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Leonard, Torres, Dinsmore, Okruhlik, Payton, and Sowder with I-37 Raceway wins, 4/28/2012

Pleasanton, Texas (April 28, 2012) After a scheduled week off for the Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association motorcycles, I-37 Raceway returned to action for stock cars Saturday night. Over 80 cars and drivers signed in for the nights events on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, clay track just south of Pleasanton.

Warmer temperatures and high winds quickly dried out the racing surface making for some tricky track conditions early in the night. Drivers and crew were able to adapt with both the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods seeing a last lap pass for the lead.

Darin Leonard picked up his first IMCA Modified win of the season, while Frank Okruhlik, Landon Sowder, Greg Dinsmore and Jarrett Payton found their way back to the Winners Circle. Johnny Torres was awarded the IMCA Southern Sportmod victory after first time I-37 winner, John Heil couldn’t pass on the tech pad.

Leonard’s Last Lap Pass Secures Win

Darin Leonard(Sinton) saw his son Cody take his first IMCA Sportmod feature win one month ago. Not to be out-done by the youngster, Darin finally broke through to the winners column, but it wasn’t easy. Friend, Harris Chassis team mate and sponsor, Bill Pittaway kept the pressure on Leonard throughout the 20-lapper. Pittaway was able to sneak past Leonard for the lead on lap 19, but Leonard fought back to retake the point coming to the checkers.

Carson Bednarz led from the pole into turn 1, but it was Leonard, on the top side coming off turn 2 with the lead. Jason Borlace, Pittaway, Bednarz and Chuck Chesler fell in line with Greg Dinsmore, Jamie Campbell and Bednarz three wide on lap 2. Dinsmore and Campbell again went three abreast, this time with Chesler for fourth.

As the top five finally sorted out it was Leonard, Pittaway, Campbell and Campbell up front, while Borlace, Chesler and Dinsmore were fighting for fourth. The top three checked out by halfway leaving Borlace, Chesler and Dinsmore three wide behind them. In the waning laps Campbell took a look under Pittaway for second, but Pittaway held steady and put some heat on Leonard.

The leaders came up on slower cars with Leonard and Pittaway going three wide. Pittaway came away with the lead as the white flag waved, with Leonard on his tail. Leonard got inside Pittaway in turns 1-2, but Pittaway held the edge on the back stretch. Leonard used the bottom in turns 3-4 to creep ahead coming to the checkers in his CD Electric, CC Coatings, Ace Transmission, Coastal Diesel, New Vision Graphics, Harris Chassis.

“I had to show the kid his dad still had it,” replied Leonard. “Cody has been teaching me quite a bit. Traveling to other shows at other tracks has given me the ability to work on the set up for my car too. It’s helped me in the long run as well as helping him.”

“I’m glad I got to race with Bill (Pittaway) for the win. We’re good friends and it was fun. That lapped car made it interesting. When I threw it into the turn, I thought I was going to hit the lapped car, but he pushed and I missed him and was able to get back by Bill at the finish. It was a good race. Awesome.”

“Bill talks quite a bit with the Harris Chassis guys and that has helped me a lot with this older car. We’ve both been doing some experimental stuff. I’m incorporating some of the newer stuff into this car. The changes I made this week really helped the car. I have to thank my main pit guy, Cody, and my wife and family for their support.”

IMCA Modifieds; 26 Darin Leonard, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 49 Chuck Chesler, 37b Donald Banker, 16 Carson Bednarz, 10b Ellis Tracy, 31c Marlin Samford

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 21 Jason Borlace, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 49 Chuck Chesler, 16 Carson Bednarz, 37b Donald Banker
Heat 2; 26 Darin Leonard, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 10b Ellis Tracy, 31c Marlin Samford

Torres Tops After Tech in Sportmods

Defending track champ, Johnny Torres(San Antonio) got edged out in the final laps by John Heil after a late caution, but Heil was unable to pass tech inspection. This gave the win to Torres who chased down and passed early leader Anthony Gordon with five to go. A green, white, checker finish set up the chance for Heil to get under Torres for the lead coming to the white flag. Torres tried to fight back, but fell short until inspection found Heil with illegally grooved tires.

Former ROMCO Super Late Model champ, Tommy Grimes was first into turn 1 at the start of the 20-lap, 18-car IMCA Southern Sportmod main. Anthony Gordon, who continues to be on the verge of his first ever Sportmod win, beat Grimes off turn 4 to lead lap 1. Grimes fell in line second followed by Greg Lackey and a three wide scramble between Robert Williams, Larry Jernigan and Talon Minton for fourth.

Wiliams’ night ended early after a tangle with JJ Jennings sent him sailing over an infield tire. T. Minten got third from Lackey, while Heil and Torres ran wheel to wheel for sixth. As T. Minten picked off second from Grimes, Heil took fifth from Jernigan in the mad scramble for fourth on back that saw position change in every corner.

As they sorted out coming to halfway it was Gordon, T. Minten, Heil, Torres and Grimes in the top five. As Heil tried low on T. Minten, Torres took the high groove going around both for second, with Heil following to third. Torres then reeled in Gordon and took over the top spot on lap 16 bringing Heil along to second a lap later.

Torres was on his way to the victory as the leaders came to take the white flag, but a spin by Robbie Minten in turn 2 prompted the flagman to throw a yellow before the leaders got to the corner. Heil used the restart to duck inside Torres in turns 1-2 and alongside on the back stretch, Heil got the lead coming off turn 4 to the white. Torres, in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Bodies, Rays Auto & Truck, Swenson Racing Products, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Race Engines, Vato Chassis, tried a crossover move, but came up short leaving Heil to take the checkers, that he later gave up in tech.

“We’re still getting the bugs worked out of the new car,” said Torres. “I really haven’t gotten some of the breaks that it takes to win from the 6th row most nights. I felt like we had the car to beat till the hooking bumpers and banging on the green, white, checker, finish.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods; 66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 18 Larry Jernigan, 14t Talon Minten, 26g JJ Jennings, 9 Ray Doyon III, 2r Michael Hernandez, 2g Greg Lackey, 57 Jason Kelly, 37 Cody Leonard, 22 Randy Bennett, 60 Pat Lyon, 22t Tommy Grimes, 4r Robbie Minten, 11 Tom Grothues, 21(94) Allen Torres, 02 Robert Williams, D30 John Heil—DQ (Tech/tires)

IMCA SSM heats
Heat 1; 26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, 22t Tommy Grimes, 18 Larry Jernigan, 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly
Heat 2; 118 Anthony Gordon, 37 Cody Leonard, 9 Ray Doyon III, 2g Greg Lackey, 4r Robby Minten, 21 Barry Codling
Heat 3; 14t Talon Minten, 02 Robert Williams, D30 John Heil, 2r Michael Hernandez, 60 Pat Lyon, 22 Randy Bennett

Dinsmore Dominates Limited Late Models

After a somewhat mediocre run, by his own standards, in the IMCA Modified main, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore rebounded and took it out on the Limited Late Model field. Dinsmore led flag to flag in the 15 feature driving the MK Wallace owned, Dirt Guys Motorsports, Cowans on the Creek, Miss Sharon, Wilson Brothers Septic, Guilott Realty, Metal Mart, MFI, Brutal Off Road, Dinsmore powered, Chevy.

Taking no prisoners, Dinsmore quickly jumped into the lead chased by Ron Sprayue, Craig Crawley, Andrew Hesler and Richard Bartosh. Bartosh and Hesler made contact sending Hesler around and Bartosh to the rear. Dinsmore got a good jump on the restart and began pulling away leaving Sprayue, Crawley, Hesler and Chris Brock battling for second.

As Dinsmore continued to build his lead Hesler was challenging Crawley for third finally taking the position on lap 13. Hesler kept up the late charge getting second from Sprayue on the final lap, while Dinsmore, with over a full straightaway lead, was cruising to the victory.

“That car was fast tonight,” said Dinsmore. “It was perfect. I think it could have out done my Modified tonight. Once I got stretched out I started easing through the corners, not try to slide and just maintain the lead you have. Basically just hit your marks and not try to overdrive the car. Look at as a slower is faster thing.”

“Running the Modified first really didn’t help me any tonight. That thing was all over the map. I changed the shock on Late Model, but they have such big tires, It’s really hard to spin them. After driving the smaller tired Modified, this car just hooks up.”

Limited Late Models; 48 Greg Dinsmore, 1x Andrew Hesler, 42 Ron Sprayue, 6 Craig Crawley, 10 Chris Brock, 14 Gary Hunter, 13 Howie Marcx, D30 John Heil—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 48 Greg Dinsmore, 42 Ron Sprayue

Okruhlik Outruns Jones in Street Stock Scramble

In what is quickly becoming more than a two-horse race in the Street Stock class this year, former Pure Stock champ, Frank Okruhlik held off defending champ Wade Jones for the victory. AJ Wernette, got by Jones and racing stable mate Okruhlik for the lead, but mechanical issues sidelined Wernette giving the lead back to Okruhlik, who edged out Jones at the finish.

After two aborted attempts, the 16-car Street Stock feature finally got underway with Multi-time track champ, Wade Jones getting the lead trailed by Shawn Moore, Dennis Hilla and AJ Wernette and a three wide battle for fifth that saw Okruhlik get that spot. The two Wernette Racing team mates, Okruhlik and Wernette began their charge to the front early in the 20-lap feature.

Okruhlik was able to get alongside and past Jones for the top spot on lap 7, bringing Wernette along to second. Wernette then got past Okruhlik for the lead on lap 8, while Jones, Justin Henley and Mike Lyon went three wide for third. Wernette put some distance on Okruhlik and looked have the win in his sights until drivetrain problems put him out. This handed the point back to Okruhlik, in the Wernette Racing, B&B Construction, Hot Rod Welding, JB Wastewater, WWI Trucking, Mission Race Engines, Chevy, who was chased to the checkers by Jones.

