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Live Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway, 8/28/2010

Nick will be at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday, August 28, 2010 to bring you Live Interactive Updates using the CoverItLive blogging software.

I should be starting the show around 4:30 on Saturday so feel free to log in below around that time or at any time during the evening.

I welcome comments and questions, but there will be a delay between the time you post and the time it shows up. This is because I have to approve all posts and sometimes I’m busier than you can imagine trying to keep up with the racing action.

To get started, click below.

LSS - TexasHighDef spotlight on Texas Super Racing Series LM feature, August 14, 2010

TexasHighDef’s Duke O’Connor captured the entire Texas Super Racing Series Late Model feature at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday, August 14, 2010, a race that many have called the most exciting TSRS race this season.

Fourteen year-old Austin Self won, but he sure had his mirror full of Bobby Teer, Jr, and Robert Barker on his way to the checkered.

Austin Self notches third Texas Super Racing Series Late Model in a thriller

Kyle, Texas (August 15, 2010) - Fourteen year-old Austin Self continues to impress the Texas stock car racing community as he notched his third Texas Super Racing Series Late Model race of the season and his second-in-a-row at the D-shaped, 3/8-mile speedplant in Kyle, Texas, on Saturday, August 15, 2010.

Self, who started in the seventh spot due to the inversion, quickly moved into second, but fast-qualifier and TSRS points leader Bobby Teer, Jr, slipped under the youngster a lap or two later and to claim the spot and set sail for the leader, JT Schild.

And it wasn’t long before Teer worked his way past Schild to grab the lead and took off, opening a several car-length lead over Schild and Self, who seemed content to stay behind Schild for the time being.

Teer’s lead evaporated on lap 21, however, after a caution flag and subsequent red flag on 27 for liquid on the racing surface.

On the restart Self got under Schild to grab second, but cagey veteran and multi-race winner Robert Barker was quickly moving up through the field after a pit stop during the previous caution.

A lap-33 spin by Kristen Bumbera, who broke a suspension part while running in third place, brought out the second yellow, which then put Barker on Self’s rear bumper and Self on Teer’s rear bumper for the restart.

As the green waved, Self nosed under Teer which moved the leader over just enough to allow Self to get under and pass for the lead. Barker followed Self through the opening which dropped Teer to third. For the next few laps the trio raced nose-to-tail with the large crowd in attendance on their collective feet.

After some paint exchanges up front, Teer got into Barker a bit too hard and Barker spun to bring out the yellow on lap 43. After some discussion, the track ordered Teer to the rear of the pack for the restart with Barker retaining his second place spot behind Self.

On the restart, Barker gave Self a tap, but the youngster held on and retained the lead. But Teer was on a tear and a couple of laps later was filling Barker’s mirror to make it a three car shootout up front with five to go. Barker again tried the bump and run, but this time it backfired and it was Barker who spun to bring out the yellow with five to go.

Would Teer return the favor that Self had used to grab the lead earlier in the race? The large crowd on hand thought so and was on its collective feet as the green waved. And sure enough, the lead pair made a bit of contact and Teer squeezed by to re-take the lead. But as fate would have it, Mike Reininger spun in turn 3-4 to bring out the final yellow of the race before the lap was completed, nullifying the pass for the lead.

So once again the fans were on their feet waiting for the sparks to fly as the green waved with five to go, but this time Self in the FEP Chevrolet was ready and hammered down with Teer having to settle for a last-lap try on the outside which came up a half-car-length short at the finish line.

Taylor Brandes, JT Schild and Jeff O’Neil rounded out the top five.

“I have to credit my team and FEP for this one,” Self said. “Heath and JR gave me an awesome car that was there at the finish. We were a little loose earlier in the day, but the car came to me as the track cooled. That was really an exciting race and I’m glad the fans enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Official Results Texas Super Racing Series Late Model event, August 14, 2010

1. 07 Austin Self, Austin, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.668
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.503
3. 92 Taylor Brandes, Garden Ridge, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.624
4. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.844
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX, 50 laps, QT 16.168
6. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.872
7. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, TX, 45 laps, QT 15.810
8. 04 Cory Roper, Baytown, TX, 36 laps, QT 15.892
9. 06 Kristin Bumbera, Cypress, TX, 35 laps, QT 16.072
10. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX, 31 laps, QT 16.490
11. 9 Jason Campbell, Cibolo, TX, 3 laps, QT 18.891

QT = Qualifying Time

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photo by Tory Christopher

Austin Self earns his second Texas Super Racing Series checkered flag at Thunderhill Raceway

For the second time this season, Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model rookie Austin Self ended up in Thunderhill Raceway’s Victory Circle. And for the second time this season he did it in convincing fashion. after the dust settled at the tight, 3/8-mile, D-shaped, asphalt bullring Saturday night.

