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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

Dinsmore, Torres take home Mod, SportMod Championship hardware at I-37 Raceway

As the I-37 Raceway points season winds down, good finishes are critical as drivers compete for 2011 championship titles on the 1/4-mile, semi-banked, dirt track south of San Antonio. While the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods points chases ended this weekend, the Limited Late Models, Street Stock, Pure Stock and Front Runners, who earn points in both heat and features will see their season officially end on October 1st.

In IMCA Modifieds, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore looked to grab his third track championship having picked up the 2005 Hill Country Raceway and 2008 I-37 Raceway titles. Dinsmore holds a 15 point margin over Atkins’ Jamie Campbell, who is seeking his first IMCA Modified title.

The IMCA Southern Sportmod championship saw defending champ, Johnny Torres(San Antonio) lock up the points last weekend for his 4th Sportmod title, and 5th championship overall. Torres locked out Moe Van Kirk(Kerrville) and Randy Yount(Boerne) with a third place finish on Sept. 17th leaving VanKirk and Yount in the 2nd place battle.

At times during the Limited Late Models one might have thought it was full moon racing at its finest. After an early melee that took out nearly half the field, the race came down to a final lap photo finish. Fortunately the track had recently installed a video camera and monitor to replay the finish to determine the winner.

Next Saturday night I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park hosts the South Texas Sportmod/Limited Modified Championship with a $700 to win payday up for grabs. Also on the racing card are the IMCA Modifieds, and season ending races for the fender class cars.

Dinsmore Dashes to Daily Double

With a short field of cars all Dinsmore had to do to secure the championship is take the green flag. But that’s not Dinsmores style. Dinsmore dodged an early multi-car tangle, grabbed the lead, then held off the hard charging Campbell to take the win and his second track title. Dinsmores wife, crew chief and head cook, Candace, gave him a surprise anniversary celebration during the Winners Circle presentation.

On the initial start Tracy Fink got out front with a three wide battle for second, but yellow waved quickly for a jump start and a second try. The second attempt wasn’t much better as Fink had trouble with his car and collected Billy Meyer and Dennis Taylor trying to get to the infield. Robert Liese jr. led the single file third start to green but Gilbert Amezquita stalled in turn 2.

Finally getting a green flag lap in the books, Campbell and Matt Fox had separate spins to bring out another yellow hankie. Once back to green, Dinsmore wasted little time picking off Jason Borlace for second, and Liese for the lead on lap 2. Campbell quickly worked his back up getting up to second and closing on Dinsmores bumper after a spin by Fox saw the caution back out on lap 4.

Campbell hung on to Dinsmore all he could trying to find a way around Dinsmore who held the preferred line. At halfway it was Dinsmore, Campbell, Borlace, Amezquita and Liese in the top five. Campbell gave Dinsmore a couple runs but would overdrive the corner and give up ground each time. As the checkered flag waved it was Dinsmore by a couple car lengths in the Sundowner RV Repair, racetechinfo.com, JBHotshots, Wells Designs, NAPA, Guadalupe Electric, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Hoffman Construction, Cen-Tex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis winning the battle and season long war.

“It feels good to finally this sewed up,” Dinsmore said. “It was a little nerve wracking. I just wanted to go out in the heat and survive to start the feature. I wasn’t sure what I’d get for points if I didn’t start the feature. I didn’t want to wreck it or blow the motor so I kind of laid back there a bit.”

“I knew Jamie(Campbell) was back there. His car has a distinct sound. The preferred line was up top. I was hammer down for a while, but once you get the line you can put it on cruise. I’d look and see he was two or three cars back and I just tried to keep that distance. I didn’t want to blow it in and spin out. I just kept my line and kept on moving. I just tried to keep from over driving the car.”

“I saw that wreck at the start begin to happen and I went up high to stay out of it even if it cost me a couple spots. I was worried about what was going on, but we didn’t complete a lap so it worked out.”

“I had no idea that Candace had that anniversary thing planned. She’s full of surprises. It’s been a blessing to be married to her this long. I’m surprised that she still put up with me. She’s a big part of my life and my race team. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do this without her.”

“My plans next year are to race. The wife says it’s alright and Harris is working on another car for 2012. They’ve got one on order for me. Jimmy Gustin says the ‘12 was smoking fast at the Super Nationals. I sold my last championship car, but Harris wants this one back. It’s their deal. They say the new one is faster, with a different wheelbase and front end geometry and I believe them. Bob Harris, John Logue and the other Harris team cars are all there with me. They’re always there for any help I need.”

“This championship was the toughest one of the other two. Jamie was always there in the points. He’s was good competition all year and always came with his game on. I really had to be on my ‘A’ game with him. There were some other cars that were tough, but he sticks out in my mind the most.”

“I’m not too disappointed finishing second in points to Greg (Dinsmore),” Campbell said. “We had a good season compared to my others and our goal was to finish every race, and we got a couple wins. I was happy to be able to stay this close to him in the points race.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 67 Robert Liese jr., 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 99 Billy Meyer, 38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway—DNS

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 24 Tracy Fink, 38 Dennis Taylor, 29 Jamie Campbell, 53x Matt Fox, 67 Robert Liese jr.
Heat 2; 21 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 99 Billy Meyer, 13 Gilbert Amezquita

Williams Wins SportMod Scramble

In only his second race after a 3 year hiatus, Robert Williams found his way to the Winners Circle. Williams used the pole position to pull out to a big lead early over a three car battle between Jason Kelly, Tom Grothues and track champ Johnny Torres. After a couple cautions re-bunched the field Williams again stretched out his advantage cruising to the victory unchallenged in the Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis.

As the green flag waved Williams beat Jesse James into to turn 1 for the lead. James fell in line second trailed by Kelly, Larry Jernigan and Grothues. As Kelly and Grothues got by James for second and third, Torres, Bruce Barber and Jernigan were three wide for fifth. The three played a little tag in turn 1 with Torres coming out with the Barber getting the spot. Barber and Torres the went around James.

Coming to the crossed flags it was Williams, Kelly, Grothues, Barber and Torres in the top five. Randy Yount went around after bouncing off two cars for a lap 12 yellow that erased Williams huge lead. Williams quickly jumped ahead while Torres challenged Grothues for third. Ray Doyon III found an infield tire and spun on lap 12 to restack the pack.

Back under green Williams again eased away with Kelly and Grothues side by side for second. Torres joined that battle making it almost three abreast to second on lap 14. While fighting it out Torres and Kelly hooked bumpers giving up spots to Barber, James and Jernigan before getting loose from each other. Up front Williams was edging ahead leaving Barber and Grothues side by side for second. Williams easily grabbed the win, while Barber edged out Grothues for second.

“I got lucky and started up front,” said Williams. “It’s not to hard to win when you out as the leader. It’s been about three years since I’ve raced so I had some experience in a Sportmod, plus the Pure and Street Stocks before. I’ve won championships here before in the Street Stocks and Sportmods. We’re looking forward to running a full season next year.”

“(Chris) Swenson built the car and did all the set up work on it. It’s got a Spreen Racing Engine so it’s got all the winning parts. I was just the guy that was able to drive it to the victory. Knowing the track from before helped me make some minor adjustments, so the previous track experience helped me too.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 11 Tom Grothues, 3j Jesse James, 18 Larry Jernigan, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon, 66y Randy Yount, 66 Johnny Torres, 9d Ray Doyon III

IMCA SSM heats

Heat 1; 02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 66y Randy Yount, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon
Heat 2; 3j Jesse James, 9d Ray Doyon III, 18 Larry Jernigan, 11 Tom Grothues, 66 Johnny Torres

Votion by an Inch, Literally, in Limited Late Model Slug-fest

As the checkered flag waved on the shortened Limited Late Model feature no one was certain who was actually the winner. Track officials were split 50/50 depending on view angle so it was referred to video replay. After fifteen minutes of review Votion was declared the victor. Craig Crawley, made a gallant charge coming back from an early race incident, but fell short by a mere inch at the flag stand.

Shane Moore led the way into turn 1 of the scheduled 20-lap feature, but as Chris Brock and Matt Hodge tried to go three wide in turn 3, Hodge went around scattering the field. The second try saw Brock lead the field only to spin in turn 2 starting a multi-car pile car with Richard Bartosh, Moore, Crawley, Gary Hunter and JR Robinson. All drivers were alright but only Crawley and Robinson were able to continue. A lengthy clean up prompted officials to cut the race to 15 laps.

Howie Marcx led the remaining cars back to green for the single file start with Votion going around Andrew Hesler up top for second. Votion then tried the bottom on Marcx, but got sideways, then straightened out by Hesler. Votion the reeled Marcx back in and got by to lead lap 8. Votion then began motoring away while Marcx, Crawley and Hesler fought it out for second.

Marcx spun on lap 12 after a tap by Hesler who immediately took responsibility and fell to the tail. Votion got away clean on green with Crawley going past Marcx for second followed by Leland Waddell. Crawley, using the top, closed on Votion as the white flag waved. Using the high side momentum Crawley got run coming off turn 4 to the checkers, but lost to Votion in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, BG Products, Kelly Chassis, by a whisker.

“I really had no idea who won it,” commented Votion. “I knew it was really close, but didn’t realize it was that close. I pulled around to turn 3 waiting for someone to point at one of us. They held us both while they looked at the video. I didn’t have any idea that he was even there until I heard him in turn 4. I really didn’t think anyone could pass me on the outside.”

“After that big pile up in turn 2 the track turned from good grip to nothing. It’s fastest I’ve ever seen it do that. I thought I lost the right rear tire it was so loose. I backed it down a bit and thought I was doing good until I heard him on the last lap.”

“I got a little piece of that big wreck and bent up the nose a bit. I’m glad I was where I was at the time. I saw them all piling up and darted to the right to try to stay clear of it. I hate to see that, there’s lots of good cars that got torn up. I guess that happens sometimes.”

“I’d have been happy with second. Craig(Crawley) is a good guy. It was a good race. The fans got to see good finish. I really have to thank my wife and family for putting up with this racing life. I appreciate them being a part of it. Depending on how many cars make back next week I’m pretty sure I’ve locked up the championship. I may only have to start the main.”

“I thought I might have got him,” added Crawley. “But it was too close to tell for sure. If the video shows that Trey(Votion) got it, then I’m good with that. I don’t know how I made it that close. After being caught up in that crash my car was junk. It’s hurt so bad I’m not sure I can get it fixed before next week.”

Limited Late Models

99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 28 Leland Waddell, 13 Howie Marcx, 49 Robert Danielson, 1x Andrew Hesler, 36 J.R. Robinson, 10 Chris Brock, 18 Shane Moore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 14 Gary Hunter, 58 Matt Hodge, 25 Bob Lienweber—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 18 Shane Moore, 99 Trey Votion

Okruhlik Outlasts Jones and Dancer in Street Stock

Driving the Team Wernette back up car, Pure Stock hot shoe Frank Okruhlik showed he could get the job done in Street Stocks as well. Okruhlik got the lead early from Aaron Leddy then was chased by Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Jones, the defending champ and points leader, threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at Okruhlik, to no avail.

Leddy was first into turn 1 as the 15-lap Street Stock feature fired off, but Okruhlik was quickly along side with Jones, Dancer and AJ Wernette in pursuit. Okruhlik got the top spot on lap 2 with Jones following to second. Wernette went around in turn 4 to bring out a yellow on lap 2. Okruhlik and Jones got away on the restart leaving Leddy and Dancer fighting for third. As Jones began his assault on Okruhlik, Dancer went around Leddy for third using the top.

Jones was keeping the pressure on Okruhlik taking looks low when a spin by Mike Lyon in turn 4 slowed the pace. Jones took up where he had left off showing Okruhlik the nose on the restart. Jones kept the heat turned up, with Dancer now making it a threesome up front. With two to go Jones gave Okruhlik a little bumper tap, but Okruhlik stayed steady. One last try by Jones at the checkers came up short as Okruhlik in the TruLine, Radio Shack, Cross Connections, Dixon Automotive, Hot Rod Welding, City Auto, Chevy scored the victory.

“I was hoping they (Jones and Dancer) would take each other out and I wouldn’t have to worry about them,” replied Okruhlik. “I was holding my line and guess I was taking the best line away from them. I wanted though, I wanted it bad. He wasn’t going to get it for free.”

“I saw Wade (Jones) show his nose a couple times and I was worried. He just encouraged me with that little tap on the bumper. If he would have taken me out it would have ended different I guess. I made some minor changes on the motor, but it’s the same set up.”

“I really have to thank Wayne Wernette. He’s the one that has given me the chance to drive this car. He pays for everything and I don’t have to put a dime in this car. I think my driving style suits the car and I’ve got more seat time on dirt.”

Street Stocks

37w Frank Okruhlik, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 53 Ben Blanford, 2x Dennis Hilla, 14 Donny Horelka

Street Stock heat winners; 37w Frank Okruhlik, 52 AJ Dancer

Okruhlik Outruns Pure Stock Field for second Payday

Points leader Frank Okruhlik scored his own version of a daily double with a second win for the night in the Pure Stock feature. Okruhlik worked his way up to battle with race long leader Cameron Smith getting the spot on lap 15. Once past Okruhlik eased away from the pack while former track champ Janel Hilla challenged Smith for the runner up spot.

The 14-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature saw Smith break out front trailed by Devin Adler, Hilla, Tim Watson and Richard Wells. Hilla got by Adler for second while Okruhlik, Watson, Bandy Ramzinski and Karoline Campbell went four wide for fifth. Watson slowed and pulled while Okruhlik got the spot, leaving Ramzinski, Campbell and Jerry Jones three wide. Okruhlik closed on Adler with a brief side by side run as Okruhlik took third.

Coming to halfway Okruhlik had run down Hilla for second and using the high side got by. As Smith got into traffic, Okruhlik quickly reeled in the leader giving him a look low on lap 11. Smith and Okruhlik went three wide around a lapped car as slugged it out door to door. Okruhlik finally wrestled the spot away on lap 15 and motored ahead. In the final laps Hilla snagged second from Smith, while Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo Racing Chassis Chevy easily grabbed the checkers.

“I found a little sticky stuff on the outside and took off with it,” added Okruhlik on his Pure Stock win. “I got up there first, nobody else wanted it so I had to take it. I look for a place that works for my car early in the race. If that doesn’t work out I just go where the others aren’t running.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 7x Janel Hilla, 13 Cameron Smith, 95 Jerry Jones, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 10c Karoline Campbell, 44 Justin Henley, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 82 Richard Wells, 117 Devin Adler, 1 Tim Watson

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 82 Richard Wells

Sowder Sweeps Front Runners

Young Landon Sowder had a clean sweep in the Front Runner class taking both the heat and feature wins. Sowder jumped out front early in the 15-lap feature, but gave way to points chaser Cody Earnhardt. No sooner than Earnhardt got the lead, he broke and handed the spot back to Sowder. From there Sowder was able to ease away from Hailee Marcx at the end.

