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An ASCS Lone Star Saturday Night at Lone Star Speedway

It’s going to be an all out Lone Star Saturday night, as the American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region takes to the high-banked, ½-mile Lone Star Speedway in Kilgore, TX, this Saturday.

It marks the lone Lone Star event of the season at Lone Star, where Brandon Berryman bested a 37-car field of Gulf South entries in May.

Leading the way into Saturday’s card is Fort Worth’s Kevin Ramey, who is just three race nights away from adding the inaugural ASCS Lone Star title to a pair of previous ASCS Sooner Region championships.

Ramey added his fourth ASCS Lone Star win of the season this past Friday night at Crandall’s Speedway before picking up another top-five finish at Devil’s Bowl Speedway the following night.

With nine top-fives and 11 top-tens in 14 points, Ramey has amassed a 167-point advantage wit just the Cowtown Sprint Nationals that includes the Lone Star, Gulf South and Sooner Regions on October 9-10 remaining after the Lone Star card.

While Ramey holds a solid lead, Brad Welborn of Princeton, TX, holds down the second position, just 31 markers ahead of 22-year-old Flower Mound, TX, shoe Justin Melton.

Twenty-one-year-old Eric Baldaccini of Keller, TX, has climbed to fourth in points, with Godley’s Claud Estes rounding out the current top five.

The balance of the current top ten in ASCS Lone Star points includes Michael Lang (Mesquite), Matt Clevenger (Flower Mound), Scott Reneau (Kemp), Brian McClelland (Broken Arrow, OK) and John Ricketts (Burleson, TX).

Saturday’s ASCS Lone Star action at Lone Star Speedway is set to go green at 7:30 p.m.

Lone Star Speedway is located in Kilgore, TX, off I-20 Exit 583, then 0.5 miles north on SR 135, then one mile east on FM 1252, then 0.5 miles south. For more information, contact the track at 903-986-9731.

The inaugural slate of ASCS Lone Star Region competition consists of 18 events at nine different tracks throughout North Texas in addition to one venture north of the Red River to Oklahoma City’s State Fair Speedway.

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

by Lonnie Wheatley

Kevin Ramey romps to ASCS Lone Star vrs Gulf South Sprint Car win at RPM Speedway

After the Gulf South Region got the upper hand versus the Lone Star Region five weeks ago at Waco, Kevin Ramey struck a blow for the ASCS Lone Star forces by reaching victory lane in Friday night’s 25-lap feature at RPM Speedway.

Ramey raced around Brian McClelland for the lead in the early stages and went on to capture the $2,000 winner’s share in the opening leg of the ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Clash atop the ¼-mile clay oval, giving the Fort Worth shoe his second win in as many tries at the new RPM facility.

Ramey held off Gulf South shoe Tommy Bryant, the Gulf South vs. Lone Star winner at Waco on July 31, over the final rounds to post his fifth overall ASCS Regional triumph of the season aboard the Williams Motorsports Wells-powered City Vending No. 7m Maxim.

Four-time Lucas Oil Sprint Car National champion Gary Wright finished a close third, with McClelland and Eric Baldaccini rounding out the top five.

Ray Allen Kulhanek was sixth, with Sean McClelland, Brad Welborn, 17th-starter Justin Melton and Kent Lewis, Jr., completing the top ten.

Welborn, Billy Melton, Travis Rilat, Gulf South points leader Aaron Reutzel, Brian McClelland and Bryant topped heat race action for the 42-car field, with Skip Wilson and Gavin Punch winning the twin “B” Mains.

With the ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Challenge knotted at one apiece after Friday’s feature event, the rubber match is set for Saturday night at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, TX, a makeup of the event rained out on August 1.

ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Results from RPM Speedway:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 17w-Brad Welborn, 2. 1r-Scott Reneau, 3. 1-Sean McClelland, 4. 88-Scottie McDonald, 5. 11-Justin Melton, 6. 5c-Chris Coker, 7. 14-Michael Lang.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 87x-Billy Melton, 2. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 31-Brandon Berryman, 5. 71-Channin Tankersley, 6. 76-John Ricketts, 7. 2-Joe Zierolf.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 3. 6-Justin Spoerl, 4. 65-Skip Wilson, 5. 9-Brian Parker, 6. 87a-Andrew Marshala, 7. 71T-Shane Thompson.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 2. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 3. 30x-Bean Elliott, 4. 5m-Glenn Martin, 5. 20-Chad Wilson, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 3-Gary Watson.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 25-Brian McClelland, 2. 15T-Travis Elliott, 3. 20k-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 4. 81au-Gavin Punch, 5. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 6. 69-Larry Howery, 7. 19-Klint Angelette.

Heat Six (8 Laps): 1. 21t-Tommy Bryant, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 9x-Gary Wright, 4. 35-Greg Rilat, 5. 12w-Dale Wester, 6. 74e-Claud Estes, 7. 8-Charlie McDonald.

First “B” Feature: 1. 65-Skip Wilson, 2. 11-Justin Melton, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 15T-Travis Elliott, 5. 71T-Shane Thompson, 6. 20-Chad Wilson, 7. 19-Klint Angelette, 8. 76-John Ricketts, 9. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 10. 35-Greg Rilat, 11. 45-Martin Edwards, 12. 31-Brandon Berryman, 13. 87a-Andrew Marshala, 14. 31m-Matt Clevenger.

Second “B” Feature: 1. 81au-Gavin Punch, 2. 6-Justin Spoerl, 3. 88-Scottie McDonald, 4. 1r-Scott Reneau, 5. 71-Channin Tankersley, 6. 9-Brian Parker, 7. 69-Larry Howery, 8. 5m-Glenn Martin, 9. 74e-Claud Estes, 10. 5c-Chris Coker, 11. 12w-Dale Wester, 12. 3-Gary Watson, 13. 8-Charlie McDonald, 14. 2-Joe Zierolf.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 2. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 3. 9x-Gary Wright, 4. 25-Brian McClelland, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 20k-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 7. 1-Sean McClelland, 8. 17w-Brad Welborn, 9. 11-Justin Melton, 10. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 11. 87x-Billy Melton, 12. 88-Scottie McDonald, 13. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 14. 14-Michael Lang, 15. 30x-Bean Elliott, 16. 65-Skip Wilson, 17. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 18. 6-Justkin Spoerl, 19. 29-Travis Rilat, 20. 81au-Gavin Punch.

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Aaron Reutzel 2,640, 2. Tommy Bryant 2,580, 3. Channin Tankersley 2,502, 4. Scottie McDonald 2,438, 5. Kent Lewis, Jr. 2,400, 6. Brandon Berryman 2,385, 7. Greg Rilat 2,323, 8. Ray Allen Kulhanek 2,220, 9. Gary Watson 2,205, 10. Jimmy Brooks 2,145.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Kevin Ramey 1,820, 2. Brad Welborn 1,677, 3. Justin Melton 1,664, 4. Matt Clevenger 1,626, 5. Claud Estes 1,613, 6. Eric Baldaccini 1,607, 7. Michael Lang 1,558, 8. Scott Reneau 1,478, 9. Brian McClelland 1,462, 10. John Ricketts 1,390.

by Lonnie Wheatley

Jake Kruger dominates Texas Super Racing Series Late Model “DWIDUDE.COM 75” at Houston Motorsports Park

Teenage sensation Jake Kruger turned in a dominating performance Saturday night at Houston Motorsports Park, leading 75 laps and winning the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model “DWIDUDE.COM 75.”

