• Home
• About LSS
• Dirt Calendar
• Paved Calendar
• Touring Series

Subscribe

• Login
• Forums
• Audio
• Live Blogs
• Video

Leland Waddell goes wire-to-wire to notch first Limited Late Model win at I-37

Leland Waddell was the first of the two new faces in I-37 Raceway’s Winners Circle as he posted a flag-to-flag win. Waddell jumped out front with Richard Bartosh and Andrew Hesler on his tail. Getting a good jump on a few restarts, Waddell became the fourth new Limited Late Model feature winner for the season.

Waddell took command coming off turn 2 as the 14-car Limited Late Model feature fired with Bartosh, Hesler, Robert Danielson and Trey Votion in pursuit. Votion got around Danielson on lap 3 for fourth. Last weeks winner, AJ Dancer saw his night end early as he went off turn 1 for a caution on lap 6.

As Waddell jumped out on green, Chris Jones went around off turn 4 bringing the yellow back out. Back to green, the top four were only separated by only a couple lengths as the race reached halfway. Hesler gave up third to Votion on lap 12. Jones got hung on the tires at the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 13.

On the restart, Waddell eased ahead, with Hesler looking to retake third from Votion. Votion held off Hesler and began pressuring Bartosh for second. This gave Hesler a run on Votion as they ran door to door on lap 17. As the white flag was shown, Waddell had a five car length margin on Bartosh going on to take his first ever I-37 Limited Late Model victory.

**Waddell left before I could get to the pits for an interview.

Limited Late Models
28 Leland Waddell, 7 Richard Bartosh, 99 Trey Votion, 1x Andrew Hesler, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 08 Kevin Hayden, 14 Gary Hunter, 18 Shane Moore, 33 Shawn Kline, 42 Ron Sprayue, 69 Chris Jones, 32 AJ Dancer, 15 Doug Searcy

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park concluded their Military Appreciation month, dedicated to all our troops, with some great racing action. Two new drivers found the 1/4 mile, semi-banked, dirt track to their liking and made their way to the I-37 Winners Circle in the Limited Late Models and Pure Stock classes.

In other class action it was the usual suspects taking checkered flags in the IMCA Modifieds and Southern SportMods, Street Stocks and Front Runners, plus a return of the Dwarf Car Racing Seres of Texas.

I-37 Raceway takes the Independence Day weekend for families to celebrate and returns to action again on July 9th with a Tribute to the Troops spearheaded by Andrew Hesler. Hesler, along with many other donors will be racing for the Center for the Intrepid helping the Wounded Warriors program.

A bus load of soldiers is expected from BAMC(Brooke Army Medical Center) to be guests of the track. Hesler, in his Limited Late Model, Greg Dinsmore in his IMCA Modified and Jarrett Payton(Pure Stocks) have all opted to start at the back of their features and race their way to the front and put on a show for the troops in attendance.

Dinsmore Dialed-in Again

After seeing his 6-race winning streak broken due to an accident and a week of repairs and readjustments, Greg Dinsmore has found the handle again starting a new streak, now at two. Dinsmore patiently stalked early leader, Robert Liese jr., found an opening and slipped past for the top spot on lap 7. Dinsmore increased his advantage the last half of the race to nearly a half track, while Bill Pittaway took second from Liese.

It was Liese, Borlace and Billy Meyer running three wide into turn 1 as the IMCA Modified feature roared to life. Liese got the point coming off turn 2, while Dinsmore got by Jamie Campbell and Rick Green for fourth. Dinsmore had just gotten past Meyer for third when Meyer lost the hood for a lap 3 yellow. On the restart Dinsmore picked off Borlace for second and closed on Liese.

Dinsmore patiently waited for a slip by Liese and got his chance coming off turn 4 on lap 6. Dinsmore ducked inside Liese and out dragged him into turn 1 to lead lap 8. Behind the leaders, Borlace and Pittaway were swapping third, while Campbell and Green ran side by side for fifth. After giving up third to Pittaway, Borlace fell into a fight with Campbell for that spot.

At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, increasing his lead, Liese, Pittaway, and Borlace along side Campbell for fourth with Darin Leonard getting sixth from Green. Pittaway was able to get by Liese for second on lap 12, but found himself a full straightaway behind Dinsmore. Liese and Campbell then ran wheel to wheel for third with Borlace and Leonard swapping fifth. Dinsmore easily cruised to his eighth win of the season in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JB Hotshots, Wells Designs, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Centex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis.

“The car is what makes it look so easy,” explained Dinsmore. “When it’s right, it’s magical. I let Robert (Liese) have his room and took my time. No one was challenging me so it gave me the time to play with it a bit an make sure I didn’t try the wrong spot to get by.”

After my last wreck, and the amount f money it cost, I just try to ease up a bit and wait for my spot instead of diving in. It’s just not worth it sometimes. You follow them a while and try to read them. Robert has gotten a lot better and I’ve got to give him props on that.”

“We’re still looking at the track championship here. There’s some hot days that I’d really like to stay at home, but I like coming here. It’s kind of tough sometimes with a new baby, or if Candace doesn’t want to go, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

“Next weekend Bob Harris has invited us to come up for the Harris Clash (Knoxville, Ia.), but we’re leaving the car at home. He’s got us our tickets, pit passes and suite. That’s a fabulous show up there. Traveling with a new baby is going to be different.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 67 Robert Liese, Jr., 21 Jason Borlace, 26 Darin Leonard, 82 Rick Green, 99 Billy Meyer, 141 Rob Anderson, 3 Carlton Leverette, 31 Marlin Samford—DNS

Torres Tackles IMCA Sportmods

San Antonio’s Johnny Torres added to his I-37 Raceway season total grabbing another victory in the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Torres didn’t look to be a contender at mid-race as he watched Anthony Gordon and Jason Stanley battle for the top spot. Torres’ car came to life in the final half reeling in and passing Gordon for the lead on lap 16. Torres took the checkers with a several car lengths on Gordon.

As green waved on the 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature, Stanley jumped out front, but the outside backed up with JC Pilcher and Pat Lyon finding the front stretch wall. On the second start Stanley led into turn 1, but it was Gordon, on the top, getting by to lead lap 1. Torres quickly worked his way by Ray Doyon III and Michael Hernandez for third on lap 1.

Stanley tried get by Gordon for the lead on lap 2 and got along side, but Gordon held the spot. Doyon got by Hernandez on lap 3 and challenging Torres for third. As Doyon tried a move on Torres, Hernandez snuck back by for fourth. Doyon then gave up fifth to Micky Helms. Coming to halfway it was Gordon and Stanley easing away, Torres, Hernandez and Helms in the top five.

Stanley again put the heat on the young Gordon getting along side on lap 11. Stanley would half spin on lap 12, losing several pots, but continuing without caution. Torres then began to reel in Gordon catching the leader with five to go. Torres used the bottom get under Gordon and take the lead on lap 16. Gordon hung with Torres the final laps while Hernandez did a 360 giving up a top five spot. At the checkers it was Torres in 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, by 4-car lengths on Gordon.

“It must have been a little luck tonight,” said Torres. “Because my car sure wasn’t working that good. I got some breaks, the right place at the right time and was patient. I took me a while to work my way up since we’ve been struggling with the handling on it. It was a little different, but we got it figured out.”