Sowder led the 10-car field on green chased by Earnhardt, Trevor Bettis, Jimmy Carroll and Cindy Snider. Bettis broke and stopped in the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 2. The restart saw Earnhardt and Sowder side by side for the lead with Earnhardt getting out front on lap 3 only to have car failure and pull to the infield, giving the top spot back to Sowder on lap 4. Sowder then began pulling away from Marcx and Jason Smith near halfway.

Carroll, who pitted with a flat under caution, worked his way back up and past Smith for third on lap 7. While battling with Marcx for second, Carroll and Marcx made contact sending both the infield for a lap 10 yellow. After a quick caution for a stalled Kirsten Blevins on lap 11, Sowder broke away going on to win in the Ricwell Construction, Texas Radiator Service, United Rentals, Bar C Racing, Chevy Lumina.

“We put a new motor in this car,” commented Sowder. “I’m fortunate to have a good crew chief and father to help me out with this racing deal. I’m going to stay in this class one more year and then move up to Pure Stock. We’re all friends with the 08 Limited Late Model(Kevin Hayden) and 10 Limited Late Model(Chris Brock).”

“I’ve been racing since March and this is my second win this year. I don’t worry about any of the other racers out there. I’m just running my own race, going as fast as I can. I didn’t know Hailee(Marcx) was behind me. She ran a good race but couldn’t catch me. I was fortunate to get the win.”

Front Runners

08 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 13 Jason Smith, 93 Preston Leet, 66c Cindy Snider, 96 Kirsten Blevins, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 27 Jim Knudtson, 57 Trevor Bettis, 98 Will Holder—DNS, 24 Jessica Mares—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 67 Jimmy Carroll, 08 Landon Sowder

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots

Dinsmore dashes to another Modified main win at I-37 Raceway

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore found what he needed to get back in the Winners Circle taking the 20-lap IMCA Modified main. Dinsmore, who started in row 4, quickly worked his way up behind early leader, Rob Sanderson. Ducking low off the corner, Dinsmore swept past Sanderson for the lead on lap 4. From there Dinsmore held off charges from Jamie Campbell and Mike McCarthy on restarts to grab another victory.

The initial start was waved off after Campbell got a bit over anxious coming to green. The second try saw Sanderson go around and clip Bill Pittaway, peeling sheet metal off the side of his car. Even the third time wasn’t the charm as Joe O’Bryan spun, scattering the field. A single file fourth attempt saw Sanderson get out front on lap 1 followed by Robert Liese jr., Joe Spillman, Dinsmore and McCarthy.

Liese slipped off the corner giving up spots to Spillman, Dinsmore, McCarthy and Campbell. Dinsmore got under Spillman for second on lap 2 and closed on Sanderson. Using the bottom, Dinsmore got the lead from Sanderson on lap 4 while Campbell got by McCarthy and Spillman. Matt Fox looped it on the front stretch bringing out a yellow on lap 5.

Back under green, Dinsmore got a good jump, while Campbell worked around Sanderson for second. Spillman and McCarthy were side by side on lap 6 with last weeks winner, William Gould, closing. Sanderson, McCarthy and Spillman went three wide for third coming to halfway. At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, Campbell, McCarthy, Spillman and Gould now in the top five.

Liese spun on lap 10 for a yellow with Spillman and Sanderson getting tangled under caution. Dinsmore got away clean as McCarthy and Campbell ran wheel to wheel for second and Gould worked his way by Spillman. McCarthy and Campbell continued their battle for five laps giving Dinsmore some breathing room. Caution on lap 16 for debris erased that margin.

Once back to green McCarthy and Campbell renewed their fight, this time it was Campbell looking to retake second. Campbell got the spot back on lap 18, but slipped in turn 2 giving it up to McCarthy. As they battled it out, Dinsmore in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, JBHotshots, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Guadalupe Electric, Wells Designs, CenTex Motorsports, Harris Chassis was capturing another win.

“I could hear Jamie(Campbell) and Mike(McCarthy) back there.” said Dinsmore. “I just decided I was going to hold the bottom once I got there. The car wasn’t really quite right, but I didn’t see anyones tires or nose. The way the car was getting looser an looser, I thought was going to lose it.”

“Turns 1-2 were really good for me on the bottom. Coming off down the back straightaway was bad. The car would get tight in (turns) 3-4 then snap loose. There’s something weird that I’m still hunting. The car was better than it was last week. Ride heights are giving me fits since that wreck. Only a couple degrees on the bars make a big difference.”

“Between the heat and feature we moved the pull bar and ground the tires since there was such a big difference in the track. We probably should have made a couple more(changes). The car was fast, but on the ragged edge.”

“(Davey) Plato went through our cars looking at frame location, tires, pull bars and showed our tech guy what to look for to catch someone doing something illegal. It was good to see him down here after all these years.”

“I’m going to be driving Jamie Fuller’s car in the Street Stock Shootout next weekend in Goliad. I really think Aaron(Leddy) can do a good job in it, but we’re going to work on it some more and they want me in it.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 20 Mike McCarthy, 29 Jamie Campbell, 60 William Gould, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr, 53x Matt Fox, 141 Rob Sanderson, 99 Billy Meyer, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 82 Rick Green, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 26 Darin Leonard

IMCA Modified heats

Heat #1

14 Joe O’Bryan, 44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 20 Mike McCarthy, 99 Billy Meyer, 60 William Gould—DNS

Heat #2

8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 67 Robert Liese jr, 141 Rob Sanderson, 53x Matt Fox, 82 Rick Green

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park cranked up the action on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked dirt track just south of San Antonio. It was a full moon racing night, which normally means action and the unusual. Tonight would be no exception with two drivers winding up looking at the track from the wrong view, one last corner pass and two first time winners.

With many points battles still on the line, the IMCA Southern Sportmods are the only class with one driver holding a substantial margin. Johnny Torres carries a comfortable lead into the event, while Greg Dinsmore and Jame Campbell( IMCA Modifieds)continue to duke it out.

The Street Stock points battle swaps between defending champ, Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Frank Okruhlik and former champ Janel Hilla head the list in Pure Stocks. Limited Late Models have Trey Votion on top with defending champ Richard Bartosh in pursuit. The Front Runners come in with Jimmy Carroll leading over Cody Earnhardt.

Torres Torrent Continues in Sportmods

Looking to back up his 2010 title, San Antonio’s Johnny Torres keeps wracking up the wins. Near halfway Torres found himself in the top five, but some distance behind the leader, Anthony Gordon. A mid-race red flag changed that allowing Torres to be in contact with the lead group. Torres capitalized picking off Moe VanKirk then Gordon for the lead with two to go and running to the checkers.

Robby Minten led off turn 2 at the start of the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sport feature, but it was Gordon off turn 4 to lead lap 1. VanKirk got by Minten for second and along side Gordon for the lead. Gordon and VanKirk raced side by side for two laps, with Jason Kelly and Patrick Kelly wheel to wheel for fourth. Gordon held off VanKirk as Torres made his way to the top five by P. Kelly.

Torres then picked off fourth from J. Kelly on lap 6. A three wide scrap in the middle of the pack ended bad for Randy Bennett after he jumped a wheel and ended up hitting the tire barrier at pit out and rolling over onto his top. Bennett walked away uninjured. Once back to green, Torres slipped past Minten for third as the race came to halfway showing Gordon, VanKirk, Torres, Minten an Flint Brown in the top five.

VanKirk kept the pressure on the young Gordon with Torres closing on both. Torres and VanKirk were side by side on lap 13 with Torres getting the spot on lap 14. Torres then reeled in Gordon and dove low off turn 4 to get the top spot on lap 18. Torres was able to go unchallenged the final two laps in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, for the win.

“The track was pretty slick tonight, but it wasn’t dusty,” said Torres. “It was tacky in the heat race so we had a tacky set up on it. I figured I wouldn’t have to change much, but it got dry real quick. We threw some things at it and it worked. We changed a spring, moved some lead and adjusted the tire pressure.”

“I’m not sure we could have caught them if it wasn’t for that red flag. The tires were getting hot and that’s when I normally go faster. That red kind of broke it up into two 10 lap heat races. I like the long runs better and my car seems to work better. It came down to the wire and I didn’t think I was going to get him(Gordon).”

“Our Regional Director Davey Plato was down here and checked over everyone’s car. I’m glad he did, the more tech the better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 58 Moe VanKirk, D9(4) Robby Minten, 75 Flint Brown, 115 Chuck Perry, 57 Jason Kelly, 10 Travis Penny, 94 Allen Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 84k Patrick Kelly, 22 Randy Bennett, 99x Michael Hernandez—DNS

IMCA SSM heats

Heat #1

66 Johnny Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 75 Flint Brown, 57 Jason Kelly, 94 Allen Torres, 10 Travis Penny

Heat #2

58 Moe VanKirk, 84k Patrick Kelly, D9(4) Robby Minten, 22 Randy Bennett, 115 Chuck Perry, 99x Michael Hernandez

Crawley Cashes for First Limited Late Model Checkers

It wasn’t the first win for Craig Crawley at I-37 Raceway after picking up a few Street Stock wins several years back, but it was his first ever Limited Late Model tally. Crawley, who had to totally rebuild the back half of his car due to a crash, went wire to wire for the win holing off multi-time track champion Gary Hunter throughout the 20-lap event.

Crawley beat the 12-car field into turn 1 for the lead trailed by Hunter, Matt Hodge, Andrew Hesler and Robert Danielson. Lap 1 saw Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh and Trey Votion get by Danielson. Hesler was pressuring Hodge for third, while Waddell slipped high giving up a spot to Votion. Chris Jones brought out yellow on lap 4 when he spun and Kevin Hayden slid to a stop to avoid contact.

Crawley got a good jump on Hunter as green flew again and Hesler got along side Hodge, with Votion and Bartosh side by side behind them. Jones looped it again on lap 6 ending is night. Once back to green, Crawley and Hunter eased away from Hodge, Hesler, Bartosh and Votion. Hesler used a slide job on lap 8 to get third from Hodge, with Bartosh trying to follow.

Bartosh finally got by Hodge on lap 9 who gave up fifth to Votion on lap 10. Hesler, Bartosh and Votion were three wide in turns 1-2 with Bartosh grabbing the spot off turn 4. Votion got by Hesler a lap later as Hesler began to fade. With five to go Crawley was inching away from Hunter, who had a gap back to Bartosh and Votion.

Yellow waved on lap 17 when Waddell and Hodge went around in turn 2. Crawley got two car lengths on Hunter as green flew again with Bartosh and Votion side by side. Hodge and Larry Lewis went around on lap with Hayden going off the turn 2 hill for yellow on lap 18, setting up a green, white, checkered finish.

On the restart Hunter gave Crawley his best challenge looking high into turn 3, but Crawley held the point off turn 4. On the final lap Votion went around off turn 2 collecting Hodge, Waddell and Andy Anderson, who were innocent victims. The checkers and yellow waved for Crawley in the Odie Automotive, Garfield Shanklin, Martin Body Shop, CNC Graphics, Duffin Engine Service, Oval Components/Ervin Breiten Chassis.

“It was a big win to finally get the monkey off our back,” replied Crawley. “We’ve finished second a couple times and I’ve let Trey(Votion) get one on me. Winning at the old San Antonio Speedway was hard with all the tough cars that were there. Racing here, with the caliber of these guys, is getting to be the same way.”

“I think about those fast guys coming behind me. They’re all good drivers and I know they’re not to going to rough me up to get by me. They’re good competitors and if they’re faster than me they”ll find a way to get by me clean.”

“We made some tire pressure adjustments, and some little things between the heat and feature because the track was so much different. We didn’t get it set in the heat, but the feature was good. It was real slick and we were searching for forward bite.”

“After the crash a month ago we had to change everything from the seat on back, except the rear clip. All the mounts, braces, fuel cell, it even broke the 9” rear end in half. We’ve got about 80 hours of labor to get it back on the track.”

Limited Late Models

6 Craig Crawley, 14 Gary Hunter, 7 Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 95 Larry Lewis, 86 Andy Anderson, 28 Leland Waddell, 58 Matt Hodge, 99 Trey Votion, 08 Kevin Hayden, 1x Andrew Hesler, 69 Chris Jones

Limited Late Model heat winners; 1x Andrew Hesler, 58 Matt Hodge

Keeping up with the Jones’

This has been pretty much the case again this season as Wade Jones looks to defend his championships in Street Stocks. AJ Dancer has given Jones a run for his money and tonight it was Aaron Leddy’s chance. Leddy and Jones ran door to door for five laps until Leddy suffered ignition woes. Dancer took up the charge, but fell short as Jones eased away in the latter stages for the victory.

As the 20-lap Street Stock feature took the green, AJ Wernette led the way off turn 2, but Leddy got by coming high off turn 4 to lead. Dennis Hilla and Jones got by AJ Wernette, with Mike Lyon and Dancer following. Jones got under Hilla for second on lap 2 and was challenging Leddy on lap 3. The two stayed tied at the door posts, while Dancer moved his way up to third.

Jones finally secured the lead on lap 8 after Leddy had his car start popping and begin to fall back. By halfway the top four had separated out with a gap back to AJ Wernette, Rick Schroat and Anthony Gordon. Gordon brought out the races only yellow when he spun on lap 11 coming off turn 2, giving the top four a chance to regroup.

On the restart Dancer and Jones got away clean to settle things among themselves. With five to go, Jones began easing away from Dancer, while Hilla, Lyon and AJ Wernette ran nose to tail. Dancer never could mount a challenge in the final laps giving Jones a Saturday night cruise to the win in the
Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro.

“The track was real different tonight.” commented Jones. “It was wet in the heat race and pretty tacky in the feature. The car felt pretty good even though our heat wasn’t that good. I just have to adjust my driving style for the different track. We’ve run the same set almost all year long. We change a few little things.”

“I knew AJ(Dancer) was coming. I felt him once behind me on a restart. He’s a helluva driver and I always know hes going to be coming. I just stick to my line. If I do that and get beat, then I just get beat.”

“We’ll be back next year, but we’re undecided if it’s in Street Stock or Late Model. My uncle Donnie(Horelka) has a Late Model, but we just have to get the time to work on it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 2x Dennis Hilla, 40 Mike Lyon, 37 AJ Wernette, 5 Rick Schroat, 37w Wayne Wernette, 118 Anthony Gordon, 7 Danny Schroat, 15 Tommy Casey, 93 Aaron Leddy

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

Okruhlik Outruns Torres for Pure Stock Payday

After his wedding and a string of bad luck, not related, Frank Okruhlik made his way back into I-37 Raceway Winners Circle. Okruhlik got the lead early from Karoline Campbell and was chased by Hunter Flanagan, then last weeks winner, Adam Torres. After a late caution, Okruhlik got away from Torres and Flanagan who battled for second, as he eased his way to the checkers.

