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TXHighDef Video of NASCAR Fiesta Modified feature from HMP’s Fiesta Speedfest, 4/7/12

This video by Duke O’Connor of TX High Def captures lots of hard-nosed asphalt NASCAR Fiesta Modified racing action. And also captures the unfortunate incident that took out two front-runners - Brad Queen and Heath Stewart early in the 100-lap event.

LSS - TexasHighDef video of NASCAR 360 Truck race at HMP, 10/16/2010

TexasHighDef’s Duke O’Connor caught all the racing action in the 360 Truck feature event at Houston Motorsports Park on October 16, 2010. Some good clean racing in this one. Finally someone gave Cary Stapp a run for the money - Jason Marshall in the #42 NASCAR 360 Truck - but in the end the black #99 prevailed.

Click below to watch the entire race. Thanks for the great video once again, Duke!

Schild, Morman and Albert hit paydirt at Houston Motorsports Park’s 2010 season opener

NASCAR Fiesta Late Model driver Larry Schild, III, came home the big winner in the 2010 Season Opener at Houston Motorsports Park Saturday night, winning the “Fiesta 50” in front of a large and appreciative crowd at the immaculate, 3/8-mile, concrete and asphalt speedway.

After starting in the seventh position, Schild battled though the field, avoided numerous spins, escaped a few “fender benders” and ducked under a major lap 15 wreck to take the checkered flag.

Veteran Greg Davidson took the early lead from the pole position before becoming the first of six Fiesta Late Models that would not finish the feature event and three that were knocked out of competition during practice for the event.

Ten cautions slowed the action-filled Late Model 50-lapper. While the majority of the cautions were minor spins, the biggest and scariest incident of the night came on a lap-15 restart involving Joe Aramendia, who was restarting from the inside pole position, and Chris Davidson ,who restarted directly behind him.

Going through turns one and two, Aramendia and Schild, who restarted on the outside pole, made heavy contact with each other causing Schild to slide up the track and giving Davidson a chance to get his nose under Aramendia as they exited turn two. Davidson stuck to the inside down the back stretch, but as the pair entered turn three Davidson’s right front tire climbed Aramendia’s left rear, sending both cars extremely hard into the turn three wall.

The impact brought Davidson’s front tire into the Aramendia’s car, leaving a tire mark on the roll cage less than a foot away from Aramendia’s helmet. The impact nearly flipped Davidson’s ride, but the car came to rest with the dirty side down.

Thanks to their up-to-date chassis designs and no-expense-spared safety equipment, both drivers were able to walk away without injury.

After a lengthy cleanup, it was back to racing with Aramendia’s teammate Brian Moczygemba in the top spot. He was able to hang onto the lead for 15 laps and 3 restarts before door-to-door contact with Todd McClemore sent both cars spinning as they battled for the lead.

Schild now found himself in the lead as the green waved for the restart and he was able to hold off Underwood, Moczygemba, and McClemore throughout the final four restarts. At the finish it was Schild, McClemore, Moczygemba, Underwood, and Charles Evans taking the top five positions.

Unfortunately for McClemore and Evans, during the post-race technical inspection, their Late Models had technical issues and were disqualified. This moved Moczygemba up to second, Underwood up to third, Mason Mitchell up to fourth and Bryan Schild to fifth.

The NASCAR Cricket Modifieds managed to complete their “Cricket 40” feature race with only 4 cautions.

Jason Morman led flag to flag, but the new HMP restart rule shook up the running order behind him. Under the new rule, each driver picks their lane for the double-file restarts instead of restarting single file as in the past. As expected, the leader took the inside lane all night long and for three of the four restarts the second-place car chose the outside lane.

At the finish, it was Morman followed by Brent Seeley and Ian Webster. Michael Umscheid and Art Kunseman rounded out the top five. However, the Kunseman modified was found to be too left-side heavy during the post-race technical inspection and fifth place was awarded to Jim Nides.

NASCAR 360 Truck driver Jim Albert made it look easy in the “Twister Drilling Tools 40,” after he got by early race leader Jody Buzbee on the 12th lap.

