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Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from THR’s Stock Car Spectacular

The Stock Car Spectacular is the biggest race of the season for Thunderhill Raceway and you will want to be at the track this weekend for all the stock car racing excitement at the 3/8-mile, d-shaped oval.

But if you can’t make it to the track, join Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt as he describes the racing action via the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates this Saturday beginning at 4 p.m.

Feel free to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast although there will more than likely be a delay between the time you post and the time the post shows up for everyone to see. That’s because I have to approve all posts and sometimes I get very busy keeping up with the action.

To get started, click the icon below.

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway, 9/10/2011

Umscheid Race Services and Lone Star Speedzone will be bringing you Live, Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.

Follow the exciting stock car racing action as I do my best to provide lap-by-lap coverage of all 10 feature races from the 3/8-mile track in Kyle, Texas.

Readers can join in by asking questions and making comments as we go along, but most likely there will be a delay my in getting comments approved since I keep pretty busy following the on-track action, but don’t get discouraged.

You know and I know that nothing takes the place of being at the track in person, but if you can’t make it on Saturday, join me by clicking on the icon below.

Nick

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

Trey Votion Four-peats in Limited Late Models at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park

Trey Votion, the new hot shoe in the Limited Late Model class at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park in Pleasanton, Texas, grabbed his fourth victory in a row during the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature in a caution-filled race this past Satur

Votion assumed the point when Andrew Hesler spun from the top spot, then held off a late charge by multi-time track champion Gary Hunter, for the win. Finishing in the top five were Hunter, Robert Danielson, Harlin Covert and Matt Hodge.

The 14-car Limited Late Model feature was a rock ‘em, sock ‘em event from the start. Hesler jumped out front on green with Danielson, Hodge, Votion and Hunter in pursuit. Lap 1 saw the first yellow when Craig Crawley, Chris Jones and Dustin Tillman tangled in turn 2. On the restart Hesler got a good jump, with Hodge getting second from Danielson. In turn 4 Leland Waddell and Ron Sprayue got together for a lap 2 caution.

Back to green, Hesler and Hodge got away, while Votion got around Danielson for third. Jones brought out a yellow on lap 3 with a solo spin in turn 4. Hodge gave Hesler a look low as green waved again, and Hunter moved past Danielson for fourth. Hodge looped it in turn 4, with Hunter making slight contact and Danielson rubbing with Bartosh as they tried to avoid Hodge on lap 5.

Finally to some green flag racing with Votion putting the heat on Hesler for the lead. As they battled for the lead, Hunter closed in on both. While Votion gave Hesler a look low, Hunter edged past for second on lap 7, while Bartosh took fifth from Harlin Covert. As they top three fought it out nose to tail, Waddell shot out the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 9.

After a spin by Waddell on the ensuing restart, Hunter tried Hesler low for the lead. Votion moved up top retaking second on lap 10. Hesler found the track troll in turn 4 tonight, as he went around giving up the lead to Votion. Votion and Hunter pulled away from Danielson, Covert and Kevin Hayden. Hodge had just made his way back into the top five when Hayden spun on lap 16.

Votion got away on green as Danielson briefly snuck past Hunter for second. Hunter regained the position and began to chase down Votion. Behind them Hodge and Covert had a side by side fight for fourth. Hunter gave Votion one last charge but came up a bit short with Votion in the Northside Ford, Kelly Chassis taking the victory.

“It’s been real good for us here lately,” said Votion. “I’ve got no complaints. My brother and I have worked on this car week after week and finally got it to where I’m real happy with it. It’s doing what I want and I can run top or bottom. A couple guys were tough to get around, I may have to make some more changes.”

“It was tough tonight, quite a few were fast. It’s not easy to find your rhythm with all those cautions. It can be a little frustrating. You finally get a run on someone, caution comes out, and you have to start all over. I just kept searching around for the best line.”

“I was finally able to make some decent moves, and got away with some mistakes too. Luckily I didn’t make them at the end. I was on the bottom when Andrew(Hesler) went around so avoiding him wasn’t an issue. There were some cars torn up tonight. Hopefully next time we can get back to better racing without all the cautions.”

Limited Late Models results

99 Trey Votion, 14 Gary Hunter, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 58 Matt Hodge, 1x Andrew Hesler, 94 Dustin Tillman, 08 Kevin Hayden, 69 Chris Jones, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell, 42 Ron Sprayue, 18 Shane Moore, 6 Craig Crawley

Limited Late Model heat winners; 58 Matt Hodge, 99 Trey Votion, 18 Shane Moore

Several other classes were racing at the IMCA sanctioned quarter-mile dirt track and their events are reported below.

Campbell Cashes in Modified Main

Jamie Campbell picked up win number two in the IMCA Modifieds holding off a multi-time winner Greg Dinsmore. Campbell got the lead on a second start and never looked back going wire to wire for the win. Dinsmore chased Campbell throughout the 20-lap main event, but faded near the finish leaving Campbell unchallenged at the checkers. Dinsmore held second with Rick Green, Bill Pittaway and Darin Leonard filling out the top five.

Matt Fox led the 13-car IMCA Modified field into turn 1, but slid high in turn 2 giving the lead to Leonard. Billy Meyer, Tracy Fink, Gilbert Amezquita and Rick Green all got tangled in turn 2 for an early caution. On the restart Campbell got out ahead of Leonard followed by Dinsmore. Dinsmore was challenging Campbell when Amezquita stopped in turn 2.

On the restart Campbell and Dinsmore got away on top, while Leonard and Pittaway ran the bottom. Green got around Fink on lap five for fifth. Fox went around in turn 4 on lap 6 to bring out a caution. Campbell and Dinsmore again broke ahead coming to halfway with Campbell, Dinsmore, Leonard, Pittaway and Green in the top five.

As the lead duo checked out, Pittaway got by Leonard with Green joining in. They were three wide for the spot on lap 12 with Green following Pittaway by. Green then picked off third from Pittaway on lap 14. Up front Campbell was inching away from Dinsmore as the laps wound down. As the white flag waved Campbell had an 8-car length margin on Dinsmore going on to his second win in the aplusboatparts.com, Swenson Racing Shocks, VP Race Fuels, Hillen Automotive, Performance Machine Shop, Swenson Chassis.

I just tried to be smooth and take up as much track as I could.” commented Campbell. “It’s more gratifying beating Greg(Dinsmore) on the track. He’s always fast here. When I won three weeks ago I was a half lap behind when he wrecked, so I got a big break.”

“I figured one of those Harris cars was back there. I couldn’t hear anyone and I just tried to focus on my line. I just tried to keep my momentum up, and keep the tires under the car.”

“Jamie(Campbell) ran a good race and held the fast line,” added runner-up(and new daddy) Dinsmore. “My car just had no forward bite. I could get in the corner, but couldn’t get off. I think there’s still something bent and the rear end is a couple inches out.”

