TSRS Late Model ‘Young Guns’ grabbing headlines heading into Saturday’s “Rebecca Cooper CPA 75″ at Thunderhill Raceway

July 9, 2009

The “Young Guns” are dominating the trip to the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model Victory Lane in 2009.

Jake Kruger (Bastrop, TX) is 16 years old. Cody Smith (La Vernia, TX) is 19 years old. Their combined age (35) is one year younger than Robert Barker (Boerne, TX), the 36-year-old TSRS veteran who’s the only driver to get between Kruger, Smith and complete domination of the last seven TSRS series races.

Youngsters Jake Kruger (#14) and Cody Smith are potential TSRS Late Model winners every time out

Youngsters Jake Kruger (#14) and Cody Smith are potential TSRS Late Model winners every time out

Starting with the 2008 season-ending race (the Texas Stock Car Spectacular), Kruger, who turned 16 on June 25, has won four of the last seven TSRS races. Kruger won the ’08 Spectacular and has won three more races this season. Kruger is the reigning series Rookie of the Year.

Smith, who turns 20 on Aug. 17, has won two races this season, including the March 28th and May 23rd feature races at Thunder Hill Raceway (THR) in Kyle, TX. Smith, who’s also running in ASA and other late-model series, was the 2007 TSRS LM Rookie of the Year and runnerup champion.

Barker, meantime, won the ’09 series opener – the AllState Texas Thunder 50 at THR. Barker, who sits fourth in the ’09 points standings, is joined by fellow racing “veteran” Bobby Teer, Jr. (who turned 32 on April 2) in the Top-5. Kruger leads the pack with 994 points, followed be Teer, Jr. (27 points back), Smith (70 points back) and Barker (73 points back). Dillon Spreen, another TSRS LM “Young Gun,” holds down fifth place in the points, 88 points behind Kruger.

Spreen could be considered the “wildcard” factor for TSRS. The Boerne, TX resident, who turned all of 15 on May 29, is in his second season with TSRS and is well overdue to win his first series race at any time. In fact, Spreen – a seven-time champion Quarter Midget champion – is good enough to reel off a couple wins in a row once he reaches Victory Lane the first time.

Still, Barker and Teer, Jr. are ready to knock their younger counterparts from their perch.

“We’re making adjustments all the time but I think we’re going back to the basics,” Barker stated. “We were trying to make some small adjustments but now we’re going back to what worked for us at the beginning of the year. “

“We’re ready to win a race,” said Teer (Comfort, TX). “We keep getting close and I thought we had the car to do it (at the race) in Houston. We want to win the championship but we’re working to win races.”

Both “older guys” expressed respect for the younger guys. “I’m still racing old late-model equipment,” Barker remarked. “I am working hard with what I have but I think those guys have better equipment, they have great help and their crew chiefs have a ton of experience. They also test a lot – hey, they probably have run more laps at Thunder Hill than I have. I’m not making excuses at all – those guys are very good drivers. But we’re going out to win again this weekend.”

Teer, Jr. added, “They (Kruger and Smith) have really good cars and equipment. You have to hand it to them – they’re doing what they need to do. They have great crew chiefs helping them out as well. And they’re both really good drivers. But I’m learning on the fly as I work on my car – we’ll have something for them.”

For more information about TSRS Late Models, please visit www.manracingpromotions.com. For information about Thunder Hill Raceway, visit www.thunderhillraceway.com.

TSRS All-Time Feature Races Win List

Driver # of feature wins
Tommy Gural 8
*Chris Schild 8
Bobby Joe New 6
Jeff Pollard 5
*Cody Smith 5
*Jake Kruger 5

*-denotes active driver

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Jeff Garvin

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Jake Kruger’s recent success in TSRS Late Models had a rough start

July 8, 2009

The date – April 19, 2008. It was the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models’ season-opening race at Thunder Hill Raceway, a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in Kyle, TX.

Jake Kruger

Jake Kruger

As one would expect at the first race of the season, there were a lot of good-looking race cars lined up for driver introductions. Except for then-14-year-old Jake Kruger, a series rookie – he and his team were standing out on the front straightaway without a car. They were there to be recognized, but reality hit when the race started and the Krugers – with their car sitting without a working engine – were watching the race from the stands.