The biggest hit of the race happened with five laps remaining when Erin Sims spun in turn 2 and ended up sideways in the groove. David Lewien was left with nowhere to go and collided solidly with the right side of Sim’s stalled truck. Both drivers walked away from the wreck, but it took three wreckers and almost a half hour to separate the mangled trucks.

Albert easily held the lead through the last two restarts and took a popular win. Jody Buzbee, Cary Stapp, Justin Buzbee, and Byron Reed crossed the line to finish in that order to round out the top five. However, issues in the tech shed ended up shuffling the final results after Chief Tech Official Jack Sanderfur had a close look at the top finishing trucks. The trucks of Justin Buzbee and Reed were disqualified for technical reasons which moved Greg Wade and Tory Christopher into the top five.

In other action, Clayton Green turned his pole position in the Bandolero 15-lap main event into a checkered flag after fending off a determined Christopher Hogan for all fifteen caution-free laps. Hogan made several strong moves to get by Green towards the finish, but slight bobbles to avoid contact would cut short the attempts. Kyle Curtis led a tight battle for third across the finish line but his car did not pass the tech inspection which moved Jon Fernandez, Chase Schubert and Coltin Nordan up a notch to round out the top five.

Not to be outdone by the youngsters, the Eco Stocks also ran their feature without the benefit of a yellow flag in spite of the fact that Brian Stipe (in a convertible with the top down) and Brad Dixon (in a minivan) ran virtually side-by-side for the entire 15 laps. At the finish the race was too close to call, but the electronic timing had Stipe the winner by 0.008 of a second!

The battle for third was just as heated as Samantha Marshall, Lizzie Baker, and several others swapped paint and positions several times as the tight pack raced right behind the two leaders. Baker held on to claim third.

In the 25-lap Pro Stock feature, J.T. Schild and Lynn Hardy picked up where they left off at the end of the 2009 season – bumper-to bumper and door-to-door - waging hard-fought clean, caution-free battles. This episode went to Schild who held off Hardy’s repeated attempts – both high and low – to get by the Schild. Veteran Pro Stock standout Del Harris finished third.

Unofficial Houston Motorsports Park results, 2/27/2010

Bandolero feature

1. 54 Clayton Green, 15 laps
2. 81 Christopher Hogan, 15
3. 24 Jon Fernandez, 15
4. 22 Chase Schubert, 15
5. 72 Coltin Nordan, 15
6. 12 Scott Smith, 15
7. 6 Jake Thomasson
DQ 25 Kyle Curtis

Eco Stock feature

1. 115 Brian Stipe, 15
2. 17 Brad Dixon, 15
3. 13 Lizzie Baker, 15
4. 7 Unknown, 15
5. 18 Gabriel Acosta, 15
6. 43 Bob Berndt, 15
7. 02 Samantha Marshall, 15
8. 44 Scott Harmon, 14
9. 9 LeAnn Albert, 14

Pro Stock feature

1. J.T. Schild, 25
2. 70 Lynn Hardy, 25
3. 1 Del Harris, 25
4. 31 Quentin Epler, 25
5. 18 Nathan Demski, 25
6. 8 Jim Axley, 24
7. 88 Freddy Davila, 22
8. 12 Richard Smith, Sr, 18

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds “Cricket 40″

1. 33 Jason Morman, 40
2. 5 Brent Seeley, 40
3. 13 Ian Webster, 40
4. 15 Michael Umscheid, 40
5. 8 Jim Nides, 40
6. 4 Kalif Sellier, 40
7. 82 Pat Kinsey, 39
8. 3 Mike Williams, 24
9. 88 Larry Hughes, 21
DQ 1 Art Kunseman

NASCAR 360 Trucks “Twister Drilling Tools 40″

1. 31 Jim Albert, 40
2. 77 Jody Buzbee, 40
3. 99 Cary Stapp, 40
4. 10 Greg Wade, 40
5. 44 Tory Christopher, 39
6. 28 Kevin Wiseman, 37
7. 3 David Lewien, 35
8. 6 Erin Sims, 34
9. 07 Rusty Mirth, 34
10. 72 Brent Bell, 17
11. 767 GW Egbert, 8
12. 36 Lynn Hardy, Jr., 5
DQ 19 Justin Buzbee
DQ 60 Byron Reed

