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Video of the entire NASCAR Fiesta Modified feature at Houston Motorsports Park, 5/28/2011

Duke O’Connor (Texas High Def) taped the “Fiesta Mart 50″ featuring the NASCAR Fiesta Modifieds last Saturday evening at Houston Motorsports Park.

This race offered a $3,000.00 “Bounty Bonus” to anyone who could beat a 16 year-old NASCAR Fiesta Modified driver named Zak Hausler “fair and square.” Pay particular attention to the restarts towards the end of the event where challenger Michael Umscheid starts on the outside after Hausler, known around here as the “Zak Attack,” selected the inside lane at the lane selection cone.

Just so you’ll know who’s who, here’s the lineup at the start of the 50-lap event. Enjoy!

1. 91 Zak Hausler
2. 33 Jason Morman
3. 15 Michael Umscheid
4. 39 Mark Chrudimsky
5. 13 Ian Webster
6. 82 David Webster
7. 30 Jake Kruger
8. 2 Heath Stewart
9. 6 Jason Boyd
10. 8 Jim Nides
11. 88 Larry Hughes
12. 1 Art Kunzeman
13. 44 Bubba Naumann

Texas High Def video of the NASCAR Fiesta Modified heat race at Houston Motorsports Park on Saturday, May 28, 2011

Here is the video of the NASCAR Fiesta Modified heat race at Houston Motorsports Park on Saturday, May 28, 2011, shot by Texas High Def’s Duke O’Connor.

Since a “Star” was drawn before the feature, there was no invert for the feature, so how they finish in the heat will be how they start the “Fiesta Mart 50″ later in the evening.

This was the line-up for the heat race so you can match their car numbers to what you’re seeing on the screen.

1. 33 Jason Morman
2. 6 Jason Boyd
3. 91 Zak Hausler
4. 13 Ian Webster
5. 15 Michael Umscheid
6. 44 Bubba Naumann
7. 2 Heath Stewart
8. 82 David Webster
9. 39 Mark Chrudimsky
10. 30 Jake Kruger
11. 8 Jim Nides
12. 88 Larry Hughes
13. 1 Art Kunzeman

Great video as usual, Duke!

Austin Wayne Self celebrates his 15th Birthday with his first official NASCAR Win

Austin Wayne Self celebrated his fifteenth birthday in style Saturday night, March 5, 2011, at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. The young Austinite won the NASCAR Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) season-opener at the 3/8th-mile paved oval and almost pulled off an upset win in the NASCAR A-Line Modified feature, finishing second to the defending Modified champ Michael Umscheid.

“I was a little nervous starting fourth on the outside,” Self said after the TSRS win. “The outside is not the place you want to be this early in the season, but we pulled it off pretty well. I was able to jump into third place behind Jeff (O’Neill) right away, but it took me a few laps to work my way around him. And once I did I could tell that (defending TSRS Champion Bobby) Teer was fast, but so was I, so I took off after him.”

What happened next surprised everyone, including Self.

On the 12th circuit a caution flag waved for a spin by John Hernandez. That meant that Teer and Self would line up on the front row for the restart with Teer on the preferred inside lane and Self on the dreaded outside lane.

“I got a great start and ended up grabbing the lead from the outside. That was a big surprise,” Self said, still sounding a bit shocked. “But I was prepared. I knew what I had to do on the re-start and did it. Bobby (Teer) was able to do it all last year and I decided to bump it up do it this year and pulled it off!”

Self was able to fend off several determined efforts by Teer over the remainder of the 35-lap race and took the checkered flag by less than half a second over Teer and frequent-winner Robert Barker.

In the NASCAR A-Line Modified 35-lapper, Umscheid had it pretty much his own way, leaving Self and youngster Jake Kruger to battle it out for second. And after a heated mini-war that involved several bumps and paint-swapping incidents during the event and a couple of extra “love taps” after, Self finished a scant 0.03 second in front of an obviously frustrated Kruger.

“Michael (Umscheid) is always fast and they have a great team,” Self said. “But we have the Umschieds working with us on our modified this year too, so we’ll see how the rest of the season goes.”

When asked why his TSRS car seems faster this year Self explained, “We put bump stops in the car this year and I can put the car where I want it. It handles perfectly now.”

Self and his team and a room full of well-wishers gathered in the driver’s lounge after the tech inspections were over for some birthday cake and a victory celebration.

“It’s a great birthday present to win the (TSRS) season opener and do so well with the Modified,” Self said to those gathered around. “But you can’t win anything without a great team and lots of support from lots of people. I feel very fortunate to have so many great people believe in me.”

NASCAR TSRS Late Model unofficial results

1. 07 Austin Wayne Self, 35 laps
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr, 35
3. 96 Robert Barker, 35
4. 28 Jeff O’Neill, 35
5. 3 Mike Reininger, 35
6. 29 Todd Farris, 35
7. 1 Nick Cole, 35
8. 37 Mark Ackerman, 35
9. 92 Taylor Brandes, 35
10. 9 John Hernandez, 34
11. 69 Mike Pollaro, 34

NASCAR A-Line Modified unofficial results

1. 15 Michael Umscheid , 35 laps
2. 5 Austin Self, 35
3. 30 Jake Kruger , 35
4. 42 Justin Long, 35
5. 61 Cory Lovell, 35
6. 53 Ryan Engelhardt, 35
7. 10 Robert Walton, 35
8. 33 Jason Morman, 35
9. 44 H.E. Naumann, 35
10. 2 Heath Stewart, 35
11. 91 Zach Hausler, 23

by Nick Holt
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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

Texas Super Racing Series Late Model Champion Jake Kruger, 16, sums up his season and shares his future plans

Jake Kruger, a 16-year-old late-model driver from Bastrop (TX), refuses to acknowledge a championship he won during a four-race season when he raced quarter midgets years ago.

