clayton Lorenz Willis , Tx
14 12 67 E. Wade Johnson Willis , Tx
15 5 333 Jessie Flowers Conroe , Tx

Pure Stocks

Terry Parsley and Robb Slott started on the front row, but a multi-car free-for-all down the front straight as the green waved scattered cars everywhere. No real harm done except to heat winner Casey Garvin’s car which made all sorts of evil noises as he joined the rear of the field for the restart.

Slott won the drag race to turn one as the green waved, but had Parsley on his tail right away.

Parsley tried the inside line while Slott used the outside to his advantage for several laps in the early going as the pair opened up a big gap back to the pack.

It wasn’t long before the dueling duo was dealing (sorry… ) with lapped traffic. Parsley was able to peel off Slott using a lapped car to take over the lead at about halfway.

Meanwhile, back in the pack, there was lots of beating and banging as the leaders tried to work their way through. Parsley worked traffic to his advantage and for the next few laps opened up a several car-length lead.

As the laps wound down the Parsley was able to maintain his advantage over Slott, but someone spun (not sure who) and the caution flag waved to set up a green, white, checkered finish that was bound to produce some fireworks.

But it was not to be as Parsley was called into the infield by race officials for an unexplained reason and did not return to the track.

Slott was then easily held off Matthew Berry, who finished second.

Will Carter, Stetson Adams and Casey Garvin and won their respective heat races.

Pure Stock Results showing Finishing Position, Car Number, Name

1st 48ROB Rob Slott
2nd 02 Matthew Berry
3rd 89 Corey Hamilton
4th 818 Stetson Adams
5th 77 Garrett Gregory
6th 2 Preston Lawson
7th 29 Kasey Garvin
8th 57 Mike Hooper
9th 723 Ronnie Mekalip
10th 20N Syble Matthews
11th 179 Donald Cain Jr
12th 2R Ricky Kelley
13th 81 Dale Spencer
14th 89C Codey Hamilton
15th 3P Terry Parsley
16th 43 Bubba Matthews
17th 14 Derek Legg
18th 55 Tyler Moore

Street Stocks

Theresa Waller and Mike DeGroot started on the front row with DeGroot getting the point on the first lap. Mike Johnson and Barry McIllwain soon joined the front pair and the four of them took off.

At halfway the front four were still nose-to-tail with everyone running basically the same line - more or less in the middle - with no one searching low or looking for the berm up high.

After a brief caution for a minor spin, DeGroot got a good jump on Waller as the green flew as does McIllwain who challenged Waller for a lap or two. I’m not too sure what happened to Johnson who was running third earlier. Conner Lazenby made it a four-pack up front at the laps wound down.

This foursome ran close and clean for the rest of the race with DeGroot, Waller, McIllwain and Lazenby finishing in that order.

Johnson and DeGroot were the heat race winners.

Street Stock resutls showing Finishing Position, Car Number, Name

1st 21 Mike DeGroot
2nd 3 Theresa Waller
3rd 41 Barry McIllwain
4th 10 Connor Lazenby
5th 29 Jason Kibby
6th 20 Mike Johnson
7th 32 Chanc Towery
8th 2H Jeffrey Jackson
9th 43 David Jackson

Limited Mods

Twenty-two Limited Modifieds lined up for their 20-lap, $1,000 to win feature.

As you might imagine, it was a wild start, but they all made it through with Jeff Wood jumping out first and Johnny Holder in second.

Wood looked very strong in the early going with Holder not able to mount much of a challenge. Tommy Moore looked pretty strong in third, but a spin in the pack brings out the yellow with only a few laps in the books.

As they got back to racing, Holder and Moore made some serious contact but both were able to hold on as Dalton Faulkner moved into fourth.

After a caution for a spinner, Holder tried the very low side for a lap or two, but Wood made the center of the track work for him as the red clay got blacker and blacker.

Wood was never seriously challenged after Holder determined that the bottom wasn’t going to work and went wire-to-wire for a very convincing win.

Holder, Wood, Moore and (not too sure, but maybe) Brad Brumbly won their heats.

