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Lone Star Speedzone - TexasHighDef Spotlight on Steven Osborne, an inspiration to us all

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.

Live Interactive Updates from THR’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular,” Saturday, 9/25/10

I will be bringing you all the Saturday night racing action from Thunderhill Raceway’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular” starting at 5:00 p.m.

On tap will be (in this order):
+ Texas Pro Sedan 35-lap feature
+ TSRS Allison Legacy 50-lap feature
+ Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas 20-lap feature
+ Thunder Stock “7DwarfsMotel.com 20″ presented by Oasis Paradise Spa LLC
+ ASA A-Line Super Stock 40-lap feature
+ Pro Truck 50-lap feature
+ Pro Modified 50-lap feature
+ TSRS Late Model 75-lap feature

You will be able to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast, but there will be a delay in seeing your post in the blog window because I have to approve all posts - and sometimes I’m very busy trying to keep up with all the action.

To join in, click below.

Live Interactive Updates from THR’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular,” Friday, 9/24/10

I will be bringing you all the Friday night racing action from Thunderhill Raceway’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular” starting at 6:30 p.m.

On tap will be (in this order):
+ Qualifying for the Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, NasKarts and Grand Stocks
+ Mini Stock 25-lap feature
+ Qualifying for the ASA A-Line Super Stocks and SportMods
+ Thunder Stock “Dash for Cash” (8 laps)
+ NasKart 27-lap feature
+ Qualifying for the TSRS Allison Legacys and Pro Trucks
+ Grand Stock 30-lap feature
+ Qualifying for the Pro Modifieds and TSRS Late Models
+ SportMod 30-lap feature

You will be able to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast, but there will be a delay in seeing your post in the blog window because I have to approve all posts - and sometimes I’m very busy trying to keep up with all the action.

TexasHighDef 911 Tribute at Thunderhill Raceway, Saturday, 9/11/2010

Duke O’Connor has a way of capturing the moment and he got it all this time…

We owe our Freedom and Liberty to the brave men and women who serve our country and to our equally brave First Responders .

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

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