It’s not surprising, though, that Kruger – the driver for Kruger Motorsports – won’t soon forget his latest trophy; the 2009 Texas Super Racing Series championship.

“I appreciate this championship and will enjoy it a lot,” stated Kruger, the son of Bill and Deb Kruger. “It took 11 years to get here, but I finally got here.”

Surprising words from one so young.

However, consider his father, Bill, was a long-time local short-track racer and Jake grew up around racing. And consider the youngster – who rebounded to win two races in his Rookie of the Year season in 2008 – didn’t even start the ’08 season-opener because Kruger Motorsports had problems with race engines.

This past season, though, there was very little trouble in a TSRS series filled with great drivers.

Kruger took the checkered flag five times in a 10-race season in ’09 as he beat out long-time racing veteran Robert Barker (Boerne, TX) by 50 points (1,687-1,637).

Don’t get it wrong – Kruger, his parents (Bill and Deb), his younger sister (Nikki), his crew chief (Texas short-track veteran John Heil) and the team’s sponsors and crew all worked very hard to claim the ’09 TSRS title.

“We were originally thinking that five wins in the season wouldn’t be enough,” Kruger stated.

“We wanted to win six and tie Tommy Gural and Chris Schild (the all-time leaders in TSRS features wins with eight apiece). It didn’t hit me at first (that he’d won the championship) until people came up and congratulated me. I enjoyed it; it felt pretty good.”

Even more important, though – a late-model championship at 16 years old.

“That’s what (crew chief) John Heil told me, the importance of a late-model title,” Kruger said.
“He said you need to put a late-model championship on your resume; as the season went on I understood what he was saying – to be 16 and beating everyone else out there.”

“Jake’s championship is exciting; it’s a very big accomplishment for him,” Deb Kruger remarked. “I’ve been overwhelmed by it all; I’m very proud of what everyone has done to get him there.”
“He’s 10 times the driver that I was,” joked Kruger’s father Bill. “The championships I accomplished were minor compared to what he’s done. I’ve never done what he did at his age and it means a lot to me to say he learned from me; he surpassed my level a long time ago.”

“Consistency” was the word that may have best described the team’s success.

“We won consistently throughout the season,” the younger Kruger remarked. “We didn’t win just in the beginning or just the end of the season. Knowing I was stretching my points lead (after each win) gave me more incentive the next race.”

All three major personalities in Kruger Motorsports agreed on one thing – crew chief John Heil was a major factor in the team’s stellar season.

“A driver is just a spacer behind the wheel, if nothing’s working then it’s time to change the spacer,” the younger Kruger said. “But John Heil was the ‘constant’ in our season and success. We didn’t stick with same setup all year; we changed pretty much every race. What he did and suggested worked each and every race. John did everything – that car all year was in a class of its own and John put it there.”

“John Heil – he’s very good at what he does,” Bill Kruger stated. “He’s very meticulous at everything. He goes over everything then double- and triple-checks everything we do. He’s phenomenal in that respect.”

“John and Jake jelled so well together,” Deb Kruger remarked. “They not only became driver/crew chief but also good buddies. I think that meant a lot to Jake. You always look up to parents and others; Jake looks up to John and they were great as a team.

“They hunt together, race together, work together – especially during summer. It’s like a brotherhood with those two.”

Then, thinking about the dedication of Heil, Deb added, “We also want to thank Teresa and Riley Heil for their sacrifices for not having John at home, because he was at the race shop or at the track helping Jake. We really appreciate their sacrifice.”

Along with Heil, Kruger Motorsports was thankful to its crew - Heil, Jamie Fuller, Lance, Brandon and Dillon Gaither, TJ Hopper and John Wasek.

Of course, auto racing at any level wouldn’t happen without sponsors.

“We could not have done this without Steve Turner and Turner Motorsports,” Deb Kruger declared. “They’re our biggest contributor this year as a sponsor. They were always there for us; I would call and ask for help and they’d always come through.

“They’re helping us in a huge way for the (upcoming) Snowflake (Derby race in Florida in December) and we couldn’t have done it without Turner Motorsports as the main sponsor.”

Among the team’s other sponsors: BMF Shocks and Chassis, Gen Tech, Oval Components, Aramendia Motorsports (and Joe Aramendia).

What’s ahead for Kruger? A run in the Pro Late Models, be it regional or over on the East Coast.

Plus…
“A lot of sacrifices,” Deb said. “We don’t have a lot of social time; we don’t go to movies, we don’t do special outings as a family outside of going to the races. We don’t drive big fancy vehicles because we don’t need to do that.

“We’re very comfortable with our lifestyle, we’re not materialistic people. We do what we can to put our resources into Jake’s racing.”

The “driver” of the family is cognizant of his family’s efforts on his behalf.

“My mom and dad and my sister are terrific for what they do so I can race,” Jake exclaimed. “I owe a big thanks to my family. (Simply put), I wouldn’t have done anything I’ve done without them.”

“The fact Jake recognizes and acknowledges (our efforts) means a lot to me,” Bill said. “We never forced this on him; it’s been an understanding in the family. We do what we could to give Jake the best of what we can to race.

“We’d like to thank Mary Ann Naumann (owner/operator of TSRS) and her sacrifices for having the series. We have a lot of respect for Mary Ann and what she’s done for both TSRS and for local racing, period.”

