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Houston Motorsports Park to host “Fiesta’s Speedfest presented by Cricket Wireless” this Saturday, March 13th.

Houston Motorsports Park is hosting their annual “Fiesta Speedfest presented by Cricket Wireless” this Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the well-maintained 3/8-mile oval located in Northeast Houston.

Big purses and big fields of cars will be the norm as the Houston area racing season heats up.

John Mandabach, HMP Vice President and General Manager, is enthusiastic about the upcoming Speedfest event. “The weather forecast for Speedfest is great,” Mandabach said, “And we’re expecting to start 24 NASCAR Fiesta Late Models, 24 NASCAR 360 Trucks and 20 NASCAR Cricket Modifieds.”

Those are some good numbers for any local racing track.

And the numbers advertised for the purses are equally good.

Featured races will include:

$5000 to Win for the NASCAR Fiesta Late Models for the “Delmar Systems 75”
$3000 to Win for the NASCAR Cricket Modifieds for the “Cricket 50”
$1500 to Win for the NASCAR 360 Trucks for the “DDC 50”
$500 to Win for the Pro Stocks – 30 Laps
$300 to Win for the Eco Stocks – 20 Laps
$75 Fiesta Gift Card to Win for the Bandoleros – 15 Laps

Two weeks ago the racing was fast and furious on the concrete/asphalt surface with new race procedures - including double-file restarts and “driver self policing” – in force during the racing action.

Racing at the track located at 11620 N. Lake Houston Parkway is set to take the green flag at 5:00 p.m.

Five dollar adult tickets are available at any Houston area Fiesta Mart and $10-off coupons are available at select Cricket Wireless locations. And with $1 beer, $1 cokes and $1 hot dogs, a family of four can afford to take in all the racing excitement.

Further information is available at http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com/ or by calling the track at 281-458-1972.

by Nick Holt, Admin, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Steve Steinle

World of Outlaws Sprint cars headed to Houston Raceway Park this Saturday

For well over 30 years, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events have been thrilling fans from coast-to-coast with wheel-to-wheel action at breathtaking speeds. Looking to add even more excitement to the ‘Fan Experience’ at the race track in 2010, the series has implemented double file restarts, which they pioneered in the early days of the series, along with a new format for the dash.

Houston Raceway Park will be the first ¼-mile track to witness the thrilling double file restarts in 2010 as the World of Outlaws return to the always racey bullring on Saturday, March 13 as part of the Second Annual Texas Two-Step Weekend.

The new dash format introduced at the season opening events in Florida put the faster cars a couple of rows back and will lead to more passes and battles for position. The Top-2 finishers in each heat race will make it to the dash again in 2010 along with the fastest two drivers from time trials that transferred from the heat race to the A-Feature, who were not first or second in the heat. The dash will then be lined up heads-up according to qualifying times, with a fan then drawing a 4, 6 or 8 pill for the dash inversion. The finish of the dash will then be used to set the first five rows of the A-Feature line-up.

“The tires, the format, the double file restarts, that’s all good for our sport,” said Joey Saldana of the changes implemented in 2010. “The fans will see a great show when they come to Houston Raceway Park for the Outlaws.”

New as well in 2010, is the switch to Goodyear Tires for the World of Outlaws. A number of the veteran drivers competed on rubber from Goodyear in the past, and the event race at Houston Raceway Park will be one of the first short track races for the series on the new tires, which have carried drivers to 19 championships over the years with the series.

Another of the most notable changes in 2010 is that 20-time series champion Steve Kinser, is driving for Tony Stewart Racing. The Hall of Famer is paired with four-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz. The duo has combined to win the last eight World of Outlaws titles and nine of the last 10 and well over 200 races over the last decade.

As has been a tradition at World of Outlaws events since the series inaugural 1978 season, the fans are welcome to visit the pit area after the final checkered flag of the night falls at every event in 2010, to see the cars and stars of the series up close and personal.

On Saturday, March 13 at Houston Raceway Park, Tickets for adults will be $30, with tickets for juniors (ages 6-12) $15. Pit combos will also be available for $38, which includes a grandstand ticket and a pit pass. To purchase tickets online visit http://www.houstonraceway.com or call the track at 281-383-2666.

Gary “The Texan” Wright nails ASCS Gulf South win at Golden Triangle Raceway Park

The American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region opened up the 2010 season in much the same way as 2009, with Gary Wright standing in victory lane at Golden Triangle Raceway Park.

For the second year in a row, “The Texan” topped the $3,000-to-win, 25-lap Prelude to the Gulf Coast Nationals to launch the season for the ASCS Gulf South Region atop the Golden Triangle clay.

However, rather than wait for the last lap to make the winning move like last year, Wright gunned into the lead at the outset aboard Scott Brown’s ASI-powered Lubbock Wrecker Service/The Shop No. 9x Maxim and never looked back en route to a third ASCS Gulf South season opening win.

“As heavy as the track was tonight, it was real easy to get in trouble in traffic or really anywhere,” Wright explained. “We got lucky tonight and stayed out of trouble, we’ll get cleaned up and try to get another one tomorrow.”

A move past Tommy Bryant and Bruce Crockett in the final two laps of his heat race landed Wright in the redraw. And when he drew the number one pill, that may have been all the luck the four-time Lucas Oil National Sprint Car champion needed.

Weathering three red flag periods over the initial four circuits, including a pair on the initial two starts, Wright paced the early circuits in front of fellow front row starter Klint Angelette before Travis Rilat, Ricky Logan and Jesse Hockett freight trained the 16-year-old on a lap five restart.

After one final caution after nine circuits for Dustin Morgan’s turn four spin, the final 16 rounds ran off in non-stop fashion with Wright distancing himself from the field while lapping well into the top ten.

Rilat held off several challenges from Logan over the latter portion of the race for runner-up honors, with Logan settling for the show position. Hockett advanced from ninth in the early rounds to snare fourth, with Tony Bruce, Jr., rounding out the top five.

Brady Bacon crossed the stripe sixth, making it a sweep of the top six positions by prospective Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters championship contenders.

Brian Brown crossed the stripe in seventh, with two-time ASCS Gulf South champ Brandon Berryman the final car on the lead lap in eighth, just ahead of fellow Gulf South shoes Wes Miller and Scottie McDonald.

The initial attempt to start the main event was waved off for a Jimmy Brooks tumble in turn one, with the second start going red as well when reigning ASCS Gulf South champ Aaron Reutzel launched out of the park in turn two. Four laps later, Tommy Bryant tumbled in turn two as well. There were no injuries.

