Austin Wayne Self celebrates his 15th Birthday with his first official NASCAR Win
March 7, 2011
Austin Wayne Self celebrated his fifteenth birthday in style Saturday night, March 5, 2011, at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. The young Austinite won the NASCAR Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) season-opener at the 3/8th-mile paved oval and almost pulled off an upset win in the NASCAR A-Line Modified feature, finishing second to the defending Modified champ Michael Umscheid.
Austin Self (07) holds off reigning NASCAR TSRS Late Model Champ Bobby Teer, Jr, in the late going. Jeff Garvin photo
“I was a little nervous starting fourth on the outside,” Self said after the TSRS win. “The outside is not the place you want to be this early in the season, but we pulled it off pretty well. I was able to jump into third place behind Jeff (O’Neill) right away, but it took me a few laps to work my way around him. And once I did I could tell that (defending TSRS Champion Bobby) Teer was fast, but so was I, so I took off after him.”
What happened next surprised everyone, including Self.
On the 12th circuit a caution flag waved for a spin by John Hernandez. That meant that Teer and Self would line up on the front row for the restart with Teer on the preferred inside lane and Self on the dreaded outside lane.
“I got a great start and ended up grabbing the lead from the outside. That was a big surprise,” Self said, still sounding a bit shocked. “But I was prepared. I knew what I had to do on the re-start and did it. Bobby (Teer) was able to do it all last year and I decided to bump it up do it this year and pulled it off!”
Self was able to fend off several determined efforts by Teer over the remainder of the 35-lap race and took the checkered flag by less than half a second over Teer and frequent-winner Robert Barker.
In the NASCAR A-Line Modified 35-lapper, Umscheid had it pretty much his own way, leaving Self and youngster Jake Kruger to battle it out for second. And after a heated mini-war that involved several bumps and paint-swapping incidents during the event and a couple of extra “love taps” after, Self finished a scant 0.03 second in front of an obviously frustrated Kruger.
Austin Self (5) and youngster Zak Hausler battle early in the NASCAR A-Line Modified feature. Jeff Garvin photo
“Michael (Umscheid) is always fast and they have a great team,” Self said. “But we have the Umschieds working with us on our modified this year too, so we’ll see how the rest of the season goes.”
When asked why his TSRS car seems faster this year Self explained, “We put bump stops in the car this year and I can put the car where I want it. It handles perfectly now.”
Self and his team and a room full of well-wishers gathered in the driver’s lounge after the tech inspections were over for some birthday cake and a victory celebration.
“It’s a great birthday present to win the (TSRS) season opener and do so well with the Modified,” Self said to those gathered around. “But you can’t win anything without a great team and lots of support from lots of people. I feel very fortunate to have so many great people believe in me.”
NASCAR TSRS Late Model unofficial results
1. 07 Austin Wayne Self, 35 laps
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr, 35
3. 96 Robert Barker, 35
4. 28 Jeff O’Neill, 35
5. 3 Mike Reininger, 35
6. 29 Todd Farris, 35
7. 1 Nick Cole, 35
8. 37 Mark Ackerman, 35
9. 92 Taylor Brandes, 35
10. 9 John Hernandez, 34
11. 69 Mike Pollaro, 34
NASCAR A-Line Modified unofficial results
1. 15 Michael Umscheid , 35 laps
2. 5 Austin Self, 35
3. 30 Jake Kruger , 35
4. 42 Justin Long, 35
5. 61 Cory Lovell, 35
6. 53 Ryan Engelhardt, 35
7. 10 Robert Walton, 35
8. 33 Jason Morman, 35
9. 44 H.E. Naumann, 35
10. 2 Heath Stewart, 35
11. 91 Zach Hausler, 23
by Nick Holt
Photos by Jeff Garvin
Texas High Def takes a Helicopter Ride over Thunderhill Raceway
February 25, 2011
Texas High Def video: Still shots from Thunderhill Raceway “Test & Tune,” 2/19/2011
February 20, 2011
Thunderhill Raceway expands its operations with new business ventures
January 10, 2011
The season opener for stock car racing at Thunderhill Raceway is only a couple of months away and the future for this racing venue looks promising. Mary Ann Naumann, Thunderhill Raceway’s Owner and Promoter, has been looking at ways to expand the operations at this 3/8-mile asphalt oval track.
Mary Ann Naumann (Photo by June Boone)
“We had already made a couple of big announcements over the past few months about the future of the track, and now we get to add some more excitement to the pile,” stated Naumann.
“At a drivers’ meeting in October, we had announced that Thunderhill Raceway had been selected for a non-scripted TV series by two producers from Los Angeles,” commented Naumann. “Not long afterward, we announced our agreement to become a NASCAR-sanctioned track with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and our partnership with Houston Motorsports Park in naming the NASCAR Modifieds as the feature division at both tracks.”
