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Lone Star Video spotlight on 14 year-old Austin Self, former Kart Champ turned TSRS Late Model driver

Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef) and I were amazed that 14 year-old Austin Self, who had zero experience in a stock car and who had never even been on an oval track before, could jump in a Texas Super Racing Series Late Model and - except for one bobble - almost win over some of the best drivers in Texas, if not the country.

Here’s the Lone Star Speedzone video segment we put together to document this rather remarkable story.

Kart champ Austin Self, 14, proves himself in TSRS Late Model feature at THR while veteran Robert Barker wins

Any doubts as to whether Austin Self could transfer his Karting skills to Stock Car racing were dispelled Saturday night when the 14 year-old Karting Champion lead half the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model feature, clicked off the fastest race lap of the evening and finished third behind veteran drivers Robert Barker and Bobby Teer, Jr.

Starting from the pole in his first-ever stock car race and his first oval track race, there was skepticism among the veterans drivers behind him as to what kind of start he would give the field and what might play out in turn one.

When asked if he was nervous about starting on the pole, Austin replied, “I’ve started from the pole a hundred times before. Just not in a car on an oval,” he said with a big grin. “But seriously, I’m used to leading the field into one (turn). I’m just wondering if the cars behind me are going to stay in line or try something crazy.”

Sure enough, when the Late Model field came roaring out of four and headed into one on the start, Austin looked every bit the veteran driver as he stood on the gas and got up on the wheel. The only car keeping up by the time they crossed the stripe to complete the first lap was number 17 Ford of Robert Barker. It was a two car breakaway with Barker on his tail until the field regrouped following a lap-five yellow. It didn’t take long for Teer to join the group as the trio pulled away from the rest of the 12-car field.

They would stay in that order until lap 26 when Self went too hot into turn four trying to shake Barker and lost the car in the marbles. Barker and Teer slipped by but Self was able to keep the car off the wall and get it back down on the track to hold off the rest of the field.

“It amazed me that he was able to get the car back before hitting the wall. Most drivers would have over corrected and slammed the wall,” said his spotter, Curtis Drosche. The race would finish in that order, with Austin setting the fastest lap of the race and finishing third.

“I owe Heath (Stewart) and (Crew Chief) JR an apology. If I hadn’t lost the car in 4, I may have been able to give them the win that they deserve. The FEP Chevrolet handled well from the beginning to the end. I also need to thank Chris Baker and Curtis for the coaching and spotting. Thanks to my family, friends and all my fans out there for all the moral support they gave me leading up to this 1st race. Oh yeah, and good luck to my sister. She has finals at TCU next week,“ said Austin.

When asked what’s next Austin replied, “Well, we head to Indy and then on in to South Bend, Indiana next week for a WKA National Kart race. Then, it’s back home to Texas for some more Late Model Racing the week after that.”

For more information about Austin Self, check out his website at http://www.AustinSelf.com.

The Texas Super Racing Series website can be found at http://www.texassuperracingseries.com/.

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Live Updates from Thunderhill Raceway, 4/24/10

It’s always fun to bring you the racing action from Thunderhill Raceway and I’ll be doing just that this Saturday, April 24. I should be firing up the CoverItLive software around 5:00 p.m.

We invite your to ask questions and make “on subject” comments, but keep in mind that this is not a chat room. And please be aware that there may be some delay between the time you post your comment or question and when it shows up in the blog box.

Hope you enjoy the Live Updates!

Nick

The Past, Present and Future share Thunderhill Raceway’s Saturday show featuring 10 racing classes

Ten classes will race at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday, April 24, 2010, and the theme will be the Past (1998 track champions), Present (the 12th anniversary of the track on April 18) and Future (2010 rookie drivers).

And the family-oriented atmosphere will return to the Midway area, with various food booths and kids’ activities such as paintball, bouncers and carousels.

Fans can also interact with the drivers throughout the evening in the new Drivers’ Autograph Booth.

The Thunder Stocks will be the featured class - running qualifying laps instead of heat races. Their main event will be called the “Donna Burow Memorial Race,” in memory of the mother of the 2009 Thunder Stock Rookie of the Year, Patrick Burow.

On April 18, 1998, Thunderhill Raceway opened its gates for the first time and the track will be celebrating its 12th anniversary by giving give its fans a glimpse of the past, present and future. Tying the past to the present, the track will recognize its first race winners (from 1998) on the front straightaway during opening ceremonies – along with other drivers who raced during the track’s first event.