The fourteen year-old Self, who qualified fourth fastest on the tight, 3/8-mile D-shaped asphalt bullring, started on the outside of row two for the 50-lap TSRS Late Model “Reagan Smith Memorial 50,” jumped into the lead on the very first lap after a great inside move and proceeded to lead every lap of the “clean and green” feature.

But it certainly was no cakewalk as the youngster had to hold off two of the most talented drivers in Texas - multi-race winners Robert Barker and TSRS point leader Bobby Teer, Jr. – for the entire 50 laps. First it was Barker taking a long looks inside as it appeared that Self’s ride might be a tad loose coming of the turns. Then it was Teer trading paint with the FEP Chevrolet over the last dozen laps.

After filling Self’s mirror for several laps with his battle-proven Ford, Barker seemed ready to make his move. But just as he set up for the pass, Teer timed his own move and got under Barker to take over the second spot, dropping Barker to third.

Almost immediately Teer traded paint with the leader and tried for several laps to force Self into an error, but the cool-as-a-cucumber teen held his line as the action heated up. Bumper tag became the name-of-the-game over the last few laps, but Self was able to fend off the repeated challenges to claim the win by less than a car length as the top three crossed the finish line in a bunch.

“I really had my hands full with both Robert (Barker) and Bobby (Teer,Jr.)” Self said during a post-race interview. “Those two guys are two of the best and to be able to hold them off for 50 green-flag laps was a pretty big challenge. I just tried to keep my hand on the wheel, be patient and hold my line.”

“Bobby saw that I was a little loose coming off the turns and he did his best to loosen me up a little more, “ Self chuckled. “The car loosened up on me some late in the race because the tires heated up during that long green run, but both those guys raced me clean and I thank them for that. I think they both know I’d race them clean if it was the other way around. Really, any one of us three could have won that race, but I’m glad it was the FEP Chevrolet taking the checkered.

“I want to thank FEP for backing my racing this year and I can’t say enough about J.R. and Heath for giving me another great car. It takes a great sponsor and a great team to win and I’ve got both,” Self concluded.

Results of the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model “Reagan Smith Memorial 50”

Showing Finishing position, Car number, Name, Hometown, Laps completed, Qualifying time

1. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.677
2. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.383
3. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.476
4. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX 50 laps QT 15.581
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.869
6. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 48 laps QT 16.628
7. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 48 laps QT 16.418
8. 04 Cory Roper Baytown, TX 37 laps QT 15.885
9. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 2 laps QT 15.966
10. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 0 laps QT 15.703

QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify

By Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photo by Tory Christopher

Sizzling summer action at Thunderhill Raceway this weekend

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

Austin Self scores his first TSRS Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

Fourteen year-old Texas Super Racing Series rookie sensation Austin Self started on the pole for the TSRS LM feature at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, Texas) Saturday night and led all 35 laps to claim his first checkered flag in a full-bodied stock car.

A multi-time champion in national Karting competition, Self’s team decided earlier this year to tackle the premier Late Model series in Texas without the young man ever having turned a lap in a stock car, let alone go up against some of the most experienced and successful teams in Texas and the Southwest.

Although Self has enjoyed more success than most thought possible this early in this season, the win is ample evidence that “the kid is for real.”

Self started on the pole, but immediately TSRS points leader Bobby Teer, Jr. was on his tail and a lap later another multi-race winner and former TSRS Champion, Robert Barker, made the first half of the event on the 3/8-mile, D-shaped, paved oval a three-way paint-swapping contest for the lead.

But Self, driving like a seasoned veteran, was able to fend off Teer’s repeated challenges and even pulled away a bit as Teer became pre-occupied with Barker’s constant attention to his rear bumper. Eventually – after several laps of repeated bumper contact - Barker got under Teer in turn one, but when J.T. Schild tried to follow him through, Schild and Teer made hard contact with Teer spinning to a stop in turn two to bring out the yellow flag.