The 16-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature got off to a rocky start with Cameron Smith jumping out front. In the pack Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski made contact with E. Watson ending up rolling onto his side. He was able to climb out and tried to return later in the race. As green finally flew, Campbell got the point chased by Okruhlik, Cody Leonard, Flanagan and Torres.

Campbell spun from the lead on lap 1, with William Cavender going around in the pack as they scattered. Okruhlik led the field back to green with Flanagan and Leonard side by side for second and Jarrett Payton blowing a right front tire while running fifth. Flanagan got around Leonard for third with Torres filling in the hole for third and Talon Minten getting fourth.

Torres got past Flanagan for second on lap 4, as Leonard slowed and pulled off. Ramzinski went for a spin on lap 6 to bring out a yellow. Okruhlik got away by five car lengths on the green and held that advantage until James Watson spun on lap 10 to bring out a yellow. The top three pulled away on green, while Minten slowed giving up spots to Janel Hilla and Jerry Jones.

Campbell spun again on lap 15 to bring out a yellow and st up a five lap trophy dash to the finish. Okruhlik got a good jump and began puling away, as Flanagan put the heat on Torres for second. As the white waved Okruhlik had a slight margin, over the second place fight, while Hilla and Jones ran side by side. At the checkers it was Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo’s Racing Chassis, Chevy with the win.

“I hope my bad luck wasn’t related to my marriage,” joked Okruhlik. “I think the track worked in my favor tonight. I just took it easy and came out on top. We’ve had some plug wires burn up, bearing go out in the rear end and lost an axle the past three races. I was slipping on the maintenance and now I’ve got some time again and things are going together better.”

“I thought someone was there all the time, I didn’t know who it was and they really weren’t that close. But I was racing like they were. I found a groove that worked. It was kind of catfish the bottom in the corners and run down the straights. I made a few changes, there’s not much you can do on a Pure Stock.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 24 Adam Torres, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 7x Janel Hilla, 15 William Cavender, 10c Karoline Campbell, 13 Cameron Smith, 14 Trey Heald, 89 Talon Minten, 44 James Watson, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton, 71 Mike Harrison, 43 Eric Watson, 58 Randy Frautschi—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 13 Cameron Smith, 7x Janel Hilla, 99 Frank Okruhlik

Gaither Gathers First Ever Win

In only is fourth race of the season on dirt, Dillon Gaither grabbed his first ever Front Runner trophy, but it wasn’t easy. Looking to redeem himself after giving up a win due to a jump start penalty, Gaither jumped into lead only to spin a few laps later. Gaither worked his way back up and got a huge break when leader Cody Earnhardt had his car give up on the last lap. Gaither snuck past Co. Earnhardt at the line to pick up the victory.

On the initial start, Hailee Marcx led the way, but Kirsten Blevins went for an off track excursion in turn 2. The second start saw Gaither get off turn 2 with lead with Co. Earnhardt, Jimmy Carroll, Marcx and Charles Earnhardt III in pursuit. Gaither gave up the lead to Co. Earnhardt on lap 3 when looped it in turn 2.

With Co. Earnhardt now out front, Ch. Earnhardt got by Marcx on the restart for third. As Co. Earnhardt eased away, Brandon Sowder got by Marcx for third after Carroll was forced to pit from a top three spot with a flat right front. Gaither was steadily on the move, getting past Marcx on lap 9 and Sowder on lap 10. Trevor Bettis went off the back stretch for a lap 12 caution.

Ch. Earnhardt was put back two position for his earlier jump putting Gaither on Co. Earnhardt’s bumper for the restart. Co. Earnhardt got a good lead on Gaither and looked to be a runaway winner. But wait…In the last corners of the last lap, Co. Earnhardt had his car give up and it was Gaither nipping him at the line in the Rohmer Racing, Honda Tiburon for his inaugural win.

“I thought I was going to have to settle for second,” replied the young Gaither. “I knew I could make it back up front after I spun and he(Cody Earnhardt) broke and I got the chance and took the win. His car died and just waved me past. I really appreciate Greg Rohmer giving me the opportunity to drive this car.”

“My dad has raced on dirt before and I’ve been around it. I’ve picked it up pretty easy. My main concern was coming back and winning after giving that one away last weekend. We have a Pure Stock at the house that we’re building for next season so I’m moving up.”

Front Runners

9 Dillon Gaither, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 08 Brandon Sowder, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 113 Hailee Marcx, 98E Marie Gonzalez, 57 Trevor Bettis, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 66c Cindy Snider, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 98 Will Holder—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt

Go-Karts

Jr. Division

1 Evan Lambert
11 Caitlyn Leddy
53 Chandler Fox
93 Cavan Leddy
07 Deull Arnold

Jr. Division

82 Andrew Garcia
12 Chentel Dancer
37 Aaron Trevino
9 Caitlin Leonard
137 Adam Trevino
17 Vincent Dancer

By JM Hallas
Photo by JBHotshots

Leland Waddell goes wire-to-wire to notch first Limited Late Model win at I-37

Leland Waddell was the first of the two new faces in I-37 Raceway’s Winners Circle as he posted a flag-to-flag win. Waddell jumped out front with Richard Bartosh and Andrew Hesler on his tail. Getting a good jump on a few restarts, Waddell became the fourth new Limited Late Model feature winner for the season.

Waddell took command coming off turn 2 as the 14-car Limited Late Model feature fired with Bartosh, Hesler, Robert Danielson and Trey Votion in pursuit. Votion got around Danielson on lap 3 for fourth. Last weeks winner, AJ Dancer saw his night end early as he went off turn 1 for a caution on lap 6.

As Waddell jumped out on green, Chris Jones went around off turn 4 bringing the yellow back out. Back to green, the top four were only separated by only a couple lengths as the race reached halfway. Hesler gave up third to Votion on lap 12. Jones got hung on the tires at the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 13.

On the restart, Waddell eased ahead, with Hesler looking to retake third from Votion. Votion held off Hesler and began pressuring Bartosh for second. This gave Hesler a run on Votion as they ran door to door on lap 17. As the white flag was shown, Waddell had a five car length margin on Bartosh going on to take his first ever I-37 Limited Late Model victory.

**Waddell left before I could get to the pits for an interview.

Limited Late Models
28 Leland Waddell, 7 Richard Bartosh, 99 Trey Votion, 1x Andrew Hesler, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 08 Kevin Hayden, 14 Gary Hunter, 18 Shane Moore, 33 Shawn Kline, 42 Ron Sprayue, 69 Chris Jones, 32 AJ Dancer, 15 Doug Searcy

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park concluded their Military Appreciation month, dedicated to all our troops, with some great racing action. Two new drivers found the 1/4 mile, semi-banked, dirt track to their liking and made their way to the I-37 Winners Circle in the Limited Late Models and Pure Stock classes.

In other class action it was the usual suspects taking checkered flags in the IMCA Modifieds and Southern SportMods, Street Stocks and Front Runners, plus a return of the Dwarf Car Racing Seres of Texas.

I-37 Raceway takes the Independence Day weekend for families to celebrate and returns to action again on July 9th with a Tribute to the Troops spearheaded by Andrew Hesler. Hesler, along with many other donors will be racing for the Center for the Intrepid helping the Wounded Warriors program.

A bus load of soldiers is expected from BAMC(Brooke Army Medical Center) to be guests of the track. Hesler, in his Limited Late Model, Greg Dinsmore in his IMCA Modified and Jarrett Payton(Pure Stocks) have all opted to start at the back of their features and race their way to the front and put on a show for the troops in attendance.

Dinsmore Dialed-in Again

After seeing his 6-race winning streak broken due to an accident and a week of repairs and readjustments, Greg Dinsmore has found the handle again starting a new streak, now at two. Dinsmore patiently stalked early leader, Robert Liese jr., found an opening and slipped past for the top spot on lap 7. Dinsmore increased his advantage the last half of the race to nearly a half track, while Bill Pittaway took second from Liese.

It was Liese, Borlace and Billy Meyer running three wide into turn 1 as the IMCA Modified feature roared to life. Liese got the point coming off turn 2, while Dinsmore got by Jamie Campbell and Rick Green for fourth. Dinsmore had just gotten past Meyer for third when Meyer lost the hood for a lap 3 yellow. On the restart Dinsmore picked off Borlace for second and closed on Liese.

Dinsmore patiently waited for a slip by Liese and got his chance coming off turn 4 on lap 6. Dinsmore ducked inside Liese and out dragged him into turn 1 to lead lap 8. Behind the leaders, Borlace and Pittaway were swapping third, while Campbell and Green ran side by side for fifth. After giving up third to Pittaway, Borlace fell into a fight with Campbell for that spot.

At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, increasing his lead, Liese, Pittaway, and Borlace along side Campbell for fourth with Darin Leonard getting sixth from Green. Pittaway was able to get by Liese for second on lap 12, but found himself a full straightaway behind Dinsmore. Liese and Campbell then ran wheel to wheel for third with Borlace and Leonard swapping fifth. Dinsmore easily cruised to his eighth win of the season in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JB Hotshots, Wells Designs, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Centex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis.

“The car is what makes it look so easy,” explained Dinsmore. “When it’s right, it’s magical. I let Robert (Liese) have his room and took my time. No one was challenging me so it gave me the time to play with it a bit an make sure I didn’t try the wrong spot to get by.”

After my last wreck, and the amount f money it cost, I just try to ease up a bit and wait for my spot instead of diving in. It’s just not worth it sometimes. You follow them a while and try to read them. Robert has gotten a lot better and I’ve got to give him props on that.”

“We’re still looking at the track championship here. There’s some hot days that I’d really like to stay at home, but I like coming here. It’s kind of tough sometimes with a new baby, or if Candace doesn’t want to go, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

“Next weekend Bob Harris has invited us to come up for the Harris Clash (Knoxville, Ia.), but we’re leaving the car at home. He’s got us our tickets, pit passes and suite. That’s a fabulous show up there. Traveling with a new baby is going to be different.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 67 Robert Liese, Jr., 21 Jason Borlace, 26 Darin Leonard, 82 Rick Green, 99 Billy Meyer, 141 Rob Anderson, 3 Carlton Leverette, 31 Marlin Samford—DNS

Torres Tackles IMCA Sportmods

San Antonio’s Johnny Torres added to his I-37 Raceway season total grabbing another victory in the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Torres didn’t look to be a contender at mid-race as he watched Anthony Gordon and Jason Stanley battle for the top spot. Torres’ car came to life in the final half reeling in and passing Gordon for the lead on lap 16. Torres took the checkers with a several car lengths on Gordon.

As green waved on the 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature, Stanley jumped out front, but the outside backed up with JC Pilcher and Pat Lyon finding the front stretch wall. On the second start Stanley led into turn 1, but it was Gordon, on the top, getting by to lead lap 1. Torres quickly worked his way by Ray Doyon III and Michael Hernandez for third on lap 1.

Stanley tried get by Gordon for the lead on lap 2 and got along side, but Gordon held the spot. Doyon got by Hernandez on lap 3 and challenging Torres for third. As Doyon tried a move on Torres, Hernandez snuck back by for fourth. Doyon then gave up fifth to Micky Helms. Coming to halfway it was Gordon and Stanley easing away, Torres, Hernandez and Helms in the top five.

Stanley again put the heat on the young Gordon getting along side on lap 11. Stanley would half spin on lap 12, losing several pots, but continuing without caution. Torres then began to reel in Gordon catching the leader with five to go. Torres used the bottom get under Gordon and take the lead on lap 16. Gordon hung with Torres the final laps while Hernandez did a 360 giving up a top five spot. At the checkers it was Torres in 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, by 4-car lengths on Gordon.

“It must have been a little luck tonight,” said Torres. “Because my car sure wasn’t working that good. I got some breaks, the right place at the right time and was patient. I took me a while to work my way up since we’ve been struggling with the handling on it. It was a little different, but we got it figured out.”

“I was trying to be more patient with Anthony(Gordon). He’s a good racer and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get into him. I’d really like to see him win one, but I like winning myself more. He’s doing better every week. His time will come soon.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 204 Mickey Helms, 66y Randy Yount, 92 Jason Stanley, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11 Tom Grothues, 04 Jacob Burnett, 85 Jeff Nix, 4 Robby Minten, 9 Ray Doyon III, 94 Allen Torres, 15 JC Pilcher, 60 Pat Lyon, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNS

AJ Dancer added another win to his Street Stock total, after taking a Limited Late Model main event the previous week. Aided by slower traffic, Dancer got by early leader AJ Wernette in the latter stages of the 20-lapper, with Dennis Hilla and Wade Jones all racing under a blanket. Dancer inched away after a late caution, while Jones and AJ Wernette battled for the runner-up spot.

Wayne Wernette led the 14-car Street Stock feature into turn 1, but was passed by his son AJ who led lap 1. Behind W. Wernette, AJ Dancer and Dennis Hilla fell in line. Dancer got by W. Wernette on lap 2, but had already lost ground to AJ Wernette. Hilla and Wade Jones took third and fourth on lap 4, followed by Aaron Leddy to fifth.

As Dancer, Hilla and Jones battled for second nose to tail, AJ Wernette edged away to a larger margin. Dancer and Hilla were door to door on lap 12 giving Jone an opening to grab third when Hilla drifted too high in turn 1. AJ Wernette caught slower traffic and had trouble getting by allowing Dancer to close the gap. Dancer was on AJ Wernette’s bumper as they encountered heavy traffic.

Dancer and AJ Wernette ran side by side on lap 17 with top four now under a proverbial blanket. Dancer snuck to the lead while Hilla made contact with AJ Wernette, sending him around for races only caution. AJ Wernette got his spot back, while Hilla got sent to the tail. The top three broke away on green with Jones getting second from AJ Wernette as the white flag waved. At the checkers it was Dancer in the A Plus Auto Parts, SAS Graphics, Dancer Motorsports, El Camino holding off Jones for the win.

“It was a lot of luck and few lapped cars that helped me tonight,” replied Dancer. “I figured Wade (Jones) was coming. You know he’s going to be there eventually. We moved some weight around between the heat and feature, but it still wasn’t enough. We’re still having a hard time with this car. I’m trying to keep it from three wheeling. It’s the only way the car wants to go. It’s got a mind of its own”

“Driving in two classes, the Street Stocks and Late Models, is like apples and oranges. In the Late Model it will stick and go where you want it to go. In the Street Stock it’s more like a suggestion, I’d like to go this way.”

