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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

Greg Dinsmore’s dominance at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park continues

After a week off for two-wheeled action of the VDTRA, Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway resumed stock car racing on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked dirt track. Racing action included the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods, Limited Late Models, Street and Pure Stocks plus the Front Runners.

On-track action saw three drivers (Greg Dinsmore, Johnny Torres and Wade Jones) continue their winning ways, while two new drivers found their way to the Winners Circle and one put a new out front.

The night included a kids bicycle giveaway headed by IMCA Southern Sportmod driver Moe VanKirk, and sponsored by Mike and Kristi Brown at B&B Ranch(Comfort, Tx.) and I-37 Raceway.

Dinsmore Dominance Continues

After some tough luck on the off weekend and parts delays, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore pieced his racecar back together and made all the hard work pay off with another I-37 Raceway win. On a second start Dinsmore made a bold move splitting the top two cars to grab the lead. Once out front Dinsmore would ease away from the pack, holding off Robert Liese jr. on restarts. Bill Pittaway, Jamie Campbell and Billy Meyer, picking up his first top-five finish, followed.

On the initial start Meyer jumped out front from the pole with it three wide, two deep behind him. Gilbert Amezquita blew up, scattering parts and fluid, causing a stack up that sent Jon Holmstrom over the turn 3 hill. On the second start Meyer and Liese stayed side by side until coming off turn 4 Dinsmore squirted between them to the lead. Campbell moved in to challenge Liese for second until he went around in turn 4 for a lap 5 yellow.

Dinsmore got away on green while Pittaway took a peek under Dennis Taylor for third. Campbell made a quick comeback taking fifth from Bob Leinweber on lap 8. Leinweber had more problems going off turn 4 for a caution on lap 9. Back to green, Dinsmore got a big lead on Liese as Taylor and Pittaway continued their fight for third. At halfway it was Dinsmore, Liese, Taylor, Pittaway and Campbell.

Pittaway finally got past Taylor coming off turn 4, but Taylor regained the spot going through turns 1-2. As those continued to slug it out, Taylor did a 360 in turn 4 falling to the back. Leinweber went around for his second solo yellow, ending his night. Liese tried to hang on to Dinsmore on the restart, but Dinsmore was able to edge away in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Wells Designs, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis for his fifth win of the season.

“Going through that little hole on the start was real ugly,” said Dinsmore. “I felt like a pimple being squeezed. It could have been really bad. It was as ugly as it gets. That first start was hard to get a grip on things with all the smoke and fluid. Stuff happens so fast. From there the car was fast, but the brakes were acting funky.”

“We lost a bolt in the right front caliper and the car would go into the corner and jerk to the right. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. In (turns) one and two the car was really flying and in (turns) three and four I’d really have to slow the car down. It would turn to the right and I’d have to gas it to get it going back to the left. Once it got up and going it was really fast.”

“The track was just done coming off turn 4, but there was more moisture at the other end and a little going into three where the car would bite and throw the front end down. Cen-Tex has got me a good piece and it’s running good.”

“I’ve tried running for points before and with Candace ready to have the baby I really can’t. I just try to run year to year. As soon as you try to chase points, something happens. You can’t plan to run for points unless you have a lot of money behind you.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 67 Robert Liese, Jr, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 99 Billy Meyer, 38 Dennis Taylor, 12 Bob Leinweber, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 24 Tracy Fink–DNS

IMCA Modified heat
Heat 1, 29 Jamie Campbell, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 24 Tracy Fink–DNTG

Heat 2, 38 Dennis Taylor, 67 Robert Liese jr. 99 Billy Meyer, 37 Bill Pittaway, 12 Bob Leinweber

Torres Tops Again in Sportmod Scramble

Johnny Torres(San Antonio) had his work cut for him in the 14-car, 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. It took Torres several laps to make his way to top five and finally run down leader, Ray Doyon III. Torres and Doyon scrapped it out until Torres got the spot with five to go. As the race wound own Torres eased away for another win.

Robby Minten, from the pole, jumped out front as green waved, with Pat Lyon and Michael Hernandez side by side for second. As they shook out Minten led over Hernandez, Randy Yount, Lyon and Doyon. Doyon moved past Lyon for fourth, while Yount got second from Hernandez. Doyon and Moe VanKirk put Hernandez back spots taking third and forth on lap 3.

VanKirk shot by Doyon and made contact with Yount sending himself spinning off the back stretch to the infield. On the restart Larry Jernigan slowed with a flat causing some mid-pack scrambling. Doyon got by Yount for second on lap 4 and was challenging his nephew, Minten for the lead. Doyon got the point on lap 6, but Minten tried to come back only to give up second to Yount.

Yount closed in on Doyon for the lead and took a look low on lap 8 only to see caution wave for a big puddle of liquid on the back stretch. Doyon got a good restart, while Torres got by Hernandez fourth. Torres then picked off Minten for third. At the crossed flags it was Doyon, Yount, Torres, Minten and Hernandez in the top five.

As Yount tried to challenge Doyon again for the lead Torres found an opening to sneak by for second. Behind the lead trio, Anthony Gordon was able to get by Hernandez for fifth, then Minten for fourth, as VanKirk worked his way back to sixth. Up front the battle for the lead was beginning to take shape between Doyon and Torres.