Limited Modified resutls showing Finishing Position, Car Number, Name

1st 40P Jeff Wood
2nd 4 Johnny Holder
3rd 148 Tommy Moore
4th 27 Dalton Faulkner
5th 71 Chase Bresee
6th 7 Brad Brumley
7th 5C Steve Clayton
8th 86 Justin Collins
9th 14 Roy Catlin
10th 24 James Gunter
11th 388 Steve Burrow
12th 9 David Lege Jr
13th 78 Andy Mahoney
14th 92 Tim Ferguson
15th 627 Mark Jackson
16th 17 Cody Dusty
17th 107 Todd Jouett
18th 18 Bobby Middleton
19th 87 Dennis Miley
20th R3W Rick Wolfe
21st 20 Eddie Holley
22nd 590 Jonathan Walker

Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - 3/10/2009

In this week’s Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, were gonna go racing at Gator Motorplex! Nick Holt and track announcer Roland Morgan will get the inside scoop about what’s going on in Willis.

Keith White wins Heart O’ Texas Speedway Modified Jack Bagby Memorial

Keith White used a daring mid-race pass of early leader Benji Kirkpatrick to claim the Jack Bagby Memorial for the IMCA Modifieds in the season opening event at Heart O’ Texas Speedway Friday night. White made the pass for the lead when Kirkpatrick bobbled in turn four and squeezed by while sustaining right side body damage when the two cars made contact. White then pulled away for the win followed by Pat McGuire and Justin Radcliff.

Other feature winners include T.J. Green in the SportMods, Charles Cosper in Hobby Stocks, Jason Gauntt in Street Stocks, Melvin Kemp Jr. in Pure Stocks, Charles Goodnight in Cruisers, Alex Norris in Junior Mini Stocks, Mike Kelly in Twisters and Jeb Sessums in Mini Sprints.

The 2009 race season continues next Friday with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Junior Mini Stocks, Twisters and the Wing Modifieds.

IMCA Modifieds 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Keith White (Academy, TX), 2. Pat McGuire (Belton, TX), 3. Justin Radcliff (China Spring, TX), 4. Ben Ketteman (Pflugerville, TX), 5. Eric Tomlinson (Robinson, TX), 6. Michael Lamb (Ft Worth, Tx), 7. Jimmie Helona (Crawford, Tx), 8. Wesley Dulock (West, Tx), 9. Cody Daniel (Lacy Lakeview, TX), 10. Kenny Stone (Temple, TX), 11. Benji Kirkpatrick (Waco, Tx), 12. Shannon Parsons (Chilton, Tx), 13. Chase Jupe (West, Tx),

IMCA SportMods 3/6/2009

Feature:1. T. J. Green (Robinson, TX), 2. Kenny Ware (Belton, Tx), 3. Lil’ Robert Black (Waco, TX), 4. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX), 5. Kevin Green (Robinson, TX), 6. Keith White (Academy, TX), 7. Joe Spillman (Marble Falls, TX), 8. Randy Doyle (Killeen, Tx), 9. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX), 10. Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX), 11. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, Tx), 12. Mitch Tierney (Temple, Tx), 13. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX), 14. Bobby Mercer Jr (China Spring, TX), 15. Corky Coffer (West, TX),

IMCA Hobby Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Charles Cosper (Belton, Tx), 2. Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX), 3. Jason Shahan (China Spring, TX), 4. Billy Taylor (Gatsville, Tx), 5. Richard Rodriquez (Eddy, TX), 6. Andy Roller (Bellmead, TX), 7. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, Tx), 8. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX), 9. Kyle Davis (Waco, Tx), 10. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX), 11. Joe Williams (Waco, Tx), 12. Gene Yates (Glenn Heights, TX), 13. Les Maxwell (Waco, TX), 14. Michael Robertson (McGregor, TX), 15. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX), 16. Ray Kemp, 17. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX),

Street Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Jason Gauntt (Elm Mott, Tx), 2. John Heffelfinger (Waco, TX), 3. Doug Andrews (Elm Mott, TX), 4. Brandon Geurin (Whitney, TX), 5. Matt Hood (Waco, TX), 6. Jason Honey (Waco, Tx), 7. Sam Sovey (Waco, TX), 8. Ed Thompson (Waco, TX), 9. Tommy Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX), 10. Chuck Hamlin (Elm Mott, TX), 11. Lewis Blackwood (Pendleton, TX), 12. Bill Eller (Lorena, TX), 13. Mark Geurin (Whitney, TX), 14. David Khoury (Waco, Tx), 15. Paul Bolfing (Waco, Tx),