Kruger, who qualified third fastest in the fourteen-car field at the well-maintained 3/8-mile oval, drew the pole position in the pre-race draw, led from the drop of the green and crossed the finish line 75 laps later to take the victory – his fourth of the season - in his Turner Motorsports, Kruger Motorsports, BMF Shocks, Oval Components, GenTech sponsored Late Model.

During practice, however, there was some concern that Kruger might not even make the starting lineup.

“We found some water in one of the cylinders and we weren’t sure where it came from,” the youngster said after the win. “We thought it was probably the head gasket, so our team changed it out, but we went back to the shop to get the backup engine – just in case.”

It turned out that it was indeed the head gasket and the rest is history. Kruger easily kept the field at bay and was never seriously challenged.

Brian Moczygemba ran a consistent second most of the race until another teenage driver, Cody Smith, worked his way under the veteran Moczygemba to take the runner-up spot with six laps remaining.

Bobby Teer, Jr. ran a strong, thoughtful race and was rewarded with a well-deserved top-five finish.

Robert Barker, who set fast time during qualifying, had a rough night, but ended up in the top five anyway. Barker was running a strong fourth and was looking to challenge Chris Schild for third when the pair made contact and Schild spun to bring out the caution on the 25th circuit. That sent Barker to the back of the pack.

Barker worked his way up to fifth by the time the checkered waved.

“I’m not real sure about that call that got me sent to the rear,” Barker said during the post-race tech inspection. “That’s racing, but they described the exact same situation I was in during the drivers’ meeting, but they sent me to the rear anyway.”

When asked about his dominating performance, Kruger was quick to give all the credit to his race team.
“These guys are the best,” he said. “They worked all day fixing the engine problem and still gave me a car that couldn’t be beat. All I had to do was drive it.”

Official results of the “DWIDUDE 75”

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Fastest Lap

1. 14 Jake Kruger, Bastrop, TX 75 laps QT 15.040
2. 05 Cody Smith, LaVernia, TX 75 laps QT 15.047 (Hard charger 3-way tie)
3. 50 Brian Moczygemba, San Antonio, TX 75 laps QT 15.098
4. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX 75 laps QT 15.126 (Hard Charger 3-way tie)
5. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, TX 75 laps QT 14.943 (Fast Time)
6. 7 Chris Schild, Leander, TX 75 laps QT 15.017
7. 23 Larry Bendele, Adkins, TX 75 laps QT 15.370 (Hard Charger 3-way tie)
8. *49 Robert Walton, Bastrop, TX 75 laps QT 15.881
9. *96 Todd Farris, College Station, TX 74 laps QT 15.550
10. 4 Levi Krauss, Schertz, TX 69 laps QT 15.076
11. *99 Cary Stapp, San Marcos, TX 69 laps QT 15.401
12. 72 Kendall Bumbera, Sealy, TX 68 laps QT 15.460
13. 81 Dillon Spreen, Boerne, TX 33 laps QT 15.192
14. 33 Jason Boyd, Magnolia, TX 0 laps QT 15.133

by Nick Holt
Photo by Tory Christopher

Tommy Bryant best in Friday’s Heart O’ Texas ASCS Regional Challenge; Devil’s Bowl rained out

Tommy Bryant struck a blow for the American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region by racing to victory lane in Friday night’s 25-lap ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Challenge event at Heart O’ Texas Speedway.

Bryant raced past Lone Star shoe Marvin Lough for the lead on the 19th round en route to his third Gulf South score of the season aboard David Miller’s 105 Machine-powered B&M Jr. No. 21T J&J.

Bryant took the checkered flag in front of Lone Star rep J.P. Bailey, while Lough nursed his mount home in the show position with a deflating right rear tire after leading from the ninth round when early pacesetter Justin Melton crashed out of contention.

Eric Baldaccini picked up Hard Charger honors by racing from 17th to fourth, with Gulf South veteran Greg Rilat rounding out the top five. Claud Estes was sixth, former Gulf South champion Gary Watson was seventh and New Mexico teen Joshua Hodges raced from 19th to eighth. Two-time Sooner king Brian McClelland and Kent Lewis, Jr., completed the top ten.

Ray Allen Kulhanek originally took the checkered flag in fourth but was disqualified and credited with 20th place after failing to pass post-race technical inspection.

Lough, Bailey, McClelland, Melton, Watson and Kulhanek topped heat race action for the 45-car field, with Brandon Berryman and Terry Monroe winning the “B” Mains.

On Saturday, rain forced the postponement of the scheduled American Sprint Car Series Regional Challenge pitting the Gulf South forces versus the Lone Star shoes atop the Devil’s Bowl Speedway ½-mile clay oval.

The Devil’s Bowl Gulf South vs. Lone Star event has been rescheduled for Saturday night, September 5.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Results from Heart O’ Texas Speedway:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 39-Marvin Lough, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 35-Greg Rilat, 4. 74e-Claud Estes, 5. 65-Skip Wilson, 6. 40-Junior Jenkins, 7. 14-Michael Lang. DNS: 9-Brian Parker.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 45-J.P. Bailey, 2. 30x-Bean Elliott, 3. 30-Scottie McDonald, 4. 69-Larry Howery, 5. 76-John Ricketts, 6. 55d-David Doyle, 7. 14b-Robert Byrom, 8. 31m-Matt Clevenger.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 25-Brian McClelland, 2. 20-Terry Monroe, 3. 93-Brandon Berryman, 4. 17w-Brad Welborn, 5. 45k-Kolt Walker, 6. 1r-Scott Reneau, 7. 21-Blake Roberts, 8. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 11-Justin Melton, 2. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 3. 45x-Martin Edwards, 4. 5c-Chris Coker, 5. 71T-Shane Thompson, 6. 88r-Andy Rea, 6. 61-Travis Knighton.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 3-Gary Watson, 2. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 3. 71-Channin Tankersley, 4. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 5. 5m-Glenn Martin, 6. 19-Klint Angelette, 7. 91-Marty Stanford.

Heat Six (8 Laps): 1. 5-Ray Allen Kulhanek, 2. 16-Koty Adams, 3. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 4. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 5. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 6. 93x-Dustin Morgan, 7. 26-Dalton Steed.

First “B” Feature (15 Laps): 1. 93-Brandon Berryman, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 76-John Ricketts, 4. 45k-Kolt Walker, 5. 26-Dalton Steed, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 19-Klint Angelette, 8. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 9. 71T-Shane Thompson, 10. 40-Junior Jenkins, 11. 17w-Brad Welborn, 12. 65-Skip Wilson, 13. 69-Larry Howery, 14. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 15. 1r-Scott Reneau. DNS: 91-Marty Stanford.

