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McGaha, Abbey, White, Roller win Southern Challenge Championships at Abilene

The 17th Annual Ryan Bard Memorial, Southern Challenge wrapped racing action for year at Abilene Speedway for 2011. With 20 drivers already secured in spots for Sundays Big A-Main and B-mains in the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks, the remaining group had one more shot to make the field for the big pay out at the end of the days racing.

Sundays afternoon racing always presents a ‘challenge’ to drivers and teams as track conditions change from Friday and Saturday night racing. The best dry, slick set ups and track position are key to finding the Winners Circle and championship pay day at the end of the day. Crews worked on the track right up until start time in an effort to keep a good track early.

Sunday’s races are always a day of remembrance for Ryan Bard who lost his life after a fiery crash early in the day several years ago. The memory of his loss was made even more emotional when word of Dan Weldon passing away during an Indy Car event in Las Vegas began to surface.

The Young Guns Jr. Mini Stock Shootout also finished up its racing season with heat races and feature to determine its champion.

McGaha ‘The Man’ in Modified main

Abilene’s Josh McGaha topped off a nearly perfect Southern Challenge weekend going wire to wire in the 30-lap IMCA Modified main event. McGaha got the lead from the pole and was chased early by national point’s runner-up Keith White. White’s run ended after an encounter with a lapped car sent him almost to the turn 1-2 wall. Gabe Tucker and Charles Brewer took up the charges after White fell out, but no one could touch McGaha even after a lap 25 caution rebunched the field. It was the biggest career win for the McGaha a former Abilene Speedway track champion.

The 20-car IMCA Modified field was pared down by two before the pack took the green. It was three wide in turn 4 as the race started, but Chris Dawson, Charles Brewer, Bo Newton and Tim Clonch got tangled in the melee ending the night for Clonch and Newton. Brewer would continue, Dawson would pit and return later in the race.

When green finally waved McGaha jumped out front with White getting a break from Hughes Chassis teammate Gabe Tucker to get the bottom. Tucker, Chris Elliott and Brewer lined up behind White. The top five were nose to tail and easing away from GW Egbert IV, Ben Ketteman, Philip Houston and Neal Flowers. As Brewer got by Elliott for fourth, Dawson returned, strolled around and fell in between McGaha and White.

McGaha was able to inch away as Dawson held up the pack. White tried to go outside and Dawson threw a block with Tucker trying to dive low. White again tried high on Dawson with Dawson running White up the track almost to the wall. Brewer snuck past the scramble for second, with Tucker third. White caught up to Dawson and gave him a shot on the bumper with Dawson going around and collecting Flowers.

As the race resumed and came to halfway it was McGaha, Tucker, Brewer, Elliott and Ketteman in the top five. Elliott tried the high side of Brewer for third but got freight-trained by Ketteman, Houston and Egbert. McGaha continued to hold his advantage over Tucker until Fred Wojtek clipped an infield tire in turn 3 with five to go. The field stayed in line on the restart with no one willing to chance the outside. McGaha ran unchallenged to the checkers in the A City Speed, Texas Roadhouse, Extreme Bodies, Lone Star Wind Farm, Five Star Powder Coating, Showtime Signs & Graphics, Fletchers Motorsports, Dirt Works Genesis Chassis.

“This is by far my biggest win,” replied McGaha. “We’ve had a real good year racing here and had a run for the championship with my buddy Charles (Brewer). We barely missed it, but I’ll take winning the Southern Challenge. We won the IMCA Modified championship here four or five years ago. We’ve kind of laid low on running for points and concentrate on feature wins.”

“On Sunday you never have to worry about someone trying to sneak by on top. It’s pretty much guaranteed no one will be out there. You just hope everyone is courteous behind you and they stay off your rear bumper. You just to keep it around the bottom. Rob (Poor) tried to give us a better track for racing on Sunday, but it didn’t happen. Friday and Saturday night is was good and there was lots of racing.”

“You know there’s going to be fast guys behind you. If you make the A-main for the Southern Challenge there will be some good cars. I knew there would be some on my heels. When you’re in the lead you don’t have anything to gauge your pace. I was conservative getting in and able to pull off the corners. I felt a couple taps, but they were good enough not to get me sideways.”

“I’m not much of a point’s racer. We had a real good second half of the season and got in the hunt. We made the feature at Boone(SuperNationals) and won this. We just hope next year will be as good or better, but we’ll just be running for wins. I’ve got to thank my pit man, Bubba, he’s been with since the Icebreaker last year. He puts a lot of hours in for little pay. I couldn’t be here without him.”

IMCA Modifieds
911 Josh McGaha, Abilene, 28 Gabe Tucker, Carbon, 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, 37 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville, 71 Philip Houston, Odessa, 717 GW Egbert IV, Belton, 66 Lance Shaw, Sweetwater, 7 Randy Martin, Springtown, 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, 44 Fred Wojtek, Abilene, 23 Chris Elliott, Eastland, 1 Keith White, Academy, 85 Neal Flowers, Hobbs, NM, 711 Chris Dawson, Post, 19 BJ Baze, Sherman, 16 Bob Sikes. Eunice, NM, 117 Toby Herring, Hobbs, NM, 90 Tommy Fain, Abilene, 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, 18 Tim Clonch, Quinlan

IMCA Modified B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
37 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville, 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, 90 Tommy Fain, Abilene, 71 Philip Houston. Odessa, 117 Toby Herring, Hobbs, NM, 16 Bob Sikes, Eunice NM, 44 Fred Wojtek, Abilene, 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, 66 Lance Shaw, Sweetwater, 7 Randy Martin, Springtown, 318 Scotty Cook, Abilene, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, Round Rock, 29 Jamie Campbell, Adkins, 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, 24 Tony Wink, Abilene, 34 Brendon Medcalf, Tolar, 83 Chad Estes, Troy, 63 Hardy Henderson, Taylor, 43 Robby Edwards, Eastland, 141 Monte Bolton, Lubbock—DNS

IMCA Modified Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 16 Bob Sikes, 44 Fred Wojtek, 66 Lance Shaw, 34 Brendon Medcalf, 49 Vince Ogle
LCQ #2 83 Chad Estes, 89 Bo Newton, 318 Scotty Cook, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, 24 Tony Wink

IMCA Modified Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 16 Bob Sikes, 44 Fred Wojtek, 34 Brendon Medcalf, 302 Bo Briley, 03 Mike Hathcock, 116 Mikel Powers
Heat 2 66 Lance Shaw, 49 Vince Ogle, 104 Kevin Switzer, 13 Jim Thorp, 82 Donald Thatch, 61 Bobby Sikes jr.
Heat 3 *3 Chad Estes, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, 51 Larry Floyd jr., 24 Tony Wink, 318 Scotty Cook, 611 Caleb Stone
Heat 4 89 Bo Newton, 59 Kelly Allen, 102 David Davis, 171 Chad Melton, 144 Joe Spillman, 12 Toby Hubbard

All Abbey in Sportmod Sweep

The 2011 IMCA Southern Sportmod, Dean Abbey (Haslet) showed everyone why he was this year’s titlist. Abbey led from start to finish in the 30-lapper for the Sportmods. Abbey was trailed early by JC Howell until track favorite, Bradley Poor took up the challenges. Poor pressured Abbey throughout the last three quarters of the race waiting for a mistake that Abbey never would make. The final laps saw the top four running nose to tail trading a few bumper taps all the way to the checkers.