“I had nothing for AJ (Wernette) before he broke,” stated Okruhlik. “He had it sewn up. The best we can tell right now it was the transmission that let go. You never get tired winning though. It’s always something different. I was kind of worried where Wade (Jones) and AJ (Dancer) were. Those two have been the fast guys in this class for a while now. I figured they were back there just waiting for me to mess up.”

“It took me a little while to get use to driving a Street Stock. I think I got it now. This car is a lot faster than my Pure Stock, and you get more suspension on these cars to adjust on. Winning will happen again, shortly.”

Street Stocks; 99 Frank Okruhlik, 41 Wade Jones, 40 Mike Lyon, 141 Curtis Opiela, 7 Justin Henley, 18 Shawn Moore, 2x Dennis Hilla, 04 Nathan Robins, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 82 Richard Wells, 37 AJ Wernette, 53 Brian Becka, 33 David Faulkner, 22 Patricia Lucas, 93 Aaron Leddy, 52 AJ Dancer, 118 Anthony Gordon—DNS

Street Stock heat winners; 37 AJ Wernette, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla

Payton Takes Pure Stock Family Feud

San Antonio’s Jarrett Payton out-battled his sister, Brandy Ramzinski for top honors in the 20-lap Pure Stock feature. Payton, who took his first win of the season last race, made his way from tenth starting spot to scrap it out with Ramzinski after the midway point. Payton got the lead on lap 13, then inched away at the finish for the win in his Roudee 8 Services, Roosevelt U-Pull-It, Bettis Storage, 5A Graphics, Mission Auto, Chevy Nova.

Cameron Smith grabbed the early lead from the 18-car starting field trailed by Jamie Campbell, Ramzinski, Jerry Jones and Kary Scott. Janel Hilla made her way to battle with Ramzinski for third, while Payton started his march to the front. Ramzinski got by Campbell for second, then alongside Smith for the lead at the midway point. In the meantime Peyton and Hilla were slugging it out for fourth.

Ramzinski got the lead on lap 11, while Payton took second on lap 12. Action in three of the four corners brought out a yellow on lap 12 when Scott spun in turn 2, Charles Earnhardt III looped it in turn 3 and Adam Torres got hooked with Hilla in turn 4. Payton capitalized on the restart getting under Ramzinski for the lead on lap 13. From there, Payton was able to ease away the remaining circuits for the victory.

“She (Brandy) gave me that race,” explained Payton. “After that last caution she drifted up too high and left the bottom wide open for me. She’s just another racecar driver when we’re out there so I don’t really cut her any slack. I won’t hit her out though, unless she’s in my way. Not really, I treat her like anyone else out there. She came up and said I could have let her win. I said ‘No! A race is a race.’”

“I went out there tonight thinking that I was just going to have fun and not be able to challenge for a win. Everything just kind of played out for me, I made my way through traffic, and it worked out.”

“I really had no plan to make it up starting that far back. Just passed them as I got to them. I found a groove down low that car really liked so I stayed on the bottom. People would go in and slip up high, and I was able get by underneath.”

“I’m not going to say that I’m running for the championship, because once I do, bad things will start happening. I’m just out to have fun and if it falls into my lap, then I’ll take it.”

Pure Stocks; 9s Jarrett Payton, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 5 Ryan Doyon, 10c Jamie Campbell, 66 Adam Torres, 13 Cameron Smith, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 14 Trey Heald, 33 Merida Major, 15 William Cavender, 83 Kary Scott, 33c Charles Earnhardt III, 4 Tim Watson, 49 Jay Dancer, 9 Philip Haywood, 6p Jeremy Hernandez

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 10c Jamie Campbell

Sowder Fastest Front Runner

Landon Sowder was fastest of the 10-car Front Runner in their 15-lap feature. Sowder took over from early leader Hailee Marcx on lap 4. Multi-time winner, Dillon Gaither, had trouble early retiring from the event. Sowder and Marcx continued to battle for the lead with Marcx briefly getting back around Sowder. After a mid-race caution, Sowder was able to put some distance on Marcx and take the win his RicWell Construction, Chevy Cavalier.

“It took some had work,” commented Sowder. “I started pretty far back and was hard working my up and passing everyone. It was a fun race. I really enjoyed it. I like racing against Hailee(Marcx), she’s a good, clean racer and It’s always fun to race her. I’m hoping to shoot for the championship this year, but if I don’t it’s all good fun racing.”

“We’ve got a new car for this year and it’s pretty fast. We put some new tires on it and it’s made it go much better. Next year I’m looking to move up to Street Stock. Wayne Wernette has helped my dad and I a lot and we looking to get the 37w car.”

Front Runners; 08 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 82 Kristine Opiela, 66c Cindy Snyder, 17 Kristen Blevins, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 00 Jamison Pace, 01 Lindi Schroat, 4 Jeremy Witt, 5 Dillon Gaither, 13 Cody Smith—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 66c Cindy Snyder, 5 Dillon Gaither

Go-Karts

Riley Heil, in only her third race, took home her second checkered flag win the win in Jr. Go-Kart Division.

“My dad helps me a lot on my set up,” said Heil. “BMF Shocks and Chassis sponsor’s my Kart. I’m not scared to race with the boys out there. This is my second win and my third race. I came out here to win. I’m going to move up in classes when I’m old enough. I want to drive a car just like my dad’s car.”

Jr. Class
30 Riley Heil
93 Cavin Leddy
48 Isaiah Lambert
14 Adisyn Ramzinski

Sr. Class
07 Duell Arnold
11 Caitlyn Leddy
9 N/A
37 Aaron Trevino
1 Evan Lambert
82 Andrew Garcia
12j Jacob Sharber
3 Mason Doyon

**Ed. note; This was my first return to a track since my heart attack. It was nice to be back at the races, and even nicer to have so many people come up and ask how I was doing. It’s great to have so many extended racing family members. By the end of the night I was a little out of gas, especially since most of the winners were out back, but slowly I’m getting back to normal.

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots.com

Dinsmore undeniable in the IMCA Modified feature at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park

Racing season kicked off at I-37 Raceway’s ¼-mile, semi-banked, clay oval Saturday night with familiar faces in familiar places, as well as some new or returning drivers. Friday night was one final test-n-tune for drivers/teams to get their cars dialed in for the first race of the year for many, while others with a few races already under their belts did some fine tuning.

Saturday night’s turnout saw an overflow in the pits with teams having to pit in the outer parking area and a good crowd of spectators filling the stands. Despite the Friday practice session and strong southerly winds, the track held up throughout the night with drivers finding bite on the high and low side during the features.

Looking to defend their 2011 championships are Greg Dinsmore(IMCA Modified), Johnny Torres(IMCA Southern Sportmod), Trey Votion(Limited Late Model) and Wade Jones(Street Stock). Pure Stock champion, Frank Okruhlik moves to a variety of classes for 2012, while Front Runner champ, Cody Earnhardt gets his introduction into the Pure Stocks.

Dinsmore, Votion and Jones all scored feature wins, Torres gave JJ Jennings a good run in the Sportmods but came up one position short, with Okruhlik falling out of both the Pure and Street Stock events. Cody Earnhardt’s Pure Stock debut was delayed after they were unable to complete the car in time.

Dinsmore un-Deniable in Modified Main

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore picked up in the 2012 season where he ended in the final points battle, first. Campaigning a new Harris Chassis this year Dinsmore worked his way from the third row to the front before halfway using a set-up from fellow Harris driver Jimmy Gustin, and the low side of the track. After picking up the lead from 2010 track champ, Bill Pittaway, Dinsmore was chased at the finish by last year’s points rival, Jamie Campbell.

Pittaway grabbed the early lead as the 20-lap IMCA Modified main fired off trailed by Chuck Chesler, Campbell and Dennis Taylor. Darin Leonard had immediate problems and pulled off, leaving Dinsmore fifth. Dinsmore began picking them off one by one when caution flew for a car stopped in the pit exit on lap 3.

Once back to green Dinsmore snagged second from Chesler and closed on Pittaway for the lead. Ducking low in turn 1, Dinsmore got alongside Pittaway and by in turns 3-4 to get the lead on lap 6. Campbell, using the top went around Chesler then Pittaway for second, but well behind Dinsmore.

At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, Campbell, Pittaway, Jason Borlace and Chesler in the top five. Borlace was able to get third from Pittaway on lap 13 while Taylor and Chesler swapped fifth. Campbell was able to cut into Dinsmore’s lead at one point but gave the ground back trying to pass a lapped car running in his line.

As the white flag waved it was Dinsmore holding a ¾ straightaway margin over Campbell that he held to the checkers. It was the car’s second win of the season after Iowa’s, Jimmy Gustin grabbed the season opener at Mountain Creek Speedway in the racetechinfo.com, Custom Concrete, Guadalupe Electric, JB Hotshots, Wells Designs, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, J&V NAPA, KS Engineering, Harris Chassis.

“The car was crazy fast,” replied Dinsmore. “It was great. The new car was set up just right, and the borrowed motor was really fast. It was awesome. I watched Jimmy Gustin run around the tires when he drove it. I tried to stick the left front near the infield tires and found some moisture there. The car had good bite coming off on the straightaway. I’d lose a bit in (turns 3-4), but gain it back in (turns)1-2.”

“The low line started going away near the end and I thought about trying the top. I didn’t hear anyone back there and I tried to look back in the corners but didn’t see anyone. I was just holding on to what I had and it worked out.”