“I was trying to be more patient with Anthony(Gordon). He’s a good racer and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get into him. I’d really like to see him win one, but I like winning myself more. He’s doing better every week. His time will come soon.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 204 Mickey Helms, 66y Randy Yount, 92 Jason Stanley, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11 Tom Grothues, 04 Jacob Burnett, 85 Jeff Nix, 4 Robby Minten, 9 Ray Doyon III, 94 Allen Torres, 15 JC Pilcher, 60 Pat Lyon, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNS

AJ Dancer added another win to his Street Stock total, after taking a Limited Late Model main event the previous week. Aided by slower traffic, Dancer got by early leader AJ Wernette in the latter stages of the 20-lapper, with Dennis Hilla and Wade Jones all racing under a blanket. Dancer inched away after a late caution, while Jones and AJ Wernette battled for the runner-up spot.

Wayne Wernette led the 14-car Street Stock feature into turn 1, but was passed by his son AJ who led lap 1. Behind W. Wernette, AJ Dancer and Dennis Hilla fell in line. Dancer got by W. Wernette on lap 2, but had already lost ground to AJ Wernette. Hilla and Wade Jones took third and fourth on lap 4, followed by Aaron Leddy to fifth.

As Dancer, Hilla and Jones battled for second nose to tail, AJ Wernette edged away to a larger margin. Dancer and Hilla were door to door on lap 12 giving Jone an opening to grab third when Hilla drifted too high in turn 1. AJ Wernette caught slower traffic and had trouble getting by allowing Dancer to close the gap. Dancer was on AJ Wernette’s bumper as they encountered heavy traffic.

Dancer and AJ Wernette ran side by side on lap 17 with top four now under a proverbial blanket. Dancer snuck to the lead while Hilla made contact with AJ Wernette, sending him around for races only caution. AJ Wernette got his spot back, while Hilla got sent to the tail. The top three broke away on green with Jones getting second from AJ Wernette as the white flag waved. At the checkers it was Dancer in the A Plus Auto Parts, SAS Graphics, Dancer Motorsports, El Camino holding off Jones for the win.

“It was a lot of luck and few lapped cars that helped me tonight,” replied Dancer. “I figured Wade (Jones) was coming. You know he’s going to be there eventually. We moved some weight around between the heat and feature, but it still wasn’t enough. We’re still having a hard time with this car. I’m trying to keep it from three wheeling. It’s the only way the car wants to go. It’s got a mind of its own”

“Driving in two classes, the Street Stocks and Late Models, is like apples and oranges. In the Late Model it will stick and go where you want it to go. In the Street Stock it’s more like a suggestion, I’d like to go this way.”

Street Stocks
52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla, 88j Bobby Jack, 04 Nathan Robbins, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Danny Preslar, 7 Danny Schroat, 5 Rick Schroat, 53 Ben Blanford, 2 Scott Stubbs

Not wanting to be outdone by his brother Robby the week before, Talon Minten was the second first-time winner of the evening in the Pure Stock feature. Minten and Hunter Flanagan raced side by side for several laps until Flanagan found the tire wall and rolled. Minten was then chased by Brandy Ramzinski, who led earlier in the race but spun. Minten used a lapped car as “a pick” to hold Ramzinski off on the final lap.

Eric Watson took the lead of the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature on lap 1, but gave way to Jarrett Payton on lap 2. Ramzinski got along side E. Watson and by for second on lap 2 when Payton slowed. Ramzinski got the lead on lap 3 with E. Watson, Flanagan and Cody Leonard following past a fading Payton. Minten split Karoline Campbell and Adam Torres to move into fifth on lap 5.

Minten got by Leonard in traffic on lap 6 as Leonard slowed with a flat. Ramzinski spun on her own from the lead giving up the spot to Flanagan and narrowly missing Minten before falling to fourth. T. Watson brought out yellow on lap 8 when he stopped in the pit exit. When green waved again, the top four broke ahead and Minten was pressuring Flanagan for the lead.

The two young guns, who are good friends, ran side by side for four laps before Flanagan drifted too high in turn 4, clipped the tire barrier and rolled over bringing out a red flag. Flanagan was a little shaken, but checked out alright by the EMS crew. Once back to green, Minten and Ramzinski got away from Janel Hilla, Devin Adler and Jerry Jones. Ramzinski tried tried low as the white flag waved, but got hung up behind a lapped car in turn 4 giving Minten in the 3-D Landscaping, Cavender Toyota, Clays Auto Parts, Shepherds Race Engines, a clear run to his first ever race win.

“It feels good to get that first win,” commented Minten. “I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) back there at the end and just put it to the floor. I was thankful for that lapped car being when she got under me and got her hung up. Robby wining his first race last week didn’t really put any pressure on me(to win). We’re not that competitive, at least until I get a Sportmod too.”

“I wasn’t really nervous running out front. I was just trying to hit my marks.”

“I had a good race with Hunter(Flanagan) earlier and thought I might have taken him out. He’s my friend and I was nervous when I saw the ambulance come out. I didn’t think we made any contact and he said I didn’t touch him, so we’re good.”

Pure Stock
89 Talon Minten, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 22 Patricia Lucas, 8 Dustin Robin, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 43 Eric Watson, 1 Tim Watson, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton

Old age and experience once again outran youth and exuberance as Jimmy Carroll took the victory in the Front Runner feature. Carroll battled throughout the race with Charles Earnhardt III as they traded the lead several times in the 15-lap event. Carroll, whose age is probably greater than the combined total of second through fifth, held off both Earnhardt boys at the finish.

A lucky 13 cars took the green for the Front Runner feature that went green to checkers, a vast improvement over last weeks crash fest. Ch. Earnhardt jumped into the early lead trailed by Dillon Gaither, Carroll, Cody Smith and Landon Sowder. Carroll quickly began to challenge Gaither for second as the top three pulled away from Sowder and Smith.

The top three were nearly 3-wide for the lead on lap 7, with Carroll getting the spot on lap 8. Carroll and Ch. Earnhardt continued to run side by side for lead while Sowder got by Smith for fourth followed by Cody Earnhardt to fifth. Ch. Earnhardt regained the lead on lap 9 as his brother worked his way past Sowder for fourth.

Carroll snuck back into the lead on lap 12 as the two swapped the top spot corner for corner on lap 13. Carroll secured the point on the final lap, while Co. Earnhardt got third from Gaither. At the checkers it was 68-year old Carroll in Car Craft Auto Service, Mitsubishi Mirage holding off his young competitors for the win, increasing his points lead over Hailee Marcx, who finished eighth.

“It was a little bit of good luck, a little good driving and a good motor by my sponsor Pat Lyon at Car Craft Auto Service.” said Carroll. “I feel very fortunate to still be able to race at 68 and still out run all those younger drivers.”

“This will help me in the points against Hailee(Marcx). She’s a good young racer and drives a good, clean race all the time.”

Front Runners
67 Jimmy Carroll, 33 Charlie Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 9 Dillon Gaither, 08 Landon Sowder, 13 Cody Smith, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 113 Hailee Marcx, 27 Hayden Anderson, 66c Cindy Snider, 98E Will Holder, 12 Roy Easler sr., 57 Trevor Bettis–BF

In the Dwarf Car feature Chuck McCormick found his way to the Winners Circle getting by early leader Michael Dion near halfway. McCormick held off a late charge by veteran Arden Vikre in the final circuits to grab the victory.