Bill then summed up the upcoming future for his son. “We look forward to the next step; we look forward to the work ahead and hope we can continue to climb the ladder of success.”

By Chuck Licata
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Robert Barker the TSRS “Spectacular” winner at Thunderhill Raceway

With over 500 feature laps of racing over the one-day 13th Annual Stock Car Spectacular at Thunderhill Raceway, it was only fitting that the last lap of the season was one of the most exciting.

The Texas Super Racing Series 75-lap feature was the nightcap after eleven – yes, that’s a total of twelve – features were packed into the Spectacular schedule. Youngster Cody Smith, who had led the entire race until the final turn of the last lap, and former San Antonio Speedway Late Model track champion, Robert Barker, had a classic battle to finish that wasn’t decided until the checkered flag was in the air.

As green waved on the 16-car, 75-lap TSRA Late Model finale, Smith jumped into the lead, but Mike Reininger spun in turn 2 to bring the yellow quickly before a lap was in the books. On the second try Smith got huge jump when Brian Moczygemba got sideways coming to the green in front of the field. Remarkably, he was able to get straightened out with no contact with any other cars and hung on to second.

Barker quickly fell in behind Moczygemba once everyone was straightened out. Dillon Spreen and TSRS point leader Jake Kruger rounded out the top five as the field settled down. As Barker looked for a way around Moczygemba, Smith edged away.

Barker finally got along side Moczygemba on the fifth lap and took the second spot with Spreen tagging along into third. As the front runners gapped themselves out and settled in to click off laps, Bobby Teer, Jr, got by Kruger for fifth.

After lapping a couple stragglers Smith caught the back of a big pack on lap 25. Smith was able to dice through the traffic without losing ground to Barker who had to negotiate the same traffic.

Yellow on lap 39 slowed the action when Craig Selman and Kendall Bumbera spun in turn 3.

On the restart Smith and Barker got away cleanly while Spreen slipped and fell back to fifth. Barker immediately turned up the heat and poked his nose under Smith going into turn one with Smith quickly slamming the door. Again on lap 53 Barker showed Smith the Blue Oval of his Ford only to get it shut in the door again.

Barker then fell in line behind Smith for several laps, cooling his tires, his emotions and regrouping for a late run. With five to go, Barker was back on Smith’s bumper with a “hello” tap. Barker then stuck the nose under Smith on lap 73 and again Smith closed the door abruptly. Coming to the white flag Barker stayed on Smith’s tail and made his move coming out of turn 2 this time.

Barker got along side going into turn three. Smith tried to slam the door, but Barker was already in. The two locked wheels and slid up the track until Smith found the turn four wall and tire barrier. Barker won the scramble back to the line to the cheers and jeers of the standing crowd, with Moczygemba going around in the turn four melee. Smith recovered for a sixth place finish, but refused post-race tech for the top points chasers.

“I got up next to him (Smith) and he didn’t want me to pass,” Barker said when asked about the last lap incident. “I don’t know what his spotter told him, but it clearly wasn’t a good move. Three times I got the nose under him and he chopped me off. I wasn’t just going to give it to him. If he wants a wrecked racecar, fine. I was just going to wait until the last lap.”

“The adrenaline buzz for this race won’t wear off for a while” said Barker, who book-ended his season with Thunderhill Raceway wins. “We’ll be up all night. This year was up and down. We started with a win, had some motor problems and that took us out of contact with the points. It was a good year once we got back on track.”

“Right now I really don’t know my plans for next season. We’ll just enjoy the off season and see what happens.”

In TSRS Late Model qualifying Robert Barker set fast time in the Mission Auto Parts, Circle K Fencing & Welding, Central Lath & Plaster, BMF Shocks, Oval Components, Screen Pro Graphics, Justice Brothers Ford with a lap of 15.212 seconds.

With his strong 5th place finish, Jake Kruger cemented the 2009 TSRS Late Model Championship.

Official Results of the TSRS 75

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, TX 75 laps QT 15.212 (Fast Time)
2. 1 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX 75 laps QT 15.600
3. 92 (81) Dillon Spreen, Boerne, TX 75 laps QT 15.596
4. 18 Jesse Salazar, San Antonio, TX, 75 laps QT 15.706 (Hard Charger)
5. 14 Jake Kruger, Bastrop, TX 75 laps QT 15.326
6. 50 Brian Moczygemba, San Antonio, TX 75 laps QT 15.458
7. 33 Mike Williams, Hockley, TX 74 laps QT 15.456
8. 54 Steve Green, Marble Falls, TX 74 laps QT 15.528
9. 72 Kendall Bumbera, Sealy, TX 74 laps QT 15.848
10. 38 Craig Selman, Buda, TX 72 laps QT 15.677
11. 15 Brad Burke, Johnson City, TX 68 laps QT 16.268
12. 28 (4) Levi Krauss, Schertz, TX 57 laps QT 15.764
13. 02 Ugo Bevione, Austin, TX 55 laps QT 16.225
14. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX 48 laps QT 15.678
15. 00 Beau Bukowski, San Antonio, TX 37 laps QT 15.690
16. 05 Cody Smith, LaVernia, TX QT 15.424 – TI – Declined Tech

The Pro Modified “Prismstream.com 50” got off to a shaky start when outside pole sitter Jason Marmon got sideways in front of the field. As the field spun and scattered, John Paul Kliewer got the worst of it when he tagged the turn four wall hard. Kliewer, Brett Boyd and Mike Williams were unable to make the restart.

Once green waved, Cory Lovell got out front with John Schultz, Anthony Gordon and Michael Umscheid in pursuit.