It took several attempts to get the 20-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature started under green. When they finally got a lap in the books, Abbey as out front followed by Howell, Poor, Steve Hayes and Matt Mueller. Doug Easterling brought out a yellow on lap 1 to slow the action again. The top eight stayed in line back under green while Shane Priddy got by Justin Shaw for ninth.

Johnny Torres followed Priddy through to tenth, then got by Priddy for ninth. As Abbey built a good lead, Poor got around Howell for second. Priddy brought out a yellow on lap 5 when he went around in turn 3. Back under green Abbey and Poor broke free from Hayes and Mueller. Torres picked up another spot getting by Gary Underwood, bringing Kelly Cross and Michael Tennison.

Tennison got past Torres for seventh and as Torres slid high, Cross and Underwood got past for eighth and ninth. Coming the crossed flags it was Abbey, Poor, Hayes, Mueller and Mark Patterson getting by George Egbert III for fifth. Yellow waved on lap 15 for a get together between Torres, Shane Wojtek, David Elliott and Underwood in turns 1-2.
Once back to green the top four got away as Patterson slowed from fifth splitting the pack.

With ten to go Poor was all over Abbey’s bumper as the two put some distance on Hayes and Mueller. As they battled up front, Hayes and Mueller closed back in with five to go. A game of bumper tag broke out among the lead group with two laps left. The game was clean and Abbey held off the charges in the BG Motorsports, JL Racing, Smileys, Rhino Racing Rearends, Braka Operating, E&E Kustoms, Tumbleweed BBQ, Chase Me Race Engines, Abbey Racing Chassis.

“The car was really, really good all weekend,” commented Abbey. “I can’t complain about anything. We drew good on Friday and ran up front. I couldn’t do this by myself though. All the props go to Brad Gaines and JL Racing for all they do. Without his set up we’d never be where we were.”

“You know that guys will be coming, but you have to run every lap like it’s the first lap and do your thing. You can’t worry about who’s behind and just focus on what you have to do and not make any mistakes.”

“Winning the IMCA Southern Sportmod Championship and winning this race are big accomplishments. We’ve won some titles in Bandeleros and Legend cars and runner up for rookie of year in Sportmods in 2009. This is a really big race for me because it’s the first time I’ve ever made the feature in three years of trying.”

“I’ve run dirt and pavement and while dirt is more fun, I can’t take away from what I learned racing pavement. I learned all the fundamentals running asphalt, the dirt’s just made me better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
26 Dean Abbey, Haslet, 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, 38 Matt Mueller, Stamford, 95 Steve Hayes, Eastland, 63 Michael Tennison, Baird, 70 George Egbert, Salado, 103 JC Howell, Mabank, 00 Kelly Cross, Amarillo, 7 Stephen Robison, Abilene, 25 Terry Owen, Merkel, 45 Shane Wojtek, Robert Lee, 88 Doug Easterling, Rule, 172 Mark Patterson, Abilene, 99 Gary Underwood, Abilene, 71 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, 19 David Elliott, Eastland, 55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater, 766 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 77 Tyler Fain, Tuscola, 17 Scotty Wallace, Lorenzo

IMCA SSM B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
99 Gary Underwood, Abilene, 71 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, 766 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 63 Michael Tennison, Baird, 7 Stephen Robison, Abilene, 17 Scotty Wallace. Lorenzo, 00 Kelly Cross, Amarillo, 45 Shane Wojtek, Robert Lee, 88 Doug Easterling, Rule, 25 Terry Owen, Merkel, 118 Robert Crabtree jr., Clyde, 311 Danny Patterson, Abilene, 97 Julie Boettler, Farmington, NM, 917 Kyle Wisdom, Abilene , 80 Mike Easterwood, Sundown, 144 Tim Ridgeway, Midland, 18 Douglas Gillespie, Amarillo, 511 Cory Williams, Slaton, 31 Brian Heard, Hobbs, NM, 59 Chad Hertel, Shallowater—DNS

IMCA SSM Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 00 Kelly Cross, 80 Mike Easterwood, 25 Terry Owen, 31 Brian Heard, 917 Kyle Wisdom
LCQ #2 118 Robert Crabtree jr., 88 Doug Easterling, 18 Douglas Gillespie, 45 Shane Wojtek, 97 Julie Boettler

IMCA SSM Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 00 Kelly Cross, 11 Michael Therwhanger, 25 Terry Owen, 91 Mitchell Wachsmann, 01 Charlie Underwood, 33 Bobby Bentle
Heat 2 80 Mike Easterwood, 31 Brian Heard, 4 Kenneth Graves, 22 Joey Klemish, 917 Kyle Wisdom, 227 Forrest Wemken
Heat 3 45 Shane Wojtek, 18 Douglas Gillespie, 97 Julie Boettler, 32 Rodger Pierce, 166 Brian Carey, 117 JP Vasquez jr.
Heat 4 118 Robert Crabtree jr., 88 Doug Easterling, 690 Todd Bartlett, 122 Brandon Brown, 14 Cody Brosh, 1 Michael Galan

White Wins as Phillips Fails

As if Keith White needed any help, racelong leader David Phillips saw a transmission failure hand the win to White, the 2011 IMCA Stock Car National Champion. Phillips led at green with friend and track rival, Shane Priddy on his tail. Priddy had problems and pulled off leaving White far behind Phillips. White methodically cut into Phillips lead catching him near halfway. A late restart was Phillips downfall as high gear broke on the restart giving White the opening he needed to get by with five to. White then eased away from JC Howell, who gave up spots on the final laps leaving White unchallenged at the checkers.

It was a good start for Phillips in the IMCA Stock Car feature as he jumped out, trailed by Priddy, White, JC Howell and Duain Pritchett. Priddy had trouble and slowed on lap 2 dropping from second and leaving Phillips with a gap back to White. White methodically cut into Phillips’ lead catching him at halfway, with Howell, Pritchett and Chad Estes rounding out the top five.

Trey Melton brought out the races’ first caution with a spin in turn 4. On green the top three stayed nose to tail and eased away from Pritchett and Estes. Pritchett gave up fourth when he slowed and pulled off on lap 18, with Joe Colyer getting by Bo Briley for fifth. Colyer then lost fluid on track and stopped for a lap 24 caution that would prove to be Phillips downfall.

On the restart Phillips couldn’t get the car in high gear with White and the rest of the field diving low to avoid Phillips. White lead coming back to the line for lap 25, with Howell, Estes, Billy Wade and Tim Clonch now in the top five. An infield tire slowed the action on lap 25 briefly, but White would power away on the restart and pull away for the victory in the Tracys Auto Sales, Braka Operating, Triple T Trucking, Stacys Farms, Tubbs Paint & Body, TCI, Craftmasters Powder Coating, Extreme Graphics, BSB Manufacturing, KS Engineering, Bill Whites Auto Sales, Belton Iron & Steel, racinwithneal.com, Kempner Iron & Steel, Stephenville Starter, CenTex Motorsports, Medieval Chassis.

