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Robby Minten grabs first ever IMCA Sportmod win at I-37 Raceway, 6/18/11

Young Robby Minten(La Coste) ran the race of his life to snag his first ever IMCA Southern Sportmod victory. Minten, who had been snake bitten all season, took the point on lap 1 and never gave it up. Minten was pressured early by Anthony Gordon, then veteran Brian Rye on restarts. With the help of Uncle Ray (Doyon) and Brandon Blaylock, Minten finally hit the set up, held the fast line and scored his inaugural feature win.

As the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature roared to green, Minten led into turn 1 trailed by Gordon, Pat Lyon and Rye along side Michael Hernandez. Behind them it was three wide for sixth with multi-time winner an track champ, Johnny Torres making contact in the fight and losing spots. Torres rebounded to take fifth from Hernandez on lap 3, then fourth from Lyon on lap 4.

Up front Minten had crept away from Gordon who now had Rye along side taking second on lap 4. Moe VanKirk and Chuck Perry got by Lyon on lap 5 for sixth and seventh. Rye and Gordon made contact scrapping for second, with Torres sneaking past, and Hernandez with big run up top getting by all three. Randy Yount brought out a yellow on lap 9 when he got turned around..

As the race resumed and came to halfway it was Minten Rye, Hernandez, Torres and Gordon in the top five. Perry made a mid-race charge getting by Gordon on lap 10, then Torres for fourth on lap 11. Two laps later Perry grabbed third from Hernandez, while Lyon, Michael Walker and Greg Rohmer were three wide for seventh.

With two to go, Minten had a 4-car length edge on Rye and Perry, but Gordon spun in turn 2 to bring out a yellow and set up a green, white, checker finish. The young Minten held his composure on green and inched out by two car lengths, with Hernandez, Torres and VanKirk three abreast for fourth. Rye and Perry battled side by side on the final lap as Minten took the checkers in the 3D Landscaping, Boehle Signs & Graphics, Shepherds Racing Engine powered, Empire(Jim Mikulencak) Chassis.

“We tried a new set up,” exclaimed Minten. “It was something totally different and the car just hooked up on the top. It was a rocket. I was nervous when Anthony(Gordon) brought out that caution with two to go. I knew Johnny(Torres) was somewhere behind me and just knew I’d get passed by him or one of the Rye’s. I just stayed focused and tried to it my marks.”

“Brandon Blaylock helped me a lot with this set up, and my Uncle Ray(Doyon) is always there. We tried a whole new thing, and it worked. Before this race I was ready to throw in the towel. I was frustrated. It seemed everywhere I’d go, we’d wreck, spin out or do stupid stuff. Finally we got it all together.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 184 Brian Rye, 99x Michael Hernandez, 34 Michael Walker, 66 Johnny Torres, 58 Moe VanKirk, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9 Ray Doyon III, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 22 Randy Bennett, 18 Larry Jernigan, 84k Patrick Kelly, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 15 JC Pilcher, 10 Travis Penny, 92 Jason Stanley

IMCA SSM Heats
Heat 1
92 Jason Stanley, 118 Anthony Gordon, 9 Ray Doyon III, 58 Moe VanKirk, 66y Randy Yount, 34 Michael Walker, 10 Travis Penny
Heat 2
66 Johnny Torres, 99x Michael Hernandez, 4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 84k Patrick Kelly, 51 Greg Rohmer
Heat 3
18 Larry Jernigan, 184 Brian Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 22 Randy Bennett, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 15 JC Pilcher

The racing action at Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park was as hot as the weather, with several drivers possibly trying to make for missing the full moon during the off week. The track did as good of a job as possible to get a good racing surface despite week-long 100+ degree temperatures, and strong winds on race day, dust was kept to a minimum.

There were no return winners from the previous race night so any streaks went by the wayside. Several drivers returned to the Winners Circle or won in a different class, plus the IMCA Southern Sportmods had a first time winner and the Front Runners saw a win almost by default.

Dinsmore Gets First Win for new Daughter

After several weeks of disappointment and sorting out damage, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore refound his early season mojo and picked up the first for new baby daughter, Mackenzie. Dinsmore had to come from the back of the 15-car field after a flat on the initial start sent him to the tail after repairs. He then methodically picked off cars and got by early leader Joe Spillman. Once clear Dinsmore held off all challengers on restarts to grab his seventh win of the season.