Second “B” Feature (15 Laps): 1. 20-Terry Monroe, 2. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 3. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 4. 30-Scottie McDonald, 5. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 6. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 7. 14-Michael Lang, 8. 5m-Glenn Martin, 9. 5c-Chris Coker, 10. 55d-David Doyle, 11. 9-Brian Parker, 12. 88r-Andy Rea, 13. 93x-Dustin Morgan. DNS: 61-Travis Knighton, 21-Blake Roberts.
=0 A

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 21T-Tommy Bryant, 2. 45-J.P. Bailey, 3. 39-Marvin Lough, 4. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 5. 35-Greg Rilat, 6. 74e-Claud Estes, 7. 3-Gary Watson, 8. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 9. 25-Brian McClelland, 10. 1b-Kent Lewis, Jr., 11. 30x-Bean Elliott, 12. 93-Brandon Berryman, 13. 20-Terry Monroe, 14. 71-Channin Tankersley, 15. 76-John Ricketts, 16. 11-Justin Melton, 17. 16-Koty Adams, 18. 51-Jimmy Brooks, 19. 45x-Martin Edwards, 20. 5-Ray Allen Kulhanek (Disqualified).

ASCS Gulf South Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Aaron Reutzel 2,362, 2. Tommy Bryant 2,316, 3. Channin Tankersley 2,244, 4. Scottie McDonald 2,154, 5. Kent Lewis, Jr. 2,130, 6. Brandon Berryman 2,121, 7. Ray Allen Kulhanek 2,076, 8. Greg Rilat 2,069, 9. Gary Watson 1,961, 10. Jimmy Brooks 1,901.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Kevin Ramey 1,410, 2. Brad Welborn 1,324, 3. Justin Melton 1,276, 4. Matt Clevenger 1,242, 5. Claud Estes 1,239, 6. Michael Lang 1,215, 7. Eric Baldaccini 1,177, 8. Kolt Walker 1,099, 9. Scott Reneau 1,094, 10. John Ricketts 1,081.

By Lonnie Wheatley

USMTS Southern Series kicks back into high gear for 3rd Annual “Southern Speedweek”

The USMTS Southern Series kicks back into high gear for the 3rd Annual USMTS Southern Speedweek, June 9-14.

With six straight nights at six different tracks and nearly $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, the Best of the Best in dirt Modified racing are expected from both the south and the north.

All six events will pay $2,000 to win and a minimum $250 to start, with the USMTS Southern Series East Region champion being crowned at the end of the swing.

Jack Sullivan of Greenbrier, Ark., leads the charge as the points leader in the East Region as he looks to solidify himself in the standings going into The Hunt for the USMTS Southern Series Championship.

Other drivers expected to challenge for the checkered flag and the title include Steve Holzkamper, Rodney Sanders, Johnny Bone Jr., Steven Whiteaker Jr., Jason Hughes, Kelly Shryock, Morgan Bagley, Dereck Ramirez, B.J. Robinson, Michael Robertson, Jason Armstrong, Patrick Linn, Scott Green, Chris Henigan, Bryan Rowland, Wes Armstrong, William Gould, Dustin Hyde, Chad Davis, Shane Hebert, Garrett Durrett, Bobby Malchus, Kyle Schmidt, Jamie Burford, Tyler Townsend, Brandon Davis, Jeff Huckaby, Mike Dillard, Timothy Culp, Larry Clevenger, Chris Shown, Brett Frazier, T.J. Herndon, David Mitchell, Kevin Sustaire, John Schwab and many others.

Specializing in drive shafts and rear ends for short track racing, Fast Shafts will be offering some extra incentive for drivers using traditional nine-inch Ford rearends. At each Speedweek event, Fast Shafts will award an additional $100 to the main event winner if that driver is utilizing a nine-inch Ford rearend. If the award is not won the first day, the bounty will climb to $200 for the next event and so on with a possible $600 bonus at the June 14 finale. To learn more about Fast Shafts, call toll-free 800-622-6617 or visit www.fastshafts.com online.

Race fans will get an added bonus and drivers get an added challenge as NASCAR fan favorite and television personality Kenny Wallace. “The Hermanator” will join the action during the first two nights of Speedweek at the Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Okla., on Tuesday and the I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark., on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the USMTS Southern Speedweek road trip takes the teams and travelers to the Ark-La-Tex Speedway in Vivian, La., then on to the Fast Trax Speedway in Chatham, La., on Friday. Saturday finds the throttle-mashing speed merchants in Monticello, Ark., at the Drew County Speedway before wrapping up the week-long event at the Boothill Speedway in Greenwood, La., on Sunday.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 … TRI-STATE SPEEDWAY, POCOLA, OKLA.

The action gets underway on Tuesday, June 9, with a return trip to Todd Martin’s Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Okla. Last year’s inaugural event saw Eddie Martin (no relation to the track’s promoter) of Stilwell, Okla., hold off eight-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock and defending USMTS Southern Series Champion Jason Hughes for the win.

By virtue of being the track’s weekly Modified points leader, Darwin Hale is guaranteed one of the two track provisionals for Tuesday Sunoco “A” Main, and is expected to challenge for the win, along with fellow Tri-State regulars Bill Dillard, Brandon Wilson, Randy Henson, J.P. Hassett, Eric Beshoner, Glenn Bratti, Lonnie Robins, Lee Walchli, Brent Holman and others.

Pit gates will open at 4:00, grandstand gates open at 5:00, hot laps begin at 7:00 and the first heat race takes the green flag at 7:30. Also on the racing card will be Mini-Stocks, Front-Wheel-Drives and Roadrunners.

The USMTS Southern Speedweek opener is presented by Schoenfeld Headers.

The Tri-State Speedway is a 3/8-mile high-banked dirt oval located 1.6 miles west of the Arkansas-Oklahoma State line on US 271, then 0.3 mile north. For race day information, call 918-436-2914 or visit www.tri-statespeedway.com online.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 … I-30 SPEEDWAY, LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

On Wednesday, June 10, the stars and cars of the USMTS Southern Series invade the action-packed I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark., for the second affair of the week. Johnny Bone Jr. pocketed the $5,000 top prize back in March during the 10th Annual Topless Modified Nationals at the Clay family’s famous facility, and the Pea Ridge, Ark., resident looks to add another $2,000 to his take home pay from the quick quarter-mile bullring this season.

Jack Sullivan captured last year’s USMTS Southern Speedweek event at his home track as he hopes to continue his momentum toward the USMTS Southern Series title on familiar ground.

Race fans will have local aces such as Jeremy Kuykendall, David Baser, Mike Sellers, Randy Weaver, Robert Baker, Scooter Scruggs, Jayson Hefley, Chad Mallett, Emmett Lawson, Chris Carter and others to cheer on to take home the top prize.

Pit gates open at 4:00, grandstands open at 5:00, hot laps are at 7:00 and the mud starts flying at 7:30. Joining the racing card Wednesday night will be local Super Stocks and Mini-Sprints.