Torres ducked inside Doyon on lap 13 with the two side by side for the lead on lap 14, with VanKirk getting fourth fifth from Minten. Torres got the pass to take the point on lap 15. As Torres was able inch away from Doyon, VanKirk got fourth from Gordon. Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis increased his lead on his way to the checkers.

“The car is still working real good,” exclaimed Torres. “We haven’t had to change a thing and hopefully we’ll keep on winning. I got stuck behind some traffic tonight and that slowed me up. I tried to be patient, but patience wasn’t working out. So I put the hammer down and it went good. The track had a little more moisture than usual and that made it a little harder to pass.”

“It had more moisture in (turns 1-2) than it did in (turns 3-4). Some guys were either tight in one corner or loose in the other. Cars were running all over the place so you had to look out and play dodge ‘em”

“My dad wants to run for points here, he like those championships for some reason. I really want to go run in Waco with the USMTS on Thursday night, so we’ll see how that works out.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
66 Johnny Torres, 9 Ray Doyon III, 66y Randy Yount, 58 Moe VanKirk, 118 Anthony Gordon, 4 Robby Minten, 51 Greg Rohmer, 99x Michael Hernandez, 22 Randy Bennett, 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon 11c Chris McLendon, 18 Larry Jernigan

IMCA Southern Sportmod heats
Heat 1; 22 Randy Bennett, 58 Moe VanKirk, 60 Pat Lyon, 51 Greg Rohmer, 4 Robby Minten, 118 Anthony Gordon 18 Larry Jernigan

Heat 2; 9 Ray Doyon III, 66 Johnny Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11c Chris McLendon 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly

Votion Victorious in Limited Late Models

Returning after a three year hiatus, Trey Votion found his way to the Winners Circle in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature. Votion got the point on lap 5 when early Matthew Hodge spun. Votion was chased in the last portion of the race by defending track champ, Richard Bartosh who quietly worked his way up throughout the race.

The front row of Hodge and Shane Moore stayed side by side to turn 3 when Hodge got the advantage with Moore, Votion and Robert Danielson falling in line. Dustin Tillman brought out a yellow on lap 2 when he spun in turn 4. On the restart Votion used the high side to get by Moore for second when AJ Wernette spun. On the restart Wernette, substituting in an unfamiliar car, went around again in turn 2.

Hodge and Votion broke away on green with Votion still trying the high groove. The pressure may have taken its toll as Hodge spun in turn 4 scattering the field and Votion getting the lead. Hodge kept it fired up, fell to the back, but then looped it again on lap 6 for a caution. Votion broke away on green while Craig Crawley and Gary Hunter battled for fifth.

As Votion started edging away, Danielson was trying inside Bartosh for third. Chris Jones spun on lap 9 for a quick caution. Once back to green Moore spun himself from second on lap 10 to slow the action again. Finally back under green, Hodge worked his way back to the top five getting the spot from Crawley. Hodge then began to put the heat on Hunter for fourth.

Hunter held off Hodge and was able to get past Danielson for third on lap 13. Hodge tried to follow eventually getting the spot a lap later. Up front Votion was holding a slight margin over Bartosh and was out front by 10-car lengths as the white flag waved. Votion, in the Northside Ford, Kelly Chassis, parlayed that lead into the victory.

“The car was real good in (turns) 1-2,” stated Votion. “In (turns) 3-4 it was a little tricky. It was real dry slick. I’d have to shut it almost completely down to get through. It was all good. I’ve finally got the car hooked up and we got it to first. We’re having fun with everyone out here. It’s been good so far.”

“I’ve been out of racing for three years. We broke an axle in 2007 and ended up totaling that car in the resulting crash. My brother and crew chief (Patrick Kelly) decided he wanted to sell this and I took him up on the offer. It’s been pretty good since. He, his dad (Pat) and I do the motor work. Keep it all in the family”

“I’d like to have Greg (Dinsmore) running with us again. I like running against him. We had a good run our first night out and I was happy to run second to him. I always try to keep my car in the right place and go as fast as I can.”

Limited Late Models
99 Trey Votion, 7 Richard Bartosh, 14 Gary Hunter, 58 Matthew Hodge, 49 Robert Danielson, 6 Craig Crawley, 18 Shane Moore, 69 Chris Jones, 08 AJ Wernette, 94 Dustin Tillman, 1x Andrew Hesler—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 08 AJ Wernette, 18 Shane Moore

Jones Tames Lyon in Street Stock Shootout

Coming back after a hard crash several weeks ago, Wade Jones returned to his winning ways, but it wasn’t easy. Jones and Mike Lyon put on one heck of a show as they battled for the lead swapping the spot several times until Jones finally gained control. Once clear Jones was able to pull away the final circuits for the win in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, Camaro.

Lyon was first into turn 1 at the start of the 20-lap Street Stock feature, but a multi-car tangle sent AJ Wernette over the hill in turn 3. Once again Lyon got the jump on the field with Jones, Dennis Hilla and AJ Dancer in pursuit. Jones began pressuring Lyon on lap 3 while Dancer challenged Hilla for third. Jones got inside Lyon on lap 5 and led back to the line on lap 6. Stephan Danielson, debuting a new ride, got past Dancer for fourth.