The 20-lap IMCA Modified main saw the front row of Spillman and Tracy Fink stay wheel to wheel on lap 1 with Spillman leading by a bumper on lap 1. Fink fell in line second with Matt Fox, Robert Liese jr. and Dennis Taylor in tow. Billy Meyer and Allen Williams tangled on lap 1 in turn 2 for an early caution. On the restart Taylor and Darin Leonard got by Liese for fourth and fifth.

Dinsmore quickly made his way up to challenge Leonard for fifth when Fox spun and collected Liese, Mike McCarthy and Leonard who stopped to avoid contact. Once back to green, Dinsmore sailed around Leonard and Taylor for third, then got under Fink for second on lap 3. Spillman and Dinsmore were side by side for the lead on lap 4, with Dinsmore taking the spot on lap 5.

Fink drifted too high in turn 1 and got freight-trained by Taylor, Leonard and Bill Pittaway. Caution waved on lap 6 for Marlin Samford stopped in turn 2. Dinsmore got a good launch on green, while second through fifth ran nose to tail. Jason Borlace and Fink, who blew a motor, got tangled on lap 8 in turn 4 for a yellow.

Back under green, Dinsmore eased away, but Fox spun in turn 1 with Borlace, Meyer and Samford spinning to avoid Fox. On the restart Fox spun again, ending his night. Finally back to green, Taylor got by Spillman for second as the crossed flags were shown with Dinsmore, Taylor, Spillman, Leonard and Jamie Campbell in the top five.

Leonard got past Spillman on lap 10, followed by Campbell. Taylor was trying Dinsmore for the lead, but spun himself from second on lap 13 in turn 4 to bring out a yellow. Dinsmore got away clean on the restart leaving Leonard and Campbell battling for second. Williams ended his night when he slapped the front stretch wall on lap 16 and shed numerous body panels.

When green waved again, Pittaway was putting the heat on Spillman for third, as Dinsmore eased away from Leonard. Spillman was able to hold off the defending champ, Pittaway. Out front it was Dinsmore inching farther ahead of Leonard going on to take the checkers in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis.

“I finally got the car back(to where it was),” said Dinsmore. “It felt good. It had a little push in it, but it was really fast. When I installed the new birdcages, I had the ‘clocking’ off. I called Bob(Harris) after the heats and he suggested some changes that were right on.”

“I cut a tire on the first start. So we got it changed and I had to restart all the way at the back. I got caught in the melee and bent the rim over into the tire. Thankfully the car was super drivable and super fast.”

“I was able to find the fast line first. Usually once you do others will follow you so it’s important to get there first and get out front. If you don’t you have to try to find a way to get around someone running it. It’s better just to get it done and get it over with.”

“There towards the end the track started going away and the fuel load burnt off so the rear percentage was going away and I tried a different line. If I didn’t push it as hard it would push. There’s still a couple things to work on.”

“It was the first win with the new baby. It’s awesome. The baby just trucks right along and isn’t bothered by the noise. It’s amazing. Candace had her at the motel until it cooled off, but was here in time for the our feature win. That was pretty cool.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 29 Jamie Campbell, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 21 Jason Borlace, 67 Robert Liese jr., 38 Dennis Taylor, 99 Billy Meyer, 07 Allen Williams, 31 Marlin Samford, 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 10 Ellis Tracy, 20 Mike McCarthy

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1
38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway, 99 Billy Meyer, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Jason Borlace—DNTG
Heat 2
24 Tracy Fink, 20 Mike McCarthy, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 31Marlin Samford
Heat 3
44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 07 Allen Williams, 67 Robert Liese jr., 10 Ellis Tracy

Dancer Out Does Limited Late Model Field

It’s usually not easy to jump into an unfamiliar car and find a win, but AJ Dancer(Red Rock) showed that Greg Dinsmore wasn’t the only driver capable of the feat. Dancer climbed in the Walt Clark owned car, got by early leader Andrew Hesler past halfway and motored on to the victory.

The Limited Late Model feature got off to a rocky start, a sign of things to come. Leland Waddell led the way off turn 2 on the initial start, but got bumped by Hesler sending him around in turn 4. On the second start Waddell led in to turn 1, Shane Moore tried to crossover in turn 4, but spun and continued. Waddell’s time out front ended on lap 1 when spun in turn 2 scattering the field for an early caution.