Brown, Angelette, Brooks, Wright and Morgan topped heat race action for the 37-car field, with Berryman and Reutzel winning the twin “B” Mains.

American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region Results from Golden Triangle Raceway Park:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown, 2. 61-Travis Knighton, 3. 93-Chris Sweeney, 4. 31-Brandon Berryman, 5. 12b-Logan Bledsoe, 6. 3-Gary Watson, 7. 28-James Cooper, 8. 3T-Tyler King.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 19-Klint Angelette, 2. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 3. 75-Jesse Hockett, 4. 15T-Travis Elliott, 5. 74-Brandon Corn, 6. C41-Wayne Johnson, 7. 14-Michael Lang, 8. 35-Greg Rilat.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 2. 51w-Wes Miller, 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 4. 99-Brady Bacon, 5. 00-Michael Dupuy, 6. 4m-Michael Miller, 7. 52-Roger Oakes.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 8-Bruce Crockett, 3. 10-Ricky Logan, 4. 85-Tommy Bryant, 5. 87x-Billy Melton, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 51s-Beau Smith.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 93x-Dustin Morgan, 2. 29-Travis Rilat, 3. 71-Channin Tankersley, 4. 88-Scottie McDonald, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 76-John Ricketts, 7. 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek.

First “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 31-Brandon Berryman, 2. 93-Chris Sweeney, 3. C41-Wayne Johnson, 4. 12b-Logan Bledsoe, 5. 87x-Billy Melton, 6. 3-Gary Watson, 7. 35-Greg Rilat, 8. 28-James Cooper, 9. 51s-Beau Smith, 10. 4m-Michael Miller, 11. 15T-Travis Elliott. DNS: 21T-Ray Allen Kulhanek.

Second “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 2. 85-Tommy Bryant, 3. 74-Brandon Corn, 4. 00-Michael Dupuy, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 76-John Ricketts, 7. 14-Michael Lang, 8. 52-Roger Oakes, 9. 3T-Tyler King, 10. 71-Channin Tankersley, 11. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 29-Travis Rilat, 3. 10-Ricky Logan, 4. 75-Jesse Hockett, 5. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 6. 99-Brady Bacon, 7. 21-Brian Brown, 8. 31-Brandon Berryman, 9. 51w-Wes Miller, 10. 88-Scottie McDonald, 11. 93x-Dustin Morgan, 12. 19-Klint Angelette, 13. 61-Travis Knighton, 14. 74-Brandon Corn, 15. 93-Chris Sweeney, 16. 85-Tommy Bryant, 17. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 18. C41-Wayne Johnson, 19. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 20. 8-Bruce Crockett (DNS).

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Gary Wright 150, 2. Travis Rilat 142, 3. Ricky Logan 135, 4. Jesse Hockett 130, 5. Tony Bruce, Jr. 125, 6. Brady Bacon 122, 7. Brian Brown 119, 8. Brandon Berryman 116, 9. Wes Miller 113, 10. Scottie McDonald 110.

By Lonnie Wheatley
Photos courtesy ASCS

World of Outlaws Sprint Cars invade Lone Star Speedway March 12

The numbers are nothing short of amazing: 25 World of Outlaws championships accounted for, over 900 A-Feature wins with the series, seven rookies of the year, countless track record holders and list goes on and on. And that’s just the 17 drivers competing full-time with the World of Outlaws in 2010.

When the series visits Lone Star Speedway on Friday, March 12 as part of the Second Annual Texas Two-Step Weekend, the best of the best will be on hand to battle for the $10,000 top prize as the world’s top sprint car drivers will do battle on the high-banked half-mile for 30 thrilling laps, with double file restarts in effect in 2010, which will make things even more exciting at the fastest half-mile in Texas.

Sam Hafertepe Jr. whose family owns and operates Lone Star Speedway came very close to winning the first World of Outlaws race of his career last season at the track, finishing second to Joey Saldana, who was victorious both times the series competed at the track in Kilgore. Hafertepe has three runner-up finishes to his credit with the World of Outlaws as he closes in on his first win.

Also in action will be four-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz, along with his Tony Stewart Racing teammate, 20-time series champion Steve Kinser. The pair has combined to win each of the last eight series titles and nine of the last ten. Over the last decade with the series, they have won 213 A-Feature events with the series.

Kasey Kahne Racing, owned by the NASCAR star has a two-car team again in 2010, led by Joey Saldana, who won a series-best 20 A-Feature events in 2009. Paul McMahan, a veteran of the series, will be Saldana’s teammate, while young Cody Darrah from Pennsylvania recovers from injury.

Danny Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaws champion will be on-hand for the event, as will Jason Meyers, who came within 19 points of winning his first career World of Outlaws championship last season. Craig Dollansky will be looking for his first win at Lone Star Speedway as will fellow veterans Jason Sides, Jac Haudenschild, Tim Kaeding Chad Kemenah and Brian Ellenberger, along with young stars: Kraig Kinser, and Lucas Wolfe. Drivers battling for the 2010 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Award include: Ben Gregg, and Toni Lutar.

In addition to the drivers competing full-time with the World of Outlaws, a number of other championship caliber drivers will head to Lone Star Speedway and compete for the $10,000 top prize: including Hall of Famer and multi-time track champion in Central Pennsylvania Fred Rahmer, fellow Pennsylvania legend Lance Dewease, 29-time World of Outlaws winner Daryn Pittman and multi-time Knoxville Raceway titlist Terry McCarl.

The Texas-Two Step Weekend is currently the only stop for the World of Outlaws in the Lone Star State in 2010, as the series criss-crosses the country thrilling fans from coast-to-coast with their thrilling brand of wheel-to-wheel action.

On Friday, March 12 at Lone Star Speedway, Reserved tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the race, with General Admission tickets $25 in advance and $30 the day of the race. Tickets for children (ages 6-12) are $15, with kids 5-under admitted free of charge. To purchase tickets online visit http://www.lonestarspeedway.com or call the track at (903)-986-9731.

by Tony Veneziano, WoO PR
Photo by Paul Arch

Schild, Morman and Albert hit paydirt at Houston Motorsports Park’s 2010 season opener

NASCAR Fiesta Late Model driver Larry Schild, III, came home the big winner in the 2010 Season Opener at Houston Motorsports Park Saturday night, winning the “Fiesta 50” in front of a large and appreciative crowd at the immaculate, 3/8-mile, concrete and asphalt speedway.