Street Stocks
52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla, 88j Bobby Jack, 04 Nathan Robbins, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Danny Preslar, 7 Danny Schroat, 5 Rick Schroat, 53 Ben Blanford, 2 Scott Stubbs

Not wanting to be outdone by his brother Robby the week before, Talon Minten was the second first-time winner of the evening in the Pure Stock feature. Minten and Hunter Flanagan raced side by side for several laps until Flanagan found the tire wall and rolled. Minten was then chased by Brandy Ramzinski, who led earlier in the race but spun. Minten used a lapped car as “a pick” to hold Ramzinski off on the final lap.

Eric Watson took the lead of the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature on lap 1, but gave way to Jarrett Payton on lap 2. Ramzinski got along side E. Watson and by for second on lap 2 when Payton slowed. Ramzinski got the lead on lap 3 with E. Watson, Flanagan and Cody Leonard following past a fading Payton. Minten split Karoline Campbell and Adam Torres to move into fifth on lap 5.

Minten got by Leonard in traffic on lap 6 as Leonard slowed with a flat. Ramzinski spun on her own from the lead giving up the spot to Flanagan and narrowly missing Minten before falling to fourth. T. Watson brought out yellow on lap 8 when he stopped in the pit exit. When green waved again, the top four broke ahead and Minten was pressuring Flanagan for the lead.

The two young guns, who are good friends, ran side by side for four laps before Flanagan drifted too high in turn 4, clipped the tire barrier and rolled over bringing out a red flag. Flanagan was a little shaken, but checked out alright by the EMS crew. Once back to green, Minten and Ramzinski got away from Janel Hilla, Devin Adler and Jerry Jones. Ramzinski tried tried low as the white flag waved, but got hung up behind a lapped car in turn 4 giving Minten in the 3-D Landscaping, Cavender Toyota, Clays Auto Parts, Shepherds Race Engines, a clear run to his first ever race win.

“It feels good to get that first win,” commented Minten. “I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) back there at the end and just put it to the floor. I was thankful for that lapped car being when she got under me and got her hung up. Robby wining his first race last week didn’t really put any pressure on me(to win). We’re not that competitive, at least until I get a Sportmod too.”

“I wasn’t really nervous running out front. I was just trying to hit my marks.”

“I had a good race with Hunter(Flanagan) earlier and thought I might have taken him out. He’s my friend and I was nervous when I saw the ambulance come out. I didn’t think we made any contact and he said I didn’t touch him, so we’re good.”

Pure Stock
89 Talon Minten, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 22 Patricia Lucas, 8 Dustin Robin, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 43 Eric Watson, 1 Tim Watson, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton

Old age and experience once again outran youth and exuberance as Jimmy Carroll took the victory in the Front Runner feature. Carroll battled throughout the race with Charles Earnhardt III as they traded the lead several times in the 15-lap event. Carroll, whose age is probably greater than the combined total of second through fifth, held off both Earnhardt boys at the finish.

A lucky 13 cars took the green for the Front Runner feature that went green to checkers, a vast improvement over last weeks crash fest. Ch. Earnhardt jumped into the early lead trailed by Dillon Gaither, Carroll, Cody Smith and Landon Sowder. Carroll quickly began to challenge Gaither for second as the top three pulled away from Sowder and Smith.

The top three were nearly 3-wide for the lead on lap 7, with Carroll getting the spot on lap 8. Carroll and Ch. Earnhardt continued to run side by side for lead while Sowder got by Smith for fourth followed by Cody Earnhardt to fifth. Ch. Earnhardt regained the lead on lap 9 as his brother worked his way past Sowder for fourth.

Carroll snuck back into the lead on lap 12 as the two swapped the top spot corner for corner on lap 13. Carroll secured the point on the final lap, while Co. Earnhardt got third from Gaither. At the checkers it was 68-year old Carroll in Car Craft Auto Service, Mitsubishi Mirage holding off his young competitors for the win, increasing his points lead over Hailee Marcx, who finished eighth.

“It was a little bit of good luck, a little good driving and a good motor by my sponsor Pat Lyon at Car Craft Auto Service.” said Carroll. “I feel very fortunate to still be able to race at 68 and still out run all those younger drivers.”

“This will help me in the points against Hailee(Marcx). She’s a good young racer and drives a good, clean race all the time.”

Front Runners
67 Jimmy Carroll, 33 Charlie Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 9 Dillon Gaither, 08 Landon Sowder, 13 Cody Smith, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 113 Hailee Marcx, 27 Hayden Anderson, 66c Cindy Snider, 98E Will Holder, 12 Roy Easler sr., 57 Trevor Bettis–BF

In the Dwarf Car feature Chuck McCormick found his way to the Winners Circle getting by early leader Michael Dion near halfway. McCormick held off a late charge by veteran Arden Vikre in the final circuits to grab the victory.

Dion jumped out front at the start of the 2-lap DCRST feature with Dwain Groff spinning from second leaving Richard Smith, McCormick and Jim Mokry trailing Dion. McCormick got past Smith for second as Mokry spun from fourth and fell back. McCormick began to put the heat on Dion for lead and snagged the spot on lap 9. Chris Silvas jr. spun on lap 9 for the races only caution.

On the restart, McCormick eased away with Brian Wells getting by Dion for second as Arden Vikre shot by both Dion and Smith for third. D. Groff made his way back to the top five, while Wells and Vikre battled for second. Vikre got the position with two to go and tried to close on McCormick. Vikre got close but at the checkers it was McCormick hanging on for the win.

Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas
8 Chuck McCormick, 72 Arden Vikre, 69 Brian Wells, 2 Jim Mokry, 60 Richard Smith, 07 Michael Dion, 86 Chris Silvas jr., 15 Dwain Groff, 30 Billy Groff, 96 Tyler Wells, 61 John Flake—DNS, 27 Butch Havelka–DNS, 85 Chris Silvas sr.–DNS

by J.M. Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Complete “Reb” report of the Texas World Dirt Track Championships at TMS

Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track capped off this years Texas World Dirt Track Championship, with the SUPR Late Models highlighting the show that included final events for the Modifieds and Limited Modifieds. Drivers competing in the Late Model portion of the show from Colorado, Alabama and Iowa raised the state total to ten for the weekend.

The Late Models would run a complete program for the $3000 to win payday, while the Modifieds an Limited Modified finished qualifying with Last Chance Qualifiers, and two Lucky Dog draws from pre-registered drivers to fill their fields for the $3000 and $2000 to win features, respectively.

Vaught Victorious in SUPR Late Model Main

They call Missouri the “Show Me” state and that’s exactly what the Crane, Mo. native, Will Vaught, did to the Late Model field. After surrendering the early lead to Chris Brown, Vaught retook the top spot and proceeded to run away from the competition. A late caution was as close as anyone got as Vaught easily rebuilt his margin in the remaining laps.

After the four-wide, flag bearing salute to the crowd, Vaught beat the pack into turn 1 as green waved on the 40-lap, 22-car main event. Doug Begnaud and Brown trailed, but not for long as Brown swept by both for the point on lap 2. Last years champion, Jack Sullivan brought out the yellow on lap 3 when rolled to a stop in turn 3. Brown got a big jump on green with Morgan Bagley making a charge on the top side to crack the top five.

Jeff Chandler looped it in turn 4 to bring out another caution on lap 4. On the restart, Brown again got away while Bagley began pressuring Bill Moyer jr. for third. A past two-time winner, Kelly Boen got by Begnaud on lap 7 for fifth. Vaught then put the heat on Brown getting along side on the back stretch. Vaught beat Brown back to the line to lead lap 10.

Moyer ducked inside Brown for second then got beside Vaught, but Vaught was able to fend off the challenge. Boen got third from Bagley on lap 14. By lap 15 Vaught had begun to inch away from Moyer. At the crossed flags Vaught had a full straightaway on Moyer, with Brown, Boen and Bagley rounding out the top five.

With the leader easily dicing through traffic, Brown, Boen and Bagley were scrapping it out as they cut in and out of slower cars. Bagley got by Boen in that fight, while Ronny Hollingsworth closed on that trio. Hollingsworth grabbed fifth from Boen on lap 30. Gary Christian stopped in turn 3 with a flat right front to bring out the final caution on lap 32 and erase Vaught’s big lead.

Vaught had an 8-car buffer on second place Moyer as green waved again, easily gapping the field. Brown got under Moyer for second on lap 34 with Moyer fading to Bagley and Hollingsworth who took third and fourth. With two to go, Vaught had rebuilt his margin to a full straight and ran unchallenged to the checkers in the Mark Martin Chevrolet, Circle M Auto Sales, Big Dog Motorsports, DW Performance, Port City Racing, Clements Race Engine, Warrior Chassis.

“It was a lot of patience,” said the young Vaught. “Chris Brown got past me and I didn’t know the outside was the place to be. When you’re leading it hard to tell without radios where the track is working. I finally moved on the outside and the car felt good. I kept the tires underneath me and got back around him.”

“We were actually going to Tennessee to race this weekend. I’ve always wanted to come down here and race and we got the chance. I’ve had friends win the cowboy hat before, so I wanted to give it a try.”

“This track drives a lot like our local tracks, so the guys from Missouri can come down here and feel comfortable. This is a new car that we ran in Volusia then took home and changed some stuff. We’ve got a good baseline set up we go everywhere with. If you choose the right tire and spring combination you’re usually pretty good.”

“I grew up around the MARS series and local Late Model at Monett and Lebanon. The last couple years we’ve branched out and run some World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil Series Late Model shows. We run all the big shows.”

SUPR Late Models

1 Will Vaught, Crane, Mo
21 Chris Brown, Cleveland
14M Morgan Bagley, Longview
18 Ronny Hollingsworth, North Port, Ala
33x Kelly Boen, Henderson, Colo
21jr Billy Moyer jr., Batesville, Ark
20 Kevin Sitton, Baytown
1B Doug Begnaud, Cypress
1S Jack Sullivan, Greenbriar, Ark
88T Wendall Wallace, Batesville, Ark
11c Jeff Chandler, Minden, La
28 Chris Holley, Martin
C8 Timothy Culp, West Monroe, La
77E Robbie Starnes, Magnolia
93 Ray Moore, Haughton, La
8 Skip Oneal, Midlothian
5J Matt Johnson, Arbie, Mo
2 Allen Murray, San Antonio
28B Wendall Bolden, Greenville
71A Allen Tippen, Minden, La
58x Gary Christian, Broken Bow, Okla
F5 Josh Danzy, Heflin, La

SUPR LCQ’s(Top 2 to A-main)

LCQ 1
8 Skip Oneal
28B Wendall Bolden
18 Bryan Sugg
17 Howard Willis
F5 Josh Danzy
69 Todd Hormel
174 John Sliney
98 Trom Tindall
99 Jeff Crane
88 Bobby Malchus
05 Cameron Wilson
10 Mike Balcaen—DNS

LCQ 2
C8 Timothy Culp
71A Allen Tippen
77E Robbie Starnes
R5 BJ Robinson
84 Tom Lorenz
17M Phil Miller
97 Eric Neal
84B Nicholas Brown
49 Scott Baxter
77B Marcus Baxter—DNS

SUPR heats(Top 16 in passing points to A-main)

Heat 1
1 Will Vaught
1B Doug Begnaud
2 Allen Murray
8 Skip Oneal
28 Chris Holly
17m Phil Miller
17 Howard Willis
69 Todd Hormel
98 Trom Tindall
10 Mike Balcaen

Heat 2
18 Ronny Hollingsworth
93 Ray Moore
21jr Billy Moyer jr
14m Morgan Bagley
88t Wendall Wallace
F5 Josh Danzy
71A Allen Tippen
49 Scott Brewer
84B Nicholas Brown

Heat 3
21 Chris Brown
33x Kelly Boen
1s Jack Sullivan
C8 Timothy Culp
84 Tom Lorenz
28B Wendall Bolden
88 Bobby Malchus
99 Jeff Crane
174 John Sliney
05 Cameron Wilson

Heat 4
11c Jeff Chandler
20 Kevin Sitton
58x Gary Christian
5J Matt Johnson
18 Bryan Sugg
97 Eric Neal
75 Patrik Daniel
77E Robbie Starnes
77B Marcus Baxter
R5 BJ Robinson

Phillips Flies to Another Big Payday and TWDTC Win

A second Missouri driver took his second TWDTC title as Terry Phillips(Springfield) led all but the first couple laps. Phillips, coming off a huge payday at the Winter Meltdown in Las Cruces, got by early leader and USMTS Southern Series points leader, John Whittington. From there it was Phillips flying through the field lapping up to ninth place on his way to backing up his 2010 win and pocketing a cool $3000.

The front row of Whittington and Clyde Dunn jr. stayed side by side into turn 1, with Whittington coming off turn 2 with the lead. Dunn, Phillips, Cody Smith and Chase Allen fell in line behind the leader. Phillips went to the top on lap 1 to get around Dunn for second and close on Whittington. Phillips and Whittington had a brief wheel to wheel battle as Phillips grabbed the point on lap 3.

Allen followed Phillips tracks on the high side getting by Smith on lap 3 for fourth, then Dunn on lap 4 for third. Smith used the low grove to get fourth from Dunn on lap 6. Behind the top five, Jason Teague and Brad Doherty were running side by side for sixth. Phillips caught lapped traffic on lap 12 with a big lead and was easily making his way when Ryan Whitworth spun on lap 17 to bring out the races only caution.

Phillips got away clean or the restart, while Allen got by Whittington for second. At the halfway mark it was Phillips edging ahead, Allen, Whittington, Dunn and Chris Henigan getting by Smith for fifth. Whittington got second back from Allen as Phillips checked out. Dunn put a slide job on Allen to take over third on lap 22. Allen continued to fall back giving up spots to Henigan, Dunn and Rodney Sanders.

Phillips was back into traffic and lapping his way through the field. In the meantime, Dunn, Smith, Sanders and Allen continued to slug it out. With five to go Phillips had nearly a half track advantage on Whittington who had a gap back to Henigan. Phillips easily ran to the victory in the Andys Frozen Custard, Don Babb Motorsports, Port City Racing, Integra Shocks, Hatfield Racing Engines, GRT Chassis.

“We got the bugs worked out of this new car,” commented Phillips. “It turned out to be pretty fast. It was a good car with a good motor. We haven’t made any big changes to our cars in several years. We just do little stuff. Once we found a good combination we haven’t messed with it much.”

“We come down to race while it’s cold up north, it just worked out that we’ve picked up two big wins on back to back weekends. I’m ready for it to warm up so we can stick around home a little bit. We’ve got big Late Model and Modified races coming up. Now we’re ready to rock and roll.”