IMCA Modifieds
29 Jamie Campbell , 8g Greg Dinsmore, 82 Rick Green, 37 Bill Pittaway, 26 Darin Leonard, 24 Tracy Fink, 31 Marlin Samford, 99 Billy Meyer, 67 Robert Liese jr., 14 Joe O’Bryan, 53x Matt Fox, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 44 Joe Spillman

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1
37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 24 Tracy Fink, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 53x Matt Fox, 99 Billy Meyer

Heat 2
67 Robert Liese jr., 26 Darin Leonard, 31 Marlin Samford, 82 Rick Green, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 44 Joe Spillman

Blaylock Back in Victory Lane

Brandon Blaylock(Cypress) made his first trip to I-37 Raceway this season a memorable one as he picked up another feature. Blaylock, who has won at the track in the past, got by early leader Tom Grothues after halfway and built a big lead. Points leader, Johnny Torres worked his way to second in the final laps but never got close enough to pressure Blaylock. Grothues, Brian Rye and Greg Rohmer completed the top five.

Grothues was first into turn 1 for the lead at the start of the 20-lap, 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Behind him it was three wide for second with Moe VanKirk and Randy Yount going around in turn 4, but continuing without caution. With Grothues on the point, Rohmer, B. Rye, Travis Penny and Blaylock fell in behind.

Blaylock picked off fourth from Penny on lap 3. Torres began his move forward getting sixth from Kris Rye, while Blaylock got along side B. Rye for third. Blaylock took over third with Torres getting fifth from Penny on lap 6. Blaylock then got around Rohmer as they both closed on Grothues. It was nearly three wide for the lead on lap 8, with Grothues holding on.

At the crossed flags it was Grothues and Blaylock side by side, Rohmer, Torres and B. Rye in the top five. Grothues, a former pavement driver, held his own as he and Blaylock ran wheel to wheel for the lead until Blaylock finally secured the spot on lap 13. Torres made his way to third getting by Rohmer, with B. Rye following to fourth.

Torres got under Grothues on lap 17 for second but found himself well behind Blaylock. With the white flag in the air, Blaylock held a ½ straightaway advantage over Torres and cruised to the checkers in the Diamondback Transport, Bebo Race Designs, Boehle Signs, Valley Powder Coat, Rhino Racing Rear Ends, Blaylock Chassis.

“This track is one of my favorites,” replied Blaylock. “It’s been real good to us over the years. I’ve won the last four times we’ve made it out here. The track just seems to fit my driving style well.”

“I really have to give my wife a lot of thanks, she’s pretty much taken over as my mechanic since we’ve moved to the Houston area and farther away from my dad.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod
9B Brandon Blaylock, 66 Johnny Torres, 11 Tom Grothues, 184 Brian Rye, 51 Greg Rohmer, 4$ Kris Rye, 10 Travis Penny, 21 Jason Borlace, 58 Moe VanKirk, 99x Michael Hernandez, 60 Pat Lyon, 4 Robby Minten, 66y Randy Yount, 99 Anthony Malhorin

IMCA SSM heats
Heat 1
66 Johnny Torres, 58 Moe VanKirk, 10 Travis Penny, 184 Brian Rye, 99x Michael Hernandez, 21 Jason Borlace, 4 Robby Minten

Heat 2
9B Brandon Blaylock, 51 Greg Rohmer, 66y Randy Yount, 11 Tom Grothues, 4$ Kris Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 99 Anthony Malhorin

In the Street Stock feature Wade Jones added another win to his career total, but it wasn’t easy. Jones got by AJ Wernette in the early stages of the 20-lapper and was chased by AJ Dancer after a mid-race caution. Jones, the two-time track champ, held off a challenge by Dancer, then inched out to a slight lead at the finish. Dancer, Robert Danielson, Mike Lyon and Joe Spillman rounded out the top five.

AJ Wernette got off turn 2 with the early lead in the 13-car Street Stock feature, but Dancer, Dennis Hilla, Rick Schroat and Nathan Robbins got tangled n turn 4. AJ Wernette led the restart into turn 1 with Jones, Robbins and Spillman three wide for second. As they shook out it was Spillman, Jones, Hilla and Lyon behind AJ Wernette.

Jones got by Spillman for second an along side AJ Wernette for the lead. Spillman gave a quick thought about three wide, but let discretion be the better part of valor. Jones got the top spot on lap 3, with Dancer getting fifth from Hilla and Robert Danielson. Dancer then snared fourth from Lyon when Robbins slapped the front stretch wall for a caution.

Once back to green, Danielson gave Lyon a run for fifth, but Lyon held him off. Spillman tried to duck under AJ Wernette for second but gave Dancer a chance on top to get third on lap 8. Dancer then got by AJ Wernette as Danielson finally grabbed fifth from Lyon. Dancer, who was a corner behind Jones got a break when R. Schroat spun in turn 4 on lap 12 for a caution, rebunching the field.

Dancer gave Jones a look low as green waved again, but Jones held firm. Behind them, Danielson went by both AJ Wernette and Spillman for third. As Spillman and AJ Wernette slugged it out for fourth, Lyon joined the battle. Jones took the white with a slight margin on Dancer and rolled on to the checkers in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro.

“I really had to work for that one,” commented Jones. “The track was slick, slick, slick. I try to adjust my driving style on the dry slick and let the car drive itself instead of using the motor. We put some new tires on it tonight, and that helped a lot. We were still running tires from last year.”

“We came out here last Friday and got some practice, changed some things and that helped too. We also put in a new motor, the other one was worn out. I love racing against AJ(Dancer). He’s a good driver and he raced me clean.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 186 Robert Danielson, 40 Mike Lyon, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 AJ Wernette, 2x Dennis Hilla, 93 Aaron Leddy, 5 Rick Schroat, 7 Danny Schroat, 37w Wayne Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 04 Nathan Robbins

Street Stock heat winners; 52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones

The Pure stock feature saw Frank Okruhlik work his way to front and reel in Adam Torres, debuting a car recently purchased from two-time track champ Marc Roy. After a multi-lap door to door battle, Okruhlik got the lead with only a few laps to go. Torres tried to retake the top spot, but was slow to go on a late restart, leaving Okruhlik to grab the checkers. Torres held off Talon Minten for second with Jerry Jones fourth and Janel Hilla fifth.

Torres quickly jumped out front as the 20-lap, 14-car Pure Stock feature came to the green. James Watson, Minten, Jones and Cody Leonard fell in line behind Torres. Watson and Minten made contact giving Jones, Leonard and Brandy Ramzinski an opening to get by. While Ramzinski an Minten battled for fourth, Okruhlik got by Minten for fifth.