Jones and Lyon stayed side by side for the lead with Lyon getting the advantage back on lap 7. Jones tried the bottom again getting the nose under Lyon on lap 10. The two were door to door again on lap 11 with Jones eking out the lead on lap 12. Jones finally secured the spot on lap 13 and began inching away. Jones then motored away to a half straightaway lead at the checkers.

“It was fun, I had to work for that one,” replied Jones. “The car was hooked up and the track was just right. We put a softer spring in the right rear and it felt a little better. Tonight I was pretty much wide open. Two weeks ago I was still a little tentative after that crash.”

“I love all the competition this year with some of the new guys and others stepping up their game. I think it’s great. I’m going to finish this year out in Street Stock. We may try to have a Late Model out late in the year.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 40 Mike Lyon, 2x Dennis Hilla, 149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 93 Aaron Leddy, 15 Tommy Casey, 37w Wayne Wernette, 53 Ben Blanford, 7 Danny Schroat, 37 AJ Wernette

Street Stock heat winners; 40 Mike Lyon, 52 AJ Dancer

Payton Powers to First Pure Stock Payday

Since moving up from the Front Runner class, Jarrett Payton has been somewhat snake-bit in the Pure Stock class. Payton has found himself up front only to have mechanical woes end his night. Tonight no parts failed or broke. On top of that Payton had to hold off charges from Brandy Ramzinski, his sister, who gave him a couple looks low and sibling love taps in the final laps before taking the checkers.

As green waved on the 16-car, 20-lap event Carolyn Campbell beat the pack into turn 1 with Talon Minten, Payton and Tim Watson three wide behind her. That battle sorted out with Payton getting second. Ramzinski moved along side Minten for fourth while T. Watson got sideways and ended up going out the pit entrance. Campbell gave away the top spot when she spun on lap 2 stacking up the field. Perennial front runner, Justin Henley was forced to pit with damage.

This gave Payton the lead for the restart with Ramzinski, Eric Watson, Janel Hilla and Minten lined up on his bumper. When green waved again the lead duo took off, while Frank Okruhlik got past Minten for fifth. Hilla then picked off third from E. Watson on lap 6 followed by Okruhlik to fourth on lap 7. Coming to halfway Payton and Ramzinski held a good advantage over Hilla and Okruhlik, with E. Watson losing ground to the leaders.

With five to go the leaders ran up on traffic with Ramzinski closing to Payton’s rear bumper. Okruhlik used traffic to get past Hilla, but Hilla fought back as yellow waved for a spin by William Saunders. Okruhlik pitted trailing smoke under caution. On the restart Ramzinski got under Payton for the lead, but Richard Snyder stopped in turn 2 to bring the yellow quickly back out.

Once green flew again Ramzinski kept the heat little brother, Payton, for the lead. Ramzinski would show him the nose, but Payton would pull off the corner. Ramzinski got inside with two to go, but Payton held her off again. On the final lap Ramzinski gave it her best shot with a little sisterly love tap, but Payton held on in the Roosevelt U-Pull-It, Bettis Storage, Spa Pro, A Five Graphics, Jerry & Tammy Jones, E&E Engines, Chevy to take the victory.

“It’s been a lot of hard on this car,” commented Payton. “We’ve spent months and months working on it. We missed the first couple races and then nothing ever went right. Tonight it was a good night and nothing broke. It’s awesome to get my first Pure Stock win. Even last year it was bad luck one race after the other. Things have picked up this year and hopefully it’s the beginning of some more wins.”

“I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) stick the nose up under me and I knew she was there. During that caution I figured if she was going to run low that I had to run low too. Even though she’s my big sister, I’m not to run her any easier than anyone else.”

Pure Stocks
9s Jarrett Payton, 8 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 43 Eric Watson, 71 Mike Harrison, 15 William Cavender, 98 William Saunders, 22 Patricia Lucas, 66r Rick Snyder, 89 Talon Minten, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 95 Jerry Jones, 10c Carolyn Campbell, 96 Justin Henley, 44 James Watson, 1x Tim Watson

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 96 Justin Henley, 99 Frank Okruhlik

Earnhardt Edges Away to Grab Front Runner Flag

After swapping seat time with brother Charlie in a different car last year, Cody Earnhardt put his new ride in the Winners Circle. Earnhardt lead the 15-lap feature, that was halted by a mid-race red, flag to flag in the Earnhardt & Sons Automotive, Big Lou’s Pizza, Rushmore Plumbing, Mazda.

Kathy Wells lead through turns 1-2, but it was Earnhardt getting by in turns 3-4 to grab the lead trailed by Wells, Nick Hencey and Jimmy Carroll. Carroll and Hencey both got by Wells on lap 3 for second and third, respectively. As Earnhardt began to pull away, Landon Sowder and Wells began a rough fight for fourth.

That duo traded some paint on lap 7 with Sowder getting the spot. Wells came back giving Sowder a pop getting them both out of shape allowing Hailee Marcx the opening to get by both. That scrap concluded when the two crashed off turn 2 sending Wells, and her passenger, over several times before reaching the tree line. Both driver and passenger were checked out by emergency crews.

When the race finally went back to green it was Earnhardt quickly pulling away from Carroll. Marcx, recovering from an early spin and go, moved in to challenge Hencey getting third on lap 10. Up front Earnhardt had it on cruise control as he marched away from Carroll for the checkers.