“It was a very sick feeling,” recalled Deb Kruger, Jake’s mom and co-owner of Kruger Motorsports along with her husband Bill. “We went through five motors trying to get ready for the first race. The last one blew up in practice. It was just a bunch of bad luck.”

The Krugers, smarting from that experience, went with a different engine builder, Lozano Brothers of San Antonio, an outfit that still provides engines for team.

Obviously, Jake and his parents, along with sister Nikki and the rest of the team, had no where to go but “up” from that first race.

Fast forward just four weeks later – TSRS had its first race at Houston Motorsports Park (HMP). On May 17, 2008, Kruger – just two races from not having a car to run – went out and beat the field (which included future 2008 series champ Heath Stewart) for his first-ever TSRS victory.

Jake and crew celbrate after a recent win at Houston Motorsports Park

Jake and crew celbrate after a recent win at Houston Motorsports Park

As the ’08 summer got hotter so did Kruger, who reeled off seven more top-10 finishes before the season’s last race, the Sept. 27th Texas Stock Car Spectacular at THR. Kruger capped off a fantastic “comeback” season by grabbing the checkers in that race, clinching the TSRS Rookie of the Year award with his second win of the season. He also claimed fifth place in the overall ’08 drivers’ points standings.

Fast forward once more, now to this coming Saturday (July 11, 2009). As Kruger and the rest of the TSRS Late Model drivers are getting ready for the seventh race of the ’09 season – the Rebecca Cooper CPA 75 at THR – the Bastrop, TX resident (now 16 years old) is setting the pace for the series.

Thus Kruger, who didn’t have a car to hit the track just 15 months ago, has won three of the last four races and four of seven since taking the ’08 Texas Stock Car Spectacular feature. Kruger (994 points) leads racing veteran Bobby Teer, Jr. by 27 points going into Saturday’s race at Thunder Hill.

“This season is a continuation of the last race of last season,” stated Kruger, who’s sponsored by Kruger Motorsports, Turner Motorsports, BMF Shocks, Gen-Tech Generators and Oval Components. “Knowing we’ve won half the races this year makes us feel pretty good. I definitely have more experience from last year to this year and I believe I’ve learned from that.”

Noting that he’s got five total wins and trails TSRS all-time win leaders Chris Schild and Tommy Gural (eight wins apiece), Kruger added, “We’re just three races off the all-time win list – it’d be great to tie Chris and Tommy. Still, our season-long goal is to win the championship although right now we’re just out to win races.”

Among the many reasons for the team’s success is the crew - Lance Gaither, Brandon and Dillon Gaither and TJ Hopper – along the crew chief, John Heil.

“I personally want to thank all the crew members for their dedication,” Deb Kruger stated. “They work their butts off to make good things happen for Jake. And we wouldn’t be where we’re at right now without folks like Turner Motorsports and BMF Shocks (owned by Heil) – plus we’ve had a lot of help from Oval Components.”

Bill Kruger, a former racer himself, added, “Having good people to work with us and work around us has been a huge plus for this team. A lot of times we have people step up and just do things. This crew doesn’t have to be told what to do; usually everyone jumps in and does it. Everyone does their job and we all get along.”

Jake points to the great relationship with his crew chief as the big reason for his personal success on the track.

“With John Heil as our crew chief, we’ve won four of the six races we’ve been working together,” stated the ’09 TSRS LM points leader. “John is very easy to talk to – he can explain everything to me so I understand it. I can talk to him about the car – he makes a recommendation and so I’m learning how to talk about making adjustments to the car.

“You’re not going to win if you don’t have a great relationship with someone who works on your car. We spend a lot of time together; we have a special bond between us. I can talk to him about anything; we don’t always talk about racing. My mom once said John said I’m like the son he’s always wanted to have. That means a lot to me.”

Jake’s father concurred. “John is very meticulous about a lot of things. He makes me that way and both of us working together helps make sure we keep everything in line. If I don’t think of something he does and if I don’t think of it he does.”

While the team chases the ’09 TSRS LM championship, Bill Kruger admits the team is also looking towards the near future.

“We hope to run a few Pro Late Models races this year,” stated the elder Kruger. “We’re in communications to get some seat time, both locally (in Houston) and on the East Coast. We hope to make a trip out east to see how and where we stack up against that competition. We want to get our feet wet and want to make sure we keep moving up the ladder.”