After starting in the seventh position, Schild battled though the field, avoided numerous spins, escaped a few “fender benders” and ducked under a major lap 15 wreck to take the checkered flag.

Veteran Greg Davidson took the early lead from the pole position before becoming the first of six Fiesta Late Models that would not finish the feature event and three that were knocked out of competition during practice for the event.

Ten cautions slowed the action-filled Late Model 50-lapper. While the majority of the cautions were minor spins, the biggest and scariest incident of the night came on a lap-15 restart involving Joe Aramendia, who was restarting from the inside pole position, and Chris Davidson ,who restarted directly behind him.

Going through turns one and two, Aramendia and Schild, who restarted on the outside pole, made heavy contact with each other causing Schild to slide up the track and giving Davidson a chance to get his nose under Aramendia as they exited turn two. Davidson stuck to the inside down the back stretch, but as the pair entered turn three Davidson’s right front tire climbed Aramendia’s left rear, sending both cars extremely hard into the turn three wall.

The impact brought Davidson’s front tire into the Aramendia’s car, leaving a tire mark on the roll cage less than a foot away from Aramendia’s helmet. The impact nearly flipped Davidson’s ride, but the car came to rest with the dirty side down.

Thanks to their up-to-date chassis designs and no-expense-spared safety equipment, both drivers were able to walk away without injury.

After a lengthy cleanup, it was back to racing with Aramendia’s teammate Brian Moczygemba in the top spot. He was able to hang onto the lead for 15 laps and 3 restarts before door-to-door contact with Todd McClemore sent both cars spinning as they battled for the lead.

Schild now found himself in the lead as the green waved for the restart and he was able to hold off Underwood, Moczygemba, and McClemore throughout the final four restarts. At the finish it was Schild, McClemore, Moczygemba, Underwood, and Charles Evans taking the top five positions.

Unfortunately for McClemore and Evans, during the post-race technical inspection, their Late Models had technical issues and were disqualified. This moved Moczygemba up to second, Underwood up to third, Mason Mitchell up to fourth and Bryan Schild to fifth.

The NASCAR Cricket Modifieds managed to complete their “Cricket 40” feature race with only 4 cautions.

Jason Morman led flag to flag, but the new HMP restart rule shook up the running order behind him. Under the new rule, each driver picks their lane for the double-file restarts instead of restarting single file as in the past. As expected, the leader took the inside lane all night long and for three of the four restarts the second-place car chose the outside lane.

At the finish, it was Morman followed by Brent Seeley and Ian Webster. Michael Umscheid and Art Kunseman rounded out the top five. However, the Kunseman modified was found to be too left-side heavy during the post-race technical inspection and fifth place was awarded to Jim Nides.

NASCAR 360 Truck driver Jim Albert made it look easy in the “Twister Drilling Tools 40,” after he got by early race leader Jody Buzbee on the 12th lap.

The biggest hit of the race happened with five laps remaining when Erin Sims spun in turn 2 and ended up sideways in the groove. David Lewien was left with nowhere to go and collided solidly with the right side of Sim’s stalled truck. Both drivers walked away from the wreck, but it took three wreckers and almost a half hour to separate the mangled trucks.

Albert easily held the lead through the last two restarts and took a popular win. Jody Buzbee, Cary Stapp, Justin Buzbee, and Byron Reed crossed the line to finish in that order to round out the top five. However, issues in the tech shed ended up shuffling the final results after Chief Tech Official Jack Sanderfur had a close look at the top finishing trucks. The trucks of Justin Buzbee and Reed were disqualified for technical reasons which moved Greg Wade and Tory Christopher into the top five.

In other action, Clayton Green turned his pole position in the Bandolero 15-lap main event into a checkered flag after fending off a determined Christopher Hogan for all fifteen caution-free laps. Hogan made several strong moves to get by Green towards the finish, but slight bobbles to avoid contact would cut short the attempts. Kyle Curtis led a tight battle for third across the finish line but his car did not pass the tech inspection which moved Jon Fernandez, Chase Schubert and Coltin Nordan up a notch to round out the top five.

Not to be outdone by the youngsters, the Eco Stocks also ran their feature without the benefit of a yellow flag in spite of the fact that Brian Stipe (in a convertible with the top down) and Brad Dixon (in a minivan) ran virtually side-by-side for the entire 15 laps. At the finish the race was too close to call, but the electronic timing had Stipe the winner by 0.008 of a second!

The battle for third was just as heated as Samantha Marshall, Lizzie Baker, and several others swapped paint and positions several times as the tight pack raced right behind the two leaders. Baker held on to claim third.

In the 25-lap Pro Stock feature, J.T. Schild and Lynn Hardy picked up where they left off at the end of the 2009 season – bumper-to bumper and door-to-door - waging hard-fought clean, caution-free battles. This episode went to Schild who held off Hardy’s repeated attempts – both high and low – to get by the Schild. Veteran Pro Stock standout Del Harris finished third.

Unofficial Houston Motorsports Park results, 2/27/2010

Bandolero feature

1. 54 Clayton Green, 15 laps
2. 81 Christopher Hogan, 15
3. 24 Jon Fernandez, 15
4. 22 Chase Schubert, 15
5. 72 Coltin Nordan, 15
6. 12 Scott Smith, 15
7. 6 Jake Thomasson
DQ 25 Kyle Curtis

Eco Stock feature

1. 115 Brian Stipe, 15
2. 17 Brad Dixon, 15
3. 13 Lizzie Baker, 15
4. 7 Unknown, 15
5. 18 Gabriel Acosta, 15
6. 43 Bob Berndt, 15
7. 02 Samantha Marshall, 15
8. 44 Scott Harmon, 14
9. 9 LeAnn Albert, 14

Pro Stock feature

1. J.T. Schild, 25
2. 70 Lynn Hardy, 25
3. 1 Del Harris, 25
4. 31 Quentin Epler, 25
5. 18 Nathan Demski, 25
6. 8 Jim Axley, 24
7. 88 Freddy Davila, 22
8. 12 Richard Smith, Sr, 18

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds “Cricket 40″

1. 33 Jason Morman, 40
2. 5 Brent Seeley, 40
3. 13 Ian Webster, 40
4. 15 Michael Umscheid, 40
5. 8 Jim Nides, 40
6. 4 Kalif Sellier, 40
7. 82 Pat Kinsey, 39
8. 3 Mike Williams, 24
9. 88 Larry Hughes, 21
DQ 1 Art Kunseman