“The car is set up the way Jimmy was going to run it; it even still has number on one side and seat in it. I had to change my driving style some to fit his set up. He drives it through the corner deeper than I normally do. Plus he runs a lot more rear brake than I do, and the car was a little tight. I think in talking with Jimmy and Bob(Harris) we can get it closer to my style.”

“I don’t know if I’m going run for a championship this year. I’m just looking to have some fun. I want to race, but don’t want to get so serious about it that I have to worry about breaking something.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 49 Chuck Chesler, 38 Dennis Taylor, 16 Carson Bednarz, 24 Tracy Fink, 26 Darin Leonard

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 8g Greg Dinsmore, 21 Jason Borlace, 26 Darin Leonard, 16 Carson Bednarz, 24 Tracey Fink—DNS

Heat 2; 37 Bill Pittaway, 49 Chuck Chesler, 38 Dennis Taylor, 29 Jamie Campbell

Jennings Jammin’ in Sportmod Scramble

JJ Jennings(Corpus Christi) parlayed a front row starting position into a Sportmod victory leading nearly every lap. Jennings got passed on the start by Talon Minten on lap 1, but retook the top spot on lap 2. Multi-time track champ, Johnny Torres closed in on the tail of Jennings during the mid-stages of the 20-lapper, but Jennings was able to pull away at the end leaving Torres battling with newcomer, John Heil.

As the 18-car IMCA Southern Sportmod main took the green, Jennings was first into turn 1. Talon Minten went around on the high side to lead lap 1, but Jennings got the lead back on lap 2. Defending champ, J. Torres took second from T. Minten with Heil trying to follow. Heil had just made the pass when yellow waved for a tangle between Gene Hyde, Greg Rohmer and Patrick Kelly.

On the restart Heil used the top to get past T. Minten, but did a half spin and fell back to sixth. J. Torres was on Jennings tail as they came to halfway with T. Minten, Bruce Barber and Robby Minten holding the top five spots. As Barber worked on T. Minten, Heil got back by R. Minten for fifth, then under Barber for fourth.

Heil was again just making a pass on T. Minten only to have caution come out for a spin by Mickey Helms after contact by Cody Leonard, who was sent to the tail. Jennings got a good jump on J. Torres as the race resumed, but R. Minten spun off turn 4, with Craig Lepore spinning behind. It wasn’t long after the restart when Alan Torres and Randy Bennett got together for the races final slow down.

Once back to green, Jennings eased out from J. Torres with Heil and T. Minten side by side for third. Heil got the spot on lap 17, while Jennings continued to add to his margin. Heil caught J. Torres on the final lap, but it was Jennings in the G&M Services, Bud Light, P&K, WFI Waste Management, CB’s Race Engines, Western Flyer Race Car taking the win.

“My brother’s wife drew a one on the redraw, that helped me a lot,” stated Jennings. “That’s the second time she’s done that, and starting up front always helps. It’s always fun to come up here. A week and a half ago this car was bare. The guys up at Western Flyer hooked us up. We stayed up late Thursday and all day Friday getting it ready. It’s been a long three days, but it was worth it.”

“There’s something messed up in the steering box, quickener or power steering, it kept getting stuck. I wasn’t going to pull off unless it stuck all the way. It lasted long enough to finish, but we’ll be taking it all off and checking it out.”

“I thought I was done when Talon(Minten) went around me. He went by me on the outside like I was standing still. That kid is going to be good, just give him some time. He and his brother will be winning some races. I’m glad he raced me clean and we didn’t tear up anything. We went over to Ray(Doyons) shop and put the wrap on it today. They’re good people.”

“I’ve got to thank my brother for putting all the money into getting this car to get it done and my wife for putting up with all this. It’s all his car. I just show up, pay my pit pass and get to drive it. My whole family is involved. My grandpa is going to be 82 and he comes to watch. That’s what it’s all about.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, D30 John Heil, 14t Talon Minten, 174 Mickey Helms, 17b Bruce Barber, 02 Robert Williams, 4r Robbie Minten, 85 Jeff Nix, 18 Larry Jernigan, 22 Randy Bennett, 2 Craig Lapore, 60 Pat Lyon, 37 Cody Leonard, 94 Alan Torres, 44h Gene Hyde, 84k Patrick Kelly, 51 Greg Rohmer, 17 Jim Blevins—DNS, 9 Ray Doyon III—DNS, 12 Roly Rodriguez—DNS

IMCA SSM heats
Heat 1; 22 Randy Bennett, 66 Johnny Torres, 174 Mickey Helms, 26g JJ Jennings, 94 Alan Torres, 51 Greg Rohmer, 60 Pat Lyon

Heat 2; D30 John Heil, 84k Patrick Kelly, 18 Larry Jernigan, 37 Cody Leonard, 44h Gene Hyde, 2 Craig Lepore, 12 Roly Rodriguez—DNS

Heat 3
4r Robbie Minten, 14t Talon Minten, 17b Bruce Barber, 02 Robert Williams, 85 Jeff Nix, 17 Jim Blevins, 9 Ray Doyon III—DNS

Victory for Votion in Limited Late Models

Defending track champ, Trey Votion showed why he won last year’s championship taking home the hardware in the 15-lap feature. Craig Crawley took over the point from Howie Marcx, making his return, but Crawley failed to go on a restart giving up the lead to Votion. As Votion eased away, Bo Beckner and 2010 champ, Richard Bartosh battled it out for second leaving Votion unchallenged at the checkers.

Marcx jumped out front as green waved on the Limited Late Model feature with Crawley looking low. Marcx led lap 1, but gave up the lead to Crawley with Ron Sprayue and Bartosh getting past Gary Hunter. Sprayue and Bartosh then got around Marcx for second and third, with Votion following to fourth. Sprayue’s run up front ended when he spun from second in turn 4.

As green waved again, Crawley’s car failed to go with Votion squirting through a hole to grab the lead on lap 6. Bo Beckner came out the stack up with third as Crawley fell back. As Votion eased away, Beckner got second from Bartosh. Votion in the Northside Ford, BG Products, Mission Racing, ZDT Amusement Park, Kelly Automotive, Northside Collision, Kelly Chassis, held his advantage over Beckner at the finish.

“Definitely feels pretty good,” commented Votion. “It was kind of scary after that crash in the heat race. I thought for we tore out the whole rear end. I was just hoping it wouldn’t vibrate or something. It was a lot freer than it normally is, but it still worked pretty well. I was happy to be able to finish the race and run well.”

“I just went out to see what the car was going to be able to do. The track was a bit slicker, so I was just taking my time to get anything and it worked out.”

“With John Heil running, and Greg Dinsmore getting a car ready, that’s going to be some stiff competition. That’s what this class needs, more good cars and more good drivers. Hopefully we can keep the fenders on them, have fun and go at it.”

“We’re looking at this year like the last one. I want to come out here and be able run without tearing anything up all year. If it works out, I’m going to try to back up my championship, but we’ll see what happens.”

Limited Late Models

99 Trey Votion, 75 Bo Beckner, 7 Richard Bartosh, 6 Craig Crawley, 1x Andrew Hesler, 42 Ron Sprayue, 13 Howie Marcx, 14 Gary Hunter, 13s Jason Smith, D30 John Heil—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 6 Craig Crawley, 7 Richard Bartosh

Jourdanton’s Jones Sweeps Street Stock

Despite being sick, Wade Jones was still able to stick it out and sweep the Street Stock feature and heat race wins. Jones, who went wire to wire in the 15-lap feature, was chased throughout the race by AJ Wernette. Wernette closed the gap in traffic, but once clear Jones held his margin to the finish line.

The 13-car Street Stock feature saw Jones leading into turn 1 followed by Brian Becka, Wernette, Dennis Hilla and Frank Okruhlik. Wernette and Hilla both got past Becka for second and third as the top three separated out. This left Becka, Okruhlik and Mike Lyon battling for fourth until Okruhlik pulled off early.

Wernette was able to shorten the gap some after Jones hit traffic, but once clear; Jones still had a good margin. The only battle left for Jones the final laps was a 100 degree temperature and flu-like symptoms. At the checkers it was Jones in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro with the win.

“The track was great,” said Jones. “I was worried about being a little rusty from the off-season going into the first race. I think the set up on the car helped carry me through. I was running a 100 degree fever, but once we got going I forgot all about being sick. I really have to thank my G’ma and G’pa, plus all my family and sponsors.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 37 AJ Wernette, 2x Dennis Hilla, 40 Mike Lyon, 52 AJ Dancer, 53 Brian Becka, 15 Tommy Casey, 19 Jarrett Barber, 22 Patricia Lucas, 141 Curtis Opiela, 37w(99) Frank Okruhlik, 82 Richard Wells, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 00 Mikey Faulkner—DNS

Street Stock heat winners; 2x Dennis Hilla, 41 Wade Jones

Pure Stock Honors to Hilla After Tech

Robert Danielson looked to be the easy winner in the 20-lap Pure Stock feature going flag to flag with nearly a full straightaway advantage at the end. Unfortunately Danielson’s car failed post-race tech inspection giving the victory to 2007 Pure Stock titlist, Janel Hilla.

At the start of the 21-car Pure Stock feature Danielson quickly got out front but in the pack Bill McCall and Trey Heald got together with Heald pounding the front stretch wall. On the second start, Danielson again eased out front of Jerry Jones, with Janel Hilla and Brandy Ramzinski in pursuit. Jay Dancer brought out another early caution when he tagged an infield tire and spun.

On the restart Jones and Hilla made contact fighting for second with Hilla getting the spot. Ramzinski followed to third, but yielded that spot for Charles Earnhardt III. Coming to lap Dancer, the three made contact with Dancer finding the wall. Earnhardt and Ramzinski both made pit stops, but would retire later from damages.