The elder Kruger concluded, “We’re looking to get our name out there and see where we stack up. We’re only going to get one chance to make a first impression; we’re talking to a lot of folks to make deals happen.”

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Jeff Garvin

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First Timers steal the show at Thunderhill Raceway

June 29, 2009

Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, had several first-time feature winners for the eighth race of the 2009 racing season – in the Mini Stocks, Grand Stocks, Thunder Stocks and NasKarts.

Bobby Chaffee (New Braunfels, TX) started on the inside of the second row and passed newcomer Jerry Woolf on the last lap to claim victory in the Mini Stock feature race. Chaffee is one of the THR announcers, and he switched hats to win his first race on Thunderhill Raceway’s (THR) 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Jerry Woolf (#10), Bobby Chaffee (#01) and Gunnar Frid (#02) battle for the lead in the Mini Stock feature race.  Photo by Jeff Garvin.

Jerry Woolf (#10), Bobby Chaffee (#01) and Gunnar Frid (#02) battle for the lead in the Mini Stock feature race. Photo by Jeff Garvin.

Marcia Moore (Cedar Creek, TX) was the first female racer to claim a Grand Stock victory this year. Moore started on inside of the second row, and she quickly grabbed the lead on the first lap. She was able to hold off the hard charge by the previous feature winner, Floyd Reed, for the 25-lap feature event. Moore started racing with the Grand Stocks when the class was introduced in 2005 and is currently in fifth place in the 2009 Grand Stocks points’ race.

Aaron Brungot (Cedar Park, TX) has been racing in the Thunder Stock class since 2005, and he finally pulled off his first career feature win. Brungot took over the lead at the halfway point by passing teammate and 2008 Thunder Stock champion, Joey Tschoerner. He maintained the lead for the rest of the 30-lap Thunder Stock feature race – barely holding off the current points’ leader Mason Teague.

Clint LaFont (Volente, TX) claimed another victory after patiently working his way up through the field of the ASA A-Line Super Stock feature race. LaFont started in the 10 position in the 40-lap feature race and finally took over the lead with only three laps left to go. He held off Shawn Paul Lehman, who is currently running second in track points, for the victory. LaFont is currently leading the THR ASA A-Line Super Stock points’ race, and he has turned in some very impressive results so far this year (three wins and eight Top 3 finishes). He was also heading up the ASA Joe Gibbs National Championship competition going into Saturday’s race, so this win should help him maintain the lead.

Clint LaFont (3), Allen Alexander (80) and J. C. Pilcher go three wide down the front straight.  THR a one-groove track?  Don't think so... Photo by Jeff Garvin.

Clint LaFont (3), Allen Alexander (80) and J. C. Pilcher go three wide down the front straight. THR a one-groove track? Don't think so... Photo by Jeff Garvin.

Richard Gonzales (San Antonio, TX) is a NasKart rookie, and he was also a first-time feature winner on Saturday night. The fans were treated to some close racing action, especially when Lyndon Kirk and Chris Terry threatened Gonzales for the lead near the end of the 27-lap NasKart feature race.

Gavin Boyett (Buda, TX) is on a two-race winning streak following his victory on Saturday night in the 50-lap TSRS Allison Legacys race. This 13-year-old youngster started on the outside pole and took over the lead from Lauren Runco on the first lap. Kris Kerr passed Boyett on Lap 4 and remained in the lead until the last lap. The two drivers tangled coming out of Turn 4, and Boyett was the first to cross the finish line. Boyett is currently leading the TSRS Allison Legacys points’ race.

Jason Marshall (Leander, TX) grabbed his second win in the Pro Trucks at Thunderhill Raceway this year. He turned in the fastest qualifying time with 16.420 seconds. Following a draw for the inversion, Marshall started in the fourth position. He worked his way up to the front and took over the lead from D.L. Wilson on Lap 20 and held on for the win. Marshall is currently leading the Pro Trucks points’ race at THR – only four points ahead of Wilson.

