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Dereck Ramirez wins 5th Annual USMTS Texas Winter Nationals finale at Royal Purple Raceway

After recording his 300th career start on Thursday, Dereck Ramirez tasted victory for the first time Friday night at the Royal Purple Raceway.

He must’ve liked the flavor because the 25-year-old from Woodward, Okla., went back for seconds Saturday night and feasted on the $4,000 top prize in winning the 5th Annual USMTS Texas Winter Nationals – the final race of the season for the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour powered by Swan Energy.

Unlike Friday night when he started on the pole, Ramirez began Saturday’s 50-lap WIX Filters “A” Main from the ninth spot.

From the pole position, Rookie of the Year contender Jason Thoennes of Garfield, Minn., took the lead at the drop of the green flag with a trio of Texans – Dustin Hyde, Steven Whiteaker Jr. and Bobby Malchus – giving chase.

Despite his best starting position in a USMTS feature race, Thoennes was not rattled as he set a fast pace while leading the first 18 laps.

But Ramirez was faster and wrestled the lead away from Thoennes with 19 laps in the books.

From that point on, it was all Ramirez as he drove away from the field in the caution-free non-stop 50-lapper. He also finished fourth on Thursday night to bring his weekend take home pay to $7,800.

Removing all doubt about whether or not he could hang on to the Southeast Region points lead, Jason Hughes scored his best result of the weekend with a runner-up finish to secure his first regional title of the year.

Thoennes got his career-best USMTS finish with a third-place showing while Rodney Sanders came from 15th on the starting grid to finish fourth and earn the Mesilla Valley Transportation Hard Charger Award.

Thursday night’s winner, Chris Brown, grabbed fifth ahead of teammate Kelly Shryock. Seventh through tenth were 17th-starting Ryan Gustin, AFCO Pole Award winner Johnny Scott, Zack VanderBeek and Tommy Weder Jr.

Hughes emerged as the Southeast Region champion with a 39-point cushion over Gustin, who won four of the other five regional points battles en route to becoming the 2011 USMTS National Champion.

Shryock, who won the Farm Boy BBQ Sauce Great Plains Region, finished third in the final Southeast Region rankings while Ramirez long-jumped from eighth to fourth with his win on the final night.

Sanders wound up fifth, John O Whittington was sixth, Randy Timms earned seventh, Shane Hebert finished eighth, Johnny Scott nabbed the ninth position and Clyde Dunn Jr. rounded out the top 10 in the final rankings – just one point ahead of Tommy Weder Jr.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour powered by Swan Energy – Southeast Region
5th Annual USMTS Texas Winter Nationals – Night 3 of 3
Royal Purple Raceway, Baytown, Texas - Saturday, November 19, 2011

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. (10) 1st Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, N.M.
2. (4) 18s Cody Smith, Kaufman, Texas.
3. (9) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas.
4. (8) 23 Brandon Davis, Castle Rock, Colo.
5. (6) 57 Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas.
6. (1) 86j Travis Johnson, Enid, Okla.
7. (12) 8 Steve Miller, Georgetown, Texas.
8. (11) 95 Phil Dixon, Crosby, Texas.
9. (7) 69 Randy Heston (R), Stinnett, Texas.
10. (3) 24 Sean Jones, Mansfield, Texas.
11. (2) 99 Danny Hebert, Duson, La.
12. (5) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La.

NEW VISION GRAPHICS HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. (2) 52 Jason Thoennes (R), Garfield, Minn.
2. (5) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla.
3. (4) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas.
4. (8) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas.
5. (11) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa.
6. (10) 15b Thomas Blackwell, Crandall, Texas.
7. (6) 46 Darryl Seals, Vidor, Texas.
8. (3) G8 George Gilbert, Diberville, Miss.
9. (9) 34 Ben Stephens (R), Hattiesburg, Miss.
10. (1) 68 Danny Barringer, Lufkin, Texas.
11. (7) 7x Rory Jordan, Victoria, Texas.
12. (12) 96 Foster Ellison, Richwood, Texas.

EIBACH SPRINGS HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. (8) 02 Tommy Weder Jr., Woodward, Okla.
2. (6) 8J Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas.
3. (7) 23 Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas.
4. (2) 34dd Tim Boudreaux, Cleveland, Texas.
5. (11) 22b Rick Beebe, Shawnee, Kan.
6. (12) 88t Billy Turner (R), Yukon, Okla.
7. (1) 76 Jeff Rowland (R), Pauls Valley, Okla.
8. (10) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas.
9. (5) 11n Gene Nicholas, Lowell, Ark.
10. (3) 43f Marcus Frisch, Eros, La.
11. (9) 71h Philip Houston (R), Odessa, Texas.
12. (4) 81b Cody Simpson (R), Quinlan, Texas.

PBM PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. (2) 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas.
2. (3) 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla.
3. (1) 88xxx Clyde Dunn Jr. (R), Sunnyville, Texas.
4. (5) 14t Tristan Dycus, Midlothian, Texas.
5. (10) 9 Jimmy Ray (R), Las Cruces, N.M.
6. (6) 14 David Ashley, Zachary, La.
7. (11) L1 Larry Clevenger (R), Greenwood, La.
8. (8) 303 Chase Jupe, Waco, Texas.
9. (9) 83 Willy Kraft, Mico, Texas.
10. (7) 30 Chase Allen, Midlothian, Texas.
11. (4) 14m Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas.
12. (12) 87 John Webb (R), Pauls Valley, Okla.

HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. (3) 3c Chris Brown, Spring, Texas.
2. (5) 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa.
3. (7) 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla.
4. (6) 19 Jamie Burford, Keatchie, La.
5. (2) 44 Marcus Berndt, Katy, Texas.
6. (11) 5w John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas.
7. (4) 3 Danny Womack, Muskogee, Okla.
8. (12) C3 Rob Litton, Alexandria, La.
9. (10) C27 Chase Delrio (R), West Monroe, La.
10. (8) 76 Jesse Manning (R), Brazoria, Texas.
11. (9) 36 Bryan Mewborn, Texarkana, Texas.
12. (1) 012 Patrick Petty, Baytown, Texas.

HEAT RACE #6 (8 laps):
1. (3) 12 Jason Hughes, Watts, Okla.
2. (2) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa.
3. (1) 9 Shane Killingsworth, Dallas, Texas.
4. (9) 15g Bubba Gates (R), Santa Fe, Texas.
5. (5) C22 Grant Box (R), Monticello, Ark.
6. (7) 21 David Winslett, Bossier City, La.
7. (11) 715 Jeff Hoegh, New Caney, Texas.
8. (10) 45t Eric Tomlinson (R), Robinson, Texas.
9. (6) 77 Brian Craighead, Farmerville, La.
10. (4) 955 Robert Metz Jr. (R), Lumberton, Texas.
11. (8) 23 Randy Nolen, Shreveport, La.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (2) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas.
2. (1) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa.
3. (4) 9 Jimmy Ray (R), Las Cruces, N.M.
4. (3) 22b Rick Beebe, Shawnee, Kan.
5. (7) C22 Grant Box (R), Monticello, Ark., Skyrocket/Mullins, $120.
6. (12) 303 Chase Jupe, Waco, Texas, Hughes/Centex, $100.
7. (9) 14 David Ashley, Zachary, La., /, $100.
8. (13) 34 Ben Stephens (R), Hattiesburg, Miss., Hughes/Mullins, $120.
9. (5) 88t Billy Turner (R), Yukon, Okla., Hughes/Allens, $120.
10. (6) 15b Thomas Blackwell, Crandall, Texas, /, $100.
11. (15) 43f Marcus Frisch, Eros, La., IRP/SMS, $100.
12. (8) 715 Jeff Hoegh, New Caney, Texas, Skyrocket/Graham, $100.
13. (14) 77 Brian Craighead, Farmerville, La., DirtWorks/Tanner, $100.
14. (19) 81b Cody Simpson (R), Quinlan, Texas, /Fletcher, $120.
15. (16) 955 Robert Metz Jr. (R), Lumberton, Texas, Pierce/CB, $120.
16. (18) 23 Randy Nolen, Shreveport, La., DirtWorks/, $100.
17. (10) 46 Darryl Seals, Vidor, Texas, /, $100.
18. (11) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas, TRE/CAM.
19. (17) 71h Philip Houston (R), Odessa, Texas, SRP/JR, $120.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 4 advance
1. (2) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas.
2. (3) 88xxx Clyde Dunn Jr. (R), Sunnyville, Texas.
3. (4) 19 Jamie Burford, Keatchie, La.
4. (16) 99 Danny Hebert, Duson, La.
5. (14) 24 Sean Jones, Mansfield, Texas, PCR/Brooks, $120.
6. (19) 87 John Webb (R), Pauls Valley, Okla., Hughes/Shoulders, $120.
7. (6) 57 Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas, TRE/Mullins, $120.
8. (15) 30 Chase Allen, Midlothian, Texas, CAM/Allard, $120.
9. (5) 34dd Tim Boudreaux, Cleveland, Texas, Skyrocket/, $100.
10. (9) C3 Rob Litton, Alexandria, La., /, $100.
11. (11) 45t Eric Tomlinson (R), Robinson, Texas, Hughes/, $120.
12. (1) 15g Bubba Gates (R), Santa Fe, Texas, DustDevil/Harris, $120.
13. (12) C27 Chase Delrio (R), West Monroe, La., Skyrocket/Mullins, $120.
14. (10) 76 Jeff Rowland (R), Pauls Valley, Okla., Hughes/Boyd’s, $120.
15. (17) 14m Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas, /, $100.
16. (13) 11n Gene Nicholas, Lowell, Ark., /, $100.
17. (8) 21 David Winslett, Bossier City, La., /, $100.
18. (7) 8 Steve Miller, Georgetown, Texas, Hughes/Cantrill, $120.
19. (18) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La., Pierce/ASI, $120.

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #3 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (2) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa.
2. (4) 14t Tristan Dycus, Midlothian, Texas.
3. (5) 5w John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas.
4. (8) 86j Travis Johnson, Enid, Okla.
5. (13) 83 Willy Kraft, Mico, Texas, Kraft/Gaerte, $100.
6. (10) 3 Danny Womack, Muskogee, Okla., Hughes/BMS, $100.
7. (3) 9 Shane Killingsworth, Dallas, Texas, /, $100.
8. (6) 44 Marcus Berndt, Katy, Texas, DirtWorks/Graham, $100.
9. (17) 36 Bryan Mewborn, Texarkana, Texas, Ramirez/CRT, $100.
10. (12) 69 Randy Heston (R), Stinnett, Texas, Hughes/PPE, $120.
11. (11) G8 George Gilbert, Diberville, Miss., GRT/Barker, $100.
12. (14) 68 Danny Barringer, Lufkin, Texas, Skyrocket/Craft, $120.
13. (7) L1 Larry Clevenger (R), Greenwood, La., Skyrocket/Best, $120.
14. (9) 95 Phil Dixon, Crosby, Texas, Fast1/Jackson, $120.
15. (15) 76 Jesse Manning (R), Brazoria, Texas, Evolution/Hall, $120.
16. (19) 012 Patrick Petty, Baytown, Texas, /, $100.
17. (16) 7x Rory Jordan, Victoria, Texas, Hughes/Mullins, $120.
18. (1) 23 Brandon Davis, Castle Rock, Colo., Hughes/Geddes, $100.
19. (18) 96 Foster Ellison, Richwood, Texas, /, $100.

WIX FILTERS “A” MAIN (50laps):
1. (9) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla., Hughes/ProPower, $4000.
2. (7) 12 Jason Hughes, Watts, Okla., Hughes/Mullins, $3000.
3. (1) 52 Jason Thoennes (R), Garfield, Minn., MasterSbilt/Sower, $2000.
4. (15) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas, Hughes/Geddes, $1875.
5. (5) 3c Chris Brown, Spring, Texas, Skyrocket/ProPower, $1000.
6. (10) 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa, Skyrocket/ProPower, $1075.
7. (17) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa, Hughes/Mullins, $975.
8. (8) 1st Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, N.M., Hughes/ASI, $600.
9. (18) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa, Skyrocket/Sput’s, $500.
10. (6) 02 Tommy Weder Jr., Woodward, Okla., Hughes/Mullins, $450.
11. (16) 51 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas, Skyrocket/Harris, $400.
12. (13) 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla., Hughes/ProPower, $350.
13. (14) 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla., Hughes/Geddes, $350.
14. (3) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas, Hughes/Mullins, $350.
15. (25) 99 Danny Hebert, Duson, La., /, $300.
16. (11) 18s Cody Smith, Kaufman, Texas, Hughes/Chase, $350.
17. (24) 22b Rick Beebe, Shawnee, Kan., GRT/GMPP, $350.
18. (23) 5w John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas, Pierce/CB, $350.
19. (19) 88xxx Clyde Dunn Jr. (R), Sunnyville, Texas, Hughes/Mullins, $350.
20. (21) 9 Jimmy Ray (R), Las Cruces, N.M., AOS/GMPP, $350.
21. (26) 86j Travis Johnson, Enid, Okla., Hughes/, $300.
22. (20) 14t Tristan Dycus, Midlothian, Texas, Kraft/Wells, $350.
23. (22) 19 Jamie Burford, Keatchie, La., IRP/PTS, $350.
24. (12) 23 Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas, Evolution/CB, $350.
25. (27) 12c Corey Babbitt, Channelview, Texas, TRE/CAM, $120.
26. (2) 8j Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas, CAM/Wells, $350.
27. (4) 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas, Hughes/Wells, $350.

(R) = Rookie of the Year contender.

Integra Lap Leaders: Thoennes 1-18, Ramirez 19-50.
Total Laps Led: Ramirez 32, Thoennes 18.
Margin of Victory: 3.246 seconds.
AFCO Pole Winner: Scott.
Mesilla Valley Transportation Hard Charger: Sanders (started 15th, finished 4th).
Provisional Starter: Babbitt.
Southeast Region Points (final): Hughes 967, Gustin 928, Shryock 871, Ramirez 805, Sanders 804, Whittington 798, Timms 798, S. Hebert 767, Scott 728, Dunn 695.
Rookie of the Year Points (final): Jason Grimes 1708, Lucas Schott 1634, Keith Foss 1610, Ray 1169, Dunn 1155.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points (final): Mullins 615, ProPower 503, Sput’s 479, ASI 293, Geddes 292.
Tiger Rear Ends Manufacturers Championship Points (final): Hughes 657, Skyrocket 580, GRT 463, BC 269, Sidebiter 181.

Contingency Awards:
American Racer – Manning.
CPD Racing Tools – not awarded.
Eibach Springs – Weder.
Forty9Designs.com – Sanders, VanderBeek.
Hooker Harness – B. Rowland.
Integra Racing Shocks & Springs – Ramirez.
ISKY Racing Cams – Scott.
The Joie of Seating – Gustin, Denby Jr.
KSE Racing Products – Scott.
Marsh Racing Wheels – Malchus.
New Vision Graphics – Thoennes.
Nitroquest – Houston, S. Hebert, Jordan.
Mesilla Valley Transportation – Sanders.
PBM Performance Products – Malchus.
Real Racing Wheels – Box, Jones, Heston.
Ruter Farms – not awarded.
Wehrs Machine & Racing Products – Shryock.
WIX Filters – Ramirez.

LIMITED MODIFIEDS

Heat Race #1 (8 laps):
1. (1) 2c Bradley Foster, Silsbee, Texas.
2. (4) 211 Dean Hollier, Groves, Texas.
3. (7) 53 Edward Oakes, Center, Texas.
4. (8) 115 Chuck Perry, Corpus Christi, Texas.
5. (2) 76 Jesse Manning, Brazoria, Texas.
6. (5) 16g Bubba Gates, Santa Fe, Texas.
7. (6) 3 Bradley Hellman, Pearland, Texas.
8. (3) 10a John Matt, Crosby, Texas.
9. (9) 24b Brent Broussard, Carencro, La.
10. (10) 26 Dean Abbey, Comanche, Texas.

Heat Race #2 (8 laps):
1. (3) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas.
2. (1) 17 Frankie Rash, Houston, Texas.
3. (7) 151 Adam Perks, El Campo, Texas.
4. (8) 64 Thomas Downey, Houston, Texas.
5. (4) 22 Keith Wright, Conroe, Texas.
6. (9) 14d Derek Legg, Liberty, Texas.
7. (10) 5p Brian Poulter, Cleveland, Texas.
8. (2) 93 Mark Greiner, Crosby, Texas.
9. (5) 22t Darrell Thompson, Ada, Okla.
10. (6) 34 Cody Tankersley, Highlands, Texas.

Heat Race #3 (8 laps):
1. (4) 0 Fran Collins, Cleveland, Texas.
2. (5) 511 John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas.
3. (2) 46 Randy Bridges, Marvel, Texas.
4. (3) 84 Stacy Tyler, Crosby, Texas.
5. (6) 10d Don Painter, Buda, Texas.
6. (1) C28 Charlie Kruithof, Haughton, La.
7. (9) 2w Paul White, Temple, Texas.
8. (8) 9 David Lege, Magnolia, Texas.
9. (7) 88 Michael Stringer, Crosby, Texas.