Dion jumped out front at the start of the 2-lap DCRST feature with Dwain Groff spinning from second leaving Richard Smith, McCormick and Jim Mokry trailing Dion. McCormick got past Smith for second as Mokry spun from fourth and fell back. McCormick began to put the heat on Dion for lead and snagged the spot on lap 9. Chris Silvas jr. spun on lap 9 for the races only caution.

On the restart, McCormick eased away with Brian Wells getting by Dion for second as Arden Vikre shot by both Dion and Smith for third. D. Groff made his way back to the top five, while Wells and Vikre battled for second. Vikre got the position with two to go and tried to close on McCormick. Vikre got close but at the checkers it was McCormick hanging on for the win.

Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas
8 Chuck McCormick, 72 Arden Vikre, 69 Brian Wells, 2 Jim Mokry, 60 Richard Smith, 07 Michael Dion, 86 Chris Silvas jr., 15 Dwain Groff, 30 Billy Groff, 96 Tyler Wells, 61 John Flake—DNS, 27 Butch Havelka–DNS, 85 Chris Silvas sr.–DNS

by J.M. Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 6/25/2011

It will be my pleasure to bring you the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, 6/25/2011, at 5:30 p.m.

That $5,000 bounty on NASCAR Fiesta Modified driver Zak Hausler is causing quite a stir and the track is expecting a few more “Bounty Hunters” to invade the 3/8-mile speedway this weekend. The plan is to provide lap-by-lap coverage of the racing action.

Feel free to ask questions or make comments during the blogcast, but please be aware that your post will not be immediately visible since I have to manually approve all posts and sometimes I’m pretty busy trying to keep up with the racing.

To get started, click the icon below.

Robby Minten grabs first ever IMCA Sportmod win at I-37 Raceway, 6/18/11

Young Robby Minten(La Coste) ran the race of his life to snag his first ever IMCA Southern Sportmod victory. Minten, who had been snake bitten all season, took the point on lap 1 and never gave it up. Minten was pressured early by Anthony Gordon, then veteran Brian Rye on restarts. With the help of Uncle Ray (Doyon) and Brandon Blaylock, Minten finally hit the set up, held the fast line and scored his inaugural feature win.

As the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature roared to green, Minten led into turn 1 trailed by Gordon, Pat Lyon and Rye along side Michael Hernandez. Behind them it was three wide for sixth with multi-time winner an track champ, Johnny Torres making contact in the fight and losing spots. Torres rebounded to take fifth from Hernandez on lap 3, then fourth from Lyon on lap 4.

Up front Minten had crept away from Gordon who now had Rye along side taking second on lap 4. Moe VanKirk and Chuck Perry got by Lyon on lap 5 for sixth and seventh. Rye and Gordon made contact scrapping for second, with Torres sneaking past, and Hernandez with big run up top getting by all three. Randy Yount brought out a yellow on lap 9 when he got turned around..

As the race resumed and came to halfway it was Minten Rye, Hernandez, Torres and Gordon in the top five. Perry made a mid-race charge getting by Gordon on lap 10, then Torres for fourth on lap 11. Two laps later Perry grabbed third from Hernandez, while Lyon, Michael Walker and Greg Rohmer were three wide for seventh.

With two to go, Minten had a 4-car length edge on Rye and Perry, but Gordon spun in turn 2 to bring out a yellow and set up a green, white, checker finish. The young Minten held his composure on green and inched out by two car lengths, with Hernandez, Torres and VanKirk three abreast for fourth. Rye and Perry battled side by side on the final lap as Minten took the checkers in the 3D Landscaping, Boehle Signs & Graphics, Shepherds Racing Engine powered, Empire(Jim Mikulencak) Chassis.

“We tried a new set up,” exclaimed Minten. “It was something totally different and the car just hooked up on the top. It was a rocket. I was nervous when Anthony(Gordon) brought out that caution with two to go. I knew Johnny(Torres) was somewhere behind me and just knew I’d get passed by him or one of the Rye’s. I just stayed focused and tried to it my marks.”

“Brandon Blaylock helped me a lot with this set up, and my Uncle Ray(Doyon) is always there. We tried a whole new thing, and it worked. Before this race I was ready to throw in the towel. I was frustrated. It seemed everywhere I’d go, we’d wreck, spin out or do stupid stuff. Finally we got it all together.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 184 Brian Rye, 99x Michael Hernandez, 34 Michael Walker, 66 Johnny Torres, 58 Moe VanKirk, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9 Ray Doyon III, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 22 Randy Bennett, 18 Larry Jernigan, 84k Patrick Kelly, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 15 JC Pilcher, 10 Travis Penny, 92 Jason Stanley

IMCA SSM Heats
Heat 1
92 Jason Stanley, 118 Anthony Gordon, 9 Ray Doyon III, 58 Moe VanKirk, 66y Randy Yount, 34 Michael Walker, 10 Travis Penny
Heat 2
66 Johnny Torres, 99x Michael Hernandez, 4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 84k Patrick Kelly, 51 Greg Rohmer
Heat 3
18 Larry Jernigan, 184 Brian Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 22 Randy Bennett, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 15 JC Pilcher

The racing action at Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park was as hot as the weather, with several drivers possibly trying to make for missing the full moon during the off week. The track did as good of a job as possible to get a good racing surface despite week-long 100+ degree temperatures, and strong winds on race day, dust was kept to a minimum.

There were no return winners from the previous race night so any streaks went by the wayside. Several drivers returned to the Winners Circle or won in a different class, plus the IMCA Southern Sportmods had a first time winner and the Front Runners saw a win almost by default.

Dinsmore Gets First Win for new Daughter

After several weeks of disappointment and sorting out damage, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore refound his early season mojo and picked up the first for new baby daughter, Mackenzie. Dinsmore had to come from the back of the 15-car field after a flat on the initial start sent him to the tail after repairs. He then methodically picked off cars and got by early leader Joe Spillman. Once clear Dinsmore held off all challengers on restarts to grab his seventh win of the season.

The 20-lap IMCA Modified main saw the front row of Spillman and Tracy Fink stay wheel to wheel on lap 1 with Spillman leading by a bumper on lap 1. Fink fell in line second with Matt Fox, Robert Liese jr. and Dennis Taylor in tow. Billy Meyer and Allen Williams tangled on lap 1 in turn 2 for an early caution. On the restart Taylor and Darin Leonard got by Liese for fourth and fifth.

Dinsmore quickly made his way up to challenge Leonard for fifth when Fox spun and collected Liese, Mike McCarthy and Leonard who stopped to avoid contact. Once back to green, Dinsmore sailed around Leonard and Taylor for third, then got under Fink for second on lap 3. Spillman and Dinsmore were side by side for the lead on lap 4, with Dinsmore taking the spot on lap 5.

Fink drifted too high in turn 1 and got freight-trained by Taylor, Leonard and Bill Pittaway. Caution waved on lap 6 for Marlin Samford stopped in turn 2. Dinsmore got a good launch on green, while second through fifth ran nose to tail. Jason Borlace and Fink, who blew a motor, got tangled on lap 8 in turn 4 for a yellow.

Back under green, Dinsmore eased away, but Fox spun in turn 1 with Borlace, Meyer and Samford spinning to avoid Fox. On the restart Fox spun again, ending his night. Finally back to green, Taylor got by Spillman for second as the crossed flags were shown with Dinsmore, Taylor, Spillman, Leonard and Jamie Campbell in the top five.