NASCAR 360 Trucks “Twister Drilling Tools 40″

1. 31 Jim Albert, 40
2. 77 Jody Buzbee, 40
3. 99 Cary Stapp, 40
4. 10 Greg Wade, 40
5. 44 Tory Christopher, 39
6. 28 Kevin Wiseman, 37
7. 3 David Lewien, 35
8. 6 Erin Sims, 34
9. 07 Rusty Mirth, 34
10. 72 Brent Bell, 17
11. 767 GW Egbert, 8
12. 36 Lynn Hardy, Jr., 5
DQ 19 Justin Buzbee
DQ 60 Byron Reed

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Fiesta 50″

1. 11 Larry Schild III, 50
2. 179 Brian Moczygemba, 50
3. 99 Mark Underwood, 50
4. 57 Mason Mitchell, 49
5. 97 Bryan Schild, 47
6. 16 Terry Clark, 27
7. 79 Joe Aramendia, 15
8. 41 Chris Davidson, 15
9. 96 Greg Davidson, 13
DQ 54 Todd McClemore
DQ Charles Evans, Jr.

by Brian Sommers and Nick Holt
Photos by Nick Holt

Jason Hughes sails to USMTS Modified win at Houston Raceway Park

Jason Hughes was in a class by himself in 2009, winning ten main events en route to claiming his second straight USMTS Southern Series crown.

After three days of racing at the Houston Raceway Park, it looks like Hughes will be the man to beat again in 2010.

As the weekend wore on and the stakes got higher and higher, the 35-year-old chassis builder from Westville, Okla., got better and better. He scored a fifth-place finish on Thursday, came home second on Friday, and then wrapped up the 3rd Annual Texas Winter Nationals presented by Ed Rinehart for County Commissioner with an impressive $5,000 victory on Saturday night.

“That’ll help pay some of the bills,” Hughes said in victory lane. “We kept fighting, my crew has been working hard all weekend and the car kept getting better. This is how we wanted to start the season.

“This is by far the biggest crowd we’ve seen since we’ve started running here, and it’s nice to get the win in front of all these people.”

Prior to the drop of the green flag, Hughes had his work cut out for him as he sat tenth on the 26-car starting grid. On Thursday he started and finished fifth, then could only manage to climb one spot from third to second on Friday night.

Bumper Jones used his pole position to jump out to the early lead in Saturday’s “A” Main while drivers shuffled positions behind him.

Friday’s winner Jeremy Payne rocketed past three cars down the back-stretch two laps later to grab the runner-up spot while Hughes followed suit and quickly moved to fourth behind eighth-starting Steven Whiteaker Jr.

Jones, Payne and Whiteaker raced bumper to bumper for the next nine laps while Hughes trailed by four car-lengths. Racing side by side out of the fourth turn on lap 11, Whiteaker and Payne made contact with Payne holding on to the second spot.

One lap later, the race’s first yellow flag waved as Whiteaker came to a halt on the front-stretch with a flat tire.

After leaving the pit area with fresh rubber, Whiteaker tagged the rear of the field while Hughes inherited the third spot. Payne elected to start on the inside, leaving Hughes to his right for the double-file restart.

At the drop of the green flag, Hughes dove hard into the first turn and powered around Jones in turn two. Payne shadowed Hughes down the back-stretch and wrestled second place away from Jones in the next corner.

Within five laps, Hughes had extended his advantage to nearly a full straight-away over Payne and his teammate Terry Phillips. Phillips, however, nearly spun on lap 19 and gave up the position to Mike Hansen while Jones remained close behind in fifth.

Despite heavy lapped traffic throughout the second-half of the 40-lapper, Hughes remained flawless as he sailed to his 21st career USMTS Southern Series victory and 81st overall under the USMTS banner.

Payne, Hansen and Phillips held on for second, third and fourth, respectively, while John O Whittington nipped Jones for the fifth-place paycheck.

Morgan Bagley snagged seventh, Rodney Sanders earned an eight-place finish, Chris Henigan nabbed ninth and defending Texas Winter Nationals champion Zack VanderBeek raced from eighteenth to finish tenth.

The win also propelled Hughes into the points lead on the strength of his nine passing points and three lap leader bonus points in the main event. Phillips sits six points behind Hughes (292 to 286) in second with Payne just one more point back in third. Whittington is fourth with 276 markers, followed by Jones (259), Bagley (257), Kelly Shryock (227), Dereck Ramirez (201), Shane Hebert (191) and Steve Holzkamper (191).

Lee Patton leads the current crop of rookie contenders, followed by Tristan Dycus, Darrel Dawson, Shane Killingsworth and nine other drivers tied for fifth.

Up next for the USMTS Southern Series is a tripleheader in the Sooner State. The series makes its debut at the Creek County Speedway in Kellyville, Okla., on Thursday, March 18, then moves on to the Outlaw Motor Speedway near Muskogee on Friday, March 19. The weekend winds up at the West Siloam Speedway in West Siloam Springs on Saturday, March 20. All three events are expected to attract a powerful field of entries as points will be awarded for both the USMTS Southern Series and USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, visit www.usmts.com online or call 515-832-7944. You can also follow the USMTS on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Southern Series
3rd Annual Texas Winter Nationals presented by Ed Rinehart for County Commissioner – Event #3 of 3
Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010

Showing finishing position, starting position in parentheses, car number, driver, hometown, chassis/engine builder, laps completed, reason out (if any) and money won. The top 14 drivers in passing points accumulated in the heat races are locked into the “A” Main, with the top 8 re-drawing for starting positions 1-8.

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (8 laps):
1. (2) 5r Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas.
2. (4) 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla.
3. (5) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas.
4. (1) 15 Kevin Battarbee (R), Houston, Texas.
5. (10) E Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas.
6. (9) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa.
7. (7) 5 Jon Mitchell, Texarkana, Texas.
8. (6) 9 Shane Killingsworth (R), Dallas, Texas.
9. (11) 7x Rory Jordan (R), Victoria, Texas.
10. (12) 51 Jeff Wood, Willis, Texas.
11. (8) 17 Brad Lasater, Garland, Texas.
12. (3) 8 Steve Miller, Georgetown, Texas.

HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. (2) 85d Mark Dotson, Cameron, Mo.
2. (10) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas.
3. (4) 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyville, Texas.
4. (1) 58 Nathan Bichsel (R), Amarillo, Texas.
5. (7) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La.
6. (11) 10 Kenny Battarbee (R), Houston, Texas.
7. (12) 21 Johnny Fennewald, Appleton City, Mo.
8. (8) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas.
9. (3) 18L Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
10. (9) R5 Hunter Rasdon (R), Jonesboro, Ark.
11. (6) 10 Kyle Schmidt, Farmington, Ark.
12. (5) 23 Brandon Davis (R), Castle Rock, Colo.

HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. (2) 5w John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas.
2. (7) 25 Scott Green, Derby, Kan.
3. (11) 16 Chris Henigan, Marshall, Texas.
4. (8) 34 Ben Stephens (R), Hattiesburg, Miss.
5. (9) 8g Greg Dinsmore, Kerrville, Texas.
6. (5) 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa.
7. (10) 14t Tristan Dycus (R), Midlothian, Texas.
8. (4) 8j Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas.
9. (1) 87 John Webb, Pauls Valley, Okla.
10. (12) 20 Troy Seidl (R), Magnolia, Texas.
11. (3) 69 Randy Heston (R), Stinnett, Texas.
12. (6) 17x Cade Dillard, Robeline, La.

EIBACH SPRINGS HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. (3) 111 Bumper Jones, Mesilla Park, N.M.
2. (2) JP5 Lee Patton (R), Ruston, La.
3. (1) 410 Brad Doherty (R), Ennis, Texas.
4. (9) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla.
5. (7) 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla.
6. (10) 190 Shawn Stephenson (R), Howe, Texas.
7. (11) 44 Darrell Nelson, Hermantown, Minn.
8. (4) 56 David Horner, Houston, Texas.
9. (12) 2 Jerry Standifer (R), Howe, Okla.
10. (8) 55 Kyle Anderson (R), Tomball, Texas.
11. (5) 25 John Allen, Chanute, Kan.
12. (6) 2 Grant Junghans, Manhattan, Kan.

HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. (3) 12h Mike Hansen, Alton, Iowa.
2. (11) 74 Jeremy Payne, Springfield, Mo.
3. (2) 30 Chase Allen, Midlothian, Texas.
4. (10) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas.
5. (1) 99 Derick Grigsby, Marshall, Texas.
6. (6) 98 Darryl Seals, Vidor, Texas.
7. (4) 56 Steve Pugh, Anderson, Texas.
8. (7) 9 Brent Nicholas (R), Baytown, Texas.
9. (5) 5a Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas.
10. (9) 96 Foster Ellison III, Richwood, Texas.
11. (8) 76 Jesse Manning, Brazoria, Texas.

HEAT RACE #6 (8 laps):
1. (2) 12 Jason Hughes, Westville, Okla.
2. (3) 75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo.
3. (5) 74 Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
4. (1) 00 Darrel Dawson (R), Midlothian, Texas.
5. (10) 5 Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark.
6. (11) 20 Tommy Weder Jr., Woodward, Okla.
7. (8) 18s Cody Smith, Kaufman, Texas.
8. (7) 64 Jay Sale (R), Edmond, Okla.
9. (4) 68 Danny Barringer, Lufkin, Texas.
10. (9) 186 Jeremy Gossett (R), Amarillo, Texas.
11. (6) 7g Mark Smith, Lufkin, Texas.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (1) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla.
2. (7) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa.
3. (8) 21 Johnny Fennewald, Appleton City, Mo.
4. (11) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas.
5. (15) R5 Hunter Rasdon (R), Jonesboro, Ark., $120.
6. (5) 00 Darrel Dawson (R), Midlothian, Texas, $120.
7. (3) 30 Chase Allen, Midlothian, Texas, $120.
8. (16) 186 Jeremy Gossett (R), Amarillo, Texas, $120.
9. (9) 98 Darryl Seals, Vidor, Texas, $100.
10. (19) 17x Cade Dillard, Robeline, La., $100.
11. (14) 68 Danny Barringer, Lufkin, Texas, $120.
12. (17) 69 Randy Heston (R), Stinnett, Texas, $120.
13. (6) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La., $120.
14. (4) 8g Greg Dinsmore, Kerrville, Texas, $100.
15. (2) 34 Ben Stephens (R), Hattiesburg, Miss., $120.
16. (10) 56 Steve Pugh, Anderson, Texas, $120.
17. (12) 9 Brent Nicholas (R), Baytown, Texas, $120.
18. (13) 18L Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., $120.
19. (18) 7g Mark Smith, Lufkin, Texas, $120.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (6) 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla.
2. (2) 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyville, Texas.
3. (1) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas.
4. (3) E Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas.
5. (5) 10 Kenny Battarbee (R), Houston, Texas, $120.
6. (9) 18s Cody Smith, Kaufman, Texas, $120.
7. (4) 15 Kevin Battarbee (R), Houston, Texas, $120.
8. (17) 25 John Allen, Chanute, Kan., $120.
9. (8) 14t Tristan Dycus (R), Midlothian, Texas, $120.
10. (15) 55 Kyle Anderson (R), Tomball, Texas, $120.
11. (19) 2 Grant Junghans, Manhattan, Kan., $120.
12. (14) 51 Jeff Wood, Willis, Texas, $120.
13. (10) 2 Jerry Standifer (R), Howe, Okla., $120.
14. (12) 64 Jay Sale (R), Edmond, Okla., $120.
15. (18) 8 Steve Miller, Georgetown, Texas, $120.
16. (13) 87 John Webb, Pauls Valley, Okla., $100.
17. (16) 17 Brad Lasater, Garland, Texas, $120.
18. (7) 99 Derick Grigsby, Marshall, Texas, $120.
19. (11) 8j Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas, $120.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #3 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (1) 74 Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
2. (3) 5 Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark.
3. (8) 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa.
4. (2) 410 Brad Doherty (R), Ennis, Texas.
5. (7) 44 Darrell Nelson, Hermantown, Minn., $120.
6. (6) 190 Shawn Stephenson (R), Howe, Texas, $120.
7. (16) 10 Kyle Schmidt, Farmington, Ark., $120.
8. (13) 5a Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas, $120.
9. (5) 20 Tommy Weder Jr., Woodward, Okla., $120.
10. (12) 7x Rory Jordan (R), Victoria, Texas, $120.
11. (9) 5 Jon Mitchell, Texarkana, Texas, $120.
12. (14) 20 Troy Seidl (R), Magnolia, Texas, $120.
13. (18) 23 Brandon Davis (R), Castle Rock, Colo., $120.
14. (10) 9 Shane Killingsworth (R), Dallas, Texas, $120.
15. (11) 56 David Horner, Houston, Texas, $120.
16. (15) 96 Foster Ellison III, Richwood, Texas, $100.
17. (4) 58 Nathan Bichsel (R), Amarillo, Texas, $120.
18. (17) 76 Jesse Manning, Brazoria, Texas, $100.