Heat Race #4 (8 laps):
1. (1) 955 Robert Metz, Lumberton, Texas.
2. (4) 41g Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla.
3. (2) 24 John Leita, Inez, Texas.
4. (8) 83 Monty Nichols, Corpus Christi, Texas.
5. (9) 6 Vince Louden, Shiner, Texas.
6. (3) 44 Todd Manchester, Spring, Texas.
7. (7) 4 Doug Manchester, Houston, Texas.
8. (6) 78 Kamron Campbell, Breaux, La.
9. (5) F1 Kyle Dixon, Crosby, Texas.

Heat Race #5 (8 laps):
1. (1) 77 Garrett Gregory, Tomball, Texas.
2. (9) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa.
3. (2) 73 Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas.
4. (7) 147 GW Hessong, Edna, Texas.
5. (3) 19 Randy Seals, Humble, Texas.
6. (8) 17 Jesse McNorton, Cleveland, Texas.
7. (5) 39 Chad Cambron, Alvin, Texas.
8. (6) 91 Tyler Erb, Magnolia, Texas.
9. (4) 12b James Blaylock, Altus, Okla.

Heat Race #6 (8 laps):
1. (2) 9B Brandon Blaylock, Houston, Texas.
2. (9) 63 Shane Hoefling, Meyersville, Texas.
3. (3) 12m Randy Lovell, Sour Lake, Texas.
4. (5) 119 Eric Floyd, Edna, Texas.
5. (4) 47 James Myers, Sandia, Texas.
6. (7) 97 Buck Buchanan, Stephens, Ark.
7. (1) 39 Dusty Lout, Center, Texas.
8. (6) 26 Tim Moomau, Houston, Texas.
9. (8) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La.

“B” Main #1 (12 laps, top 6 advance):
1. (3) 76 Jesse Manning, Brazoria, Texas.
2. (2) 83 Monty Nichols, Corpus Christi, Texas.
3. (5) 16g Bubba Gates, Santa Fe, Texas.
4. (9) 10a John Matt, Crosby, Texas.
5. (10) 78 Kamron Campbell, Breaux, La., $100.
6. (4) 6 Vince Louden, Shiner, Texas, $100.
7. (6) 44 Todd Manchester, Spring, Texas, $100.
8. (7) 3 Bradley Hellman, Pearland, Texas, $100.
9. (1) 115 Chuck Perry, Corpus Christi, Texas, $100.
10. (8) 4 Doug Manchester, Houston, Texas, $35.
11. (13) 26 Dean Abbey, Comanche, Texas, $100.
12. (12) F1 Kyle Dixon, Crosby, Texas, $100.
13. (11) 24b Brent Broussard, Carencro, La., $100.

“B” Main #2 (12 laps, top 6 advance):
1. (2) 147 G.W. Hessong, Edna, Texas.
2. (1) 64 Thomas Downey, Houston, Texas.
3. (4) 19 Randy Seals, Humble, Texas.
4. (3) 22 Keith Wright, Conroe, Texas.
5. (10) 91 Tyler Erb, Magnolia, Texas, $100.
6. (6) 17 Jesse McNorton, Cleveland, Texas, $100.
7. (9) 93 Mark Greiner, Crosby, Texas, $100.
8. (13) 34 Cody Tankersley, Highlands, Texas, $100.
9. (11) 22t Darrell Thompson, Ada, Okla., $100.
10. (7) 5p Brian Poulter, Cleveland, Texas, $100.
11. (5) 14d Derek Legg, Liberty, Texas, $100.
12. (12) 12b James Blaylock, Altus, Okla., $100.
13. (8) 39 Chad Cambron, Alvin, Texas, $100.

“B” Main #3 (12 laps, top 6 advance):
1. (3) 10d Don Painter, Buda, Texas.
2. (5) C28 Charlie Kruithof, Haughton, La.
3. (7) 2w Paul White, Temple, Texas.
4. (4) 47 James Myers, Sandia, Texas.
5. (6) 97 Buck Buchanan, Stephens, Ark., $100.
6. (1) 84 Stacy Tyler, Crosby, Texas, $100.
7. (11) 88 Michael Stringer, Crosby, Texas, $100.
8. (8) 39 Dusty Lout, Center, Texas, $100.
9. (2) 119 Eric Floyd, Edna, Texas, $100.
10. (10) 26 Tim Moomau, Houston, Texas, $100.
11. (9) 9 David Lege, Magnolia, Texas, $100.
12. (12) 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La., $100.

“A” Main (20 laps):
1. (7) 511 John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas, $1000.
2. (6) 63 Shane Hoefling, Meyersville, Texas, $700.
3. (17) 73 Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas, $400.
4. (27) 2w Paul White, Temple, Texas, $200.
5. (1) 2c Bradley Foster, Silsbee, Texas, $175.
6. (20) 147 GW Hessong, Edna, Texas, $150.
7. (5) 77 Garrett Gregory, Tomball, Texas, $130.
8. (9) 955 Robert Metz, Lumberton, Texas, $120.
9. (3) 9b Brandon Blaylock, Houston, Texas, $110.
10. (16) 24 John Leita, Inez, Texas, $100.
11. (14) 151 Adam Perks, El Campo, Texas, $100.
12. (19) 76 Jesse Manning, Brazoria, Texas, $100.
13. (18) 12m Randy Lovell, Sour Lake, Texas, $100.
14. (23) 64 Thomas Downey, Houston, Texas, $100.
15. (8) 0 Fran Collins, Cleveland, Texas, $100.
16. (28) 10a John Matt, Crosby, Texas, $100.
17. (26) 19 Randy Seals, Humble, Texas, $100.
18. (15) 46 Randy Bridges, Marvel, Texas, $100.
19. (30) 47 James Myers, Sandia, Texas, $100.
20. (21) 10d Don Painter, Buda, Texas, $100.
21. (11) 211 Dean Hollier, Groves, Texas, $100.
22. (4) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa, $100.
23. (22) 83 Monty Nichols, Corpus Christi, Texas, $100.
24. (29) 22 Keith Wright, Conroe, Texas, $100.
25. (10) 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas, $100.
26. (25) 16g Bubba Gates, Santa Fe, Texas, $100.
27. (24) C28 Charlie Kruithof, Haughton, La., $100.
28. (2) 17 Frankie Rash, Houston, Texas, $100.
29. (13) 53 Edward Oakes, Center, Texas, $100.
DQ - (12) 41g Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla., $100.

Writen by USMTS Media

Photos by Ron Skinner

Elias Anderson Aces I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout” weekend

In a race that saw more yellow flags than an intermural football game, Austin’s Elias Anderson completed the weekend sweep of the Modified action at I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout.” Driving a car that has been collecting dust the past two years, Anderson quickly shook off any driving rust as he took wins in every race Friday and Saturday night. Jamie Campbell closed on Anderson in the waning stages of the 30-lap event, but couldn’t pressure Anderson into a mistake and rolled home for the $1,000 pay day.

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park put their 2011 season to bed with their 4th Annual 1000 Buck Shootout this past weekend. Several new drivers signed in joining in the B-main action as they scrambled for the best starting spot possible in the big money A-mains.

Anderson Aces All Weekend In Modifieds

As a portend of things to come, Chuck Chesler slapped the front stretch wall even before the cars lined up. Perhaps a reason to ditch pre-race hot laps? As green finally waved on the 16-car Modified field, Anderson eased out front with Dennis Taylor and Jason Borlace side by side for second trailed by Campbell and Joe Spillman. After several miscellaneous spins and Anderson still on point, Taylor, Borlace and Campbell were fighting for second.

After missing Friday qualifying night, track champ Greg Dinsmore made his way up from near the back to battle with Spillman for sixth. The two made contact on the back stretch sending Dinsmore off the track for a lap 6 caution. A couple more spins later, Campbell got by Borlace for third, then Taylor for second while Dinsmore charged his way back up to sixth.

Mechanical failure by Cody Tidwell on lap 13 saw yellow wave again. Once back under green coming to the crossed flags it was Anderson, Campbell, Borlace and Taylor with Dinsmore wheel to wheel with Bill Pittaway for fifth. Taylor took third from Borlace, who would give up fourth to Dinsmore on lap 20. As Campbell closed in on Anderson, Gilbert Amezquita went around for yellow on lap 21.

As racing resumed, Anderson and Campbell broke away, with Dinsmore looking under Taylor. Spillman was able to get by a fading Borlace for fifth on lap 22. Dinsmore got alongside Taylor on lap 22 and finally got past on lap 23 for third, but well behind the lead duo. The final five laps saw Campbell on Anderson’s tail looking for a way by, or mistake by the leader. Neither opportunity would arise as Anderson in the unsponsored Adan Arambula powered, Skyrocket Chassis would hang tough for the victory.

“It took some patience and searching around on the track to find the best place to run,” replied Anderson. “It got a little bit tricky after the first four or five laps. There were quite a few cautions there early and the grooves were changing. I was just trying to be patient, consistent and run as fast as I needed to without wrecking.”

“I heard someone behind me, but didn’t feel a tremendous amount of pressure. From the sound of it he(Jamie Campbell) was coming. I think I could have changed my line a little and picked up some speed. It’s hard when you out there leading the whole time you don’t know where other people are running. I was just trying to be fast enough to win, but not too fast to wreck.”

“After seventeen or eighteen years of racing it wasn’t hard to jump back in the car after a long layoff and still be competitive. I think there’s a lot there, and a lot of prep work at the shop certainly paid off. The car was good after the last race in Edna when I parked it. I just did some maintenance, cleaned the fuel system, made a few changes and scaled it.”

“I gave him a run at the end and made it close,” shrugged runner-up Campbell. “I wasn’t going to let it be easy for him(at the finish).”

Modifieds
31 Elias Anderson, 29 Jamie Campbell, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 38 Dennis Taylor, 44 Joe Spillman, 521 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr., 20 Jerry Frydrych, 10k Ellis Tracy, 10 Robert Walton, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 17 Cody Tidwell, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Barry Codling, 99 Billy Meyer, 49 Chuck Chesler—DNTG, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Modified B-main
8g Greg Dinsmore, 21 Barry Codling, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 53x Matt Fox, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS, 10 Robert Walton—DNS

Swenson Sneaks with Sportmod/Limited Modified Win

Despite having the left front torn off his car in Friday qualifying and starting “lucky” thirteenth in the A-main, Comfort’s Chris Swenson snuck up on the field and grabbed the big win. The veteran Swenson used the high side to move forward and catch leader, James Blaylock. After J. Blaylock changed his line, Swenson used the bottom to get the lead in the final laps, and then held off a final challenge by J. Blaylock for the checkers.

As green waved on the 25-car, 30-lap Sportmod/Limited Modified feature J. Blaylock got out front chased by JJ Jennings, Brandon Blaylock, Johnny Torres and GW Hessong. Robby Minten went around on lap 1 with several others tangling in the pack for a yellow. Jacob Burnet went around just after the restart for a quick lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, B. Blaylock tried Jennings low for second while Danny Brown got fifth from Hessong.

As B. Blaylock and Jennings continued to slug it out B. Blaylock tapped Jennings sending him around. B. Blaylock took responsibility and moved himself to the tail for the restart. As green waved again it was Swenson on the march from mid-pack sailing around Hessong, on the top side, for fifth. By lap 10, J. Blaylock was easing away from Jennings, Torres and Brown running nose to tail. Little did they know the orange flash coming on the outside.

Randy Yount went for a wild ride off the back stretch after jumping wheels with Newton Barta. Yount ended up out in the trees hitting hard enough to break the frame in half. Yount was checked out by EMS and was alright. Once back to green, Swenson went back up top and by Brown for fourth. Continuing his charge to the front, Swenson then picked off Torres for third on lap 13.

Coming to halfway it was J. Blaylock, Swenson flying around Jennings for second, Torres and Brown in the top five. Swenson, still on top, began to cut into J. Blaylock’s lead. Swenson showed J. Blaylock the nose in turns 3-4 on lap 19, but a big push on lap 21 saw Swenson loose some ground. Swenson closed back in on J. Blaylock, who changed his line to the middle.

The lead duo caught slower traffic with five to go and were nearly three wide going by a lapped car on lap 25. Swenson then went to the bottom and ducked low on J. Blaylock. Swenson got alongside J. Blaylock and got the nose ahead on lap 27. J. Blaylock fell in line on Swenson’s bumper and chased him to the finish. As the checkered flag waved it was Swenson in the Swenson Race Products, Screen Pro Graphics, A+ Cash, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Marx Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis getting the victory by a couple car lengths.

While checkers were waving on Swenson, Dustin Butcher jumped wheels with another car in the pack sending him over the turn 3, rolling over several times. Butcher was checked out and then taken to the hospital for observation for a possible concussion. Other than that he was alright, but the car was trashed.

“This is a pretty big race for us to win,” commented Swenson. Racing against the Blaylock’s, JJ Jennings and a handful of others this(win) means a lot to me. I was pretty much all out the entire race, not trying to save the tires. I just couldn’t find it on the bottom. On a caution I dialed some more rear brake into it and started looking at the top. I just started picking them off and everything fell in place.”

“I found a couple feet of moisture up on top and the car worked there. The car was too tight on the bottom. We could have held the position we were in running down there, but I decided to try out the top and went for it. It took me a couple laps to figure out how hard I could drive it in. That’s all it took. Everything just seemed to fall in place. They had been running the bottom all race and I got there at the right time.

“There were a couple places real, real low that still had some bite. So when James(Blaylock) moved up a lane I just took a chance. There was a lot of traffic out there and it seemed like he moved too high and made it easier for me to get low, then protect my line after I got by. I don’t think there were enough laps for him to find what he could run on top.”

“We spent about four or five hours of work putting the left front back together. My son got up with me and we pulled all the pieces off, repaired all the left front suspension and body panels. Then we to reset the front end and rescale it then hurry to get out here. Once we were here we had to still qualify for the feature and won our B-main just to start thirteenth and here we are.”

“Dustin Butcher got hurt tonight and we’re really thinking about him right now. It’s something that we’re all prone to that so we pay attention when it happens to someone. We just hope he’s alright.”

“He(Chris Swenson) kind of snuck up on us there at the end,” added J. Blaylock. “He showed me the nose up top once and I tried to adjust my line. I probably shouldn’t have taken the weight out and changed the rear percentage. Lapped traffic came into play and that didn’t help me much either.”

Sportmod/Limited Modifieds
48 Chris Swenson, 18 James Blaylock, 26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, 55 Danny Brown, 147 GW Hessong, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 184 Brian Rye, 37 Bill Pittaway, 85 Jeff Nix, 11 Tom Grothues, 90 Dustin Butcher, 82jp James Parks, 57 Jason Kelly, 04 Jacob Burnet, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock, 9 Ray Doyon III, 4 Robby Minten, 66y Randy Yount, 14 Newton Barta, Jr., 0 Thomas Rye, Jr.

SM/LM B-mains
B-main 1
48 Chris Swenson, 90 Dustin Butcher, 04 Jacob Burnet, 9 Ray Doyon III, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock
B-main 2
51 Greg Rohmer, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 85 Jeff Nix, 14 Newton Barta jr., 0 Thomas Rye jr., 57 Jason Kelly, 11x Jeff Allgayer, 15 JC Pilcher

Votion Victorious in Season Ender

Track champion, Trey Votion completed his season by adding another win to his yearlong total in the Limited Late Models. Votion, whose truck broke the transmission on the way to the track Friday night, made up for a dismal beginning to the weekend getting past Craig Crawley for the lead. Votion was challenged by Crawley after a late caution, but held him off to snag the checkers.

Crawley jumped out front as green waved on the Limited Late Model feature, but Landon Farquar went around prompting a complete restart. Crawley again eased ahead on green with Leland Waddell and Gary Hunter battling for second. Farquar, AJ Wernette, Richard Bartosh and Ron Sprayue tangled in turn 2 for a lap 1 caution. Back under green with Crawley still on point, Votion made his way up and began looking high for the lead.

Waddell went for a spin in turn 2 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Crawley and Votion edged away, while Farquar got by Wernette for third. Votion again tried the high side and drove around Crawley for the lead on lap 6. Farquar got by Crawley for second only to spin on lap 13 giving the spot back. After a quick spin by Sprayue, Crawley was looking low on Votion to retake the top spot. Votion held Crawley off and eked out a few car lengths at the finish in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, Kelly Automotive, BG Products, Kelly Chassis.

“It’s been a great year,” replied Votion. “I think this is six in a row to finish the year out. I couldn’t be happier to jump back in the car this year and do as good as we did, I’m just ecstatic. It was good to start a little further up front tonight. I was running Craig(Crawley) hard to get by him as soon as I could. We talked about it after the race.”