Umscheid, using the high groove, began picking off his competition taking Gordon on lap three for third and Schultz on lap four for second. And it wasn’t long before Umscheid ran down Lovell to challenge for the lead.

After a try on the high side, Umscheid ducked low getting by on the inside to take the lead on lap thirteen. Umscheid, who was half a second faster than anyone else in qualifying, had no problem stretching out his advantage. Once safely out front, Umscheid put it on cruise control easily taking the win and Pro Modified Championship.

In qualifying Umscheid posted the fastest Pro Modified lap at 15.214 seconds in his Tri-Lectric, AAA House Leveling, Premier Minerals, Circle Racing Wheels, Day Motorsports, Swenson Racing, The Brake Man, Jani-King sponsored car.

Official Pro Modifieds “Prismstream.com 50” results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 5 Michael Umscheid, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.214
2. 61 Cory Lovell, Lockhart, TX 50 laps QT 15.851
3. 14 John Schultz, 50 laps QT 15.865
4. 18 Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, TX 50 laps QT 16.023
5. 65 Bubba Menard, Castroville, TX 50 laps QT 16.014
6. 04 Brad Hudak, 50 laps QT 16.139
7. 07 Matt Kaminski, Corpus Christi, TX 47 laps QT 17.047
8. 26 Bob Slezinsky, Beeville, TX 47 laps QT 15.956
9. 78 Greg Baber, Uvalde, TX 4 Laps QT 15.904
10. 33 Jason Mormon, Seabrook, TX 0 laps QT 15.791
11. 3 Mike Williams, Hockley, TX 0 laps QT 17.799
12. 9 Brett Boyd, Magnolia, TX 0 laps QT 16.054
13. 22 John Paul Kliewer, Boerne, TX 0 laps QT 15.811
14. 44 H. E. Naumann, Del Valle, TX DNQ, DNS
15. 10 Robert Walton, Bastrop, TX DNQ, DNS

A short field of Pro Trucks took the green for the “DWIDude.com 35” with Jim Albert getting the early lead trailed by David Lewein, Keith Riethmeyer and Shawn Paul Lehman.

Early on Riethmeyer’s truck got loose off turn two giving up spots Lehman, with Jason Marshall and Cary Stapp following him through. Marshall then took fourth from Stapp, who was in his first truck ride.

Lehman drifted too high on lap six with Marshall going by for third. After a brief side by side battle, Stapp got by Lehman for fourth. Marshall snared second from Lewien on lap nine, finding himself a half straightaway behind Albert. Slowly and methodically Marshall reeled in the leader, catching him on lap 30. It didn’t take Marshall long to get past Albert on lap 31 after Albert slipped high.

From there Marshall kept on truckin’ along for the victory and Pro Truck title.

Official Pro Trucks ”DWIDude.com 35” results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 42 Jason Marshall, Leander, TX 35 laps QT 16.576
2. 31 Jim Albert, Lockhart, TX 35 laps QT 16.780
3. 3 David Lewien, Blanco, TX 35 laps QT 16.816
4. 99 Cary Stapp, San Marcos TX 35 laps QT 16.843
5. 28 Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX 35 laps QT 16.753
6. 41 Keith Riethmeyer, Hutto TX. 35 laps QT 16.597

Coming into the final 2009 race for the ASA A-Line Auto Parts Super Stocks, Clint LaFont had already secured the track championship as well as the ASA western Regional title. It also marked the return of multi-time track champ and defending ASA National Champion, Cary Stapp in the familiar black #99 car.

Brent Reeves and Jason Stanley jumped out on green, with Shawn Paul Lehman splitting through the middle of a pack to take the third spot by the end of the first lap and set his sights on Stanley.

After some minor contact with Lehman, Stanley spun in turn four on the fourth circuit to bring out the yellow flag. Lehman was charged with contact and sent to the tail of the pack.

On the restart Stanley kept the pressure on Reeves and got under him on the ninth lap to claim the lead. While Stanley opened some ground on Reeves and the rest, the middle of the pack as playing a high speed game of bumper tag.

Just as Bobby LaFont took over second his night ended as he broke and rolled to a stop on the track to bring out a caution flag.

Once back under green, Clint LaFont and Stapp worked their way past Tommy Gural for third and fourth. Meanwhile Duane Toyne had reeled in Stanley up front by lap 20 with LaFont joining the lead duo on lap 21. As Toyne and LaFont battled for second, Stapp caught up and joined in the action.

After a brief caution for a stalled car, the top four raced nose-to-tail and stayed in contact, literally, as they scrapped it out.

LaFont got by Toyne for second on lap 31 leaving Stapp and Toyne side-by-side for third.

LaFont made contact with Stanley after a brake-check in turn 4 that sent Stanley around. In the stack up Stapp and Toyne had nowhere to go and Toyne stuck it in the turn 4 wall. Toyne was not hurt, but his car was done for the night. LaFont was sent to the tail for the contact.

Stanley got a huge jump on the restart, but the track-savvy Stapp closed in quickly. The waning laps saw Stapp hounding Stanley with Lehman and Chris Birmingham chasing them both down. On the last lap Stapp gave it the good old college try coming out of turn 4, but Stanley won the drag race to the checkers by mere inches.

Stanley’s win was short lived, however, as his car failed to pass the post-race inspection.