“A” MAIN (40 laps):
1. (10) 12 Jason Hughes, Westville, Okla., Hughes/Mullins, 40, $5,000.
2. (6) 74 Jeremy Payne, Springfield, Mo., GRT/Hatfield, 40, $3,000.
3. (4) 12h Mike Hansen, Alton, Iowa, GRT/PerfOnly, 40, $2,000.
4. (12) 75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo., GRT/Hatfield, 40, $1,500.
5. (9) 5w John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas, Pierce/CB, 40, $1,000.
6. (1) 111 Bumper Jones, Mesilla Park, N.M., TRE/ASI, 40, $800.
7. (3) 5r Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas, Shaw/Rowland, 40, $700.
8. (13) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas, Hughes/Sanders, 40, $600.
9. (2) 16 Chris Henigan, Marshall, Texas, Kraft/PTS, 40, $500.
10. (18) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa, Skyrocket/Sput’s, 40, $450.
11. (16) 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla., Hughes/Mullins, 40, $400.
12. (5) 25 Scott Green, Derby, Kan., Hughes/Mullins, 40, $350.
13. (20) 5 Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark., TRE/Shinook, 40, $350.
14. (17) 74 Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn., Kraft/Craft, 40, $350.
15. (19) 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyville, Texas, Kraft/Wells, 39, $300.
16. (11) 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla., Skyrocket/ASI, 39, $350.
17. (25) E Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas, Evolution/Fox, 39, $350.
18. (24) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas, TRE/CAM, 39, $300.
19. (14) JP5 Lee Patton (R), Ruston, La., Harris/PTS, 39, $350.
20. (22) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas, DirtWorks/Harris, 39, $350.
21. (26) 410 Brad Doherty (R), Ennis, Texas, GRT/Ewell, 39, $350.
22. (23) 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa, Skyrocket/Sput’s, 32, flat tire, $350.
23. (7) 85d Mark Dotson, Cameron, Mo., GRT/Hatfield, 28, throttle spring, $350.
24. (15) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla., Ramirez/Sput’s, mechanical, 27, $350.
25. (8) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas, Hughes/Rowland, flat tire, 15, $350.
26. (21) 21 Johnny Fennewald, Appleton City, Mo., GRT/Hatfield, 10, transmission, $350.

Lap Leaders: Jones 1-12, Hughes 13-40.
Total Laps Led: Hughes 28, Jones 12.
AFCO Pole Winner: Whiteaker.
PBM Performance Products Hard Charger: Hughes (started 10th, finished 1st).
Next Race: Thursday, March 18, Creek County Speedway, Kellyville, Okla.
Points Standings: Hughes 292, Phillips 286, Payne 285, Whittington 276, Jones 259, Bagley 257, Shryock 227, Ramirez 201, Hebert 191, Holzkamper 191.
Rookie of the Year Points: Patton 175, Dycus 149, Dawson 141, Killingsworth 140, Stephenson 135, Battarbee 135, Sale 135, Gossett 135, Stephens 135, Jordan 135, Seidl 135, Standifer 135, Bischel 135, Battarbee 135, Anderson 135, Nicholas 135, Heston 135, Davis 135.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points: Hatfield 28, Mullins 25, CB 20, Rowland 19, PerfOnly 17.
Chassis Builders Championship Points: GRT 28, Hughes 25, Shaw 21, Pierce 21, Skyrocket 19.

Contingency Awards:
Ai-Racing – Phillips.
American Racer – not awarded.
Eibach Springs – Jones.
Isky Racing Cams – Bagley.
KSE Racing Products – Payne.
Marsh Racing Wheels – Fennewald.
Out-Pace Racing Products – Timms.
PBM Performance Products – Hughes.
Quarter Master – Hughes, Sanders.
QuickTime – Bagley.
Real Racing Wheels – Dawson, C. Smith, Stephenson.

By Jeff Nun, USMTS
Photo compliments of USMTS

Lozano Brothers Porting engine powers 24 Hours of Daytona victory

Ben and Mike Lozano have just one goal: winning races.

And the owners of Lozano Brothers Porting just west of New Braunfels got their wish over the weekend when the Porsche Cayenne engine they developed powered the No. 9 Action Express Racing team car to a win at the Rolex 24 in Daytona, Florida.

“The team was just awesome,” said Ben Lozano, who just returned from Florida.

Drivers Joao Barbosa, Mike Rockenfeller, Terry Borcheller and Ryan Dalziel made history by bringing home the win for the newly formed team in their first entry in the 24-hour Grand-Am series race.

A win at Daytona is often the single highlight in the career of an engine builder, and the Lozano shop has seen three.

Inspired by their late father and longtime racer Harold Lozano, the two brothers from San Antonio have been in the racing business for more than 30 years.

In 2009, they moved their shop from Schertz to New Braunfels.

The Lozanos used to work on NASCAR engines, but most teams now have their own engine shops. Today, Lozano customers include “anyone who is serious about racing,” Lozano said.

“Road racing has always been our focus,” Lozano said.

With six employees working out of a tidy shop on FM 311 just north of Highway 46 near Smithson Valley High School, the Lozano brothers do business “old style,” often cementing partnerships over a handshake and a promise, Lozano said. And they support many racing teams that just don’t have the massive budgets of larger operations.

The engine that drove the recent Daytona win was in development over more than three years of work and testing, Lozano said.

It started with a factory Porsche Cayenne block and cylinders. Working first for the Spirit of Daytona team and later Action Express Racing, the Lozanos’ work paid off with the recent victory.

The Lozanos have had offers to open up shop in Detroit and other big racing hubs, but they’ve always said, “No,” Lozano said. “We wanted to stay local and stay in Texas,” Lozano said. “We like to keep it low key.”

For more information, visit www.lozanobrothersporting. com.

by Charles Agar, The Herald-Zeitung
Photo from http://www.lozanobrothersporting.com/

Fiesta Pro LM Champ Joe Aramendia leaves Houston Motorsports Park 2009 Awards Banquet with $15K check; David Starr keynote speaker

Lone Star Speedzone traveled to Houston Motorsports Park’s annual awards banquet this past weekend and it turned out to be quite an impressive affair with about 250 in attendance, a $15K check being handed out and a rousing speech by NASCAR star David Starr.