The I-30 Speedway is a 1/4-mile high-banked clay oval located 7.0 miles southwest of Little Rock on I-30 to Exit 126 (County Line Rd.), then south to frontage road, then
east (SSR). For day-of-race information, call 501-455-4567 or check out the track’s website at www.i-30speedway.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11 … ARK-LA-TEX SPEEDWAY, VIVIAN, LA.

Thursday, June 11, will find the tireless touring titans at Gene Boyter’s Ark-La-Tex Speedway in Vivian, La. In the first-ever USMTS Southern Series show here last year, first-time USMTS competitor Duke Whiseant of Texarkana, Ark., took home the hardware over Johnny Bone Jr., Jason Hughes, Tommy Weder Jr. and Steve Holzkamper.

Local aces Odie Green, Justin Sprayberry, Mike Washburn, Dick Haynes, Dwayne Brown, Greg Garrett, Lee Patton, Tippy Bickham, Jason Ingalls, Michael Robertson and others are expected to make a statement in protecting their home turf against the invading USMTS forces.

Pit gates open at 4:00, grandstand gates swing open at 5:00, hot laps take to the track at 7:00 and the racing action kicks off at 7:30. Factory Stocks will also be racing for $300 to win, along with the USRA Southern Limited Modifieds going for $500 to win.

Beginning at the Ark-La-Tex Speedway event, the final four events will all feature the USRA Southern Limited Modifieds racing for $500 to win each night.

The Ark-La-Tex Speedway a 1/4-mile semi-banked dirt oval located 0.6 mile south of SR 2 on SR 1, then 0.7 mile west on Airport Rd., then 2.2 miles south on Boyter Lane Rd. (ESR). For race day information, call the track hotline at 318-375-3470 or click your way to www.arklatexspeedway.net on the World Wide Web.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 … FAST TRAX SPEEDWAY, CHATHAM, LA.

Bill and Sandra Bagwell’s Fast Trax Speedway in Chatham, La., is the site of event #4 on the USMTS Southern Speedweek schedule. Johnny Bone Jr. captured the Speedweek win last year at the Fast Trax Speedway, with Jason Hughes, Tommy Weder Jr., Kelly Shryock and Elias Anderson finishing second through fifth.

The wide straight-aways and corners are popular for producing two- and three-wide racing, which makes this a very competitive short track.

Among the favorites from the local racers to challenge for the checkers are points leader Dougie Murphrey, Randy Thompson, Kyle Pleasant, Lee Patton, Bud Mullins, Kent Hollingsworth, Jody Davidson, Sammy Knighten, Chase Del Rio, Richard Roberts and others.

Pit gates open at 4:00, grandstand gates swing open at 5:00, hot laps take to the track at 6:30 and the racing action kicks off at 7:00. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will also be on the racing card going for $500 to win.

The Fast Trax Speedway is a 3/8-mile semi-banked dirt oval located 4.0 miles southeast of SR 34 on SR 4 (NSR). For more information, call 318-249-2443 or visit www.fasttraxspeedway.net online.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 … DREW COUNTY SPEEDWAY, MONTICELLO, ARK.

The Drew County Speedway (formerly called Monticello Speedway) in Monticello, Ark., plays host to round 5 of the USMTS Southern Speedweek steamroller on Saturday, June 13, with the event presented by Commercial Bank.

En route to winning the 2008 USMTS Southern Series crown, Westville, Okla.’s Jason Hughes took the win last year at Monticello, followed closely by Kelly Shryock, Johnny Bone Jr., Timothy Culp and Scott Green.

Track points leader Seth Reed is expected to be on hand to defend his home turf along with Grant Box, Richard Anders, Matt Stacy, Jody Davidson, Johnathon Crib, Kevin Ferrell, Terry Maloney, Casey Findley, Manuel Williams II and more.

The pits and tailgate suites open at 4:30, grandstands open at 5:30, hot laps and playground start at 6:00 and the show starts at 7:00. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will also join the program, along with Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Mini-Stocks.

The Drew County Speedway is a 1/4-mile semi-banked dirt oval located 7.2 miles south of US 278 on US 425 (WSR). For more info, call 870-367-RACE or see www.drewcountyspeedway.net on the Web.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 … BOOTHILL SPEEDWAY, GREENWOOD, LA.

The six-race USMTS Southern Speedweek wraps up on Sunday, June 14, at the Boothill Speedway in Greenwood, La., and will also see the emergence of the 2009 USMTS Southern Series East Region champion, as well as the first batch of drivers qualified for this year’s Hunt for the USMTS Southern Series Championship later this year.

Billy Robinson, Randy Paine Jr., Michael Knighton, Tony Lindsey, Mike Washburn, Ronnie McAteer, Dustin Randol, Josh Worn, Derrick Grigsby and Michael Easley are just a few of the local Boothill Speedway heavy-hitters expected to contend for a spot in the Sunoco “A” Main and the $2,000 top prize.

Pits open at 4:00, grandstands open at 5:00, hot laps begin at 6:00 and the first heat race is slated to hit the track at 6:30. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will again be racing for $500, with Factory Stocks also joining the action-packed festivities.

The Boothill Speedway is a 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval located west of Shreveport on I-20 to the Carthage-Morningsport Exit #3, then 0.2 mile north, then east on McGee Rd. For more information, call 318-938-5373 or check out www.boothillspeedway.net online.

USMTS SOUTHERN SPEEDWEEK FAST FACTS

RULES: All USMTS rules apply. The American Racer KK704 is the Official Tire of the USMTS; however drivers may use the Hoosier G60 but will not earn points or be eligible for points funds. Roll bar padding and a window net are required. If utilizing a flat tappet or BRODIX aluminum spec head engine, the minimum weight of the racecar must be 2,400 lbs. If utilizing steel or aluminum heads with a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum weight must be 2,450 lbs. If utilizing raised runner heads or heads with less than a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum weight must be 2,500 lbs. Racecars with aluminum heads other than the approved BRODIX aluminum spec heads must have 25 lbs. in front of mid-plate.

PROCEDURES: Draw for heat race starting spot ends 15 minutes before hot laps begin. Qualifying will be done by heat race passing points and Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains. On nights when there are 40 or fewer cars entered, 20 will qualify through the heat races and Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains with two USMTS provisionals and two provisionals from the track’s current Modified division points added to create a 24-car Sunoco “A” Main starting field. On nights when 41 or more cars check in, 22 qualifiers will be joined by two USMTS provisionals and two track provisionals to make up a 26-car starting field.

TOP DOG BONUS: Drivers ranked among the top-10 in East Region points are guaranteed a minimum of $300. Drivers ranked 11th through 15th earn a minimum of $200. Driver must have perfect attendance in the USMTS Southern Series West Region to be eligible.

LICENSES: There is no requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more. The cost of a USMTS Southern Series license is $200.

PAYOFF: (Licensed/Non-Licensed) 1. $2000, 2. $1500/$1200, 3. $1000/$800, 4. $800/$600, 5. $700/$500, 6. $600/$400, 7. $500/$350 , 8. $450/$300, 9. $400/$250, 10. $350/$230, 11. $320/$210, 12. $300/$200, 13. $275/$200, 14-26. $250/$200, Tow $80/$60.

