Lone Star Speedzone - TexasHighDef spotlight on the Quarter-Midgets Western Grands 2010

July 26, 2010

Very nice promo for the Quarter-Midget Western Grands taking place in Austin this week.

Yes, that’s our own Duke O’Connor behind the mic - he’s usually behind the camera - filling in for me while I’m in Maine for a bit.

Nice editing work in this one.

Cool Kulhanek takes ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Regional Shootout at Heart O’ Texas Speedway

July 24, 2010

Former Gulf South Region Champion Ray Allen Kulhanek grabbed the lead early and led every lap on his way to victory at Heart o’ Texas Speedway in Elm Mott, Texas, but it wasn’t easy.

Ray Allen Kulhanek in ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star victory lane at Waco's Heart O' Texas Speedway. (Tim Aylwin photo)

Ray Allen Kulhanek in ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star victory lane at Waco's Heart O' Texas Speedway. (Tim Aylwin photo)

Traffic was almost the equalizer as the 2005 champ got slowed by slower cars allowing four-time National Champion Gary Wright and Skip Wilson to close in. Wright and Wilson began their own battle giving Kulhanek some breathing room at the finish.

As green waved on the 20-car, 25-lap ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Regional shootout, Claud Estes beat Kulhanek into turn 1, but Kulhanek drew back even as they crossed the line side-by-side. Kulhanek secured the spot on lap 2 with Estes, 15-year old Joshua Hodges, Kolt Walker and Preston Peebles in tow.

Chad Wilson brought out a quick caution when he broke and rolled to a stop in turn 4.

On the restart Kulhanek got away clean, while Peebles and Walker battled side by side for fourth with Wright alongside Skip Wilson for sixth. Wright got the spot from Wilson on lap 3 as Kulhanek began to ease away from the field.

Michael Lang and Eric Baldacinni tangled in turn 1 sending Lang around for a caution on lap 5. Baldacinni pitted but didn’t make the call for the restart, ending his night.

Skip Wilson got a good run up top as the race resumed, picking off spots from Wright and Walker. Andy Shouse did a 360 scattering the pack with Justin Melton coming up lame with a flat right rear on lap 11.

Wilson again used the restart to grab another spot taking third from Hodges, while Wright got by Walker for fifth and beside Hodges. Up front Kulhanek again was easing away as Wright snagged fourth from Hodges.

At halfway it was Kulhanek, Estes, S. Wilson, Wright and Hodges in the top five. As Kulhanek ran up on the back of the pack, Skip Wilson closed on Estes for second and took the spot on lap 15 bringing Wright along to third. Wilson and Wright went wheel-to-wheel for the second spot on lap 18, with Wright finally getting the position on lap 20. Kulhanek again got hung up behind slower cars allowing Wright and Wilson to close the gap.

With five to go the top three were nose-to-tail and trying to dice through traffic at the same time. Wilson was able to retake second from Wright with two to go while Kulhanek broke free of slower cars. From there the young Houston area driver was able to keep S. Wilson and Wright at bay in the David and Beverly Miller, Smileys Racing Products, Penske Shocks, Hoosier Tires Southwest, Miller RV Park, TNT Custom Golf Carts, Highway 105 Machine Shop, J&J Chassis

“All our hard work paid off, both in the shop and in the pits,” Kulhanek said after the race. “All the races are won there getting the car prepared. We got the job done and we’re just going to keep plugging away and try to pick up another win tomorrow night. To be out here running against this many cars and getting a win, plus beating Gary Wright is just icing on the cake. He was someone I looked up to growing up as a kid.”

“I could hear them back there when I got in traffic. I was pretty much just racing the track as I tried to pick my way through. I was trying to look far enough ahead to know where everybody was going. Everyone was bouncing around on the track and it was hard to know where they were going. I just picked one off at a time and was lucky enough to get through better than anyone else.”

“I ran where the car felt the best and play a little defense at the same time. It was one of those where I had track position more than what lines to run. I knew no one could come off the bottom of (turn) 4 quite as good the top. So I just kept my momentum up there.”

“It’s tough chasing a points championship in this series. Back in 2005 when I won everyone was more just getting into ASCS. It’s a lot, a lot of work throughout the week. Everyone working together at the race track. It’s a lot of luck also.”