“I hate to win one this way,” said White. “But we’ll spend the money just the same. I thought maybe he lost the clutch, but he lost high gear. We’ve had our share of the same issues in the twenty plus years we’ve been doing this. It doesn’t make it feel any better. They’re good people and I feel for them.

“He pretty much had me covered. I laid back a little but there’s not much you can do with the track that’s one lane. That might breed some of this racing that happens here on Sunday. I wish they’d go to a Thursday. Friday and Saturday night race. We need a night show to be the marquee event for the Southern Challenge”

“You’d like to say that winning one that you might not have and losing one that you might have won equals out, but it doesn’t. When you lose one because of someone that isn’t worth it and lose one to a good person like David Phillips just because of a parts failure. No it doesn’t work out.”

“Even with all my wins in my career it’s still fun to come up here and do good. The people I associate with are all good people and that’s why I come and hang out with them here. We want to win for our sponsors, our family and friends. I really have to thank Gabe Tucker for the use of his Modified this weekend after mine was torn up at Boone.”

“It wasn’t that easy jumping into an I-stock and winning the National Championship. I don’t think of it as a step down either. This is whole different feel, style of driving and there’s good, hard drivers that you can run door to door with. It’s fun to race like that. The Stock Car breed that type of racing. That’s the kind of racing we need to have.”

“Losing the Modified points by just a few again this year kind of bums you out. But that’s the way the points racing is. It’s what got us the Stock Car title. So you win by it and lose by it. So close, but so far away. I feel we gave away a few wins this year and I can count them. Come February of next year we’ll be loaded for bear again.”

IMCA Stock Cars
11 Keith White, Academy, 83 Chad Estes, Troy, 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 125 Tim Clonch, Quinlan, 103 JC Howell, Mabank, 08 Levi Hodges, Ft Worth, 26 Marc Egbert, Lubbock, 77 Allen Bradley, Farmington, NM, 28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM, 18 David Phillips, Abilene, 117 Joe Colyer, Abilene, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville, 302 Bo Briley, Miles, 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, 47 Trey Melton, Lubbock, 01 Chris Hale, Ringling, OK, 201 Cody Kays, Hobbs, NM, 10 Mike McCarthy, Round Rock, 771 Shane Priddy, Abilene

IMCA Stock Car B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 77 Allen Bradley, Farmington, NM, 08 Levi Hodges, Ft Worth, 10 Mike McCarthy, Round Rock, 117 Joe Colyer, Abilene, 156 Jason Adcock, San Angelo, 201 Cody Kays, Hobbs, NM, 47 Trey Melton, Lubbock, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville, 26 Marc Egert, Lubbock, 113 Jim Thorp, Mertzon, 12 Dustin White, Lamesa, 3 Steffan Carey, Bloomfield, NM, 88 Robert Barnett sr. Abilene, 02 Wayne Stremmel, Stamford, 55 Mart Wampler, Snyder, 4 Kelly Brown, Abilene, 69 Lewis Hammond, Midland, 50 Terry Wojtek, Sterling City, 59 Travis Sutherlin, Aztec, NM

IMCA Stock Car Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 47 Trey Melton, 26 Marc Egert, 113 Jim Thorp, 55 Mart Wampler, 02 Wayne Stremmel
LCQ #2 156 Jason Adcock, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, 69 Lewis Hammond, 50 Terry Wojtek, 12 Dustin White

IMCA Stock Car Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 02 Wayne Stremmel, 113 Jim Thorp, 47 Trey Melton, 7 Walter Freeman, 21 Scott Kristinik, 8 Dustin Locke
Heat 2 15 Corbie McLaren, 26 Marc Egert, 131 Mark Lord, 25 Donald Baker, 55 Mart Wampler, 14 Kenneth Graves
Heat 3 07 Dennis Bissonnette, 12 Dustin White, 1 Willie Free, 69 Lewis Hammond, 971 JD White, 992 Karah Ward
Heat 4 156 Jason Adcock, 99 Tim Pfalgraf, 122 Bill Brzezinski, 50 Terry Wojtek, 43 Scotty Cook, 81 Hunter Russell

Rockin’ Roller for Hobby Honors

Scoring the biggest win of his life, Waco’s Andy Roller lead every lap in the feature and nearly every lap on the weekend. Roller only trailed for a single lap during Friday night’s heat race. Roller was pursued throughout the 30-lap event by Billy Briley II who could only get close under yellow. After a mid-race caution, Roller stretched out his advantage over Briley as the top eight spread out. Roller was able to put it on cruise control as he powered his way to the victory.

Roller eased away as green flew on the IMCA Hobby Stock feature with three wide racing in the pack. Billy Briley, Jeremy Carter, Tobie Talk and Allen Montgomery sorted themselves out behind Roller. Terry Comer II went for spin in turn 4 to bring out a lap 1 caution. Roller again jumped out on green leaving Carter pressuring Briley for second. Carter left an opening for Talk to get by for third, but closed the door before Montgomery could get through.

Jerry West and Jordan Lathram tangled in turn 3 to bring out a yellow on lap 9. Back under green, Carter was able to retake third from Talk, but gave the spot up as the two swapped positions. Amanda Brewer brought oit a caution on lap 12 when she spun in turn 1. Roller pulled ahead on green coming to the midway point trailed by Briley, Talk, Montgomery and Carter.

The final half of the race saw the top eight separate out between each other, with only small skirmishes breaking out farther back in the pack. This left Roller all alone out front with no pressure other than making a mistake. At the checkers it was Roller by a comfortable margin in the Howard’s Automatic Transmissions, Hammack Racing, Mach-1, Demon Decals, Southwest Maintenance, A&J Custom Paint, J&J Race Engines, Charger Chassis.

“I’ve never won a race from the pole,” exclaimed Roller. “The car was perfect this weekend, I think we led every lap but one in the heat race. We bought two new tires for today figuring we’d chew them up, and they probably are. This is the biggest win of my career. I won a $500 to win race in Killeen and got to shoot the cannon, but the extra $500 is bigger than that.”

“It’s hard to go outside here on Sunday so I wasn’t too worried about that. They don’t use a line up board here so I didn’t know who was behind me. I saw the 123 car(Billy Briley II) behind me once, but I just started counting down the laps. I tried counting double so they’d go quicker. I was so happy when I saw that white flag. I just tried to hug the tires. That’s the way to run here on Sunday. If you don’t mess up you’ve got a good chance of winning.”