Mary Ann Naumann, THR’s Owner and Promoter, knows firsthand about the track’s history and has been a part of it since the beginning. After watching her family race and actually becoming a driver herself at the former Longhorn Speedway (Austin, TX), Naumann switched over to the track management side of the fence in 1999 by joining Thunderhill Raceway as its General Manager. She later became the owner and promoter in 2007, a role she thoroughly enjoys.

“I know Thunderhill Raceway has a rich racing history with many loyal race teams and fans,” Naumann said. “I feel that it’s important to look back on what got us to where we are today while moving forward at the same time to build on our future.”

In anticipation of its future, the track will also recognize the 2010 rookies during the opening ceremonies.

“We want to present our future stars to the fans and give them an opportunity to get to know them better,” said Naumann. “We had an autograph session during season opener a few weeks ago, but the fans didn’t know which drivers were new to stock car racing or those who were advancing to a new level of racing. I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised when they see how some of these rookie drivers perform on Saturday night.”

Ten classes are scheduled to run on Saturday night’s action-packed agenda. Grandstand gates will open at 5 pm, and the heat races will begin at 6 pm. Opening ceremonies will take place immediately after the heat races have been completed.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

by Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway
Jeff Garvin photo

Wayne Johnson notches Heart O’ Texas ASCS Lone Star Sprint win in borrowed ride

Oklahoma City native Wayne Johnson added another notch to the victory column by racing to victory lane in Friday night’s 25-lap American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region main event at Heart O’ Texas Speedway.

Taking the wheel of a second Brian Parker No. 9 entry, Johnson led all the way aboard the H&H Racing-powered Champion Dent Repair Triple-X for his 33rd career overall ASCS feature win.

Johnson took the checkered flag ahead of 2009 ASCS Lone Star points runner-up Brad Welborn, with reigning champion and current points leader Kevin Ramey taking the show position.

Kolt Walker crossed the stripe fourth, with Preston Peebles II rounding out the top five.

Claud Estes was sixth, with Justin Melton, Justin Spoerl, Michael Lang and Brandon Corn completing the top ten.

Peebles, Eric Baldaccini and Brian McClelland topped heat race action for Friday night’s 25-car field.

Baldaccini held down the third position in the main event until flipping with 16 laps in the books. Baldaccini was the second car to turn over in the main, as Andrew Marshala got upside down a handful of laps earlier.

“First off I have to thank Brian and Tina(Parker) for giving me the opportunity,” the winner said after the win. “This is the first I’ve driven for them and he first time I’ve ever been here. I didn’t even see the car until until 7PM last night. I really like this place, it’s racy and has some high banks. Starting up front front helped a lot too.

“These cars are close to being the same now days so jumping into a new ride isn’t that difficult. I travel with my own shocks so I’ve kind of got a base line. They may drive just a tick different and it takes time to get adjusted. The longer it(the race) went the better I felt. I’ve been driving these for for 24 years so it kind of comes natural.

“I run the National Series, a lot of 410 stuff and some Outlaw races. I’ve traveled all over from California to Pennsylvania. This year I don’t have a full time deal. I won the Ronald Laney Memorial down in East Bay(Fla.) and finished second at Devils Bowl. Every race I’ve been in a different car.”

ASCS Lone Star Region Results from Heart O’ Texas Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 2. 30x-Bean Elliott, 3. 45k-Kolt Walker, 4. 17w-Brad Welborn, 5. 9-Brian Parker, 6. 45-Martin Edwards, 7. 67-Rodney Henderson, 8. 87a-Andrew Marshala, 9. 58-Gary Floyd.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 2. 74e-Claud Estes, 3. 76-John Ricketts, 4. 6s-Justin Spoerl, 5. 30-Brandon Corn, 6. 22j-John Gaston, 7. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 8. 14-Michael Lang.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 25-Brian McClelland, 2. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 3. 11-Justin Melton, 4. 9x-Wayne Johnson, 5. 5c-Chris Coker, 6. 5m-Glenn Martin, 7. 69h-Larry Howery, 8. 1r-Scott Reneau.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9x-Wayne Johnson, 2. 17w-Brad Welborn, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 45k-Kolt Walker, 5. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 6. 74e-Claud Estes, 7. 11-Justin Melton, 8. 6s-Justin Spoerl, 9. 14-Michael Lang, 10. 30-Brandon Corn, 11. 30x-Bean Elliott, 12. 45-Martin Edwards, 13. 1r-Scott Reneau, 14. 22j-John Gaston, 15. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 16. 5m-Glenn Martin, 17. 9-Brian Parker, 18. 58-Gary Floyd, 19. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 20. 25-Brian McClelland, 21. 76-John Ricketts, 22. 67-Rodney Henderson, 23. 87a-Andrew Marshala, 24. 69h-Larry Howery, 25. 5c-Chris Coker.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top 10): 1. Kevin Ramey 285, 2. Preston Peebles II 260, 3. Bean Elliott 250, 4. Justin Spoerl 246, 5. Kolt Walker 240, 6. (tie) Claud Estes and Justin Melton 238, 8. Brandon Corn 232, 9. Eric Baldaccini 217, 10. John Ricketts 205.