Leonard got past Spillman on lap 10, followed by Campbell. Taylor was trying Dinsmore for the lead, but spun himself from second on lap 13 in turn 4 to bring out a yellow. Dinsmore got away clean on the restart leaving Leonard and Campbell battling for second. Williams ended his night when he slapped the front stretch wall on lap 16 and shed numerous body panels.

When green waved again, Pittaway was putting the heat on Spillman for third, as Dinsmore eased away from Leonard. Spillman was able to hold off the defending champ, Pittaway. Out front it was Dinsmore inching farther ahead of Leonard going on to take the checkers in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis.

“I finally got the car back(to where it was),” said Dinsmore. “It felt good. It had a little push in it, but it was really fast. When I installed the new birdcages, I had the ‘clocking’ off. I called Bob(Harris) after the heats and he suggested some changes that were right on.”

“I cut a tire on the first start. So we got it changed and I had to restart all the way at the back. I got caught in the melee and bent the rim over into the tire. Thankfully the car was super drivable and super fast.”

“I was able to find the fast line first. Usually once you do others will follow you so it’s important to get there first and get out front. If you don’t you have to try to find a way to get around someone running it. It’s better just to get it done and get it over with.”

“There towards the end the track started going away and the fuel load burnt off so the rear percentage was going away and I tried a different line. If I didn’t push it as hard it would push. There’s still a couple things to work on.”

“It was the first win with the new baby. It’s awesome. The baby just trucks right along and isn’t bothered by the noise. It’s amazing. Candace had her at the motel until it cooled off, but was here in time for the our feature win. That was pretty cool.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 29 Jamie Campbell, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 21 Jason Borlace, 67 Robert Liese jr., 38 Dennis Taylor, 99 Billy Meyer, 07 Allen Williams, 31 Marlin Samford, 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 10 Ellis Tracy, 20 Mike McCarthy

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1
38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway, 99 Billy Meyer, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Jason Borlace—DNTG
Heat 2
24 Tracy Fink, 20 Mike McCarthy, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 31Marlin Samford
Heat 3
44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 07 Allen Williams, 67 Robert Liese jr., 10 Ellis Tracy

Dancer Out Does Limited Late Model Field

It’s usually not easy to jump into an unfamiliar car and find a win, but AJ Dancer(Red Rock) showed that Greg Dinsmore wasn’t the only driver capable of the feat. Dancer climbed in the Walt Clark owned car, got by early leader Andrew Hesler past halfway and motored on to the victory.

The Limited Late Model feature got off to a rocky start, a sign of things to come. Leland Waddell led the way off turn 2 on the initial start, but got bumped by Hesler sending him around in turn 4. On the second start Waddell led in to turn 1, Shane Moore tried to crossover in turn 4, but spun and continued. Waddell’s time out front ended on lap 1 when spun in turn 2 scattering the field for an early caution.

Hesler led on the restart followed by Robert Danielson, Matt Hodge and multi-time winner Trey Votion. Votion had just gotten by Danielson for third when Chris Jones spun for lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, Dancer got around Harlin Covert and Danielson for fourth. Moore looped it in turn 2 for a lap 5 caution. It wasn’t long after green waved that Hodge, apparently spotting the turn 2 troll, got hung on an infield tire for yellow on lap 6.

Finally under green, the top three, Hesler, Votion and Dancer, eased away from
Covert and Gary Hunter. Dancer used the top to go past Votion on lap 7 for second and quickly got along side Hesler for the lead. Dancer got the nose out front only to have a caution for a spin by Jones erase the pass. Hesler and Dancer edged away while Covert and Votion ran door to door for third.

Covert secured the spot on lap 11, while Dancer again tried the high groove for the lead. Dancer was able to complete the pass on Hesler to lead on lap 13. Hunter spun on lap 15 after contact from Richard Bartosh, who was sent to the back. On the restart Covert was looking low on Hesler for second.

Moore spun in turn 4 was trying to roll start his car in front of the leaders, Covert slowed to avoid contact with Votion and Hunter getting by. Yellow for Moore’s stalled car in turn 4 gave Covert the spots back. Dancer got a good jump on the restart while Hesler, Covert and Votion battled for second. At the checkers it was Dancer in the Eagle Racing, VISA/Mastercard, Parks Engine Service, Shaw Chassis with a Camaro clip taking the win, while Hunter nipped Votion at the line.

“Walt must build a good car,” replied Dancer. “I really didn’t do a whole lot. I think Walt put this car together with pieces of everything. There may even be a Volkswagen Bug under there. I used the top because everyone else was running the bottom. I guess I’m not as smart as them. Up top it’s closer to the edge.”

“I think the secret of my success, is not thinking. I really don’t think about anything, if I do I’ll just mess it up. Trey(Votion) and Drew(Hesler) were as fast as us, but they just didn’t find the upper groove.”

“With myself and TJ working on it and AJ driving it, it’s a winning combination,” added car owner Clark.

Limited Late Models
32 AJ Dancer, 60 Harlin Covert, 1 Andrew Hesler, 14 Gary Hunter, 99 Trey Votion, 28 Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 18 Shane Moore, 58 Matt Hodge

Limited Late Model heat winners; 49 Robert Danielson, 7 Richard Bartosh

Casey Captures Street Stock Honors
San Antonio’s Tommy Casey found his way back to the Winners Circle after several years. Casey grabbed the point on green, then went wire to wire in the 15-lap feature that went without a caution. At the checkers Casey held a half straightaway margin over defending track champ Wade Jones.

As green waved on the Street Stock feature Casey led the pack into turn 1 with AJ Wernette and Mike Lyon side by side for second while Aaron Leddy was door to door with Jones for fourth. As Casey led back to the line on lap 1 AJ Wernette, Lyon and Leddy were almost three wide for second. As that battle sorted out, AJ Dancer got by both Leddy and AJ Wernette for third.

Stephan Danielson, Jones and Leddy went three abreast for fourth on lap 3. Danielson got the spot and was looking low on Dancer for third. Dancer held Danielson off and began pressuring Lyon for second. With Dancer trying under Lyon, Danielson tried even lower, but ended up doing a 360 to avoid contact losing several spots.

Jones, running the middle, then began to pick off cars on his way to the front. Jones got by Dancer on lap 9 then Lyon for second on lap 10, but found himself trailing Casey who had built a good margin. Dancer took third from Lyon in the final laps. Back up front it was Casey, in the Clays Auto Parts & Machine Shop, Richard & Bea Villanueva, Odie Automotive/Garfield Shanklin, Camaro grabbing the checkers comfortably ahead of Jones.

“We’re finally starting to get a handle on the car,” commented Casey. “The guys here are helping us out a lot. Between the other racers, like the Wernette group and AJ Dancer, and reading some books we’re finally getting it to hook up on the dry slick. We’ve really been bad on the slick tracks.”

“I don’t care what anyone says there’s not enough time on these short tracks to try to look back for who’s coming. Chris Swenson always tell me to adjust the brake bias while I’m driving, but I’ll wait until under caution. I’ve got enough to do with the steering wheel in my hands.”

“We’ve done some adjusting on the springs, wheel offset and weight jacks to get the car better. Just searching to find the best combination for this track. Clay(Kotara) and Roger have got us a good engine package.”