Back under green, Hilla took a peek under Danielson for the lead when Okruhlik and Kary Scott tangled in turn 2. Danielson and Hilla broke away on green from Devin Adler, Ryan Doyon and Phillip Haywood. Haywood and Adam Torres made contact scraping for fifth with Torres going for a spin, but Haywood was deemed responsible and sent to the tail. Again Danielson and Hilla eased ahead, with Doyon trying Adler high for third.

Torres found a hole low and snuck past both for the spot on lap 13. Danielson was able to pull out to a full straight lead over on his way to the checkers, but would fail on the tech pad. This handed the win to Hilla in the NAPA, Riley Welding, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Q-Hauling, Paloma Cattle Co., Johnny’s Paint & Body, Premium Water Well Service, Alpha Machine, Mission Racing, Chevy.

Pure Stocks

7x Janel Hilla, 66 Adam Torres, 117 Devin Adler, 6p Jeremy Hernandez, 1 Tim Watson, 15 William Cavender, 4 James Watson, 10c Karoline Campbell, 43 Eric Watson, 33 Nerida Major, 9 Phillip Haywood, 5 Ryan Doyon, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 83 Kary Scott, 33c Charles Earnhardt III, 44 Frank Okruhlik, 49 Jay Dancer, 95 Jerry Jones, 14 Trey Heald, 3½ Bill McCall, 186 Robert Danielson—DQ(Tech)

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 117 Devin Adler

Snider Swipes First Front Runner Win

After over two years of trying, Cindy Snider(Orange Grove) picked up her first ever Front Runner feature win. Snider, who had been plagued with mechanical issues in the past, battled with Hailee Marcx and Roy Easler jr. in the waning laps. Coming out of a three wide fight for the lead, Snider got the spot with two to go and held on for the victory.

At the start of the 15-lap Front Runner feature Dillon Gaither jumped out front with Easler and Marcx on his tail. Gaither and Easler eased ahead with Marcx, Landon Sowder and Snider battling for third. Lindy Schroat got sideways while being lapped and tagged by Easler for a lap 5 caution. Gaither and Sowder pulled away on green as Easler worked back up. Gaither saw his lead end when it appeared the car broke and he spun in turn 2.

This gave the top spot to Sowder, but he was unable to get going as green waved with Marcx assuming the lead on lap 9. Marcx was challenged by Easler and Snider. They were three wide on lap 11, but Marcx held the spot with Snider on her side. Snider finally secured the spot on lap 13 and held off Easler in the Sandoval Motorsports, Snider Racing, Stannard Photography, Twisted Motors, Ford Probe to grab win number one.

“I’m on cloud nine,” replied Snider on her first ever feature win. “I’ve been trying for two and a half years. I picked up this new car from the Sandoval’s over the off season. They ran it last year at CC Speedway. Prior to that it was run here by Brandy Ramzinski, so it’s back home. I’ve got a good car now. I knew it was good when I got it.”

“I was surprised when I was able to get by (Roy) Easler and Hailee(Marcx) there at the end. When I took the white flag and realized I was in the lead I was yelling all the way down the back stretch. I couldn’t believe it, I was so excited.”

Front Runners

66c Cindy Snider, 12 Roy Easler jr., 113 Hailee Marcx, D3 Kirsten Blevins, 01 Lindy Schroat, 08 Landon Sowder, 5 Dillon Gaither, 33 N/A—DNS

Front Runner heat winner; 12 Roy Easler jr.

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots

Elias Anderson Aces I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout” weekend

In a race that saw more yellow flags than an intermural football game, Austin’s Elias Anderson completed the weekend sweep of the Modified action at I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout.” Driving a car that has been collecting dust the past two years, Anderson quickly shook off any driving rust as he took wins in every race Friday and Saturday night. Jamie Campbell closed on Anderson in the waning stages of the 30-lap event, but couldn’t pressure Anderson into a mistake and rolled home for the $1,000 pay day.

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park put their 2011 season to bed with their 4th Annual 1000 Buck Shootout this past weekend. Several new drivers signed in joining in the B-main action as they scrambled for the best starting spot possible in the big money A-mains.

Anderson Aces All Weekend In Modifieds

As a portend of things to come, Chuck Chesler slapped the front stretch wall even before the cars lined up. Perhaps a reason to ditch pre-race hot laps? As green finally waved on the 16-car Modified field, Anderson eased out front with Dennis Taylor and Jason Borlace side by side for second trailed by Campbell and Joe Spillman. After several miscellaneous spins and Anderson still on point, Taylor, Borlace and Campbell were fighting for second.

After missing Friday qualifying night, track champ Greg Dinsmore made his way up from near the back to battle with Spillman for sixth. The two made contact on the back stretch sending Dinsmore off the track for a lap 6 caution. A couple more spins later, Campbell got by Borlace for third, then Taylor for second while Dinsmore charged his way back up to sixth.

Mechanical failure by Cody Tidwell on lap 13 saw yellow wave again. Once back under green coming to the crossed flags it was Anderson, Campbell, Borlace and Taylor with Dinsmore wheel to wheel with Bill Pittaway for fifth. Taylor took third from Borlace, who would give up fourth to Dinsmore on lap 20. As Campbell closed in on Anderson, Gilbert Amezquita went around for yellow on lap 21.

As racing resumed, Anderson and Campbell broke away, with Dinsmore looking under Taylor. Spillman was able to get by a fading Borlace for fifth on lap 22. Dinsmore got alongside Taylor on lap 22 and finally got past on lap 23 for third, but well behind the lead duo. The final five laps saw Campbell on Anderson’s tail looking for a way by, or mistake by the leader. Neither opportunity would arise as Anderson in the unsponsored Adan Arambula powered, Skyrocket Chassis would hang tough for the victory.

“It took some patience and searching around on the track to find the best place to run,” replied Anderson. “It got a little bit tricky after the first four or five laps. There were quite a few cautions there early and the grooves were changing. I was just trying to be patient, consistent and run as fast as I needed to without wrecking.”

“I heard someone behind me, but didn’t feel a tremendous amount of pressure. From the sound of it he(Jamie Campbell) was coming. I think I could have changed my line a little and picked up some speed. It’s hard when you out there leading the whole time you don’t know where other people are running. I was just trying to be fast enough to win, but not too fast to wreck.”

“After seventeen or eighteen years of racing it wasn’t hard to jump back in the car after a long layoff and still be competitive. I think there’s a lot there, and a lot of prep work at the shop certainly paid off. The car was good after the last race in Edna when I parked it. I just did some maintenance, cleaned the fuel system, made a few changes and scaled it.”

“I gave him a run at the end and made it close,” shrugged runner-up Campbell. “I wasn’t going to let it be easy for him(at the finish).”

Modifieds
31 Elias Anderson, 29 Jamie Campbell, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 38 Dennis Taylor, 44 Joe Spillman, 521 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr., 20 Jerry Frydrych, 10k Ellis Tracy, 10 Robert Walton, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 17 Cody Tidwell, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Barry Codling, 99 Billy Meyer, 49 Chuck Chesler—DNTG, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Modified B-main
8g Greg Dinsmore, 21 Barry Codling, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 53x Matt Fox, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS, 10 Robert Walton—DNS

Swenson Sneaks with Sportmod/Limited Modified Win

Despite having the left front torn off his car in Friday qualifying and starting “lucky” thirteenth in the A-main, Comfort’s Chris Swenson snuck up on the field and grabbed the big win. The veteran Swenson used the high side to move forward and catch leader, James Blaylock. After J. Blaylock changed his line, Swenson used the bottom to get the lead in the final laps, and then held off a final challenge by J. Blaylock for the checkers.

As green waved on the 25-car, 30-lap Sportmod/Limited Modified feature J. Blaylock got out front chased by JJ Jennings, Brandon Blaylock, Johnny Torres and GW Hessong. Robby Minten went around on lap 1 with several others tangling in the pack for a yellow. Jacob Burnet went around just after the restart for a quick lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, B. Blaylock tried Jennings low for second while Danny Brown got fifth from Hessong.

As B. Blaylock and Jennings continued to slug it out B. Blaylock tapped Jennings sending him around. B. Blaylock took responsibility and moved himself to the tail for the restart. As green waved again it was Swenson on the march from mid-pack sailing around Hessong, on the top side, for fifth. By lap 10, J. Blaylock was easing away from Jennings, Torres and Brown running nose to tail. Little did they know the orange flash coming on the outside.

Randy Yount went for a wild ride off the back stretch after jumping wheels with Newton Barta. Yount ended up out in the trees hitting hard enough to break the frame in half. Yount was checked out by EMS and was alright. Once back to green, Swenson went back up top and by Brown for fourth. Continuing his charge to the front, Swenson then picked off Torres for third on lap 13.

Coming to halfway it was J. Blaylock, Swenson flying around Jennings for second, Torres and Brown in the top five. Swenson, still on top, began to cut into J. Blaylock’s lead. Swenson showed J. Blaylock the nose in turns 3-4 on lap 19, but a big push on lap 21 saw Swenson loose some ground. Swenson closed back in on J. Blaylock, who changed his line to the middle.

The lead duo caught slower traffic with five to go and were nearly three wide going by a lapped car on lap 25. Swenson then went to the bottom and ducked low on J. Blaylock. Swenson got alongside J. Blaylock and got the nose ahead on lap 27. J. Blaylock fell in line on Swenson’s bumper and chased him to the finish. As the checkered flag waved it was Swenson in the Swenson Race Products, Screen Pro Graphics, A+ Cash, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Marx Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis getting the victory by a couple car lengths.