Stewart scores second Modified main win in a row

Academy’s Brandon Stewart took home his second IMCA Modified win a row as he went wire to wire in the 20-lapper. Stewart, driving a car that knows its way to the winners circle, had no easy task as he had to hold off Benji Kirkpatrick early, then Justin Radcliff and Keith Green in the latter stages to go home win his second feature win in a row.

Stewart led the pack out of turn 2 at the start of the IMCA Modified main with Jimmie Helona and Kirkpatrick side by side for second, with Radcliff and Green in pursuit. Kirkpatrick got past Helona on lap 2 and gave Stewart a quick look low in turn 1. Radcliff was next to put Helona back a spot taking third on lap 3. With the top three now nose to tail Green snagged fourth from Helona.

Stewart got some breathing room as Kirkpatrick and Radcliff began to scrap it out for second. Radcliff was unable to complete a pass as the top three singled out again. At halfway it was Stewart, Kirkpatrick and Radcliff on each others bumpers with a gap back to Green and Helona rounding out the top five. Radcliff finally made the pass on Kirkpatrick for second on lap 10 as was quickly on Stewart’s tail for the lead. Kirkpatrick spun while battling with Green on lap 13 to bring out a caution. Once back to green Chris Dawson got along side Pat McGuire now battling for fourth.

Ben Ketteman, Johnny Sheets and Chase Jupe tangled in turns 1-2 to bring out a yellow on lap 15. On the restart Green got by Radcliff for second while Dawson slipped giving up spots to Keith White and Robert Black. Just as the white flag was shown to Stewart, Sheets and Helona got together in turn 4 to bring out the yellow setting up a green, white, checker finish.

When green waved again Radcliff got second back from Green, but yellow was quickly back out for a three-car tangle on th back stretch between McGuire, Kirkpatrick and Eric Tomlinson. The final restart was single file as Stewart tried to hold off Green and Radcliff. Dawson was able to put a slide job on Black for fifth on the final lap. Up front it was Stewart in the D&S Painting, The Paint Specialists, CenTex Motorsports, Hughes Chassis hanging on for the win.

“I finally found my groove and hung with it,” stated Stewart.”I’ve got my bother-in-law(Keith Whites) old car and all you have to do is stand on the gas and it takes you where it needs to go. I kind of take his hand me downs, but they’re all good cars.”

“That’s two in a row. I started up front both times, but I’ve led all the laps. I definitely look at the leader board out there. I’m always looking for Keith. I knew he was coming. Those late cautions were killing me. I was ready to get it over with. On the white flag lap I even bounced it off the wall, but I held on to take the win.”

“Once I find a line I try to stick with it. I felt them back there a couple times. I knew if I hit my spots and held my groove that it would be hard to pass me.”

IMCA Modifieds
2 Brandon Stewart
5g Keith Green
11j Justin Radcliff
1 Keith White
7x Chris Dawson
07 Robert Black
555 Allen Waltermire
303 Chase Jupe
37 Ben Ketteman
21x Jimmie Helona
96 Johnny Sheets
47 Benji Kirkpatrick
9 Pat McGuire
45T Eric Tomlinson
28G Brian Guay—DNS
123 Justin Redman—DNS

IMCA Modified heats
Heat #1
47 Benji Kirkpatrick
2 Brandon Stewart
1 Keith White
21x Jimmie Helona
11j Justin Radcliff
303 Chase Jupe
45T Eric Tomlinson
28G Brian Guay—DNTG

Heat 2
96 Johnny Sheets
9 Pat McGuire
5g Keith Green
37 Ben Ketteman
7x Chris Dawson
07 Robert Black
555 Allen Waltermire
123 Justin Redman—DNS

Green grabs gold in Sportmod scramble

The Green boys made their dad proud as they put away the IMCA Southern Sportmod field with a one-two finish in the 20-lap feature. Hewitt’s, TJ Green took over the lead when Chris Cogburn had a right rear tire go down on lap 15. From there TJ held his comfortable margin over brother Kevin all the way to checkers in the caution free race.