Yellow waved on lap 8 when Mereda Major had trouble in turn 2. On the restart Ramzinski got by Leonard for third but spun for a quick yellow. Okruhlik took advantage of Leonard on the restart getting third. Okruhlik then got past Jones for second while Leonard and Minten ran side by side for fourth. Yellow waved on lap 11 when Dustin Robin got into Major coming off turn 4.

With Okruhlik now on Torres’ bumper, the two took off with Torres on the bottom and Okruhlik looking high. The two were door to door for the lead on lap 13, and again on lap 15, while Minten got by Jones for third. Okruhlik got the top spot from Torres on lap 16. Torres tried to regain the point, with Ramzinski working her way back up to fourth.

Robin brought out a lap 18 caution when he spun on the front stretch, setting up a green, white, checker finish. When green waved Torres was slow to take off giving Okruhlik the chance to open up a lead. Torres had to fend off Minten as Okruhlik pulled away to snag the victory in the Odie Racing, Mo’s Racing Chassis, Chevy.

“These guys are really stepping up,” said Okruhlik. “I like it. I don’t like being out there by myself. I’m going to have get my game together even more now. He(Adam Torres) was breathing down my neck after I got around him.”

“I made a few changes for the track between the heat and feature. They really helped me out. I just tried to run my own line and try not to mess up.”

Pure Stocks
99 Frank Okruhlik, 24(94) Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 95 Jerry Jones, 7x Janel Hilla, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 2 Patricia Lucas, 14 Trey Heald, 8 Dustin Robin, 33 Mereda Major, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26 Cody Leonard, 9 Jarrett Payton

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 89 Talon Minten

Cody Earnhardt was awarded the victory in the Front Runner feature even though he wasn’t first across the line. Earnhardt, who lead the majority of the 15-lap race, was run down by Roy Easler jr. in the latter stages. The two made contact on the final lap sending Earnhardt up the track, and Easler by for the checkers. Officials penalized Easler for the contact giving the victory to Earnhardt. Cody Smith, Brandon Sowder, Jimmy Carroll and Hailee Marcx trailed the leader to the line.

As the 12-car Front Runner feature took the green, Cindy Snider broke out to the early lead followed by Earnhardt, Sowder, Kursten Blevins and Joshua Mares. Earnhardt got by Snyder for the lead on lap 3, while Easler charged past Mares and Cody Smith for fourth. Sowder drifted up too high in turn 4 giving up spots to Easler, Smith and Mares.

Mares’ top five run ended on lap 9 when he lost the right front wheel and bought out a caution. On the restart Earnhardt and Easler checked out on the field to settle it among themselves. On the final lap in turn 4 the two got together sending Earnhardt high into the marbles. Easler was first across the line, but black flagged giving Earnhardt, in the Earnhardt & Sons Automotive, Big Lou’s Pizza, Rushmore Plumbing, Mazda, the victory.

Front Runners
33c Cody Earnhardt, 13 Cody Smith, 08 Brandon Sowder, 67 Jimmy Carrol, 113 Hailee Marcx, 12 Roy Easler jr, 17 Kursten Blevins, 98 Hayden Anderson, 98E Marie Gonzales, 9 Dillon Gaither, 66R Cindy Snider, 3 Joshua Mares

Front Runners heat winners; 33c Cody Earnhardt, 12 Roy Easler jr.

By J M Hallas
Photo by Jamie Brabson

Greg Dinsmore tops IMCA Modifieds at I-37 Raceway

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore showed off his new graphics wrap by putting it out front and landing in the Winners Circle for the sixth straight race at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park Saturday.

Dinsmore jumped out front early taking the lead from Darin Leonard who was driving Dinsmore’s old car. From there it was a slew of cautions and red flags with Dinsmore breaking away from Leonard. Bill Pittaway, Dennis Taylor and Jamie Campbell rounded out the top five.

One might have thought it was full moon with the IMCA Modified feature having more yellow than a school district bus parking lot. Two drivers - Bob Leinweber and Carlton Leverette - ended up on their lids.

During intermission of the special Mother’s Day event, all moms were honored and given roses by drivers who then broke into a dance contest, of sorts. Rene Mares was determined the winner with some contestants probably taking a trip to the chiropractor on Monday.

Two new drivers found their way to the Winners Circle, Stephan Danielson (Street Stock) and Landon Sowder (Front Runner) while the other four classes saw the usual suspects running out front.

Dinsmore Dialed In Again.

Rumors circulated in the pits of a bounty being placed Dinsmore, but they better hurry as his wife, Candace, who is a big part of the crew, is due soon and will shelve him for some of the season.

As green waved for the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature Leonard made a quick move from row two to the lead with Dinsmore, from row three on his tail. Behind them Gilbert Amezquita spun in turn 2, while Carlton Leverette clipped the turn 4 tire barrier and rolled onto his roof. The second start was similar as Leonard and Dinsmore broke out quickly only to have Taylor and Marlin Samford spin in turn 4.

Leonard and Dinsmore got away clean on the restart with Dinsmore getting by to lead lap 2 and Pittaway getting along side Leonard for second. Matt Fox brought out a yellow on lap 3 with a solo spin in turns 1-2. As Dinsmore took off on green it was only a lap until Amezquita stopped in turn 2 for a lap 4 yellow. Dinsmore eased away again on green while Jon Holmstrom slowed from fifth. Pittaway and Campbell were battling for third on lap 5 while Taylor got past Samford for fifth.

Fox and Samford then tangled in turn 1 for a caution on lap 7. Pittaway began to challenge Leonard for second as green flew again, but Campbell spun in turn 4 for a lap 8 caution. Back under green again with Dinsmore edging away until Bob Leinweber got sideway and collected by Samford sending Leinweber over in turn 2 for a red flag.

After the clean up and fuel burn off, racing finally resumed with Dinsmore leading coming to halfway followed by Leonard, Pittaway, Taylor and Fox. Fox saw his night end with a second solo spin on lap 13 sending him to the pits. As Dinsmore took off, Campbell and Taylor began a battle for fourth. Campbell tried high in turn 3, then crossed over to duck under Taylor for the spot.

Campbell then slipped too high in turn 1 giving the position back to Taylor. Up front it was Dinsmore pulling away to a full straightaway advantage on Leonard as the white flag waved. Dinsmore cruised the final lap to pick up the victory in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Wells Designs, Good ol’ Days Garage, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis.

“The track was real slick tonight, but it had a couple fast spots,” explained Dinsmore. “Some guys were set up for a fast track and hit the slick spots and be all over the place. They’d get loose, get tight and get wild. The track got looser going in, but faster on the top. I tried the bottom, but the right rear was rocking hard and couldn’t get off (the corner) down there. The car was faster on top.”