While checkers were waving on Swenson, Dustin Butcher jumped wheels with another car in the pack sending him over the turn 3, rolling over several times. Butcher was checked out and then taken to the hospital for observation for a possible concussion. Other than that he was alright, but the car was trashed.

“This is a pretty big race for us to win,” commented Swenson. Racing against the Blaylock’s, JJ Jennings and a handful of others this(win) means a lot to me. I was pretty much all out the entire race, not trying to save the tires. I just couldn’t find it on the bottom. On a caution I dialed some more rear brake into it and started looking at the top. I just started picking them off and everything fell in place.”

“I found a couple feet of moisture up on top and the car worked there. The car was too tight on the bottom. We could have held the position we were in running down there, but I decided to try out the top and went for it. It took me a couple laps to figure out how hard I could drive it in. That’s all it took. Everything just seemed to fall in place. They had been running the bottom all race and I got there at the right time.

“There were a couple places real, real low that still had some bite. So when James(Blaylock) moved up a lane I just took a chance. There was a lot of traffic out there and it seemed like he moved too high and made it easier for me to get low, then protect my line after I got by. I don’t think there were enough laps for him to find what he could run on top.”

“We spent about four or five hours of work putting the left front back together. My son got up with me and we pulled all the pieces off, repaired all the left front suspension and body panels. Then we to reset the front end and rescale it then hurry to get out here. Once we were here we had to still qualify for the feature and won our B-main just to start thirteenth and here we are.”

“Dustin Butcher got hurt tonight and we’re really thinking about him right now. It’s something that we’re all prone to that so we pay attention when it happens to someone. We just hope he’s alright.”

“He(Chris Swenson) kind of snuck up on us there at the end,” added J. Blaylock. “He showed me the nose up top once and I tried to adjust my line. I probably shouldn’t have taken the weight out and changed the rear percentage. Lapped traffic came into play and that didn’t help me much either.”

Sportmod/Limited Modifieds
48 Chris Swenson, 18 James Blaylock, 26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, 55 Danny Brown, 147 GW Hessong, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 184 Brian Rye, 37 Bill Pittaway, 85 Jeff Nix, 11 Tom Grothues, 90 Dustin Butcher, 82jp James Parks, 57 Jason Kelly, 04 Jacob Burnet, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock, 9 Ray Doyon III, 4 Robby Minten, 66y Randy Yount, 14 Newton Barta, Jr., 0 Thomas Rye, Jr.

SM/LM B-mains
B-main 1
48 Chris Swenson, 90 Dustin Butcher, 04 Jacob Burnet, 9 Ray Doyon III, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock
B-main 2
51 Greg Rohmer, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 85 Jeff Nix, 14 Newton Barta jr., 0 Thomas Rye jr., 57 Jason Kelly, 11x Jeff Allgayer, 15 JC Pilcher

Votion Victorious in Season Ender

Track champion, Trey Votion completed his season by adding another win to his yearlong total in the Limited Late Models. Votion, whose truck broke the transmission on the way to the track Friday night, made up for a dismal beginning to the weekend getting past Craig Crawley for the lead. Votion was challenged by Crawley after a late caution, but held him off to snag the checkers.

Crawley jumped out front as green waved on the Limited Late Model feature, but Landon Farquar went around prompting a complete restart. Crawley again eased ahead on green with Leland Waddell and Gary Hunter battling for second. Farquar, AJ Wernette, Richard Bartosh and Ron Sprayue tangled in turn 2 for a lap 1 caution. Back under green with Crawley still on point, Votion made his way up and began looking high for the lead.

Waddell went for a spin in turn 2 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Crawley and Votion edged away, while Farquar got by Wernette for third. Votion again tried the high side and drove around Crawley for the lead on lap 6. Farquar got by Crawley for second only to spin on lap 13 giving the spot back. After a quick spin by Sprayue, Crawley was looking low on Votion to retake the top spot. Votion held Crawley off and eked out a few car lengths at the finish in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, Kelly Automotive, BG Products, Kelly Chassis.

“It’s been a great year,” replied Votion. “I think this is six in a row to finish the year out. I couldn’t be happier to jump back in the car this year and do as good as we did, I’m just ecstatic. It was good to start a little further up front tonight. I was running Craig(Crawley) hard to get by him as soon as I could. We talked about it after the race.”

“I knew there was still some bite on the bottom and knew he wasn’t going to come off there. I just had to take my chance going around him. It took a few laps because he was fast. I was finally able to get by him then go back down where the grip was. You think about whether someone might find something up top. ”

“I guess you could call this the biggest win of my career, the biggest pay day anyway. I saw that Richard(Bartosh) was broke and thought Greg(Dinsmore) might be coming behind me. I didn’t know he was out. I just tried to run my line the best I could and not overdrive that car. I didn’t hear anyone’s motor, so that was a good thing.”

“The win makes breaking my truck hurt a little less. It sucks because I’ll have to spend my winnings on fixing it, but that’s alright. Stuff happens, we’ll get her fixed. I have to thank a good friend of mine that came and picked us up and I’m using my cousin’s truck to pull the racecar. I really have to thank them, my wife and family for all their help and support. Next year we’ll be adding ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin as a new sponsor.

Limited Late Models
99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 10 AJ Wernette, 149 Stephan Danielson, 77 Landon Farquar, 13 Howie Marcx, 42 Ron Sprayue, 14 Gary Hunter, 14g Greg Dinsmore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell

Jones Jousts with Jack for Street Stock Sweep

The 2011 I-37 Raceway and South Texas Street Stock Shootout champ, Wade Jones capped off his season with yet another victory. Jones broke out early in the 20-lapper and looked to be well on his way to a runaway win. A late race caution rebunched the field putting Bobby Jack on his tail. Jack kept the pressure on Jones the final five laps, but the multi-time track champ held him off for the win.

Jones easily jumped out front in the 13-car feature with Jack and Johnny Torres side by side for second pursued by Tommy Casey and Stephen Danielson. Danielson, Casey and Mike Lyon were three wide on lap 1 for fourth. Danielson came away with the spot as the Jones and Jack began to check out. Jones put some distance on Jack, while Torres and Danielson swapped third.

Lyon and Casey both went around coming off turn 4 for a lap 14 caution erasing Jones big lead. On the restart Jones got away by several cars lengths until Casey looped it in turn 2 with Eric Knudtson going around collecting AJ Wernette for a yellow on lap 15. As the race went back to green, Jones again jumped ahead with Donny Horelka going past Wernette for fifth.

As Jack closed in on Jones, Danielson got under Torres to take over third on lap 16. Jack was within two car lengths with two laps to go, but Jones added a couple more car lengths as the white flag waved. Jones, driving the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro, edged out Jack at the checkers by several car lengths.

“It was fun out there tonight,” said Jones. “I qualified good, had a good run in the feature last night and got the pole for today. I couldn’t hear anybody or see anybody so I didn’t know if anyone was behind me close. I kept looking back figuring that someone would be coming.”

“I really hate starting out front, you don’t know if anyone is coming or what line they’re running. I like to follow someone and see what line they’re using then move around a bit a see if I can find my groove. Besides Bobby(Jack) out there, Stephan(Danielson) has been fast when he brings his car out, Johnny(Torres) is pretty good and I know Donny(Horelka) is going to be there.”

“It was a lot of dedication and hard work to have the season we had this year. We’d work on it every single day. We didn’t do any special prep for this race, just put on some new tires. If I can get Donny out of his Late Model funk, we might move up a class next year. I don’t know he doesn’t like working on his car.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 88 Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 66 Johnny Torres, 40 Mike Lyon, 2x Donny Horelka, 37 AJ Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 5 Danny Schroat, 7 DJ Schroat, 53 Brian Becka, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 14 Eric Knudtson

Hilla Hauls in Biggest Ever Win

The former Pure Stock track champ(2007) and diminutive, Janel Hilla proved for another time she could mix it up with the big boys. Hilla, who ran in the top five throughout most of the early stages of the 30-lap event, got by Adam Torres on a late restart. From there Hilla held off a rechallenge by Torres, and then eased away for her biggest ever payday and victory.

The 22-car Pure Stock feature ran more like and Enduro or episode of ‘Survivor’ as Hunter Flanagan jumped out front with Brandy Ramzinski, Justin Henley, Torres and Tyler Box in pursuit. Box picked off fourth from Torres on lap 1 while Ramzinski began to put the heat on Flanagan for the lead. As Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, Box got Henley for third.

Trey Heald spun his truck in turn 4 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Box and Henley continued the battle for third with Torres looking for an opening or mistake. James Dear went around on lap 4 for a caution. On the restart, Hunter Montgomery slapped the wall ending his night, as Box got by Ramzinski for second. Yellow waved for Montgomery who was struggling to get off the track.

Back under green, Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, but gave up second to Box instead. David Sevilla looped his ride in turn 2 to bring out yellow on lap 5. Box ducked inside Flanagan on the restart and grabbed the top spot, briefly. Box led lap 6 then spun himself out in turn 2 with Devin Adler spinning behind for a caution. This put Flanagan back on the point for the restart.

Austin Dragoo and Dear tangled in turn 2 for a lap 7 yellow. Flanagan got a good jump on the restart while Hilla tried to get under Torres. Box spun again on lap 9 ending his night. The top five broke away from Talon Minten and Jarrett Payton on the restart with Henley looking for a way past Ramzinski. Eric Watson brought out the yellow on lap 12 when he broke and stalled in the pit exit.

As Flanagan took off on green, Henley was challenging Ramzinski for second while Torres and Hilla battled for fourth. Torres was able to fend off Hilla and get alongside Henley for third. Torres got the spot with Hilla following. Torres and Hilla then swapped third, while Ramzinski and Henley had separate spins losing numerous spots. Cameron Smith broke an axle on lap 15 to bring out a midrace yellow.