Pure Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Melvin Gene Kemp Jr (Waco, TX), 2. Mike Bolfing (Wimberley, Tx), 3. Lil’ Robert Black (Hewitt, Tx), 4. Michael Votaw (Whitney, TX), 5. Jimmy Reid (Waco, TX), 6. Greg Andrews (Waco, TX), 7. Wade White (Gholson, TX), 8. Chad Pelham (Whitney, TX), 9. Jeff Williams (Waco, Tx), 10. James Haynes (Hubbard, TX), 11. Billy Williams (Waco, Tx), 12. Jack Jenkins (Waco, TX), 13. Billy Rupert (Mexia, TX), 14. Paul Bolfing (Waco, TX), 15. Edward Harcrow (West, TX), 16. Jeff Willis (West, TX), 17. David Andrews (Bellmead, TX), 18. Scott Wimberley (Covington, TX),

Cruisers 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Charles Goodnight (Lacy Lakeview, TX), 2. Martin Quiram (Hubbard, Tx), 3. Gordon Coble (Lago Vista, TX), 4. Heath Zucka, 5. Barry Gaston (Waco, Tx), 6. Dwain Wills (Waco, TX), 7. William Dean (Elm Mott, TX), 8. Andrew Richards (Robinson, TX), 9. Dan Webre Jr (West, TX), 10. Steve Wade (Waco, TX), 11. Randy Thompson (Mt Calm, TX), 12. Justin Bailey (Mt Calm, Tx), 13. Eric Newton (Mart, TX), 14. Russell Bullock (Waco, TX), 15. Luther Carnahan (Waco, Tx), 16. Jeffrey Quiram (Hubbard, Tx), 17. Hollie Gaston (Waco, TX), 18. J. R. Walker (Waco, TX),

Jr. Mini Stock 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Alex Norris (Elm Mott, TX), 2. Jordan Kornegay (China Spring, TX), 3. Dylan Shilling (Elm Mott, Tx), 4. Cory Kreder (Elm Mott, TX), 5. Cheyenne Reese (Hillsboro, TX),

Twisters 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Mike Kelly (Weatherford, Tx), 2. Corey Homan (Oglesby, Tx), 3. Jay Hutson (Waco, TX), 4. Chris Wilson (Waco, TX), 5. James Barber (Bellmead, Tx),

Mini Sprints 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Jeb Sessums (Burleson, TX), 2. Ralph Wren, 3. Tony Smith (Libery Hill, TX), 4. Robby Fox (Cleburne, TX), 5. Amerin Betteridge (Joshua, TX), 6. Duston Davidson (West, TX), 7. Coy Jorden (Teague, TX), 8. Jon Randall (Waco, TX), 9. Andy Hogan (Decatur, TX), 10. Sasha Sessums (Burleson, TX), 11. Tyler Russell (Hillsboro, TX), 12. Michael Hernandez (San Antonio, TX), 13. Roy Hutchison (Weatherford, TX), 14. Kyle Thompson, 15. Trevor Reed (Waco, TX), 16. James Scruggs (College Station, TX), 17. Michelle Melton (Flower Mound, TX), 18. Kaley Engstrom (Rhome, TX), 19. Jacob Gilliam (Temple, TX), 20. Kenny Elwood (Chalk Bluff, TX), 21. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX), 22. Tom Hutchison (Alvarado, TX),

Texan Casey Smith snake bitten at the “Rattler”

The 33rd version of the annual Rattler 250 race at Opp, Alabama’s South Alabama Speedway seemed to be the ideal place for Texas native Casey Smith to start his 2009 racing season out since it was the track that Smith had won the last two years worth of Viper series super late model championships.

Unfortunately, it was like déjà vu of the same race a year ago. Smith was crowned the 2008 Viper series champion even having a live rattlesnake draped over his shoulders before seeing a solid run end early due to a broken gear just 115 laps in.

“It’s pretty disappointing to end the way we did after how good of a car we had,” stated Casey. “We practiced well both Friday and Saturday so we knew that our car would race well and it did. Breaking a gear is something you just can’t control and I think that’s probably the main reason why it bothers me more than something else.”