“I knew there was still some bite on the bottom and knew he wasn’t going to come off there. I just had to take my chance going around him. It took a few laps because he was fast. I was finally able to get by him then go back down where the grip was. You think about whether someone might find something up top. ”

“I guess you could call this the biggest win of my career, the biggest pay day anyway. I saw that Richard(Bartosh) was broke and thought Greg(Dinsmore) might be coming behind me. I didn’t know he was out. I just tried to run my line the best I could and not overdrive that car. I didn’t hear anyone’s motor, so that was a good thing.”

“The win makes breaking my truck hurt a little less. It sucks because I’ll have to spend my winnings on fixing it, but that’s alright. Stuff happens, we’ll get her fixed. I have to thank a good friend of mine that came and picked us up and I’m using my cousin’s truck to pull the racecar. I really have to thank them, my wife and family for all their help and support. Next year we’ll be adding ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin as a new sponsor.

Limited Late Models
99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 10 AJ Wernette, 149 Stephan Danielson, 77 Landon Farquar, 13 Howie Marcx, 42 Ron Sprayue, 14 Gary Hunter, 14g Greg Dinsmore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell

Jones Jousts with Jack for Street Stock Sweep

The 2011 I-37 Raceway and South Texas Street Stock Shootout champ, Wade Jones capped off his season with yet another victory. Jones broke out early in the 20-lapper and looked to be well on his way to a runaway win. A late race caution rebunched the field putting Bobby Jack on his tail. Jack kept the pressure on Jones the final five laps, but the multi-time track champ held him off for the win.

Jones easily jumped out front in the 13-car feature with Jack and Johnny Torres side by side for second pursued by Tommy Casey and Stephen Danielson. Danielson, Casey and Mike Lyon were three wide on lap 1 for fourth. Danielson came away with the spot as the Jones and Jack began to check out. Jones put some distance on Jack, while Torres and Danielson swapped third.

Lyon and Casey both went around coming off turn 4 for a lap 14 caution erasing Jones big lead. On the restart Jones got away by several cars lengths until Casey looped it in turn 2 with Eric Knudtson going around collecting AJ Wernette for a yellow on lap 15. As the race went back to green, Jones again jumped ahead with Donny Horelka going past Wernette for fifth.

As Jack closed in on Jones, Danielson got under Torres to take over third on lap 16. Jack was within two car lengths with two laps to go, but Jones added a couple more car lengths as the white flag waved. Jones, driving the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro, edged out Jack at the checkers by several car lengths.

“It was fun out there tonight,” said Jones. “I qualified good, had a good run in the feature last night and got the pole for today. I couldn’t hear anybody or see anybody so I didn’t know if anyone was behind me close. I kept looking back figuring that someone would be coming.”

“I really hate starting out front, you don’t know if anyone is coming or what line they’re running. I like to follow someone and see what line they’re using then move around a bit a see if I can find my groove. Besides Bobby(Jack) out there, Stephan(Danielson) has been fast when he brings his car out, Johnny(Torres) is pretty good and I know Donny(Horelka) is going to be there.”

“It was a lot of dedication and hard work to have the season we had this year. We’d work on it every single day. We didn’t do any special prep for this race, just put on some new tires. If I can get Donny out of his Late Model funk, we might move up a class next year. I don’t know he doesn’t like working on his car.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 88 Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 66 Johnny Torres, 40 Mike Lyon, 2x Donny Horelka, 37 AJ Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 5 Danny Schroat, 7 DJ Schroat, 53 Brian Becka, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 14 Eric Knudtson

Hilla Hauls in Biggest Ever Win

The former Pure Stock track champ(2007) and diminutive, Janel Hilla proved for another time she could mix it up with the big boys. Hilla, who ran in the top five throughout most of the early stages of the 30-lap event, got by Adam Torres on a late restart. From there Hilla held off a rechallenge by Torres, and then eased away for her biggest ever payday and victory.

The 22-car Pure Stock feature ran more like and Enduro or episode of ‘Survivor’ as Hunter Flanagan jumped out front with Brandy Ramzinski, Justin Henley, Torres and Tyler Box in pursuit. Box picked off fourth from Torres on lap 1 while Ramzinski began to put the heat on Flanagan for the lead. As Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, Box got Henley for third.

Trey Heald spun his truck in turn 4 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Box and Henley continued the battle for third with Torres looking for an opening or mistake. James Dear went around on lap 4 for a caution. On the restart, Hunter Montgomery slapped the wall ending his night, as Box got by Ramzinski for second. Yellow waved for Montgomery who was struggling to get off the track.

Back under green, Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, but gave up second to Box instead. David Sevilla looped his ride in turn 2 to bring out yellow on lap 5. Box ducked inside Flanagan on the restart and grabbed the top spot, briefly. Box led lap 6 then spun himself out in turn 2 with Devin Adler spinning behind for a caution. This put Flanagan back on the point for the restart.

Austin Dragoo and Dear tangled in turn 2 for a lap 7 yellow. Flanagan got a good jump on the restart while Hilla tried to get under Torres. Box spun again on lap 9 ending his night. The top five broke away from Talon Minten and Jarrett Payton on the restart with Henley looking for a way past Ramzinski. Eric Watson brought out the yellow on lap 12 when he broke and stalled in the pit exit.

As Flanagan took off on green, Henley was challenging Ramzinski for second while Torres and Hilla battled for fourth. Torres was able to fend off Hilla and get alongside Henley for third. Torres got the spot with Hilla following. Torres and Hilla then swapped third, while Ramzinski and Henley had separate spins losing numerous spots. Cameron Smith broke an axle on lap 15 to bring out a midrace yellow.

On the restart Torres went high on Flanagan, with Hilla trying the bottom. They were three wide for the lead on lap 20 with Torres getting the advantage. It was still three wide before Torres secured the spot leaving Hilla and Flanagan door to door for second. Hilla finally gained control of second when Adler tagged Minten sending him around for a yellow that saw Adler go to the back.

Hilla got a good run on the restart getting alongside Torres for the lead. After a short side by side battle Hilla got the top spot on lap 23. Torres tried a crossover move, but couldn’t retake the spot. Minten was able to get by Flanagan for third on lap 25. Torres kept trying the top side on Hilla and would gain in one corner, but slip back at the other end.

Hilla had begun to increase her lead on Torres to about eight car lengths when William Cavender spun on lap 28 setting up a green, white, checker finish. Hilla got a couple lengths on Torres as green waved for the final two laps. Torres could never mount a serious challenge as Hilla in the NAPA, Riley Welding, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Q-Hauling, Paloma Cattle Co., Johnny’s Paint & Body, Premium Water Well Service, Alpha Machine, Mission Racing, Chevy took the win.

“This is most definitely the biggest race win of my career,” explained Hilla. “I just used patience and staying on the low line to get past Adam(Torres) Patience paid off in the end. Once I got by him I wasn’t too worried about anyone trying a different line to pass me. I tried to run a different line, but it didn’t work so I didn’t think anyone else would be able to run high either.”

“We didn’t do a whole lot more in preparing for this race than any other race night. It was more just mental preparation than anything.”

“I’d like to move up, but don’t want to run in the same class as my husband(Dennis). There’s too much competitiveness between us. Somebody might end up sleeping on the couch. I want to win some more features in this class then I’ll be ready to move up.”

Pure Stocks
7x Janel Hilla, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 58 Hunter Flanagan, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 14 Trey Heald, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 Justin Henley, 117 Devin Adler, 9 Philip Haywood, 15 William Cavender, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 25 Tyler Box, 62 Austin Dragoo, 15d James Dear, 31 Frank Okruhlik, 15x Hunter Montgomery

Pure Stocks B-main
31 Frank Okruhlik, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 14 Trey Heald, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 9 Philip Haywood, 15x Hunter Montgomery, 15 William Cavender, 62 Austin Dragoo

Easler Eases Away for Enduro Honors

Roy Easler jr. took home the $500 pay day in the 50-lap Front Runner Enduro making it look easy. Robert Mayberry got out front early trailed by Landon Sowder, Jimmy Carroll, Karey Scott and Ronnie Schoenfeldt. As the top four broke away, David Lee Grobe moved up to fifth. Coming from near the back, Easler and Char Powell were on a charge. As Mayberry hit slower traffic Sowder snuck by for the lead with Carroll taking over second.

Joshua Mares and Powell got past Mayberry, followed by Easler. Easler dispensed of Powell and Mares then closed on Sowder for the lead. As Sowder and Easler battled for the top spot in lapped traffic, Powell joined the fight. Easler grabbed the lead coming to halfway with Powell in tow. Easler and Powell briefly swapped the top spot until Easler secured it. Easler pulled away lapping all but Powell and Mayberry on his way to the checkers.

Front Runner Enduro
12 Roy Easler jr., 9 Char Powell, 9b Robert Mayberry, 7 Jesse Sandoval, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Joshua Mares, 13 Jason Smith, 98E Will Holder, 19 N/A, 82 Curtis Opiela, 28 Lisa Sandoval, 6x Ronnie Schoenfeldt, 24 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 69 Jordan Sandoval, 57 Trevor Bettis, 223 Karey Scott, 4 David Lee Grobe

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Danny Lasoski strikes Lucas Oil ASCS Gold in Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals

Danny Lasoski added his name to the prestigious list of Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals champions by racing to victory lane in Saturday night’s 38th Annual edition of the event atop the ½-mile Devil’s Bowl Speedway.

“The Dude” slipped past Sam Hafertepe, Jr., just past the midway point en route to snaring the $10,000 winner’s share in the 30-lapper as he collected his first Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters National win of the year and just second of his career.

After taking command exiting turn four on the 16th round, the Show-Me Stater led rest of the way to take the win aboard Mark Burch’s Engler Machine No. 1m Wolfweld with a 1.155 second advantage over Hafertepe, Jr.

“I was in this position in the Spring with my own car, I was leading the race and rubber got down and Hafertepe got by me,” Lasoski explained. “I just tried to pace myself and stay with him. If he slipped up a little bit, we just wanted to be there to capitalize and that’s all it was.”

Which is precisely how the 38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals finale played out, as Spring Nationals winner Hafertepe, Jr., gunned into the lead from the front row outside and paced the initial 15 circuits in front of Lasoski until one slight bobble in turn four opened the door for Lasoski to race into the lead.

But, before Lasoski took command, eighth-starter Jason Johnson made his way past Friday night winner Wayne Johnson for third by the sixth round and made it a three-car race for the lead for several laps before a lapped car fell into place between Lasoski and J. Johnson.

Once Lasoski got into the lead, he slipped away and appeared to be on his way to the checkered flag without challenge until a caution flew with just four laps to go when Koby Barksdale spun to a stop in turn four.

With Hafertepe, Jr., and J. Johnson in tow on the restart, Lasoski proved too much to handle and cruised to the stripe unabated with Hafertepe, Jr., taking runner-up honors in the Fisher-powered Lone Star Speedway No. 15h for the second night in a row.

Johnson claimed the show position in the Don Ott-powered Haynes/Mesilla Valley Transport No. 41 Maxim, with Brady Bacon making a move past Wayne Johnson in the final ten circuits to snare fourth in the Wesmar-powered Fatheadz Eyewear No. 99 Triple X.

Wayne Johnson held fifth until the final lap when he popped a right rear tire, ultimately limping across the stripe in 14th.

Current Lucas Oil Sprint Car points leader Shane Stewart took advantage by rounding out the top five in Paul Silva’s Wesmar-powered Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita No. 57 A.R.T., with Brian Brown, 2010 Winter Nationals champion Jack Dover, Terry McCarl, Gary Wright and Robert Sellers completing the top ten.

The early rounds of the race were interrupted by two cautions. The first appeared after one lap when Jeff Swindell limped to a stop off of turn three after a near-crash on the frontstretch. The next one flew after four circuits when Tony Bruce, Jr., spun to a stop in turn two. The next 22 circuits ran off in non-stop fashion until Barksdale stopped in turn four.

Brown, Stewart, Dover, Sellers, Lasoski and McCarl topped Saturday night’s heat race action, with Seth Bergman, Danny Wood and Travis Rilat winning the “B” Mains. A total of 56 different drivers competed in the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters portion of the 38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters
38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals Finale
Devil’s Bowl Speedway – Mesquite, TX

Heat Races (Top 12 in Passing Points, including the heat race winners, to “A” Main; Balance to Three “B” Main):

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown, 2. 1j-Danny Jennings, 3. 30-Brandon Corn, 4. 48-Jake Martens, 5. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 6. 224-John Carney II, 7. 49-Mike Peters, 8. 10-George White. DNS: 3-Raven Culp.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 57-Shane Stewart, 2. 9-Gary Wright, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 5. 40-Clint Garner, 6. 11c-Matt Covington, 7. 54e-Claud Estes, 8. 88-Tim Crawley, 9. 15T-Travis Elliott.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 53-Jack Dover, 2. 81-Danny Wood, 3. 29-Travis Rilat, 4. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 5. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 6. 05-Brad Loyet, 7. 28-Jeff Swindell, 8. 110-Cameron Hagin.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 36-Robert Sellers, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 0-Zach Chappell, 4. 23-Seth Bergman, 5. 44w-Austen Wheatley, 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 7. 11g-Mike Goodman, 8. E85-Sean McClelland.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 1m-Danny Lasoski, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 41-Jason Johnson, 4. 71-Channin Tankersley, 5. 7s-Shane Sellers, 6. 81au-Gavin Punch, 7. 6-Justin Spoerl. DNS: 22a-Dan Adkins.

Heat Six (8 Laps): 1. 97-Terry McCarl, 2. 99-Brady Bacon, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 5h-Mason Moore, 5. 94-Derek Hagar, 6. 54-Evan Pardo, 7. 12-Dale Wester. DNS: 2-Dustin Morgan.

“B” Mains (Top 2 from Each Advance to “A” Main):

First “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 23-Seth Bergman, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 5. 48-Jake Martens, 6. 5h-Mason Moore, 7. 54e-Claud Estes, 8. 110-Cameron Hagin, 9. 0-Zach Chappell, 10. 81au-Gavin Punch, 11. 28-Jeff Swindell. DNS: 40-Clint Garner, 22a-Dan Adkins.

Second “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 81-Danny Wood, 2. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 44w-Austen Wheatley, 5. 88-Mike Ward, 6. 224-John Carney II, 7. 71-Channin Tankersley, 8. 49-Mike Peters, 9. 54-Evan Pardo, 10. 6-Justin Spoerl, 11. 30-Brandon Corn. DNS: 15T-Travis Elliott, 2-Dustin Morgan.

Third “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 11c-Matt Covington, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 11g-Mike Goodman, 5. 05-Brad Loyet, 6. 94-Derek Hagar, 7. E85-Sean McClelland, 8. 7s-Shane Sellers, 9. 12-Dale Wester, 10. 10-George White, 11. 3-Raven Culp, 12. 14-Michael Lang.

38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals “A” Main:

“A” Feature (30 Laps): 1. 1m-Danny Lasoski, 2. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 3. 41-Jason Johnson, 4. 99-Brady Bacon, 5. 57-Shane Stewart, 6. 21-Brian Brown, 7. 53-Jack Dover, 8. 97-Terry McCarl, 9. 9-Gary Wright, 10. 36-Robert Sellers, 11. 88-Tim Crawley, 12. 81-Danny Wood, 13. 29-Travis Rilat, 14. 77x-Wayne Johnson, 15. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 16. 1j-Danny Jennings, 17. 23-Seth Bergman, 18. 5-Koby Barksdale, 19. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 20. 11c-Matt Covington, 21. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 22. 2d-Bryan Dobesh, 23. 45-Martin Edwards, 24. 28-Jeff Swindell.

Lap Leaders: Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 1-15, Danny Lasoski 16-30.

Note: Jeff Swindell and Tim Crawley both utilized their mid-season bonus full-point provisional to start the main event. Swindell has two partial-point provisionals remaining while Crawley has one partial-point provisional remaining.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Driver Points (Top 15): 1. Shane Stewart 2,711, 2. Johnny Herrera 2,574 3. Jeff Swindell 2,528, 4. Brady Bacon 2,461, 5. Tim Crawley 2,413, 6. Gary Wright 2,373, 7. Jason Johnson 2,294, 8. Seth Bergman 2,217, 9. Tony Bruce, Jr. 2,203, 10. Aaron Reutzel 2,142, 11. Zach Chappell 1,926, 12. Wayne Johnson 1,678, 13. (tie) Dustin Morgan and Jack Dover 1,371, 15. Danny Wood 1,175.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Owner Points (Top 15): 1. Jason Johnson Racing #41 – 2,846, 2. Paul Silva #57 – 2,711, 3. Herrera/Main #45x – 2,574, 4. Swindell Group #28 – 2,528, 5. Bacon/Tel-Star #99 – 2,461, 6. Mike Ward #88 – 2,413, 7. Petersen Motorsports #23 2,217, 8. Bruce Racing #18 – 2,203, 9. Kenny Reutzel #87 – 2,142, 10. Randy Washburn #0 – 1,926, 11. Gary Wright #9 – 1,777, 12. M&M Motorsports #2 – 1,371, 13. Bryan Sundby #38 – 1,196, 14. Danny Wood #81 – 1,175, 15. Jack Dover #53 – 1,099

Story by Lonnie Wheatley
Photo by Tim Aylwin

Joe Aramendia and Raymond Delahoussaye win final 2011 NASCAR Fiesta Modified event at Houston Motorsports Park

It turned out to be a special weekend for Raymond Delahoussaye and all the guys at WD Racing, as driver Joe Aramendia pedaled the No. 5 Tri-Lectric modified to a win in the NASCAR Fiesta Modified’s Double Oak Construction 75 on Saturday night at Houston Motorsports Park.