IMCA Hobby Stocks
63 Andy Roller, Waco, 123 Billy Briley II, Midland, 77 Tobie Talk, Abilene, 38 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth, 25 Jeremy Carter, Joshua, 56 Justin Cass, Abilene, 85 David Bissonnette, Stephenville, 237 Jordan Lathram, Hobbs, NM, 3 Amanda Brewer, Hillsboro, 23 Alec Smith, Hobbs, NM, 17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus, 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, 721 Jaron Shahon, China Spring, 21 Aaron Elliott, Hawley, 818 Dustin Mims, Dublin, 9 Jerry West, Ft. Worth, 72 Tommy Phillips, Abilene, 27 Chase Parsons, Abilene, 15 Terry Comer II, Hawley, 86 Brian Flowers, Hobbs, NM

IMCA Hobby Stock B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
86 Brian Flowers, Hobbs, NM, 72 Tommy Phillips, Abilene, 27 Chase Parsons, Abilene, 237 Jordan Lathram, Hobbs, NM, 15 Terry Comer II, Hawley, 721 Jaron Shahon, China Spring, 3 Amanda Brewer, Hillsboro, 23 Alec Smith, Hobbs, NM, 17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus, 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, 55 Wendall Kurts, Hamlin, 122 George Locke, Eunice, NM, 46 Billy Taylor, Gatesville, 827 Chris Mims, Dublin, 117 Derek Sparks, Stephenville, 24 Gordon Pippin, McCaulley

Roberts Rockets to Young Guns Shootout

Jarrett Roberts jumped out front at the start of the 15 lap Young Guns, Jr. Mini Stock feature with Trinten Turley, Tyler Webb, Austin Wanderschied and Bryce Pritchett on his tail. As B. Pritchett moved up to fourth, John Freeman worked his way into the top five. Jarred Marquez spun on lap 5 for the first yellow. Once back under green, Roberts, Turley and Webb broke away.

Turley and Webb made contact battling for second with Webb going into the back stretch wall for a lap 6 yellow. Roberts pulled away from B. Pritchett back under green with Wanderschied and Brook Cooper side by side. Copper was then able to get around B. Pritchett for second when Casey Carnes spun in turn 4 for a yellow on lap 12.

On the restart Cooper tried to dive under Roberts for the lead but ended up spinning in turn 2 for another yellow on lap 13. Officials cut the race to a green, white, checker finish that saw Roberts get away clean from B. Pritchett and go the final two laps without any pressure.

Young Guns Jr. Mini Stock Shootout
6 Jarrett Roberts, 21 Bryce Pritchett, 7d Austin Thiess, Ksp1 Jarred Marquez, 155 Austin Wunderschied, 21x John Freeman, 5k Kelsey Baggett, 94 Brook Cooper, 86 Casey Carnes, 17 Trinten Turley, 56 Tyler Webb, 77 Jeremy Hamlin, 22 Calton Pritchett, 74 Emily Phillips, 00 Jesney Reagan

By J M Hallas

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

Texan Keith White National IMCA Southern SportMod Champion; Texan Steven Abbey National IMCA SportMod Rookie of the Year

Keith White of Little River Academy, Texas, paced national point standings for the Southwest Racing Specialties Southern SportMods for the fourth time in five seasons. A 20-time feature winner, White was also track champion at Heart O’ Texas Speedway and topped Smiley’s Racing Products Texas State points and also enjoyed considerable success in an IMCA Modified.

While racing to his career fourth Southwest Racing Specialties Southern SportMod national title, Keith White did double duty in winning the ButlerBuilt South Central Region IMCA Modified championship. His Modified accomplishments also included 25 feature victories, track crowns at Heart O’ Texas Speedway and Kennedale Speedway Park, and the Smiley’s Racing Products Texas State prize.

Steven Abbey of Comanche, Texas, won national rookie of the year honors in the Southwest Racing Specialties Southern SportMod division, along with the Kennedale Speedway Park track title.

Three other Texans won awards as well.

Joe Williams of Waco, Texas, earned the rookie of the year award in the Stephenville Starter Southern Region for IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks.

Charles Cosper scored a second straight IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock Stephenville Starter Southern Region title, along with 281 Speeedway and Heart O’ Texas Speedway track crowns and the Smiley’s Racing Products Texas state crown.

John McNeil of Denton, Texas, reigned as IMCA’s national Crate Model champion. McNeil also won the Kennedale Speedway Park and Smiley’s Racing Products Texas State titles.

By Bill Martin

Keith White scores Sunday win at Heart O’ Texas after Friday’s H.O.T victory

The Sprint Series of Texas along with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks competed in the second leg of the Memorial Day Double Header at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway on Sunday night.

Shannon Dulock from Axtell took home the winner’s trophy in the IMCA hobby stock feature. Michael Guenat and Chris Cogburn, both from Robinson, finished in second and third.

Brandon Stewart from Academy won the IMCA SportMod feature with Kevin Green from Robinson in second and Robert Black from Hallsburg in third.

The IMCA modified feature winner was Keith White from Academy followed by Keith Green from Robinson and Chase Jupe from West. White also won the Friday night IMCA modified feature.

Cody Whitworth, Shane Clement, and Dustin Woods were the top three finishers in the wingless Sprint Series of Texas show.

Racing continues next Friday night at the Speedway with IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA hobby stocks, street stocks, pure stocks, cruisers, junior mini stocks, and Texas twisters along with Texas Wing Modifieds. The Kids’ Silver Rush is also on tap. Check for more information at www.heartotexspeedway.com.

Complete Finish

IMCA Modified (05/24/2009)
Feature: 1. Keith White (Academy, TX); 2. Keith Green (Robinson, TX); 3. Chase Jupe (West, TX); 4. Benji Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX); 5. Kenny Stone (Temple, TX); 6. Mike McCarthy (Round Rock, TX); 7. Scooter Bates (Killeen, TX); 8. Chris Elliott (Abilene, TX); 9. Pat McGuire (Belton, TX); 10. Steve Rutherford (Flower Mound, TX); 11. Cody Daniel (Waco, TX); 12. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 13. John Gober (Poolville, TX); 14. Brian Guay (Hewitt, TX); 15. Trevor Egbert (Salado, TX); 16. Robert McKinney (Alvarado, TX); 17. G.W. Egbert (Belton, TX); 18. J.P. Dowell (Killeen, TX).

IMCA SportMod (05/24-2009)
Feature: 1. Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX); 2. Kevin Green (Robinson, TX); 3. Robert Black (Hallsburg, TX); 4. Trevor Lane (Cleburne, TX); 5. Keith White (Academy, TX); 6. T.J. Green (Robinson, TX); 7. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, TX); 8. David Ferguson (Mansfield, TX); 9. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 10. Keith Martin (Mansfield, TX); 11. Brandon McElroy (North Richland Hills, TX); 12. James Skinner (Burleson, TX); 13. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX); 14. Cory Tekell (Lorena, TX); 15. Michael Villanueva (Arlington, TX); 16. Joe O’ Bryan (Round Rock, TX); 17. Robert Garcia (Killeen, TX); 18. Aaron Browning (West, TX); 19. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX).