“I’m mainly going to run Late Model stuff. We’ll be getting geared up for our MARS Series and run the Modified when we can. The ones that pay more we’ll make time for. Our Modified program is real good, we’ll get the Late Model program going and have a good year.”

Modifieds

75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo
5w John Whittington, Vidor
16 Chris Henigan, Marshall
88xxx Clyde Dunn jr., Sunnyville
18s Cody Smith, Kaufman
20 Rodney Sanders, Happy
30 Chase Allen, Midlothian
117 Jason Teague, Tahlequah, Okla
410 Brad Doherty, Ennis
12x Corey Babbitt, Channelview
707 PJ Egbert, Copperas Cove
121x Bobby Ruffin, Crandall
88xx Bobby Malchus, Red Oak
89 Steve Whiteaker jr., Corpus Christi
32 Shane Clement, Bonham
98 John Allen, Chanute, Kan
25 Craig Moss, Kennedale
1 Dee Gossett, Amarillo
8 Dennie Gieber, Jacksonville
14T Tristan Dycus, Alvarado
15j Jared Webb, McKinney
2G Kenny Gaddis, Hallsville
63 Ryan Whitworth, Humbolt, Kan
9H Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La

Modified Pole Dash

5w John Whittington
88xxx Clyde Dunn jr
75 Terry Phillips
30 Chase Allen
18s Cody Smith
117 Jason Teague
8 Dennie Gieber

Modified LCQ’s(Top 3 to A-main)

LCQ 1
2G Kenny Gaddis
2x Corey Babbitt
9H Shane Hebert
87M Justin McCoy
71 Robert Baker
86j Travis Johnson
151 Tommy Williams
781 Trevor Egbert
41 Jacob Pirkle
45t Eric Tomlinson
60 Jason Ilich
15b Tomas Blackwell
77x Shawn Greenlee
13x Brandon Byars
74 Jeremy Payne
75 Patrik Daniel

LCQ 2

121x Bobby Ruffin
410 Brad Doherty
89 Steve Whiteaker jr
23 Howard Willis
5T Randy Timms
10P Brian Parker
7 Rick Lovelady
18j Chase Junghans
12 Jim Armstrong
12p Jeff Herbers
33x Brad Pannell
22s Scott Hilburn
88H James Harper
78 Billy Jack Brutchin
15x Ryan Humphreys
12g Jeremy Green

LCQ 3

88xx Bobby Malchus
20 Rodney Sanders
98 John Allen
05 Rod Slack
14T Tristan Dycus
87K Jimmy Littlejohn
81b Cody Simpson
34N CH Nix
4R Derek Ramirez
25D Donnie Shipp
186 Jeremy Gossett
190 Shawn Stephenson
21 Jason Borlace
60B Mike Bowers
68 Brandon Watson

LCQ 4
32 Kevin Clement
63 Ryan Whotworth
1 Dee Gossett
955 Robert Metz
8j Dustin Hyde
77 GW Egbert IV
1S Ronnie Sigman
1A Allen Oliva
00x Chance Bishop
51 Micah Thompson
198 Zach Gossett
74j Jasen Hammond
36T Trent Dorman
160 William Gould
10 Kyle Schmidt
34 Mickey Lassiter

LCQ 5
16 Chris Henigan
15j Jared Webb
707 PJ Egbert
12T Tyler Townsend
66 Greg Burt
85 Thomas Tillison jr
82 Brandon Houk
18 Tim Clonch
121 David Winslett
56b Troy Taylor
25 Craig Moss
D11 David Hennan
79 Shane Campbell
311 Neal Debord
19T Tony Osborn

Jones Jousts with Whiteaker for Limited Modified title

Local driver Sean Jones(Mansfield) found himself relegated to one of the last chance qualifiers and didn’t figure on challenging for the win. But patience and persistence paid off as he caught race long leader Steve Whiteaker jr. after a caution. Jones and Whiteaker, who won the US Dirt Track Championship title in his Modified last fall, battled it out until Jones took the top spot and motored away for the win and $2000 payday.

Whiteaker beat the pack into turn 1 as the 24-car, 30-lap feature took the green. Last night’s qualifier winner Paul White fell in behind Whiteaker with Derick Grigsby and Danny Hebert in pursuit. Behind the lead quartet it was three and four wide in the pack. A two-time champ, Troy Taylor got by Jake Upchurch for fifth leaving him three wide with Rodney Sanders and Jones for sixth.

Jones emerged from that fight with the spot and then took fifth from Taylor. Jones, running up top, continued his march to the front getting beside D. Hebert on lap 7. It took several laps but Jones finally got fourth from D. Hebert on lap 12. At the midway point it was Whiteaker, White, Grigsby, Jones and D. Hebert holding the top five spots.

Jones snagged third from Grigsby on lap 17 and got to close on the leader when Michael Walker expired a motor from a yellow on lap 18. Whiteaker had a lapped car as a buffer as the green flew and Jones got along side White. Jones finally completed the pass on lap 20 with Sanders getting fifth from D. Hebert. Jones caught Whiteaker for the lead, and the fight was on.

Jones went back up top and got beside Whiteaker on lap 21. The two ran side by side as both lines were working for each driver. Jones finally eked out an advantage on lap 24, while D. Hebert, Sanders and Shane Hebert battled for fifth. Once clear Jones quickly began to stretch out his lead over Whiteaker as the Hebert brothers continued the scrap for fifth, and family bragging rights. At the checkers it was Jones in the Ameritech Automotive, Ameritech Pest Control, Craig Martin Racing, Kim Barr powered, HOT Chassis taking the big win.

I really didn’t think I had a chance,” replied Jones. “Starting that far back, with the competition that’s out there. We’ve got all these guys that run Modifieds and get in a Limited ride that are so fast. We hit the right set up and choose the right groove at the right time. This is the biggest win prestige-wise, but we won $10,000 at Cowtown before.”

“I just tried to stay smooth and go where no one else was running to pass. I was just keeping myself calmed own and my car underneath me. It was a matter of keeping the right rear in the moisture on the top to get around those guys.”

“The was a little cushion up there in (turns) 1-2 that allowed me to get along side those guys. There wasn’t really anything on top in (turns 3-4). It as just too far around and with these cars so equal on power I had to run the bottom with them.”

Limited Modifieds

94 Sean Jones, Mansfield
89 Steve Whiteaker jr., Corpus Christi
2w Paul White, Temple
69 Derick Grigsby, Marshall
9H Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La
9D Danny Hebert, Duson, La
56 Troy Taylor, Fort Worth
71K Kevin Sustaire, Emory
18 Tim Clonch, Quinlan
02x Rodney Sanders, Happy
103 JC Howell, Mabank
12m Howard Willis, Dayton
B75 Waylon Ball, El Dorado, Ark
124 Jake Upchurch, n. Richland Hills
09 Robert Elliot, Clinton, Okla
188x Doug Easterling, Rule
86j Travis Johnson, Enid, Okla
9 Kinzer Edwards, South, Okla
24 Scott Modl, Reno
241 Dennie Gieber, Jacksonville
18M Wayne Melton, Caddo Mills
34 Michael Walker, Pearland
021 Jason Gore, Seagoville
17 Tommy Davis jr., Seagoville

Limited Modified Pole Dash
89 Steve Whiteaker jr
2w Paul White
69 Derick Grigsby
124 Jake Upchurch
9D Danny Hebert
17 Tommy Davis Jr
02x Rodney Sanders

Modified LCQ’s(Top 3 to A-main)

LCQ 1
18m Wayne Melton
241 Dennie Gieber
34 Michael Walker
90 Dustin Butcher
3 Paul Vines
188 Derek Rashall
46 David Gailey
5 Steve Robinson
57 Carl Conley II
37 Daylan Reeves
D3 Logan Macy
06 Tommy Bohnstedt
114 Barry Hornbeck
95 Smiley Welborn
1H Cullen Hill
22N Nick Shenberger
10 Billy Melton–DNTG

LCQ 2
188x Doug Easterling
B75 Waylon Ball
18 Tim Clonch
7M Danny Morris
30 Joel Couvillion
21B Josh Brock
31 Michael Martin
10g Mike Goodson
83 Mike Shenberger
5c Chris Cogburn
21w Chris Wilhite
175 Anthony Boatman
02 Dillon Burks
72 Bill Burt
211 Chad Fitzgerald
84 Jay Jenkins
38 Matt Mueller—DNS

LCQ 3
09 Robert Elliot
71k Kevin Sustaire
9 Kinzer Edwards
39 Jimmy Staats
19 Kyle Slader
BK8 Brandon Kent
73 Shawn Jorski
38F Ed Fowler
21c Barry Codling
15 Craig Ridgeway
76 AJ McCollum
88 RJ Strohman
18T Terry Osburn
08 Sean Glennon
71M Terry Pritchett
K6 Joe Adams

LCQ 4
56 Troy Taylor
9H Shane Hebert
103 JC Howell
5A Joshua Beckham
1* Jason Troutman
25x Tony Staats
5 Casey Penn
22 Gene Bryce
22T Darrell Thompson
5xx Nate Gaines
561 Darin Busch
24 Scott Modl
23m Jimmy Day
75 Kyle Nelson
21x Johnie Rauschenberg
62 Randy Bohnstedt

LCQ 5
94 Sean Jones
86j Travis Johnson
12m Howard Willis
49 Chris Cleveland
711 Michael Daniels
91 Dennis Slader
85D Greg Deterding
8g Devin Gerrior
05 Ryan Bohnstedt
99 Kristi Byrd
260 Erik Thorne
77 John Jarrell jr.
561 Jimmy Criswell
23G Glen Gordy
1x Brent York

Written by J.M. Hallas
Photos courtesy of Texas Motor Speedway

Keith White, Tom Earl, Duain Pritchett winners at Icebreaker

Abilene Speedway kicked off the official IMCA racing season with the annual Icebreaker on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked, red clay track. Combined with the Icebreaker was the first race of three in the new Lone Star Series giving the southern drivers extra chances to pick up additional bonus points for national and regional points championship hunts, as well as running for a separate points fund.

Racing included heats, B-mains and an A-main for the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods, Stocks and Hobby’s, plus heats and a feature for the Jr. Mini stocks and Pure Stocks. Entries included drivers from seven states, Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado.

White takes Win One for 2011

Academy’s Keith White picked up in 2011 where he left off the previous season, in the Winners Circle. White got by local veteran Tommy Fain and Jacob Anson in the waning laps and eased away with Scotty Brown making a late charge to come home second. Anson, Andy Gage and Chase Jupe rounded out the top five.

It may have been a case of opening night jitters as green waved on the 20-car field. Gage jumped out front, but the pack stacked up behind him with Pat McGuire, John Gober, Kelly Allen and Charles Brewer tangling before completing a lap. Gage again got out front on green, but it as short lived as Jacob Anson snuck by to lead lap 2 bringing Chris Bragg along to second.

Chris Elliott went around in turn 2 to bring out a lap 3 caution. On the restart both Bragg and Monte Bolton slowed from top five spots and pulled off while caution waved for debris. Elliott and Bo Newton got together on the next try at a restart. Finally back to racing with Anson and Fain putting a gap on Gage, Shane Hiatt and White. Jupe and Brown both closed on that trio while White and Hiatt traded some paint.

Brown, using the high side, went around Jupe and Hiatt for fifth as the race neared halfway. At the crossed flags it was Anson, Fain, White, Gage and Brown holding the top five. Brown again used the top to get fourth from Gage on lap 11. Fain then began pressuring Anson for the lead getting along side on lap 13 and taking the point on lap 14. Brown caught White who now had Anson in his sights.

Newton spun on lap 15 to bring out a caution that saw White duck under both Fain and Anson on the restart to snag the top spot on lap 16. Fain hung on to White’s bumper, but got into to White who jumped a rut in turn 3. Fain rolled to a stop ending his night. Back to green Brown got past Anson for second while Jupe took fifth from Hiatt. White, in the Tracys Auto Sales, AMSOil, Extreme Graphics, Braka Operating, Tony’s Custom Carburetors, racinwithneal.com, TCI, Craftmasters, Belton Metals, Tubbs Paint & Body, Centex Motorsports, Hughes Chassis held the lead over Brown the final few laps with Anson and Gage side by side for third.

“It was a game of survival out there tonight,” said White. “You had to be able to get through the ruts. I don’t think I was he fastest car out there. There were several cars out there that were faster, but I was able to survive it at the end.”

“I just try not to use my car up early so I can be there at the end. It doesn’t always work out that way. You can kind of pick and choose what lines to run. Something you see early might come to you later. You need to be able to finish so I don’t abuse my car.”

“I think this Lone Star Series is going to help us I the national points chase.” added White who came up a few points short of a championship. “I was maxed out on wins last year and it was the bonus points that got us.”

IMCA Modifieds

1 Keith White, Academy
744 Scotty Brown, Seagoville
131 Jacob Anson, Albion, Nebr
021 Andy Gage, Whiting, Ia
303 Chase Jupe, Waco
21 Shane Hiatt, Rising City, Nebr
03 Dillon Smith, China Spring
02 David Davis, Sweetwater
28 Gabe Tucker, Carbon
9 Mark Patterson, Abilene
89 Bo Newton, Bangs
90 Tommy Fain, Abilene
19 Chris Elliott, Eastland
24 Chris Bragg Springtown
59 Kelly Allen, Sweetwater
41 Monte Bolton, Lubbock
69 Danny Hogue, Abilene
72 Charles Brewer, Abilene
91 Pat McGuire, Belton
52 John Gober, Poolville

IMCA Modified B-mains(Top 4 to A-main)

B-main 1, 52 John Gober, Poolville, Charles Brewer, Abilene, 59 Kelly Allen, Sweetwater, 303 Chase Jupe, Waco
B-main 2, 1 Keith White, Academy, 28 Gabe Tucker, Carbon, 03 Dillon Smith, China Spring, 02 David Davis, Sweetwater

IMCA Modified heats(Top 2 to A-main)

Heat 1 21 Shane Hiatt, Rising City, Nebr. 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene
Heat 2 744 Scotty Brown, Seagoville, 9 Mark Patterson, Abilene
Heat 3 90 Tommy Fain, Abilene, 89 Bo Newton, Bangs
Heat 4 41 Monte Bolton, Lubbock, 19 Chris Elliott, Eastland
Heat 5 021 Andy Gage, Whiting, Ia, 24 Chris Bragg, Springtown
Heat 6 91 Pat McGuire, Belton, 131 Jacob Anson, Albion, Nebr.

Earl Edges Easterling for Sportmod Win

Tom Earl jr.(Haslet) got the point early in the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod main from Steve Hayes. Earl and Hayes looked to run away and decide things among themselves until the final laps. Doug Easterling, running the top, made a mad dash as the race wound down coming a bit short as Earl out ran him to the line for the victory.