Top five report - Thunderhill Raceway - ASA TRACK MEMBER - JUNE 27, 2009

Mini Stocks
01 Bobby Chaffee, New Braunfels, TX 10 laps
10 Jerry Woolf, San Antonio, TX 10 laps
02 Gunnar Frid, Cedar Park, TX 10 laps
77 Eric Robbins, Jr., Red Rock, TX 10 laps

Grand Stocks
91 Marcia Moore, Cedar Creek, TX 25 laps
65 Floyd Reed, Spicewood, TX 25 laps
88 Mike Farish, Kempner, TX 25 laps
12 Art Ganss, Driftwood, TX 25 laps
03 Chris Trevino, San Antonio, TX 25 laps

Thunder Stocks
50 Aaron Brungot Cedar Park, TX 30 laps QT 17.740
16 Mason Teague, Paige, TX 30 laps QT 17.753
92 Jason Stanley, San Antonio, TX 30 laps QT 17.591
22 Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, TX 30 laps QT 17.778
20 Steve Joyce Buda, TX 30 laps QT 18.228

ASA A-Line Super Stocks
3 Clint LaFont, Volente, TX 40 laps
28 Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX 40 laps
80 Allen Alexander, San Antonio, TX 40 laps
99 Chase Stapp, San Marcos, TX 40 laps
7 Rodney Rodriguez Round Rock, TX 40 laps

NasKarts
17 Richard Gonzales, San Antonio, TX 27 laps
5 Lyndon Kirk, Austin, TX 27 laps
24 Chris Terry, Oklahoma City, OK 27 laps
48 Kevin Hummell, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps
88 Kayleb Kreis, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps

TSRS Allison Legacys
08 Gavin Boyett Buda, TX 50 laps QT 17.401
24 Kris Kerr San Antonio, TX 50 laps QT 17.364
07 Rusty Mirth® Austin, TX 50 laps QT 17.681
53 Charles Evans, Jr. ® Friendswood, TX 50 laps QT 17.311
19 Cole Runco® Spring Branch, TX 50 laps QT 17.650

®Rookie

Pro Trucks
42 Jason Marshall Leander, TX 50 laps QT 16.420
6 D.L. Wilson China Spring, TX 50 laps QT 15.559
28 Shawn Paul Lehman Manchaca, TX 50 laps QT 16.749
31 Jim Albert Lockhart, TX 50 laps QT 16.740
72 Brent Bell, 50 laps QT 16.968

by Debbie Williams, THR Media & Public Relations Director
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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Young Jake Kruger notches another Texas Super Racing Series Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

June 14, 2009

Fifteen year-old Jake Kruger beat some of the best Late Model and Super Late Model drivers in Texas in claiming his third TSRS Late Model feature win of the season Saturday night at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas.

Jake Kruger (14) battles Cody Smith for the lead early in the TSRS Late Model feature at THR on Saturday

Jake Kruger (14) battles Cody Smith for the lead early in the TSRS Late Model feature at THR on Saturday

Racing in the “Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce 75,” Kruger used his inside, second row starting spot to hang out seasoned-veteran Robert Barker on the outside at the start to move into second place behind Cody Smith - another young gun in the popular TSRS LM Series – going through turns one and two.

Jake Kruger celebrates his third TSRS LM win so far this season

Jake Kruger celebrates his third TSRS LM win so far this season

Cody Smith apparently didn’t get the bite he needed coming off the second turn and Kruger forced his way under and made it stick to take the lead before a lap was in the books.

Two more teens - Levi Krauss and Dillon Spreen – took advantage of Barker’s unfortunate outside predicament a lap later and brought Super Late Model star Casey Smith with them. Barker finally found a way to the inside, but not before he was well back in the pack.

On the third circuit Krauss saw the same opening that Kruger had taken advantage of a lap or two earlier and got under Cody Smith to claim second.

Meanwhile, right behind the top three Spreen was feeling lots of pressure from Casey Smith – and perhaps Smith’s front bumper - on the fifth circuit. Spreen hung on for half a lap, but Casey Smith was not to be denied and he scooted under Spreen, bringing Barker with him and dropping Spreen to sixth.

A lap seven spin by Robert Walton brought out the first caution flag.

On the clean restart it was Kruger, Krauss, Cody Smith, Casey Smith, Barker, Spreen, TSRS point leader Bobby Teer and Cary Stapp with everyone holding their line for a lap as Kruger opened a few car lengths advantage over Krauss and the rest.