Official ASA, A-Line Auto Parts Super Stock results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 99 Cary Stapp, San Marcos, TX 40 laps
2. 28 Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX 40 laps
3. 9 Chris Birmingham Leander, TX 40 laps
4. 3 Clint LaFont, Volente, TX 40 laps
5. 27 Tommy Gural Elgin, TX 40 laps
6. 15 JC Pilcher, Castroville, TX 40 laps
7. 19 Brent Reeves, Converse, TX 40 laps
8. 36 Roger Davis, Orange Grove, TX 40 laps
9. 97 Ken Tyler, La Grange, TX 40 laps
10. 33 Bubba Gustafson, Austin, TX 40 laps
11. 97X John Witzsche, Corpus Christi, TX 33 laps
12. 48 Duane Toyne, Leander, TX 31 laps
13. 80 Allen Alexander, San Antonio, TX 27 laps
14. 88 Bobby LaFont Volente, TX 17 laps
15. 11 Tracy Tschoerner, Taylor, TX DNS
16. 21 Jason Stanley, San Antonio, TX – Techincal infraction – Illegal rear end

The TSRS Allison Legacy Series feature saw Cole Runco hold off Stephan McCurely in a scheduled 50-lap race that was shortened to 43 laps after numerous spins during the final 10 laps.

The official results from the Legacy race are being withheld pending tech results.

Unofficial TSRS Allison Legacy Series results

1. 19 Cole Runco
2. 07 Rusty Mirth
3. 08 Gavin Boyett
4. 1 Stephan McCurley
5. 88 Kyle Harding
6. 4 Dillon Sampson
7. 56 Lauren Runco
8. 32 James Huff
9. 96 Jake Wright
10. 87 Charles Aiken
11. 34 Tom Harwell
12. 80 Collin Alexander
13. 99 Matt Yevcak
14. 14 Allen Sampson

In the Sportmod (Limited Modified) feature, Anthony Monroe jumped into the lead from the outside row coming out of turn 2. Johny Lewellan ducked under Monroe on lap 2 leading back to the line on lap three.

Veteran dirt and pavement driver, Chris Swenson saw his night end early when he broke and rolled to a stop in turn 2. Once back to green Lewellan inched away from Monroe and Don Painter. A blown motor by Rusty Head on lap 34 slowed the action and re-bunched the field.

On the restart, Painter got past Monroe for second and was hot on Lewellan’s tail.

Shawn Paul Lehman, who had issues with his own car and jumped in his Grandfather’s ride, ended up looking the wrong way on successive laps to bring out a pair of caution periods. With the race shortened to a green, white, checkered finish, the two IMCA legal dirt cars of Lewellan and Painter battled it out for the win.
Lewellan, who’s car is crew chiefed by former Late Model ace Tommy Gural, held steady on the final two laps to notch the victory in the Austin Mobile Marine, Absolute Masonry, Southwest Landscaping sponsored car.

Painter, who’s son is 10 years old, used the “power of 10” to wrap up the Sportmod championship with his second place finish on 10/10, in the #10 car.

Official Sportmod results

1. 27 Johnny Lewallen, San Marcos, TX 42 laps QT 16.159
2. 10 Don Painter, Buda, TX 42 laps QT 16.084
3. 79 Cody Beddoe, Waco, TX 41 laps QT 16.689
4. 68 Rusty Head, Buda, TX 34 laps QT 16.506
5. 88 Duane Sanders, Killeen, TX 9 laps QT 19.550
6. 48 Chris Swenson, Boerne, TX 3 laps QT 16.169
7. 19 Benton Kemp, Corpus Christi, TX QT 17.043 – DNS
8. 28 (5) Junior Medlock, Manchaca, TX QT 18.539 – DNS
9. 64 Abel Arredondo, Kingsville, TX DNQ, DNS
10. 82 Anthony Monroe, Corpus Christi, TX QT 18.131 – TI – Vacuum Test
11. 5 (28) Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX QT 16.488 – TI – Too Light

Mason Teague not only won the 30-lap Thunder Stock feature – the final points race of the season – but also won the season championship with a stirring win over defending champ Joey Tschoerner, Terry Tschoerner, Aaron Brungot and Gary Chancellor.

Coming into the event Teague had a comfortable 60-point lead in the championship standings over Anthony Gordon, who still had a mathematical chance at the title. Gordon’s championship hopes ended, however, when he was forced to pit to change a flat tire at mid race. Gordon ended up finishing a disappointing twelfth, but on the lead lap.

Official Thunder Stock results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 16 Mason Teague, Paige, TX 30 laps
2. 14 Joey Tschoerner, Bartlett, TX 30 laps
3. 10 Terry Tschoerner, Taylor, TX 30 laps
4. 50 Aaron Brungot, Cedar Park, TX 30 laps
5. 4 Gary Chancellor, Bastrop, TX 30 laps
6. 20 Steve Joyce, Buda, TX 30 laps
7. 15 James Cole, San Antonio, 30 laps
8. 58 Patrick Burow, San Antonio, TX 30 laps
9. 13 Stan Easty 30 laps
10. 37 Del Harris, Huntsville, TX 30 laps
11. 74 Jim Teague, Paige, TX 30 laps
12. 22 Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, TX 30 laps
13. 93 Aaron Leddy, Von Ormy, TX 16 laps
14. 8 David Sevilla, Jr., San Antonio, TX 11 laps
15. 88 Eric Robbins Red Rock, TX 10 laps
16. 56 Joey Jenkins, Del Valle, TX 4 laps

Coming to the start of the Grand Stock feature, Layton Carroll had pretty much locked up not only the track championship, but Rookie of the Year honors as well. And with his fourth place finish he took home both titles.

Cody Smith ignored all that and won the 30-lapper leaving Carolyn Aramendia, Art Ganss, Carroll and Marcia Moore to fight it out for second at the checkered flag.