Hayes grabbed the early lead in the 20-car main followed by Jeff Kinniard, Todd Bartlett and Earl. Brad Shirley, Robert Speck, Justin Shaw and Easterling found themselves in a melee to bring out an early caution. The restart stacked up with Shaw, Speck and Shirley again getting tangled. Once back to racing Earl was able to get by Kinniard and Bartlett for second while Cody Frank grabbed fourth.

Frank then took third from Kinniard with Shane Priddy moving by Bartlett for fifth. Earl got along side Hayes for the lead just as yellow waved for debris in turn 2. On the restart Earl went low on Hayes to get the lead on lap 6, while Priddy and Kinniard were side by side for fourth and Bradley Poor came out of a three wide scrap with sixth.

Poor continued his march forward getting spots from Kinniard and Priddy. At halfway it was Earl, Hayes, Frank, Poor and Kinniard in the top five. David Elliott got turned around by Jesse Sobbing to bring a caution. Earl got away clean on the restart with Hayes still pursuit as they eased ahead of Frank, Poor, Easterling and Priddy.

Kinniard spun out of the top five, but kept going and caught a break when Elliott looped it the same lap and brought out a caution. Earl and Hayes again snuck ahead, with Poor and Easterling side by side for fourth. With two to go Easterling used the top to pass Poor and Frank. On the last lap Easterling got by Hayes and to Earl’s bumper. At the line it was Earl in the Big Jim Racing, North Texas Carpet Care, Performance Transmissions, MobsterbizRadio.com, Reliable Home Service, WCH Engines, Big Chief Chassis holding on for the win.

“I was just holding on out there,” said Earl. “It was kind of rough out there. I just tried to go in straight, stay out of the ruts and come off straight. I just went out and found the line that worked best for me. My car would work on top or bottom. I passed Steve Hayes on the top, but had the caution come out. Then on the restart I used the bottom to get the lead. The car was set up just like it is every weekend at Kennedale or Boyd.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

46 Tom Earl jr., Haslet
88 Doug Easterling, Rule
95 Steve Hayes,Eastland
71 Cody Frank, Lorena
48 Bradley Poor, Abilene
07 Jeff Kinniard, Mansfield
38 Matt Mueller, Stamford
4 Kenneth Graves, Tahoka
12 Gary Fox, Haslet
766 Shane Priddy, Abilene
59 Chad Hertel, Shallowater
690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene
97 Julie Boettler, Farmington, NM
19 David Elliott, Eastland
44 Jeff Turner, Seagoville
99 Jesse Sobbing, Glenwood, Ia
55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater
00 Brad Shirley, Springtown
8 Robert Speck, Abilene
511 Cory Williams, Slaton

IMCA Southern Sportmod B-mains(Top to A-main)

B-main 1, 12 Gary Fox, Haslet, 44 Jeff Turner, Seagoville, 00 Brad Shirley, Springtown, 8 Robert Speck, Abilene
B-main 2, 88 Doug Easterling, Rule, 4 Kenneth Graves, Tahoka, 59 Chad Hertel, Shallowater, 55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater

IMCA Southern Sportmod heats(Top 2 to A-main)

Heat 1 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, 95 Steve Hayes, Eastland
Heat 2 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, 07 Jeff Kinniard, Mansfield
Heat 3 46 Tom Earl jr, Haslet, 19 David Elliott, Eastland
Heat 4 38 Matt Mueller, Stamford, 511 Cory Williams, Slaton
Heat 5 766 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 99 Jesse Sobbing, Glenwood, Ia
Heat 6 97 Julie Boettler, Farmington, NM, 71 Cody Frank, Lorena

Pritchett earns I-Stock Payday

Former IMCA Stock Car National champion Duain Pritchett (Combine) showed his winning form in the IMCA Stock Car 20-lap main. Pritchett used a bobble by early leader Cory Davis to get the lead. Pritchett then battled with long time rival Jeff Turner and Keith White, debuting his new ride, in the final laps for the hard earned win.

Davis snagged the top spot as the 19-car feature took the green with Billy Wade and Pritchett in tow. Pritchett got by Wade for second on lap 2, with Jesse Taylor getting third from Wade on lap 3. Don Killen was next to put Wade back a spot followed by Turner, leaving Wade door to door with Shane Priddy. Turner then picked off Killen and Taylor for third. Davis made a mistake on lap 5 with Pritchett seizing the opportunity to get the lead on lap 6.

The top five put some distance on White, Jason Batt and Joe Colyer who were slugging it out for sixth. At the midpoint it was Pritchett, Davis, Turner. Killen and Taylor. A bumper in turn 3 brought out the yellow on lap 12. On the restart Davis took a peek low on Pritchett, with White now trying high on Killen for fifth. Turner was able to get under Davis on lap 13 to take over second.

With the top three now nose to tail White got past Taylor for fourth then caught Davis for third. White looked up top on Turner as the white flag waved with Taylor and Killen battling with Davis. Pritchett, driving the Arte & Sons Paint & Body, Extreme Graphics, Brads Transmissions, Centex Motorsports, Grumpy Built Chassis held a slight margin on Turner and White as the checkers waved.

“Cory(Davis) hit a rut and left me enough room to get under him,” replied Pritchett. “It was pretty easy after that just riding around. I was pushing it as hard as I could. I didn’t know where Keith White and Jeff Turner were. I knew they would be coming. I didn’t know if it would be from the top or the bottom so I was giving it everything I had.”

“I think this 1 car(White) is going to give Jeff and I a run for the points this year. We’ll be at Boyd and Kennedale Friday and Saturday night. It will be a real dog fight every night. But we’ll be alright.”

IMCA Stock Cars

221 Duain Pritchett, Combine
144 Jeff Turner, Seagoville
10 Keith White, Academy
05 Jesse Taylor, Fort Morgan, Colo
15 Don Killen, Des Moines, Ia
771 Shane Priddy, Abilene
28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM
18 David Phillips, Abilene
117 Joe Colyer, Abilene
156 Jason Adcock, San Angelo
91 Jason Batt, Harker Heights
19 Michael Sheen, Lamesa
22 Billy Wade, San Angelo
03 Doug Kennemer, Boyd
50 Terry Wojtek, Sterling City
45 Mike Kennedy, Cheyenne Wells, Colo
14 Mike Johnston, Des Moines
20 Perry Misner, Garden City, Kan
64 Cary White, Lamesa
58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock—DNS

IMCA Stock Car B-mains(Top 4 to A-main)

B-main 1, 156 Jason Adcock, San Angelo, 58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock, 14 Mike Johnston, Des Moines, 50 Terry Wojtek, Sterling City
B-main 2, 18 David Phillips, Abilene, 117 Joe Colyer, Abilene, 19 Michael Sheen, Lamesa, 03 Doug Kennemer, Boyd

IMCA Stock Cars(Top 2 to A-main)

Heat 1 221 Duain Pritchett, 05 Jesse Taylor, Fort Morgan, Colo
Heat 2 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 45 Mike Kennedy, Cheyenne Wells, Colo
Heat 3 28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM, 64 Cary White, Lamesa
Heat 4 771 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 15 Don Killen, Des Moines, Ia
Heat 5 10 Keith White, Academy, 91 Jason Batt, Harker Heights
Heat 6 144 Jeff Turner, Seagoville, 20 Perry Misner, Garden City, Kan

Bissonette Best in Hobby Stocks

Stephenville’s David Bissonette chased early leader John Watson until he found an opening just past halfway. The defending Hobby Stock Southern Region Champion then held off a pack of northern invaders easing out to comfortable lead the final circuits to grab the victory. The win came after a pre-heat race motor change.

A big stack up in turn 1 slowed the start of the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. When green finally waved Watson jumped out front with Bissonette on his tail while Adam Armstrong and Jeff Kinniard fell in line third and fourth. Watson and Bissonette swapped a little paint and played a game of bumper tag until yellow waved for an infield tire on the track.

The top seven broke away once racing resumed until Kinniard suffered a flat forcing him to pit. Bissonette gave Watson a try on the high side during lap 6, but fell back in line. Behind the lead duo Nyle Godwin took third from Armstrong on lap 7 as Ronnie Gregory and Shawn Slezak ran side by side for 2 laps. At halfway it was Watson, Bissonette, Godwin, Armstrong and Slezak in the top five.

Bissonette got along side and by Watson on lap 11 for the lead. Watson then spun, kept it fired and fell back to eighth. Watson then ended up on an infield tire for a lap 14 caution. Bissonette eased ahead on green while Godwin and Slezak battled for third. Bissonette took the white flag with a small lead and ran unchallenged to the checkers in the Big Jims Racing, AVDI, Stephenville Starter & Electric, Ace Tire Service, Bobs Custom Paint, Wilson Tire Company, AMS Race Engines, Terminator Chassis.

“I was working on (John) Watson as hard as I could,” commented Bissonette. “I just need a break to get by him. I really haven’t found anything different to keep up with the north guys. The thing that made the difference was all these guys helping me change out a motor before the heat race. Bryan Sewell, Jeff Turner the Mims brothers, Josh Whaley, Clint Newell and Malone. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to race tonight. That was the big thing.”

IMCA Hobby Stocks

85 David Bissonette, Stephenville
6 Adam Armstrong, Beatrice, Nebr
11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia
35 Shawn Slezak, Milligan, Nebr
38 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth
72 Ronnie Gregory, Cross Plains
33 Charles Cosper, Belton
827 Chris Mims, Dublin
177 Tobie Talk, Hawley
44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville
77 Keith Dragoo, Lincoln, Nebr
20 Jeremy Auten, Clarinda, Ia
10 Ryan Gilland, Beatrice, Nebr
27 Chase Parsons, Abilene
99 John Watson, Des Moines, Ia
63 Andy Roller, Waco
07 Jeff Kinniard, Mansfield
98 Rick Barrett, Joshua
127 Cory Adams, Des Moines
96 Jamie Songer, Waukee, Ia

IMCA Hobby Stock B-main(Top 4 to A-main)

B-main 1, 20 Jeremy Auten, Clarinda, Ia, 38 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth, 827 Chris Mims, Dublin, 63 Andy Roller, Waco
B-main 2, 33 Charles Cosper, Belton, 127 Cory Adams, Des Moines, 44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville, 10 Ryan Gilland, Beatrice, Nebr

IMCA Hobby Stock heat(Top 3 to A-main)

Heat 1 07 Jeff Kinniard, Mansfield, 27 Chase Parson, Abilene, 177 Tobie Talk, Hawley
Heat 2 99 John Watson, Des Moines, Ia, 11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia, 77 Keith Dragoo, Lincoln, Nebr
Heat 3 85 David Bissonette, Stephenville, 6 Adam Armstrong, Beatrice, Nebr, 72 Ronnie Gregory, Crosslains
Heat 4 35 Shawn Slezak, Milligan, Nebr, 96 Jamie Songer, Waukee, Ia, 98 Rick Barrett, Joshua

Pure Stocks

98 Jonathon Wright, Clyde
13 Junior

Pure Stock heat

13 Junior
98 Jonathon Wright, Clyde

Jr Mini Stocks

86 Casey Carnes, Malvern, Ia
3 Colin Deming, Hobbs, NM
12 Calton Pritchett, Forney
00 Jesney Reagan

Jr. Mini Stock Heat winner; 3 Colin Deming, Hobbs, NM

By J.M. Hallas
Photos by JB Hotshots

Steve Whiteaker, Jr, tops strong Modified field at US National Dirt Track Championships at TMS Dirt Track

Corpus Christi, Texas, young gun, Steve Whiteaker, Jr, ran the race of his life on his way to taking the Modified A-main win at the US National Dirt Track Championships at Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track in Dallas on Saturday.

Whiteaker got by early-leader Patrick Daniel on the sixth lap and after halfway battled tooth-and-nail with Colby Smith who edged ahead for a lap, ran-side-by side and threw everything at Whiteaker but the kitchen sink. However, Whiteaker was able to hold off the determined Smith’s charges to gab the $3,000 win.

Smith got his bumper in front of Whiteaker on lap 32, but Whiteaker fought back on the top to retake the lead on lap 33. The two stayed side-by-side bouncing through the ruts in turns 3-4 with Whiteaker even kissing the back stretch wall. As the lead duo slugged it out, Bobby Malchus closed in on both. Whiteaker got nearly sideways in turns 3-4 on lap 36, but Malchus looped it behind him to bring out the caution flag.

On the restart Smith stayed with Whiteaker but at the finish Whiteaker was able to hold off Smith in Jana Schurry/Remax Realty, WW Bodies, Showtime Signs, TRoberts Optical, Mullins Race Engines, Hughes Chassis.

“I had to drive the heck out of it,” Whiteaker said. “I almost lost it a couple times and bounced it off the wall. It’s was just one of those deals that you had to go. The track was kind of rough, my air cleaner flew off, but all in all it’s awesome. I’m still letting sink in. We did it. The Hebert bunch helped me a lot to make some adjustments and go the right way.”

“This is my first Modified race in about three months since Fountain City, Wisconsin. I was kind of nervous. These guys race every week and I’ve been out of the seat running my Limited Modified. I just figured I’d come here and get some seat time for the Fall Jamboree next week. Everything came together. We were fast right out of the box.”

“I found there was some moisture around the top. You had to drive it into turn 1 until you saw God before you lifted. In turns 3-4 you tried to enter in a smooth spot, but there was no telling where you’d come out. I think the top of turns 1-2 is what won me the race. It was faster than the bottom if you hit it right.”

“Colby(Smith) pressed me hard. He gave me a run for the money, that’s for sure. He gave me way more room than I gave him. I appreciated that a lot. I think we only touched once. I tried to crowd him down and I really appreciate him racing me clean.”

“I have to thank my biggest sponsor and hero, my Dad, my crew chief Dustin (Butcher) who couldn’t be here and my wife who’s going to have our baby.

Results

1. 189 Steve Whiteaker, Jr, Corpus Christi
2. 01 Colby Smith, Grenville
3. 15 Tristan Dycus, Alvarado
4. 12 Johnny Bone, Jr, Pea Ridge, Arkansas
5. 57 Jason Armstrong, Marshall
6. 410 Brad Doherty, Ennis
7. 5r Morgan Bagley, Ft. Worth
8. 32 Kevin Clement, Bonham
9. 10 George White, Ft. Worth
10. F22 Derek Perkins, Oakdale, Louisiana
11. 12T Tyler Townsend, Longview
12. 753 Jack Franklin, Royce City
13. 88x Bobby Malchus, Red Oak
14. 12D Scott Drake, Webb City, Missouri
15. 111 Bumper Jones, Mesilla Park, New Mexico
16. 66x Mike Dillard, Allen
17. 17p Travis Penrod, Davis, Oklahoma
18. 16 Chris Henigan, Marshall
19. 15x Jared Webb, McKinney
20. 2s Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, New Mexico
21. 51 Brett Frazier, Haughton, Louisiana
22. 121E Bobby Ruffin, Crandall
23. 75 Patrick Daniel, Wills Point
24. 18 Tim Clonch, Quinlan

by J.M. Hallas

Cool Kulhanek takes ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Regional Shootout at Heart O’ Texas Speedway

Former Gulf South Region Champion Ray Allen Kulhanek grabbed the lead early and led every lap on his way to victory at Heart o’ Texas Speedway in Elm Mott, Texas, but it wasn’t easy.