On the restart Torres went high on Flanagan, with Hilla trying the bottom. They were three wide for the lead on lap 20 with Torres getting the advantage. It was still three wide before Torres secured the spot leaving Hilla and Flanagan door to door for second. Hilla finally gained control of second when Adler tagged Minten sending him around for a yellow that saw Adler go to the back.

Hilla got a good run on the restart getting alongside Torres for the lead. After a short side by side battle Hilla got the top spot on lap 23. Torres tried a crossover move, but couldn’t retake the spot. Minten was able to get by Flanagan for third on lap 25. Torres kept trying the top side on Hilla and would gain in one corner, but slip back at the other end.

Hilla had begun to increase her lead on Torres to about eight car lengths when William Cavender spun on lap 28 setting up a green, white, checker finish. Hilla got a couple lengths on Torres as green waved for the final two laps. Torres could never mount a serious challenge as Hilla in the NAPA, Riley Welding, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Q-Hauling, Paloma Cattle Co., Johnny’s Paint & Body, Premium Water Well Service, Alpha Machine, Mission Racing, Chevy took the win.

“This is most definitely the biggest race win of my career,” explained Hilla. “I just used patience and staying on the low line to get past Adam(Torres) Patience paid off in the end. Once I got by him I wasn’t too worried about anyone trying a different line to pass me. I tried to run a different line, but it didn’t work so I didn’t think anyone else would be able to run high either.”

“We didn’t do a whole lot more in preparing for this race than any other race night. It was more just mental preparation than anything.”

“I’d like to move up, but don’t want to run in the same class as my husband(Dennis). There’s too much competitiveness between us. Somebody might end up sleeping on the couch. I want to win some more features in this class then I’ll be ready to move up.”

Pure Stocks
7x Janel Hilla, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 58 Hunter Flanagan, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 14 Trey Heald, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 Justin Henley, 117 Devin Adler, 9 Philip Haywood, 15 William Cavender, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 25 Tyler Box, 62 Austin Dragoo, 15d James Dear, 31 Frank Okruhlik, 15x Hunter Montgomery

Pure Stocks B-main
31 Frank Okruhlik, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 14 Trey Heald, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 9 Philip Haywood, 15x Hunter Montgomery, 15 William Cavender, 62 Austin Dragoo

Easler Eases Away for Enduro Honors

Roy Easler jr. took home the $500 pay day in the 50-lap Front Runner Enduro making it look easy. Robert Mayberry got out front early trailed by Landon Sowder, Jimmy Carroll, Karey Scott and Ronnie Schoenfeldt. As the top four broke away, David Lee Grobe moved up to fifth. Coming from near the back, Easler and Char Powell were on a charge. As Mayberry hit slower traffic Sowder snuck by for the lead with Carroll taking over second.

Joshua Mares and Powell got past Mayberry, followed by Easler. Easler dispensed of Powell and Mares then closed on Sowder for the lead. As Sowder and Easler battled for the top spot in lapped traffic, Powell joined the fight. Easler grabbed the lead coming to halfway with Powell in tow. Easler and Powell briefly swapped the top spot until Easler secured it. Easler pulled away lapping all but Powell and Mayberry on his way to the checkers.

Front Runner Enduro
12 Roy Easler jr., 9 Char Powell, 9b Robert Mayberry, 7 Jesse Sandoval, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Joshua Mares, 13 Jason Smith, 98E Will Holder, 19 N/A, 82 Curtis Opiela, 28 Lisa Sandoval, 6x Ronnie Schoenfeldt, 24 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 69 Jordan Sandoval, 57 Trevor Bettis, 223 Karey Scott, 4 David Lee Grobe

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

I-37 Raceway’s 4th Annual “1000 Buck Shootout” Friday results, 10/21/2011

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park hosted their 4th Annual $1000 Buck Shootout on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, clay oval south of San Antonio. The race features $1,000 to win the Modifieds, Sportmod/Limited Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks, plus a $500 to win Enduro for the Front Runners.

Running under a different format this year, heats and qualifying races were held on Friday night for the every class but the Front Runners who would run a Trophy Dash prior to Saturday’s Enduro. In the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks the top 12 from each qualifying feature would be locked in for Saturday, while the Sportmod/Limited Modifieds split the field with 6 from each transferring. The Limited Late Model, with a short field would transfer by heat race finish without a feature.

Racing continues Saturday night at 7:00pm with B-mains, and features for the big bucks in the Modifieds, Sportmod/Limited Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks, capped off with a 50-lap Enduro for the Front Runners.

Austin’s Anderson says Adios in Modifieds

You’d think that after a two year hiatus that a driver might have a little rust to shake, let alone the car. Think again. Having competed last in 2009, Elias Anderson disproved that theory with a resounding win in the Modified A-Qualifier. Anderson, who spent the last few weeks cleaning the cars fuel system, rescaling his Skyrocket Chassis and some other adjustments powered ahead at the drop of the green and never looked back. Going flag to flag, Dennis Taylor could get no closer than restarts as Anderson would pull away on green.

Anderson beat polesitter Taylor into turn 1 as the 20-lap qualifier went green. Taylor, Joe Spillman, Cody Tidwell and Chuck Chesler fell in line behind Anderson. Bill Pittaway and Tidwell spun with Jerry Frydrych and Gilbert Amezquita coming to a stop for a yellow on lap 2. On the restart Anderson jumped out, with Spillman taking a look inside Taylor and Tidwell, Jason Borlace and Jamie Campbell three wide for fourth.

Borlace came out of that fight with the spot bringing Campbell along to fifth. Robert Liese jr. went around in turn 4 for a lap 3 caution. Back under green, Anderson quickly began easing away while Borlace was pressuring Spillman and Chesler moving in to make it a threesome. At the crossed flags it was Anderson, holding a big advantage, Taylor, Spillman and Borlace side by side, and Pittaway taking over fifth.

After losing some ground, Chesler got back around Pittaway for fifth then Spillman for fourth. With five to go, and Anderson halfway back to the state capitol, Spillman, Pittaway and Liese were battling it out for fifth before Liese fell off the pace. As the white flag waved it was Anderson with nearly a half track lead over Taylor easily going on to take the victory and secure the pole for Saturday night’s big feature.

Modifieds(Top 12 to A-main)
31 Elias Anderson, 38 Dennis Taylor, 521 Jason Borlace, 49 Chuck Chesler, 29 Jamie Campbell, 44 Joe Spillman, 137 Bill Pittaway, 17 Cody Tidwell, 10k Ellis Tracy, 67 Robert Liese jr., 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 99 Billy Meyer, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Modified Heats
Heat 1
521 Jason Borlace, 44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 38 Dennis Taylor, 99 Billy Meyer, 137 Bill Pittaway, 10k Ellis Tracy, 67 Robert Liese jr.
Heat 2
31 Elias Anderson, 49 Chuck Chesler, 17 Cody Tidwell, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 21 Barry Codling, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Jennings, J. Blaylock Best in Sportmod/Limited Modified Split Qualifiers

With a large number filling the ranks of Sportmod/Limited Modifieds the field was split into odd/even qualifiers to avoid mass carnage that may come from a 26-car grid.

Corpus Christi’s JJ Jennings pulled of the win in the first of the two holding off track champ, Johnny Torres and a charging GW Hessong at the finish. Jennings and Dustin Butcher battled early in the event swapping the top spot. Butcher fell victim to mechanical issues and was forced to pull leaving Jennings out front to snag the victory.

As the first Sportmod/Limited Modified field took the green Butcher, Torres and Jennings were three abreast for the lead. Butcher came out on top trailed by Jennings, Torres, Robert Williams and Brian Rye. Jennings took the low groove and got alongside Butcher and was able to the nose ahead on lap 2, but contact between Chris Swenson and Jeff Nix left Swenson on three wheels to bring out a caution.

Once back to green, Butcher and Jennings jumped ahead while Hessong began his charge getting fifth from Rye. As Rye fought back, Tom Grothues joined the fray, while up front Butcher was slowing. Jennings got the lead from a wounded Butcher on lap 5. Jennings had a slight advantage on Torres who now had Hessong on his tail. As Torres and Hessong slugged it out for second this left Jennings to run unchallenged to the checkers.

Sportmod/Limited Modified(Top 6 from each to A-main)
A-Qualifier 1
26g JJ Jennings, 147 GW Hessong, 66 Johnny Torres, 11 Tom Grothues, 184 Brian Rye, 37 Bill Pittaway, 3j Jesse James, 15 JC Pilcher, 0 Thomas Rye jr., 85 Jeff Nix, 90 Dustin Butcher, 02 Robert Williams, 48 Chris Swenson, 14 Newton Barta jr.—DNS

In the battle of the Blaylock brothers, it was James turn to shine in a borrowed ride from Larry Jernigan. The two had a spirited fight for first going until a broken rocker arm on Brandon Blaylocks car slowed him in the waning stages. J. Blaylock then easily cruised away for the checkers.

Polesitter James Parks got out front on lap 1 of the 15-lapper with J. Blaylock, B. Blaylock, Danny Brown and Robby Minten on his heels. J. Blaylock got inside Parks for the lead on lap 2 with B. Blaylock and Brown side by side for third. Rayon Doyon III, Eric Floyd, Jeff Allgayer, Randy Yount and Jason Kelly all got tangled in turn 2 for a lap 2 caution that ended Doyon’s night.