Official Grand Stock results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 53 Cody Smith, Niederwald, TX 30 laps
2. 50 Carolyn Aramendia, San Antonio, TX 30 laps
3. 12 Art Ganss, Driftwood, TX 30 laps
4. 58 Layton Carroll, Yoakum, TX 30 laps
5. 91 Marcia Moore, Cedar Creek, TX 30 laps
6. 03 Chris Trevino, San Antonio, TX 30 laps
7. 79 James Aramendia, San Antonio, TX 30 laps
8. 7 Kris Wilson, Austin, TX 30 laps
9. 8 Brandon Gaither, La Vernia, TX 20 laps
10. 65 Floyd Reed, Spicewood, TX 18 laps
11. 23 Bob Meyers DNS

The Texas Pro Sedan 34-lap feature (in honor of the 34 years that the TPS has been in continuous operation) had the TPS championship on the line after a season-long battle between Mike Merrill and Tom Johnson. The TPS group had 21 for the 4-cylinder racers in the pits, the most of any class participating in this year’s Spectacular.

After four single-car spins on the initial start, Johnson got out front, with Merrill on his heels. The top two blistered the field quickly and started encountering lapped traffic by the third lap. By lap 15 the lead duo had lapped more than half the field.

The two continued their torrid pace, lapping the fourth-place car driven by Corpus Christi Speedway’s Cody Limerick by mid-race. In fact Johnson had just lapped Sergio Hexsel, who was running in the third spot, when caution waved for Dennis Taylor’s blown engine on lap 24.

Since the scoring went back to the last completed lap, this put Hexsel back on the lead lap.

As the green waved on the restart, Johnson quickly got away from Merrill who had lapped cars to contend with. And it turns out that Merrell’s VW developed a vibration that got worse as the laps clicked off which gave Hexsel an opportunity to close the gap.

With Merrell slowing a bit on every lap, Johnson was now able to motor off to an easy win.

But with valuable TPS points on the line, Merrell was able to hold of Hexsel for second and thus secure the championship by a single point, the closest margin in TPS’ long history.

Official Texas Pro Sedan results

Finish Car # Driver/Hometown Car Type/Engine CC Qualifying Feature Laps

1, 15 Tom Johnson/Kingsland, TX Ford Mustang/2340-arca 16.951 34 Laps
2, 70 Mike Merrell/Kingsland, TX VW Scirocco/1690 17.142 34 Laps
3, 20 Sergio Hexsel/Live Oak, TX VW GTI/2042 17.713 34 Laps
4, 73 r-Cody Limerick/Corpus Christi,TX Ford Mustang/2348 (ccs) 17.999 33 Laps
5, 04 r-Nathan Robbins/Bastrop, TX Ford Pinto/2338 18.143 32 Laps
6, 27 Bill Labarge/Bryan, TX BMW/2313 18.044 32 Laps
7, 48 Mike Knotts/Universal City, TX VW Scirocco/1648 18.096 32 Laps
8, 22 Harry Osburn Jr./San Antonio, TX Ford Mustang/2349-svo 18.037 31 Laps
9, 3 Bob Sherland/San Antonio, TX VW Rabbit/1790 17.911 31 Laps
10, 01 r-Tory Christopher/Universal City Toyota Celica/1950 19.094 31 Laps
11, 75 r-Daniel Wilkerson/Corpus Christi Ford Pinto/2338 20.313 31 Laps
12, 23 r-J.J. Osburn III/Converse, TX Ford Mustang/2338-svo 20.429 30 Laps
13, 18 Lanny Young/Kingsland, TX VW Karmen Ghia/2275 19.641 30 Laps
14, 97 Kevin Hallman/Cibolo, TX Ford Mustang/2338 21.394 29 Laps
15, 71 Bruce Mabrito/San Antonio, TX VW Scirocco/1980 20.440 29 Laps
16, 50 Rick Dawdy/San Antonio, TX VW Rabbit/1648 24.159 29 Laps
17, 40 r-Robert Robbins/Bastrop, TX Ford Pinto/2000 23.287 29 Laps
18, 55 John Miesen/Marion, TX VW Sedan/1915 21.916 28 Laps
19, 88 r-Dennis Taylor/Live Oak, TX Chevrolet Cobalt/2232 19.654 26 Laps
20, 26 Lalo Leal/Corpus Christi, TX Ford Cobra/2342-arca 17.523 6 Laps
21, 38 Dave Parks/San Antonio, TX 2001 VW Sedan/1588 26.141 1 Laps
dna, 2 r-Johnny Guerra/Corpus Christi, TX Ford Mustang/2338
dna, 9 r-Bobby Burrows/Yorktown, TX Ford Fusion/2338-svo D
dna, 77 Pete Wright/Ft. Worth, TX VW Scirocco/2008
dna, 07 r-Mike O’Connor/Weatherford, TX Pontiac Sunfire/2167

Margin of Victory 10:21 seconds.

The Dwarf Car Series of Texas feature saw Jerry Young, Mike Young, Jim Rogers, Coby Young and Arden Vikre take the top five spots.