“Patience is the key,” said the young Earnhardt. “Sometimes you just let everyone beat each other up and move up. It’s just a lot of picking your line and sticking with it. Our other car is fast too.”

“I just kind of took it easy and cruised when I got out to that lead. I was watching my dad. He signals me how far ahead I am, when to take it easy, when someone is closing. He helps me out a lot.”

Front Runners
33c Cody Earnhardt, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 113 Hailee Marcx, 911 Nick Hencey, 66r Cindy Snyder, 17 Kurstin Blevins, 3 Jessica Mares, 34 Kathy Wells, 08 Landon Sowder

Front Runner heat winners; 911 Nick Hencey, 33c Cody Earnhardt

by J M Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

I-37 Raceway’s “Thousand Dollar Shootout” to end season on a high note this weekend

The final night of championship racing at I-37 Raceway featured a full moon, the second largest crowd of the season (which sang the national anthem after the CD had a glitch), and a hard but clean night of racing that made everyone hungry for more next season.

There is one more event left on the schedule, though, and it’s a big one: the second annual Hill Country Satellite “Thousand Buck Shootout” on Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, 2009. This will be the final race until the 2010 season kicks off in mid-March, and each class will have its own sponsor and the newest class, the already popular with fans and drivers front drive “Front Runner” class, will run two races, a normal race on Friday and an enduro on Saturday that is attracting cars from all over south Texas. The Front Runners will be racing in the “Tator Plumbing Front Runner” feature, backed by the San Antonio company.

Boerne’s Robert Barker, winner of the last Texas Super Racing Series race on the asphalt at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, will try dirt racing for the first time, jumping into fellow Boerne resident (and I-37 Race Director) Eric Knudtson’s Chevrolet Camaro to run the “BPTI Street Stock” race. For the fans, the night’s excitement will include a drawing for a new flat screen television set.

Kerrville’s Moe VanKirk started last season a little late but still managed to win the title. This year he blew away the field and won more than two-thirds of the Limited Late Model races despite having to start nearly every race from the back as the points leader. With no points on the line at the “Shootout,” just money, the Limited Lates will likely let it all hang out in the “C-D Electric Limited Late Model” feature.

San Antonio’s Mark McGahey worked speed and consistency into a formula good enough to win his first IMCA Southern Sports Modified championship at I-37 Raceway. The “Sports Mods” will run the “Manning Safety Services Sports Modified” feature, backed by the suppliers of oil-field safety equipment, and the big Modifieds will be back for the “3-D Landscaping Modified” feature.

The Street Stocks saw a season-long battle among four drivers who should (and probably will) move up in class next year. Though last year’s rookie of the year Wade Jones of Jourdanton had the title locked up early, he also had Floresville’s A. J. Wernette and San Antonio driver Tommy Casey on his tail every week and all year.

They’ll be racing for “BPTI Street Stock” purse with no worries about fixing the car before next season, but they will be dealing with an experienced and high-profile “rookie” in Robert Barker, a former winner at San Antonio Speedway, Thunderhill Raceway and Houston Motorsports Park.. This one is likely to get interesting in a hurry.

The Pure Stock class was a battle among several drivers including former track and class champion Janel Hilla, former track photographer Marc Roy, Sean Terry (forced to miss several races due to his work on an oil rig) and rookie William “Heat” Saunders. It came down to the last night, with Hilla winning her heat race to close to within three points of Roy as they started the feature.

Roy had problems of his own, and was forced to use a car borrowed from his teammate Lynn Hardy for the final two races following damage to his car, while Mike Brown, who hadn’t won a race all year, came through to win on the last night. Roy flashed across the line just behind him with Hilla on his tail, but Roy had the Pure Stock title. Still, Hilla has finished first, third and second in the last three championships and will be back next season.

They’ll be running in the “Douglass Glass Pure Stock” feature, with Dennis “Loco Ocho” Jasik of Douglass Glass probably out there in his number 8 Pure Stock trying to keep some of the money in the company.

Cars are expected from Austin, Houston, Goliad and perhaps Killeen with added cash on the line, Overall title sponsor Hill Country Satellite handles everything from Direct TV to security systems and even supplies racing radios.

Racing will start on Friday at 7:30 pm and on Saturday at 7:00 pm. The full schedule for the special Friday-Saturday event will be posted in advance on the I-37 Raceway web site. (www.i37raceway.com) or call (210) 478-0111.

by TQ Jones

Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - Part Two, I-37 Sport Mods

In this Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, Nick Holt will talk to a few more IMCA Sport Mod drivers at I-37 Raceway in Pleasanton. Nick talked to a brother racing dou, a 62-year-old rookie, and of course the winner of the race.

Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast - 5/11/09

In the first of a two-part Lone Star Speedzone Video Cast, we’ll take a look at the IMCA Sport Mods at I-37 Raceway down in Pleasanton. Nick Holt did pre and post-race interviews with the top drivers in this premier class.

Steve Whiteajer, Jr, survives “full moon” racing at I-37 to take Modified win

Outlaw Modified driver Steve Whiteaker, Jr., survived a wild night of “full moon” racing at Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway Friday night and the young Corpus Christi hot-shoe came home the winner.

The quarter-mile dirt oval produced a series of roll-overs on a dry slick track, there were unfortunately a series of several roll-overs, airborne crashes and fires. Fortunately all drivers were able to walk away without serious injury, but there will a lot of work going on this week for many.