Wade white was first into turn 1 at the start of the 12-car SSM main, but it was Cogburn getting by low off turn 2 to lead lap 1. Bobby Mercer, TJ Green, Johnny Sheets fell in behind while K. Green and W. White were side by side for fifth. TJ Green got under Mercer for second with Sheets looking to follow. Mercer would spin to the infield after contact during that battle, moving defending SSM Champion Keith White up to fifth.

The top three of Cogburn, TJ Green, K. Green, were separated out at halfway with Sheets, K. White and a rapidly closing, Brandon Stewart fighting for fourth. Stewart challenged K. White for a top five spot on lap 14 looking up top on the four-time champ. TJ Green quickly reeled in Cogburn, who was slowing with a flat, and took the point on lap 16. TJ Green, with nearly a straightaway lead over K. Green easily motored to the win in the Greens Automatic Transmissions, Hewitt Gun Shop, Lambs Muffler Center, Hewitt Pawn Shop, Stewart Stainless, Outlaw Racing Engines, Qwik Chassis.

“It’s always a very tough race here,” commented Green. “I just try to be smooth and consistent. Chris (Cogburn) got out front and he caught traffic. We just had things go our way at the right time and it worked out for us.”

“I lean on my dad a lot for set up tips. We talk about what’s going on before the race and what to expect. My big thing is trying to be consistent and make the same laps over and over. When I do that, it normally works out for me.”

“Tonight I was looking at th scoreboard to see who was where. I knew I had my brother behind me, so I was pretty comfortable and just trying to focus on what was ahead of me. I try to race him(Kevin) just like everyone else, but there are times that I might lift for him but not someone else.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
55 TJ Green
5d Kevin Green
101 Johnny Sheets
1w Keith White
2 Brandon Stewart
11 Mark McDaniel
Sly1 BJ Dulock
65 Randy Doyle
75 Edward Schmidt
5c Chris Cogburn
68 Wade White
5m Bobby Mercer
58 Sid Kiphen—DNS
61 Rick Poteet—DNS

IMCA SSM Heats
Heat #1
1 Keith White
5c Chris Cogburn
65 Randy Doyle
68 Wade White
101 Johnny Sheets
58 Sid Kiphen—DNS
61 Rick Poteet—DNS

Heat #2
55 TJ Green
5m Bobby Mercer
5D Kevin Green
11 Mark McDaniel
2 Brandon Stewart
75 Edward Schmidt
Sly1 BJ Dulock–DNS

Nineteen cars took the green for the IMCA Hobby Stock feature with Zach Henson getting the lead while Garrett Rawls, Andy Roller and Ray Kemp jr. ran three wide for third. Roller came out of the battle with the spot with Kemp and Shannon Dulock side by side now for fourth. Kemp retook the spot on lap 4 as Michael Gaunet, using the top, worked his way along side Dulock.

As Roller tried to work around Jeremy Hendrix for second they made contact with Hendrix collecting several cars in the lead pack. All were able to continue after shaking up the top five. Henson, Kemp, Dulock and Gaunet began to put some distance on the field. Kemp got along side Henson on lap 9 getting the nos out front on lap 10. Henson fought back retaking the point on lap 11, while Gaunet was looking for a way past both.

Kemp re-assumed the point on lap 12 as Gaunet clipped Henson sending him spinning to the infield. Gaunet was black flagged for rough driving a lap later. This left Dulock and Jeremy Oliver battling up front with Kemp for the win. The three were nose to tail as they came to the white flag. Kemp edged out to a car length advantage o the final to hold on for the win.

IMCA Hobby Stocks
45 Ray Kemp jr
47 Shannon Dulock
82 Jeremy Oliver
89 Jeff Sexton
82x Garrett Rawls
5c Chris Cogburn
46 Billy Taylor
1TScott Taylor
63 Andy Roller
23 Les Maxwell
16 Aaron Headrick
95 Dylan Lucko
29 Michael Votaw
63z Zach Henson
c17 Charlie Norris
5R Ricky Rodriguez
18 Jeremy Hendrix
74 Chris Grusendorf
25 Michael Gaunet–BF(Rough driving)

IMCA Hobby Stock heat winners; 25 Michael Gaunet, 5c Chris Cogburn

Tommy Kirkpatrick jumped out front in turn 1 of the 15-lap Street Stock feature and it was all over but who finished second. Kirkpatrick quickly pulled out to a comfortable margin over Doug Andrews, Jason Gauntt, John Heffelfinger and Ed Thompson. David Khoury caught Thompson for fifth and got the spot on la 3. Khoury then closed in on Heffelfinger as they fought it out for fourth.