The latest plans for Thunderhill Raceway include the introduction of a new business venture – On Track Experience LLC dba NasKart Racing Experience. NasKart rentals will be offered to the general public at Thunderhill Raceway when the track is not in use for stock car racing or other events. Known as “Arrive and Drive,” racing enthusiasts can rent powerful Honda GX 270 powered NasKarts and get the thrill and excitement of real side-by-side racing on Thunderhill’s 3/8-mile paved oval.
The NasKarts go three-wide entering turn one at Thunderhill Raceway
On Track Experience will supply the drivers with all of the safety gear, including gloves, helmet, driving suit and neck brace. Each driver must be at least 16 years old and must have a valid Driver’s License.
In addition to offering individual kart rentals, On Track Experience will also host corporate events to provide an opportunity for companies to entertain clients, reward vendors, build sales relationships and teach team-building skills. “Arrive and Drive” league racing will also be available weekly. Participation in League Racing will be limited to drivers who have completed the NasKarts High Performance Racing School and have qualified for their required Competition License.
Gary Smith, who is the Managing Partner for On Track Racing Experience, feels that this new business is a perfect fit for the racing environment at Thunderhill Raceway.
“The NasKart Racing Experience will be a less-intimidating, less-expensive way to race,” commented Smith. “You’ll have an opportunity to experience the thrill of close, side-by-side racing on a real NASCAR-sanctioned track without having to buy and maintain expensive racing equipment. It’s like racing at Talladega (track used for NASCAR Sprint Cup races) in your own backyard.”
Plans are also underway to use the facility for community events, such as cook-offs, concerts, monster truck shows, car shows, etc., on non-race weekends. “Thunderhill Raceway has been an underutilized facility, and now we feel we can help expand it into a full-time operation,” added Smith.
These new opportunities for the facilities at Thunderhill Raceway have provided a way to secure a five-year lease agreement for the track facility.
“I’m very excited about all of the opportunities that are on the horizon for 2011 and beyond,” said Naumann. “Most importantly, racers can build their race cars knowing that they will have a place to race for many years, and our race fans can also be assured that stock car racing will be here in the local area for quite a while.”
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, Kyle (TX), just north of San Marcos and south of Austin, at Exit #210 (Yarrington Road), just behind the Roger Beasley Hyundai dealer (formerly ThunderZone). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.
by Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway PR
Ms. Naumann’s photo by June Boone
Thunderhill Raceway has joined the NASCAR family, teams-up with Houston Motorsports Park
November 19, 2010
Thunderhill Raceway (THR) has just signed a sanctioning agreement with NASCAR to become part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
This short track racing program will give Thunderhill Raceway plenty of exposure with the NASCAR name and will also provide a great opportunity for THR drivers to compete for track, state and national championships.
Houston Motorsports Park (Houston, TX) is headed into its third season with NASCAR and is now proud to welcome Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) to the NASCAR family.
As part of the same NASCAR organization, racers and fans alike can expect to see Houston Motorsports Park (HMP) and Thunderhill Raceway work closely together to bring more competition and excitement to both race tracks.
“All of us at HMP are very excited about the opportunities that NASCAR will bring for both racers and fans alike as we move forward with our plans for the upcoming racing season,” said John Mandabach, HMP’s Vice President & General Manager. “As we build stronger racing programs, more people will build race cars. It will certainly become more enticing for the drivers and fans.”
Mary Ann Naumann, THR’s Owner/Promoter, is also looking forward to an exciting 2011 racing season, especially with this new relationship with HMP.
“After recently announcing that Thunderhill Raceway had been selected for a reality TV show that will be produced by the Paul Hogan and Sarah Platt duo, I didn’t think the 2011 racing season could get more exciting,” Naumann proclaimed. “Now with this big NASCAR announcement and our partnership with HMP, I know we’ll have some incredible opportunities for our drivers and teams.”
Taking their first big step with this new partnership, both HMP and THR will host the NASCAR Modifieds as their Feature NASCAR Division in 2011. The NASCAR Modified racers can compete for a NASCAR Track Championship at each track ($10,000 points fund for each track) and a NASCAR State Championship ($7,500 points fund).
In addition, NASCAR currently uses a driver’s best 18 finishes in the feature division to determine the National Champion. With 30 combined scheduled races during the 2011 NASCAR season (14 at THR, plus 16 at HMP), Texas NASCAR Modified racers will have a real opportunity to compete for a NASCAR National Championship that awards $40,000 among the top three drivers.
“I feel very confident this opportunity could easily produce a NASCAR National Champion right here in Texas,” bragged Mandabach.
Thunderhill Raceway has also named three support divisions that will be eligible for a NASCAR-sanctioned recognition program and track point funds, namely the NASCAR TSRS Late Models, NASCAR Trucks and NASCAR Super Stocks.