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Fiesta 50″

1. 11 Larry Schild III, 50
2. 179 Brian Moczygemba, 50
3. 99 Mark Underwood, 50
4. 57 Mason Mitchell, 49
5. 97 Bryan Schild, 47
6. 16 Terry Clark, 27
7. 79 Joe Aramendia, 15
8. 41 Chris Davidson, 15
9. 96 Greg Davidson, 13
DQ 54 Todd McClemore
DQ Charles Evans, Jr.

by Brian Sommers and Nick Holt
Photos by Nick Holt

Fiesta Pro LM Champ Joe Aramendia leaves Houston Motorsports Park 2009 Awards Banquet with $15K check; David Starr keynote speaker

Lone Star Speedzone traveled to Houston Motorsports Park’s annual awards banquet this past weekend and it turned out to be quite an impressive affair with about 250 in attendance, a $15K check being handed out and a rousing speech by NASCAR star David Starr.

HMP’s announcer, “Uncle Bob,” did his usual professional job as the MC making sure we were all done and dancing by 9:30 after giving out numerous awards and trophies – we’ll go over some of those in a minute.

HMP General Manager John Mandabach took over the podium early in the evening and sincerely thanked everyone for their professionalism and for putting on such an impressive, entertaining show every race night. He went over some of the progress the track has made over the past four years and told the story of how he met Keith Jacobson, the Marketing Manager for Fiesta Mart, Inc, the company that has played an important role in that progress by teaming up with the speedway in numerous, mutually beneficial ways. I’ll let John tell the story the next time you talk with him.

As for 2010, John announced the following:

1. NASCAR Sanctioning - 3 sanctioned classes this year – Must have license to be eligible for points, purse & awards

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models – Feature Division – ages 16 and up

- $25,000 Track Points Fund thanks to Fiesta
- $3,500 State Points Fund & $40,000 National Points Fund
- Track Champion receives a Commerative Helmet
- State Champion receives a Custom Championship Driver Uniform
- State Champon Crew Chief gets $500
- State R.O.Y. gets $1,000
- Will pay $950 to Win, $100 to Start

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds – ages 14 and up

- $750 Win - $75 Start
- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to Cricket Wireless

NASCAR 360 Trucks – ages 14 and up

- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to 360 Motorsports
- $750 Win - $100 Start

2. Legends

- Nine Race Summer Shootout
- Some Purse and Points Fund
- If class develops will be full schedule class in 2011

3. Fiesta’s SpeedFest presented by Cricket Wireless

- All Purses Guaranteed with No Minimum Car Counts for Full Purse – All Classes
- $5,000 Win NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Delmar Systems 75”
- $3,000 Win NASCAR Modifieds “Cricket 50”
- $1500 Win NASCAR 260 Trucks “DDC 50”
- $500 Win Pro Stock – possibly more based upon sponsorship
- $300 Win Eco Stock

4. Fiesta Gift Cards - 1st, 2nd, 3rd – all classes including Trucks & Legends

5. Improving Points System - Hybrid of NASCAR’s points system for all classes for feature (no bando or leg)
- Based upon # of licensed cars starting the Feature
- Winner gets 2 points per car up to 23 cars plus 5 point bonus
- Each finishing position after that will be decrease by 2 points
- 23rd position and lower all get 2 points
- Heats will be same system but based on 1 point per car with no win bonus.

6. Race Format remains the same

- Best Practice lap is qualifying time for heat
- Coin toss at Drivers Meeting
- How finish heat is how start feature

7. 2010 Advertisement

- TV Commercials – All Events
- Ad in the Houston Chronicle – All Events
- Posters at Fiesta & O’Reilly Auto Parts – All Events

8. Email & Internet presence

- HMP Facebook Page – over 1000 members already
- Email database added everyday
- Lone Star Speedzone “Live Updates” when available

Sounds like a great year coming up for HMP!