In the Modified class, an anonymous donor threw some extra money in the pot, making a $1,000 payday for the winner. The added money caught the attention of several drivers from the Corpus Christi, Austin and Killeen areas. The IMCA SportMod purse was also increased with the winner scoring $350.

Whiteaker wears ‘em out in Modified main

Corpus young gun, Steve Whiteaker,Jr., has always been a contender at the south Texas tracks and with his recent USMTS experience has taken his game to another level with good finishes in the touring series. Despite a crash in his heat, Whiteaker worked his way to the lead early the A-main, then pulled away to big margin to pick up the big paycheck along with an added hard charger bonus put up by 3-D Landscaping’s, Ray Doyon.

Johnny Torres led the field into turn one as the green waved on the 20-lap main event. In the pack David Smith,Jr., got turned around, but kept going falling nearly a lap down. Whiteaker got past defending IMCA Modified track champion Greg Dinsmore for second on the first circuit. Whiteaker wasted little time running down Torres on the second lap while Dinsmore was being challenged by veteran Lawrence Mikulencak.

Whiteaker got around Torres for the lead on lap three, with Mikulencak taking third from Dinsmore. Dinsmore, who found the wall twice in heat race action and thrashed during intermission on the car, faded and pulled off. Mikulencak caught Torres and took over second on lap six. At halfway it was Whiteaker, Mikulencak, Torres, Elias Anderson and Mike McCarthy in the top five.

Anderson worked his way around Torres on lap 11 for third. Coming from the back, Smith was flying around the top picking off fifth from McCarthy on lap 15. Continuing to work the high side, Smith, who was as fast or faster than the leader at the end, grabbed fourth from Torres on lap 18. Up front Whiteaker was holding a big lead over Mikulencak and easily took the checkers in the WW Bodies, Showtime Signs, Jana Schurry/ReMax Realty, Youngs Auto Repair, Hughes Chassis.

“I kind of got lucky,” said Whiteaker. “Someone got sideways on the first lap and Lawrence (Mikulencak) had to check up and I was able to get by him. Once I got the lead I didn’t really know how far anyone was behind me or how big a lead I had. You just hope someone isn’t behind you waiting for the last lap to make a move.

“I was fast tonight. The track was really decent. It didn’t start off that great, but it was really good, real racy, slick and nice and slow. It turned out to be a good night after all. After the incident with Lawrence in the heat I didn’t think we were done for the night, but knew we had a lot of work to do. We able to get it back together, that’s what it’s all about.

“Running with the USMTS series definitely helps my driving. You’re only as fast as who you race with. That’s how you learn to get faster. I’ll go out of town and be faster when I come back, then everyone will catch up to me.”

Outlaw Modifieds
89 Steve Whiteaker jr
87 Lawrence Mikulencak
31 Elias Anderson
703 David Smith jr
66 Johnny Torres
20 Mike McCarthy
68 Mike Rothhammer
8g Greg Dinsmore
125 Jason Borlace
c31 Marlin Samford—DNS
55 Danny Brown(rolled in heat)

Modified heat winners, 87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 703 David Smith jr.

Butcher slices up the IMCA Sportmod field

As stable mate of Whiteaker, Dustin Butcher has learned the ropes quickly and made it a “Team Whiteaker” sweep in the two modified classes. Butcher escaped an early brush with tire wall, worked his way up through traffic and got the point just before halfway. A late race caution bunched the field, but Butcher held off the wounded car of Chris Swenson for the victory.

At the start of the 20-lap IMCA SSM main, Larry Jernigan and Wesley Malcher stayed wheel to wheel through turns 1-2. Malcher eased out front going into turn 3 to get the lead. In the pack Chris McLendon got sideways and collected Robert Williams. As Williams car dug in it broke the rear end up sending him airborne with a hard landing on three wheels. The next start saw Jernigan jump into the lead, but Butcher found the tire wall in turn 1.

The third start was a charm with Jernigan again leading into turn 1, but Doug Livingston came from row two sneaking under Jernigan for lead coming out of turn 2. Malcher and Mark McGahey followed for second and third. On lap 1 Swenson got around Jernigan for fourth and made contact with McGahey knocking the toe-in by several inches. Swenson went around on lap 2, but kept going, with Dennis Hilla spinning behind him to bring out a caution.

On the restart, Malcher got inside Livingston in turns 1-2, while Butcher made his way into the top five. As Livingston and Malcher battled through turns 3-4, Malcher pushed up in 4 making contact with Livingston. Livingston wheel hopped Malcher sending him airborne and head-on into the wall hard. Ironically, teammate McGahey, inherited the lead for the restart that saw Aaron Lunsford get by Jernigan for fourth.

Butcher had just made a move on Swenson for second when McGahey spun from the lead collecting Jernigan. With Swenson’s wounded ride now on point, Butcher took advantage on the restart and got along side for lead. Butcher grabbed the top spot on lap 6, with Joe Spillman and Hilla side by side for fourth. Hilla and Spillman swapped the spot coming to halfway with Butcher, Swenson, Lunsford, Spillman and Hilla the top five at the crossed flags.

Eric Madden spun on lap 11 to bring out the yellow. Once back to green, Butcher got a good jump on Swenson getting clear of the field. Lunsford then moved on Swenson pressuring him for second. As the Spillman-Hilla battle continued, both went around in turn 2, with Hilla stalling to bring out a caution on lap 13.