That put Barker on the youngster’s bumper and over the next several laps Barker tried every move in the book to work his way by, but Self never bobbled and took the checkered flag by less than a car length over Barker.

“It was nerve wracking with those veterans on my tail. I kept as calm as I could, but I get a lot more nervous leading than I do watching the guy in front of me lead,” Self said after the race. “I’m lucky to have a great team and to get a win this early in the season. We’re still learning and this is just the beginning. “

When asked who he wanted to thank, the young man immediately replied, “Jesus Christ is the Number One for me.” And almost as an afterthought he added, “And thanks to FEP for giving me a great car and to my crew Heath and JR and the guy who keeps me calm, Chris Baker, and my parents and Applied Mechanical.”

Teer recovered to finish third while JT Schild and Craig Sellman rounded out the top five.

Results of the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model feature at Thunderhill Raceway, 6/19/2010

Finish, Car number, Name, Hometown, Laps completed, Qualifying Time
1. 07 Austin Self, Austin, TX, 35 laps, QT 15.664
2. 17 Robert Barker, TX, 35 laps, QT 15.427 (Hard Charger)
3. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX, 35 laps, QT 15.292 (Fast Time)
4. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX, 35 laps, QT 15.684
5. 38 Craig Sellman, Buda, TX, 35 laps, QT 16.045
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX, 35 laps, QT 16.182
7. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX ,26 laps, QT 16.421

by Nick Holt
Photo by Jeff Garvin

LSS - TexasHighDef spotlight on Bobby and Clint LaFont

This week the Lone Star Speedzone - TexasHighDef Spotlight shines brightly on the father and son team of Bobby and Clint LaFont. Bobby and Clint share their thoughts about their success at Thunderhill Raceway in the ASA A-Line Auto Parts Super Stock class.

These two guys are class acts for sure and it shows as you watch and listen to this interview.

Some good action video shot by Duke O’Connor as well.

Veteran Teer notches first Texas Super Racing Series Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

Bobby Teer, Jr., has seen many second-place finishes in Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model competition over the years, but the veteran driver finally made it all the way to the top spot this past Saturday night (May 22, 2010) at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, Texas) during the “Operation Interdependence 50.”

Teer set fast time in qualifying (15.280 seconds) and led all but the first lap or two on his way to the winner’s circle.

But it wasn’t all that easy because David Barker, who was substituting for his younger brother, Robert Barker, who had won all three previous TSRS events this season, and rookie JT Schild gave him plenty of competition and perhaps a few taps on his back bumper along the way.

Barker got the early jump on the 14-car field, but it wasn’t long before Teer, who had started on the outside pole, made a clean inside pass to take the lead when Barker exited turn four a bit too high.

Mike Reininger, Taylor Brandes and JT Schild were all tucked in behind the leaders and were waging their own private war for third in the early going until the threesome tried to make it three wide and heavy contact sent Reininger and Brandes into twin spins while Schild was able to maintain control. Schild then lined up behind Barker on the ensuing restart with Cody Iltis right behind him.

Meanwhile, fourteen year-old rookie Austin Self, who had started at the rear due to being a bit too left-side heavy after qualifying, had worked his way up to sixth and was obviously on a mission to get to the front.

For the next several laps Teer had his hands full as Barker lurked right on his bumper while Schild, in turn, worked on Barker’s rear bumper. Iltis completed the tight, four-car breakaway.

But Barker seemed to be losing the handle a bit and Schild got more and more aggressive as they passed the half-way point. Schild, after looking inside for several laps, finally got a good run going into turn three and the pair made heavy contact with Barker spinning to bring out the yellow.

The track ruled that Schild had position and Barker was sent to the rear for the restart. That moved Schild into second with Iltis third and Self fourth. A lap or two later Self worked his way past Iltis to take third.

With twelve laps remaining Larry Bendele’s engine exploded just past the flag stand in a cloud of smoke while running in the fifth spot and everyone behind went sliding through the oil. Barker spun to a stop near the apron and Brandes, also completely at the mercy of the oil, slammed into Barker’s driver’s side door as the rest of the field miraculously didn’t hit anything too hard. Brandes was done for the night but Barker’s crew patched the car up and he returned to the track without losing a lap.