“It’s been two or three years since I’ve won, and it was on Father’s Day Weekend too. Maybe I should just race on that weekend every year.”

Street Stocks
15 Tommy Casey, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 40 Mike Lyon, 149 Stephan Danielson, 37 AJ Wernette, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Joe Spillman, 93 Aaron Leddy

Street Stock heat winners; 41 Wade Jones, 15 Tommy Casey

The Pure stock 20-lapper saw a return face to the Winers Circle, although the car is very familiar with the place. Adam Torres(San Antonio), driving the former championship car of Marc Roy, jumped out front early and never looked back going flag to flag for the win. It was the first win in several years for Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Chevy.

Torres got a good jump from the pole, while Tim Watson and Karoline Campbell were side by side trailed by Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski. T. Watson secured the second spot, while Jarrett Payton got by E. Watson for fifth. Payton and Ramzinski both got past Campbell, with Frank Okruhlik charging up behind them. Okruhlik’s wedding night came to an end when he lost an axle on lap 5(Honeymoon for the newlyweds stated early)

On the restart, Payton battled with T. Watson for second but lost a right front tire and stopped in the front stretch. Torres got a big advantage on the restart while Cody Leonard got along side Ramzinski for fourth. After picking off the spot, Leonard got around Campbell for third on lap 10. Up front Torres had built a full straightaway lead.

Leonard took second from T. Watson on lap 14, but found himself well behind Torres who easily cutting through traffic. Leonard tried to cut into Torres’ lead but to no avail as the laps wound down. Janel Hilla worked her way past Campbell for fourth in the final laps, but it was Torres crossing under the checkers with the convincing victory.

Pure Stocks
24 Adam Torres, 26c Cody Leonard, 1 Tim Watson, 7x Janel Hilla, 10c Karoline Campbell, 89 Ryan Doyon, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 15 William Cavender, 44 James Watson, 14 Trey Heald, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 66r Rick Snyder, F5 Kevin Vasbinder, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 94 Tator Mason—DNS, 117 Devin Adler—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 99 Frank Okruhlik, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres

In the Front Runner feature, Somerset’s Hailee Marcx was just as surprised as anyone when she found herself in the Winners Circle at the races completion. Marcx was one of only two cars left running as the race was called by the 10-run mercy rule. Marcx was in the right place after two groups, battling for the lead, found themselves in a heap and received the black flag.

The race started off innocent enough with track promoter Jim Knudtson leading into turn 1. Knudtson slowed while Jimmy Carroll sailed by off turn 2 to lead lap 1 followed by Roy Easler jr., Landon Sowder and Marcx. Knudtson was black flagged by his son and race director for going too slow(Happy Fathers Day !). Anthony Maciel got by Marcx for fourth, with Charles Earnhardt III following to fifth.

Easler, using the top, got by Carroll to lead lap 4 then got hung in slower traffic. Carroll was able to sneak by of turn 2, but Easler got back to the lead before lap 5. Maciel and Ch. Earnhardt got together in turn 4 for a lap 6 caution. On the ensuing restart, Easler held the lead but was pressured by Carroll and Cody Earnhardt. Co.

Co. Earnhardt and Carroll traded some paint with Carroll getting into the back of Easler. As Easler began going around he was finished off by Co. Earnhardt who had nowhere to go. All three received the black flag much to the crowds disapproval. This put Ch. Earnhardt back out front after making repairs from his earlier incident.

Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder pulled away on green to settle it among themselves. While fighting for the lead in the final laps contact sent both sailing out the pit exit leaving only Marcx and Cindy Snider, who was down a couple laps, on the track. Officials decided to black flag Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder, then declared Marcx, in the Howies Lawn & Landscaping, Alamo Homes, Bettis Storage, 6-Pack Racing Grand Am the winner.

“It was pretty weird,” said Marcx. “I was just out there racing and the next thing I know I’m in Victory Lane. I saw those guys battling ahead of me. That last wreck scared me when they went off the track as fast as they did. I didn’t know what to think.”

“It’s awesome getting the win no matter how it happens. We’re doing good in the points, second behind the 67(Jimmy Carroll) and we’re going to pick up some points on him tonight.”

Front Runners
113 Hailee Marcx, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 08 Landon Sowder, 66r Cindy Snider, 12 Roy Easler jr., 33c Cody Earnhardt, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Anthony Maciel, 98 Hayden Anderson, 27 Jim Knudtson, 98E Will Holden, 17 Kirsten Blevins

Front Runner heat winners; 12 Roy Easler jr., 67 Jimmy Carroll

By J.M. Hallas
JBHotshots Photos

Joe Wood, Jr, whips ASCS Foes in Devil’s Bowl Summer Nationals

Joe Wood, Jr., padded his American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region points lead by topping Saturday’s main event at the Devil’s Bowl Summer Nationals that pitted the ASCS Sooner forces versus The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region contenders.

The ASCS Sooner champion in 2009, Wood, Jr., assumed the point on lap 18 and went on to post his first win of the year and fifth of his career aboard the familiar No. 03 machine.

While Wood, Jr., started Saturday’s Summer Nationals finale inside the second row, it was front row outside starter Kevin Ramey gunning into the lead at the outset and pacing the initial 17 circuits until spinning exiting turn four with a broken left front shock tower.

Wood, Jr., still had to earn the win though, as ninth-starter Brady Bacon pulled alongside to challenge for the top spot in the final corner, only to have Wood, Jr., beat the Broken Arrow, OK, racer to the line for the $2,000 triumph.

Bacon settled for runner-up honors for the second night in a row, with New Mexico’s Joshua Hodges claiming the show position. Dustin Morgan climbed ten spots from 14th to fourth, with Andy Shouse rounding out the top five.

Defending ASCS Lone Star champion Eric Baldaccini was sixth, with Dale Wester, Brandon Corn, 19th-starter Justin Melton and Friday night winner Tony Bruce, Jr., completing the top ten.

Wood, Jr., Hodges and Wester won Saturday night’s heat races, with Melton winning the “B” Main.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region versus American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Results from Devil’s Bowl Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 2. 27-Andy Shouse, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 11c-Matt Covington, 5. 99-Brady Bacon, 6. 2L-Logan Payne, 7. 74e-Claud Estes, 8. 45-Martin Edwards, 9. 77-Colt Treharn.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 2. 7-Michelle Decker, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 30-Brandon Corn, 5. 2-Dustin Morgan, 6. 54-Evan Pardo, 7. 110-Cameron Hagin, 8. 11-Justin Melton, 9. 76-John Ricketts.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 12-Dale Wester, 2. 61-Danny Jennings, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 5-Kyle McCutcheon, 5. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 45x-J.P. Bailey, 8. 35-Rick Wright, Jr.