“It was the perfect weekend,” Delahoussaye said. “We were fast when we unloaded the car on Friday and we stayed fast all weekend. It feels great to win the final race of the season at HMP.”

Aramendia topped the field of 19 cars – which included Texas state champion Zak Hausler, who had won 12 races this season on the 3/8-mile high-banked paved oval at HMP – to take the checkered flag.
Aramendia posted the fastest lap time (14.919 seconds) and top speed (90.489 miles per hour) during Saturday night’s main event, as well as the top speed in practice and a win in his heat race.

“Had we been able to run this car all season, we would have definitely challenged Zak for the track and state championship,” said Delahoussaye, winner of 15 local short track championships as a driver, crew chief and owner.

It might not have been possible, after the car, which was originally built by Chris Swenson, was wrecked so badly a few years ago that the only thing salvageable on it was the front half of the car.

But that didn’t deter Delahoussaye and Eddie Nastasi, from Nasty Race Cars, when it came time to put it back together. Working side-by-side, the two rebuilt the rear of the car, the interior and the body.
Then they got help from David Umscheid, from Umscheid Race Services, Scooter Manchester, from Performance Transmission and Dan Finn, a carburetor specialist from Beaumont on other performance issues. They put an engine from Westside Performance in it and it was ready to race.

“We were able to bring Frankenstein back to life,” Delahoussaye said. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication by all the guys that worked on this thing. I can’t thank them enough.”

It was just the second race that Aramendia drove for Delahoussaye and WD Racing. In their first start together, back on Sept. 17, Aramendia finished ninth in the feature race.

“Joe did a great job in his two starts for me this season,” Delahoussaye said. “After the way we just finished off the 2011 season, I can’t wait to get going in 2012.”

Story by Russ Goodall
Steve Steinle photos

Dinsmore, Torres take home Mod, SportMod Championship hardware at I-37 Raceway

As the I-37 Raceway points season winds down, good finishes are critical as drivers compete for 2011 championship titles on the 1/4-mile, semi-banked, dirt track south of San Antonio. While the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods points chases ended this weekend, the Limited Late Models, Street Stock, Pure Stock and Front Runners, who earn points in both heat and features will see their season officially end on October 1st.

In IMCA Modifieds, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore looked to grab his third track championship having picked up the 2005 Hill Country Raceway and 2008 I-37 Raceway titles. Dinsmore holds a 15 point margin over Atkins’ Jamie Campbell, who is seeking his first IMCA Modified title.

The IMCA Southern Sportmod championship saw defending champ, Johnny Torres(San Antonio) lock up the points last weekend for his 4th Sportmod title, and 5th championship overall. Torres locked out Moe Van Kirk(Kerrville) and Randy Yount(Boerne) with a third place finish on Sept. 17th leaving VanKirk and Yount in the 2nd place battle.

At times during the Limited Late Models one might have thought it was full moon racing at its finest. After an early melee that took out nearly half the field, the race came down to a final lap photo finish. Fortunately the track had recently installed a video camera and monitor to replay the finish to determine the winner.

Next Saturday night I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park hosts the South Texas Sportmod/Limited Modified Championship with a $700 to win payday up for grabs. Also on the racing card are the IMCA Modifieds, and season ending races for the fender class cars.

Dinsmore Dashes to Daily Double

With a short field of cars all Dinsmore had to do to secure the championship is take the green flag. But that’s not Dinsmores style. Dinsmore dodged an early multi-car tangle, grabbed the lead, then held off the hard charging Campbell to take the win and his second track title. Dinsmores wife, crew chief and head cook, Candace, gave him a surprise anniversary celebration during the Winners Circle presentation.

On the initial start Tracy Fink got out front with a three wide battle for second, but yellow waved quickly for a jump start and a second try. The second attempt wasn’t much better as Fink had trouble with his car and collected Billy Meyer and Dennis Taylor trying to get to the infield. Robert Liese jr. led the single file third start to green but Gilbert Amezquita stalled in turn 2.

Finally getting a green flag lap in the books, Campbell and Matt Fox had separate spins to bring out another yellow hankie. Once back to green, Dinsmore wasted little time picking off Jason Borlace for second, and Liese for the lead on lap 2. Campbell quickly worked his back up getting up to second and closing on Dinsmores bumper after a spin by Fox saw the caution back out on lap 4.

Campbell hung on to Dinsmore all he could trying to find a way around Dinsmore who held the preferred line. At halfway it was Dinsmore, Campbell, Borlace, Amezquita and Liese in the top five. Campbell gave Dinsmore a couple runs but would overdrive the corner and give up ground each time. As the checkered flag waved it was Dinsmore by a couple car lengths in the Sundowner RV Repair, racetechinfo.com, JBHotshots, Wells Designs, NAPA, Guadalupe Electric, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Hoffman Construction, Cen-Tex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis winning the battle and season long war.

“It feels good to finally this sewed up,” Dinsmore said. “It was a little nerve wracking. I just wanted to go out in the heat and survive to start the feature. I wasn’t sure what I’d get for points if I didn’t start the feature. I didn’t want to wreck it or blow the motor so I kind of laid back there a bit.”

“I knew Jamie(Campbell) was back there. His car has a distinct sound. The preferred line was up top. I was hammer down for a while, but once you get the line you can put it on cruise. I’d look and see he was two or three cars back and I just tried to keep that distance. I didn’t want to blow it in and spin out. I just kept my line and kept on moving. I just tried to keep from over driving the car.”

“I saw that wreck at the start begin to happen and I went up high to stay out of it even if it cost me a couple spots. I was worried about what was going on, but we didn’t complete a lap so it worked out.”

“I had no idea that Candace had that anniversary thing planned. She’s full of surprises. It’s been a blessing to be married to her this long. I’m surprised that she still put up with me. She’s a big part of my life and my race team. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do this without her.”

“My plans next year are to race. The wife says it’s alright and Harris is working on another car for 2012. They’ve got one on order for me. Jimmy Gustin says the ‘12 was smoking fast at the Super Nationals. I sold my last championship car, but Harris wants this one back. It’s their deal. They say the new one is faster, with a different wheelbase and front end geometry and I believe them. Bob Harris, John Logue and the other Harris team cars are all there with me. They’re always there for any help I need.”

“This championship was the toughest one of the other two. Jamie was always there in the points. He’s was good competition all year and always came with his game on. I really had to be on my ‘A’ game with him. There were some other cars that were tough, but he sticks out in my mind the most.”

“I’m not too disappointed finishing second in points to Greg (Dinsmore),” Campbell said. “We had a good season compared to my others and our goal was to finish every race, and we got a couple wins. I was happy to be able to stay this close to him in the points race.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 67 Robert Liese jr., 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 99 Billy Meyer, 38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway—DNS

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 24 Tracy Fink, 38 Dennis Taylor, 29 Jamie Campbell, 53x Matt Fox, 67 Robert Liese jr.
Heat 2; 21 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 99 Billy Meyer, 13 Gilbert Amezquita

Williams Wins SportMod Scramble

In only his second race after a 3 year hiatus, Robert Williams found his way to the Winners Circle. Williams used the pole position to pull out to a big lead early over a three car battle between Jason Kelly, Tom Grothues and track champ Johnny Torres. After a couple cautions re-bunched the field Williams again stretched out his advantage cruising to the victory unchallenged in the Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis.

As the green flag waved Williams beat Jesse James into to turn 1 for the lead. James fell in line second trailed by Kelly, Larry Jernigan and Grothues. As Kelly and Grothues got by James for second and third, Torres, Bruce Barber and Jernigan were three wide for fifth. The three played a little tag in turn 1 with Torres coming out with the Barber getting the spot. Barber and Torres the went around James.

Coming to the crossed flags it was Williams, Kelly, Grothues, Barber and Torres in the top five. Randy Yount went around after bouncing off two cars for a lap 12 yellow that erased Williams huge lead. Williams quickly jumped ahead while Torres challenged Grothues for third. Ray Doyon III found an infield tire and spun on lap 12 to restack the pack.

Back under green Williams again eased away with Kelly and Grothues side by side for second. Torres joined that battle making it almost three abreast to second on lap 14. While fighting it out Torres and Kelly hooked bumpers giving up spots to Barber, James and Jernigan before getting loose from each other. Up front Williams was edging ahead leaving Barber and Grothues side by side for second. Williams easily grabbed the win, while Barber edged out Grothues for second.

“I got lucky and started up front,” said Williams. “It’s not to hard to win when you out as the leader. It’s been about three years since I’ve raced so I had some experience in a Sportmod, plus the Pure and Street Stocks before. I’ve won championships here before in the Street Stocks and Sportmods. We’re looking forward to running a full season next year.”

“(Chris) Swenson built the car and did all the set up work on it. It’s got a Spreen Racing Engine so it’s got all the winning parts. I was just the guy that was able to drive it to the victory. Knowing the track from before helped me make some minor adjustments, so the previous track experience helped me too.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 11 Tom Grothues, 3j Jesse James, 18 Larry Jernigan, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon, 66y Randy Yount, 66 Johnny Torres, 9d Ray Doyon III

IMCA SSM heats

Heat 1; 02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 66y Randy Yount, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon
Heat 2; 3j Jesse James, 9d Ray Doyon III, 18 Larry Jernigan, 11 Tom Grothues, 66 Johnny Torres

Votion by an Inch, Literally, in Limited Late Model Slug-fest

As the checkered flag waved on the shortened Limited Late Model feature no one was certain who was actually the winner. Track officials were split 50/50 depending on view angle so it was referred to video replay. After fifteen minutes of review Votion was declared the victor. Craig Crawley, made a gallant charge coming back from an early race incident, but fell short by a mere inch at the flag stand.

Shane Moore led the way into turn 1 of the scheduled 20-lap feature, but as Chris Brock and Matt Hodge tried to go three wide in turn 3, Hodge went around scattering the field. The second try saw Brock lead the field only to spin in turn 2 starting a multi-car pile car with Richard Bartosh, Moore, Crawley, Gary Hunter and JR Robinson. All drivers were alright but only Crawley and Robinson were able to continue. A lengthy clean up prompted officials to cut the race to 15 laps.

Howie Marcx led the remaining cars back to green for the single file start with Votion going around Andrew Hesler up top for second. Votion then tried the bottom on Marcx, but got sideways, then straightened out by Hesler. Votion the reeled Marcx back in and got by to lead lap 8. Votion then began motoring away while Marcx, Crawley and Hesler fought it out for second.

Marcx spun on lap 12 after a tap by Hesler who immediately took responsibility and fell to the tail. Votion got away clean on green with Crawley going past Marcx for second followed by Leland Waddell. Crawley, using the top, closed on Votion as the white flag waved. Using the high side momentum Crawley got run coming off turn 4 to the checkers, but lost to Votion in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, BG Products, Kelly Chassis, by a whisker.

“I really had no idea who won it,” commented Votion. “I knew it was really close, but didn’t realize it was that close. I pulled around to turn 3 waiting for someone to point at one of us. They held us both while they looked at the video. I didn’t have any idea that he was even there until I heard him in turn 4. I really didn’t think anyone could pass me on the outside.”

“After that big pile up in turn 2 the track turned from good grip to nothing. It’s fastest I’ve ever seen it do that. I thought I lost the right rear tire it was so loose. I backed it down a bit and thought I was doing good until I heard him on the last lap.”

“I got a little piece of that big wreck and bent up the nose a bit. I’m glad I was where I was at the time. I saw them all piling up and darted to the right to try to stay clear of it. I hate to see that, there’s lots of good cars that got torn up. I guess that happens sometimes.”

“I’d have been happy with second. Craig(Crawley) is a good guy. It was a good race. The fans got to see good finish. I really have to thank my wife and family for putting up with this racing life. I appreciate them being a part of it. Depending on how many cars make back next week I’m pretty sure I’ve locked up the championship. I may only have to start the main.”

“I thought I might have got him,” added Crawley. “But it was too close to tell for sure. If the video shows that Trey(Votion) got it, then I’m good with that. I don’t know how I made it that close. After being caught up in that crash my car was junk. It’s hurt so bad I’m not sure I can get it fixed before next week.”

Limited Late Models

99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 28 Leland Waddell, 13 Howie Marcx, 49 Robert Danielson, 1x Andrew Hesler, 36 J.R. Robinson, 10 Chris Brock, 18 Shane Moore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 14 Gary Hunter, 58 Matt Hodge, 25 Bob Lienweber—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 18 Shane Moore, 99 Trey Votion

Okruhlik Outlasts Jones and Dancer in Street Stock

Driving the Team Wernette back up car, Pure Stock hot shoe Frank Okruhlik showed he could get the job done in Street Stocks as well. Okruhlik got the lead early from Aaron Leddy then was chased by Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Jones, the defending champ and points leader, threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at Okruhlik, to no avail.

Leddy was first into turn 1 as the 15-lap Street Stock feature fired off, but Okruhlik was quickly along side with Jones, Dancer and AJ Wernette in pursuit. Okruhlik got the top spot on lap 2 with Jones following to second. Wernette went around in turn 4 to bring out a yellow on lap 2. Okruhlik and Jones got away on the restart leaving Leddy and Dancer fighting for third. As Jones began his assault on Okruhlik, Dancer went around Leddy for third using the top.

Jones was keeping the pressure on Okruhlik taking looks low when a spin by Mike Lyon in turn 4 slowed the pace. Jones took up where he had left off showing Okruhlik the nose on the restart. Jones kept the heat turned up, with Dancer now making it a threesome up front. With two to go Jones gave Okruhlik a little bumper tap, but Okruhlik stayed steady. One last try by Jones at the checkers came up short as Okruhlik in the TruLine, Radio Shack, Cross Connections, Dixon Automotive, Hot Rod Welding, City Auto, Chevy scored the victory.

“I was hoping they (Jones and Dancer) would take each other out and I wouldn’t have to worry about them,” replied Okruhlik. “I was holding my line and guess I was taking the best line away from them. I wanted though, I wanted it bad. He wasn’t going to get it for free.”

“I saw Wade (Jones) show his nose a couple times and I was worried. He just encouraged me with that little tap on the bumper. If he would have taken me out it would have ended different I guess. I made some minor changes on the motor, but it’s the same set up.”

“I really have to thank Wayne Wernette. He’s the one that has given me the chance to drive this car. He pays for everything and I don’t have to put a dime in this car. I think my driving style suits the car and I’ve got more seat time on dirt.”

Street Stocks

37w Frank Okruhlik, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 53 Ben Blanford, 2x Dennis Hilla, 14 Donny Horelka

Street Stock heat winners; 37w Frank Okruhlik, 52 AJ Dancer

Okruhlik Outruns Pure Stock Field for second Payday

Points leader Frank Okruhlik scored his own version of a daily double with a second win for the night in the Pure Stock feature. Okruhlik worked his way up to battle with race long leader Cameron Smith getting the spot on lap 15. Once past Okruhlik eased away from the pack while former track champ Janel Hilla challenged Smith for the runner up spot.

The 14-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature saw Smith break out front trailed by Devin Adler, Hilla, Tim Watson and Richard Wells. Hilla got by Adler for second while Okruhlik, Watson, Bandy Ramzinski and Karoline Campbell went four wide for fifth. Watson slowed and pulled while Okruhlik got the spot, leaving Ramzinski, Campbell and Jerry Jones three wide. Okruhlik closed on Adler with a brief side by side run as Okruhlik took third.

Coming to halfway Okruhlik had run down Hilla for second and using the high side got by. As Smith got into traffic, Okruhlik quickly reeled in the leader giving him a look low on lap 11. Smith and Okruhlik went three wide around a lapped car as slugged it out door to door. Okruhlik finally wrestled the spot away on lap 15 and motored ahead. In the final laps Hilla snagged second from Smith, while Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo Racing Chassis Chevy easily grabbed the checkers.

“I found a little sticky stuff on the outside and took off with it,” added Okruhlik on his Pure Stock win. “I got up there first, nobody else wanted it so I had to take it. I look for a place that works for my car early in the race. If that doesn’t work out I just go where the others aren’t running.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 7x Janel Hilla, 13 Cameron Smith, 95 Jerry Jones, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 10c Karoline Campbell, 44 Justin Henley, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 82 Richard Wells, 117 Devin Adler, 1 Tim Watson

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 82 Richard Wells

Sowder Sweeps Front Runners

Young Landon Sowder had a clean sweep in the Front Runner class taking both the heat and feature wins. Sowder jumped out front early in the 15-lap feature, but gave way to points chaser Cody Earnhardt. No sooner than Earnhardt got the lead, he broke and handed the spot back to Sowder. From there Sowder was able to ease away from Hailee Marcx at the end.