ENTRY FEES: Pre-entry is $90 for non-licensed drivers or $80 for drivers with a USMTS license. Late entry for all drivers is $100. Drivers not already pre-entered may call USMTS headquarters at 515-832-7944 to secure the early entry rate.

USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES - EAST REGION POINTS STANDINGS:
1. 18 Jack Sullivan, Greenbrier, Ark. … 423
2. 5 Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark. … 406
3. 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas … 384
4. 12 Johnny Bone Jr., Pea Ridge, Ark. … 383
5. 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas … 372
6. 12 Jason Hughes, Westville, Okla. … 368
7. 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa … 366
8. 5r Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas … 363
9. 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla. … 353
10. 02x B.J. Robinson, Shreveport, La. … 332
11. 05 Michael Robertson, Minden, La. … 327
12. 57 Jason Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 320
13. 26 Patrick Linn, Little Rock, Ark. … 316
14. 25 Scott Green, Derby, Kan. … 311
15. 16 Chris Henigan, Marshall, Texas … 310
16. 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla. … 304
17. 5a Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 303
18. 60 William Gould, Calera, Okla. … 292
19. 8j Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas … 281
20. 52 Chad Davis, Tulsa, Okla. … 278
21. 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La. … 268
22. 05 Garrett Durrett, Simsboro, La. … 265
23. 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas … 260
24. 10 Kyle Schmidt, Farmington, Ark. … 238
25. 19 Jamie Burford, Keatchie, La. … 234
26. 12t Tyler Townsend, Longview, Texas … 231
27. 23 Brandon Davis, Castle Rock, Colo. … 225
27. 12h Jeff Huckaby, Texarkana, Texas … 225
29. 66x Mike Dillard, Allen, Texas … 212
30. C8 Timothy Culp, W. Monroe, La. … 205
31. L1 Larry Clevenger, Greenwood, La. … 180
32. 94 Chris Shown, Hooks, Texas … 164
33. 1 Brett Frazier, Haughton, La. … 156
34. 1t T.J. Herndon, Atwood, Tenn. … 135
34. 13 David Mitchell, Ashdown, Ark. … 135
34. 71k Kevin Sustaire, Emery, Texas … 135
34. 5j John Schwab, Liberal, Kan. … 135
38. 88 Chad Wheeler, Muskogee, Okla. … 127
39. 60b Mike Bowers, N. Little Rock, Ark. … 119
40. 12j Jason Ingalls, Hallsville, Texas … 105
41. 14 Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D. … 103
42. 99 Derick Grigsby, Marshall, Texas … 97
43. 89 Tate Cole, Muskogee, Okla. … 90
43. 14t Tristan Dycus, Midlothian, Texas … 90
43. 38 Jeremy Ross, Locust Grove, Okla. … 90
43. 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla. … 90
43. 15w Lee Walchli, Lavaca, Ark. … 90
43. 71 Tracy Denby Sr., Vidor, Texas … 90
43. 7g Mark Smith, Lufkin, Texas … 90
43. 22 Tracy Denby Jr., Vidor, Texas … 90
51. 76 Troy Taylor Jr., Dallas, Texas … 45
51. E Howard Willis, Dayton, Texas … 45

USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES 2009 SCHEDULE:
Fri Mar 20 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR (winner: Michael Robertson) [E]
Sat Mar 21 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR (winner: Johnny Bone Jr.) [E]
Fri Apr 3 … West Siloam Speedway, West Siloam Springs, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Sat Apr 4 … West Siloam Speedway, West Siloam Springs, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Fri Apr 24 … Texarkana 67 Speedway, Texarkana, AR (winner: Jason Hughes) [E]
Sat Apr 25 … Champion Park Speedway, Haughton, LA (winner: Johnny Bone Jr.) [E]
Sun Apr 26 … Boothill Speedway, Greenwood, LA (winner: Jack Sullivan) [E]
Fri May 1 … Lake Country Speedway, Ardmore, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Thu May 7 … Golden Triangle Raceway Park, Beaumont, TX (winner: Bryan Rowland) [W]
Fri May 8 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX (winner: Chris Brown) [W]
Sat May 9 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Sun May 10 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Tue Jun 9 … Tri-State Speedway, Pocola, OK ($2,000 to win) [E]
Wed Jun 10 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR ($2,000 to win) [E]
Thu Jun 11 … Ark-La-Tex Speedway, Vivian, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Fri Jun 12 … Fast Trax Speedway, Chatham, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Sat Jun 13 … Drew County Speedway, Monticello, AR ($2,000 to win) [E]
Sun Jun 14 … Boothill Speedway, Greenwood, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Thu Oct 1 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($1,000 to win) [H]
Fri Oct 2 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sat Oct 3 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Fri Oct 23 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sat Oct 24 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Fri Nov 27 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($1,000 to win) [H]
Sat Nov 28 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sun Nov 29 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Thu Dec 3 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Fri Dec 4 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Sat Dec 5 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($4,000 to win) [H]

[E] = East Region
[W] = West Region
[H] = The Hunt for the USMTS Southern Series Championship

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

by Jeff Nun
Whiteaker photo by Alton Cotton

Keith White survives “Disqualification Night” at Heart O’ Texas Speedway on Friday

An IMCA official was on hand at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway Friday and seven cars were disqualified following their feature races.

Three IMCA SportMods were disqualified leaving T.J. Green from Robinson, Sid Kiphen from Gatesville, and Lil’ Robert Black from Hallsburg as top finishers

Three more cars were disqualified after the IMCA hobby stock feature leaving Ray Kemp Jr. from Riesel, Charles Cosper from Belton and Andy Roller from Waco in the top three positions.

The disqualification of the street stock feature winner along with a wild wreck on the front straightaway left Jason Gauntt and Tommy Kirkpatrick from Elm Mott and Ronnie Ellis Sr. from Killeen in the top three spots.

Keith White from Academy took the lead late in the IMCA modified feature and made it to the checkered flag ahead of Johnny Sheets from Gatesville and Pat McGuire from Belton.

The pure stock feature was a battle from start to finish before David Andrews, Jeff Shepperd, and Tommy Honey, all from Waco, claimed the top three places.

Dwain Wills from Waco led the team of Heath Zucha and J.J. Jenkins, also from Waco, and Jeff Woodruff from Elm Mott to the finish line in the cruiser feature.

Jordan Kornegay from China Spring took the lead on the last lap to win the junior mini stock feature. Alex Norris from Elm Mott took second and Corbin Suggs from West was third.

The first three across the finish line in the Texas twisters were Jamie Herring from Killeen, Scott Webre from West and Jay Hutson from Waco.

The Brazos mini sprint winner was Jon Randall from Waco. Anthony Smith from Liberty Hill ran second, and Jacob Gilliam from Temple rounded out third.

The second half of the Memorial Day doubleheader takes place Sunday, May 24, starting at 8:00 P.M.
The Sprint Series of Texas in on tap along with a point race for IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, and IMCA hobby stock.