IMCA Hobby Stock (05/24/2009)
Feature: 1. Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX); 2. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX); 3. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX); 4. Billy Taylor (Gatesville, TX); 5. Charles Cosper (Belton, TX); 6. Charlie Norris (Hillsboro, TX); 7. Andy Roller (Waco, TX); 8. Joe Williams (Waco, TX); 9. Ray Kemp Jr. (Riesel, TX); 10. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, TX); 11. Kyle Davis (Robinson, TX); 12. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX); 13. Garret Rawls (China Spring, TX); 14. Jeff Sexton (West, TX); 15. Shawn Woods (Clyde, TX); 16. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX); 17. Allen Montgomery (Fort Worth, TX); 18. Jason Gallimore (Robinson, TX).

Sprint Series of Texas (05/24/2009)
B-Feature: (Top four transferred to A) 5. Carl Lamb; 6. James Reed; 7. 10; 8. Stace Haviland; 9. Ed Keaton; 10. Walter Lane; 11. Craig Woods; 12. Billy Harris; 13. Montana Hayashi.
Feature: 1.Cody Whitworth; 2. Shane Clement; 3. Dustin Woods; 4. Shane Carson; 5. Jerry Hammock; 6. Ron Beechler; 7. Marty Stanford; 8. Corey Minor; 9. Kerry Rush; 10. Josh Majors; 11. Mike Herring; 12. Ray Welnack; 13. David Garland; 14. Jon Freeman; 15. Ryan Beechler; 16. Jason Howell; 17. Gary Kelley; 18. Steve Land; 19. Johnny Suggs; 20. Danny Merrell.

by Mary Adamcik

Keith White survives “Disqualification Night” at Heart O’ Texas Speedway on Friday

An IMCA official was on hand at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway Friday and seven cars were disqualified following their feature races.

Three IMCA SportMods were disqualified leaving T.J. Green from Robinson, Sid Kiphen from Gatesville, and Lil’ Robert Black from Hallsburg as top finishers

Three more cars were disqualified after the IMCA hobby stock feature leaving Ray Kemp Jr. from Riesel, Charles Cosper from Belton and Andy Roller from Waco in the top three positions.

The disqualification of the street stock feature winner along with a wild wreck on the front straightaway left Jason Gauntt and Tommy Kirkpatrick from Elm Mott and Ronnie Ellis Sr. from Killeen in the top three spots.

Keith White from Academy took the lead late in the IMCA modified feature and made it to the checkered flag ahead of Johnny Sheets from Gatesville and Pat McGuire from Belton.

The pure stock feature was a battle from start to finish before David Andrews, Jeff Shepperd, and Tommy Honey, all from Waco, claimed the top three places.

Dwain Wills from Waco led the team of Heath Zucha and J.J. Jenkins, also from Waco, and Jeff Woodruff from Elm Mott to the finish line in the cruiser feature.

Jordan Kornegay from China Spring took the lead on the last lap to win the junior mini stock feature. Alex Norris from Elm Mott took second and Corbin Suggs from West was third.

The first three across the finish line in the Texas twisters were Jamie Herring from Killeen, Scott Webre from West and Jay Hutson from Waco.

The Brazos mini sprint winner was Jon Randall from Waco. Anthony Smith from Liberty Hill ran second, and Jacob Gilliam from Temple rounded out third.

The second half of the Memorial Day doubleheader takes place Sunday, May 24, starting at 8:00 P.M.
The Sprint Series of Texas in on tap along with a point race for IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, and IMCA hobby stock.

Next Friday, IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA hobby stocks, street stocks, pure stocks, cruisers, junior mini stocks, and Texas twisters will be competing along with a visit from the Texas Wing Modifieds. The Kids’ Silver Rush is also on the schedule. Check www.heartotexspeedway.com for more information.

Complete Finish
Friday, May 22, 2009
IMCA Modified (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Keith White (Academy, TX); 2. Johnny Sheets (Gatesville, TX); 3. Pat McGuire (Belton, TX); 4. Eric Tomlinson (Robinson, TX); 5. Keith Green (Robinson, TX); 6. Chase Jupe (West, TX); 7. Scooter Bates (Killeen, TX); 8. J.P. Dowell (Killeen, TX); 9. Cody Daniel (Waco, TX); 10. Rick Green (Liberty Hill, TX); 11. Jimmie Helona (Crawford, TX); 12. Brian Guay (Hewitt, TX); 13. G.W. Egbert (Belton, TX); 14. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 15. Benji Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX).

IMCA SportMod (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. T. J. Green (Robinson, TX); 2. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, TX); 3. Robert Black (Hallsburg, TX); 4. Cory Tekell (Lorena, TX); 5. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX); 6. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 7. Billy White (West, TX); 8. Keith White (Academy, TX); 9. Joe O’ Bryan (Round Rock, TX); DQ Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX); DQ Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX); DQ Kevin Green (Robinson, TX).

IMCA Hobby Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Ray Kemp Jr. (Riesel, TX); 2. Charles Cosper (Belton, TX); 3. Andy Roller (Waco, TX); 4. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX); 5. Randy Sodek (Temple, TX); 6. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX); 7. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX); 8. Garret Rawls (China Spring, TX); 9. Kyle Davis (Robinson, TX); 10. Zach Henson (Lorena, TX); 11. Charlie Norris (Hillsboro, TX); 12. Jeff Sexton (West, TX); 13. Billy Taylor (Gatesville, TX); 14. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, TX); 15. Markiss Harcrow (West, TX); 16. Jason Gallimore (Robinson, TX); 17. Les Maxwell (Waco, TX); DQ Joe Williams (Waco, TX); DQ Chris Coburn (Robinson, TX); DQ Nathan Sodek (Temple, TX); DQ Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX).

Street Stock (05/22/09)
Feature: 1. Jason Gauntt (Elm Mott, TX); 2. Tommy Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Ronnie Ellis Sr. (Killeen, TX); 4. Ed Thompson (Waco, TX); 5. Jason Honey (Waco, TX); 6. David Khoury (Waco, TX); 7. Ray Vann Jr. (McGregor, TX); 8. Chuck Hamlin (Elm Mott, TX); 9. Bill Eller (Lorena, TX); 10. Lewis Blackwood (Pendleton, TX); 11. Merwin Balz (Temple, TX); 12. Pam Kemp (Robinson, TX); 13. Paul Barton (Waco, TX); 14. Sam Sovey (Waco, TX); 15. John Heffelfinger (Waco, TX); 16. Carroll Edmonds (China Spring, TX); 17. Mark Geurin (Whitney, TX); 18. Brandon Geurin (Whitney, TX); DQ Doug Andrews (Waco, TX).

Pure Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. David Andrews (Bellmead, TX); 2. Jeff Shepperd (Waco, TX); 3. Tommy Honey (Waco, TX); 4. Greg Andrews (Waco, TX); 5. Colton Glaser (Lorena, TX); 6. Edward Harcrow (West, TX); 7. Chad Pelham (Whitney, TX); 8. James Haynes (Hubbard, TX); 9. Melvin Kemp Jr. (Waco, TX); 10. Jack Jenkins (Waco, TX); 11. Wade White (Waco, TX); 12. Scott Wimberley (Covington, TX); 13. Rick Stonecipher (Clifton, TX); 14. Leon Alvarado (Riesel, TX); 15. Michael Votaw (Whitney, TX); DNS David Whitlock Jr, (Waco, TX); DNS Jimmy Reid Jr. (Waco, TX).