Next, David Starr, a Houston area racer who has successfully moved up into the NASCAR upper racing divisions and who was asked to be the keynote speaker for the evening delivered a very inspirational speech which centered on the need for all of us involved in local racing to remain passionate about our hobby. David detailed how he got his start and how important it is to form positive relationships within, as well as apart from, the racing community. The one thing that kept coming through as he spoke was the pride he takes in being a part of the Texas stock car racing community and how he keeps his “racing roots” in sight wherever he goes. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see David back racing at HMP from time to time next season. The guy’s a racer. I had a chance to talk for a while with David with the digital audio recorder after the banquet. Hopefully that interview will be up on the front page of Lone Star Speedzone some time in the near future.

Now, on to the awards.

The Houston Motorsports Park “Extra Mile Awards” went to:

Amy Hogan, who contributed in many way to HMP’s success in 2009 including taking care of the banquet decorations and table arrangements, which were very impressive.

Brad Dixon, who together with Brian Stipe were instrumental in putting the new Eco Stock class on the map at HMP in 2009.

Jim Beasley, who has done for the Pro Trucks what Dixon and Stipe have done for the Eco Stocks.

Bandoleros:
R.O.Y. - Chase Schubert
Most Improved Driver - Jon Fernandez
3rd Place - Taylor Myers
2nd Place and Bandit Track Champ - Christopher Hogan
Champion – Travis Benson

Legends:
Champion Zach Hausler

Eco Stocks:
R.O.Y and 3rd Place – Bob Berndt
2nd Place – Brad Dixon
Champion – Brian Stipe

Limited Modifieds:
3rd Place – Todd Manchester
2nd Place and R.O.Y. – Quentin Epler
Champion – Kalif Sellier

Pro Stocks:
R.O.Y – JT Schild
3rd Place – Richard Smith, Jr.
2nd Place – Richard Smith, Sr.
Champion – Lynn Hardy, Jr.

Pro Trucks:
3rd Place and R.O.Y. – Lynn Hardy, Jr.
2nd Place - Jim Albert
Champion – DL Wilson

NASCAR Cricket Modifieds:
3rd Place – Justin Long
2nd Place and R.O.Y. Brent Seeley
Champion – Denny Burton

NASCAR Fiesta Late Models
R.O.Y. Jacklyn Harris
3rd Place – Brandon Bendele
2nd Place – Carl Smith
Champion – Joe Aramendia

It was pretty impressive to see all the loot Joe took home – a large-size $15,000 check, a beautiful commemorative helmet, a custom made fire suit, a handsome trophy or two and probably some other stuff I missed. Keith Reithmeyer and Homer Pitner, both of whom work on the Aramendia team, were co-winners of the NASCAR Crew Chief of the Year Award.

By Nick Holt
Photos by Steve Steinle

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

First Timers steal the show at Thunderhill Raceway

Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, had several first-time feature winners for the eighth race of the 2009 racing season – in the Mini Stocks, Grand Stocks, Thunder Stocks and NasKarts.

Bobby Chaffee (New Braunfels, TX) started on the inside of the second row and passed newcomer Jerry Woolf on the last lap to claim victory in the Mini Stock feature race. Chaffee is one of the THR announcers, and he switched hats to win his first race on Thunderhill Raceway’s (THR) 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Marcia Moore (Cedar Creek, TX) was the first female racer to claim a Grand Stock victory this year. Moore started on inside of the second row, and she quickly grabbed the lead on the first lap. She was able to hold off the hard charge by the previous feature winner, Floyd Reed, for the 25-lap feature event. Moore started racing with the Grand Stocks when the class was introduced in 2005 and is currently in fifth place in the 2009 Grand Stocks points’ race.

Aaron Brungot (Cedar Park, TX) has been racing in the Thunder Stock class since 2005, and he finally pulled off his first career feature win. Brungot took over the lead at the halfway point by passing teammate and 2008 Thunder Stock champion, Joey Tschoerner. He maintained the lead for the rest of the 30-lap Thunder Stock feature race – barely holding off the current points’ leader Mason Teague.