Next Friday, IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA hobby stocks, street stocks, pure stocks, cruisers, junior mini stocks, and Texas twisters will be competing along with a visit from the Texas Wing Modifieds. The Kids’ Silver Rush is also on the schedule. Check www.heartotexspeedway.com for more information.

Complete Finish
Friday, May 22, 2009
IMCA Modified (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Keith White (Academy, TX); 2. Johnny Sheets (Gatesville, TX); 3. Pat McGuire (Belton, TX); 4. Eric Tomlinson (Robinson, TX); 5. Keith Green (Robinson, TX); 6. Chase Jupe (West, TX); 7. Scooter Bates (Killeen, TX); 8. J.P. Dowell (Killeen, TX); 9. Cody Daniel (Waco, TX); 10. Rick Green (Liberty Hill, TX); 11. Jimmie Helona (Crawford, TX); 12. Brian Guay (Hewitt, TX); 13. G.W. Egbert (Belton, TX); 14. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 15. Benji Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX).

IMCA SportMod (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. T. J. Green (Robinson, TX); 2. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, TX); 3. Robert Black (Hallsburg, TX); 4. Cory Tekell (Lorena, TX); 5. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX); 6. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 7. Billy White (West, TX); 8. Keith White (Academy, TX); 9. Joe O’ Bryan (Round Rock, TX); DQ Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX); DQ Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX); DQ Kevin Green (Robinson, TX).

IMCA Hobby Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Ray Kemp Jr. (Riesel, TX); 2. Charles Cosper (Belton, TX); 3. Andy Roller (Waco, TX); 4. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX); 5. Randy Sodek (Temple, TX); 6. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX); 7. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX); 8. Garret Rawls (China Spring, TX); 9. Kyle Davis (Robinson, TX); 10. Zach Henson (Lorena, TX); 11. Charlie Norris (Hillsboro, TX); 12. Jeff Sexton (West, TX); 13. Billy Taylor (Gatesville, TX); 14. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, TX); 15. Markiss Harcrow (West, TX); 16. Jason Gallimore (Robinson, TX); 17. Les Maxwell (Waco, TX); DQ Joe Williams (Waco, TX); DQ Chris Coburn (Robinson, TX); DQ Nathan Sodek (Temple, TX); DQ Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX).

Street Stock (05/22/09)
Feature: 1. Jason Gauntt (Elm Mott, TX); 2. Tommy Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Ronnie Ellis Sr. (Killeen, TX); 4. Ed Thompson (Waco, TX); 5. Jason Honey (Waco, TX); 6. David Khoury (Waco, TX); 7. Ray Vann Jr. (McGregor, TX); 8. Chuck Hamlin (Elm Mott, TX); 9. Bill Eller (Lorena, TX); 10. Lewis Blackwood (Pendleton, TX); 11. Merwin Balz (Temple, TX); 12. Pam Kemp (Robinson, TX); 13. Paul Barton (Waco, TX); 14. Sam Sovey (Waco, TX); 15. John Heffelfinger (Waco, TX); 16. Carroll Edmonds (China Spring, TX); 17. Mark Geurin (Whitney, TX); 18. Brandon Geurin (Whitney, TX); DQ Doug Andrews (Waco, TX).

Pure Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. David Andrews (Bellmead, TX); 2. Jeff Shepperd (Waco, TX); 3. Tommy Honey (Waco, TX); 4. Greg Andrews (Waco, TX); 5. Colton Glaser (Lorena, TX); 6. Edward Harcrow (West, TX); 7. Chad Pelham (Whitney, TX); 8. James Haynes (Hubbard, TX); 9. Melvin Kemp Jr. (Waco, TX); 10. Jack Jenkins (Waco, TX); 11. Wade White (Waco, TX); 12. Scott Wimberley (Covington, TX); 13. Rick Stonecipher (Clifton, TX); 14. Leon Alvarado (Riesel, TX); 15. Michael Votaw (Whitney, TX); DNS David Whitlock Jr, (Waco, TX); DNS Jimmy Reid Jr. (Waco, TX).

Cruiser (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Dwain Wills (Waco, TX); 2. Heath Zucha/J.J. Jenkins (Waco, TX); 3. Jeff Woodruff (Elm Mott, TX); 4. Barry Gaston (Waco, TX); 5. Mike/Michael Van Cleave (Bellmead, TX); 6. Martin Quiram (Hubbard, TX); 7. Dustin Richards (Coolidge, TX); 8. Gordon Coble (Lago Vista, TX); 9. Dan Webre Jr. (West, TX); 10. Russell Bullock (Waco, TX); 11. Randy Thompson (Mount Calm, TX); 12. Steve Wade (Waco, TX); 13. Thomas Smith (Riesel, TX); 14. Andrew Richards (Robinson, TX); 15. J.R. Walker (Waco, TX); 16. William Dean (Elm Mott, TX); 17. Justin Bailey (Mount Calm, TX); 18. Eric Newton (Mart, TX).

Junior Mini Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jordan Kornegay (China Spring, TX); 2. Alex Norris (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Corbin Suggs (West, TX); 4. Cory Kreder (Elm Mott, TX); 5. John Alvarado (Riesel, TX).

Texas Twister (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jamie Herring (Killeen, TX); 2. Scott Webre (West, TX); 3. Jay Hutson (Waco, TX); 4. Chris Wilson (Waco, TX); 5. J.D. Hardcastle (Copperas Cove, TX); 6. Ricky Bobby (Elm Mott, TX); 7. Amy Nichols (Robinson, TX); 8. James Barber (Bellmead, TX).

Brazos Mini Sprint (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jon Randall (Waco, TX); 2. Anthony Smith (Liberty Hill, TX); 3. Jacob Gilliam (Temple, TX); 4. Kyle Thompson (Spring Branch, TX); 5. Tim Sandelovic (Georgetown, TX); 6. James Scruggs (College Station, TX); 7. Rodney Coburn (Pflugerville, TX); 8. Reagan Reed (Waco, TX); 9. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX); 10. Ralph Wren (College Station, TX); 11. Scott Blakely (Georgetown, TX); 12. Coy Jorden (Teague, TX); 13. Toby McCarver (Lorena, TX); 14. Kenny Elwood (Chalk Bluff, TX); DNS Dustin Davidson (West, TX).

by Mary Adamcik

Jason Hughes wins 4th leg of USMTS Texas Shootout at Gator Motorplex

Jason Hughes is the hottest Modified driver in America right now. After a wire-to-wire win Saturday night at the Houston Raceway Park, Hughes made it back-to-back victories Sunday night at the Gator Motorplex in Willis, Texas.

Last year’s Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year John O Whittington used his front row starting spot to gain the early advantage in the 40-lap Sunoco “A” Main, but a pair of mid-race cautions kept the field close.

Hughes, who started fourth, used the outside groove to get by Whittington and lead lap 26, then paced the remaining 14 laps en route to his fifth USMTS Southern Series triumph in the West Region.