Cruiser (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Dwain Wills (Waco, TX); 2. Heath Zucha/J.J. Jenkins (Waco, TX); 3. Jeff Woodruff (Elm Mott, TX); 4. Barry Gaston (Waco, TX); 5. Mike/Michael Van Cleave (Bellmead, TX); 6. Martin Quiram (Hubbard, TX); 7. Dustin Richards (Coolidge, TX); 8. Gordon Coble (Lago Vista, TX); 9. Dan Webre Jr. (West, TX); 10. Russell Bullock (Waco, TX); 11. Randy Thompson (Mount Calm, TX); 12. Steve Wade (Waco, TX); 13. Thomas Smith (Riesel, TX); 14. Andrew Richards (Robinson, TX); 15. J.R. Walker (Waco, TX); 16. William Dean (Elm Mott, TX); 17. Justin Bailey (Mount Calm, TX); 18. Eric Newton (Mart, TX).

Junior Mini Stock (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jordan Kornegay (China Spring, TX); 2. Alex Norris (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Corbin Suggs (West, TX); 4. Cory Kreder (Elm Mott, TX); 5. John Alvarado (Riesel, TX).

Texas Twister (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jamie Herring (Killeen, TX); 2. Scott Webre (West, TX); 3. Jay Hutson (Waco, TX); 4. Chris Wilson (Waco, TX); 5. J.D. Hardcastle (Copperas Cove, TX); 6. Ricky Bobby (Elm Mott, TX); 7. Amy Nichols (Robinson, TX); 8. James Barber (Bellmead, TX).

Brazos Mini Sprint (05/22/2009)
Feature: 1. Jon Randall (Waco, TX); 2. Anthony Smith (Liberty Hill, TX); 3. Jacob Gilliam (Temple, TX); 4. Kyle Thompson (Spring Branch, TX); 5. Tim Sandelovic (Georgetown, TX); 6. James Scruggs (College Station, TX); 7. Rodney Coburn (Pflugerville, TX); 8. Reagan Reed (Waco, TX); 9. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX); 10. Ralph Wren (College Station, TX); 11. Scott Blakely (Georgetown, TX); 12. Coy Jorden (Teague, TX); 13. Toby McCarver (Lorena, TX); 14. Kenny Elwood (Chalk Bluff, TX); DNS Dustin Davidson (West, TX).

by Mary Adamcik

Keith White doubles with IMCA Modified and IMCA SportMod wins at Heart O’ Texas on Friday

Keith White from Academy won two features Friday night at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway in Elm Mott, Texas. In the IMCA modified feature, White finished ahead of Chase Jupe from West and Johnny Sheets from Gatesville. White inherited the lead on the last lap of the IMCA SportMod feature when Chris Cogburn of Robinson had engine problems. Cogburn finished second, and Mark McDaniel from Elm Mott ran third.

Charles Cosper from Belton took over the lead with two laps to go in the IMCA hobby stock feature winning over Chris Cogburn and Shannon Dulock from Axtell.

Sam Sovey from Waco won the street stock feature with Doug Andrews and Tommy Kirkpatrick, both from Elm Mott, in second and third.

Tommy Honey broke the Andrews winning streak in the pure stock class by taking the win ahead of fellow Wacoans Jeff Shepperd and Melvin Kemp Jr.

The team of Mike and Michael Van Cleave from Bellmead returned to Victory Lane in the cruiser feature trailed by Russell Bullock and the team of Heath Zucha and J.J. Jenkins, all from Waco.

Corbin Suggs from West, along with Dylan Shilling and Alex Norris from Elm Mott, were the top three in the junior mini stock feature.

The top three in the Texas twisters were James Barber from Bellmead, Chris Wilson from Waco, and Michael Hilliard from Temple.

Ralph Wren from College Station took the win in the Brazos Mini Stock feature. Tyler Russell from Hillsboro was second, and Coy Jorden from Teague finished in third.

The Speedway has a double header scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Junior Mini Stocks, Texas Twisters, and Brazos Mini Sprints will be competing.

The Sprint Series of Texas will run a wingless show on Sunday also with a point race for IMCA modifieds, IMCA SportMods, and IMCA hobby stocks. Both programs will begin at 8:00 P.M. Check for more details at www.heartotexspeedway.com.

Complete Finish
Friday, May 15, 2009
IMCA Modified (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Keith White (Academy, TX); 2. Chase Jupe (West, TX); 3. Johnny Sheets (Gatesville, TX); 4. Jimmie Helona (Crawford, TX); 5. Chad Estes (Troy, TX); 6. Scooter Bates (Killeen, TX); 7. Michael Lamb (Fort Worth, TX); 8. Pat Wilson (Harker Heights, TX); 9. Keith Green (Robinson, TX); 10. Cody Daniel (Waco, TX); 11. Doug Lorenz (Killeen, TX); 12. Mike McCarthy (Round Rock, TX); 13. Carlton Leverett (Elm Mott, TX); 14. Eric Tomlinson (Robinson, TX); DQ Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); DQ Pat McGuire (Belton, TX).

IMCA SportMod (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Keith White (Academy, TX); 2. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX); 3. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX); 4. Kevin Green (Robinson, TX); 5. Trevor Lane (Cleburne, TX); 6. Robert Black (Hallsburg, TX); 7. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, TX); 8. Randy Doyle (Killeen, TX); 9. David Stewart (Bruceville, TX); 10. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX); 11. Billy White (West, TX); 12. Cory Tekell (Lorena, TX); 13. T.J. Green (Robinson, TX); 14. Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX); 15. Aaron Browning (West, TX); 16. Bobby Mercer Jr. (China Spring, TX); 17. Edward Schmidt (Boys Ranch, TX).

IMCA Hobby Stock (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Charles Cosper (Belton, TX); 2. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX); 3. Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX); 4. Ray Kemp Jr. (Riesel, TX); 5. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX); 6. Michael Robertson (McGregor, TX); 7. Billy Taylor (Gatesville, TX); 8. Joe Williams (Waco, TX); 9. Andy Roller (Waco, TX ); 10. Kyle Davis (Robinson, TX); 11. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, TX); 12. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX); 13. Charlie Norris (Hillsboro, TX); 14. Les Maxwell (Waco, TX); 15. Gene Yates (Glenn Heights, TX); 16. Ricky Rodriguez (Eddy, TX); 17. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX); 18, Garret Rawls (China Spring, TX).

Street Stock (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Sam Sovey (Waco, TX); 2. Doug Andrews (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Tommy Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX); 4. Ray Vann Jr. (McGregor, TX); 5. Bill Eller (Lorena, TX); 6. Paul Barton (West, TX); 7. Ed Thompson (Waco, TX); 8. Jackie Dooley (Weatherford, TX); 9. Lewis Blackwood (Elm Mott, TX); 10. Chuck Hamlin (Elm Mott, TX); 11. Chad Estes (Troy, TX); 12. Merwin Balz (Temple, TX); 13. Paul Bolfing (Waco, TX); 14. John Heffelfinger (Waco, TX); 15. Carroll Edmonds (China Spring, TX); 16. Jason Honey (Waco, TX); 17. Pam Kemp (Robinson, TX); 18. Mark Geurin (Whitney, TX); 19. Brandon Geurin (Whitney, TX).