Butcher again got a good jump on Swenson, who was doing all he could to hold off Lunsford. Spillman was able to work his way back up getting by Malcher for fifth. In the waning laps, Spillman caught Jernigan for fourth and got the spot. Up front it was Butcher in the Access Ford, WW Bodies, Majek powered, Rush Chassis cruising unchallenged to the win.

“I was able to stay near the infield where the moisture was at,” Butcher said. “After watching Danny Brown hit the same tires, in the same spot as soon as I hit them I thought ‘Oh no I’m going to go over too’. I was able to stay on all fours and the car was all right, so I kept on going.

“When I finally got to Chris (Swenson) under caution I saw his front end was toed-in about three inches. I knew he was going to have a problem steering, but he’s still pretty hard to pass. I still have to work on him and drive my race. My car was good so I wasn’t real worried.”

“The dry track was a little tough (on cars). I just think it was everyone getting used to being on the track again at the beginning of the year. There are a lot of people working the bugs out. I’m sure they’ll get better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

90 Dustin Butcher
48 Chris Swenson
888 Aaron Lunsford
44 Joe Spillman
88 Mark McGahey
18 Larry Jernigan
771 Wesley Malcher
16 Eric Madden
2x Dennis Hilla
89 Doug Livingston
00 Robert Skye
11 Chris McLendon
60 Robert Williams
09 David Routen–DNS(motor)

IMCA SSM heat winners, 48 Chris Swenson, 11 Chris McLendon

In the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, Jerry Neal got out front to lead lap 1, with Richard Bartosh, defending champ, Moe VanKirk, multi-time champ, Gary Hunter and Howie Marcx falling in line. Patrick Kelly worked his way around Marcx for fifth on lap 1. Bartosh, in a new car this year, got past Neal to grab the lead on lap 3, with VanKirk taking second on lap 4.

Kelly, using the high groove, began to pressure Hunter for third on lap 7 and with persistence finally got the spot on lap 12. Andy Van Blarcum brought the yellow on lap 12 when he had a tire/wheel break off. On the restart, Kelly finally secured the pass on Hunter, while VanKirk was looking under Bartosh for the lead. The two stayed side by side on lap 13, while Marcx got past Hunter for fourth. Kelly, still running the rim, snagged third from Neal on lap 16.

After losing a little ground to Bartosh, VanKirk closed back in on the leader getting along again on lap 17. The two continued to run door to door, while Marcx snared fourth from Neal. VanKirk threw everything, but the front bumper, at Bartosh as the two scrapped it out for the win. At the checkers it was Bartosh fending off VanKirk to take the hard earned win.

Limited Late Models
7 Richard Bartosh
58 Moe VanKirk
84 Patrick Kelly
13 Howie Marcx
50 Jerry Neal
33 Barry Major
14 Gary Hunter
21 Chris Snocker
33m Andy Van Blarcum
55 John Farquer—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners, 58 Moe VanKirk, 13 Howie Marcx

The scheduled 20-lap Street Stock feature saw Chris Brock lead into turn 1 but get passed by Frank Garrish, while Cody Clark and 2008 Pure Stock champ, Justin Henley spun but continued without caution. AJ Wernette get turned around on lap 1 and got clipped by Brock who brought out the caution. On the restart Rene Mares got sideways in turn 1 with Wernette, who had nowhere to go, sending him the rest of the way around.

Once back to green the two 2008 championship contenders, Donald Lewis and Wade Jones, ran side by side for third. Wernette got under Garrish for the lead on lap 3 followed by Jones to second, with Tommy Casey getting by Lewis then Garrish for third. Garrish had just worked back around Casey, when Jones spun from second on lap 4. On the restart Garrish spun and collected Lewis.

As Wernette inched away on green, Eric Knudtson and Casey ran side by side for second. The two stayed door to door on lap 6 with Knudtson getting the spot on lap 7. Casey would spin from third, but keep going without caution. Knudtson caught Wernette for the lead on lap 10 and got the top spot on lap 11. In the pack, Mares and Henley had their own personal fight for fourth swapping the spot in the final laps. Wernette tried to hang with Knudtson, but got hung behind a lapped car giving Knudtson an easy run to the checkers.

Street Stocks
27 Eric Knudtson
37 AJ Wernette
51 Donald Lewis
08 Rene Mares
96 Justin Henley
41 Wade Jones
44 Danny Schroat
33 Frank Garrish
42 Tommy Casey
99 Frank O’ Krulik
55 Cody Clark
88 Chris Brock
77 Wesley Werts–DNS(rolled in heat)

Street Stock heat winners, 08 Rene Mares, 96 Justin Henley

William Saunders lead the field of a dozen Pure Stocks into turn 1 for the early lead, with Philip Haywood, Mike Brown, Janel Hilla and William Cavender in tow. Brandon Eury got by Cavender for fifth, with Jason Kelly tracking him for sixth. Brown began to challenge Haywood for second while Eury looked low on Hilla for fourth. As Hilla, Eury and Kelly scrambled for fourth, Eury and Kelly hooked bumpers briefly but broke themselves free.