Clint LaFont (Volente, TX) claimed another victory after patiently working his way up through the field of the ASA A-Line Super Stock feature race. LaFont started in the 10 position in the 40-lap feature race and finally took over the lead with only three laps left to go. He held off Shawn Paul Lehman, who is currently running second in track points, for the victory. LaFont is currently leading the THR ASA A-Line Super Stock points’ race, and he has turned in some very impressive results so far this year (three wins and eight Top 3 finishes). He was also heading up the ASA Joe Gibbs National Championship competition going into Saturday’s race, so this win should help him maintain the lead.

Richard Gonzales (San Antonio, TX) is a NasKart rookie, and he was also a first-time feature winner on Saturday night. The fans were treated to some close racing action, especially when Lyndon Kirk and Chris Terry threatened Gonzales for the lead near the end of the 27-lap NasKart feature race.

Gavin Boyett (Buda, TX) is on a two-race winning streak following his victory on Saturday night in the 50-lap TSRS Allison Legacys race. This 13-year-old youngster started on the outside pole and took over the lead from Lauren Runco on the first lap. Kris Kerr passed Boyett on Lap 4 and remained in the lead until the last lap. The two drivers tangled coming out of Turn 4, and Boyett was the first to cross the finish line. Boyett is currently leading the TSRS Allison Legacys points’ race.

Jason Marshall (Leander, TX) grabbed his second win in the Pro Trucks at Thunderhill Raceway this year. He turned in the fastest qualifying time with 16.420 seconds. Following a draw for the inversion, Marshall started in the fourth position. He worked his way up to the front and took over the lead from D.L. Wilson on Lap 20 and held on for the win. Marshall is currently leading the Pro Trucks points’ race at THR – only four points ahead of Wilson.

Top five report - Thunderhill Raceway - ASA TRACK MEMBER - JUNE 27, 2009

Mini Stocks
01 Bobby Chaffee, New Braunfels, TX 10 laps
10 Jerry Woolf, San Antonio, TX 10 laps
02 Gunnar Frid, Cedar Park, TX 10 laps
77 Eric Robbins, Jr., Red Rock, TX 10 laps

Grand Stocks
91 Marcia Moore, Cedar Creek, TX 25 laps
65 Floyd Reed, Spicewood, TX 25 laps
88 Mike Farish, Kempner, TX 25 laps
12 Art Ganss, Driftwood, TX 25 laps
03 Chris Trevino, San Antonio, TX 25 laps

Thunder Stocks
50 Aaron Brungot Cedar Park, TX 30 laps QT 17.740
16 Mason Teague, Paige, TX 30 laps QT 17.753
92 Jason Stanley, San Antonio, TX 30 laps QT 17.591
22 Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, TX 30 laps QT 17.778
20 Steve Joyce Buda, TX 30 laps QT 18.228

ASA A-Line Super Stocks
3 Clint LaFont, Volente, TX 40 laps
28 Shawn Paul Lehman, Manchaca, TX 40 laps
80 Allen Alexander, San Antonio, TX 40 laps
99 Chase Stapp, San Marcos, TX 40 laps
7 Rodney Rodriguez Round Rock, TX 40 laps

NasKarts
17 Richard Gonzales, San Antonio, TX 27 laps
5 Lyndon Kirk, Austin, TX 27 laps
24 Chris Terry, Oklahoma City, OK 27 laps
48 Kevin Hummell, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps
88 Kayleb Kreis, Lake Travis, TX 27 laps

TSRS Allison Legacys
08 Gavin Boyett Buda, TX 50 laps QT 17.401
24 Kris Kerr San Antonio, TX 50 laps QT 17.364
07 Rusty Mirth® Austin, TX 50 laps QT 17.681
53 Charles Evans, Jr. ® Friendswood, TX 50 laps QT 17.311
19 Cole Runco® Spring Branch, TX 50 laps QT 17.650

®Rookie

Pro Trucks
42 Jason Marshall Leander, TX 50 laps QT 16.420
6 D.L. Wilson China Spring, TX 50 laps QT 15.559
28 Shawn Paul Lehman Manchaca, TX 50 laps QT 16.749
31 Jim Albert Lockhart, TX 50 laps QT 16.740
72 Brent Bell, 50 laps QT 16.968

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

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