Up front Kirkpatrick was increasing his margin over Andrews while Matt Hood reeled in Thompson for sixth. Khoury’s top five finish ended when he pulled off from fifth on lap 11. As the checkers waved it was Kirkpatrick easily taking the victory over Andrews.

Street Stocks results
71 Tommy Kirkpatrick
1 Doug Andrews
73 Jason Gauntt
2 John Heffelfinger
181 Ed Thompson
3A Matt Hood
7 Chuck Hamlin
32 Bill Eller
142 Bill Miller
173 David Khoury
74 Lewis Blackwood

Jeff Sheppard grabbed the early lead in the 20-lap Pure Stock feature with Jack Jenkins, Melvin Kemp, Edward Harcrow and Kevin Smith behind. James Holder brought out the yellow early when he stopped in turn 4. On the restart Kemp took second from Jenkins with Tommy Honey moving into the top five. Kemp moved in on Sheppard for the lead and tried to dive down low. The two made contact sending both around in turn 2 to bring out a caution and the obligatory pit confrontation after the race.

With Smith now up front followed by Honey, Jenkins, Jerry Whately and Wade White the green waved for the restart. It wasn’t long until the red was shown for Harcrow who pounded the turn 4 wall. Once back under green Whately go by Jenkins for third on lap 10, followed by White on lap 11 for fifth. Honey then began to put the heat on Smith for lead with looks low.

Yellow waved on lap 14 when Colton Glaser broke and stopped on the front stretch. Once back to green Honey tried the top sneaking by to lead lap 15. With two to go Smith was rechallenging Honey for the top spot taking a look low in turn 2. Honey would go around in turn 4 handing the top spot back to Smith who would motor on to the victory.

Pure Stocks results
57 Kevin Smith
542 Jerry Whately
68 Wade White
22 Jack Jenkins
08 Greg Andrews
54 Melvin Kemp
25C Chad Pelham
15 Michael Glaser
J33 James Haynes
18K Tommy Honey
10 Jeff Wills
02 Colton Glaser
06 Cory Breedlove
3 Edward Harcrow
17 Jeff Sheppard
25 Billy Shaw
0w James Holder

Jr. Jean led the start of the 15-lap Cruiser feature while Jeff Williams and William Dean battled for third. After contact both ended up spinning through the infield but continuing on. Lee Erler saw his second place run end when he suffered a flat right front and was forced to pull off.

Marshall Saucedo, who took over second, ran down Jean near halfway while Jeff Woodruff and Andrew Richards battled for third. Woodruff, who began losing fluid and smoking was black flagged on lap 11. Saucedo gave Jean several looks for the lead but Jean held on for the checkers over Saucedo who failed tech.

Cruisers results
47 Jr Jean
9 Andrew Richards
44 William Dean
16oz Jeff Williams
8w Steve Craig
96j Jeff Woodruff
26 Kevin Harpen
48 Luther Carnahan
28 Billy Williams
21 Lee Erler
44s Anthony Simcik
11 Marshall Saucedo—DQ(Tech)
293 Barry Gaston–DQ(Did not tech)

The Texas Twister feature saw James Webre jump out front early in the 12-lap event but be challenged by Justin Thompson. After a side by side battle Thompson took the lead on lap 3. In the pack Ricky Bobby, Rick Morosky and Mark Kemp battled three wide for third. Webre ran down Thompson in traffic and retook the point on lap 10. The two were side by side as the white flag waved and at the checkers it was Thompson sneaking away with the victory.

Texas Twisters results
1T Justin Thompson
5 James Webre
81 Ricky Bobby
5n Amy Nichols
17 Jay Hutson
5T Shane Arnold
94ak Dena Wachermann
54 Mark Kemp
23 Michael Hilliard
8 Rick Morosky

In the Jr. Mini Stock feature it was Jarrett Roberts easily taking the win over the short field. Roberts got out front and nearly lapped the four-car field on his way to the win.

Jr. Mini Stock results
6 Jarret Roberts
21j Jordan Kornegay
54 Corbin Suggs
21k Kayliegh Kornegay

By J M Hallas and Lonnie Wheatley
Mike Campbell photo

Lone Star Speedzone Video - Bandolero Kids’ interviews 2010

Duke O’Connor with TexasHighDef and I had a lot of fun talking to kids driving the Bandoloros at Houston Motorsports Park. We did a segment with them last season and are back for another round. These kids are the stars of tomorrow.