The broken gear was the reason why Casey’s day came to any early end but there may be more to it.

On Saturday afternoon’s super late model qualifying Smith broke an axle on his #99 Rapid Disposal/Smith Paving Chevy Monte Carlo during his first shift through the gearbox resulting in having to use one of his Viper series championship perks of a guaranteed top ten starting position. One would have to wonder if perhaps this may have played a part in the broken gear issue. While the mechanical issue may have been the main topic of discussion in the Smith camp, the fact that he had a car that could have definitely competed for the win was seen by all in attendance.

“I’m kind of thinking that maybe when we broke that axle in qualifying it may have hurt something in the rear end,” Smith said. “But I’m not really sure until we get it back to the shop and look everything over. We’ll just move forward from here and start focusing on the new Gulf Coast Championship series at Pensacola and Mobile in a couple weeks.”

by Chris Ragle

Wright Completes ASCS Gulf South weekend sweep with 105 Speedway win

Gary Wright completed a sweep of the American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region’s season opening weekend by racing to victory lane in Saturday night’s 25-lap Gulf Coast Nationals at 105 Speedway.

Wright battled past Tony Bruce, Jr., for the lead on the seventh circuit and set the pace over the remaining distance to post his second $3,000 victory in as many nights.

“We’re starting to get things dialed in, I think we’re just about where we need to be for the National races,” Wright commented of his ASI-powered Lubbock Wrecker Service No. 11x Maxim and his looming Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series championship pursuit.

After another heat race win from the pole position, Wright ranked eighth in passing points to barely make it into the redraw. And, with luck on his side, the seven drivers that drew before “The Texan” left him the number one pill and the pole starting position for the main event.

While Wright led the way to the green flag, it was front row outside starter Tony Bruce, Jr., gunning into the lead at the outset as Wright found himself chasing the Liberal, KS, racer for the second night in a row.

This time though, Wright pounced early rather than waiting for the final circuits. Wright turned the heat up on Bruce just a handful of laps into the race and shot into the lead when Bruce made the slightest of bobbles on the turn four cushion on lap seven.

Bruce kept pace with Wright the rest of the way, looking for an opening that never came as they spent much of the time in lapped traffic. One final opportunity presented itself when Brandon Berryman, Greg Rilat and Tommy Bryant tangled on the backstretch as Wright raced underneath the white flag.

Bruce made a bid for the lead on the ensuing green-white-checkered restart, but Wright was up to the task. Bruce settled for runner-up honors for the second night in a row in his Rider-powered No. 18 Maxim.

Finishing behind Wright and Bruce, Eighteen-year-old Channin Tankersley rebounded from a rough Friday night to snare the show position in the Griffith Truck & Equipment No. 71 Maxim. Jason Johnson climbed seven positions aboard Marvin Pearson’s No. 11 Eagle to claim fourth, taking full advantage of the race’s final caution to battle past Eric Baldaccini, who rounded out the top five after starting 12th.

Ray Allen Kulhanek raced from 15th to finish sixth, with Aaron Reutzel, 16th-starter Kevin Ramey, Kent Lewis, Jr., and Jimmy Brooks completing the top ten. Finishing one position outside the top ten in just his second Sprint Car outing was Washington teen Logan Forler.

Lewis, Tankersley, Wright, Greg Rilat and James McNeil topped heat race action for the 38-car field, with Kulhanek and Ramey winning the twin “B” Mains. McNeil got upside down in turn one just two laps into the feature event.

American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region Results from 105 Speedway:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 2. 2L-Logan Forler, 3. 74e-Claud Estes, 4. 13-Kathryne Minter, 5. 19-Klint Angelette, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 12s-Steve Hubbard, 8. 1-Sean McClelland.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 71-Channin Tankersley, 2. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 3. 74-Brandon Corn, 4. 87x-Billy Melton, 5. 14e-Todd Evans, 6. 69-Larry Howery, 7. 17c-Greg Coleman, 8. 20-Terry Monroe.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 11-Jason Johnson, 4. 5-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 5. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 6. 29-Travis Rilat, 7. 30x-Bean Elliott. DNS: 10-Larry Hartwell.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 35-Greg Rilat, 2. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 3. 30-Scottie McDonald, 4. 12-Trey Schmidt, 5. d20-David Noker, 6. 71s-Tim Simmons, 7. 15T-Travis Elliott.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 80-James McNeil, 2. 31-Brandon Berryman, 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 4. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 5. 76-John Ricketts, 6. 93-Chris Sweeney, 7. 1x-Robby Wolfgang.