Brown gave away his top three spot on lap 6 when he spun in front of the pack sending everyone into evasive mode. On the restart, Sean Terry spun in turn to bring the yellow back out. Leader, Saunders, was forced to pit with a flat tire. This handed the lead over to Haywood on the restart. Once back to green Brian Holland got into the turn 1 tires and rolled to bring out the red.

Once back under green again, Kelly got by Eury for second and was quickly on Haywood for the lead. Kelly took the point on lap 8, with Eury and Haywood side by side for second and Hilla beside Brown for fourth. Hilla got the spot on lap 11 but did a half spin giving the spot back to Brown. Brown was then able to get past Haywood for third on lap 12. Out front it was Kelly stretching his advantage out to a full straightaway, motoring on to the easy win.

Pure Stocks
57Jason Kelly
4 Brandon Eury
01 Mike Brown
7x Janel Hilla
23 Sean Terry
29 Jay Harley
98 William Saunders
9 Philip Haywood
15 William Cavender
24 Marc Roy
77 Brian Holland
8 Dennis Jasik

Pure Stock heat winners, 98 William Saunders, 8 Dennis Jasik

In the new Front Runner class, Alec Jasik got the early lead with Jared Payton in his wake. The two pulled away from James Samford in third. Payton got the lead from Jasik on lap 3 after Jasik got slowed by Jim Knudtson as they put him a lap down. Jasik fought back retaking the lead on lap 4 only to lose it back to Payton as they lapped Amber Helton. From there Payton was able to pull away from Jasik, who gave up second to Samford in the final laps, to sweep the Front Runner events.

Front Runners
9 Jared Payton
35 James Samford
8 Alec Jasik
14 Jessica Mares
I-37 Jim Knudtson
14 Amber Helton

Front Runner heat winner, 9 Jared Payton

by J.M. Hallas

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore dominates I-37 Raceway Opening Night with a big Outlaw Modified win

Outlaw Modified driver Greg Dinsmore dominated the racing action Saturday at I-37 Raceway’s opening night. The Kerrville dirt track ace had it all his way as he made a shambles of both his heat race and the 15-lap Modified feature at the Pleasanton, Texas, quarter-mile.

Despite the cool temperatures, a good crowd was on hand to enjoy the many improvements to the facility that were made during the off season and watch five action-packed feature events.

Dale Flanagan and Greg Dinsmore started up on the front row of the Modified feature with Johnny Torres and Jeffrey Nix in row two. There was, however, a tense moment in the Dinsmore camp before the race was even under way as sparks were visible coming from under Dismore’s new Modified during the warm up laps.

As the green flag waved Dinsmore screamed into turn one, got the car completely sideways, lifted the left front tire off the track as he got back on the throttle and shot down the back straight already several car lengths in front of Flanagan.

After that it was simply a question of who would finish second. And the battle for second turned out to be the show.

Torres quickly went to work on Flanagan while Flanagan went to work trying to figure out a way to hold off the determined youngster. The pair went side-by-side for a lap or two, but Torres wisely didn’t force the issue and settled back into third, waiting for the right moment to make his move. Sure enough, a couple of laps later Torres made a clean pass just before Chris Swenson caught up with the duo.

Meanwhile, Dinsmore was nowhere in sight with almost a half-lap lead over Torres.

After several laps, Swenson finally found a way around Flanagan to claim third and took off in pursuit of Torres, but the laps ran out before he could catch him.

Dinsmore, who never even remotely challenged, won by half a lap over Torres, Swenson, Flanagan, Jeff Nix and Arlan Schult. Dinsmore also won his heat race convincingly.

Unofficial Outlaw Modified results
1. 8g Greg Dinsmore
2. 66 Johnny Torres
3. 48 Chris Swenson
4. 57 Dale Flanagan
5. 85 Jeff Nix
6. 19 Arlan Schult
7. c31 Marlin Samford - DNSM

Chris Swenson had much better luck in the IMCA SportMod feature, though, proving once again that experience is hard to beat on the dirt as he worked his way up through an 11-car field to take a well-deserved win.

Teammates Mark McGahey and Doug Livingston set the early pace with Pat Lyon and Chris Rye not far behind battling for third.

After a brief caution period for a spin, Swenson had worked his way up to fourth and started to work on Rye for third. It only took two laps for Swenson to figure out a safe way by Rye and he set sail for the two leaders, who were still bumper to bumper.

Swenson squeezed by Livingston at the halfway point and five laps later had McGahey in his mirror. Swenson then cruised off leaving McGahey and Livingston to resume their race-long battle, but this time for second place.

At the finish it was Swenson, McGahey with Livingston glued to his bumper, Kris Rye a distant third, and Patrick Lyon.

Doug Livingston and Kris Rye won the SportMod heat races.

Unofficial IMCA Southern SportMod results
1. 48 Chris Swenson
2. 88 Mark McGahey
3. 89 Doug Livingston
4. 4$ Kris Rye
5. 60 Patrick Lyon
6. 2x Dennis Hilla
7. 11 Chris McLendon
8. 09 David Routon Jr.
9. 4r Unk
10. 771 Wesley
11. 18 Larry Jerryman

In the Street Stock 15-lap feature Justin Henley came from deep in the 13-car field to notch his first victory of the new season.

For a while it looked like Tommy Casey would take the win, but as the laps wound down Casey and A.J Wernette, who ran a strong race to celebrate his seventeenth birthday, were both passed by a surging Henley on the 12th circuit.