Many thanks to Duke and TexasHightDef!

Lone Star Speedzone Video - Inteview with HMP’s John Mandabach

Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt and TexasHighDef’s Duke O’Connor caught up with Houston Motorsports Park Vice President and Marketing Director John Mandabach before the racing program on Saturday, April 10, 2010, and slowed him down long enough get an informative interview.

John shares some insight into the so-called “Madhouse rule” and explains some of the thought behind his marketing endeavors and the recent increase in fan support HMP has enjoyed.

Mike McCarthy on a Mission - Wins Modified Main at I-37 Speedway

Coming back from early early adversity, Round Rock’s Mike McCarthy made a last lap pass to steal the victory IMCA Modified feature from last week’s winner, Rick Green. McCarthy got out front early but was forced to pit from the lead when a shock broke. McCarthy fought his way back to the front to battle with Green. When Green had his own troubles in the final laps, McCarthy snuck by coming to the white flag and held on for the win.

As the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event roared to life, McCarthy got a good jump from the pole to lead them into turn 1 with Bill Pittaway, Rick Green and Matt Fox three wide. Before completing lap 1 Marlin Sanford went around to bring about a complete restart. McCarthy again got out front with Fox and Green side by side for second. Green got the spot on lap 1, while Darin Leonard went by Sanford for fifth.

Robert Liese jr. was next to put Fox back a spot on lap 2 with Fox spinning and collecting Pittaway and Joe Spillman. Under caution McCarthy pulled off with a broken shock to the hot pit handing the lead Green on the lap 3 restart. Once back to green Leonard got past Liese for second, while McCarthy charged back into the top five. Fox looped it again on lap 4 to bring out a caution.

Once back to green McCarthy blasted past Sanford for fourth then Liese for third. Pittaway followed to fifth. A caution for debris on lap 6 saved Spillman who got tagged and spun on the front stretch. Leonard took a look low inside Green as green waved again, but fell back in line as the top three got away clean. Pittaway was able to take fourth from Sanford. At the crossed flags it was Green, Leonard, McCarthy, Pittaway and Sanford.

After a caution for a stalled car, Green got a four car length advantage on the restart but McCarthy quickly closed back in. As the top four eased away Sanford, Spillman and Joe O’Bryan scrapped it out for fifth until O’Bryan went around on lap 16.

The top three broke away on the green with Leonard looking to get back under McCarthy for second. Spillman got inside and by Sanford for fifth, but spun off turn 2 and collected Sanford for a lap 18 caution.

As the racing resumed McCarthy got along side Green with the two wheel to wheel on the back stretch. Green held on to the point until lap 18 when he slipped high in turn 4. McCarthy seized the opportunity and slipped by to lead as the white flag waved. McCarthy in the Superior Race Fuels, Spillman Excavating, BG Mesa, BC Repairs, Quality Engine Exchange, Edge Chassis eased away to take the checkers.

“I was on a mission tonight,” McCarthy said after the race. “I really wanted to get a win tonight. I was driving it hard. This is my first win here since 2005.”

“I had a shock that broke in the heat race but didn’t know it. It started flopping around in the feature so I pulled off and got it off. I ran the entire race without a left rear shock.”

“Rick’s(Green) car had some brake problem and he slipped up and I got under him. I think the most important thing is to race people clean, and that’s what I try to do. No matter who it is. I didn’t have an opening until he broke. I don’t know if I was fast enough to get by him.”

IMCA Modified resuls

1. 20 Mike McCarthy
2. 82 Rick Green
3. 26 Darin Leonard
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 67 Robert Liese jr
6. 44x Joe O’Bryan
7. 44s Joe Spillman
8. 17 Cody Tidwell
9. c31 Marlin Sanford
10. 53 Matt Fox
11. 24 Tracy Fink—DNS

IMCA Modified winners were Bill Pittaway and Mike McCarthy

Johnny Torres Tops in Sportmod Scramble

Even a dismal heat race finish didn’t bother Johnny Torres, who would start the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature dead last. Torres quickly worked his way forward running in the top five by halfway. Torres moved in on early leader and defending class champion, Mark McGahey after a restart. Ducking inside on lap 12 Torres got past McGahey to lead lap 13. From there Torres increased his margin over McGahey easily cruising to his first checkers of the season.

“I just drove as hard as I could,” commented Torres who started 13th in the 24/7 Towing, Douglas Glass, Ace Transmissions, Spreen Racing Engines, Stealth Racing Chassis SportMod. “It seemed like I passed some guys three time getting up there. It was worth it at the end. The cushion was working pretty good. It started out a little heavy, but as it went along it dried out and I got faster.”