“B” Feature (10 Laps): 1. 11-Justin Melton, 2. 77-Colt Treharn, 3. 74e-Claud Estes, 4. 45-Martin Edwards, 5. 110-Cameron Hagin, 6. 35-Rick Wright, Jr., 7. 45x-J.P. Bailey, 8. 76-John Ricketts.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 2. 99-Brady Bacon, 3. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 4. 2-Dustin Morgan, 5. 27-Andy Shouse, 6. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 7. 12-Dale Wester, 8. 30-Brandon Corn, 9. 11-Justin Melton, 10. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 11. 74e-Claud Estes, 12. 54-Evan Pardo, 13. 45-Martin Edwards, 14. 5-Kyle McCutcheon, 15. 11c-Matt Covington, 16. 110-Cameron Hagin, 17. 35-Rick Wright, Jr., 18. 2L-Logan Payne, 19. 61-Danny Jennings, 20. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 21. 14-Michael Lang, 22. 7-Michelle Decker, 23. 77-Colt Treharn, 24. 14b-Robert Byrom.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Matt Covington 1,011, 2. Eric Baldaccini 971, 3. Claud Estes 962, 4. Justin Melton 925, 5. Martin Edwards 919, 6. Michael Lang 917, 7. Evan Pardo 877, 8. John Ricketts 808, 9. Robert Byrom 806, 10. Dale Wester 638.

American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Joe Wood, Jr. 915, 2. Michelle Decker 840, 3. Andy Shouse 839, 4. Matt Covington 833, 5. Claud Estes 614, 6. Tony Bruce, Jr. 566, 7. Brady Bacon 556, 8. Cameron Hagin 550, 9. Rick Wright, Jr. 545, 10. Koby Barksdale 541.

Channin Tankersley takes ASCS Gulf South Sprint Car win at Golden Triangle

Channin Tankersley picked off his second Smiley’s Racing Products ASCS Gulf South main event win of the season by racing to victory lane in Friday night’s 25-lap feature at Golden Triangle Raceway Park.

Tankersley took the lead away from current series points leader Paul White on the eleventh round and went on to post his second GTRP win of the year aboard the Harris-powered CVS/Griffith Truck & Equipment No. 71 Maxim after posting an early Beaumont win just over a month ago.

After starting fifth, Tankersley worked his way into second by the tenth round and then quickly disposed of White en route to his sixth career ASCS Gulf South score.

Tankersley was chased to the line by White, with defending champion Ray Allen Kulhanek, Travis Elliott and Scottie McDonald rounding out the top five. Aaron Reutzel was sixth, with Wes Miller, Beau Smith, Tommy Bryant and Chris Sweeney completing the top ten.

Tankersley, Bryant and Kulhanek topped heat race action, with Michael McNeil winning the “B” Main.

Smiley’s Racing Products ASCS Gulf South Results from Golden Triangle Raceway Park:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 71-Channin Tankersley, 2. 3-Gary Watson, 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 4. 35-Greg Rilat, 5. 93-Chris Sweeney, 6. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 7. 82-Mark Harris, 8. 12b-Logan Bledsoe, 9. 31-Brandon Berryman.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 28-Tommy Bryant, 2. 15T-Travis Elliott, 3. 2-Wes Miller, 4. 19-Klint Angelette, 5. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 6. 69-Larry Howery, 7. 52-Roger Oakes, 8. 24-Brandie Jass.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 2. 88-Scottie McDonald, 3. 51s-Beau Smith, 4. 10-George White, 5. 9-Gary Wright, 6. 25m-Michael McNeil, 7. 5c-Chris Coker, 8. B51-Johnny Brown.

“B” Main (12 Laps): 1. 25m-Michael McNeil, 2. 5c-Chris Coker, 3. 12b-Logan Bledsoe, 4. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 5. B51-Johnny Brown, 6. 31-Brandon Berryman, 7. 52-Roger Oakes. DNS: 69-Larry Howery, 82-Mark Harris, 51-Jimmy Brooks, 24-Brandie Jass.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 71-Channin Tankersley, 2. 10-George White, 3. 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 4. 15T-Travis Elliott, 5. 88-Scottie McDonald, 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 7. 2-Wes Miller, 8. 51s-Beau Smith, 9. 28-Tommy Bryant, 10. 93-Chris Sweeney, 11. 3-Gary Watson, 12. 25m-Michhael McNeil, 13. 31-Brandon Berryman, 14. 35-Greg Rilat, 15. 5c-Chris Coker, 16. 19-Klint Angelette, 17. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 18. B51-Johnny Brown, 19. 9-Gary Wright, 20. 12b-Logan Bledsoe.

Smiley’s Racing Products ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. George White 1,452, 2. Ray Allen Kulhanek 1,388, 3. Tommy Bryant 1,378, 4. Brandon Berryman 1,299, 5. Chris Sweeney 1,296, 6. Channin Tankersley 1,264, 7. Travis Elliott 1,203, 8. Aaron Reutzel 1,202, 9. Greg Rilat 1,190, 10. Gary Watson 1,138.

by Lonnie Wheatley
ASCS Gulf South photo

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway, 6/18/2011

Umscheid Race Services and Lone Star Speedzone will be providing live, interactive, lap-by-lap coverage of all the NASCAR short track racing action at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday starting at 6 p.m.

There’s always a nice breeze on the hill at Thunderhill, so come on out and enjoy all the sights, sounds and excitement in person. And in case you weren’t aware, the food by Bailey’s Burgers is really great and very reasonably priced.

But if you just can’t make it to the track, I’ll do my best to bring you lap-by-lap coverage right here.

You are always welcome to post comments and ask questions, but there will be a delay in seeing your posts. That’s because I have to manually approve all posts before they are displayed, so please be patient since sometimes I’m pretty busy just keeping up with the racing!

To get started, click the icon.

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 6/11/2011

Can the “Zak Attack” keep winning? Will someone claim the $4K (plus the $1K 1st place money) bounty bonus?

You really should be at Houston Motorsports Park for this one, but if you just can’t make it, I will do my best to bring you the lap-by-lap racing action as it unfolds at the 3/8-mile oval.

Yes, you can ask questions. Yes, you can make comments. But there will be a delay in seeing your posts because I have to manually approve each one and sometimes I just can’t get to the comments when I’m actually trying to do the play-by-play.

To get started, click the icon below.

Trey Votion Four-peats in Limited Late Models at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park

Trey Votion, the new hot shoe in the Limited Late Model class at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park in Pleasanton, Texas, grabbed his fourth victory in a row during the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature in a caution-filled race this past Satur

Votion assumed the point when Andrew Hesler spun from the top spot, then held off a late charge by multi-time track champion Gary Hunter, for the win. Finishing in the top five were Hunter, Robert Danielson, Harlin Covert and Matt Hodge.

The 14-car Limited Late Model feature was a rock ‘em, sock ‘em event from the start. Hesler jumped out front on green with Danielson, Hodge, Votion and Hunter in pursuit. Lap 1 saw the first yellow when Craig Crawley, Chris Jones and Dustin Tillman tangled in turn 2. On the restart Hesler got a good jump, with Hodge getting second from Danielson. In turn 4 Leland Waddell and Ron Sprayue got together for a lap 2 caution.

Back to green, Hesler and Hodge got away, while Votion got around Danielson for third. Jones brought out a yellow on lap 3 with a solo spin in turn 4. Hodge gave Hesler a look low as green waved again, and Hunter moved past Danielson for fourth. Hodge looped it in turn 4, with Hunter making slight contact and Danielson rubbing with Bartosh as they tried to avoid Hodge on lap 5.

Finally to some green flag racing with Votion putting the heat on Hesler for the lead. As they battled for the lead, Hunter closed in on both. While Votion gave Hesler a look low, Hunter edged past for second on lap 7, while Bartosh took fifth from Harlin Covert. As they top three fought it out nose to tail, Waddell shot out the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 9.