Before green could fly again, Roly Rodriguez had his ride stop in turn 4. J. Blaylock took off as green finally waved again, while B. Blaylock got second from Parks and Minten went by Brown for fourth. Brown moved to the top side and made a big run back by Minten and beside Parks for third. Brown kept the momentum up top and closed in on B. Blaylock. The two made contact sending B. Blaylock around, and Brown to the tail on lap 6.

On the restart B. Blaylock got inside J. Blaylock and the two ran wheel to wheel while Minten got alongside Parks for third. B. Blaylock would dive low in turns 1-2 and get halfway past, but J. Blaylock carry his speed off the top to hold the point. As this family feud continued, Brown was moving back up getting fifth from Yount. As the motor began to lay over on B. Blaylock, Minten and Brown both got past Parks for third and fourth. J. Blaylock had a comfortable lead over brother Brandon at the finish.

A-Qualifier 2
18 James Blaylock, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 4 Robby Minten, 55 Danny Brown, 82jp James Parks, 66y Randy Yount, 76 Michael Carlock, 57 Jason Kelly, 55 Danny Brown, 119 Eric Floyd, 11x Jeff Allgayer, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 9 Ray Doyon III, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNTG

SM/LM Heats
Heat 1
02 Robert Williams, 57 Jason Kelly, 184 Brian Rye, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 0 Thomas Rye jr., 66y Randy Yount, 11x Jeff Allgayer
Heat 2
37 Bill Pittaway, 82jp James Parks, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 11 Tom Grothues, 14 Newton Barta jr., 15c JC Pilcher, 147 GW Hessong
Heat 3
66 Johnny Torres, 26g JJ Jennings, 4 Robby Minten, 51 Greg Rohmer, 119 Eric Floyd, 76 Michael Carlock, 9 Ray Doyon III
Heat 4
18 James Blaylock, 90 Dustin Butcher, 55 Danny Brown, 48 Chris Swenson, 85 Jeff Nix, 3j Jesse James

With a short field of Limited Late Models the drivers voted to run only heat races and use that finish to set the inside and outside rows for Saturday nights feature. Craig Crawley held off Trey Votion in the first heat, while multi-time track champ Gary Hunter had no problems running away to take the second heat.

Limited Late Model heats(Finish determines A-main line up)
Heat 1
6 Craig Crawley, 99 Trey Votion, 77 Landon Farquar, 10 AJ Wernette
Heat 2
14 Gary Hunter, 13 Howie Marcx, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell

In the 15-lap Street Stock qualifier multi-time track champion Wade Jones showed the field nothing but the rear bumper of his Camaro. Jones broke out of a three wide scramble on the start with Aaron Leddy and Danny Schroat for the lead. Schroat held second followed by Johnny Torres, Leddy and Bobby Jack. Torres moved alongside Schroat for second as Jack took over fourth.

Torres got by Schroat for second with Jack trailing him as Schroat gave up more spots to Leddy and Mike Lyon. Jack got second from Torres on lap 4 but found himself a full straightaway behind Jones. Jack was unable to cut into Jones’ lead as Leddy moved in on Torres to fight for third. As the checkers waved it was Jones going wire to wire for the victory.

Street Stocks(Top 12 line up by finish)
41 Wade Jones, 88j Bobby Jack, 66 Johnny Torres, 93 Aaron Leddy, 40 Mike Lyon, 15 Tom Casey, 149 Stephan Danielson, 5 Danny Schroat, 14 Eric Knudtson, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 53 Brian Becka, 37 AJ Wernette—DNS

Street Stock heat winners; 41 Wade Jones, 37w Frank Okruhlik

A diverse field of 20-cars took the green for the 20-lap Pure Stock A-Qualifier with Justin Henley out battling Hunter Flanagan for the lap 1 lead. Brandy Ramzinski, Flanagan, Jarrett Payton and Janel Hilla fell in line behind Henley. Ramzinski didn’t stay in line long as she began to challenge Henley for the lead on lap 2 taking over the top spot on lap 3 with Flanagan following to second and Payton side by side with Hilla for fourth.

Adam Torres caught Hilla and Payton slipping past Hilla for fifth. Payton took advantage of a slip by Henley to snag third on lap 5. Flanagan and Ramzinski then began a spirited fight up front for the lead getting door to door on lap 11 with Torres going by Henley for fourth. As Payton started to slow, Torres snagged third with Henley and Hilla taking fourth and fifth. The lead duo caught lapped traffic allowing Torres to close. Ramzinski got through slower cars with no problem and ran on to the victory.

Pure Stocks(Top 12 to A-main)
88 Brandy Ramzinski, 85 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 44 Justin Henley, 7x Janel Hilla, 15x Hunter Montgomery, 25 Tyler Box, 117 Devin Adler, 9s Jarrett Payton, 89 Talon Minten, 43 Eric Watson, 15d James Dear, 82 Richard Wells, 95 Jerry Jones, 3 David Sevilla, 15 William Cavender, 9 Philip Haywood, 62 Austin Dragoo, 31 Frank Okruhlik, 10c Karaline Campbell, 14 Trey Heald—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 25 Tyler Box, 89 Talon Minten, 58 Hunter Flanagan, 44 Justin Henley

Trevor Bettis got out front early in the Front Runner Trophy Dash chased by Lisa Sandoval, David Lee Grobe and Char Powell. L. Sandoval put the pressure on Bettis with a tap on the bumper, but Bettis held steady. As the leads group caught the back of the pack, Grobe was able to negotiate through for the lead on lap 9. In the final laps Powell snuck past Grobe for the lead as the white flag waved. Powell held the point the final lap for his first I-37 Raceway win.

Front Runner Trophy dash
9 Char Powell, 4 David Lee Grobe, 57 Trevor Bettis, 28 Lisa Sandoval, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 223 Karey Scott, 82 Samuel Markgraf, 19 N/A, 66c Cindy Snider, 69 Jordan Sandoval, 3 Joshua Mares, 98 Will Holder—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; Joshua Mares, 57 Trevor Bettis

Story by J. M. Hallas

Mikulencak Masters Hudgeons Memorial at Texana; Jones tops Jack in 2nd round of Street Stock Shootout

It was a special night Saturday as Texana Raceway Park hosted the 2nd Annual Aaron Hudgeons Memorial, plus Round 2 of the South Texas Street Stock Shootout on the 5/16 mile, semi-banked clay track. Fifty-three drivers from across Texas and Louisiana signed in for the $2500 to win Limited Modified Memorial main event, with 35 Street Stocks competing for their increased purse.

Numerous sponsors stepped up adding to the special purse commemorating the life of Aaron Hudgeons, long time racer and chassis builder in the south Texas area. The soft spoken Hudgeons, who was one of those rare competitors that was always willing to help other racers - even those in own class - lost his battle with cancer last year. Hudgeons is highly respected by all those that knew or raced with him over his career.

Along with the big payday for the winner many other special awards were sponsored in the Limited Modified class, as well as the Street Stock class. The unique format included qualifying in the Limited Modified and Street Stocks, with B-mains completing the fields. Two provisionals would be added to make a 26-car Limited Modified starting grid, with 24 taking the green in Street Stocks.

Not only was it a full house in the pits with 100 cars in the three classes, but a huge fan turnout filling the grandstands, and grassy seating areas. During pre-race ceremonies track promoter Ken Bulsterbaum was leading into the invocation relating Hudgeons story and paying tribute to track owner Bruce Tesch’s mother who recently passed away, when two lone birds did a flyover the track. Eerie!

Mikulencak Masters Limited Modified Main

Veteran Corpus Christi ace Lawrence Mikulencak, in a car that’s been ‘transformed’ more times than the movie, used patience to grab the big win in the 26-car feature. Mikulencak, who qualified second behind Dustin Butcher, trailed Butcher the first third of the 30-lap event. Using the high side, Mikulencak took two laps to get by Butcher for the lead on lap 12. East Texas hot shoe, Johno Whittington chased Mikulencak through the last half of the race, but at the checkers it was Mikulencak by four car lengths over Whittington. Art Rodriguez, former NASCAR and USAC driver Paul White and Brandon Blaylock filled out the top five.

Kaleb Hudgeons, who begins his racing career next season in a Mini Stock bearing his fathers number 10, paced the starting field in a three-wide salute parade lap. As they green finally waved, Butcher jumped out front, but a mid-pack stack up saw Ray Doyon III get kicked around for a yellow. On the second start Mikulencak and Butcher stayed side by side through turns 1-2 before Butcher edged out front. Doyon again found himself facing the wrong way for a lap 1 caution.

The restart saw a similar back up in the pack with John Lieta, Jesse Manning and Chris Swenson getting tangled in turn 4. Going to single file, Butcher got a good jump on Mikulencak and Art Rodriguez, with Whittington getting past Blaylock for fourth. A caution for debris on lap 4 briefly slowed the action. Once back to green Whittington took third from A. Rodriguez, while White moved up from his eighth qualifying spot to battle with Blaylock for fifth.

Whittington then began to pressure Mikulencak for second on lap 8 with look high. Mikulencak decided it was time to go and gave the high groove a try also. Mikulencak gave Butcher several looks up top, as White and Blaylock continued to swap fifth. Mikulencak got along side Butcher on lap 11 and was able to clear him going into to turn 3 and lead lap 12 as Butcher tried to battle back.

Once Mikulencak cleared Butcher, Whittington moved along side him and got by coming to halfway showing Mikulencak, Whittington, Butcher, A. Rodriguez and Blaylock still wheel to wheel with White for fifth. Trevor Egbert brought out a lap 16 yellow when he had trouble and rolled to a stop in turn 4. As racing resumed Mikulencak eased ahead as Butcher tried Whittington low for second. Butcher spun in turn 2, causing A. Rodriguez to go around for a lap 17 yellow.