Sowder led the 10-car field on green chased by Earnhardt, Trevor Bettis, Jimmy Carroll and Cindy Snider. Bettis broke and stopped in the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 2. The restart saw Earnhardt and Sowder side by side for the lead with Earnhardt getting out front on lap 3 only to have car failure and pull to the infield, giving the top spot back to Sowder on lap 4. Sowder then began pulling away from Marcx and Jason Smith near halfway.

Carroll, who pitted with a flat under caution, worked his way back up and past Smith for third on lap 7. While battling with Marcx for second, Carroll and Marcx made contact sending both the infield for a lap 10 yellow. After a quick caution for a stalled Kirsten Blevins on lap 11, Sowder broke away going on to win in the Ricwell Construction, Texas Radiator Service, United Rentals, Bar C Racing, Chevy Lumina.

“We put a new motor in this car,” commented Sowder. “I’m fortunate to have a good crew chief and father to help me out with this racing deal. I’m going to stay in this class one more year and then move up to Pure Stock. We’re all friends with the 08 Limited Late Model(Kevin Hayden) and 10 Limited Late Model(Chris Brock).”

“I’ve been racing since March and this is my second win this year. I don’t worry about any of the other racers out there. I’m just running my own race, going as fast as I can. I didn’t know Hailee(Marcx) was behind me. She ran a good race but couldn’t catch me. I was fortunate to get the win.”

Front Runners

08 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 13 Jason Smith, 93 Preston Leet, 66c Cindy Snider, 96 Kirsten Blevins, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 27 Jim Knudtson, 57 Trevor Bettis, 98 Will Holder—DNS, 24 Jessica Mares—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 67 Jimmy Carroll, 08 Landon Sowder

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots

Mikulencak Masters Hudgeons Memorial at Texana; Jones tops Jack in 2nd round of Street Stock Shootout

It was a special night Saturday as Texana Raceway Park hosted the 2nd Annual Aaron Hudgeons Memorial, plus Round 2 of the South Texas Street Stock Shootout on the 5/16 mile, semi-banked clay track. Fifty-three drivers from across Texas and Louisiana signed in for the $2500 to win Limited Modified Memorial main event, with 35 Street Stocks competing for their increased purse.

Numerous sponsors stepped up adding to the special purse commemorating the life of Aaron Hudgeons, long time racer and chassis builder in the south Texas area. The soft spoken Hudgeons, who was one of those rare competitors that was always willing to help other racers - even those in own class - lost his battle with cancer last year. Hudgeons is highly respected by all those that knew or raced with him over his career.

Along with the big payday for the winner many other special awards were sponsored in the Limited Modified class, as well as the Street Stock class. The unique format included qualifying in the Limited Modified and Street Stocks, with B-mains completing the fields. Two provisionals would be added to make a 26-car Limited Modified starting grid, with 24 taking the green in Street Stocks.

Not only was it a full house in the pits with 100 cars in the three classes, but a huge fan turnout filling the grandstands, and grassy seating areas. During pre-race ceremonies track promoter Ken Bulsterbaum was leading into the invocation relating Hudgeons story and paying tribute to track owner Bruce Tesch’s mother who recently passed away, when two lone birds did a flyover the track. Eerie!

Mikulencak Masters Limited Modified Main

Veteran Corpus Christi ace Lawrence Mikulencak, in a car that’s been ‘transformed’ more times than the movie, used patience to grab the big win in the 26-car feature. Mikulencak, who qualified second behind Dustin Butcher, trailed Butcher the first third of the 30-lap event. Using the high side, Mikulencak took two laps to get by Butcher for the lead on lap 12. East Texas hot shoe, Johno Whittington chased Mikulencak through the last half of the race, but at the checkers it was Mikulencak by four car lengths over Whittington. Art Rodriguez, former NASCAR and USAC driver Paul White and Brandon Blaylock filled out the top five.

Kaleb Hudgeons, who begins his racing career next season in a Mini Stock bearing his fathers number 10, paced the starting field in a three-wide salute parade lap. As they green finally waved, Butcher jumped out front, but a mid-pack stack up saw Ray Doyon III get kicked around for a yellow. On the second start Mikulencak and Butcher stayed side by side through turns 1-2 before Butcher edged out front. Doyon again found himself facing the wrong way for a lap 1 caution.

The restart saw a similar back up in the pack with John Lieta, Jesse Manning and Chris Swenson getting tangled in turn 4. Going to single file, Butcher got a good jump on Mikulencak and Art Rodriguez, with Whittington getting past Blaylock for fourth. A caution for debris on lap 4 briefly slowed the action. Once back to green Whittington took third from A. Rodriguez, while White moved up from his eighth qualifying spot to battle with Blaylock for fifth.

Whittington then began to pressure Mikulencak for second on lap 8 with look high. Mikulencak decided it was time to go and gave the high groove a try also. Mikulencak gave Butcher several looks up top, as White and Blaylock continued to swap fifth. Mikulencak got along side Butcher on lap 11 and was able to clear him going into to turn 3 and lead lap 12 as Butcher tried to battle back.

Once Mikulencak cleared Butcher, Whittington moved along side him and got by coming to halfway showing Mikulencak, Whittington, Butcher, A. Rodriguez and Blaylock still wheel to wheel with White for fifth. Trevor Egbert brought out a lap 16 yellow when he had trouble and rolled to a stop in turn 4. As racing resumed Mikulencak eased ahead as Butcher tried Whittington low for second. Butcher spun in turn 2, causing A. Rodriguez to go around for a lap 17 yellow.

Back under green the top four got away as Blaylock now had his hands full with Houston veteran Howard Willis, who was moving up after qualifying through one of the B-mains. With ten to go Mikulencak was inching away from Whittington and A. Rodriguez. That margin was erased on lap 22 when Greg Metz spun in turn 4.

Mikulencak jumped out on green while Blaylock and Willis resumed their battle. As the flagman showed the field five fingers, Mikulencak had only two car lengths on Whittington. Whittington could inch closer in the corners, but Mikulencak could pull him coming off. As the white waved, Mikulencak, in the Ace Transmissions, Randy Young Auto Repair, Premier Graphics, “Frankenstein” chassis had a four car advantage that held for the victory.

“I miss racing racing with Aaron(Hudgeons),” commented Mikulencak. “I really respected and enjoyed racing with him. This is a good race for us to win. He’s one of the guys that more racers need to be like.”

“It took a lot of patience and a good ‘free’ car to pull of the win. Last year I had some mechanical problems and there were a few good cars here. This year there were a lot more fast guys, more than I expected. So this is a big win for us.”

“I didn’t find much on he high side trying to get by Dustin (Butcher). I was just patient out there and tried to run him a little faster. Johno (Whittington) was in the mix too, so I had to do something. I just had a good enough car.”

“This is the same car I’ve been running on asphalt all year. All the weight is on the left front, everything is the same except for the tires. This car is the same one I ran as a Modified and that you’ve been a calling a “Frankenstein” for ten years. It was built on a metric frame and I’ve taken all the Modified rear bars off and put a stock frame on it. It probably still has the cracked motor mount on it.(inside joke)” added the always entertaining Mikulencak who won a Modified race here before with a broken motor mount.

Limited Modifieds

87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 511 Johno Whittington, 22 Art Rodriguez, 2w Paul White, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 12m Howard Willis, 26g JJ Jennings, 75 Joel Couvillion, 66 Johnny Torres, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 63 Shane Hoefling, 174 Mickey Helms, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 76 Jesse Manning, 4 Robby Minten, 955 Greg Metz, 24 John Lieta, 147 GW Hessong, 9D Ray Doyon III, 90 Dustin Butcher, 48 Chris Swenson, 5A Trevor Egbert, 151 Adam Perks, 19 Bubba Seals

Awards

-$400 Dale Earnhardt die cast from Pray Racing, 87 Lawrence Mikulencak
-$150 Longest tow from defending winner Steve Whiteaker jr., 75 Joel Couvillion(Alexandria, La.)
-$100 Fast Qualifier from Ace Transmission; 90 Dustin Butcher
-$200 Fastest non-qualifier to make A-main from Corpus “C” Cars, 66 Johnny Torres
-$50 each Two highest non-qualifiers to not make A-main from South Texas Speedway, 85 Jeff Nix, 211x Dean Hollier
-H500 Tire, Hard charger from Bebo Race Designs, 12m Howard Willis
-$100 Hard luck award from Big Dog Racing, 5A Trevor Egbert
-(4) $50 O’Riellys gift cards from Art Rodriguez to 4 random non-qualifiers, 2 Robert Boyd, 18 Larry Jernigan, 04 Jacob Burnett, 63s Chase Sanchez

Provisionals; 147 GW Hessong (highest track points to not make A-main—Gave points to points leader Jensen Pray unable to make event due to Family emergency), 151 Adam Perks (promoters choice)

Limited Modified B-mains (Top 3 to A-main)

B-main 1

66 Johnny Torres, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 151 Adam Perks, 8 Lary Paris, 26 David McBride, 56 Brad Titzman, 119 Eric Floyd, 3j Jesse James, 10D Don Painter, 25 John Morgan

B-main 2

5A Trevor Egbert, 12m Howard Willis, 48 Chris Swenson, 83 Monte Nichols III, 37 Bill Pittaway, 115 Chuck Perry, 47 James Myers, 18 Larry Jernigan, 82 Brandon Dorsey, 81 Victor Lindsey, 11 Tom Grothues

B-main 3

174 Mickey Helms, 76 Jesse Manning, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 04 Jacob Burnett, 211x Dean Hollier, 1 Trice Hermes, 147 GW Hessong, 71w Bart Wilcox, 2 Robert Boyd, 3 Abraham Mares

B-main 4

26g JJ Jennings, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 4 Robby Minten, 85 Jeff Nix, 155 Vince Kacir, 63s Chase Sanchez, 68 Chris Shafer, 6 Vince Louden, 118 Anthony Gordon

Jones Out Jousts Jack in Street Stock Shootout

Top-qualifier Wade Jones took command early in the Street Stock Shootout chased by a handful of the best local fender car drivers. Jones was pressured in latter stages by Bobby Jack and Stephan Danielson as the 25-lapper wound down. On the final lap Jack got under Jones in turn 3 and came off tun 4 side by side. Jones won the drag race to the checkers by only a few inches to snag the flag to flag win.

As the 24-car field took the green, Jones was first into tun 1 trailed by Tony Blankenship, Jack, Brian King and Danielson. Jack, King and Blankenship were almost three wide for second on lap 1 with Jack getting the spot as the top six sorted out single file. King and Blankenship were side by side for third on lap 3, while Bubba Seals, Dennis Hilla and Eric Floyd were three wide for eighth. Seals and Hilla then went three abreast with Anthony Gordon for seventh as Seals made his way forward.

Alan Kunkel and Mike Moseley tangled on lap 9 leaving Moseley in the front stretch wall for the races first yellow. Once back to racing, Jack and Blankenship were door to door for second, Danielson and Chris Shafer side by side for fourth and Seals taking sixth from King, who began to fade before retiring early. Coming to the crossed flags it was Jones easing away, Jack, Danielson and Blankenship, while Seals and Shafer swapped fifth.

Floyd spun on lap 11, with Aaron Leddy and AJ Wernette spinning behind him bringing out the final yellow. As Jones inched ahead on green, Blankenship and Shafer were door to door, with Seals looking for a way by both. Seals finally got by Shafer for fifth on lap 16, then picked off fourth from Blankenship with AJ Dancer following in his tracks.

With five to go the top three were within a car length and holding a margin over fourth through seventh. Jack began to put the heat on Jones looking low on lap 21 as the top three were nose to tail. Behind them Dancer took fourth from Seals. Jack again got a nose under Jones as they came to the white flag. The two battled into turn 3 where Jack nearly got the advantage. As they raced to the checkers it was Jones in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro holding on for the victory by less than a foot.

“It was a tough field out there tonight,” replied Jones. “Bobby Jack, Stephan Danielson and AJ Dancer was moving up quick. I’m lucky I qualified on the pole like I did. We tried a few different things in practice last night. We finally found something(that worked) and took a little wedge out. It worked out pretty good for us.”

“I kind of burned my tires off towards the end and Bobby got inside me. I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw him under me. Bobby’s a real clean racer and he gave me space. I tried to keep him pinned down so he couldn’t get a good run off turn 4. Sure enough it worked out.”

“We didn’t change much from our I-37 set up. We had a little more roll out and changed gears, that’s about it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 88j Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 91 Bubba Seals, 77 Chris Shafer, 35 Tony Blankenship, 3 Steve Miller, 11 Shawn Kline, 118 Anthony Gordon, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 26 Eric Floyd, 2x Dennis Hilla, 21x Jason Fox, 23 David Bruns, 53 Jason Kelly, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 58 James Hoss, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 9* Brad Hayes, 31 Brian King, 68 Alan Kunkel, 3m Mike Moseley

100 Pole Award from King Racing - Wade Jones #41
(Award formerly for a winner with a Mud Buster sticker was changed to $25 Awards to each B-Main winner)
B-Main winners getting $25 each: Jason Fox #21x and Mike Mosely #3
$100 7th Place Finisher Award from Dynamic Race Craft - Tony Blankenship #35
$50 Hard Charger Award from Dynamic Race Craft - AJ Dancer #52 (started 17th and finished 4th.. Frank Okruhlik #37w also increased the same number of positions, but was not registered in the Shootout series.)
G60 Tire Certificate from Swenson Racing Chassis for Hard Charger - AJ Dancer #52
$250 value Bobby Labonte die cast car from Pray Racing to feature winner - Wade Jones #41
$50 drawn at start of feature for a position between 11th to 24th from G&R Racing. Number was 17 - Lauren Chamberlain #55

Street Stock B-mains(Top 5 to A-main)

B-main 1

21x Jason Fox, 52 AJ Dancer, 3 Steve Miller, 58 James Hoss, 53 Jason Kelly, 2 Scott Stubbs, 7 Cody Leonard, 76 Kevin McElveen, 4 David McGuire, 74 Charlie Raburn—DNS
B-main-2

3m Mike Moseley, 11 Shawn Kline, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 9* Brad Hayes, 50 Kevin Willms, 89F Matt Farris, 04 Dustin Robbins, 42 Curtis King, 22 Patricia Lucas

Victor Vargas grabbed the early lead in the 20-lap, 12-car Dwarf Car feature. Mike Christians got around Vargas on lap 2 but gave up the lead to Greg Sexton sr. when he slipped in turns 1-2. From there Sexton sr. stretched out his lead going on to take the win by a comfortable margin over Christians, Vargas, Brad Wright and Douglas Wright.

Dwarf Cars

14 Greg Sexton, Sr, 13 Mike Christians, 24 Victor Vargas, 1 Brad Wright, 66 Douglas Wright, 15 Gary Faris, 11 Jerry Godfrey, 4 Geoffrey Youngblood, 6 Keith Samples, 5 Keith Horella, 7 Greg Sexton, Jr, 2EZ Easy Casey

Dwarf Car heat winners; 2EZ Easy Casey, Greg Sexton, Sr.

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Covington claims Heart O’ Texas ASCS Regional Showdown win

Matt Covington scored one for The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star ranks by topping Friday night’s 25-lap main event pitting the Lone Star Region versus the Smiley’s Racing Products ASCS Gulf South Region at Heart O’ Texas Speedway.

The current ASCS Lone Star points leader assumed the point on the 12th round and went on to post his second Regional triumph of the year aboard Dennis Marshala’s Wesmar-powered Oilfield Equipment & Manufacturing No. 11c Triple X.

Thirty-five drivers, from four states, signed in the do battle on the high-banked ,¼ mile, dirt track just north of Waco in front of a near capacity crowd.

All the heavy hitters were in attendance as the top ten points chasers from each region signed in, with Matt Covington (Lone Star) and George White (Gulf South) leading their contingents. The feature line up was nearly a 50/50 split with 13 Lone Star Region drivers and 11 Gulf South racers filling the 24-car field after the heats and B-mains. The number could have reversed had Greg Rilat and Michael McNeil not tangled in their B-main while running in the top two positions.

Heat race action saw Bean Elliott, Ray Allen Kulhanek, Covington and Chris Sweeney take wins, with B-mains going to Chad Wilson and Claud Estes. Dustin Welch and Martin Edwards took tumbles in their heats, both were alright. Edwards recovered to transfer from his B-main, but Welch was done for the night.

Lone Star Region points leader Matt Covington used a picture perfect slide job on early leader Brandon Berryman to get the point in the 25-lap ASCS Sprint Car main event. Covington worked his way up from his second row starting spot and put the slider on Berryman during a lap 6 restart. From there Covington built a comfortable over Berryman and Travis Rilat who tried, unsuccessfully, to close up in traffic.

Getting the 24-car ASCS Sprint Car feature underway was harder than herding cats as it took four attempts to get the race under green. The first try saw Tommy Bryant slide off turn 4. Try number two had Evan Pardo spin in turn 4, while Chad Wilson tipped over in turn 3. Debris slowed the third attempt.