“I’m pretty good at starting near the back. I can’t remember the last time I started up front so it was like a normal race. That’s why I was comfortable back there. I feel good racing side by side with all these guys. We’ve been racing together for a long time.”

“I’m not worried about points. I’ll just try to win as many as I can and see how it all works out.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod results

1. 66 Johnny Torres
2. 92 Jason Stanley
3. D9 Ray Doyon III
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 88 Mark McGahey
6. 51 Greg Rohmer
7. 18 Larry Jernigan
8. 11 Chris McLendon
9. 89 Doug Livingston
10. 09 David Routen
11. 4 Robby Minten
12. 00 Leland Frautchi
13. 66y Randy Yount

IMCA SSM heat winners: Doug Livingston and Larry Jernigan

With the Limited Late Models and Street Stocks both having short fields, they ran their features together, but scored separately. As green waved Barry Major got the lead of the Limited Late Models, while Dennis Jasik took the Street Stock point. Kelly Hardage got out of shape and body slammed Jasik in turn 2 ending both of their nights early. Once back to green, Major grabbed the top spot again with AJ Wernette leading the Street Stocks.

Wesley Skains, who took a wild ride in the heat race, brought out the yellow on lap 2 when he half spun and stalled. As racing resumed Major eased away from Richard Bartosh and Gary Hunter, as Skains worked his way back up. Skains got by Hunter then Bartosh and chased down Major for the lead on lap 9. Skains lost ground after going to high in turn 2 then went over the turn 2 hill, but not as far as the trees on this adventure.

Major again inched away from Bartosh and Hunter, while Wade Jones was waiting patiently behind Wernette in the Street Stock battle. Jones got around Wernette on the final circuit to take the Street Stock while Major scored his first victory in Limited Late Models.

Tator Plumbing Limited Late Models

1. 33 Barry Major
2. 7 Richard Bartosh
3. 14 Gary Hunter
4. 25 Wesley Skains
5. 18 Shane Moore
6. 12 Kelly Hardage

Limited Late Model heat winner Barry Major

Street Stocks
1. 41 Wade Jones
2. 37 AJ Wernette
3. 8 Dennis Jasik
4. 40 Mike Lyon—DNS

Street Stock heat winner Wade Jones

Jason Smith beat Brandy Ramzinski into turn 1 to get the point in the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature. Freddie Geirisch got by Ramzinski for second and caught Smith for lead on lap. Marc Roy and Sonny Jones both got past Ramzinski for third and fourth until Roy slipped off turn 2 giving third to Jones. Geirisch and Smith were door to door for the lead on lap 3, while Roy got third back from Jones. Geirisch was able sneak by Smith for the top spot on lap 4.

Roy took second from Smith on lap 4 while Jones snagged third on lap 6. The lead duo of Geirisch and Roy were catching the back of the pack when Anna Major got turned around to bring out a caution on lap 8. Once back to green, Geirisch inched ahead while Roy and Jones swapped second. Behind them Patrick White, Frank Okruhlik and Sean Terry had their own scramble going on for fifth.

Rick Snyder and JW tangled on lap 10 with Major ending up stuck on an infield tire. On the restart Jones ducked low on Geirisch getting along side on the back stretch. Jones got the bumper out front on lap 11 as the two continued to run side by side. Jones slipped high with Geirisch retaking the lead on lap 12 and Roy sneaking past for second. Roy had just started to pressure Geirisch for the lead when yellow waved for James Watson who took his Pure Stock truck four-wheeling of turn 2.

As green waved again Geirisch, Roy and Jones broke away from another three car battle between Ramzinski, Okruhlik and Terry for fourth. Terry got around Okruhlik for fifth on lap 16. With two to go Roy was on Geirisch’s bumper and Jones was lurking three car lengths back. Geirisch was able to hold off the defending track champ Roy on the final lap, with Terry getting by Ramzinski and White going past Okruhlik.