After a spin by Waddell on the ensuing restart, Hunter tried Hesler low for the lead. Votion moved up top retaking second on lap 10. Hesler found the track troll in turn 4 tonight, as he went around giving up the lead to Votion. Votion and Hunter pulled away from Danielson, Covert and Kevin Hayden. Hodge had just made his way back into the top five when Hayden spun on lap 16.

Votion got away on green as Danielson briefly snuck past Hunter for second. Hunter regained the position and began to chase down Votion. Behind them Hodge and Covert had a side by side fight for fourth. Hunter gave Votion one last charge but came up a bit short with Votion in the Northside Ford, Kelly Chassis taking the victory.

“It’s been real good for us here lately,” said Votion. “I’ve got no complaints. My brother and I have worked on this car week after week and finally got it to where I’m real happy with it. It’s doing what I want and I can run top or bottom. A couple guys were tough to get around, I may have to make some more changes.”

“It was tough tonight, quite a few were fast. It’s not easy to find your rhythm with all those cautions. It can be a little frustrating. You finally get a run on someone, caution comes out, and you have to start all over. I just kept searching around for the best line.”

“I was finally able to make some decent moves, and got away with some mistakes too. Luckily I didn’t make them at the end. I was on the bottom when Andrew(Hesler) went around so avoiding him wasn’t an issue. There were some cars torn up tonight. Hopefully next time we can get back to better racing without all the cautions.”

Limited Late Models results

99 Trey Votion, 14 Gary Hunter, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 58 Matt Hodge, 1x Andrew Hesler, 94 Dustin Tillman, 08 Kevin Hayden, 69 Chris Jones, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell, 42 Ron Sprayue, 18 Shane Moore, 6 Craig Crawley

Limited Late Model heat winners; 58 Matt Hodge, 99 Trey Votion, 18 Shane Moore

Several other classes were racing at the IMCA sanctioned quarter-mile dirt track and their events are reported below.

Campbell Cashes in Modified Main

Jamie Campbell picked up win number two in the IMCA Modifieds holding off a multi-time winner Greg Dinsmore. Campbell got the lead on a second start and never looked back going wire to wire for the win. Dinsmore chased Campbell throughout the 20-lap main event, but faded near the finish leaving Campbell unchallenged at the checkers. Dinsmore held second with Rick Green, Bill Pittaway and Darin Leonard filling out the top five.

Matt Fox led the 13-car IMCA Modified field into turn 1, but slid high in turn 2 giving the lead to Leonard. Billy Meyer, Tracy Fink, Gilbert Amezquita and Rick Green all got tangled in turn 2 for an early caution. On the restart Campbell got out ahead of Leonard followed by Dinsmore. Dinsmore was challenging Campbell when Amezquita stopped in turn 2.

On the restart Campbell and Dinsmore got away on top, while Leonard and Pittaway ran the bottom. Green got around Fink on lap five for fifth. Fox went around in turn 4 on lap 6 to bring out a caution. Campbell and Dinsmore again broke ahead coming to halfway with Campbell, Dinsmore, Leonard, Pittaway and Green in the top five.

As the lead duo checked out, Pittaway got by Leonard with Green joining in. They were three wide for the spot on lap 12 with Green following Pittaway by. Green then picked off third from Pittaway on lap 14. Up front Campbell was inching away from Dinsmore as the laps wound down. As the white flag waved Campbell had an 8-car length margin on Dinsmore going on to his second win in the aplusboatparts.com, Swenson Racing Shocks, VP Race Fuels, Hillen Automotive, Performance Machine Shop, Swenson Chassis.

I just tried to be smooth and take up as much track as I could.” commented Campbell. “It’s more gratifying beating Greg(Dinsmore) on the track. He’s always fast here. When I won three weeks ago I was a half lap behind when he wrecked, so I got a big break.”

“I figured one of those Harris cars was back there. I couldn’t hear anyone and I just tried to focus on my line. I just tried to keep my momentum up, and keep the tires under the car.”

“Jamie(Campbell) ran a good race and held the fast line,” added runner-up(and new daddy) Dinsmore. “My car just had no forward bite. I could get in the corner, but couldn’t get off. I think there’s still something bent and the rear end is a couple inches out.”

IMCA Modifieds
29 Jamie Campbell , 8g Greg Dinsmore, 82 Rick Green, 37 Bill Pittaway, 26 Darin Leonard, 24 Tracy Fink, 31 Marlin Samford, 99 Billy Meyer, 67 Robert Liese jr., 14 Joe O’Bryan, 53x Matt Fox, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 44 Joe Spillman

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1
37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 24 Tracy Fink, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 53x Matt Fox, 99 Billy Meyer

Heat 2
67 Robert Liese jr., 26 Darin Leonard, 31 Marlin Samford, 82 Rick Green, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 44 Joe Spillman

Blaylock Back in Victory Lane

Brandon Blaylock(Cypress) made his first trip to I-37 Raceway this season a memorable one as he picked up another feature. Blaylock, who has won at the track in the past, got by early leader Tom Grothues after halfway and built a big lead. Points leader, Johnny Torres worked his way to second in the final laps but never got close enough to pressure Blaylock. Grothues, Brian Rye and Greg Rohmer completed the top five.

Grothues was first into turn 1 for the lead at the start of the 20-lap, 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Behind him it was three wide for second with Moe VanKirk and Randy Yount going around in turn 4, but continuing without caution. With Grothues on the point, Rohmer, B. Rye, Travis Penny and Blaylock fell in behind.

Blaylock picked off fourth from Penny on lap 3. Torres began his move forward getting sixth from Kris Rye, while Blaylock got along side B. Rye for third. Blaylock took over third with Torres getting fifth from Penny on lap 6. Blaylock then got around Rohmer as they both closed on Grothues. It was nearly three wide for the lead on lap 8, with Grothues holding on.

At the crossed flags it was Grothues and Blaylock side by side, Rohmer, Torres and B. Rye in the top five. Grothues, a former pavement driver, held his own as he and Blaylock ran wheel to wheel for the lead until Blaylock finally secured the spot on lap 13. Torres made his way to third getting by Rohmer, with B. Rye following to fourth.

Torres got under Grothues on lap 17 for second but found himself well behind Blaylock. With the white flag in the air, Blaylock held a ½ straightaway advantage over Torres and cruised to the checkers in the Diamondback Transport, Bebo Race Designs, Boehle Signs, Valley Powder Coat, Rhino Racing Rear Ends, Blaylock Chassis.

“This track is one of my favorites,” replied Blaylock. “It’s been real good to us over the years. I’ve won the last four times we’ve made it out here. The track just seems to fit my driving style well.”

“I really have to give my wife a lot of thanks, she’s pretty much taken over as my mechanic since we’ve moved to the Houston area and farther away from my dad.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod
9B Brandon Blaylock, 66 Johnny Torres, 11 Tom Grothues, 184 Brian Rye, 51 Greg Rohmer, 4$ Kris Rye, 10 Travis Penny, 21 Jason Borlace, 58 Moe VanKirk, 99x Michael Hernandez, 60 Pat Lyon, 4 Robby Minten, 66y Randy Yount, 99 Anthony Malhorin

IMCA SSM heats
Heat 1
66 Johnny Torres, 58 Moe VanKirk, 10 Travis Penny, 184 Brian Rye, 99x Michael Hernandez, 21 Jason Borlace, 4 Robby Minten

Heat 2
9B Brandon Blaylock, 51 Greg Rohmer, 66y Randy Yount, 11 Tom Grothues, 4$ Kris Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 99 Anthony Malhorin

In the Street Stock feature Wade Jones added another win to his career total, but it wasn’t easy. Jones got by AJ Wernette in the early stages of the 20-lapper and was chased by AJ Dancer after a mid-race caution. Jones, the two-time track champ, held off a challenge by Dancer, then inched out to a slight lead at the finish. Dancer, Robert Danielson, Mike Lyon and Joe Spillman rounded out the top five.