Hesler led on the restart followed by Robert Danielson, Matt Hodge and multi-time winner Trey Votion. Votion had just gotten by Danielson for third when Chris Jones spun for lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, Dancer got around Harlin Covert and Danielson for fourth. Moore looped it in turn 2 for a lap 5 caution. It wasn’t long after green waved that Hodge, apparently spotting the turn 2 troll, got hung on an infield tire for yellow on lap 6.

Finally under green, the top three, Hesler, Votion and Dancer, eased away from
Covert and Gary Hunter. Dancer used the top to go past Votion on lap 7 for second and quickly got along side Hesler for the lead. Dancer got the nose out front only to have a caution for a spin by Jones erase the pass. Hesler and Dancer edged away while Covert and Votion ran door to door for third.

Covert secured the spot on lap 11, while Dancer again tried the high groove for the lead. Dancer was able to complete the pass on Hesler to lead on lap 13. Hunter spun on lap 15 after contact from Richard Bartosh, who was sent to the back. On the restart Covert was looking low on Hesler for second.

Moore spun in turn 4 was trying to roll start his car in front of the leaders, Covert slowed to avoid contact with Votion and Hunter getting by. Yellow for Moore’s stalled car in turn 4 gave Covert the spots back. Dancer got a good jump on the restart while Hesler, Covert and Votion battled for second. At the checkers it was Dancer in the Eagle Racing, VISA/Mastercard, Parks Engine Service, Shaw Chassis with a Camaro clip taking the win, while Hunter nipped Votion at the line.

“Walt must build a good car,” replied Dancer. “I really didn’t do a whole lot. I think Walt put this car together with pieces of everything. There may even be a Volkswagen Bug under there. I used the top because everyone else was running the bottom. I guess I’m not as smart as them. Up top it’s closer to the edge.”

“I think the secret of my success, is not thinking. I really don’t think about anything, if I do I’ll just mess it up. Trey(Votion) and Drew(Hesler) were as fast as us, but they just didn’t find the upper groove.”

“With myself and TJ working on it and AJ driving it, it’s a winning combination,” added car owner Clark.

Limited Late Models
32 AJ Dancer, 60 Harlin Covert, 1 Andrew Hesler, 14 Gary Hunter, 99 Trey Votion, 28 Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 18 Shane Moore, 58 Matt Hodge

Limited Late Model heat winners; 49 Robert Danielson, 7 Richard Bartosh

Casey Captures Street Stock Honors
San Antonio’s Tommy Casey found his way back to the Winners Circle after several years. Casey grabbed the point on green, then went wire to wire in the 15-lap feature that went without a caution. At the checkers Casey held a half straightaway margin over defending track champ Wade Jones.

As green waved on the Street Stock feature Casey led the pack into turn 1 with AJ Wernette and Mike Lyon side by side for second while Aaron Leddy was door to door with Jones for fourth. As Casey led back to the line on lap 1 AJ Wernette, Lyon and Leddy were almost three wide for second. As that battle sorted out, AJ Dancer got by both Leddy and AJ Wernette for third.

Stephan Danielson, Jones and Leddy went three abreast for fourth on lap 3. Danielson got the spot and was looking low on Dancer for third. Dancer held Danielson off and began pressuring Lyon for second. With Dancer trying under Lyon, Danielson tried even lower, but ended up doing a 360 to avoid contact losing several spots.

Jones, running the middle, then began to pick off cars on his way to the front. Jones got by Dancer on lap 9 then Lyon for second on lap 10, but found himself trailing Casey who had built a good margin. Dancer took third from Lyon in the final laps. Back up front it was Casey, in the Clays Auto Parts & Machine Shop, Richard & Bea Villanueva, Odie Automotive/Garfield Shanklin, Camaro grabbing the checkers comfortably ahead of Jones.

“We’re finally starting to get a handle on the car,” commented Casey. “The guys here are helping us out a lot. Between the other racers, like the Wernette group and AJ Dancer, and reading some books we’re finally getting it to hook up on the dry slick. We’ve really been bad on the slick tracks.”

“I don’t care what anyone says there’s not enough time on these short tracks to try to look back for who’s coming. Chris Swenson always tell me to adjust the brake bias while I’m driving, but I’ll wait until under caution. I’ve got enough to do with the steering wheel in my hands.”

“We’ve done some adjusting on the springs, wheel offset and weight jacks to get the car better. Just searching to find the best combination for this track. Clay(Kotara) and Roger have got us a good engine package.”

“It’s been two or three years since I’ve won, and it was on Father’s Day Weekend too. Maybe I should just race on that weekend every year.”