Official Dwarf Car Series of Texas results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 18 Jerry Young, Helotes, TX 20 laps Qt 18.105
2. 3 Mike Young, Helotes, TX 20 laps DNT
3. 6 Jim Rogers, Ingleside, TX 20 laps QT 17.952
4. 55 Coby Young, Helotes, TX 20 laps DNT
5. 72 Arden Vikre, San Marcos, TX 20 laps QT 17.646
6. 15 Dwain Groff, Helotes, TX 20 laps DNT
7. 27 Butch Havelka, Portland, TX 20 laps QT 18.459
8. 16 Chris Knandel, Corpus Christi, TX 20 laps QT 18.126
9. 30 Billy Groff, Helotes, TX 30 laps QT 19.398
10. 60 Richard Smith, Wimberley, TX 30 laps QT 18.587
11. 8 Chuck McCormick, Helotes, TX 30 laps QT 18.191
12. 13 John Flake, Austin, TX 30 laps QT 18.755
13. 32 Hoppy Malatek, Fentres, TX 30 laps QT 20.122
14. 05 Keith Roach, Buda, TX 16 laps QT 17.808

Tracy Tschoerner, Brady Ramzinski, Michael Espinoza, Jerry Woolf and Kris Wilson were the top five finishers in the 15-lap Mini Stock feature.

Official Mini Stock results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 01 Tracy Tschoerner, Taylor, TX 15 laps
2. 88X Brandy Ramzinski, San Antonio, TX 15 laps
3. 18 Michael Espinoza 15 laps
4. 10 Jerry Woolf, San Antonio, TX 15 laps
5. 03 Kris Wilson, Austin, TX 15 laps
6. 02 Dalton Wall, Kyle, TX 14 laps
7. 68 Kenneth Wright, McQueeney, TX 14 laps
8. 88 Brandon Spreen, Boerne, TX 12 laps
9. 77 Eric Robbins, Red Rock, TX 11 laps

Lyndon Kirk and Mike Steinman broke away early in the 27-lap NasKart feature until caution re-bunched the field. Steinman got shuffled back on the restart leaving Kirk to battle with Richard Gonzales, who took over the lead until they made contact giving Steinman and Chris Terry a run at the top two spots. Kirk made a last lap charge to sneak in for the victory.

Official NasKart results

Finish, Car Number, Name, Hometown, Laps Completed, Qualifying Time

1. 5 Lyndon Kirk, Austin, TX 27 laps
2. 17 Richard Gonzales, San Antonio, TX 27 laps
3. 71 Mike Steinman, Austin, TX 27 laps
4. 12 Frank Mena, Leander, TX 27 laps
5. 24 Chris Terry, Oklahoma City, OK 27 laps
6. 88 Kayleb Kreis, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps
7. 07 Megan Smith Austin, TX 27 laps
8. 29 Marty Kreis, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps
9. 77 Andy Taylor, TX 27 laps
10. 18 Chris Birmingham, Leander, TX 27 laps
11. 8 Gary Smith, Austin, TX 11 laps
12. 48 Kevin Hummell, Lake Travis, TX DNS

By J.M. Hallas and Nick Holt
Front page and story photos by Jeff Garvin

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

Texas Super Racing Series Late Models set for Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, August 1st

Texas’ top touring series will be traveling to beautiful Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, August 1, 2009, to participate in HMP’s “Adrenaline on Asphalt” racing program.

The cars and stars of the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model division will be flying around the immaculate three-eighth-mile HMP oval in a 75-lap feature – the “DWIDUDE.COM 75” – and will be supported by a full racing program including the NASCAR Fiesta Late Models, the NASCAR Cricket Modifieds and five other local racing divisions.

Young Dillon Spreen will be trying to make it two-in-a-row after winning his first TSRS feature event three weeks ago at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. But Spreen will be facing tough competition from fellow teenagers Jake Kruger, who sits atop the TSRS point standings, Cody Smith, Levi Krauss and Kendall Bumbera, as well as from veterans Bobby Teer, Jr., Robert Barker, Cary Stapp and Chris Schild.

The “DWIDUDE.COM 75″ is being run in honor of “Mama” Dean Sandefur, one of the most popular TSRS officials and wife of the TSRS Chief Technical Official, Jack Sandefur. Ms. Sandefur is recovering from major surgery earlier this week.

The TSRS teams will be participating in an autograph session during the intermission immediately preceding the feature races. These drivers are the NASCAR stars of tomorrow and here’s a great opportunity to meet and greet them “up close and personal.”

The heat races get under way at 6:00 p.m. For more information about Houston Motorsports Park and directions to the track, go to their website at http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

TSRS Late Model Point Standings

1. 14 Jake Kruger Bastrop, TX 1124
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr. Comfort, TX 1113
3. 05 Cody Smith LaVernia, TX 1099
4. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX 1086
5. 81 Dillon Spreen Boerne, TX 1086
6. 99 Cary Stapp San Marcos, TX 1013
7. 4® Levi Krauss Schertz, TX 996
8. 72® Kendall Bumbera Sealy, TX 971
9. 96 Todd Farris College Station, TX 704
10. 28® Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 557
11. 7 Chris Schild Leander, TX 418
12. 49 Robert Walton Bastrop, TX 381
13. 50 Brian Moczygemba San Antonio, TX 311
14. 33 Mike Williams Hockley,TX 292
15. 51 Chad Menard Castroville, TX 284
16. 12 Adam Haugh Round Rock, TX 276
17. 15 Bradley Burke Johnson City, TX 256
18. 1 Heath Stewart Del Valle, TX 175
19. 1 Colt James North Carolina 170
20. 1 Casey Smith Austin, TX 170
21. 93 Kyle Sirizzottii Helotes, TX 170
22. 54 Todd McLemore Austin, TX 160
23. 1 Lloyd Alexander San Antonio, TX 155
24. 02 Ugo Bevione Austin, TX 134
25. 38 Craig Sellman Buda, TX 134
26. 20® Mark Mathis San Antonio, TX 127
27. 6 Jason Hollander Round Rock, TX 124
28. 79 Joe Aramendia San Antonio, TX 118
29. 00 Beau Bukowski San Antonio, TX 5
30. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 5

by Nick Holt

Dillon Spreen, 15, wins his first Texas Super Racing Series Late Model race at Thunderhill

Fifteen year-old Dillon Spreen of Boerne, Texas, won his first-ever Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models feature race Saturday night at Thunderhil Raceway in the “Rebecca Cooper CPA 75.”