ASCS Sprint Cars
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, Magnolia
65 Skip Wilson, Mesquite
9x Gary Wright, Hooks
74E Claud Estes, Godley
45k Kolt Walker, Graham
0c Preston Peebles, Lubbock
74x Joshua Hodges, Tijeras N.M.
85 Tommy Bryant, Garland
30 Brandon Corn, Gause
45x Martin Edwards, Mesquite
31 Brandon Berryman, Missouri City
93 Chris Sweeney, Humble
11 Justin Melton, Flower Mound
51s Beau Smith, Texas City
79 Charlie McDonald,
27 Andy Shouse, Okla. City, Okla.
4 Eric Baldacinni, Keller
14 Michael Lang, Mesquite
20 Chad Wilson, N. Richland Hills
8 Bruce Crockett, Porter

ASCS Sprint Car B-mains(Top 3 to A-main)
B-main #1
11 Justin Melton
31 Brandon Berryman
8 Bruce Crockett
3 Gary Watson
25 Brian McClelland
12 Logan Bledsoe
69 Larry Howery
19 Klint Angelette
77 Colt Treharn
87 Aaron Reutzal
7w Dustin Welch
17 Bruce Griffith jr.—DNS
36 John Pate—DNS
71t Shane Thompson—DNS

B-main #2
4 Eric Baldacinni
85 Tommy Bryant
30 Brandon Corn
76 John Ricketts
15t Travis Elliott
88 Scottie McDonald
51w Wes Miller
5c Chris Coker
24 Brandi Jass
1R Scott Reneau
30x Bean Elliott
67 Rodney Henderson
26 Dalton Stead
28 James Cooper—DNS

ASCS Sprint Car heats(Winners + top 8 in passing points)
Heat #1
74x Joshua Hodges
79 Charlie McDonald
27 Andy Shouse
76 John Ricketts
9 Larry Howery
87 Aaron Reutzal
7w Dustin Welch

Heat #2
9x Gary Wright
51s Beau Smith
30 Brandon Corn
20 Chad Wilson
25 Brian McClelland
26 Dalton Steed
88 Scottie McDonald

Heat #3
45x Martin Edwards
65 Skip Wilson
0c Preston Peebles
12 Logan Bledsoe
30x Bean Elliott
17 Bruce Griffith
5c Chris Coker

Heat #4
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek
74E Claud Estes
14 Michael Lang
1R Scott Reneau
67 Rodney Hederson
28 James Cooper–DNS
15t Travis Elliott—DNS

Heat #5
45k Kolt Walker
85 Tmmy Bryant
11 Justin Melton
8 Bruce Crockett
51w Wes Miller
19 Klint Angelette
36 John Pate—DNS

Heat #6
93 Chris Sweeney
3 Gary Watson
31 Brandon Berryman
4 Eric Baldacinni
77 Colt Treharn
24 Brandi Jass
71T Shane Thompson

by JM Hallas
Photo by Tim Aylwin

Lone Star Speedzone - TexasHighDef spotlight on the DCRST Dwarf Car event at THR on July 17, 2010

July 22, 2010

Lone Star Speedzone’s Duke O’Connor - the man behind TexasHighDef video productions - shot the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas Dwarf car race at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Duke used both an in-car camera and a camera positioned up on the scoring tower and edited the footage to produce a quality video that captured the event very nicely.

Claude Estes takes ASCS Red River Challenge honors at Cowtown Speedway

July 18, 2010

Claud Estes became the second first-time ASCS Red River Challenge victor in as many nights by topping Saturday night’s 25-lap ASCS Lone Star vs. American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region main event atop the high-banked, ¼-mile Cowtown Speedway dirt oval.

Claude Estes in his #74E ASCS Sprint Car

Claude Estes in his #74E ASCS Sprint Car

The ASCS Lone Star rep from Godley, TX, fought off past ASCS Sooner champion Andy Shouse over the final rounds for the $2,000 triumph, his first in Lone Star action and first ASCS triumph since a Gulf South score at Waco’s Heart O’ Texas Speedway in June of 2004.

Estes took Saturday night’s checkered flag aboard the Texas United Bank Card/Skyvue Corp. No. 74e ahead of Shouse, with Kevin Ramey, George White and current ASCS Lone Star points leader Eric Baldaccini rounding out the top five.

Brian McClelland was sixth, with Michael Lang, J.P. Bailey, 19th-starter Brandon Corn and Ryan Hall completing the top ten.

Skip Wilson, Estes, Kolt Walker and Kenneth Walker topped heat race action, with Corn flourishing in the “B” Main.

ASCS Lone Star vs. Sooner Results from Cowtown Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 65-Skip Wilson, 2. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford, 3. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 4. 45-J.P. Bailey, 5. 45x-Martin Edwards, 6. 40-Junior Jenkins. DNS: 20-Chad Wilson.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 74e-Claud Estes, 2. 26-Dalton Steed, 3. 10-George White, 4. 79-Ryan Hall, 5. 1-Sean McClelland, 6. 11-Justin Melton, 7. 56-Jarrett Lucito.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 45k-Kolt Walker, 2. 25-Brian McClelland, 3. 27-Andy Shouse, 4. 14-Michael Lang, 5. 15b-Michael Brown, 6. 1r-Scott Reneau, 7. 5c-Chris Coker.