As Kruger’s lead widened, the field began stacking up behind Krauss who was driving a very consistent, steady line. On lap 16 Casey Smith worked his way past Cody Smith (no relation) to take over third. The experienced Smith then started to work on Krauss as Kruger opened up an even bigger lead. Smith looked inside and outside, but Krauss wouldn’t make the driving error that Smith was hoping for.

Over the next 10 laps Smith gave Krauss a love tap or two in the turns, but Krauss held solid.

The field had a chance to cool their tires a bit at the lap-29 point when the yellow flag flew for a spin by Kendall Bumbera down the front straight.

Taking the green on lap 35 were Kruger, Krauss, Casey Smith, Cody Smith, Robert Barker, Spreen, Teer, Craig Selman and Bumbera.

Kruger moved out cleanly as the green waved and quickly opened a small gap on Krauss, who took a big bump from Smith going through turns three and four. Krauss was again able to fend off the challenge and again the field stacked up behind him. Casey Smith showed the patience of a veteran, but everyone in the place knew that something had to give soon.
Sure enough, a few laps later Casey Smith began to get serious and after a bit of paint swapping he was able to get under Krauss going down the back straight and took over second as Cody Smith took advantage of the same opening to move Krauss back to fourth.

Over the next several laps the Smiths began a fierce battle for second with lots of beating and banging. Cody Smith was finally able to force his way past Casey Smith, but a lap later Cody Smith went sliding off the track into the weeds off turn three with a flat tire. Cody Smith pitted and rejoined the field at the rear on the restart.

The rest of the way Kruger was able to maintain the point as Smith was unable to mount an effective offensive. But the battle for third through six became intense as the laps wound down. Krauss and Barker put on a show for third for the fans as did Teer and Cody Smith for fifth.

At the checkered it was Kruger by two car lengths over Casey Smith, who had a couple of car lengths on Krauss. Teer won the war for fourth over Cody Smith while Barker had to settle for sixth.

Unofficial results of the TSRS Late Model Series “Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce 75”

1. 14 Jake Kruger, 75 laps
2. 1 Casey Smith, 75
3. 4 Levi Krauss, 75
4. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr, 75
5. 05 Cody Smith, 75
6. 17 Robert Barker, 75
7. 81 Dillon Spreen, 75
8. 99 Cary Stapp, 75
9. 72 Kendall Bumbera ,75
10. 38 Craig Sellman, 58
11. 49 Robert Walton, 33

by Nick Holt
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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Thunderhill Raceway Super Stock driver Clint LaFont sets his sights on the ASA National Championship

June 12, 2009

Clint LaFont will be heading into this weekend’s ASA A-Line Super Stock races at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) with a definite goal in mind – positioning himself to stay at the top of the West Region point standings for the Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil ASA Member Track National Championship title.

ASA points leader Clint LaFont (#3) battles Shawn Paul Lehman who is currently in the second position in the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stock point standings.   Photo by Jeff Garvin.

ASA points leader Clint LaFont (#3) battles Shawn Paul Lehman who is currently in the second position in the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stock point standings. Photo by Jeff Garvin.

So far, LaFont seems to be following in the footsteps of last year’s track and national champion, Cary Stapp, who also raced with the THR Super Stocks.

LaFont is currently leading the ASA A-Line Super Stock points’ chase at Thunderhill Raceway, which makes him eligible for the national title. Going into the race this Saturday (June 13), LaFont holds a slim 35-point lead over Shawn Paul Lehman (Manchaca, TX).

On the regional level, LaFont’s point average is 1.2202, and he’s followed closely by Russ Ward from Meridian Speedway (Meridian, ID) with a 1.1362 point average. LaFont has finished in the Top 3 positions in all six of the feature races so far this year – capturing two wins along the way.

LaFont is excited about leading the regional standings going into the midpoint of the 2009 season, but he’s also a bit cautious about the rest of the season.

“I’m not going to get a big head about it,” commented LaFont. “I’m excited that we’re in contention for the national title at this point in the season, and I plan to continue what I’ve already been doing so far this year. When I’m racing, I block out everything except my focus on finishing the race – purposely not thinking about anything else like points or championships.”