Traffic was almost the equalizer as the 2005 champ got slowed by slower cars allowing four-time National Champion Gary Wright and Skip Wilson to close in. Wright and Wilson began their own battle giving Kulhanek some breathing room at the finish.

As green waved on the 20-car, 25-lap ASCS Gulf South vs. Lone Star Regional shootout, Claud Estes beat Kulhanek into turn 1, but Kulhanek drew back even as they crossed the line side-by-side. Kulhanek secured the spot on lap 2 with Estes, 15-year old Joshua Hodges, Kolt Walker and Preston Peebles in tow.

Chad Wilson brought out a quick caution when he broke and rolled to a stop in turn 4.

On the restart Kulhanek got away clean, while Peebles and Walker battled side by side for fourth with Wright alongside Skip Wilson for sixth. Wright got the spot from Wilson on lap 3 as Kulhanek began to ease away from the field.

Michael Lang and Eric Baldacinni tangled in turn 1 sending Lang around for a caution on lap 5. Baldacinni pitted but didn’t make the call for the restart, ending his night.

Skip Wilson got a good run up top as the race resumed, picking off spots from Wright and Walker. Andy Shouse did a 360 scattering the pack with Justin Melton coming up lame with a flat right rear on lap 11.

Wilson again used the restart to grab another spot taking third from Hodges, while Wright got by Walker for fifth and beside Hodges. Up front Kulhanek again was easing away as Wright snagged fourth from Hodges.

At halfway it was Kulhanek, Estes, S. Wilson, Wright and Hodges in the top five. As Kulhanek ran up on the back of the pack, Skip Wilson closed on Estes for second and took the spot on lap 15 bringing Wright along to third. Wilson and Wright went wheel-to-wheel for the second spot on lap 18, with Wright finally getting the position on lap 20. Kulhanek again got hung up behind slower cars allowing Wright and Wilson to close the gap.

With five to go the top three were nose-to-tail and trying to dice through traffic at the same time. Wilson was able to retake second from Wright with two to go while Kulhanek broke free of slower cars. From there the young Houston area driver was able to keep S. Wilson and Wright at bay in the David and Beverly Miller, Smileys Racing Products, Penske Shocks, Hoosier Tires Southwest, Miller RV Park, TNT Custom Golf Carts, Highway 105 Machine Shop, J&J Chassis

“All our hard work paid off, both in the shop and in the pits,” Kulhanek said after the race. “All the races are won there getting the car prepared. We got the job done and we’re just going to keep plugging away and try to pick up another win tomorrow night. To be out here running against this many cars and getting a win, plus beating Gary Wright is just icing on the cake. He was someone I looked up to growing up as a kid.”

“I could hear them back there when I got in traffic. I was pretty much just racing the track as I tried to pick my way through. I was trying to look far enough ahead to know where everybody was going. Everyone was bouncing around on the track and it was hard to know where they were going. I just picked one off at a time and was lucky enough to get through better than anyone else.”

“I ran where the car felt the best and play a little defense at the same time. It was one of those where I had track position more than what lines to run. I knew no one could come off the bottom of (turn) 4 quite as good the top. So I just kept my momentum up there.”

“It’s tough chasing a points championship in this series. Back in 2005 when I won everyone was more just getting into ASCS. It’s a lot, a lot of work throughout the week. Everyone working together at the race track. It’s a lot of luck also.”

ASCS Sprint Cars
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, Magnolia
65 Skip Wilson, Mesquite
9x Gary Wright, Hooks
74E Claud Estes, Godley
45k Kolt Walker, Graham
0c Preston Peebles, Lubbock
74x Joshua Hodges, Tijeras N.M.
85 Tommy Bryant, Garland
30 Brandon Corn, Gause
45x Martin Edwards, Mesquite
31 Brandon Berryman, Missouri City
93 Chris Sweeney, Humble
11 Justin Melton, Flower Mound
51s Beau Smith, Texas City
79 Charlie McDonald,
27 Andy Shouse, Okla. City, Okla.
4 Eric Baldacinni, Keller
14 Michael Lang, Mesquite
20 Chad Wilson, N. Richland Hills
8 Bruce Crockett, Porter

ASCS Sprint Car B-mains(Top 3 to A-main)
B-main #1
11 Justin Melton
31 Brandon Berryman
8 Bruce Crockett
3 Gary Watson
25 Brian McClelland
12 Logan Bledsoe
69 Larry Howery
19 Klint Angelette
77 Colt Treharn
87 Aaron Reutzal
7w Dustin Welch
17 Bruce Griffith jr.—DNS
36 John Pate—DNS
71t Shane Thompson—DNS

B-main #2
4 Eric Baldacinni
85 Tommy Bryant
30 Brandon Corn
76 John Ricketts
15t Travis Elliott
88 Scottie McDonald
51w Wes Miller
5c Chris Coker
24 Brandi Jass
1R Scott Reneau
30x Bean Elliott
67 Rodney Henderson
26 Dalton Stead
28 James Cooper—DNS

ASCS Sprint Car heats(Winners + top 8 in passing points)
Heat #1
74x Joshua Hodges
79 Charlie McDonald
27 Andy Shouse
76 John Ricketts
9 Larry Howery
87 Aaron Reutzal
7w Dustin Welch

Heat #2
9x Gary Wright
51s Beau Smith
30 Brandon Corn
20 Chad Wilson
25 Brian McClelland
26 Dalton Steed
88 Scottie McDonald

Heat #3
45x Martin Edwards
65 Skip Wilson
0c Preston Peebles
12 Logan Bledsoe
30x Bean Elliott
17 Bruce Griffith
5c Chris Coker

Heat #4
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek
74E Claud Estes
14 Michael Lang
1R Scott Reneau
67 Rodney Hederson
28 James Cooper–DNS
15t Travis Elliott—DNS

Heat #5
45k Kolt Walker
85 Tmmy Bryant
11 Justin Melton
8 Bruce Crockett
51w Wes Miller
19 Klint Angelette
36 John Pate—DNS

Heat #6
93 Chris Sweeney
3 Gary Watson
31 Brandon Berryman
4 Eric Baldacinni
77 Colt Treharn
24 Brandi Jass
71T Shane Thompson

by JM Hallas
Photo by Tim Aylwin

Mike McCarthy on a Mission - Wins Modified Main at I-37 Speedway

Coming back from early early adversity, Round Rock’s Mike McCarthy made a last lap pass to steal the victory IMCA Modified feature from last week’s winner, Rick Green. McCarthy got out front early but was forced to pit from the lead when a shock broke. McCarthy fought his way back to the front to battle with Green. When Green had his own troubles in the final laps, McCarthy snuck by coming to the white flag and held on for the win.

As the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event roared to life, McCarthy got a good jump from the pole to lead them into turn 1 with Bill Pittaway, Rick Green and Matt Fox three wide. Before completing lap 1 Marlin Sanford went around to bring about a complete restart. McCarthy again got out front with Fox and Green side by side for second. Green got the spot on lap 1, while Darin Leonard went by Sanford for fifth.

Robert Liese jr. was next to put Fox back a spot on lap 2 with Fox spinning and collecting Pittaway and Joe Spillman. Under caution McCarthy pulled off with a broken shock to the hot pit handing the lead Green on the lap 3 restart. Once back to green Leonard got past Liese for second, while McCarthy charged back into the top five. Fox looped it again on lap 4 to bring out a caution.

Once back to green McCarthy blasted past Sanford for fourth then Liese for third. Pittaway followed to fifth. A caution for debris on lap 6 saved Spillman who got tagged and spun on the front stretch. Leonard took a look low inside Green as green waved again, but fell back in line as the top three got away clean. Pittaway was able to take fourth from Sanford. At the crossed flags it was Green, Leonard, McCarthy, Pittaway and Sanford.

After a caution for a stalled car, Green got a four car length advantage on the restart but McCarthy quickly closed back in. As the top four eased away Sanford, Spillman and Joe O’Bryan scrapped it out for fifth until O’Bryan went around on lap 16.

The top three broke away on the green with Leonard looking to get back under McCarthy for second. Spillman got inside and by Sanford for fifth, but spun off turn 2 and collected Sanford for a lap 18 caution.

As the racing resumed McCarthy got along side Green with the two wheel to wheel on the back stretch. Green held on to the point until lap 18 when he slipped high in turn 4. McCarthy seized the opportunity and slipped by to lead as the white flag waved. McCarthy in the Superior Race Fuels, Spillman Excavating, BG Mesa, BC Repairs, Quality Engine Exchange, Edge Chassis eased away to take the checkers.

“I was on a mission tonight,” McCarthy said after the race. “I really wanted to get a win tonight. I was driving it hard. This is my first win here since 2005.”

“I had a shock that broke in the heat race but didn’t know it. It started flopping around in the feature so I pulled off and got it off. I ran the entire race without a left rear shock.”

“Rick’s(Green) car had some brake problem and he slipped up and I got under him. I think the most important thing is to race people clean, and that’s what I try to do. No matter who it is. I didn’t have an opening until he broke. I don’t know if I was fast enough to get by him.”

IMCA Modified resuls

1. 20 Mike McCarthy
2. 82 Rick Green
3. 26 Darin Leonard
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 67 Robert Liese jr
6. 44x Joe O’Bryan
7. 44s Joe Spillman
8. 17 Cody Tidwell
9. c31 Marlin Sanford
10. 53 Matt Fox
11. 24 Tracy Fink—DNS

IMCA Modified winners were Bill Pittaway and Mike McCarthy

Johnny Torres Tops in Sportmod Scramble

Even a dismal heat race finish didn’t bother Johnny Torres, who would start the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature dead last. Torres quickly worked his way forward running in the top five by halfway. Torres moved in on early leader and defending class champion, Mark McGahey after a restart. Ducking inside on lap 12 Torres got past McGahey to lead lap 13. From there Torres increased his margin over McGahey easily cruising to his first checkers of the season.

“I just drove as hard as I could,” commented Torres who started 13th in the 24/7 Towing, Douglas Glass, Ace Transmissions, Spreen Racing Engines, Stealth Racing Chassis SportMod. “It seemed like I passed some guys three time getting up there. It was worth it at the end. The cushion was working pretty good. It started out a little heavy, but as it went along it dried out and I got faster.”

“I’m pretty good at starting near the back. I can’t remember the last time I started up front so it was like a normal race. That’s why I was comfortable back there. I feel good racing side by side with all these guys. We’ve been racing together for a long time.”

“I’m not worried about points. I’ll just try to win as many as I can and see how it all works out.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod results

1. 66 Johnny Torres
2. 92 Jason Stanley
3. D9 Ray Doyon III
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 88 Mark McGahey
6. 51 Greg Rohmer
7. 18 Larry Jernigan
8. 11 Chris McLendon
9. 89 Doug Livingston
10. 09 David Routen
11. 4 Robby Minten
12. 00 Leland Frautchi
13. 66y Randy Yount

IMCA SSM heat winners: Doug Livingston and Larry Jernigan

With the Limited Late Models and Street Stocks both having short fields, they ran their features together, but scored separately. As green waved Barry Major got the lead of the Limited Late Models, while Dennis Jasik took the Street Stock point. Kelly Hardage got out of shape and body slammed Jasik in turn 2 ending both of their nights early. Once back to green, Major grabbed the top spot again with AJ Wernette leading the Street Stocks.

Wesley Skains, who took a wild ride in the heat race, brought out the yellow on lap 2 when he half spun and stalled. As racing resumed Major eased away from Richard Bartosh and Gary Hunter, as Skains worked his way back up. Skains got by Hunter then Bartosh and chased down Major for the lead on lap 9. Skains lost ground after going to high in turn 2 then went over the turn 2 hill, but not as far as the trees on this adventure.

Major again inched away from Bartosh and Hunter, while Wade Jones was waiting patiently behind Wernette in the Street Stock battle. Jones got around Wernette on the final circuit to take the Street Stock while Major scored his first victory in Limited Late Models.

Tator Plumbing Limited Late Models

1. 33 Barry Major
2. 7 Richard Bartosh
3. 14 Gary Hunter
4. 25 Wesley Skains
5. 18 Shane Moore
6. 12 Kelly Hardage

Limited Late Model heat winner Barry Major

Street Stocks
1. 41 Wade Jones
2. 37 AJ Wernette
3. 8 Dennis Jasik
4. 40 Mike Lyon—DNS

Street Stock heat winner Wade Jones

Jason Smith beat Brandy Ramzinski into turn 1 to get the point in the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature. Freddie Geirisch got by Ramzinski for second and caught Smith for lead on lap. Marc Roy and Sonny Jones both got past Ramzinski for third and fourth until Roy slipped off turn 2 giving third to Jones. Geirisch and Smith were door to door for the lead on lap 3, while Roy got third back from Jones. Geirisch was able sneak by Smith for the top spot on lap 4.

Roy took second from Smith on lap 4 while Jones snagged third on lap 6. The lead duo of Geirisch and Roy were catching the back of the pack when Anna Major got turned around to bring out a caution on lap 8. Once back to green, Geirisch inched ahead while Roy and Jones swapped second. Behind them Patrick White, Frank Okruhlik and Sean Terry had their own scramble going on for fifth.

Rick Snyder and JW tangled on lap 10 with Major ending up stuck on an infield tire. On the restart Jones ducked low on Geirisch getting along side on the back stretch. Jones got the bumper out front on lap 11 as the two continued to run side by side. Jones slipped high with Geirisch retaking the lead on lap 12 and Roy sneaking past for second. Roy had just started to pressure Geirisch for the lead when yellow waved for James Watson who took his Pure Stock truck four-wheeling of turn 2.

As green waved again Geirisch, Roy and Jones broke away from another three car battle between Ramzinski, Okruhlik and Terry for fourth. Terry got around Okruhlik for fifth on lap 16. With two to go Roy was on Geirisch’s bumper and Jones was lurking three car lengths back. Geirisch was able to hold off the defending track champ Roy on the final lap, with Terry getting by Ramzinski and White going past Okruhlik.