Fourth Heat (8 Laps): 1. 2-Kenneth Walker, 2. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 5. 30-Brandon Corn, 6. 67-John Ricketts.

“B” Main: 1. 30-Brandon Corn, 2. 15b-Michael Brown, 3. 11-Justin Melton, 4. 1r-Scott Reneau, 5. 5c-Chris Coker, 6. 67-John Ricketts, 7. 56-Jarrett Lucito. DNS: 40-Junior Jenkins, 20-Chad Wilson.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 74e-Claud Estes, 2. 27-Andy Shouse, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 10-George White, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 25-Brian McClelland, 7. 14-Michael Lang, 8. 45-J.P. Bailey, 9. 30-Brandon Corn, 10. 79-Ryan Hall, 11. 15b-Michael Brown, 12. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 13. 11-Justin Melton, 14. 1-Sean McClelland, 15. 45x-Martin Edwards, 16. 67-John Ricketts, 17. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford, 18. 65-Skip Wilson, 19. 1r-Scott Reneau, 20. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 21. 5c-Chris Coker, 22. 26-Dalton Steed, 23. 45k-Kolt Walker, 24. 2-Kenneth Walker.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top 10): 1. Eric Baldaccini 1,293, 2. Claud Estes 1,181, 3. Justin Melton 1,126, 4. Preston Peebles II 1,099, 5. Martin Edwards 1,079, 6. John Ricketts 1,061, 7. Brandon Corn 1,056, 8. Brian McClelland 1,001, 9. Kevin Ramey 975, 10. Scott Reneau 930.

American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Sean McClelland 1,210, 2. Joe Wood, Jr. 1,150, 3. Kenneth Walker 1,121, 4. Andy Shouse 1,081, 5. Donnie Ray Crawford 1,077, 6. Brian McClelland 997, 7. Michelle Decker 719, 8. Tony Bruce, Jr. 687, 9. Danny Jennings 555, 10. Joshua Hodges 553.

by Lonnie Wheatley
ASCS photo

Live Interactive Updates from TD Bank 250 from Oxford Plains Speedway

July 17, 2010

Live Interactive Updates from the 37th Annual TD Bank 250.

I should be firing up the software around 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. I know they get started at 2:00, but church comes first then a 1 hour 45 minute trip to the track from where we’re at…

Just click below to get started.

Gary Wright wrangles 3rd ASCS Gulf South win of year at Golden Triangle Raceway Park

July 17, 2010

Gary Wright picked off his third American Sprint Car Series Regional win of the year by topping Friday night’s 25-lap ASCS Gulf South main event at the Golden Triangle Raceway Park in Beaumont, Texas.

Gary Wright at speed in his familiar 9x ASCS Sprint Car

Gary Wright at speed in his familiar 9x ASCS Sprint Car

Wright took the lead away from Tommy Bryant on the tenth round en route to victory lane aboard Scott Brown’s ASI-powered Lubbock Wrecker Service No. 9x Maxim.

Wright took the checkered flag in front of Bryant, with early leader Aaron Reutzel, current ASCS Gulf South points leader Ray Allen Kulhanek and Travis Elliott rounding out the top five.

Chris Sweeney was sixth, with Beau Smith, Wes Miller, Larry Howery and Brandon Berryman completing the top ten.

Smith, Elliott and Wright topped heat race action, with Scottie McDonald winning the “B” Main.

ASCS Gulf South Region Results from Golden Triangle Raceway Park:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 51s-Beau Smith, 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 3. 30x-Bean Elliott, 4. 12b-Logan Bledsoe, 5. 19-Klint Angelette, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 2-Dustin Welch, 8. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 9. 23-Darryl Wills.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 15T-Travis Elliott, 2. 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 3. 85x-Jerry Bell, 4. 85-Tommy Bryant, 5. 51w-Wes Miller, 6. 88-Scottie McDonald, 7. 31-Brandon Berryman, 8. 3-Gary Watson.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 93-Chris Sweeney, 3. 69-Larry Howery, 4. 8b-Bruce Crockett, 5. 22L-Kent Lewis, Sr., 6. 52-Roger Oakes, 7. 35-Greg Rilat. DNS: 25c-Steve Hubbard.