Unfortunately for Self, his hood had bent up to block a good portion of his view and he spent the remainder of the race holding off Iltis. Iltis gave it one last shot on the last lap and got into Self’s rear bumper, but instead of Self spinning, it was Iltis who sat in the middle of turn 3-4 as the checkered waved for Teer who had opened up a car length or two on Schild as they came to the line.

It was all smiles and congratulations in the TSRS winner’s circle for Teer and crew and plenty of high-fives for rookies Schild and Self.

Cory Roper and Craig Sellman rounded out the top five.

TSRS Late Models “Operation Interdependence 50” results, 5/22/2010

1. 2 Bobby Teer Jr., Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.280 Fast Time
2. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX 50 laps QT 15.553
3. 07 Austin Self, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.514 Post Qualifying Tech Infraction - Too much left side weight (started at rear)
4. 04 Cory Roper, Baytown, TX 50 laps QT 16.303 Hard Charger
5. 38 Craig Sellman, Buda, TX 50 laps DNT
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.966
7. 17 David Barker, Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.447
8. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX 50 laps QT 16.478
9. 11 Cody IItis, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.757
10. 37 Mark Ackerman, San Antonio, TX 45 laps QT 16.123
11. 23 Larry Bendele, Adkins, TX 38 laps QT 15.956
12. 92 Taylor Brandes, Garden Ridge, TX 30 laps QT 15.454
13. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX 23 laps QT 15.510
14. 56 Joey Jenkins, Del Valle, TX 4 laps QT 19.469

QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify
DNS – Did Not Start

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Robert Barker blasts to third-straight Texas Super Series Late Model win

Robert Barker has a pretty decent Texas Super Racing Series Late Model batting average this season - three-for-three - with the latest coming this past Saturday at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas.

Barker set fast second- fast time in qualifying at the 3/8-mile, D-shaped oval with his Mission Auto Parts Ford Fusion, drew the pole in the line-up draw and led all 50 laps to complete a nearly flawless race weekend.

But that perfect batting average may soon be in jeopardy as youngsters JT Schild and Austin Self, along with seasoned veteran Bobby Teer, Jr. are coming on strong.

Schild, who started on the outside pole next to Barker, got hung out a bit at the drop of the green which allowed Self , who had lined up on the inside row two, to grab the second spot early, but Schild quickly returned the favor, dropping Self to third in the early going.

Meanwhile, Teer, who was quickest in time trials, had worked his way up to Self’s bumper from his sixth starting spot while Barker and Schild went nose-to-tail for several laps until Schild slipped a bit exiting a turn and Barker took off, never to be seriously challenged again.

At that point all eyes were on the heated battle for third between Self and Teer, who was using every trick in the book to force Self to make a mistake, but the youngster, driving only his second TSRS Late Model race, proved his second place finish in the last TSRS event was no fluke and hung tough.

Finally on lap 16 Teer made a textbook inside pass – no paint whatsoever traded - to take the spot.

At just past the halfway point, a caution bunched the nine-car field.

On the restart Barker got away cleanly, but Self made a huge move on Teer and grabbed third while veteran Mike Reininger took command of the fifth spot behind Teer.

A couple of laps later Teer got into the back of Self coming off turn four getting him a bit sideways, but Self was able to recover and hold the spot as while Barker and Schild pulled away once again.

For the next several laps Teer backed off a bit, cooling his tires and plotting his next move. And with five to go he gave Self a bit of a nudge in turn one and scooted by on the inside as the pair exited turn two to claim third once again.

Up front, Barker was long gone, but Teer and Self seemed to be closing in on Schild, who had faded a bit in second with handling issues. The pair ran out of laps, however, and at the checkered it was Barker by several car lengths over Schild, a fast-closing Teer, a determined Self and a fast-improving Reininger the top five.

Texas Super Racing Series Late Model 50-lap feature results

1. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX, 50 laps QT 15.234
2. 25 JT Schild Waller, TX, 50 laps QT 15.853
3. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX, 50 laps QT 15.202 Fast Time/Hard Charger
4. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX, 50 laps QT 15.407
5. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX, 50 laps QT 15.806
6. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX, 50 laps QT 15.420
7. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX, 50 laps QT 15.879
8. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX, 48 laps QT 16.852
9. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX, 48 laps QT 16.177

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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

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