Pure Stocks
1. 19 Freddie Geirisch
2. 24 Marc Roy
3. 555 Sonny Jones
4. 23 Sean Terry
5. 88 Brandy Ramzinski
6. 17 Patrick White
7. 99 Frank Okruhlik
8. 72 Gilbert Amezquita
9. 4 Brandon Eure
10. 9 Jarret Payton
11. 66c Rick Snyder
12. 77 Ray Radicke
13. 43 Eric Watson
14. 44 James Watson
15. 80 JW
16. 33 Anna Major
17. 02 Philip Haywood
18. 13 Jason Smith
19. 15 William Cavender—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners Freddie Geirisch and Marc Roy and Patrick White

With a couple generous contributions from Tator(Mason) Plumbing and Pure Stock driver, Jason Smith the Front Runners has more than just glory and a trophy on the line for their 15-lap, 13-car feature. At the start Chad Thrush and Nick Hencey stayed side by side until Charlie Earnhardt III squirted through the middle to get the lead on lap 1. Hencey, Roy Easler, Thrush and Cameron Smith fell in line behind Earnhardt.

Easler spun himself out of third on lap 2, with James Sanford getting by Smith for fifth. Easler couldn’t clear the edge of the track bringing out a caution on lap 3. On green, Earnhardt and Hencey put some distance on the third place fight. Sanford did a half spin on lap 5 giving up fifth to Steven Stanley. By halfway Earnhardt was pulling ahead of Hencey, while Alec Jasik got by Thrush for third.

Sanford had just taken fifth back from Stanley when red waved for Jasik who ended up on his roof after rolling 1 ½ times in between turns 1-2. Jasik was able to crawl out a little shaken, but otherwise uninjured. When the field was shown the green again Hencey got a good jump getting by Earnhardt in turn 1. Earnhardt fought back in turn 2 to retake the top spot. The top three ran nose to tail in the final laps, but no one could get by the Earnhardt who took his second win on the year.

Front Runners
1. 33 Charlie Earnhardt III
2. 911 Nick Hencey
3. 35 James Sanford
4. T-30 Chad Thrush
5. 20 Brent Bouchillion
6. 96 Steven Stanley
7. 66c Cindy Snider
8. 98 Amber Clay
9. 113 Hailee Marcx
10. 67 Kathy Williams
11. 8jr Alec Jasik—flipped
12. 12 Roy Easler
13. 13 Cameron Smith

Front Runner heat winners Charlie Earnhardt III and Nick Hencey

By J.M. Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

Rick Green, Doug Livingston take top honors at I-37 Speedway

I-37 Raceway celebrated the Easter weekend Saturday night with several attractions including Ryan Newman’s Tornados-sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup car, dozens of goody bags given away to the kids during intermission and a couple of new winners in the top two divisions on the semi-banked, ¼-mile clay oval.

Liberty Hill’s Rick Green put an end the early streak of Greg Dinsmore in the IMCA Modified class. Green got out front early, but gave way to Mike McCarthy on a botched restart. Green got the top spot back after McCarthy and Dinsmore got together while fighting for the lead. From there Green pulled away from Darin Leonard to take the checkers.

As green waved on the 20-lap main event Green shot from row 2 for the lead with Leonard and Dinsmore moving up to second and third. McCarthy, Matt Fox and Bob Lienweber were three wide for fourth, with McCarthy getting the position. Dinsmore got by Leonard for second on lap 2 with both coming away with sheet metal damage.

Dinsmore had just started working on Green for lead when Marlin Sanford, Fox and Robert Liese jr. tangled in turn 4 to bring out a yellow. Under caution Dinsmore was sent to the pits to remove loose body panels and restarted at the tail. Once back to green Dinsmore shed more parts, while Cody Tidwell, in his first ever Modified ride, spun in turn 1.

On the next restart, McCarthy got past Leonard and Green for the lead after a mistake in the flagstand with the lights. Bill Pittaway moved in to battle with Green for second as they ran side by side, while Dinsmore worked his way back to fifth. Lap 7 saw Dinsmore get under Leonard, then Pittaway for third until he spun to bring out a caution.

Once back to racing Dinsmore got along side Green for second in turn 2 then by in turn 4. Dinsmore closed on McCarthy and was looking inside on lap 9 when the two made contact sending McCarthy around. Both McCarthy and Dinsmore were forced to pit with flats, putting Green back on the point. Leonard gave Green a quick look low in turn 1, but Tidwell looped his ride to bring the yellow back out.

Green got a good jump on the final restart and coming to the crossed flags it was Green, Leonard, Pittaway, Lienweber and Liese in the top five. Green then put some distance on Leonard and Pittaway while Tidwell made his way past Liese for fifth. Greens biggest scare came on lap 16 when Liese did a 360 in turn 4 directly in front the leader. Green, in the Green Construction, Qwik/Green Chassis continued to increase his lead on the final circuits to grab the victory.

“Surprisingly, the motor laying down the final laps helped me,” replied Green. “That’s when I started pulling away. I like coming down here to run at an IMCA track. It makes the competition a little more even and there’s not as much cheating going on.”

“The track was pretty good tonight. It was dry slick from the low to middle groove, then up top there was a little cushion. The flagman came up and apologized for the one restart saying it was his mistake with the lights.”

“This started out as a Qwik Chassis but over the winter I completely cut it up and redid it. My brother, Randy, and I primarily build the motors.”

IMCA Modifieds results
82 Rick Green
26 Darin Leonard
37 Bill Pittaway
12 Bob Lienweber
17 Cody Tidwell
53x Matt Fox
67 Robert Liese jr
20 Mike McCarthy
8g Greg Dinsmore
c31 Marlin Sanford
24 Tracy Fink

IMCA Modified heat winners: Darin Leonard and Greg Dinsmore

When the checkers waved on the 20-lap IMCA Southern SportMod main, San Antonio’s Doug Livingston found himself in a somewhat unfamiliar place, the Winners Circle. Livingston, shopmate of last years track champ, Mark McGahey got by early leader David Routen and never looked back taking his first ever IMCA SSM victory in the Douglas Glass, Struthoff Company, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Mark Warner powered, Smiley’s Chassis

At the start of the 12-car feature Routen beat Clark Warren out of turn 2 for the lead. Livingston then got by Warren for second and began working on Routen for the lead. Routen and Livingston were side by side, with Ray Doyon III getting by Warren for third when the race’s only caution came out on lap 2 for a spin by Leland Frautchi in turn 2. Livingston ducked low on Routen and got the top spot on lap 3, with Doyon re-passing Warren for third.

Johnny Torres was next to put Warren back a spot taking fourth on lap 3. Doyon moved into second going by Routen on lap 4. Torres then closed in on Routen taking third on lap 5. Robby Minten was next in line to pass Routen leaving him three wide with Bill Pittaway and Jason Stanley for fifth. Pittaway did a small lap in the infield after spinning on the back stretch giving fifth to Stanley.

At halfway the top five were Livingston, Doyon, Torres, Minten and Stanley, with Torres pressuring Doyon for the spot. Torres got by Doyon on lap 12, but Livingston was nearly a full straightaway ahead. Livingston caught the back of the pack on lap 14 and cleared traffic without giving up any ground to Torres. Stanley worked his way past Minten for fourth in the waning laps. Up front it was Livingston easily cruising to his inaugural Sportmod win.

“It was a lot of luck out there tonight,” commented Livingston on his first win. “The track and the car were just right. It would go anywhere I wanted it to go. This is my first ever feature win anywhere. I’ve won some heat races, but this is my biggest win.”

“Mark(McGahey) and I don’t really talk much about our different set-ups. Johnny(Torres) helps me out. We talked today about it. I just do what I think my car needs. On a tacky track this car is usually pretty fast. I thought if I broke out front I’d be able to hold them off.”

“ I found myself overdriving the car a couple times because I didn’t know where they were or how hard to push the car. I just to find my mark. I knew they were coming, just didn’t know how close they were. I feel real comfortable racing with all these guys locally. I got kind of nervous up in Abilene where there were 92 cars.”

IMCA Southern SportMod results
89 Doug Livingston
66 Johnny Torres
92 Jason Stanley
4 Robby Minten
09 David Routen
989 Clark Warren
2x Dennis Hilla
37 Bill Pittaway
11 Chris McLendon
00 Leland Frautchi
D9 Ray Doyon III—DQ, Tech(Carb)
18 Larry Jernigan—DNS

IMCA Southern SportMod heat winners: Doug Livingston and Jason Stanley

It didn’t take long in the 15-lap Limited Late Model feature for Wesley Skains to show his dominance again. On green Shannon Moore led the way into turn 1, but Skains swept by in turn 3 to lead the first lap. Richard Bartosh and Gary Hunter both got by Moore on lap 2 for second and third respectively. By lap 5 Skains had run away from Bartosh and Hunter easily cruising to his third victory of the season.

Tator Plumbing Limited Late Models
25 Wesley Skains
7 Richard Bartosh
14 Gary Hunter
18 Shannon Moore
33 Barry Major—DNS
12 Kody Hardage—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winner: Richard Bartosh

Despite a short field of cars the 15-lap Street Stock event didn’t lack for excitement. Dennis Jasik grabbed the early lead with Tommy Casey, Wade Jones and AJ Wernette in pursuit. Jasik went high to lap Steve Mireles and almost ran off the back stretch. Going into to turn 3 Jasik spun and broke an axle. This handed the lead to Wernette briefly as Casey got the top spot. Yellow finally waved for Jasik who couldn’t get completely off the racing surface.

On the restart, Jones got second from Wernette who tried to fight back only to spin himself out in turn 4. Jones then turned up the heat on Casey as they scrapped it out for the lead. Allen Torres brought out the red when he blew a motor and erupted in flames. Torres bailed out of his still moving car as it continued to the infield.

Once back to green the fight for the lead continued between Casey and Jones with Jones sticking the nose inside. After a bumper shot on lap 13 Jones got around Casey to lead the white flag lap. Casey came back to dive inside Jones in turns 1-2. The two made contact with Casey retaking the lead. Jones returned the favor in turns 3-4 sending Casey around in turn 4. Jones crossed the line ahead of Wernette, but was black flagged for spinning Casey, handing the win to Wernette.

Street Stocks
37 AJ Wernette
15 Tommy Casey
41 Wade Jones—BF Rough Driving
94 Allen Torres
8 Dennis Jasik
74x Steve Mireles

Street Stock heat winner: 15 Tommy Casey

Heat winners Patrick White and Freddie Gierisch stayed side by side through turns 1-2 at the start of the Pure Stock feature. White got sideways coming out of turn 4, half spun and clipped Gierisch who held on to lead lap 1. Kevin Hyland gave Gierisch an early challenge with Frank Okruhlik, Jarret Payton. Anna Major and Brandy Ramzinski ran door to door for sixth until Ramzinski spun, with defending track champ, Marc Roy moving up to fifth.

Roy then took over fourth from Major and third from Payton on lap 6. Gierisch’s rein out front ended with a flat right front on lap 7 and brought out the caution. This put Hyland in the lead for the restart, but that didn’t last long as Roy shot by as green waved again for the lead on lap 8.

Back in the back, Rick Snyder and William Cavender had their own personal battle going for fourth. After three laps of nearly side by side racing, Snyder got the position. Roy was increasing his margin over Hyland, while White worked his way back up to fifth after his earlier spin. Snyder’s night ended in a plume of smoke with his car losing parts to bring out a yellow on lap 16. Roy got away quickly on the restart while Major got past James Watson and Cavender for fourth. At the checkers it was Roy taking the victory with a comfortable margin over Hyland.

Pure Stocks
24 Mark Roy
72 Kevin Hyland
33 Anna Major
44 James Watson
15 William Cavender
66R Rick Snyder
19 Freddie Gierisch
9 Jarret Payton
99 Frank Okruhlik
88 Brandy Ramzinski
25 Chance Skains
17 Patrick White—DQ, Tech(Vacuum)

Pure Stock heat winners: Patrick White and Freddie Gierisch

Cody Earnhardt got the best of the three wide battle for the lead as green waved on th 15-lap Front Runner feature. As Earnhardt, James Sanford and Jerry Jones ran nose to tail, they quickly put distance on Alec Jasik and Brent Bouchillion. By lap 3 the lead trio were already up to the back of the pack. Earnhardt tangled with a lapped car giving the lead to Sanford on lap 7 with Jones taking second.

Jasik, Bouchillion and Cameron Smith were three wide for fourth coming up on the same traffic. Smith and Bouchillion got together with Bouchilion going around to bring out a caution on lap 8. The top three broke away clean on the restart with Jones giving Sanford a little pressure. Sanford was able to hold off the charge, while Jones fell back into the clutches of Earnhardt. Earnhardt got past Jones on the last lap, but Sanford was well out front and taking the checkers.

Front Runners
35 James Sanford
33 Cody Earnhardt
95 Jerry Jones
13 Cameron Smith
8jr Alec Jasik
20 Brent Bouchillion
T30 Chad Thrush
98 Amber Clay
113 Hailie Marcx
7x Streling Goyett
911 Nick Hencey
96 Steve Stanley
66R Cindy Snider

Front Runner heat winners: Nick Hencey and Cody Earnhardt

The two Wren brothers were the class of the field in the 20-lap Brazos Mini Sprint feature. Ralph Wren beat Troy Wren into turn 1 for lead, with Kyle Thompson, Hunter Montgomery, Trevor Reed and Anthony Smith falling in line. The top six separated out and began pulling away from the second pack early. Nearing halfway, the top three had began to put some space on Thompson, who had Montgomery, coming back from last week’s flip, closing, while Smith began to fade.

Thompson spun on lap 9 in between turns 1-2, got over on the left side tires and tipped over easily, bringing out a red. The top four got a good jump on green, while Ken Pearson began pressuring Smith for fifth. Smith and Pearson ran wheel to wheel for several laps until caution waved for Reagan Reed, who lost a motor on lap 14. Once back to green, R. Wren go a huge jump with T. Wren, Montgomery and T. Reed battling nose to tail for second. At the checkers it was R. Wren by a half straightaway taking the victory.

Brazos Mini Sprints
4w Ralph Wren(S)
44w Troy Wren
5 Hunter Montgomery
28 Trevor Reed
337 Anthony Smith
17 Ken Pearson
84 Trevor Barr(O)
42 Scott Blakely
14 Jacob Gilliam
7 Reagan Reed®
87 Kyle Thompson

Brazos Mini Sprint heat winners: Troy Wren and Ralph Wren

Kids Go-Karts
Age 9-under
22 Cameron Migura
9 Caitlin Leonard
37 Aaron Trevino
5 Tyler Barr
8g Logan Dinsmore

Age 10-up
33j Jacob Franke
9 Cody Leonard
13 Cody Smith
37 Alex Trevino

By J M Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

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