Finally a clean lap with Brandon Berryman beating Chris Sweeney into turn 1. Sweeney tried low off turn 4, but it was former Gulf South champ, Berryman holding the point. Sweeney fell in line second pursued by another GS champ, Ray Allen Kulhanek, Covington and Mike Goodman. Travis Rilat made an early charge getting by Eric Baldacinni for sixth on lap 3.

Sweeney got sideways, with Kulhanek checking up allowing Covington to get by for second. Berryman was out to a good lead when John Ricketts spun in turn 1 for a lap 6 caution erasing Berryman’s advantage. When the green flew again Covington dove under Berryman in turn 1, slid up in turn 2 executing a classic slide job for the lead on lap 7.

Berryman, Goodman and Sweeney went three wide for second, with Berryman holding the position and Goodman up to third. Goodman then picked off Berryman for second on lap 8 only to have yellow wave for a spin by Kulhanek in turn 4. On the restart Goodman had to repass Berryman for second, while Rilat and Baldacinni battled for fifth.

Berryman retook second from Goodman, who began to slow, with Rilat getting past Sweeney for fourth which became third after Goodman rolled to stop in turn 2 for a yellow. Covington got a big jump as the race went back to green and Baldacinni trying to charge on top. Coming to halfway it was Covington stretching his lead over Berryman, Rilat, Sweeney with Baldacinni and Channin Tankersley side by side for fifth.

Michael Lang spun off turn 4 collecting Brandon Corn with Cody Whitworth lightly tagging Corn trying to stop. Covington got away clean on the restart while Rilat pressured Berryman for second and Baldacinni took fourth Sweeney. With five to go Covington ran up on traffic, with Berryman and Rilat trying to reel him in. Covington, in the Oilfield Equipment & Manufacturing, CG Martin Company, Keizer Wheels, T&L Foundry, Butler Built, Winters, DMI, Pro Shocks, Brodix, Factor 1, Wesmar Race Engines, Triple X Chassis, cleared traffic and held his margin at the checkers.

ASCS Sprint Cars

1. 11c Matt Covington
2. 31 Brandon Berryman
3. 29 Travis Elliott
4. 4 Eric Baldacinni
5. 71 Channin Tankersley
6. 93 Chris Sweeney
7. 10 George White
8. 25 Brian McClelland
9. 28 Tommy Bryant
19. 74E Claud Estes
11. 45 Martin Edwards
12. 54 Evan Pardo
13. 19 Klint Angelette
14. 51 Beau Smith
16. 76 John Ricketts
17. 14b Robert Byrom
18. 50 Cody Whitworth
19. 14 Michael Lang
20. 30x Bean Elliott
21. 30 Brandon Corn
22.11g Mike Goodman
23. 15t Travis Elliott
24. 21t Ray Allen Kulhanek
25. 20 Chad Wilson

ASCS B-main 1 (12 laps, top 3 to A-main)

20 Chad Wilson, 25 Brian McClelland, 15t Travis Elliott, 36 John Pate, 74x Joshua Hodges, 69 Larry Howery, 24 Brandi Hass, 11 Justin Melton, 52 Roger Oakes

ASCS B-main 2 (12 laps, top 3 to A-main)

74E Claud Estes, 30 Brandon Corn, 45 Martin Edwards, 12 Dale Wester, 17 Bruce Griffith jr., 25m Michael McNeil, 35 Greg Rilat, 7w Dustin Welch—DNS

ASCS Heats(top 18 in passing points to A-main)

Heat 1
30x Bean Elliott, 76 John Ricketts, 14b Robert Byrom, 10 George White, 15t Travis Elliott, 25 Brian McClelland, 35 Greg Rilat, 24 Brandi Hass, 52 Roger Oakes–DNS

Heat 2
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, 4 Eric Baldacinni, 11g Mike Goodman, 50 Cody Whitworth, 51 Beau Smith, 69 Larry Howery, 11 Justin Melton, 45 Martin Edwards, 7w Dustin Welch

Heat 3
11c Matt Covington, 54 Evan Pardo, 29 Travis Rilat, 71 Channin Tankersley, 14 Michael Lang, 30 Brandon Corn, 36 John Pate, 20 Chad Wilson, 74x Joshua Hodges

Heat 4
93 Chris Sweeney, 28 Tommy Bryant, 31 Brandon Berryman, 19 Klint Angelette, 25m Michael McNeil, 74E Claud Estes, 12 Dale Wester, 17 Bruce Griffith jr

Also in action were the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods and Hobby Stocks, all running features only. Street Stock, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Twisters and Jr. Mini Stocks filled the remainder of the nights racing card.

White Wires IMCA Modified Main

Starting straight up by points in all the IMCA Classes, the IMCA Modified feature shaped up to be a shootout between track and national points rivals Keith White and Chase Jupe. An early incident involving Jupe kept that from ever happening leaving the multi-time IMCA Southern Sportmod National Champion, virtually alone up front throughout the 20-lap race.

As the green waved on the 18-car field White was first into turn 1. Jupe got sideways off turn 2 stacking up the inside line with several cars making contact in the melee. Doyle Massa brought out a lap 1 caution with a spin in turn 3. The yellow gave several drivers, including Jupe, the chance to pit and assess damage. Jupe tried to return, but finally pulled off before the restart.

White got away clean on the restart while Pat McGuire and last weeks winner, Ben Ketteman stayed side by side for second until McGuire finally secured the spot. As the top seven sorted out single file, Justin Radcliff, Justin Redmon and Ricky Kizer were three wide for eighth. Radcliff and Redmon then caught Dwayne Grantham trying three abreast for seventh on lap 6.

Radcliff’s run to the front ended on lap 8 with a flat right front and trip into the wall in turn 2. Back under green coming to the crossed flags it was White, McGuire, Ketteman, Keith Green and Steve MacIsaac in the top five. Grantham expired a motor with Joe Spillman slapping the wall behind him. Grantham rolled to the infield and Spillman soldiered on without caution.

Ketteman and McGuire then began a battle for second as they swapped the spot Redmon slipped past MacIsaac for fifth. Making a charge from the back, Andrew Simmerman was next to put MacIsaac back a spot. As the white flag waved, White had a ¾ straightaway lead and easily cruised on to the win the Traceys Auto Sales, Braka Operating, BSB Manufacturing, Belton Metals, Tubbs Paint & Body, Kempner Iron & Steel, TCI, Temple Iron & Metal, Extreme Graphics, racinwithneal.com, Stephenville Starter, CenTex Motorsports powered Hughes Chassis.

IMCA Modifieds

1 Keith White, 37 Ben Ketteman, 9 Pat McGuire, 5 Keith Green, 21 Justin Redmon, 15x Andrew Simmerman, 45t Eric Tomlinson, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 38 Billy Bachmeyer jr 22k Ricky Kizer, 21x Jimmie Helona, 43 Steve MacIsaac, 44s Joe Spillman, 27 Dewayne Grantham, 11j Justin Radcliff, 2x Brandon Stewart, 303 Chase Jupe, 31 Doyle Massa

Green vs. Green for Gold in Sportmod Scramble

It was a family feud of sorts as the Green brothers, Kevin and TJ, battled it for the IMCA Southern Sportmod win. K. Green ed the first half of the 20-lapper, but lapped traffic gave TJ an opening to take over and lead the last half of the event in the Greens Automatic Transmissions, Hewitt Gun Shop, Lambs Muffler, Hewitt Pawn Shop, Du-All Contracting, Stewart Stainless, Simpson Race Products, Outlaw Race Engines, TRE Chassis.

The sibling rivalry began early with the Green boys leading the 16-car field to the green flag. K. Green outran TJ Green into turn 1 for the lead. TJ Green, Chris Cogburn, Ronnie Bell jr. and Randy Doyle fell in line behind the leader. Shelly Sakhnini brought out an early caution with a spin on lap 1. Once back to green again Sid Kiphen squirted through the middle of a three wide fight between he, Doyle and Bell.

Kiphen spun on lap 2 and fell to the back, while Doyle got the black flag, ending his night. As the lead group came up on lapped traffic, Kenny Merritt spun in front of them. TJ Green was able get by K. Green for the lead, while Cogburn spun to the infield. The new top five at halfway was TJ Green, K. Green, Bell, Brandon Guerin and Cody Daniels.

The two Green boys continue to dice through traffic, while Guerin and Bell were forced three wide around a slower car. Guerin and Bell were still wheel to wheel, as K. Green stayed on TJ Greens bumper. As the checkers waved TJ Green held off K. Green for the victory, with Guerin sneaking by Bell at the line for third.

IMCA Southern Sportmods

55 TJ Green, 5 Kevin Green, sly1 Brandon Guerin, 95 Ronnie Bell, 76s Cody Daniels, 101 Johnny Sheets, 11 Mark McDaniel, 118 Russell White, 75 Edward Schmidt, v18 Kenny Merritt, 23s Shelly Sakhnini, 5c Chris Cogburn, 702 Brian Walker, 58 Sid Kiphen, 134 Ronnie Warren, 65 Randy Doyle—BF

Gaunet Goes Green to Checkers for Hobby Honors

Michael Gaunet wired the IMCA Hobby Stock feature with a flag to flag win in the 20-lap event. Gaunet built a lead while Jeremy Oliver, Andy Roller and Garrett Rawls who slugged it for second. In the waning laps Gaunet, in the Greens Automatic Transmissions, Lambs Muffler, South West Maintenance, Renschlers Automotive car, held off a challenge by Oliver for the victory.

Gaunet was out front first as the 18-car IMCA Hobby Stock field took the green. Behind him, Oliver, Roller and Rawls were three wide for second, with Oliver getting the spot. Shannon Dulock moved in the go three abreast with Roller and Rawls on lap 2. Oliver was pressuring Gaunet for the lead, with Roller and Dulock swapping third.

The battle up front ran into traffic with Oliver getting slowed by a lapped car, giving Gaunet breathing room until caution waved for debris on lap 9. On the restart Oliver got along side Gaunet, who held the point. Roller and Dulock continue to trade third until Dulock slapped the wall ending his night. Gaunet hung on to the top spot in the final laps for the win, while Jeremy Wininger got by Rawls coming to the checkers.

IMCA Hobby Stocks

25 Michael Gaunet, 82 Jeremy Oliver, 63 Andy Roller, 41 Jeremy Wininger, 82g Garrett Rawls, 38 Allen Montgomery, 28 Richard Pickens, 7 Jaron Shahan, 53 Robert Scrivner, 77 Bill Siegman jr., 14 Zack Riley, 47 Shannon Dulock, 21j Jordan Kornegay, 74 Chris Grusendorf, 23 Michael Hilliard, 18 Jeremy Hendrix, 13r Brandon Nichols, 3D Dylan Smith, 45 Ray Kemp jr.

The 15-lap Street Stock feature saw a great three car scramble up front between the Andrews, Greg and Doug, and Bobby Mercer. G. Andrews got the point early chased by Mercer, Ed Thompson, Lewis Blackwood and D. Andrews. D. Andrews quickly worked his way to third, while Mercer was challenging G Andrews for the lead.

David Khoury brought out a yellow on lap 8 when he broke and stopped in turn 4. On the restart D. Andrews snuck past both Mercer and G. Andrews who were battling between each other. Mercer and G. Andrews swapped second nearly lap for lap as they tried to keep pace with D. Andrews. At the checkers it was D. Andrews holding off G. Andrews for the win.

Street Stocks

1 Doug Andrews, 8 Greg Andrews, 4 Bobby Mercer jr, 3a Matt Hood, 181 Ed Thompson, 84x Adam Schwarz , 73 Jason Gauntt, 74 Lewis Blackwood, 71 Tommy Kirkpatrick, 32 Bill Eller, 173 David Khoury

Street Stock heat winners; 8 Greg Andrews, 173 David Khoury

In the 15-lap Pure Stock feature Melvin Kemp jumped out front first trailed by Cody Shaw, Ryan Hopkins, Jeff Sheppard and Weston Glaser. Glaser, Hopkins and Sheppard were three wide for third with Glaser getting the spot. Tommy Honey, in a borrowed ride from Jack Jenkins, grabbed a top five spot getting by Kevin Smith. Honey and Sheppard made contact scrapping from fourth with Sheppard going around, and Honey receiving the black flag. Up front it was all Kemp as he motored away to the victory.

Pure Stocks

54 Melvin Kemp, 9 Cody Shaw, 15 Weston Glaser, 57 Kevin Smith, 4 Ryan Hopkins, 17 Jeff Sheppard, 8 Tim Homeyer, 117 Devin Adler , j33 Jamie Haynes, 27 Thomas Schmidt, 13 Cameron Smith, 24 Chris Wills, 22(18) Tommy Honey—BF, 22 Jack Jenkins —DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 4 Ryan Hopkins, 9 Cody Shaw

Anthony Simcik grabbed the early lead in the 15-lap Cruiser feature trailed by David Andrews, Russell Bullock and Jr. Jean. Andrews and Bullock were fighting for second when Simcik got loose off turn 2 giving Andrews a look inside. Simcik again had trouble, this time in turn 4, going around and giving up the lead to Andrews on lap 9. Bullock gave Andrews a run at the end but it was Andrews holding on for the win.

Cruisers

8 David Andrews, 1 Russell Bullock, 24 Dwain Wills, 11 Marshall Saucedo, 44d William Dean, 9 Andrew Richards, 47 Jr. Jean, 53 Jason Honey, 23 Les Maxwell, 8w Steve Wade, 28 Billy Williams, 44 Anthony Simcik, 5n Amy Nichols

James Cochran jumped out front at the start of the 12-lap Twister feature, with Tommy Hultz working to second and Don Krahn third, with a four wide battle for fourth. Cochran and Hultz pulled away as Krahn retired early leaving John Fikes third. Hultz challenged the young Cochran who held steady. Fikes car gave up on the last lap from his top three spot. At the checkers it was the 13-year ol Cochran taking his first ever feature win.

Twisters
1. James Cochran II (Harker Heights, TX)
2. Tommy Hultz (Kempner, TX)
3. George Clarkson (Kempner, TX)
4. Clayton Clarkson (Kempner, TX)
5. Johnny Japort (China Spring, TX)
6 Katy Baur (Crawford, TX)
7. Dena Wachsmann (West, TX)
8. Ronnie Bell, Jr. (Waco, TX)
9. John Fikes (Waco, TX)
10. Don Krahn (Round Rock, TX)

Driver of the week, Jarrett Roberts picked up win number nine in the Jr. Mini Stock feature in dominating fashion. Kayleigh Kornegay and Jarrett Charnock made contact early sending Charnock around and Kornegay to the pits. This left Roberts alone out front. Alex DePalma and Taylor Florio gave chase, but had nothing for Roberts as the field separated out leaving Roberts cruising to the victory.

Jr. Mini Stock
1. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX)
2. Alexis DePalma (Woodway, TX)
3. Taylor Florio (Copperas Cove, TX)
4. Jarrett Charnock (Belton, TX)
5. Robby Black (Mart, TX)
6. Kayleigh Kornegay (China Spring, TX)

Story by J M Hallas (portions contributed by ASCS PR)
Front page photo by Karen Davis

Dinsmore dashes to another Modified main win at I-37 Raceway

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore found what he needed to get back in the Winners Circle taking the 20-lap IMCA Modified main. Dinsmore, who started in row 4, quickly worked his way up behind early leader, Rob Sanderson. Ducking low off the corner, Dinsmore swept past Sanderson for the lead on lap 4. From there Dinsmore held off charges from Jamie Campbell and Mike McCarthy on restarts to grab another victory.

The initial start was waved off after Campbell got a bit over anxious coming to green. The second try saw Sanderson go around and clip Bill Pittaway, peeling sheet metal off the side of his car. Even the third time wasn’t the charm as Joe O’Bryan spun, scattering the field. A single file fourth attempt saw Sanderson get out front on lap 1 followed by Robert Liese jr., Joe Spillman, Dinsmore and McCarthy.

Liese slipped off the corner giving up spots to Spillman, Dinsmore, McCarthy and Campbell. Dinsmore got under Spillman for second on lap 2 and closed on Sanderson. Using the bottom, Dinsmore got the lead from Sanderson on lap 4 while Campbell got by McCarthy and Spillman. Matt Fox looped it on the front stretch bringing out a yellow on lap 5.

Back under green, Dinsmore got a good jump, while Campbell worked around Sanderson for second. Spillman and McCarthy were side by side on lap 6 with last weeks winner, William Gould, closing. Sanderson, McCarthy and Spillman went three wide for third coming to halfway. At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, Campbell, McCarthy, Spillman and Gould now in the top five.

Liese spun on lap 10 for a yellow with Spillman and Sanderson getting tangled under caution. Dinsmore got away clean as McCarthy and Campbell ran wheel to wheel for second and Gould worked his way by Spillman. McCarthy and Campbell continued their battle for five laps giving Dinsmore some breathing room. Caution on lap 16 for debris erased that margin.