AJ Wernette got off turn 2 with the early lead in the 13-car Street Stock feature, but Dancer, Dennis Hilla, Rick Schroat and Nathan Robbins got tangled n turn 4. AJ Wernette led the restart into turn 1 with Jones, Robbins and Spillman three wide for second. As they shook out it was Spillman, Jones, Hilla and Lyon behind AJ Wernette.

Jones got by Spillman for second an along side AJ Wernette for the lead. Spillman gave a quick thought about three wide, but let discretion be the better part of valor. Jones got the top spot on lap 3, with Dancer getting fifth from Hilla and Robert Danielson. Dancer then snared fourth from Lyon when Robbins slapped the front stretch wall for a caution.

Once back to green, Danielson gave Lyon a run for fifth, but Lyon held him off. Spillman tried to duck under AJ Wernette for second but gave Dancer a chance on top to get third on lap 8. Dancer then got by AJ Wernette as Danielson finally grabbed fifth from Lyon. Dancer, who was a corner behind Jones got a break when R. Schroat spun in turn 4 on lap 12 for a caution, rebunching the field.

Dancer gave Jones a look low as green waved again, but Jones held firm. Behind them, Danielson went by both AJ Wernette and Spillman for third. As Spillman and AJ Wernette slugged it out for fourth, Lyon joined the battle. Jones took the white with a slight margin on Dancer and rolled on to the checkers in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro.

“I really had to work for that one,” commented Jones. “The track was slick, slick, slick. I try to adjust my driving style on the dry slick and let the car drive itself instead of using the motor. We put some new tires on it tonight, and that helped a lot. We were still running tires from last year.”

“We came out here last Friday and got some practice, changed some things and that helped too. We also put in a new motor, the other one was worn out. I love racing against AJ(Dancer). He’s a good driver and he raced me clean.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 186 Robert Danielson, 40 Mike Lyon, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 AJ Wernette, 2x Dennis Hilla, 93 Aaron Leddy, 5 Rick Schroat, 7 Danny Schroat, 37w Wayne Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 04 Nathan Robbins

Street Stock heat winners; 52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones

The Pure stock feature saw Frank Okruhlik work his way to front and reel in Adam Torres, debuting a car recently purchased from two-time track champ Marc Roy. After a multi-lap door to door battle, Okruhlik got the lead with only a few laps to go. Torres tried to retake the top spot, but was slow to go on a late restart, leaving Okruhlik to grab the checkers. Torres held off Talon Minten for second with Jerry Jones fourth and Janel Hilla fifth.

Torres quickly jumped out front as the 20-lap, 14-car Pure Stock feature came to the green. James Watson, Minten, Jones and Cody Leonard fell in line behind Torres. Watson and Minten made contact giving Jones, Leonard and Brandy Ramzinski an opening to get by. While Ramzinski an Minten battled for fourth, Okruhlik got by Minten for fifth.

Yellow waved on lap 8 when Mereda Major had trouble in turn 2. On the restart Ramzinski got by Leonard for third but spun for a quick yellow. Okruhlik took advantage of Leonard on the restart getting third. Okruhlik then got past Jones for second while Leonard and Minten ran side by side for fourth. Yellow waved on lap 11 when Dustin Robin got into Major coming off turn 4.

With Okruhlik now on Torres’ bumper, the two took off with Torres on the bottom and Okruhlik looking high. The two were door to door for the lead on lap 13, and again on lap 15, while Minten got by Jones for third. Okruhlik got the top spot from Torres on lap 16. Torres tried to regain the point, with Ramzinski working her way back up to fourth.

Robin brought out a lap 18 caution when he spun on the front stretch, setting up a green, white, checker finish. When green waved Torres was slow to take off giving Okruhlik the chance to open up a lead. Torres had to fend off Minten as Okruhlik pulled away to snag the victory in the Odie Racing, Mo’s Racing Chassis, Chevy.

“These guys are really stepping up,” said Okruhlik. “I like it. I don’t like being out there by myself. I’m going to have get my game together even more now. He(Adam Torres) was breathing down my neck after I got around him.”

“I made a few changes for the track between the heat and feature. They really helped me out. I just tried to run my own line and try not to mess up.”

Pure Stocks
99 Frank Okruhlik, 24(94) Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 95 Jerry Jones, 7x Janel Hilla, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 2 Patricia Lucas, 14 Trey Heald, 8 Dustin Robin, 33 Mereda Major, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26 Cody Leonard, 9 Jarrett Payton

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 89 Talon Minten

Cody Earnhardt was awarded the victory in the Front Runner feature even though he wasn’t first across the line. Earnhardt, who lead the majority of the 15-lap race, was run down by Roy Easler jr. in the latter stages. The two made contact on the final lap sending Earnhardt up the track, and Easler by for the checkers. Officials penalized Easler for the contact giving the victory to Earnhardt. Cody Smith, Brandon Sowder, Jimmy Carroll and Hailee Marcx trailed the leader to the line.

As the 12-car Front Runner feature took the green, Cindy Snider broke out to the early lead followed by Earnhardt, Sowder, Kursten Blevins and Joshua Mares. Earnhardt got by Snyder for the lead on lap 3, while Easler charged past Mares and Cody Smith for fourth. Sowder drifted up too high in turn 4 giving up spots to Easler, Smith and Mares.

Mares’ top five run ended on lap 9 when he lost the right front wheel and bought out a caution. On the restart Earnhardt and Easler checked out on the field to settle it among themselves. On the final lap in turn 4 the two got together sending Earnhardt high into the marbles. Easler was first across the line, but black flagged giving Earnhardt, in the Earnhardt & Sons Automotive, Big Lou’s Pizza, Rushmore Plumbing, Mazda, the victory.

Front Runners
33c Cody Earnhardt, 13 Cody Smith, 08 Brandon Sowder, 67 Jimmy Carrol, 113 Hailee Marcx, 12 Roy Easler jr, 17 Kursten Blevins, 98 Hayden Anderson, 98E Marie Gonzales, 9 Dillon Gaither, 66R Cindy Snider, 3 Joshua Mares

Front Runners heat winners; 33c Cody Earnhardt, 12 Roy Easler jr.

By J M Hallas
Photo by Jamie Brabson

NASCAR A-Line Modified wreck at Thunderhill Raceway, June 4, 2011

Duke O’Oconnor with Texas High Def captured this footage from the NASCAR A-Line Modified feature at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

Again, this video speaks for itself.

Video of TSRS Allison Legacy wreck at Thunderhill Raceway, 6/4/2011

Duke O’Connor from Texas High Def caught a TSRS Allison Legacy wreck on tape during their feature at Thunderhill Raceway on June 4, 2011.

The video speaks for itself.

Next Page »

Copyright © 2005-2009 Lone Star Speedzone · 139 E. Hopkins, Suite 200-E, San Marcos, TX 78666 · Log in