“I wanted to try some new things that Bob (Harris) told me, but I may have gotten a little gun shy with the track, and went back to way I’ve run it all year here. I’d still like to try it. Talking to some of the north guys like Josh Carpenter and JJ Wise, we’ve been walking through some things and sharing information. But you hate to lose trying something new, when you know what has been winning”

“With all the cautions you burn off a lot of fuel and the car starts to lose some forward bite and get loose going in. The rear percentage goes away, the forward bite goes away, it’s one thing after another. You try to adjust it with some brake bias to compensate for the weight coming off the rear of the car.”

“After the next race, and a couple scheduled weekends off, I’ll probably be taking some time off for our new baby. We hoping to have a happy, healthy baby and everything works out fine. I may come out to watch, but I can’t come race without my wife. She’s a big part of my team and I wouldn’t do it without her.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 37 Bill Pittaway, 38 Dennis Taylor, 29 Jamie Campbell, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 53x Matt Fox, 12 Bob Leinweber, 31c Marlin Samford, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 67 Robert Liese jr., 3 Carlton Leverette, 99 Billy Meyer—DNS

IMCA Modified heats

Heat 1
37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr., 29 Jamie Campbell, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 31c Marlin Samford, 53x Matt Fox, 13 Gilbert Amezquita
Heat 2
38 Dennis Taylor, 26 Darin Leonard, 12 Bob Leinweber, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 3 Carlton Leverette, 99 Billy Meyer

Torres Topples Sportmod Field Again

Like his friend and Modified counterpart, San Antonio’s Johnny Torres remains undefeated during the 2011 racing season at I-37 Raceway. Torres moved up to the lead near halfway then battled with rookie Michael Hernandez throughout out the remainder of the 20-lap event. Hernandez, coming out of the Mini-Sprint ranks, continues to gain experience and looks to be a winner soon.

At the start of the 16-car feature Hernandez and Larry Jernigan stayed wheel to wheel in turn 1-2 with Hernandez getting the advantage trailed by Greg Rohmer, Anthony Gordon and Moe VanKirk. Torres wasted little time trying to move forward going three wide with Brian Rye and Dustin Butcher for sixth on lap 1. Torres then picked off fifth from VanKirk and got along side Gordon for fourth. Once clear, Torres and Rohmer were side by side for third, as Butcher got fifth from Gordon.

Butcher then got past Gordon for fifth when Travis Penny expired a motor a stopped at the same time Gordon was spinning in turn 2. On the restart Torres looked under Hernandez in turn 2 and again in turn 3 getting by for the lead on lap 9. At the crossed flags it was Torres, Hernandez, Jernigan, Rohmer and Butcher in the top five.

Butcher then took fourth from Rohmer and was on Jernigan for third. Butcher got the position on lap 11 but slid too high in turn 4 giving the spot back to Jernigan. Up front Hernandez, running the top, was getting runs on Torres who was hugging the bottom. As Butcher and Jernigan continued the fight for third, Butcher went around in turn 4 for a lap 15 yellow.

As green waved again, Torres went to the bottom, Hernandez to the top only to have yellow wave for debris in turn 3. Torres got a good jump on the restart with B. Rye and VanKirk side by side for sixth. Kris Rye, Rohmer and Jernigan were three wide for third on lap 17, a positions 3-10 changed nearly every corner as the race wound down.

Hernandez, using the momentum up top was still giving Torres a run for th lead, but Torres would hold him off getting a better run off on the low side. Mickey Helms made a late charge racing into the top five with two to go. The Torres, Hernandez battle continued to the checkers with Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis holding off the young Hernandez for his sixth win of the year.

“That 99 car(Hernandez) was giving me a good run on the top.” replied Torres. “I passed a couple cars on top early, but the bottom has always been my line so I stuck with it. I think the top might have been better, but since I passed him on the bottom I figured that he couldn’t get back by me.”

“I knew tonight I wasn’t going to be patient. I did that last weekend it almost bit me. I knew there were fast cars behind me too, so I had to go right away.”

“i saw how bad the Modified race was but figured it(the track) would be different since there were two races between them and us. I knew the track as going to slick up. I want to thank Greg(Dinsmore) for all the help he’s given me.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

66 Johnny Torres, 99x Michael Hernandez, 4$ Kris Rye, 18 Larry Jernigan, 174 Mickey Helms, 51 Greg Rohmer, 184 Brian Rye, 58 Moe VanKirk, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 75 Bo Beckner, 90 Dustin Butcher, 11 Tom Grothues, 60 Pat Kelly, 57 Jason Kelly, 10 Travis Penny, 89 Steve Whiteaker jr—DNTG, 99 Anthony Malhorin—DNS, 4 Robby Minten—DNS

IMCA SSM heats

Heat 1
89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 58 Moe VanKirk, 51 Greg Rohmer, 184 Brian Rye, 57 Jason Kelly, 4 Robby Minten
Heat 2
66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 4$ Kris Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 99 Anthony Malhorin, 11 Tom Grothues
Heat 3
90 Dustin Butcher, 18 Larry Jernigan, 99x Michael Hernandez, 66y Randy Yount, 174 Mickey Helms, 75 Bo Beckner, 10 Travis Penny

Victory for Votion in Limited Late Models.

After picking off a big win last weekend, Trey Votion backed that up with another victory in the Limited Late Model 20-lap feature. Votion caught early leader Matthew Hodge and after a side by side battle got the top spot on lap 5. Votion then inched away in the waning laps while Hodge and defending champ, Richard Bartosh battled for second.

Hodge jumped out to the early advantage with Votion on his tail and Chris Jones running door to door with Shane Moore for third. Moore would spin in turn 4 to bring out the yellow on lap 2. Hodge and Votion broke ahead on green with Votion giving a look low. They were side by side on lap 4 with Hodge holding the spot through turns 1-2, but giving up the lead to Votion in turn 4.

Behind the lead duo, Bartosh and Andrew Hesler were able to get by Robert Danielson for fourth and fifth. Jones brought the yellow on lap 7 when looped it in turn 2. Hodge tried to duck low on Votion as green waved again, but gave up some ground. Hesler and Bartosh were side by side for third on lap 8, with Danielson and Gary Hunter running door to door for fifth.

Hesler had just made the pass on Bartosh when Moore and Jones got together in turn 4 for a lap 10 caution. As the lead duo pulled away, Hesler was still trying Bartosh for third. Hesler spun himself from that battle giving up the fourth spot, but kept the power on to avoid a yellow. Hodge slipped in turn 2 giving Bartosh an opening to stick the nose inside, but Kevin Hayden spun in turn 2 for a lap 15 yellow

As Votion got a good restart, Bartosh was side by side with Hodge for second. Bartosh took the spot on lap 16 and got a break when Hayden spun again on lap 18 putting him on Votion’s bumper. On the restart Hesler went around in turn 2 as he went troll hunting. Once back to green Bartosh was unable to mount a challenge on Votion as he was fighting to hold off Hodge. At the checkers it was Votion in the Northside Ford, Kelly Chassis grabbing the win.