Pure Stock (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Tommy Honey (Waco, TX); 2. Jeff Shepperd (Waco, TX); 3. Melvin Kemp Jr. (Waco, TX); 4. Mike Bolfing (Wimberley, TX); 5. Wade White (Waco, TX); 6. Greg Andrews (Waco, TX); 7. Chad Pelham (Whitney, TX); 8. David Andrews (Bellmead, TX); 9. Jack Jenkins (Waco, TX); 10. Kenny Merritt (Bellmead, TX); 11. Jimmy Reid Jr. (Waco, TX); 12. Edward Harcrow (West, TX); 13. Michael Votaw (Whitney, TX); 14. James Haynes (Hubbard, TX); 15. Jeff Willis (West, TX); 16. Colton Glaser (Lorena, TX); 17. David Sarkies (Elkhart, TX); 18. Frank Lackey (Joshua, TX); 19. Bryan Holder (Elm Mott, TX); 20. Scott Wimberley (Covington, TX).

Cruiser (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Mike/Michael Van Cleave (Bellmead, TX); 2. Russell Bullock (Waco, TX); 3. Heath Zucha/J.J. Jenkins (Waco, TX); 4. Gordon Coble (Lago Vista, TX); 5. Andrew Richards (Robinson, TX); 6. Barry Gaston (Waco, TX); 7. Steve Wade (Waco, TX); 8. Jeff Woodruff (Elm Mott, TX); 9. Randy Thompson (Hubbard, TX); 10. Dwain Wills (Waco, TX); 11. William Dean (Elm Mott, TX); 12. Jeffrey Quiram (Hubbard, TX); 13. Dustin Richards (Coolidge, TX); 14. Justin Bailey (Mount Calm, TX); 15. Thomas Smith (Riesel, TX); 16. Martin Quiram (Hubbard, TX); 17. Dan Webre Jr. (West, TX); 18. J.R. Walker (Waco, TX).

Junior Mini Stock (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Corbin Suggs (West, TX); 2. Dylan Shilling (Elm Mott, TX); 3. Alex Norris (Elm Mott, TX); 4. Jordan Kornegay (China Spring, TX); 5. Cheyenne Reese (Hillsboro, TX).

Texas Twister (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. James Barber (Bellmead, TX); 2. Chris Wilson (Waco, TX); 3. Michael Hilliard (Temple, TX); 4. Wes Games (Granbury, TX); 5. J.D. Hardcastle (Copperas Cove, TX); 6. Ricky Bobby (Elm Mott, TX); 7. Jay Hutson (Waco, TX); 8. Amy Nichols (Robinson, TX); 9. Scott Webre (West, TX).

Brazos Mini Sprints (05/15/2009)
Feature: 1. Ralph Wren (College Station, TX); 2. Tyler Russell (Hillsboro, TX); 3. Coy Jorden, Teague, TX); 4. Dustin Davidson (West, TX); 5. Amerin Betteridge (Joshua, TX); 6. Kyle Thompson (Spring Branch, TX); 7. Tim Sandelovic (Georgetown, TX); 8. Jacob Gilliam (Temple, TX); 9. Kenny Elwood (Chalk Bluff, TX); 10. James Scruggs (College Station, TX); 11. Hunter Montgomery (Saint Hedwig, TX); 12. Reagan Reed (Waco, TX); 13. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX); 14. Chipper Wood (Kennedale, TX).

from Heart O’ Texas Speedway

Keith White wins Heart O’ Texas Speedway Modified Jack Bagby Memorial

Keith White used a daring mid-race pass of early leader Benji Kirkpatrick to claim the Jack Bagby Memorial for the IMCA Modifieds in the season opening event at Heart O’ Texas Speedway Friday night. White made the pass for the lead when Kirkpatrick bobbled in turn four and squeezed by while sustaining right side body damage when the two cars made contact. White then pulled away for the win followed by Pat McGuire and Justin Radcliff.

Other feature winners include T.J. Green in the SportMods, Charles Cosper in Hobby Stocks, Jason Gauntt in Street Stocks, Melvin Kemp Jr. in Pure Stocks, Charles Goodnight in Cruisers, Alex Norris in Junior Mini Stocks, Mike Kelly in Twisters and Jeb Sessums in Mini Sprints.

The 2009 race season continues next Friday with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Junior Mini Stocks, Twisters and the Wing Modifieds.

IMCA Modifieds 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Keith White (Academy, TX), 2. Pat McGuire (Belton, TX), 3. Justin Radcliff (China Spring, TX), 4. Ben Ketteman (Pflugerville, TX), 5. Eric Tomlinson (Robinson, TX), 6. Michael Lamb (Ft Worth, Tx), 7. Jimmie Helona (Crawford, Tx), 8. Wesley Dulock (West, Tx), 9. Cody Daniel (Lacy Lakeview, TX), 10. Kenny Stone (Temple, TX), 11. Benji Kirkpatrick (Waco, Tx), 12. Shannon Parsons (Chilton, Tx), 13. Chase Jupe (West, Tx),

IMCA SportMods 3/6/2009

Feature:1. T. J. Green (Robinson, TX), 2. Kenny Ware (Belton, Tx), 3. Lil’ Robert Black (Waco, TX), 4. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX), 5. Kevin Green (Robinson, TX), 6. Keith White (Academy, TX), 7. Joe Spillman (Marble Falls, TX), 8. Randy Doyle (Killeen, Tx), 9. Ricky Heckel (China Spring, TX), 10. Brandon Stewart (Academy, TX), 11. Sid Kiphen (Gatesville, Tx), 12. Mitch Tierney (Temple, Tx), 13. Mark McDaniel (Elm Mott, TX), 14. Bobby Mercer Jr (China Spring, TX), 15. Corky Coffer (West, TX),

IMCA Hobby Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Charles Cosper (Belton, Tx), 2. Shannon Dulock (Axtell, TX), 3. Jason Shahan (China Spring, TX), 4. Billy Taylor (Gatsville, Tx), 5. Richard Rodriquez (Eddy, TX), 6. Andy Roller (Bellmead, TX), 7. Melvin Burrows (Gatesville, Tx), 8. Jeremy Hendrix (Robinson, TX), 9. Kyle Davis (Waco, Tx), 10. Michael Guenat (Robinson, TX), 11. Joe Williams (Waco, Tx), 12. Gene Yates (Glenn Heights, TX), 13. Les Maxwell (Waco, TX), 14. Michael Robertson (McGregor, TX), 15. Chris Grusendorf (Moody, TX), 16. Ray Kemp, 17. Chris Cogburn (Robinson, TX),