First “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 5-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 2. 87x-Billy Melton, 3. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 4. 12-Trey Schmidt, 5. 30x-Bean Elliott, 6. 13-Kathryne Minter, 7. 19-Klint Angelette, 8. 12s-Steve Hubbard, 9. 1x-Robby Wolfgang, 10. 20-Terry Monroe, 11. 69-Larry Howery. Disqualified: 29-Travis Rilat (failed to report to scales after finishing second).

Second “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 2. 74-Brandon Corn, 3. 76-John Ricketts, 4. 1-Sean McClelland, 5. 93-Chris Sweeney, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. d20-David Noker, 8. 14e-Todd Evans, 9. 15T-Travis Elliott, 10. 17c-Greg Coleman. DNS: 71s-Tim Simmons, 10-Larry Hartwell.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 3. 71-Channin Tankersley, 4. 11-Jason Johnson, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 5-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 7. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 8. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 9. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 10. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 11. 2L-Logan Forler, 12. 30-Scottie McDonald, 13. 87x-Billy Melton, 14. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 15. 31-Brandon Berryman, 16. 35-Greg Rilat, 17. 76-John Ricketts, 18. 74-Brandon Corn, 19. 74e-Claud Estes, 20. 80-James McNeil.

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Gary Wright 300, 2. Tony Bruce, Jr. 292, 3. Jason Johnson 284, 4. Kevin Ramey 272, 5. Scottie McDonald 266, 6. (tie) Aaron Reutzel and Kent Lewis, Jr. 262, 8. (tie) Channin Tankersley and Tommy Bryant 258, 10. Eric Baldaccini 256.

by Lonnie Wheatley

Photos courtesy of ASCS

Gary Wright wins Friday’s ASCS Gulf South Opener at Golden Triangle Raceway Park

It didn’t take long for Gary Wright to find the winning combination in his new ride, as he made a lap 23 pass of race long leader Tony Bruce, Jr., to top Friday night’s season-opening 25-lap American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region feature event at Golden Triangle Raceway Park.

In just his third night aboard Scott Brown’s ASI-powered Lubbock Wrecker Service/Richwood Construction No. 9x Maxim, “The Texan” worked the top side of the ¼-mile gumbo clay oval to deny Liberal, KS, shoe Bruce the $3,000 winner’s share in the Prelude to the Gulf Coast Nationals.

“That was a good race,” Wright commented as he climbed from his winning mount, understating the sentiments of the standing room only crowd.

After winning his heat race from the pole position, Wright started the main event from the second row and was up to third behind Bruce and Travis Rilat after just two laps. Wright eventually took second from Rilat on the 18th lap before making the winning move.

Bruce started the race to Wright’s inside, but, after the initial start was waved off for Sean McClelland’s turn two spin, needed only a half lap to dispose of front row starters Brandon Berryman and Rilat for the lead. Bruce and Rilat took off in short order, reaching lapped traffic after just seven laps as Wright closed in to make it a three car duel for the point.

After dicing in frantic fashion for several laps in heavy traffic, Rilat raced into the lead on the 14th lap only to have the move negated when Channin Tankersley jumped the turn four cushion and spun to a stop.

Tankersley’s night got worse two laps later when he got upside down on the frontstretch after banging wheels with Aaron Reutzel. Done for the night, Tankersley walked away unscathed.

Under the ensuing caution, Rilat’s victory hopes deflated along with his left rear tire. While the nearly flat tire built pressure back up to some extent when green flag conditions resumed, the resulting lack of forward bite left Rilat defenseless to Wright’s oncoming charge.

Wright blasted past Rilat for second on the 18th lap and began reeling in Bruce, who was working the low side of the track in his Rider-powered No. 18 Maxim.