This 26-year-old driver from Volente, TX, has been racing with the Super Stocks since 2006, and he knows he has to race cleanly to stay on top of his game.

“Between my full-time job and also my part-time job as a CNC Programming Instructor at Austin Community College, I have very little time to work on my car,” added LaFont. “So, one of my main goals is to drive the car onto the trailer at the end of the night with nothing more than tire marks on the door.”

While LaFont knows that he needs to stay on top in the track point standings to compete for the national title, he realizes that he faces even more challenges on a national level.

“I know I’m up against a lot of good racers across the country, but I don’t know them personally or their racing abilities. Although I really don’t know what to expect, I’m very grateful to ASA for giving us the opportunity to compete for a national title.”

LaFont is sponsored by Navy Master Chief John Matheson and his wife Sandi who support “Go Navy.” LaFont’s Crew Chief and fellow competitor is his dad, Bobby LaFont. The elder LaFont is a racing legend and well-respected driver at Thunderhill Raceway, who also competes in the Super Stock class.

“My dad got me into racing,” said LaFont. “I started out as his Crew Chief, making all of the critical chassis adjustments, and then I decided I wanted to drive. Dad has guided me through everything associated with racing, and I’ve tried to learn his driving style by watching him methodically work his way up through the field without taking anyone out intentionally. I believe consistency and clean, hard racing will be keys to winning the championship.”

The ASA A-Line Super Stocks will be part of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce Night at the Races at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday – along with the TSRS (Texas Super Racing Series) Late Models, TSRS Allison Legacys and the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas. The racing action will also feature the Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks, Mini Stocks and NasKarts.

Grandstand gates will open at 5 p.m. Qualifying is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by heat races at 6 p.m. and opening ceremonies and feature races immediately afterwards.

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 more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit www.thunderhillraceway.com.

by Debbie Williams, Thunder Hill Raceway Media & Public Relations Director

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Cody Smith and the “Young Guns” sweep top spots in Texas Super Racing Series “Operation Interdependence 75″ at Thunderhill Raceway

May 25, 2009

Like the week before at Houston Motorsports Park, the young guns of the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model division swept the top spots at Thunderhill Raceway during the running of the annual “Operation Interdependence 75.”

Teen drivers Cody Smith, Jake Kruger and Dillon Spreen swept the top three spots at the tricky three-eight-mile, D-Shaped oval in Kyle, Texas. And another youngster, Levi Krauss finished fifth to take four of the top five finishing spots!

Cody Smith all smiles after his TSRS feature win

Cody Smith all smiles after his TSRS feature win

Veteran driver Robert Barker finished fourth after a race-long tussle with Spreen for position.

The cleanly-run, seventy-five lap affair only was slowed by one caution period - and that was for some debris on the racing surface on the eighteenth lap.

TSRS point leader Bobby Teer, Jr, took the early lead from his front-row starting-spot on the grid which was set by point standings due to the weather conditions, but Smith and Kruger were quickly into second and third.

After several laps of constant pressure from Smith, Teer finally gave up the lead on the ninth circuit and a good portion of the field, which had pretty much bunched up behind the leaders, freight-trained under the Teer machine, dropping him back to sixth behind another youngster, Kendall Bumbera.

Kendall Bumbera (72), Bobby Teer, Jr. (2) and Levi Krauss battle for position

Kendall Bumbera (72), Bobby Teer, Jr. (2) and Levi Krauss battle for position

From that point on Smith and Kruger - two very evenly matched drivers in two very evenly matched racing machines – went nose-to-tail at the front while the rest of the field battled for position.

Youngsters Cody Smith (05) and Jake Kruger battled for the most of the 75 laps

Youngsters Cody Smith (05) and Jake Kruger battled for the most of the 75 laps

At halfway it was Smith, Kruger, Spreen, Cary Stapp, Barker, Krauss, Teer, Bumbera, Jeff O’Neil, Robert Walton and Todd Farris.

One of the more exciting battles back in the pack was between Teer and Krauss for third. Every time Krauss was able to get his nose under Teer, Teer would slam the door. Finally, after many tries, Krauss made it by on the 50th circuit. Another good battle was waged between Barker and Spreen with Spreen coming out on top in that one.