HMP’s Late Models will continue to be NASCAR-sanctioned and run for the same purse structure as in 2010. The sanction will also remain in effect for the NASCAR 360 Trucks. More details regarding HMP purse and points funds will be announced later this week.
Known as “The Palace of Power,” Houston Motorsports Park, is a 3/8-mile, high-banked asphalt oval track that’s located in Northeast Houston. For more information on HMP, visit the track website at www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just south of Kyle (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). THR is proud to be entering its 13th year of providing great auto racing action in Central Texas. Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.
by Houston Motorsports Park and Thunderhill Raceay
Lone Star Speedzone-TexasHighDef Spotlight on Bobby Teer, Jr.
October 27, 2010
Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef) and Nick Holt (Lone Star Speedzone) had a chance to chat with 2010 Texas Super Racing Series Late Model Champion Bobby Teer, Jr., recently. Here’s what this worthy champ had to say. And Duke included a few racing clips in this video as well - including sequence that features some contact between Bobby and 2009 TSRS LM Champion Jake Kruger.
Enjoy!
Crashfest 2010 highlights at Thunderhill Raceway
October 6, 2010
Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef) caught the action at Thunderhill Raceway’s Crashfest this past Saturday. Flames, racers dressed in drag, school bus wreck, boat races…. you get the idea.
Clint LaFont wins tight battle for ASA A-Line Super Stock championship title
September 28, 2010
Heading into the “Texas Stock Car Spectacular” event this past weekend at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, Clint LaFont was tied with Mason Teague in the ASA A-Line Super Stocks point standings.
Clint LaFont climbs out after clinching the ASA A-Line Super Stock Championship
Teague set the fastest qualifying time on Friday, clocking in with a 16.537-second lap. LaFont’s 16.666-second qualifying time put him six points behind Teague going into the feature race on Saturday, September 25.
The top six qualifiers drew for starting positions in the feature race. Lady Luck was on LaFont’s side when he drew the pole, and Teague drew the third starting position.
Although Teague consistently threatened LaFont’s lead throughout the entire race, he was unable to make the pass at any point during the 40-lap event. When the checkered was waved, LaFont captured both the win and the championship title. Teague finished the year a mere four points behind LaFont.
The complete results are shown below:
1. 3 Clint LaFont, Volente, TX 40 laps QT 16.666
2. 16 Mason Teague, Paige, TX 40 laps QT 16.537
3. 32 Levi Krauss, Schertz, TX 40 laps QT 16.706
4. 20 Mark Mathias, San Antonio, TX 40 laps QT 16.672
5. 80 Allen Alexander, San Antonio, TX 40 laps QT 16.926
6. 11 Tracy Tschoerner, Thrall, TX 40 laps QT 16.817
7. 97X John Witzsche, Corpus Christi, TX 40 laps QT 16.904
8. 27 Tommy Gural, Elgin, TX 40 laps QT 17.038
9. 01 Terry Tschoerner, Taylor, TX 39 laps QT 17.443
10. 33 Bubba Gustafson, Austin, TX 39 laps QT 17.601
11. 18 Mickey McKim, Manchaca, TX 39 laps DNT
12. 88 Bobby LaFont, Volente, TX 39 laps QT 17.039
13. 05 Brandon Leonard, Austin, TX 36 laps QT 16.805
14. 27X Douglas Lestourgeon, Corpus Christi, TX 36 laps QT 16.906
15. 98 R.L. Alexander, San Antonio, TX 27 laps QT 16.906
16. 28 Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX 27 laps QT 17.271
17. 92 Jason Stanley, San Antonio, TX 22 laps QT 16.965
18. 50 Arden Smith, Johnson City, TX 22 laps QT 17.281
19. 68 Alvin Powell, Pflugerville, TX 1 lap QT 17.986
20. 39 Matt Goulias, New Braunfels, TX 1 lap QT 18.208
21. 42 Chris Romo, Manor, TX DNS QT 19.346
Story by Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway
Thunderhill Raceway Photo
LSS - TexasHighDef video of the huge SportMod crash at Thunderhill Raceway, 9/25/2010
September 27, 2010
Duke O’Connor caught the huge 1st-lap SportMod crash at Thunderhill Raceway this past Saturday during the “Texas Stock Car Spectacular.”
Amazing stuff, Duke!
Lone Star Speedzone - TexasHighDef Spotlight on Steven Osborne, an inspiration to us all
September 27, 2010
Stock car driver Steven Osborne lost all of his left arm and a good part of his right arm in an electrical accident in 2005. You’ll be inspired by this humble, honest man’s story and how the racing community has rallied around to get him back on the track.
Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef’s main man) and I consider it an honor to share his story with you.
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