Back under green the top four got away as Blaylock now had his hands full with Houston veteran Howard Willis, who was moving up after qualifying through one of the B-mains. With ten to go Mikulencak was inching away from Whittington and A. Rodriguez. That margin was erased on lap 22 when Greg Metz spun in turn 4.

Mikulencak jumped out on green while Blaylock and Willis resumed their battle. As the flagman showed the field five fingers, Mikulencak had only two car lengths on Whittington. Whittington could inch closer in the corners, but Mikulencak could pull him coming off. As the white waved, Mikulencak, in the Ace Transmissions, Randy Young Auto Repair, Premier Graphics, “Frankenstein” chassis had a four car advantage that held for the victory.

“I miss racing racing with Aaron(Hudgeons),” commented Mikulencak. “I really respected and enjoyed racing with him. This is a good race for us to win. He’s one of the guys that more racers need to be like.”

“It took a lot of patience and a good ‘free’ car to pull of the win. Last year I had some mechanical problems and there were a few good cars here. This year there were a lot more fast guys, more than I expected. So this is a big win for us.”

“I didn’t find much on he high side trying to get by Dustin (Butcher). I was just patient out there and tried to run him a little faster. Johno (Whittington) was in the mix too, so I had to do something. I just had a good enough car.”

“This is the same car I’ve been running on asphalt all year. All the weight is on the left front, everything is the same except for the tires. This car is the same one I ran as a Modified and that you’ve been a calling a “Frankenstein” for ten years. It was built on a metric frame and I’ve taken all the Modified rear bars off and put a stock frame on it. It probably still has the cracked motor mount on it.(inside joke)” added the always entertaining Mikulencak who won a Modified race here before with a broken motor mount.

Limited Modifieds

87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 511 Johno Whittington, 22 Art Rodriguez, 2w Paul White, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 12m Howard Willis, 26g JJ Jennings, 75 Joel Couvillion, 66 Johnny Torres, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 63 Shane Hoefling, 174 Mickey Helms, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 76 Jesse Manning, 4 Robby Minten, 955 Greg Metz, 24 John Lieta, 147 GW Hessong, 9D Ray Doyon III, 90 Dustin Butcher, 48 Chris Swenson, 5A Trevor Egbert, 151 Adam Perks, 19 Bubba Seals

Awards

-$400 Dale Earnhardt die cast from Pray Racing, 87 Lawrence Mikulencak
-$150 Longest tow from defending winner Steve Whiteaker jr., 75 Joel Couvillion(Alexandria, La.)
-$100 Fast Qualifier from Ace Transmission; 90 Dustin Butcher
-$200 Fastest non-qualifier to make A-main from Corpus “C” Cars, 66 Johnny Torres
-$50 each Two highest non-qualifiers to not make A-main from South Texas Speedway, 85 Jeff Nix, 211x Dean Hollier
-H500 Tire, Hard charger from Bebo Race Designs, 12m Howard Willis
-$100 Hard luck award from Big Dog Racing, 5A Trevor Egbert
-(4) $50 O’Riellys gift cards from Art Rodriguez to 4 random non-qualifiers, 2 Robert Boyd, 18 Larry Jernigan, 04 Jacob Burnett, 63s Chase Sanchez

Provisionals; 147 GW Hessong (highest track points to not make A-main—Gave points to points leader Jensen Pray unable to make event due to Family emergency), 151 Adam Perks (promoters choice)

Limited Modified B-mains (Top 3 to A-main)

B-main 1

66 Johnny Torres, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 151 Adam Perks, 8 Lary Paris, 26 David McBride, 56 Brad Titzman, 119 Eric Floyd, 3j Jesse James, 10D Don Painter, 25 John Morgan

B-main 2

5A Trevor Egbert, 12m Howard Willis, 48 Chris Swenson, 83 Monte Nichols III, 37 Bill Pittaway, 115 Chuck Perry, 47 James Myers, 18 Larry Jernigan, 82 Brandon Dorsey, 81 Victor Lindsey, 11 Tom Grothues

B-main 3

174 Mickey Helms, 76 Jesse Manning, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 04 Jacob Burnett, 211x Dean Hollier, 1 Trice Hermes, 147 GW Hessong, 71w Bart Wilcox, 2 Robert Boyd, 3 Abraham Mares

B-main 4

26g JJ Jennings, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 4 Robby Minten, 85 Jeff Nix, 155 Vince Kacir, 63s Chase Sanchez, 68 Chris Shafer, 6 Vince Louden, 118 Anthony Gordon

Jones Out Jousts Jack in Street Stock Shootout

Top-qualifier Wade Jones took command early in the Street Stock Shootout chased by a handful of the best local fender car drivers. Jones was pressured in latter stages by Bobby Jack and Stephan Danielson as the 25-lapper wound down. On the final lap Jack got under Jones in turn 3 and came off tun 4 side by side. Jones won the drag race to the checkers by only a few inches to snag the flag to flag win.

As the 24-car field took the green, Jones was first into tun 1 trailed by Tony Blankenship, Jack, Brian King and Danielson. Jack, King and Blankenship were almost three wide for second on lap 1 with Jack getting the spot as the top six sorted out single file. King and Blankenship were side by side for third on lap 3, while Bubba Seals, Dennis Hilla and Eric Floyd were three wide for eighth. Seals and Hilla then went three abreast with Anthony Gordon for seventh as Seals made his way forward.

Alan Kunkel and Mike Moseley tangled on lap 9 leaving Moseley in the front stretch wall for the races first yellow. Once back to racing, Jack and Blankenship were door to door for second, Danielson and Chris Shafer side by side for fourth and Seals taking sixth from King, who began to fade before retiring early. Coming to the crossed flags it was Jones easing away, Jack, Danielson and Blankenship, while Seals and Shafer swapped fifth.

Floyd spun on lap 11, with Aaron Leddy and AJ Wernette spinning behind him bringing out the final yellow. As Jones inched ahead on green, Blankenship and Shafer were door to door, with Seals looking for a way by both. Seals finally got by Shafer for fifth on lap 16, then picked off fourth from Blankenship with AJ Dancer following in his tracks.

With five to go the top three were within a car length and holding a margin over fourth through seventh. Jack began to put the heat on Jones looking low on lap 21 as the top three were nose to tail. Behind them Dancer took fourth from Seals. Jack again got a nose under Jones as they came to the white flag. The two battled into turn 3 where Jack nearly got the advantage. As they raced to the checkers it was Jones in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro holding on for the victory by less than a foot.

“It was a tough field out there tonight,” replied Jones. “Bobby Jack, Stephan Danielson and AJ Dancer was moving up quick. I’m lucky I qualified on the pole like I did. We tried a few different things in practice last night. We finally found something(that worked) and took a little wedge out. It worked out pretty good for us.”

“I kind of burned my tires off towards the end and Bobby got inside me. I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw him under me. Bobby’s a real clean racer and he gave me space. I tried to keep him pinned down so he couldn’t get a good run off turn 4. Sure enough it worked out.”

“We didn’t change much from our I-37 set up. We had a little more roll out and changed gears, that’s about it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 88j Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 91 Bubba Seals, 77 Chris Shafer, 35 Tony Blankenship, 3 Steve Miller, 11 Shawn Kline, 118 Anthony Gordon, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 26 Eric Floyd, 2x Dennis Hilla, 21x Jason Fox, 23 David Bruns, 53 Jason Kelly, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 58 James Hoss, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 9* Brad Hayes, 31 Brian King, 68 Alan Kunkel, 3m Mike Moseley

100 Pole Award from King Racing - Wade Jones #41
(Award formerly for a winner with a Mud Buster sticker was changed to $25 Awards to each B-Main winner)
B-Main winners getting $25 each: Jason Fox #21x and Mike Mosely #3
$100 7th Place Finisher Award from Dynamic Race Craft - Tony Blankenship #35
$50 Hard Charger Award from Dynamic Race Craft - AJ Dancer #52 (started 17th and finished 4th.. Frank Okruhlik #37w also increased the same number of positions, but was not registered in the Shootout series.)
G60 Tire Certificate from Swenson Racing Chassis for Hard Charger - AJ Dancer #52
$250 value Bobby Labonte die cast car from Pray Racing to feature winner - Wade Jones #41
$50 drawn at start of feature for a position between 11th to 24th from G&R Racing. Number was 17 - Lauren Chamberlain #55

Street Stock B-mains(Top 5 to A-main)

B-main 1

21x Jason Fox, 52 AJ Dancer, 3 Steve Miller, 58 James Hoss, 53 Jason Kelly, 2 Scott Stubbs, 7 Cody Leonard, 76 Kevin McElveen, 4 David McGuire, 74 Charlie Raburn—DNS
B-main-2

3m Mike Moseley, 11 Shawn Kline, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 9* Brad Hayes, 50 Kevin Willms, 89F Matt Farris, 04 Dustin Robbins, 42 Curtis King, 22 Patricia Lucas

Victor Vargas grabbed the early lead in the 20-lap, 12-car Dwarf Car feature. Mike Christians got around Vargas on lap 2 but gave up the lead to Greg Sexton sr. when he slipped in turns 1-2. From there Sexton sr. stretched out his lead going on to take the win by a comfortable margin over Christians, Vargas, Brad Wright and Douglas Wright.

Dwarf Cars

14 Greg Sexton, Sr, 13 Mike Christians, 24 Victor Vargas, 1 Brad Wright, 66 Douglas Wright, 15 Gary Faris, 11 Jerry Godfrey, 4 Geoffrey Youngblood, 6 Keith Samples, 5 Keith Horella, 7 Greg Sexton, Jr, 2EZ Easy Casey

Dwarf Car heat winners; 2EZ Easy Casey, Greg Sexton, Sr.

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

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