“I was just trying to keep the car in groove on the bottom,” said Votion. “I was searching around for any moisture and there was a little left on the bottom. I just tried not to overdrive the car and keep it in the wet stuff.”

“The bottom of turn 4 was about he only place with any moisture. Turns 1-2 were real tricky. I felt like I was going to loop it a couple going into turn 3. I thought it was going to stay tacky and was going to change a tire. I kind of regretted not changing it, but the car still worked good and I was able to get by Matt(Hodge) and keep it out front.”

“I want to add Happy Mothers Day to my mom and wife, this was the first race that my mom has watched.”

Limited Late Models

99 Trey Votion, 7 Richard Bartosh, 58 Matthew Hodge, 14 Gary Hunter, 49 Robert Danielson, 6 Craig Crawley, 69 Chris Jones, 1x Andrew Hesler, 08 Kevin Hayden, 86 Andy Anderson, 18 Shane Moore

Limited Late Model heat winners, 7 Richard Bartosh, 18 Shane Moore

Danielson Out-duels Dancer and Jones for First Ever I-37 Win

In only the second race in a completely reworked car, Stephan Danielson was able to put it into the Winners Circle. Danielson gave up the lead early to Wade Jones but retook the spot near halfway. Danielson was chased late by AJ Dancer but out distanced him for the victory.

Danielson beat AJ Wernette into turn 1 to grab the early of the 20-lap Street Stock feature. Tommy Casey, Dennis Hilla and Jones ran three wide for third with Jones getting the spot. Jones then put Wernette back a spot and began closing on Danielson. In the pack Dancer and Greg Dinsmore, testing the Aaron Leddy machine, made contact cutting down a tire on Dinsmore who slowed and brought out a yellow on lap 3.

On the restart Jones dove inside Danielson to take the lead on lap 4 with Dancer and Danielson side by side for second and Casey getting by Wernette for fourth. Danielson moved up top and found a faster line retaking the point from Jones on lap 8. Dancer was able to get past Jones on lap 11 for second. As Danielson inched away Casey closed the gap on Jones and Dancer.

With five to go Jones began to fade giving up spots to Casey and Mike Lyon. Dancer drifted too high in turn 4, got it corrected only to door slam Casey who pulled off to the infield. Out front Danielson now had a comfortable margin in the Paul Swoyer Septic, , Hill Country Fireplaces, Texas Hill Country Renovations, TD Landscape, First Choice Storage, Treasure Island Fantasy Sports, Spreen Racing Engines, Swenson Racing car going on to the victory.

“This is my first feature win at this track,” commented Danielson. “We got several last year at Shady Oaks. This is only my third race here ever. The track was real slick tonight. Wade(Jones) passed me on the bottom and I had to try another groove so I went up top and that was the way to go. I couldn’t do anything on the bottom.”

“It was a big surprise that the top worked so good. I used the bottom in the heat race and everything was perfect so I expected it to be similar. It wasn’t. I didn’t do my homework and wasn’t expecting my car to hook up on top. Thank God it did, that was the fast way around. This car ran and worked the best it ever has.”

“We missed the first couple weeks because we wanted to have the car right. We knew coming here to run against Wade we had to have our stuff together. I want to finish races first and foremost. I’ve been looking forward to racing him and we’ve been talking back and forth. Tonight was a nice win for us.”

Street Stocks

149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 40 Mike Lyon, 41 Wade Jones, 2x Dennis Hilla, 2 Scott Stubbs, 7 Danny Schroat, 31 Joseph Batot, 37w Wayne Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 93 Greg Dinsmore, 37 AJ Wernette, 53 Ben Blanford

Street Stock heat winners, 2x Dennis Hilla, 149 Stephan Danielson

Okruhlik Outruns Henley for Pure Stock Payday

After being sidelined early last week with motor woes, Frank Okruhlik rebounded to find himself in a place he’s become very familiar with, the Winners Circle. It wasn’t easy as Okruhlik had to work his way up to battle with last weeks winner, Jarrett Payton. Okruhlik got the spot with two to go and was chased by Justin Henley to the finish line.

Caroline Campbell was first out of turn 2 with the lead of the 20-lap, 19-car Pure Stock feature. Tim Watson, Cody Leonard, Payton and Eric Watson fell in line behind the leader. Payton quickly moved past Leonard and T. Watson for second leaving T. Watson and Leonard side by side for third, while Brandy Ramzinski pulled along side E. Watson.

Payton got inside Campbell to grab the lead on lap 4 with Ramzinski moving up to third and Janel Hilla to fifth. Okruhlik broke into the top five on lap 5 getting past Hilla for the spot. Ramzinski found herself stopped at the bottom of turn 4 on lap 6 giving up her top five spot. Once back to green Leonard got by Campbell for second while Okruhlik moved in on both.

It was three wide for second on lap 8 with the fight for the spot continuing on lap 9 giving Hilla a chance to join. When things finally shook out it was Campbell still holding second and Okruhlik third. Okruhlik then got around Campbell for second, while Henley, on the high side got by Hilla and Leonard for fourth. Trey Heald broke and stopped in turn 1 to bring out a yellow and erase Payton’s big lead.

Payton got a good jump on Okruhlik, while Henley got past Campbell for third. It didn’t take Okruhlik long to close back in on Payton, and the fight was on. Okruhlik ducked inside Payton on the back stretch, but Payton, up top, held on. As they fought it out up front, Henley closed in. After a couple laps of door to door action, Okruhlik got the lead on lap 18 with Henley following to second. Okruhlik in the Tanner Services LLC, Odie Racing, Jackson Construction, Yours & Mine Crafts, Mo’s Chassis held off Henley for the victory.

“Man, the competition is really stepping up,” exclaimed Okruhlik. “They’re doing a good job. Patience paid off tonight. I followed Jarrett around for a while and waited for him to slip up. I don’t go out there with any plans. You just have to play it as it happens. You never know. I just kind of goes as it goes.”

“The track seemed to change during the Modified race. It was tacky for our race and was pretty good.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 96 Justin Henley, 9s Jarrett Payton, 7x Janel Hilla, 43 Eric Watson, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26c Cody Leonard, 95 Jerry Jones, 98 William Saunders, 15 William Cavender, 33 Nerida Major, 71 Mike Harrison, 10c Caroline Campbell, 58 Leland Frautschi, 14 Trey Heald, 1 Tim Watson, 66c Rick Snyder, 94 Allen Torres, 44 James Watson, 89 Talon Minten—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 44 James Watson, 7x Janel Hilla

Sowder Sneaks Into Front Runner Win

Landon Sowder found himself in the right spot at the right time after trouble befell both of Earnhardt boys cars. Sowder led only one lap but it was the most important as he picked up his first ever Front Runner checkers.