HMP’s announcer, “Uncle Bob,” did his usual professional job as the MC making sure we were all done and dancing by 9:30 after giving out numerous awards and trophies – we’ll go over some of those in a minute.

HMP General Manager John Mandabach took over the podium early in the evening and sincerely thanked everyone for their professionalism and for putting on such an impressive, entertaining show every race night. He went over some of the progress the track has made over the past four years and told the story of how he met Keith Jacobson, the Marketing Manager for Fiesta Mart, Inc, the company that has played an important role in that progress by teaming up with the speedway in numerous, mutually beneficial ways. I’ll let John tell the story the next time you talk with him.

As for 2010, John announced the following:

1. NASCAR Sanctioning - 3 sanctioned classes this year – Must have license to be eligible for points, purse & awards

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models – Feature Division – ages 16 and up

- $25,000 Track Points Fund thanks to Fiesta
- $3,500 State Points Fund & $40,000 National Points Fund
- Track Champion receives a Commerative Helmet
- State Champion receives a Custom Championship Driver Uniform
- State Champon Crew Chief gets $500
- State R.O.Y. gets $1,000
- Will pay $950 to Win, $100 to Start

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds – ages 14 and up

- $750 Win - $75 Start
- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to Cricket Wireless

NASCAR 360 Trucks – ages 14 and up

- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to 360 Motorsports
- $750 Win - $100 Start

2. Legends

- Nine Race Summer Shootout
- Some Purse and Points Fund
- If class develops will be full schedule class in 2011

3. Fiesta’s SpeedFest presented by Cricket Wireless

- All Purses Guaranteed with No Minimum Car Counts for Full Purse – All Classes
- $5,000 Win NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Delmar Systems 75”
- $3,000 Win NASCAR Modifieds “Cricket 50”
- $1500 Win NASCAR 260 Trucks “DDC 50”
- $500 Win Pro Stock – possibly more based upon sponsorship
- $300 Win Eco Stock

4. Fiesta Gift Cards - 1st, 2nd, 3rd – all classes including Trucks & Legends

5. Improving Points System - Hybrid of NASCAR’s points system for all classes for feature (no bando or leg)
- Based upon # of licensed cars starting the Feature
- Winner gets 2 points per car up to 23 cars plus 5 point bonus
- Each finishing position after that will be decrease by 2 points
- 23rd position and lower all get 2 points
- Heats will be same system but based on 1 point per car with no win bonus.

6. Race Format remains the same

- Best Practice lap is qualifying time for heat
- Coin toss at Drivers Meeting
- How finish heat is how start feature

7. 2010 Advertisement

- TV Commercials – All Events
- Ad in the Houston Chronicle – All Events
- Posters at Fiesta & O’Reilly Auto Parts – All Events

8. Email & Internet presence

- HMP Facebook Page – over 1000 members already
- Email database added everyday
- Lone Star Speedzone “Live Updates” when available

Sounds like a great year coming up for HMP!

Next, David Starr, a Houston area racer who has successfully moved up into the NASCAR upper racing divisions and who was asked to be the keynote speaker for the evening delivered a very inspirational speech which centered on the need for all of us involved in local racing to remain passionate about our hobby. David detailed how he got his start and how important it is to form positive relationships within, as well as apart from, the racing community. The one thing that kept coming through as he spoke was the pride he takes in being a part of the Texas stock car racing community and how he keeps his “racing roots” in sight wherever he goes. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see David back racing at HMP from time to time next season. The guy’s a racer. I had a chance to talk for a while with David with the digital audio recorder after the banquet. Hopefully that interview will be up on the front page of Lone Star Speedzone some time in the near future.

Now, on to the awards.

The Houston Motorsports Park “Extra Mile Awards” went to:

Amy Hogan, who contributed in many way to HMP’s success in 2009 including taking care of the banquet decorations and table arrangements, which were very impressive.

Brad Dixon, who together with Brian Stipe were instrumental in putting the new Eco Stock class on the map at HMP in 2009.

Jim Beasley, who has done for the Pro Trucks what Dixon and Stipe have done for the Eco Stocks.

Bandoleros:
R.O.Y. - Chase Schubert
Most Improved Driver - Jon Fernandez
3rd Place - Taylor Myers
2nd Place and Bandit Track Champ - Christopher Hogan
Champion – Travis Benson

Legends:
Champion Zach Hausler

Eco Stocks:
R.O.Y and 3rd Place – Bob Berndt
2nd Place – Brad Dixon
Champion – Brian Stipe

Limited Modifieds:
3rd Place – Todd Manchester
2nd Place and R.O.Y. – Quentin Epler
Champion – Kalif Sellier

Pro Stocks:
R.O.Y – JT Schild
3rd Place – Richard Smith, Jr.
2nd Place – Richard Smith, Sr.
Champion – Lynn Hardy, Jr.

Pro Trucks:
3rd Place and R.O.Y. – Lynn Hardy, Jr.
2nd Place - Jim Albert
Champion – DL Wilson

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds:
3rd Place – Justin Long
2nd Place and R.O.Y. Brent Seeley
Champion – Denny Burton

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models
R.O.Y. Jacklyn Harris
3rd Place – Brandon Bendele
2nd Place – Carl Smith
Champion – Joe Aramendia

It was pretty impressive to see all the loot Joe took home – a large-size $15,000 check, a beautiful commemorative helmet, a custom made fire suit, a handsome trophy or two and probably some other stuff I missed. Keith Reithmeyer and Homer Pitner, both of whom work on the Aramendia team, were co-winners of the NASCAR Crew Chief of the Year Award.

By Nick Holt
Photos by Steve Steinle

Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet

The Thunderhill Raceway and Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) 2009 Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Over 300 drivers, racing teams, staff, officials, media and fans attended this annual event that was held at the Manchaca Firehall and Community Center in Manchaca, TX.

The evening began with a social hour, followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. During the pre-awards activities, guests were treated to video presentations that highlighted some track action, along with video clips from “life in the pits” during the 2009 racing season.