Once back to green McCarthy and Campbell renewed their fight, this time it was Campbell looking to retake second. Campbell got the spot back on lap 18, but slipped in turn 2 giving it up to McCarthy. As they battled it out, Dinsmore in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, JBHotshots, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Guadalupe Electric, Wells Designs, CenTex Motorsports, Harris Chassis was capturing another win.

“I could hear Jamie(Campbell) and Mike(McCarthy) back there.” said Dinsmore. “I just decided I was going to hold the bottom once I got there. The car wasn’t really quite right, but I didn’t see anyones tires or nose. The way the car was getting looser an looser, I thought was going to lose it.”

“Turns 1-2 were really good for me on the bottom. Coming off down the back straightaway was bad. The car would get tight in (turns) 3-4 then snap loose. There’s something weird that I’m still hunting. The car was better than it was last week. Ride heights are giving me fits since that wreck. Only a couple degrees on the bars make a big difference.”

“Between the heat and feature we moved the pull bar and ground the tires since there was such a big difference in the track. We probably should have made a couple more(changes). The car was fast, but on the ragged edge.”

“(Davey) Plato went through our cars looking at frame location, tires, pull bars and showed our tech guy what to look for to catch someone doing something illegal. It was good to see him down here after all these years.”

“I’m going to be driving Jamie Fuller’s car in the Street Stock Shootout next weekend in Goliad. I really think Aaron(Leddy) can do a good job in it, but we’re going to work on it some more and they want me in it.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 20 Mike McCarthy, 29 Jamie Campbell, 60 William Gould, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr, 53x Matt Fox, 141 Rob Sanderson, 99 Billy Meyer, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 82 Rick Green, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 26 Darin Leonard

IMCA Modified heats

Heat #1

14 Joe O’Bryan, 44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 20 Mike McCarthy, 99 Billy Meyer, 60 William Gould—DNS

Heat #2

8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 67 Robert Liese jr, 141 Rob Sanderson, 53x Matt Fox, 82 Rick Green

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park cranked up the action on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked dirt track just south of San Antonio. It was a full moon racing night, which normally means action and the unusual. Tonight would be no exception with two drivers winding up looking at the track from the wrong view, one last corner pass and two first time winners.

With many points battles still on the line, the IMCA Southern Sportmods are the only class with one driver holding a substantial margin. Johnny Torres carries a comfortable lead into the event, while Greg Dinsmore and Jame Campbell( IMCA Modifieds)continue to duke it out.

The Street Stock points battle swaps between defending champ, Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Frank Okruhlik and former champ Janel Hilla head the list in Pure Stocks. Limited Late Models have Trey Votion on top with defending champ Richard Bartosh in pursuit. The Front Runners come in with Jimmy Carroll leading over Cody Earnhardt.

Torres Torrent Continues in Sportmods

Looking to back up his 2010 title, San Antonio’s Johnny Torres keeps wracking up the wins. Near halfway Torres found himself in the top five, but some distance behind the leader, Anthony Gordon. A mid-race red flag changed that allowing Torres to be in contact with the lead group. Torres capitalized picking off Moe VanKirk then Gordon for the lead with two to go and running to the checkers.

Robby Minten led off turn 2 at the start of the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sport feature, but it was Gordon off turn 4 to lead lap 1. VanKirk got by Minten for second and along side Gordon for the lead. Gordon and VanKirk raced side by side for two laps, with Jason Kelly and Patrick Kelly wheel to wheel for fourth. Gordon held off VanKirk as Torres made his way to the top five by P. Kelly.

Torres then picked off fourth from J. Kelly on lap 6. A three wide scrap in the middle of the pack ended bad for Randy Bennett after he jumped a wheel and ended up hitting the tire barrier at pit out and rolling over onto his top. Bennett walked away uninjured. Once back to green, Torres slipped past Minten for third as the race came to halfway showing Gordon, VanKirk, Torres, Minten an Flint Brown in the top five.

VanKirk kept the pressure on the young Gordon with Torres closing on both. Torres and VanKirk were side by side on lap 13 with Torres getting the spot on lap 14. Torres then reeled in Gordon and dove low off turn 4 to get the top spot on lap 18. Torres was able to go unchallenged the final two laps in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, for the win.

“The track was pretty slick tonight, but it wasn’t dusty,” said Torres. “It was tacky in the heat race so we had a tacky set up on it. I figured I wouldn’t have to change much, but it got dry real quick. We threw some things at it and it worked. We changed a spring, moved some lead and adjusted the tire pressure.”

“I’m not sure we could have caught them if it wasn’t for that red flag. The tires were getting hot and that’s when I normally go faster. That red kind of broke it up into two 10 lap heat races. I like the long runs better and my car seems to work better. It came down to the wire and I didn’t think I was going to get him(Gordon).”

“Our Regional Director Davey Plato was down here and checked over everyone’s car. I’m glad he did, the more tech the better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 58 Moe VanKirk, D9(4) Robby Minten, 75 Flint Brown, 115 Chuck Perry, 57 Jason Kelly, 10 Travis Penny, 94 Allen Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 84k Patrick Kelly, 22 Randy Bennett, 99x Michael Hernandez—DNS

IMCA SSM heats

Heat #1

66 Johnny Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 75 Flint Brown, 57 Jason Kelly, 94 Allen Torres, 10 Travis Penny

Heat #2

58 Moe VanKirk, 84k Patrick Kelly, D9(4) Robby Minten, 22 Randy Bennett, 115 Chuck Perry, 99x Michael Hernandez

Crawley Cashes for First Limited Late Model Checkers

It wasn’t the first win for Craig Crawley at I-37 Raceway after picking up a few Street Stock wins several years back, but it was his first ever Limited Late Model tally. Crawley, who had to totally rebuild the back half of his car due to a crash, went wire to wire for the win holing off multi-time track champion Gary Hunter throughout the 20-lap event.

Crawley beat the 12-car field into turn 1 for the lead trailed by Hunter, Matt Hodge, Andrew Hesler and Robert Danielson. Lap 1 saw Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh and Trey Votion get by Danielson. Hesler was pressuring Hodge for third, while Waddell slipped high giving up a spot to Votion. Chris Jones brought out yellow on lap 4 when he spun and Kevin Hayden slid to a stop to avoid contact.

Crawley got a good jump on Hunter as green flew again and Hesler got along side Hodge, with Votion and Bartosh side by side behind them. Jones looped it again on lap 6 ending is night. Once back to green, Crawley and Hunter eased away from Hodge, Hesler, Bartosh and Votion. Hesler used a slide job on lap 8 to get third from Hodge, with Bartosh trying to follow.

Bartosh finally got by Hodge on lap 9 who gave up fifth to Votion on lap 10. Hesler, Bartosh and Votion were three wide in turns 1-2 with Bartosh grabbing the spot off turn 4. Votion got by Hesler a lap later as Hesler began to fade. With five to go Crawley was inching away from Hunter, who had a gap back to Bartosh and Votion.

Yellow waved on lap 17 when Waddell and Hodge went around in turn 2. Crawley got two car lengths on Hunter as green flew again with Bartosh and Votion side by side. Hodge and Larry Lewis went around on lap with Hayden going off the turn 2 hill for yellow on lap 18, setting up a green, white, checkered finish.

On the restart Hunter gave Crawley his best challenge looking high into turn 3, but Crawley held the point off turn 4. On the final lap Votion went around off turn 2 collecting Hodge, Waddell and Andy Anderson, who were innocent victims. The checkers and yellow waved for Crawley in the Odie Automotive, Garfield Shanklin, Martin Body Shop, CNC Graphics, Duffin Engine Service, Oval Components/Ervin Breiten Chassis.

“It was a big win to finally get the monkey off our back,” replied Crawley. “We’ve finished second a couple times and I’ve let Trey(Votion) get one on me. Winning at the old San Antonio Speedway was hard with all the tough cars that were there. Racing here, with the caliber of these guys, is getting to be the same way.”

“I think about those fast guys coming behind me. They’re all good drivers and I know they’re not to going to rough me up to get by me. They’re good competitors and if they’re faster than me they”ll find a way to get by me clean.”

“We made some tire pressure adjustments, and some little things between the heat and feature because the track was so much different. We didn’t get it set in the heat, but the feature was good. It was real slick and we were searching for forward bite.”

“After the crash a month ago we had to change everything from the seat on back, except the rear clip. All the mounts, braces, fuel cell, it even broke the 9” rear end in half. We’ve got about 80 hours of labor to get it back on the track.”

Limited Late Models

6 Craig Crawley, 14 Gary Hunter, 7 Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 95 Larry Lewis, 86 Andy Anderson, 28 Leland Waddell, 58 Matt Hodge, 99 Trey Votion, 08 Kevin Hayden, 1x Andrew Hesler, 69 Chris Jones

Limited Late Model heat winners; 1x Andrew Hesler, 58 Matt Hodge

Keeping up with the Jones’

This has been pretty much the case again this season as Wade Jones looks to defend his championships in Street Stocks. AJ Dancer has given Jones a run for his money and tonight it was Aaron Leddy’s chance. Leddy and Jones ran door to door for five laps until Leddy suffered ignition woes. Dancer took up the charge, but fell short as Jones eased away in the latter stages for the victory.

As the 20-lap Street Stock feature took the green, AJ Wernette led the way off turn 2, but Leddy got by coming high off turn 4 to lead. Dennis Hilla and Jones got by AJ Wernette, with Mike Lyon and Dancer following. Jones got under Hilla for second on lap 2 and was challenging Leddy on lap 3. The two stayed tied at the door posts, while Dancer moved his way up to third.

Jones finally secured the lead on lap 8 after Leddy had his car start popping and begin to fall back. By halfway the top four had separated out with a gap back to AJ Wernette, Rick Schroat and Anthony Gordon. Gordon brought out the races only yellow when he spun on lap 11 coming off turn 2, giving the top four a chance to regroup.

On the restart Dancer and Jones got away clean to settle things among themselves. With five to go, Jones began easing away from Dancer, while Hilla, Lyon and AJ Wernette ran nose to tail. Dancer never could mount a challenge in the final laps giving Jones a Saturday night cruise to the win in the
Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro.

“The track was real different tonight.” commented Jones. “It was wet in the heat race and pretty tacky in the feature. The car felt pretty good even though our heat wasn’t that good. I just have to adjust my driving style for the different track. We’ve run the same set almost all year long. We change a few little things.”

“I knew AJ(Dancer) was coming. I felt him once behind me on a restart. He’s a helluva driver and I always know hes going to be coming. I just stick to my line. If I do that and get beat, then I just get beat.”

“We’ll be back next year, but we’re undecided if it’s in Street Stock or Late Model. My uncle Donnie(Horelka) has a Late Model, but we just have to get the time to work on it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 2x Dennis Hilla, 40 Mike Lyon, 37 AJ Wernette, 5 Rick Schroat, 37w Wayne Wernette, 118 Anthony Gordon, 7 Danny Schroat, 15 Tommy Casey, 93 Aaron Leddy

Street Stock heat winners; 2x Dennis Hilla, 93 Aaron Leddy

Okruhlik Outruns Torres for Pure Stock Payday

After his wedding and a string of bad luck, not related, Frank Okruhlik made his way back into I-37 Raceway Winners Circle. Okruhlik got the lead early from Karoline Campbell and was chased by Hunter Flanagan, then last weeks winner, Adam Torres. After a late caution, Okruhlik got away from Torres and Flanagan who battled for second, as he eased his way to the checkers.

The 16-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature got off to a rocky start with Cameron Smith jumping out front. In the pack Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski made contact with E. Watson ending up rolling onto his side. He was able to climb out and tried to return later in the race. As green finally flew, Campbell got the point chased by Okruhlik, Cody Leonard, Flanagan and Torres.

Campbell spun from the lead on lap 1, with William Cavender going around in the pack as they scattered. Okruhlik led the field back to green with Flanagan and Leonard side by side for second and Jarrett Payton blowing a right front tire while running fifth. Flanagan got around Leonard for third with Torres filling in the hole for third and Talon Minten getting fourth.

Torres got past Flanagan for second on lap 4, as Leonard slowed and pulled off. Ramzinski went for a spin on lap 6 to bring out a yellow. Okruhlik got away by five car lengths on the green and held that advantage until James Watson spun on lap 10 to bring out a yellow. The top three pulled away on green, while Minten slowed giving up spots to Janel Hilla and Jerry Jones.

Campbell spun again on lap 15 to bring out a yellow and st up a five lap trophy dash to the finish. Okruhlik got a good jump and began puling away, as Flanagan put the heat on Torres for second. As the white waved Okruhlik had a slight margin, over the second place fight, while Hilla and Jones ran side by side. At the checkers it was Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo’s Racing Chassis, Chevy with the win.

“I hope my bad luck wasn’t related to my marriage,” joked Okruhlik. “I think the track worked in my favor tonight. I just took it easy and came out on top. We’ve had some plug wires burn up, bearing go out in the rear end and lost an axle the past three races. I was slipping on the maintenance and now I’ve got some time again and things are going together better.”

“I thought someone was there all the time, I didn’t know who it was and they really weren’t that close. But I was racing like they were. I found a groove that worked. It was kind of catfish the bottom in the corners and run down the straights. I made a few changes, there’s not much you can do on a Pure Stock.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 24 Adam Torres, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 7x Janel Hilla, 15 William Cavender, 10c Karoline Campbell, 13 Cameron Smith, 14 Trey Heald, 89 Talon Minten, 44 James Watson, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton, 71 Mike Harrison, 43 Eric Watson, 58 Randy Frautschi—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 13 Cameron Smith, 7x Janel Hilla, 99 Frank Okruhlik

Gaither Gathers First Ever Win

In only is fourth race of the season on dirt, Dillon Gaither grabbed his first ever Front Runner trophy, but it wasn’t easy. Looking to redeem himself after giving up a win due to a jump start penalty, Gaither jumped into lead only to spin a few laps later. Gaither worked his way back up and got a huge break when leader Cody Earnhardt had his car give up on the last lap. Gaither snuck past Co. Earnhardt at the line to pick up the victory.

On the initial start, Hailee Marcx led the way, but Kirsten Blevins went for an off track excursion in turn 2. The second start saw Gaither get off turn 2 with lead with Co. Earnhardt, Jimmy Carroll, Marcx and Charles Earnhardt III in pursuit. Gaither gave up the lead to Co. Earnhardt on lap 3 when looped it in turn 2.

With Co. Earnhardt now out front, Ch. Earnhardt got by Marcx on the restart for third. As Co. Earnhardt eased away, Brandon Sowder got by Marcx for third after Carroll was forced to pit from a top three spot with a flat right front. Gaither was steadily on the move, getting past Marcx on lap 9 and Sowder on lap 10. Trevor Bettis went off the back stretch for a lap 12 caution.

Ch. Earnhardt was put back two position for his earlier jump putting Gaither on Co. Earnhardt’s bumper for the restart. Co. Earnhardt got a good lead on Gaither and looked to be a runaway winner. But wait…In the last corners of the last lap, Co. Earnhardt had his car give up and it was Gaither nipping him at the line in the Rohmer Racing, Honda Tiburon for his inaugural win.

“I thought I was going to have to settle for second,” replied the young Gaither. “I knew I could make it back up front after I spun and he(Cody Earnhardt) broke and I got the chance and took the win. His car died and just waved me past. I really appreciate Greg Rohmer giving me the opportunity to drive this car.”

“My dad has raced on dirt before and I’ve been around it. I’ve picked it up pretty easy. My main concern was coming back and winning after giving that one away last weekend. We have a Pure Stock at the house that we’re building for next season so I’m moving up.”

Front Runners

9 Dillon Gaither, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 08 Brandon Sowder, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 113 Hailee Marcx, 98E Marie Gonzalez, 57 Trevor Bettis, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 66c Cindy Snider, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 98 Will Holder—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt

Go-Karts

Jr. Division

1 Evan Lambert
11 Caitlyn Leddy
53 Chandler Fox
93 Cavan Leddy
07 Deull Arnold

Jr. Division

82 Andrew Garcia
12 Chentel Dancer
37 Aaron Trevino
9 Caitlin Leonard
137 Adam Trevino
17 Vincent Dancer

By JM Hallas
Photo by JBHotshots

Street Stock Shootout of South Texas invades Shady Oaks Speedway July 23rd

Goliad, Texas is the place to be on Saturday night, July 23, as the 2011 Street Stock Shootout of South Texas rolls into town. Stock car drivers from across central and south Texas will compete for valuable points in their quest for the series championship and multiple nightly awards.

According to series coordinator Stephan Danielsen “This will be a show no one in central or south Texas will want to miss. We’ve got drivers from all over coming in to compete for cash prizes and various other prizes as well as the bragging rights that go along with winning the series. Some have never raced at Shady Oaks Speedway, so it will be good to see how the local masters of the track match up against the visitors. We feel pretty solid on having somewhere between 25 to 30 competitors at this event and possible even more”.

As the series rolls into Goliad, it will be the first stop on a three track tour from now though September. After visiting Shady Oaks Speedway, the series will make a stop in Edna at Texana Raceway Park in August and then the final stop in September at I-37 Raceway in Pleasanton. By the time the night ends in Pleasanton, a champion will be determined.