Sowder and Kirsten Blevins stayed side by side through turns 1-2 with Charlie Earnhardt III going three wide to grab the early lead. Cody Earnhardt, Hailee Marcx and Jimmy Carroll were three wide for fourth on lap 2. Co. Earnhardt got the spot then picked off third from Sowder. As Co. Earnhardt challenged Blevins for second, his brother Ch. Earnhardt slowed and pulled off.

This left Co. Earnhardt out front on lap 7. Hailee Marcx broke and stopped in turn 4 to bring out the races only yellow on lap 8. On the restart Sowder and Carroll got by Blevins for second and third as Co. Earnhardt held the point. With two to go Co. Earnhardt’s car began to sputter and slow. Sowder reeled him in and got the lead as the white was shown. Sowder held off Carroll the final lap for his inaugural win.

Front Runners

08 Landon Sowder, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 17 Kirstin Blevins, 911 Raynez Akers, 98 Jim Knudtson, 66c Cindy Snider, 98E Lillian Gonzales, 33 Charlie Earnhardt III, 113 Hailee Marcx, 57 Trevor Bettis—DNS

Front Runner heat winners, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 33c Cody Earnhardt

by J M Hallas

“Umscheid Race Services Live Interactive Updates” from Thunderhill Raceway, 4/23/2011

First, we welcome Umscheid Race Services as the sponsor for this and future Live Interactive Updates. JC Umschied and his team of professionals are well respected in Texas and well beyond our borders.

Second, I had a hard drive failure this past week and just got the laptop up and running early this morning. If all goes well I will be bringing you the Umscheid Race Services Live Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway this evening, 4/23/2011, starting around 5:30 PM.

As usual, you are welcome to ask questions and make comments during the evening, but there will be a delay before your post is actually posted for all to see since I have to approve all posts - sometimes I’m just too busy reporting the races to get to the list of comments, so please be patient if they don’t show up right away.

To get started, click the icon below.

J M Hallas’ IHRA Nitro Jam at San Antonio Raceway report

After a very successful day one with the return of IHRA’s Nitro Jam show to San Antonio Raceway, day two brought cloudy, humid conditions, with occasional mist in the air, which made for tricky tuning conditions. One more round of qualifying was held for the sportsmen classes before the beginning of eliminations on the 1/4 mile drag strip, just east of San Antonio.

By mid-afternoon the sun started finally breaking through changing track conditions for drivers through the middle of eliminations. The temperatures weren’t enough to effect the first round of Pro Class qualifying later in the evening, especially after yesterday’s near record breaking heat.

By the time IHRA Nitro Jam’s Pro qualifying began the stands were filled to capacity, more were hanging on the fences on both sides of the track, with the spectator side nearly reaching the entire length of the quarter mile.

Nitro Jam Pro Eliminations

Top Fuel

Bobby Lagana jr. clicked off an .084 light then ran a 4.70 at over 300 mph, while last nights winner, Bruce Litton shut off nearly as soon as he left the line when he broke the tires loose, while Lagana was running straight through.

“I’m just excited to be back here,” said Lagana, driver of the Lucas Oil, Service Central, Fram, Autolite, MavTv, Top Fuel Dragster. “I’ve got a lot of memories of this track, to be honest not a lot of good ones. Our first year here it was so cold our clutch system froze. We were shooting for between 4.65-4.75 and it ran a 4.70 even after I shut it off early. I hit the rev limiter and shut it off expecting Bruce(Litton) to go by us, but he had his own problems. We had a little drama in the shut down area. My chute got caught on a light tower and flipped it over nearly tipping the car over. It was crazy down there. I saw a big flash, people running and thought, this isn’t good.

“We had a fresh motor in it round one, but something didn’t feel right. So we changed back between rounds to a motor that we were sure about. We were able to use last nights run, but we were detuned too much so we knew were we needed to step up to. Bruce(Litton) and I are essentially match racing, but we both know what the track can hold and that leaves it up to us. He’s beat us on hole shots several times, he’s great competitor. I love those guys over there. We run neck and neck.

“The fan turnout was incredible. We did some morning TV shows and people would see us at IHOP or WalMart and come up to us. That was one of the most successful media things we’ve done. Those same people came down and hung out it the pits with us. Everything was a big hit. The fans here were absolutely awesome. I can’t wait to come back here next year. The fans were great and I think we put on a good show. That is our goal.

“ I’m really pleased with the way IHRA is going. Mr Feld is keeping a lot of us in business. They’re talking about bringing in some more Top Fuel cars. We’re basically swapping money from what we win with what it costs to run the car. But it keeps us in the spotlight, in the media and more importantly learning more and more. We’re roadies anyway, we never go home. We live on the road and just go racing.”

Bobby Lagana jr, 4.707 @ 301.41
Bruce Litton, 15.533 @ 58.98

Pro Fuel Finals

As soon as the green came on it was Mike Manners race. Evans’ car went silent while Manners was clicking off a pass of 5.28 at 274+ mph. Tonight’s win made it two for two, backing up last nights victory.

“We had a wonderful night,” exclaimed Manners driver of the Anglia Homes, Cosmo Development, Aquagen, Spitzer Body & Chassis. “It’s a shame Bill(Evans) broke. We love racing him. He’s one of the best guy out there. We like going down the track side by side, hopefully I’m the winner. We’re real happy with our return to San Antonio. We got the Ironman both nights and it can’t get any better than that.

“We were a little disappointed with the 5.38 we ran in round one. We were expecting the car to go quite a bit faster. Then we ended up with Bill in the second round, you can never count that man out. He was running good numbers yesterday and today. We went back, looked at some things, found some things that needed adjustment, tuned it up a little and were able to run a good number in the finals.”

“ I’ve been here a few times before running Top Dragster and Top Sportsman but not for about four years. There’s nothing we could bring from those cars to these, it’s a totally different animal. These tracks can be different day to day anyway let alone four years later. The track was really good. We looked at it and thought it might be a little soft. It was really deceptive.

“We have a baseline that we can go off of, and try to factor in the track conditions. Every day is racing the track. With these races on Friday night and Saturday night, there are some similarities.

“I got started at this at a late age, but I’ve got no attention span, so this works out great. People ask me what I’m going to do when I grow up? I tell them, drive Monster Trucks and line all these A/Fuel cars up, that are so hard to drive, and crush ‘em all!”

By the way, Manners is 55.

Mike Manners, Shredder, 5.288 @ 274.05
Bill Evans, Black Pearl, 12.524 @ 78.25

Consi

Cherrisa Smallwood, Nitro & Lace, 6.055, 240.13
Robin Samsel, Predator, 5.752 @ 238.85

Prostalgia Funny Car Final

Rick Krafft, who got into the finals with a late birthday present, after Mike McIntire was DQ’ed for crossing the center line, used a good light(.054) and decent run(5.95) to hold off Mark Sanders for the victory.