The awards ceremony began with the two emcees, Bobby Chaffee and Rodney Rodriguez, introducing the THR/TSRS Owner and Promoter, Mary Ann Naumann. Naumann welcomed everyone to the banquet and introduced the special guests – including Neil Upchurch from the Texas Pro Sedans, Arden Vikre from the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Mike Steinman from NasKarts, Nick Holt from Lone Star Speedzone and Bruce Mabrito (Motorsports writer).

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff, officials and safety crews. Kathy Tiemann, Director of Scoring, presented a trophy to Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, for her help with the training on the electronic scoring system. Naumann announced a few staff changes for the 2010 racing season as follows: Terry Barden as the Race Director for TSRS and traveling classes, Gary Smith as the THR Marketing Manger and Cameron Moore, Sr., as the Track Chaplain.

Neil Upchurch was next on the agenda and announced his retirement from the on-track activities for the Texas Pro Sedans. He presented awards to two Texas Pro Sedan drivers – the 2009 championship award to Mike Merrell and the Rookie of the Year award to Tory Christopher. Upchurch ended his presentation with an inspiring speech about the state of stock-car racing and introduced David Mackey as the new Race Director for the Texas Pro Sedans.

The Thunderhill Raceway awards were presented next, and the following drivers received the top awards:

Mini Stocks
Champion: #46 Mason Yousling
Grand Stocks Champion & Rookie of the Year: #58 Layton Carroll
To the Rear Award: #07 Richard Fitch

Thunder Stocks
Champion: #16 Mason Teague
Rookie of the Year: #58 Patrick Burow

ASA A-Line Super Stocks
Champion: #3 Clint LaFont
Rookie of the Year: #99 Chase Stapp

SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter

Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid

Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall

Following a nomination process by THR staff and drivers, the Special Awards winners were announced, as follows:
Thunderhill Raceway Extra Lap Award - David Lewien, driver of the #3 Pro Truck
Thunderhill Raceway Hard Luck Award - Dwayne Toyne, driver of the #48 ASA A-Line Super Stock
Thunderhill Raceway Best Appearing Crew Award -Allen Alexander, driver of the #80 ASA A-Line Super Stock, and his AAA House Leveling Team
Thunderhill Raceway “Kevin Suberg” Sportsman of the Year Award - Terry Tschoerner, Mini Stocks

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the THR and TSRS sponsors.

Tory Christopher invited all drivers to attend a Driver Image Workshop that will be held at THR on Saturday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The TSRS awards were presented next, and the following drivers received top honors:

TSRS Allison Legacys
Champion: #07 Rusty Mirth
Rookie of the Year: #19 Cole Runco

TSRS Late Models
Champion: #14 Jake Kruger
Super Pack Champion: #17 Robert Barker
Rookie of the Year: #72 Kendall Bumbera

A drawing was held for a certificate for a $900 Five-Star Late Model body. To qualify for the drawing, the TSRS Late Model driver(s) must have competed in a stock appearing, template-style body, competed in at least 75% of the scheduled events, displayed the Five-Star decal and must have been present at the awards ceremony. Dillon Spreen, driver of the #81 TSRS Late Model, was the lucky winner.

The emcees then announced the following winners of the TSRS special awards:

TSRS Mentor Team Award - Jake Wright, driver of the #96 TSRS Allison Legacy, and Jake Kruger, Driver of the #14 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Hard Luck Award - Levi Krauss, driver of the #4 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Best Appearing Crew Award - Kendall Bumbera, driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model, and her Next Generation Racing Team
TSRS Sportsman of the Year Award - Bobby Teer, Jr., driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model

David Mackey was presented with the Official of the Year trophy by Mary Ann Naumann.

The event was closed out with an expression of thanks to the Janette Huff and her family for the banquet decorations, Manchaca Firehall for the facility and food, the photographers and videographers (Jeff Garvin, Tory Christopher, Thad Yousling and Duke O’Connor) for banquet pictures and videos, Dave New with All American Trophy & Awards for the trophies and plaques and Insty-Prints for the banquet printing.

The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.

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

Texana Raceway Park crowns champs at well-attended Awards Banquet

This year, after reviewing big event calendars extending into December, Texana Raceway Park for the first time ever moved the annual awards banquet to January. Having never tested the water with a banquet in January, the management was pleasantly surprised with the large turnout for what turned out to be a fantastic banquet. Over 180 attendees filed through the doors at the Hafernick Center within the Brackenridge Park at Lake Texana, out side of Edna.

The evening started off with a catered BBQ meal, and was followed by drawings for door prizes. In the mix were some incredible door prizes. Pairs of new Racing tires were given away. Twenty-five gallons of racing fuel were given away, along with raceceivers, batteries, and a whole host of great door prizes provided by several generous donors and the track ownership combined.

The order of events consisted of trophies being provided to the top three in each class and a nice jacket, plus a bonus framed picture provided to each class champion. Two special awards picked by the track ownership were also provided which were “Most Improved” and “Rookie of the Year”. And, finally, the much anticipated and closely guarded fan voted “Favorite Drivers” were awarded. A few class champs also won favorite driver, and Hot Stock Truck 2009 phenomenon, Greg “Joe” Turner walked away with an unprecedented three awards as a class champ, favorite driver and owner’s pick as most improved.

Paul White was the first ever two class champion at the raceway, and banquet attendees were treated to Paul’s father, the legendary Bill White attending the banquet. Anyone who has followed dirt track racing in Texas knows, that it would hard equal the accomplishment of the two combined.

Owner, Bruce Tesch also announced the more specific plans for 2010, and utilized the opportunity to squelch all rumors associated with the raceway. Tesch has hired long-time flagman Ken Bulsterbaum to serve as track operator in 2010.

A summary of award winners followed by some select pictures provided courtesy of Brenda Dancer “Dancer Motorsports Photos” follows below:

Class Points Champions:
Mini-Stock - Zachary Tesch
Texana Classic Dwarfs - Andrew Cline
Texana Bombers- Chris Shafer
Hot Stock Trucks- Greg Turner
Super Stocks - G W Hessong
Limited Modifieds - Paul White
Modifieds - Paul White

Fan Voted Favorite Drivers:
Mini-Stock - Lauren Chamberlain
Texana Classic Dwarfs - Douglas Schmidt
Texana Bombers - Janet Perks
Hot Stock Trucks - Greg Turner
Super Stocks - G W Hessong
Limited Modifeds - Mickey Helms
Modifieds - Paul White

Most Improved
Greg “Joe” Turner

Rookie of the Year
Brad Wright

by Monty Chamberlain
Photos by Brenda Dancer

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