“This series is unique to other racing series because it was created by people who are not typically promoters, other than just being blessed with the gift of gab. We put this thing together just because we love the sport and like seeing good competition. As the sponsorships and interest from competitors started increasing, we were reminded of the old adage, ‘there is strength in numbers’” said Monty Chamberlain who has assisted Danielsen.

Danielsen is not only spearheading the series, but he is also competing. “I love it when we can bring people together from different tracks in the state and compete on some pretty equal footing. As regulars from different race tracks, we have somewhat different rules at each track, but with trade offs here and there, we are pretty equal overall. We’ve got a bunch of guys that could win this series and even a teenage girl competing in the series. The fans attending at Shady Oaks Speedway, as well as the other stops along the way, will definitely get their moneys worth when the series is there”.

At the kick-off event at Shady Oaks Speedway, current track points leader Tony Blankenship of Victoria will be on hand to compete against many of his regular opponents and the visiting cars. In discussion with Blankenship, he indicates this will be an opportunity for him to test his skills against folks he doesn’t typically race with and a good opportunity to make new racing friends.

“One thing we are focused on when we bring this show into Shady Oaks Speedway is that we will be there to put a show on for race fans that they’ll remember” said Dainelsen. “We have talent across the board in the series and when it comes to dirt track racing, it just doesn’t get much better than this group that will be on hand”.

The green flag drops at 7pm on September 23rd at Shady Oaks Speedway in Goliad. Also on hand for the night’s events will be several other classes including Classic Dwarf cars, Mini-Stocks, Limited Modifieds and others. It is no doubt that the action scheduled for the 23rd is not for the faint of heart.

by Monty Chamberlain
Logo by JBHotshots

Leland Waddell goes wire-to-wire to notch first Limited Late Model win at I-37

Leland Waddell was the first of the two new faces in I-37 Raceway’s Winners Circle as he posted a flag-to-flag win. Waddell jumped out front with Richard Bartosh and Andrew Hesler on his tail. Getting a good jump on a few restarts, Waddell became the fourth new Limited Late Model feature winner for the season.

Waddell took command coming off turn 2 as the 14-car Limited Late Model feature fired with Bartosh, Hesler, Robert Danielson and Trey Votion in pursuit. Votion got around Danielson on lap 3 for fourth. Last weeks winner, AJ Dancer saw his night end early as he went off turn 1 for a caution on lap 6.

As Waddell jumped out on green, Chris Jones went around off turn 4 bringing the yellow back out. Back to green, the top four were only separated by only a couple lengths as the race reached halfway. Hesler gave up third to Votion on lap 12. Jones got hung on the tires at the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 13.

On the restart, Waddell eased ahead, with Hesler looking to retake third from Votion. Votion held off Hesler and began pressuring Bartosh for second. This gave Hesler a run on Votion as they ran door to door on lap 17. As the white flag was shown, Waddell had a five car length margin on Bartosh going on to take his first ever I-37 Limited Late Model victory.

**Waddell left before I could get to the pits for an interview.

Limited Late Models
28 Leland Waddell, 7 Richard Bartosh, 99 Trey Votion, 1x Andrew Hesler, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 08 Kevin Hayden, 14 Gary Hunter, 18 Shane Moore, 33 Shawn Kline, 42 Ron Sprayue, 69 Chris Jones, 32 AJ Dancer, 15 Doug Searcy

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park concluded their Military Appreciation month, dedicated to all our troops, with some great racing action. Two new drivers found the 1/4 mile, semi-banked, dirt track to their liking and made their way to the I-37 Winners Circle in the Limited Late Models and Pure Stock classes.

In other class action it was the usual suspects taking checkered flags in the IMCA Modifieds and Southern SportMods, Street Stocks and Front Runners, plus a return of the Dwarf Car Racing Seres of Texas.

I-37 Raceway takes the Independence Day weekend for families to celebrate and returns to action again on July 9th with a Tribute to the Troops spearheaded by Andrew Hesler. Hesler, along with many other donors will be racing for the Center for the Intrepid helping the Wounded Warriors program.

A bus load of soldiers is expected from BAMC(Brooke Army Medical Center) to be guests of the track. Hesler, in his Limited Late Model, Greg Dinsmore in his IMCA Modified and Jarrett Payton(Pure Stocks) have all opted to start at the back of their features and race their way to the front and put on a show for the troops in attendance.

Dinsmore Dialed-in Again

After seeing his 6-race winning streak broken due to an accident and a week of repairs and readjustments, Greg Dinsmore has found the handle again starting a new streak, now at two. Dinsmore patiently stalked early leader, Robert Liese jr., found an opening and slipped past for the top spot on lap 7. Dinsmore increased his advantage the last half of the race to nearly a half track, while Bill Pittaway took second from Liese.

It was Liese, Borlace and Billy Meyer running three wide into turn 1 as the IMCA Modified feature roared to life. Liese got the point coming off turn 2, while Dinsmore got by Jamie Campbell and Rick Green for fourth. Dinsmore had just gotten past Meyer for third when Meyer lost the hood for a lap 3 yellow. On the restart Dinsmore picked off Borlace for second and closed on Liese.

Dinsmore patiently waited for a slip by Liese and got his chance coming off turn 4 on lap 6. Dinsmore ducked inside Liese and out dragged him into turn 1 to lead lap 8. Behind the leaders, Borlace and Pittaway were swapping third, while Campbell and Green ran side by side for fifth. After giving up third to Pittaway, Borlace fell into a fight with Campbell for that spot.

At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, increasing his lead, Liese, Pittaway, and Borlace along side Campbell for fourth with Darin Leonard getting sixth from Green. Pittaway was able to get by Liese for second on lap 12, but found himself a full straightaway behind Dinsmore. Liese and Campbell then ran wheel to wheel for third with Borlace and Leonard swapping fifth. Dinsmore easily cruised to his eighth win of the season in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JB Hotshots, Wells Designs, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Centex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis.

“The car is what makes it look so easy,” explained Dinsmore. “When it’s right, it’s magical. I let Robert (Liese) have his room and took my time. No one was challenging me so it gave me the time to play with it a bit an make sure I didn’t try the wrong spot to get by.”

After my last wreck, and the amount f money it cost, I just try to ease up a bit and wait for my spot instead of diving in. It’s just not worth it sometimes. You follow them a while and try to read them. Robert has gotten a lot better and I’ve got to give him props on that.”

“We’re still looking at the track championship here. There’s some hot days that I’d really like to stay at home, but I like coming here. It’s kind of tough sometimes with a new baby, or if Candace doesn’t want to go, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

“Next weekend Bob Harris has invited us to come up for the Harris Clash (Knoxville, Ia.), but we’re leaving the car at home. He’s got us our tickets, pit passes and suite. That’s a fabulous show up there. Traveling with a new baby is going to be different.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 67 Robert Liese, Jr., 21 Jason Borlace, 26 Darin Leonard, 82 Rick Green, 99 Billy Meyer, 141 Rob Anderson, 3 Carlton Leverette, 31 Marlin Samford—DNS

Torres Tackles IMCA Sportmods

San Antonio’s Johnny Torres added to his I-37 Raceway season total grabbing another victory in the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Torres didn’t look to be a contender at mid-race as he watched Anthony Gordon and Jason Stanley battle for the top spot. Torres’ car came to life in the final half reeling in and passing Gordon for the lead on lap 16. Torres took the checkers with a several car lengths on Gordon.

As green waved on the 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature, Stanley jumped out front, but the outside backed up with JC Pilcher and Pat Lyon finding the front stretch wall. On the second start Stanley led into turn 1, but it was Gordon, on the top, getting by to lead lap 1. Torres quickly worked his way by Ray Doyon III and Michael Hernandez for third on lap 1.

Stanley tried get by Gordon for the lead on lap 2 and got along side, but Gordon held the spot. Doyon got by Hernandez on lap 3 and challenging Torres for third. As Doyon tried a move on Torres, Hernandez snuck back by for fourth. Doyon then gave up fifth to Micky Helms. Coming to halfway it was Gordon and Stanley easing away, Torres, Hernandez and Helms in the top five.

Stanley again put the heat on the young Gordon getting along side on lap 11. Stanley would half spin on lap 12, losing several pots, but continuing without caution. Torres then began to reel in Gordon catching the leader with five to go. Torres used the bottom get under Gordon and take the lead on lap 16. Gordon hung with Torres the final laps while Hernandez did a 360 giving up a top five spot. At the checkers it was Torres in 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, by 4-car lengths on Gordon.

“It must have been a little luck tonight,” said Torres. “Because my car sure wasn’t working that good. I got some breaks, the right place at the right time and was patient. I took me a while to work my way up since we’ve been struggling with the handling on it. It was a little different, but we got it figured out.”

“I was trying to be more patient with Anthony(Gordon). He’s a good racer and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get into him. I’d really like to see him win one, but I like winning myself more. He’s doing better every week. His time will come soon.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 204 Mickey Helms, 66y Randy Yount, 92 Jason Stanley, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11 Tom Grothues, 04 Jacob Burnett, 85 Jeff Nix, 4 Robby Minten, 9 Ray Doyon III, 94 Allen Torres, 15 JC Pilcher, 60 Pat Lyon, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNS

AJ Dancer added another win to his Street Stock total, after taking a Limited Late Model main event the previous week. Aided by slower traffic, Dancer got by early leader AJ Wernette in the latter stages of the 20-lapper, with Dennis Hilla and Wade Jones all racing under a blanket. Dancer inched away after a late caution, while Jones and AJ Wernette battled for the runner-up spot.

Wayne Wernette led the 14-car Street Stock feature into turn 1, but was passed by his son AJ who led lap 1. Behind W. Wernette, AJ Dancer and Dennis Hilla fell in line. Dancer got by W. Wernette on lap 2, but had already lost ground to AJ Wernette. Hilla and Wade Jones took third and fourth on lap 4, followed by Aaron Leddy to fifth.

As Dancer, Hilla and Jones battled for second nose to tail, AJ Wernette edged away to a larger margin. Dancer and Hilla were door to door on lap 12 giving Jone an opening to grab third when Hilla drifted too high in turn 1. AJ Wernette caught slower traffic and had trouble getting by allowing Dancer to close the gap. Dancer was on AJ Wernette’s bumper as they encountered heavy traffic.

Dancer and AJ Wernette ran side by side on lap 17 with top four now under a proverbial blanket. Dancer snuck to the lead while Hilla made contact with AJ Wernette, sending him around for races only caution. AJ Wernette got his spot back, while Hilla got sent to the tail. The top three broke away on green with Jones getting second from AJ Wernette as the white flag waved. At the checkers it was Dancer in the A Plus Auto Parts, SAS Graphics, Dancer Motorsports, El Camino holding off Jones for the win.

“It was a lot of luck and few lapped cars that helped me tonight,” replied Dancer. “I figured Wade (Jones) was coming. You know he’s going to be there eventually. We moved some weight around between the heat and feature, but it still wasn’t enough. We’re still having a hard time with this car. I’m trying to keep it from three wheeling. It’s the only way the car wants to go. It’s got a mind of its own”

“Driving in two classes, the Street Stocks and Late Models, is like apples and oranges. In the Late Model it will stick and go where you want it to go. In the Street Stock it’s more like a suggestion, I’d like to go this way.”

Street Stocks
52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla, 88j Bobby Jack, 04 Nathan Robbins, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Danny Preslar, 7 Danny Schroat, 5 Rick Schroat, 53 Ben Blanford, 2 Scott Stubbs

Not wanting to be outdone by his brother Robby the week before, Talon Minten was the second first-time winner of the evening in the Pure Stock feature. Minten and Hunter Flanagan raced side by side for several laps until Flanagan found the tire wall and rolled. Minten was then chased by Brandy Ramzinski, who led earlier in the race but spun. Minten used a lapped car as “a pick” to hold Ramzinski off on the final lap.

Eric Watson took the lead of the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature on lap 1, but gave way to Jarrett Payton on lap 2. Ramzinski got along side E. Watson and by for second on lap 2 when Payton slowed. Ramzinski got the lead on lap 3 with E. Watson, Flanagan and Cody Leonard following past a fading Payton. Minten split Karoline Campbell and Adam Torres to move into fifth on lap 5.

Minten got by Leonard in traffic on lap 6 as Leonard slowed with a flat. Ramzinski spun on her own from the lead giving up the spot to Flanagan and narrowly missing Minten before falling to fourth. T. Watson brought out yellow on lap 8 when he stopped in the pit exit. When green waved again, the top four broke ahead and Minten was pressuring Flanagan for the lead.

The two young guns, who are good friends, ran side by side for four laps before Flanagan drifted too high in turn 4, clipped the tire barrier and rolled over bringing out a red flag. Flanagan was a little shaken, but checked out alright by the EMS crew. Once back to green, Minten and Ramzinski got away from Janel Hilla, Devin Adler and Jerry Jones. Ramzinski tried tried low as the white flag waved, but got hung up behind a lapped car in turn 4 giving Minten in the 3-D Landscaping, Cavender Toyota, Clays Auto Parts, Shepherds Race Engines, a clear run to his first ever race win.

“It feels good to get that first win,” commented Minten. “I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) back there at the end and just put it to the floor. I was thankful for that lapped car being when she got under me and got her hung up. Robby wining his first race last week didn’t really put any pressure on me(to win). We’re not that competitive, at least until I get a Sportmod too.”

“I wasn’t really nervous running out front. I was just trying to hit my marks.”

“I had a good race with Hunter(Flanagan) earlier and thought I might have taken him out. He’s my friend and I was nervous when I saw the ambulance come out. I didn’t think we made any contact and he said I didn’t touch him, so we’re good.”

Pure Stock
89 Talon Minten, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 22 Patricia Lucas, 8 Dustin Robin, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 43 Eric Watson, 1 Tim Watson, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton

Old age and experience once again outran youth and exuberance as Jimmy Carroll took the victory in the Front Runner feature. Carroll battled throughout the race with Charles Earnhardt III as they traded the lead several times in the 15-lap event. Carroll, whose age is probably greater than the combined total of second through fifth, held off both Earnhardt boys at the finish.

A lucky 13 cars took the green for the Front Runner feature that went green to checkers, a vast improvement over last weeks crash fest. Ch. Earnhardt jumped into the early lead trailed by Dillon Gaither, Carroll, Cody Smith and Landon Sowder. Carroll quickly began to challenge Gaither for second as the top three pulled away from Sowder and Smith.

The top three were nearly 3-wide for the lead on lap 7, with Carroll getting the spot on lap 8. Carroll and Ch. Earnhardt continued to run side by side for lead while Sowder got by Smith for fourth followed by Cody Earnhardt to fifth. Ch. Earnhardt regained the lead on lap 9 as his brother worked his way past Sowder for fourth.

Carroll snuck back into the lead on lap 12 as the two swapped the top spot corner for corner on lap 13. Carroll secured the point on the final lap, while Co. Earnhardt got third from Gaither. At the checkers it was 68-year old Carroll in Car Craft Auto Service, Mitsubishi Mirage holding off his young competitors for the win, increasing his points lead over Hailee Marcx, who finished eighth.

“It was a little bit of good luck, a little good driving and a good motor by my sponsor Pat Lyon at Car Craft Auto Service.” said Carroll. “I feel very fortunate to still be able to race at 68 and still out run all those younger drivers.”

“This will help me in the points against Hailee(Marcx). She’s a good young racer and drives a good, clean race all the time.”

Front Runners
67 Jimmy Carroll, 33 Charlie Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 9 Dillon Gaither, 08 Landon Sowder, 13 Cody Smith, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 113 Hailee Marcx, 27 Hayden Anderson, 66c Cindy Snider, 98E Will Holder, 12 Roy Easler sr., 57 Trevor Bettis–BF

In the Dwarf Car feature Chuck McCormick found his way to the Winners Circle getting by early leader Michael Dion near halfway. McCormick held off a late charge by veteran Arden Vikre in the final circuits to grab the victory.

Dion jumped out front at the start of the 2-lap DCRST feature with Dwain Groff spinning from second leaving Richard Smith, McCormick and Jim Mokry trailing Dion. McCormick got past Smith for second as Mokry spun from fourth and fell back. McCormick began to put the heat on Dion for lead and snagged the spot on lap 9. Chris Silvas jr. spun on lap 9 for the races only caution.

On the restart, McCormick eased away with Brian Wells getting by Dion for second as Arden Vikre shot by both Dion and Smith for third. D. Groff made his way back to the top five, while Wells and Vikre battled for second. Vikre got the position with two to go and tried to close on McCormick. Vikre got close but at the checkers it was McCormick hanging on for the win.

Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas
8 Chuck McCormick, 72 Arden Vikre, 69 Brian Wells, 2 Jim Mokry, 60 Richard Smith, 07 Michael Dion, 86 Chris Silvas jr., 15 Dwain Groff, 30 Billy Groff, 96 Tyler Wells, 61 John Flake—DNS, 27 Butch Havelka–DNS, 85 Chris Silvas sr.–DNS

by J.M. Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

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