The Mother’s Day win was worth $3,500 to the 34-year-old chassis builder from Westville, Okla., including a $500 bonus for topping the four-day points total in the 3rd Annual Rinehart Texas Shootout.

Whittington matched his career best with the USMTS Southern Series with his runner-up finish, and also wound up third in the Rinehart Texas Shootout points. Steven Whiteaker Jr. claimed the third spot, followed by Alan Sharpensteen and Morgan Bagley.

Eight-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock led the next five finishers, with William Gould grabbing seventh, KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Howard Willis eighth, Eddie Martin ninth and Bryan Rowland rounding out the top-10 at the flagstand.

Rowland, who won Thursday’s contest at the Golden Triangle Raceway Park, took home second-place money in the Rinehart Texas Shootout.

The USMTS Southern Series West Region points shows Hughes way out front with 718 points and a virtual lock on the regional points title. Officials are still working to reschedule rained-out events at the Cowtown Speedway and Heart O’ Texas Speedway, which would bring the total number of West Region races to nine. Nonetheless, Hughes is mathematically out of reach if he simply shows up at both shows.

Shryock jumped up to second in the standings ahead of Rodney Sanders, who was running in the top-5 Sunday night but suffered a flat tire with four laps to go. Whiteaker is fourth, followed by Rowland, Jon Tesch, Shane Hebert, Bagley, Bumper Jones and Martin.

The USMTS Southern Series drivers get a month off before returning to action for Southern Speedweek, June 9-10:

Tue Jun 9 … Tri-State Speedway, Pocola, OK ($2,000 to win)
Wed Jun 10 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR ($2,000 to win)
Thu Jun 11 … Ark-La-Tex Speedway, Vivian, LA ($2,000 to win)
Fri Jun 12 … Fast Trax Speedway, Chatham, LA ($2,000 to win)
Sat Jun 13 … Drew County Speedway, Monticello, AR ($2,000 to win)
Sun Jun 14 … Boothill Speedway, Greenwood, LA ($2,000 to win)

The six-race swing will wrap up the East Region points battle and set up the drivers eligible for the USMTS Southern Series Championship Hunt, which will be comprised of 11 events at four racetracks in the Lone Star State. The kickoff for the title chase will begin with a tripleheader at the Battleground Speedway in Highland, Texas, Oct. 1-3, and will wrap up with the 3rd Annual Texas Winter Nationals, Dec. 3-5, at the Houston Raceway Park.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Southern Series (West Region)
3rd Annual Rinehart Texas Shootout - Event #4 of 4
Gator Motorplex, Willis, Texas
Sunday, May 10, 2009

Showing finishing position, car number, driver, hometown and starting position in parentheses. The top 12 drivers in passing points accumulated in the heat races are locked into the Sunoco “A” Main, with the top 8 re-drawing for starting positions 1-8.

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (8 laps):
1. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (3)
2. 10j - Jeremy Ishmael — Tyler, TX (1)
3. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (5)
4. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (4)
5. 51 - Tracy Denby Jr. — Vidor, TX (6)
6. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (7)
7. 7g - Mark Smith — Lufkin, TX (8)
8. 5g - Keith Green — Waco, TX (2) DQ - finished 2nd, did not go to scales
9. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (9) DNS

HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. 18t - Tim Clonch — Quinlan, TX (6)
2. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (7)
3. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (2)
4. 71 - Tracy Denby Sr. — Vidor, TX (5)
5. 97j - Jeff Hoegh — New Caney, TX (8)
6. 68 - Danny Barringer — Lufkin, TX (1)
7. 07 - Keith Wright — Conroe, TX (4) DNF
8. 32 - Doug Byrns — Willis, TX (3) DNF

HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (2)
2. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (4)
3. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (3)
4. E - Howard Willis — Dayton, TX (7)
5. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (5)
6. 88b - Brian Boram — Orange, TX (1)
7. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (6)
8. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (8)

HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (2)
2. 12c - Corey Babbitt — Channelview, TX (4)
3. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (6)
4. 51w - Jeff Wood — Willis, TX (3)
5. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (5)
6. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (7)
7. 121 - Kevin Sturgess — Tomball, TX (1)
8. 44 - Marcus Berndt — Katy, TX (8)

HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (1)
2. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (2)
3. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (4)
4. 2w - Paul White — Temple, TX (3)
5. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (5)
6. 8 - Steve Miller — Georgetown, TX (6)
7. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (8)
8. 129 - Bryan Vollmer — Tomball, TX (7) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (1)
2. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (4)
3. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (2)
4. 2w - Paul White — Temple, TX (5)
5. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (7)
6. 71 - Tracy Denby Sr. — Vidor, TX (3)
7. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (8)
8. 07 - Keith Wright — Conroe, TX (11)
9. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (6)
10. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (15)
11. 121 - Kevin Sturgess — Tomball, TX (12)
12. 7g - Mark Smith — Lufkin, TX (10)
13. 88b - Brian Boram — Orange, TX (9)
14. 44 - Marcus Berndt — Katy, TX (14) DNF
15. 32 - Doug Byrns — Willis, TX (13) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (2)
2. E - Howard Willis — Dayton, TX (1)
3. 51w - Jeff Wood — Willis, TX (4)
4. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (6)
5. 97j - Jeff Hoegh — New Caney, TX (3)
6. 51 - Tracy Denby Jr. — Vidor, TX (5)
7. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (7)
8. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (10)
9. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (13)
10. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (11)
11. 5g - Keith Green — Waco, TX (12)
12. 129 - Bryan Vollmer — Tomball, TX (14)
13. 68 - Danny Barringer — Lufkin, TX (8)
14. 8 - Steve Miller — Georgetown, TX (9) DNF

SUNOCO “A” MAIN (40 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (4)
2. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (1)
3. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (3)
4. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (6)
5. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (8)
6. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (9)
7. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (12)
8. E - Howard Willis — Dayton, TX (16)
9. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (13)
10. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (2)
11. 2w - Paul White — Temple, TX (19)
12. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (23)
13. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (20)
14. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (21)
15. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (24)
16. 51w - Jeff Wood — Willis, TX (18)
17. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (14)
18. 12c - Corey Babbitt — Channelview, TX (7)
19. 18t - Tim Clonch — Quinlan, TX (5)
20. 97j - Jeff Hoegh — New Caney, TX (22)
21. 07 - Keith Wright — Conroe, TX (27)
22. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (15)
23. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (11)
24. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (17)
25. 10j - Jeremy Ishmael — Tyler, TX (10) DNF
26. 121 - Kevin Sturgess — Tomball, TX (25) DNF
27. 129 - Bryan Vollmer — Tomball, TX (26) DNF

Lap Leaders: Whittington 1-25, Hughes 26-40.
Total Laps Led: Whittington 25, Hughes 15.
AFCO Pole Winner: Clonch.
Provisional Starters: Jones, Sustaire, Sturgess (track), Vollmer (track), Wright (track).
KSE Racing Products Hard Charger: Willis (started 16th, finished 8th).
Next Race: Tuesday, June 9, Tri-State Speedway, Pocola, Okla. (East Region).
West Region Points: Hughes 718, Shryock 585, Sanders 568, Whiteaker 560, Rowland 549, Tesch 509, Hebert 492, Bagley 480, Jones 465, Martin 465.
Rinehart Texas Shootout Points (final): Hughes 406, Rowland 350, Whittington 349.
Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year Points: W. Armstrong 194, Sustaire 180, J. Armstrong 179, Schmidt 158, Davis 149.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points: Mullins 92, ASI 90, Young’s 57, Sput’s 54, Rowland 47.
Chassis Builders Championship Points: Hughes 103, Skyrocket 101, Ramirez 80, TRE 74, GRT 70.