Pure Stocks
1. 19 Freddie Geirisch
2. 24 Marc Roy
3. 555 Sonny Jones
4. 23 Sean Terry
5. 88 Brandy Ramzinski
6. 17 Patrick White
7. 99 Frank Okruhlik
8. 72 Gilbert Amezquita
9. 4 Brandon Eure
10. 9 Jarret Payton
11. 66c Rick Snyder
12. 77 Ray Radicke
13. 43 Eric Watson
14. 44 James Watson
15. 80 JW
16. 33 Anna Major
17. 02 Philip Haywood
18. 13 Jason Smith
19. 15 William Cavender—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners Freddie Geirisch and Marc Roy and Patrick White

With a couple generous contributions from Tator(Mason) Plumbing and Pure Stock driver, Jason Smith the Front Runners has more than just glory and a trophy on the line for their 15-lap, 13-car feature. At the start Chad Thrush and Nick Hencey stayed side by side until Charlie Earnhardt III squirted through the middle to get the lead on lap 1. Hencey, Roy Easler, Thrush and Cameron Smith fell in line behind Earnhardt.

Easler spun himself out of third on lap 2, with James Sanford getting by Smith for fifth. Easler couldn’t clear the edge of the track bringing out a caution on lap 3. On green, Earnhardt and Hencey put some distance on the third place fight. Sanford did a half spin on lap 5 giving up fifth to Steven Stanley. By halfway Earnhardt was pulling ahead of Hencey, while Alec Jasik got by Thrush for third.

Sanford had just taken fifth back from Stanley when red waved for Jasik who ended up on his roof after rolling 1 ½ times in between turns 1-2. Jasik was able to crawl out a little shaken, but otherwise uninjured. When the field was shown the green again Hencey got a good jump getting by Earnhardt in turn 1. Earnhardt fought back in turn 2 to retake the top spot. The top three ran nose to tail in the final laps, but no one could get by the Earnhardt who took his second win on the year.

Front Runners
1. 33 Charlie Earnhardt III
2. 911 Nick Hencey
3. 35 James Sanford
4. T-30 Chad Thrush
5. 20 Brent Bouchillion
6. 96 Steven Stanley
7. 66c Cindy Snider
8. 98 Amber Clay
9. 113 Hailee Marcx
10. 67 Kathy Williams
11. 8jr Alec Jasik—flipped
12. 12 Roy Easler
13. 13 Cameron Smith

Front Runner heat winners Charlie Earnhardt III and Nick Hencey

By J.M. Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

Houston Motorsports Park set for more “Madhouse-style” racing; Police Interceptor Jet Car this Saturday

Houston Motorsports Park expects another large crowd for their “Fiesta Powerfest” stock car racing show this Saturday when NASCAR racing once again pounds the pavement at their ship-shape 3/8-mile oval in Northeast Houston.

And as a special bonus Police Interceptor Jet Car will be on hand to ignite some intense fire and sonic booms in the center of the oval just after intermission!

“It’s like fireworks on steroids!” HMP Vice President and Marketing Director John Mandabach said in describing the show. “You won’t want to miss this!”

With just a few points separating first place in the point standings among the top contenders in all three NASCAR classes, this Saturday’s racing promises to be intense - especially in light of the “Madhouse-style” racing some recent rules changes made to make the races “more fan friendly.”

Instead of the track trying to decide who is a fault during a typical on-track incident, the car that spins goes to the back. If they both spin, they both go to the back. In addition, instead of single-file restarts, the track is employing a double-file system where the race leader gets to choose which racing lane he wants and the rest of the field scrambles for what the remainder of the two-abreast re-starting spots.

“We feel these changes make the races much more exciting for the average fan,” Mandabach said in a recent interview with Lone Star Speedzone. “Now it’s more up to the drivers and teams to self-police their on-track behavior rather than the track. There may be some feuds develop, but, hey, that’s part of racing in our book.”

Feature classes this Saturday include the NASCAR Fiesta Late Models, NASCAR Cricket Modifieds and the NASCAR 360 Trucks, plus the Pro Stocks, Ecostocks and Bandoleros.

Gates open at 5pm, Racing starts at 6pm and is usually finished by 10pm.

With $1 Beer, $1 Hot Dogs and $1 Cokes, $5 Adult General Admission tickets (only at Houston Fiesta Mart stores) and with children 12 and free, the track says, “It the most fun and affordable family entertainment in Houston!”

For more information go to the HMP website at http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

By Nick Holt

Live Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 4/10/10

Lone Star Speedzone will be at HMP this Saturday, 4/10/10, to bring you Live Interactive Updates beginning at 4:30 p.m. using the CoverItLive blogging software. Make comments, ask questions and follow along as we share the racing action with you. Nothing can replace the excitement and drama, the sights and sounds that you experience being at the track, but we’ll do our best to bring you the racing action as the evening progresses.

Please keep in mind that the software has built-in controls to prevent spammers and those intent on causing harm, etc, from posting. So there may be a few minutes delay between when you post your comment or question and when it actually shows up in the dialogue box.

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