By the time the checkered flag flew, Smith and Kruger had almost a half lap on Spreen and Barker. Smith took the well-deserved win after running a flawless race. Kruger gave it a great try but came up a bit short for second. Spreen crossed the line a few car lengths over Barker and even further back Krauss and Teer rounded out the top six.

Official TSRS Late Model results:

1. 05 Cody Smith, La Vernia, 75 laps
2. 14 Jake Kruger, Bastrop, 75 laps
3. 81 Dillon Spreen, Boerne, 75 laps
4. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, 75 laps
5. 4 Levi Krauss, Seguin, 75 laps
6. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, 74 laps
7. 72 Kendall Bumbera, Sealy, 74 laps
8. 99 Cary Stapp, San Marcos, 74 laps
9. 28 Jeff O’Neil, Round Rock, 73 laps
10. 49 Robert Walton, Bastrop, 70 laps
11. 96 Todd Farris, College Station, 70 laps
12. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio – DNS

By Nick Holt

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Texas Super Racing Series set for “Operation Inderdependence 75″ tonight at Thunderhill Raceway

May 23, 2009

Veteran Bobby Teer, Jr, will lead a strong contingent of Texas Super Racing Series Late Model drivers into tonight’s “Operation Interdependence 75” at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. The staff and race teams will be honoring the military at this event along with staff from Operation Interdependence.

Youngsters Jake Kruger, winner of the last TSRS event at Houston Motorsports Park, Dillon Spreen, Cody Smith, Kendall Bumbera and Levi Kraus will be looking to make another top three sweep in the 75-lap feature at the 3/8-mile, D-Shaped oval.

Up and coming teen Kendall Bumbera will be in TSRS action tonight at Thunderhill raceway

Up and coming teen Kendall Bumbera will be in TSRS action tonight at Thunderhill raceway

The TSRS Allison Legacy Series will also be on hand for a 50-lap feature.

Rounding out the racing action will be the THR Mini Stocks, the always popular Dwarf Cars, the ASA A-Line Super Stocks, the THR Grand Stocks, the NasKarts and the newest THR division – the SportMods.

Spectator gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the racing action takes the green flag at 5:30 with for the TSRS Late Models, TSRS Allison Legacys and the SportMods.

For more information log onto the THR website at http://www.thunderhillraceway.com.

TSRS LATE MODEL POINTS AS OF MAY 2, 2009

Position, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Points

1. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX 652
2. 14 Jake Kruger, Bastrop, TX 639
3. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, TX 606
4. 81 Dillon Spreen, Boerne, TX 595
5. 05 Cody Smith, LaVernia, TX 589
6. 99 Cary Stapp, San Marcos, TX 574
7. 72 Kendall Bumbera, Sealy, TX 574
8. 4 Levi Krauss, Schertz, TX 561
9. 96 Todd Farris, College Station, TX 557
10. 7 Chris Schild, Leander, TX 294
11. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX 292
12. 51 Chad Menard, Castroville, TX 284
13. 15 Bradley Burke, Johnson City, TX 256
14. 1 Heath Stewart, Del Valle, TX 175
15. 1 Colt James, North Carolina 170
16. 93 Kyle Sirizzotti, Helotes, TX 170
17. 54 Todd McLemore, Austin, TX 160
18. 33 Mike Williams, Hockley, TX 150
19. 79 Brian Moczygemba, San Antonio, TX 146
20. 12 Adam Haugh, Round Rock, TX 138
21. 20 Mark Mathias, San Antonio, TX 127
22. 6 Jason Hollander, Round Rock, TX 124
23. 00 Beau Bukowski ,San Antonio, TX 5
24. 49 Robert Walton, Bastrop, TX 0

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Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - Thunderhill Super Stocks

May 19, 2009

In this Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, Nick Holt will take a look at the ASA A-Line Auto Parts Super Stock Series at Thunderhill. He’ll interview some top drivers as well as the winner of the May 9th feature.


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Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - 4/30/09

April 30, 2009

In this Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, Nick Holt will talk to several drivers that raced in last weekend’s Pro Modified feature at Thunderhill. Nick show us all how fun a Saturday afternoon at the racetrack can be!

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Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - 4/27/2009

April 27, 2009

In this Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, we’ll take you inside the Texas Trucks feature at Thunderhill this past weekend. Nick Holt talked with several drivers including the feature race winner!

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