Spreen held off 19-year-old Cody Smith of La Vernia, Texas, at the line for the victory. Eleven cars finished on the lead lap; points leader Jake Kruger (Bastrop, TX) finished 11th.

Finishing behind Spreen and Smith were Brian Moczygemba (San Antonio), Robert Barker (fast qualifier award; Boerne, TX) and Lloyd Alexander (San Antonio) rounded out the top five. Cary Stapp (San Marcos) was the top-finishing rookie, claiming a 6th-place finish.

TSRS Late Models - Official Results of the “Rebecca Cooper CPA 75″ at Thunderhill Raceway

Pos. Car# Driver, Hometown (TX) Laps

1. 81 Dillon Spreen, Boerne, 75
2. 05 Cody Smith, La Vernia, 75
3. 50 Brian Moczygemba, San Antonio, 75
4. 17 +Robert Barker, Boerne, 75
5. 1 Lloyd Alexander, San Antonio, 75
6. 99 *Cary Stapp, San Marcos, 75
7. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, 75
8. 33 Mike Williams, Hockley, 75
9. 12 Adam Haugh, Round Rock, 75
10. 02 Ugo Bevione, Austin, 75
11. 14 Jake Kruger, Bastrop, 75
12. 28 *Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, 74
13. 7 Chris Schild, Leander, 67
14. 49 Robert Walton, Round Rock, 63
15. 79 Joe Aramendia, San Antonio, 61
16. 4 *Levi Krauss, Schertz, 38
17. 72 *Kendall Bumbera, Sealy, 11

* — denotes TSRS LM series rookie
+ — denotes Fast Qualifier

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Tory Christopher

TSRS Late Model ‘Young Guns’ grabbing headlines heading into Saturday’s “Rebecca Cooper CPA 75″ at Thunderhill Raceway

The “Young Guns” are dominating the trip to the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model Victory Lane in 2009.

Jake Kruger (Bastrop, TX) is 16 years old. Cody Smith (La Vernia, TX) is 19 years old. Their combined age (35) is one year younger than Robert Barker (Boerne, TX), the 36-year-old TSRS veteran who’s the only driver to get between Kruger, Smith and complete domination of the last seven TSRS series races.

Starting with the 2008 season-ending race (the Texas Stock Car Spectacular), Kruger, who turned 16 on June 25, has won four of the last seven TSRS races. Kruger won the ’08 Spectacular and has won three more races this season. Kruger is the reigning series Rookie of the Year.

Smith, who turns 20 on Aug. 17, has won two races this season, including the March 28th and May 23rd feature races at Thunder Hill Raceway (THR) in Kyle, TX. Smith, who’s also running in ASA and other late-model series, was the 2007 TSRS LM Rookie of the Year and runnerup champion.

Barker, meantime, won the ’09 series opener – the AllState Texas Thunder 50 at THR. Barker, who sits fourth in the ’09 points standings, is joined by fellow racing “veteran” Bobby Teer, Jr. (who turned 32 on April 2) in the Top-5. Kruger leads the pack with 994 points, followed be Teer, Jr. (27 points back), Smith (70 points back) and Barker (73 points back). Dillon Spreen, another TSRS LM “Young Gun,” holds down fifth place in the points, 88 points behind Kruger.

Spreen could be considered the “wildcard” factor for TSRS. The Boerne, TX resident, who turned all of 15 on May 29, is in his second season with TSRS and is well overdue to win his first series race at any time. In fact, Spreen – a seven-time champion Quarter Midget champion – is good enough to reel off a couple wins in a row once he reaches Victory Lane the first time.

Still, Barker and Teer, Jr. are ready to knock their younger counterparts from their perch.

“We’re making adjustments all the time but I think we’re going back to the basics,” Barker stated. “We were trying to make some small adjustments but now we’re going back to what worked for us at the beginning of the year. “

“We’re ready to win a race,” said Teer (Comfort, TX). “We keep getting close and I thought we had the car to do it (at the race) in Houston. We want to win the championship but we’re working to win races.”

Both “older guys” expressed respect for the younger guys. “I’m still racing old late-model equipment,” Barker remarked. “I am working hard with what I have but I think those guys have better equipment, they have great help and their crew chiefs have a ton of experience. They also test a lot – hey, they probably have run more laps at Thunder Hill than I have. I’m not making excuses at all – those guys are very good drivers. But we’re going out to win again this weekend.”

Teer, Jr. added, “They (Kruger and Smith) have really good cars and equipment. You have to hand it to them – they’re doing what they need to do. They have great crew chiefs helping them out as well. And they’re both really good drivers. But I’m learning on the fly as I work on my car – we’ll have something for them.”

For more information about TSRS Late Models, please visit www.manracingpromotions.com. For information about Thunder Hill Raceway, visit www.thunderhillraceway.com.

TSRS All-Time Feature Races Win List

Driver # of feature wins
Tommy Gural 8
*Chris Schild 8
Bobby Joe New 6
Jeff Pollard 5
*Cody Smith 5
*Jake Kruger 5

*-denotes active driver

by Chuck Licata
Photo by Jeff Garvin

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