** Peter Gallen used round two to back up his speed record from last night(252.10), and increase the ET record with last night’s run as the back up.

“It’s absolutely incredible.” said Krafft driver of the Chicago Fire Prostalgia Funny Car owned by Mike Faser. “The first run the car got to half track and was shaking bad. I was doing everythng I could to hold the car down the groove and get the win. But we came up short. On a technicality we ended up in the finals.

“ So here we are in the finals against Mark Sanders, one of the fastest cars out here. My guys are telling me to put percentage in it, throw more clutch at it, do this, do that. I told them to wait, let’s do some little things and I’ll get him off the line. I took him off the light and beat him.

“I’ve never been to Texas before, let alone run this track. Having a baseline to go off means you know what you have when you roll the car off the trailer. We’ve got a new oiling system that’s been giving us problems. So we weren’t sure what it was going to do. These are the first two complete runs we’ve made without hurting any parts. So we’re absolutely elated.

“ I don’t know how he(Faser) does it. Somehow he keeps us out there. IHRA has given us the opportunity to show we can still get it done, and here we are winning with it. That car was built in 1974 and probably has 10,000 runs on it, and a bunch of different bodies. We just keep upgrading and making improvements on it.

“This trip has been a great experience. The track was good and IHRA had it prepped well. The stands were packed and that says a lot about pre-race advertising. We couldn’t have asked for a better show.”

Mark Sanders, Mr Explosive, 6.058 @ 221.13
Rick Krafft, Chicago Fire, 5.958 @ 223.17

Consis

Jon Capps, Jungle Jim, 6.410 @ 200. 71
Mike McIntire, McAttack, 18.130 @ 71.67

Bye
Greg Jacobsmeyer, 6.389 @ 220.05

Peter Gallen, Poverty Stricken, 5.744 @ 251.92**
Mike Smith, Brand X, 11.591 @ 70.28

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Final

The Nostalgia Fuel Altered final saw Chris Bennett back up last nights win with a second Ironman. Jim Maroney beat Bennett off the line, but Bennett drove back around J. Maroney for the honors.

Chris Bennett, Pure Heaven, 6.272 @ 222.88
Jim Maroney, Blind Faith, 6.562 @ 196.42

Consi

Jason Richey, Pure Hell, 6.502 @ 230.18
Ron Maroney, Nanook, 6.638 @ 222.22(Red light)

Nitro Harley Final

After giving up .05 to Steve Dorn on green, Randall came back past him in the final 320′ to steal the victory away on the top end. At 1000′ Andras still trailed Dorn by -.078 who may have lifted early judging by his speed.

Randall Andras, 6.495 @ 210.96
Steve Dorn, 6.558 @ 178.78

Consi

Jay Turner, 6.747 @ 174.35
Mike Scott, 6.720 @ 200.63

Exhibition

Jet Dragster

Jill Canuso, Queen of Hearts, 5.248 @ 299.20
Terry Rosberg, Jersey Thunder, 5.854 @ 267.22

Kent Shockley, Shockwave, 7.678 @ 123.04
Randy Brown, Grave Digger, 8.554 @ 74.38

Sportsmen Finals

Between red lights and break outs there were so many gifts given away you’d have thought it was Christmas. Nine out of the eleven finals were decided by one or the other fouls occurring. Three drivers had chances to pick up double wins(Ryan McDonnell, David Latino and Tommy Phillips), only two were successful.

Top Dragster

Jenifer White worked her way to the finals by putting World Champion, Scott Ball out in round two. Gordon Cole had to get by fast qualifier Ed Schneider in round three to reach the finals. Gordon nearly pegged his dial with a 7.11 on 7.10 while White gave up too much running a 6.65 on a 6.58

Gordon Cole, 7.111 @ 183.82
Jenifer White, 6.654 @ 187.73

Top Sportsman

Trent Wilson picked up the win before green when number two qualifier, Glenn Wright went red. Wilson would have been tough to beat running a 7.472 on 7.47 dial in.

Trent Wilson, 7.472 @ 184.80
Glenn Wright, 6.913 @ 194.13

Quick Rod(8.90)

Tommy Phillips picked up the first of two wins in the finals after Gina Mundt broke out. Phillips turned a 8.91 on the index while Mundt put up a 8.87.

Tommy Phillips, 8.918 @ 158.51
Gina Mundt, 8.876 @ 159.24

Super Rod(9.90)

Phillips snagged his second Ironman of the evening on yet another gift from Kip Guenzel as he was too fast. Phillips 9.92 was good enough after Guenzel ran a 9.89.

Tommy Phillips, 9.926 @ 145.63
Kip Guenzel, 9.890 @ 151.46

Hot Rod(10.90)

The first or worst rule came into play for the Hot Rod finals when both drivers ran over the index. Deborah Ridenhour’s 10.87 was better than top qualifier, Ray Todd’s 10.86 giving Ridenhour the trophy.

Deborah Ridenhour, 10.878 @ 138.16
Ray Todd, 10.861 @ 130.78

Super Stock

David Latino saw his opportunity for a daily double end early when he went red handing the win to local driver, Cody Blackmon. The overeager Latino was .41 red with Blackmon making a cruise run for the win.

Cody Blackmon, 13.255 @ 70.65
David Latino, 10.345 @ 96.11

Stock

David Latino rebounded in the Stock finals to get the win over Kirk Morgan who went red. Luckily for Latino the red was first as he ran over his dial in with a 10.61 on a 10.67.

David Latino, 10.619 @ 122.35
Kirk Morgan, 11.196 @ 117.68

Electronics

Drag racing can be measured in tenths, hundredths, sometimes even thousandths of seconds, but Phillip Pennington found out it can go even farther when he gave Ryan McDonnell the victory breaking out by 5/10,000th turning a 7.5095 on a 7.51. McDonnell may not have needed the help hitting a .002 light, then running a 7.50 on a 7.49 dial in.

Ryan McDonnell, 7.504 @ 168.67
Phillip Pennington, 7.509 @ 174.42

Footbrake

The Mustang of RJ Doerr got the victory in Footbrake after Rick Hudel went red. Good thing for Doerr who popped a .003 light then ran a 10.67 on a 10.70 dial in and would have broken out.

RJ Doerr, 10.674 @ 123.52
Rick Hudel, 9.492 @ 149.35

Top Eliminator

Ryan McDonnell scored his double dip victory in the Electronics versus Footbrake final event. Doerr went red and broke out, while McDonnell easily rolled it through the top end.