Contingency Awards:
AFCO Racing Products – Clonch.
American Racer – Hebert.
Isky Racing Cams – Whittington.
KSE Racing Products – Willis.
Marsh Racing Wheels – Vollmer.
Nitroquest – Whiteaker.
Quarter Master – Hughes, Willis.
QuickTime Performance Parts – Gould.
Real Racing Wheels – Denby Sr., Denby Jr.

Proven field lines up for Texas Super Racing Series opener this weekend at THR

There will plenty of “bragging rights” at the start/finish line when the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models line up to take the green flag for their season opener this Saturday for the Allstate Texas Thunder 50 at the 3/8-mile asphalt oval that is Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX).

Among the drivers expected to start the TSRS season opener, there are 22 track and series championships, along with four Rookie of the Year (ROY) trophies.

Included in that barrage of championships and ROY titles is 2005 TSRS champion Chris Schild (Leander, TX), who had a four-year run of winning at least one race, which was snapped last season. Schild, the 2005 TSRS champion, has more than enough incentive to drive to victory lane on Saturday, as he’s tied with ‘06 series champ Tommy Gural for the most career wins in TSRS history (eight).

And expect Schild to start near the front as he’s the series leader in Fast Qualifier Awards (13).

There will be plenty of competition from a field that includes a host of up-and-coming youngsters. Fifteen-year-old Jake Kruger (Bastrop, TX) won two series races in ’08 and beat out Dillon Spreen (age 14) for the ROY award last season. Spreen, from Boerne (TX), is a nine-time champion (seven quarter-midget regional championships, two Allison Legacy championships) and will be out to add another drivers’ award to his large trophy case.

Two more young guns who will take their first laps in TSRS at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) on Saturday: Levi Krauss (age 17, Schertz, TX), the ‘08 ASA A-Line Super Stock ROY at THR; and, Kendall Bumbera, (Sealy, TX) the sister to Kristin Bumbera, who is currently driving in the NASCAR Camping World Series East for Bobby Hamilton, Jr.

Schild is one of a few “grizzled veterans” who will be spotlighted Saturday. Cody Smith, who was the 2006 TSRS ROY and Runner-up Champion as well as the ’05 THR Hobby Stock Champion, will steer his #05 car onto the track. He and Schild will be joined – among others – by Cary Stapp, the 2008 ASA National Champion and four-time THR ASA A-Line Super Stock champ; and, Bobby Teer Jr. (Comfort, TX) the 2004 THR Super Stock champ.

Information on TSRS can be found at www.manracingpromotions.com. Information about THR and the Allstate Texas Racefest can be found at www.texasracefest.com.

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Jeff Garvin

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore upgrades after championship year in 2008

Despite winning the 2008 IMCA Modified track championship at I-37 Raceway in Pleasanton, Texas, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore isn’t going to rest on the laurels of his 2008 championship.

Dinsmore began 2009 by making a trip north to shop of Bob Harris to pick up the newest in line of chassis’ from Harris Racing. After dropping the power plant and other assorted goodies in the car, the body was hung and off it went to Big Worm Motorsports for the new decal wrap.

Not wanting to fall behind on new technology, Dinsmore then attended the racetechinfo.com chassis seminar presented by Harris. The class, hosted by his wife Candace, had a record number of attendees, all of whom were looking to bolster their knowledge on chassis set-up tips that included on-track and classroom training.

“What worked in 2008 may be out dated in 2009,” replied Dinsmore. “This is also a new chassis design, that has new front end configuration and ‘un-clamped’ rear suspension, so the more I can learn about it now, the farther ahead I’ll be at the track. The testing we did went extremely well and this car is much faster than last years. This looks to be another great year.”

Dinsmore, who will not be defending his title, looks to do more traveling during the 2009 season after I-37 Raceway dropped the IMCA sanction for the Modifieds class.

“We plan to race more big shows this season in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, possibly Arizona and of course, our yearly trip to Boone, Iowa for the IMCA Super Nationals. We’ll probably do our weekly racing at Kennedale Speedway Park when we’re not on the road.”

The first foray into the 2009 season was a “good news, bad news” scenario at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track’s, Texas World Dirt Track Championship. Motor woes plagued Dinsmore on Friday putting him way behind for Saturday’s ‘Last Chance’ race. The car was a rocket on Saturday night as Dinsmore came from the 21st starting position up to ninth using both the bottom and top grooves. His efforts fell short of making the championship main, but Dinsmore looks to rebound at Kennedale Speedway Park’s Spring Kick-off this weekend.

Last year’s championship-winning car now sits unceremoniously behind the race shop, minus numerous parts and pieces. Plans are to repair and replace some parts bent in a late-season crash at Cowtown Speedway (Kennedale, TX), and have the car race ready for Candace to drive once the new motor is ready.

“I’m probably going to be a little nervous at first,” added Candace. “Though I’m anxious to start getting some seat time and apply the knowledge I picked up from Bob Harris’ racetech class. It’s definitely going to be a lot different than my Mini-Sprint.”

During the off season, the Dinsmore family added a new member to the husband and wife team that already includes their sons (Cameron and Logan), daughter (Shelby), father (Jerry Dinsmore), Charles Hopper and team mascot (Chance). This year, look for Chance to have a new running buddy, ‘Chevy,’ a scrappy Chocolate Lab pup.

By J M Hallas

Photo courtesy of Dinsmore Racing

HRA files papers against San Antonio Raceway - Sanctioning body reportedly owed $764K from San Antonio Raceway

The IHRA has filed papers against Zimmer-Zampese and Associates (a.k.a. San Antonio Raceway) demanding payment of $764,000 allegedly owed for the 2008 national event as well as canceling a ten-year contract with the sanctioning body in Houston Federal Court, this according to a newswire for lawyers.

IHRA President Aaron Polburn was vague in his description of the issue with CompetitionPlus.com citing only, “We are having some issues with San Antonio Raceway.”

Polburn declined any other details of the pending legal case.

CompetitionPlus.com attempted to contact San Antonio Raceway for comment but all calls were directed to voicemail and was unable to leave a message because the mailbox was full.

According to a source close to the situation, Zimmer-Zampese and Associates were given a window of time in which to respond to the request for money and as this story is posted, are still within the legal window in which to do so.

“We have served notice there is money owed to us and it needs to be paid,” Polburn concluded.

Written by Bobby Bennett of CompetitionPlus.Com (http://www.competitionplus.com/)

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