Street Stocks
15 Tommy Casey, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 40 Mike Lyon, 149 Stephan Danielson, 37 AJ Wernette, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Joe Spillman, 93 Aaron Leddy

Street Stock heat winners; 41 Wade Jones, 15 Tommy Casey

The Pure stock 20-lapper saw a return face to the Winers Circle, although the car is very familiar with the place. Adam Torres(San Antonio), driving the former championship car of Marc Roy, jumped out front early and never looked back going flag to flag for the win. It was the first win in several years for Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Chevy.

Torres got a good jump from the pole, while Tim Watson and Karoline Campbell were side by side trailed by Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski. T. Watson secured the second spot, while Jarrett Payton got by E. Watson for fifth. Payton and Ramzinski both got past Campbell, with Frank Okruhlik charging up behind them. Okruhlik’s wedding night came to an end when he lost an axle on lap 5(Honeymoon for the newlyweds stated early)

On the restart, Payton battled with T. Watson for second but lost a right front tire and stopped in the front stretch. Torres got a big advantage on the restart while Cody Leonard got along side Ramzinski for fourth. After picking off the spot, Leonard got around Campbell for third on lap 10. Up front Torres had built a full straightaway lead.

Leonard took second from T. Watson on lap 14, but found himself well behind Torres who easily cutting through traffic. Leonard tried to cut into Torres’ lead but to no avail as the laps wound down. Janel Hilla worked her way past Campbell for fourth in the final laps, but it was Torres crossing under the checkers with the convincing victory.

Pure Stocks
24 Adam Torres, 26c Cody Leonard, 1 Tim Watson, 7x Janel Hilla, 10c Karoline Campbell, 89 Ryan Doyon, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 15 William Cavender, 44 James Watson, 14 Trey Heald, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 66r Rick Snyder, F5 Kevin Vasbinder, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 94 Tator Mason—DNS, 117 Devin Adler—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 99 Frank Okruhlik, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres

In the Front Runner feature, Somerset’s Hailee Marcx was just as surprised as anyone when she found herself in the Winners Circle at the races completion. Marcx was one of only two cars left running as the race was called by the 10-run mercy rule. Marcx was in the right place after two groups, battling for the lead, found themselves in a heap and received the black flag.

The race started off innocent enough with track promoter Jim Knudtson leading into turn 1. Knudtson slowed while Jimmy Carroll sailed by off turn 2 to lead lap 1 followed by Roy Easler jr., Landon Sowder and Marcx. Knudtson was black flagged by his son and race director for going too slow(Happy Fathers Day !). Anthony Maciel got by Marcx for fourth, with Charles Earnhardt III following to fifth.

Easler, using the top, got by Carroll to lead lap 4 then got hung in slower traffic. Carroll was able to sneak by of turn 2, but Easler got back to the lead before lap 5. Maciel and Ch. Earnhardt got together in turn 4 for a lap 6 caution. On the ensuing restart, Easler held the lead but was pressured by Carroll and Cody Earnhardt. Co.

Co. Earnhardt and Carroll traded some paint with Carroll getting into the back of Easler. As Easler began going around he was finished off by Co. Earnhardt who had nowhere to go. All three received the black flag much to the crowds disapproval. This put Ch. Earnhardt back out front after making repairs from his earlier incident.

Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder pulled away on green to settle it among themselves. While fighting for the lead in the final laps contact sent both sailing out the pit exit leaving only Marcx and Cindy Snider, who was down a couple laps, on the track. Officials decided to black flag Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder, then declared Marcx, in the Howies Lawn & Landscaping, Alamo Homes, Bettis Storage, 6-Pack Racing Grand Am the winner.

“It was pretty weird,” said Marcx. “I was just out there racing and the next thing I know I’m in Victory Lane. I saw those guys battling ahead of me. That last wreck scared me when they went off the track as fast as they did. I didn’t know what to think.”

“It’s awesome getting the win no matter how it happens. We’re doing good in the points, second behind the 67(Jimmy Carroll) and we’re going to pick up some points on him tonight.”

Front Runners
113 Hailee Marcx, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 08 Landon Sowder, 66r Cindy Snider, 12 Roy Easler jr., 33c Cody Earnhardt, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Anthony Maciel, 98 Hayden Anderson, 27 Jim Knudtson, 98E Will Holden, 17 Kirsten Blevins

Front Runner heat winners; 12 Roy Easler jr., 67 Jimmy Carroll

By J.M. Hallas
JBHotshots Photos

Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter

Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid

Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.

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

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