Ryan McDonnell, 8.234 @ 106.99
RJ Doerr, 10.639 @ 124.24

Jr. Dragster

Two youngsters outlasted the 32-car Jr Dragster field to meet in the finals. Kayliegh Scates got the win after Ashley Hubbell went red. Scates still ran a 7.948 on a 7.94 dial in

Kayliegh Scates, 7.948 @ 82.46
Ashley Hubbell, 9.012 @ 72.35

Nitro Jam Pro Class Qualifying

Top Fuel

Bruce Litton, 4.810 @ 296.83
Bobby Lagana jr. 4.859 @ 310.56

Pro Fuel

Mike Manners, Shredder, 5.577 @ 253.09
Cherrisa Smallwood, Nitro & Lace, 6.625 @ 161.06

Bill Evans, Black Pearl, 5.321 @ 268.66
Robin Samsel, Predator, 5.830 @ 241.68

Prostalgia Funny Car

Peter Gallen, Poverty Stricken, 5.904 @ 246.71
John Dunn, Dunn & Gone, 7.463 @ 127. 44

Mark Sanders, Mr Explosive, 5.689 @ 240.64
Jon Capps, Jungle Jim, 5.998 @ 237.22

Rick Krafft, Chicago Fire, 5.838 @ 144.88
Mike McIntire, McAttack, DQ-Center line

Greg Jacobsmeyer, All Star, 6.385 @ 219. 94
Mike Smith, Brand X, 9.576 @ 87.67

Nostalgia Fuel Altered

Jim Maroney, Blind Faith, 6.322 @ 225.56
Ron Maroney, Nanook, 6.515 @ 220.48

Chris Bennett, Pure Heaven, 6.559 @ 165.32
Jason Richey, Pure Hell, 6.976 @ 220.80

Nitro Harley

Randall Andras, 8.282 @ 109.60
Mike Scott, DNR

Steve Dorn, 6.478 @ 199.82
Jay Turner, 6.596 @ 202.61

Jet Dragsters

Jill Canuso, Queen of Hearts, 5.291 @ 296.83
Terry Rosberg, Jersey Thunder, 5.929 @ 267.86

Rob Hall, Airborne Express, 10.085 @ 137.11
Randy Brown, Grave Digger, 8.555 @ 74.15(1/8th mile)

Kent Shockley, Shockwave, 8.107 @ 203.62

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by Larry Crum

Gary Wright makes late move to win ASCS Sprint Car feature at Lone Star Speedway

National Sprint Car Hall of Fame bound Gary Wright took full advantage of a late caution flag to win Saturday night’s 25-lap season-opening The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region main event atop the newly reconfigured 3/8-mile Lone Star Speedway clay oval.

Reigning ASCS Lone Star champion Eric Baldaccini paced the initial 21 circuits before a late caution flag set the table for the Hooks, TX, veteran to pounce upon his 16th career ASCS Regional triumph to go along with an all-time best 126 Lucas Oil ASCS National scores.

While Wright tacked another feature win on to his legendary career, the night was highlighted by Travis Rilat’s successful return to the seat after critical burns less than eight months ago. Rilat needed just three laps to race from sixth to win his heat race and then claimed third in the feature behind Wright and Matt Covington.

As Wright started the feature from seventh aboard his No. 9 entry, Baldaccini led the way to the green flag with George White alongside. Gunning into the lead at the outset, Baldaccini was closing in on a fourth career ASCS Lone Star triumph when a caution flew after 21 laps for Jeffrey Newell’s stalled mount.

With Baldanccini’s left rear tire low on air pressure and Wright on his tailtank on the restart, “The Texan” charged into the lead and raced on to the checkered flag as Baldaccini lost several positions in the closing circuits. Covington, a Lucas Oil National Sprint Car winner at Lone Star Speedway last year, claimed runner-up honors with Rilat in the show position. Sam Hafertepe, Jr., climbed from eighth to fourth, with Baldaccini rounding out the top five.

White was sixth, with Martin Edwards, Travis Elliott, Beau Smith and 15th-starter Justin Melton completing the top ten.

Baldaccini, Covington, Rilat and White topped heat race action for the 28-car field, with Newell winning the 12-lap “B” Main.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Results from Lone Star Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 2. 14-Michael Lang, 3. 33-Mark Huddleston, 4. 11-Justin Melton, 5. 20-Chad Wilson, 6. 15b-Curtis Wayne Brown, 7. 7w-Dustin Welch.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 95-Matt Covington, 2. 15T-Travis Elliott, 3. 51-Beau Smith, 4. 76-John Ricketts, 5. 17w-Brad Welborn, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 12w-Dale Wester.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 40-Junior Jenkins, 4. 74e-Claud Estes, 5. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 6. 36-John Pate, 7. 15d-Brady Demeree.

Fourth Heat (8 Laps): 1. 10-George White, 2. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 3. 9-Gary Wright, 4. 64j-Johnny Miller, 5. 79-Ryan Hall, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 54-Evan Pardo.

“B” Main (12 Laps): 1. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 2. 17w-Brad Welborn, 3. 64j-Johnny Miller, 4. 36-John Pate, 5. 79-Ryan Hall, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 15d-Brady Demeree, 8. 54-Evan Pardo, 9. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 10. 7w-Dustin Welch, 11. 15b-Curtis Wayne Brown. DNS: 12w-Dale Wester.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9-Gary Wright, 2. 95-Matt Covington, 3. 29-Travis Rilat, 4. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 10-George White, 7. 45-Martin Edwards, 8. 15T-Travis Elliott, 9. 51-Beau Smith, 10. 11-Justin Melton, 11. 74e-Claud Estes, 12. 17w-Brad Welborn, 13. 76-John Ricketts, 14. 40-Junior Jenkins, 15. 36-John Pate, 16. 33-Mark Huddleston, 17. 20-Chad Wilson, 18. 14-Michael Lang, 19. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 20. 64j-Johnny Miller.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Gary Wright 150, 2. Matt Covington 142, 3. Travis Rilat 135, 4. Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 130, 5. Eric Baldaccini 125, 6. George White 122, 7. Martin Edwards 119, 8. Travis Elliott 116, 9. Beau Smith 113, 10. Justin Melton 110.

By Lonnie Wheatley
Photos by Tim Aylwin

Live Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 2/26/2011

Lone Star Speedzone and Nick Holt will be hosting Live Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, 2/26/2011, beginning at about 5:30 p.m.

Remember that I have to approve all comments before they are visible to everyone so there more than likely will be a delay between the time you post and the time it shows up in the dialog box.

To join in the lap-by-lap coverage, just click the logo below. Hope you can join us!

Nick

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

Stock car driver Steven Osborne lost all of his left arm and a good part of his right arm in an electrical accident in 2005. You’ll be inspired by this humble, honest man’s story and how the racing community has rallied around to get him back on the track.

Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef’s main man) and I consider it an honor to share his story with you.

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