Two laps later the group dicing for second place got into a free-for-all in turns three and four and suddenly Wernette was sitting in the infield as Henley motored off to take the win.

Casey, Chico Cox, who had started on the pole, Wes Werts, who had started beside Cox, and Wade Jones rounded out the top five.

In the first Street Stock heat race Chris Brock made the highlight footage as he went flying – literally - out of the park in turn three and completed a four-point landing safely in the pit area.

Rene Mares and Wade Jones won the Street Stock heat races.

Unofficial Street Stock results
1. 99 Justin Henley
2. 42 Tommy Casey
3. 21 Chico Cox
4. 77 Wes Werts
5. 41 Wade Jones
6. 01 Bijah Fowler
7. 55 Cody Clark
8. 37 AJ Wernette
9. 68 William Johnson III
10. 33 Frederick Gierisch
11. 51Don Lewis
12. 08 Rene Mares
13. 88 Chris Brock

Moe VanKirk picked up right where he left off last season, taking a convincing win in the 15-lap Limited Late Model main event.

Howie Marcx and Richard Bartosh started on the front row and they raced side-by-side down the back straight. But Bartosh got two wheels up on the tire wall in turn 3-4 and almost became the second car to exit the track unexpectedly. Bartosh somehow managed to get down off the tires and back onto the track and continued to race, eventually finishing fourth.

But it was a VanKirk show once he got by Marcx in the early going.

Patrick Kelly had an excellent race, showing patience and skill as he found a way around Marcx at mid-race to eventually earn a second-place finish.

Meanwhile Bartosh, none the worse for his on-the-tire-wall adventure, worked his way back into fourth as the top four cars separated themselves from the rest of the eight-car field for the remainder of the race.

Kelly tried to make up ground on VanKirk as the laps clicked off, but without much success. At the checkered it was VanKirk, Kelly, Marcx and Bartosh, all separated by a car length or two.

Van Kirk and Patrick Kelly won their respective Limited Late Model heat races.

Unofficial Limited Late Model results
1. 58 Moe VanKirk
2. 84 Patrick Kelly
3. 13 Howie Marcx
4. 7 Richard Bartosh
5. 5-0 Jerry Neal
6. 14 Gary Hunter
7. 1x Andrew Hesler
8. 21 Chris Snocker

In easily the most entertaining race of the night, asphalt ace John Heil worked and bumped his way through the field to win the Pure Stock 20-lap main event.

Janel Hilla started on the front row of the 16-car field and led for the first six laps over Sonny Jones and Adam Torres, who gave her all she could handle until Jones scooted by to take the lead on lap six.

Mike Brown and Danny Kasprowicz weren’t far behind

Back in the pack Heil and another asphalt specialist, Mark Chrudimsky, were running wild as they picked off one car after another.

After a caution for a minor spin, it was Jones, Hilla, Torres, Brown and Kasprowicz the top five as the green flew.

Kasprowicz makes a gutsy, three-wide outside move going into turn one and came out of turn two in second place as Hilla,Torres and Brown were beating and banging below him.

But at the other end of the track, Kasprowicz got way wide allowing Mike Brown to take back second. As Kasprowicz tried to recover that spot, he exited turn four too near the wall and suddenly darted down across the bunched up field dicing for position behind the lead group. With nowhere to go, William Sanders and Mark Chrudimsky crashed hard with Kasprowicz and the threesome ended up trying to knock down the front straight wall.

By now Heil had worked his way up to fourth.

At the restart Heil got a huge jump on the outside and roared into second place behind Jones.

A lap later Hilla spun in turn four, but no caution was needed as she ended up in the infield. This moved Brandon Eure into fourth.

With five to go Heil got around Jones who seemed to slow a bit as the laps clicked off. Torres soon caught Jones as well and was about to complete a pass when he pulled into the infield with flames in the engine compartment.

On the restart it was Heil, Jones, Eure and a surprisingly-fast Marc Roy in fourth, Jake Kruger in fifth, William Cavender in sixth and Hilla back up to seventh. Heil jumped out first with the next few cars in line going three-wide into the first turn with Eure coming out of turn two in second with Roy on his bumper.

Eure, however, had nothing for Heil and at the finish it was Heil, Eure, Roy, Krueger, Cavender and Hilla.

Kasprowicz and Denis Jasik won the Pure Stock heat races.

Unofficial Pure Stock results
1. 30 John Heil
2. 4 Brandon Eure
3. 24 Marc Roy
4. 13 Jake Kruger
5. 15 William Cavender
6.7x Janel Hilla
7. 555 Sonny Jones
8. 9 Phillip Haywood
9. 8 Dennis Jasik
10. 66 Adam Torres
11. 39 Mark Chrudimsky
12. 01 Mike Brown
13. 74k Danny Kasprowicz
14. 98 William Souder
15. 79 George Long
16. 14 Mark Pivarnik

Les Bettis outclassed the five-car Front Runner field taking both the heat race and the 10-lap main event.

Bettis’only real challenger, Greg Mares, gave it all he had but ended up a couple of car-lengths short at the finish.

Unofficial Front Runner results
1. 57 Les Bettis
2. 14 Greg Mares
3. 8jr Alec Jasik
4. 35 James Sanford
5. 41 Amber Helton

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