“B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 88-Scottie McDonald, 2. 31-Brandon Berryman, 3. 22L-Kent Lewis, Sr., 4. 3-Gary Watson, 5. 23-Darryl Wills, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 2-Dustin Welch, 8. 52-Roger Oakes. DNS: 35-Greg Rilat, 51-Jimmy Brooks, 25c-Steve Hubbard.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 85-Tommy Bryant, 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 4. 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 5. 15T-Travis Elliott, 6. 93-Chris Sweeney, 7. 51s-Beau Smith, 8. 51w-Wes Miller, 9. 69-Larry Howery, 10. 31-Brandon Berryman, 11. 30x-Bean Elliott, 12. 88-Scottie McDonald, 13. 23-Darryl Wills, 14. 3-Gary Watson, 15. 8b-Bruce Crockett, 16. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 17. 22L-Kent Lewis, Sr., 18. 19-Klint Angelette, 19. 85x-Jerry Bell, 20. 12b-Logan Bledsoe.

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Ray Allen Kulhanek 1,345, 2. Tommy Bryant 1,299, 3. Aaron Reutzel 1,261, 4. Brandon Berryman 1,246, 5. Scottie McDonald 1,185, 6. Travis Elliott 1,145, 7. Chris Sweeney 1,086, 8. Wes Miller 1,060, 9. Greg Rilat 983, 10. Logan Bledsoe 963.

by Lonnie Wheatley

LSS - TexasHighDef spotlight on Terry Tschoerner and Terry’s Body Shop team

July 16, 2010

Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt and TexasHighDef’s Duke O’Connor caught up with Terry Tschoener, who heads up one of the most successful multi-car stock car teams in Texas. Terry is well known for his front running “Terry’s Body Shop” team cars, but more because of his generous, helpful nature. We talked with Terry and also chatted with his Daughter, Tracy, an accomplished racer in her own right and with Terry’s brother, Joey Tschoerner, who is the defending THR Thunder Stock champion.

Sizzling summer action at Thunderhill Raceway this weekend

July 13, 2010

The plans for this weekend’s activities at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) are heating up – for both on and off-the-track action.

Starting off the weekend will be an Open Test-n-Tune practice session on Friday (July 16) that will run from 4P until dark. Pit admission is only $10 for non-drivers, and grandstand spectators will be admitted free. During the practice session, fans can come to watch the drivers and crews tune in their race cars and trucks for Saturday’s racing action.

Following the Open Test-n-Tune, everyone is invited to join in some extra pit action at a Tailgate Party that’s being sponsored by Gen-Tech, LaFont Racing and Thunderhill Raceway. Fans (and race teams) can bring their own coolers, chairs, food and drinks and enjoy spending some time with the drivers and other racing fans. Cookers (grills) will be available during the party, and entertainment will be provided by a live DJ – Steve “Mad Dog” Sommo (Big Dog Entertainment). Tailgate Party admission is free, and (free) overnight camping in the parking lot is encouraged.

“We’ve been off for a few weeks, and we’re all so ready to get back to racing,” said Mary Ann Naumann, THR Owner/Promoter. “We have lots of activities planned for this weekend, and I know everyone will have great time hanging out at the track.”

To start off a full day of racing on Saturday (July 17), Thunderhill Raceway will open its pit gates at 11A, and the grandstand gates will open at 4P. Qualifying for all classes starts at 4:15P. Grandstand admission is $12 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.

A Fan Appreciation Happy Hour is scheduled from 5:30P – 6:30P. Thanks to H-E-B in Kyle (TX) and Thunder Grill (track concession), fans can purchase a hot dog or soft drink for only $1 during the Happy Hour.

Openings ceremonies are set for 6P, and special guests for the evening will be Miss Kyle, Jennifer Hamzy, and Miss Kyle Teen, Christina Nunez. The Texas Corvette Association will kick off the evening’s activities with a few hot laps right after opening ceremonies.

Ten classes of racing are scheduled for Saturday – including the TSRS Late Models and Allison Legacys, Pro Trucks (featured class), SportMods, Dwarf Cars, Bandoleros, ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and Mini Stocks.

The TSRS Late Model Race will be held in memory of Steven Longley, a longtime racing fan who passed away on June 29. His son, Christopher (Longley), will be the Grand Marshall for Saturday’s race.

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).

For information on Thunderhill Raceway visit the track’s website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. The Texas Super Racing Series website may be found at www.texassuperracingseries.com.

by Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, Thunderhill Raceway

Live PASS North Updates from BRMS, 7/10/10

July 13, 2010

Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt got together with PASS North’s Norm Desjardins and Beech Ridge Motor Speedway’s Andy Cusack to arrange for Live Updates from Saturday’s Pro All-Stars Series Tour 150.

These updates are interactive, but there will be a delay between the time you post your comment or question and the time it shows up in the dialogue box since I get pretty busy at time during the actual race.

I should be firing up the CoverItLive software around 5:00 pm Eastern. To get started, just click on the large icon below.