With the leaders reaching the tail of the field in the final circuits, Wright briefly surged ahead of Bruce on the 22nd lap in the struggle for the win. Bruce fought back to retain command briefly, but the next time around it was Wright snaring the lead for keeps.

“He’s still the man to beat, no question about it,” Bruce commented of Wright, who will vie for a fifth Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series championship in 2009.

Bruce settled for runner-up honors, with Rilat holding on for the show position in the Shark-powered F&J Construction No. 29 Triple X.

Defending ASCS National champion Jason Johnson gained a pair of positions to bring Marvin Pearson’s Wesmar-powered No. 11 Eagle home fourth, giving Lucas Oil ASCS championship contenders a sweep of the top four positions.

Making his first start aboard the MSG Motorsports No. 30, Scottie McDonald was the top finisher among the ASCS Gulf South championship contenders by rounding out the top five.

Kevin Ramey crossed the stripe sixth, while Tommy Bryant earned Hard Charger honors by racing from 18th to seventh. Two-time and defending ASCS Gulf South champion Brandon Berryman slipped to eighth at the finish, with ASCS Lone Star hopeful John Ricketts and Gulf South shoe Kent Lewis, Jr., completing the top ten.

Kathryne Minter crossed the stripe ninth but was docked two positions for jumping the race’s final restart, resulting in an eleventh-place finish in the final rundown.

Rilat, Bruce, Ramey, McDonald and Wright topped heat race action for the 36-car field, with Reutzel and Brandon Corn winning the twin 12-lap “B” Mains.

The weekend’s action continues with Saturday night’s Second Annual Gulf Coast Nationals at 105 Speedway in Cleveland, TX, with another $3,000 winner’s cut up for grabs.

American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region Results from Golden Triangle Raceway Park:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 13-Kathryne Minter, 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 4. 15T-Travis Elliott, 5. 35-Greg Rilat, 6. 3-Gary Watson, 7. 69-Larry Howery, 8. 2L-Logan Forler.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 2. 76-John Ricketts, 3. 74-Brandon Corn, 4. 80-James McNeil, 5. 87x-Billy Melton, 6. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 7. 17c-Greg Coleman.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 2. 12-Trey Schmidt, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 5. d20-David Noker, 6. 5m-Glenn Martin, 7. 30x-Bean Elliott.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 30-Scottie McDonald, 2. 31-Brandon Berryman, 3. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 4. 1-Sean McClelland, 5. 19-Klint Angelette, 6. 1x-Robby Wolfgang, 7. 12s-Steve Hubbard.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 11-Jason Johnson, 3. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 4. 71-Channin Tankersley, 5. 93-Chris Sweeney, 6. 5*-Ray Allen Kulhanek. DNS: 10-Larry Hartwell.

First “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 2. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 3. 3-Gary Watson, 4. 5*-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 5. 93-Chris Sweeney, 6. 35-Greg Rilat, 7. 80-James McNeil, 8. 2L-Logan Forler, 9. 12s-Steve Hubbard, 10. d20-David Noker. DNS: 30x-Bean Elliott.

Second “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 74-Brandon Corn, 2. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 3. 71-Channin Tankersley, 4. 87x-Billy Melton, 5. 19-Klint Angelette, 6. 69-Larry Howery, 7. 17c-Greg Coleman, 8. 1x-Robby Wolfgang, 9. 15T-Travis Elliott. DNS: 5m-Glenn Martin, 10-Larry Hartwell.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 3. 29-Travis Rilat, 4. 11-Jason Johnson, 5. 30-Scottie McDonald, 6. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 7. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 8. 31-Brandon Berryman, 9. 76-John Ricketts, 10. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 11. 13-Kathryne Minter, 12. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 13. 74-Brandon Corn, 14. 3-Gary Watson, 15. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 16. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 17. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 18. 71-Channin Tankersley, 19. 1-Sean McClelland, 20. 12-Trey Schmidt.

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Gary Wright 150, 2. Tony Bruce, Jr. 146, 3. Travis Rilat 144, 4. Jason Johnson 142, 5. Scottie McDonald 140, 6. Kevin Ramey 138, 7. Tommy Bryant 136, 8. Brandon Berryman 134, 9. John Ricketts 132, 10. Kent Lewis, Jr. 130.

by Lonnie Wheatley

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