Street Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Jason Gauntt (Elm Mott, Tx), 2. John Heffelfinger (Waco, TX), 3. Doug Andrews (Elm Mott, TX), 4. Brandon Geurin (Whitney, TX), 5. Matt Hood (Waco, TX), 6. Jason Honey (Waco, Tx), 7. Sam Sovey (Waco, TX), 8. Ed Thompson (Waco, TX), 9. Tommy Kirkpatrick (Elm Mott, TX), 10. Chuck Hamlin (Elm Mott, TX), 11. Lewis Blackwood (Pendleton, TX), 12. Bill Eller (Lorena, TX), 13. Mark Geurin (Whitney, TX), 14. David Khoury (Waco, Tx), 15. Paul Bolfing (Waco, Tx),

Pure Stocks 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Melvin Gene Kemp Jr (Waco, TX), 2. Mike Bolfing (Wimberley, Tx), 3. Lil’ Robert Black (Hewitt, Tx), 4. Michael Votaw (Whitney, TX), 5. Jimmy Reid (Waco, TX), 6. Greg Andrews (Waco, TX), 7. Wade White (Gholson, TX), 8. Chad Pelham (Whitney, TX), 9. Jeff Williams (Waco, Tx), 10. James Haynes (Hubbard, TX), 11. Billy Williams (Waco, Tx), 12. Jack Jenkins (Waco, TX), 13. Billy Rupert (Mexia, TX), 14. Paul Bolfing (Waco, TX), 15. Edward Harcrow (West, TX), 16. Jeff Willis (West, TX), 17. David Andrews (Bellmead, TX), 18. Scott Wimberley (Covington, TX),

Cruisers 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Charles Goodnight (Lacy Lakeview, TX), 2. Martin Quiram (Hubbard, Tx), 3. Gordon Coble (Lago Vista, TX), 4. Heath Zucka, 5. Barry Gaston (Waco, Tx), 6. Dwain Wills (Waco, TX), 7. William Dean (Elm Mott, TX), 8. Andrew Richards (Robinson, TX), 9. Dan Webre Jr (West, TX), 10. Steve Wade (Waco, TX), 11. Randy Thompson (Mt Calm, TX), 12. Justin Bailey (Mt Calm, Tx), 13. Eric Newton (Mart, TX), 14. Russell Bullock (Waco, TX), 15. Luther Carnahan (Waco, Tx), 16. Jeffrey Quiram (Hubbard, Tx), 17. Hollie Gaston (Waco, TX), 18. J. R. Walker (Waco, TX),

Jr. Mini Stock 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Alex Norris (Elm Mott, TX), 2. Jordan Kornegay (China Spring, TX), 3. Dylan Shilling (Elm Mott, Tx), 4. Cory Kreder (Elm Mott, TX), 5. Cheyenne Reese (Hillsboro, TX),

Twisters 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Mike Kelly (Weatherford, Tx), 2. Corey Homan (Oglesby, Tx), 3. Jay Hutson (Waco, TX), 4. Chris Wilson (Waco, TX), 5. James Barber (Bellmead, Tx),

Mini Sprints 3/6/2009

Feature:1. Jeb Sessums (Burleson, TX), 2. Ralph Wren, 3. Tony Smith (Libery Hill, TX), 4. Robby Fox (Cleburne, TX), 5. Amerin Betteridge (Joshua, TX), 6. Duston Davidson (West, TX), 7. Coy Jorden (Teague, TX), 8. Jon Randall (Waco, TX), 9. Andy Hogan (Decatur, TX), 10. Sasha Sessums (Burleson, TX), 11. Tyler Russell (Hillsboro, TX), 12. Michael Hernandez (San Antonio, TX), 13. Roy Hutchison (Weatherford, TX), 14. Kyle Thompson, 15. Trevor Reed (Waco, TX), 16. James Scruggs (College Station, TX), 17. Michelle Melton (Flower Mound, TX), 18. Kaley Engstrom (Rhome, TX), 19. Jacob Gilliam (Temple, TX), 20. Kenny Elwood (Chalk Bluff, TX), 21. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX), 22. Tom Hutchison (Alvarado, TX),

Keith White wraps up “Ice Breaker” weekend at Abilene Speedway with third win

The final night of Abilene Speedway’s Ice Breaker special saw Keith White collect his third win of the weekend, while Vince Ogle won for the second time and Billy Wade and Jeff Kinnaird both collected their first checkers.

The opening night IMCA Modified winner, White had his work cut out in duplicating Saturday’s Southern SportMod triumph as he had to chase down early leader and defending track champion Josh McGaha.

White stayed glued to McGaha’s bumper throughout several restarts, then in a bold move on a tricky track, jumped to the high side taking the lead on lap 12. From there White put it on cruise control as he inched away from McGaha on his way to the checkers.

Ogle, the Saturday IMCA Sunoco Stock Car winner, topped Sunday’s Modified final.

A two-time track champion at Abilene in the division, Ogle led from start to finish after passing pole starter Chris Elliott on the opening circuit. The front pair pulled away from the rest of the field, with Ogle stretching his advantage over the last two circuits.

Wade got around early Stock Car leader Tony Ritterbush after a restart, held off Ritterbush after another caution and built his lead on the way to the finish.

Eric Jones took one last shot at Wade and Ritterbush on the final lap but came up short and settled for third.

After following Allen Montgomery across the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock stripe both Friday and Saturday, Kinnaird took it upon himself to spoil Montgomery’s bid for the weekend sweep.

Kinnaird used track position to get out front early and build a good lead, while Montgomery was forced to make his way through the front of the pack. Montgomery used lapped traffic to close in at one point, but Kinnaird again ran away once clear and grabbed the win.

Feature Results
Modifieds – 1. Vince Ogle, Lubbock; 2. Chris Elliott, Eastland; 3. Richard McDaniel, Edgewood; 4. Chris Dawson, Post; 5. Monte Bolton, Lubbock; 6. Tommy Fain, Abilene; 7. Chad Maurer, Eaton Rapids, Mich.; 8. Keith White, Academy; 9. Jason Schoenberger, Gorham, Kan.; 10. Jeff Emerson, Sherman; 11. Fred Wojtek, Robert Lee; 12. Bob Sikes, Eunice, N.M.; 13. Charles Brewer, Abilene; 14. Gabe Tucker, Carbon; 15. Kelly Allen, Lubbock; 16. Joe Colyer, Abilene; 17. Neal Debord, Amarillo; 18. Levi Ely, Abilene; 19. Mark Patterson, Abilene; 20. Kenneth Graves, Tahoka.

Southern SportMods – 1. Keith White, Academy; 2. Josh McGaha, Brownwood; 3. Bill Pittaway, Corpus Christi; 4. David Riley, Wolforth; 5. Brandon Stewart, Academy; 6. Ronnie Welborn, Princeton; 7. Matt Mueller, Stamford; 8. Mark Patterson, Abilene; 9. Jeff Whitehead, Slaton; 10. Gabe Tucker, Abilene; 11. Tyler Fain, Tuscola; 12. Shane Wojtek, Robert Lee; 13. James Myers, Corpus Christi; 14. Jonathon Campbell, Abilene; 15. Justin Shaw, Sweetwater; 16. Danny Hogue, Abilene; 17. Dean Abbey, Comanche; 18. Bradley Poor, Abilene; 19. Chris Meyers, Eunice, N.M.; 20. Scotty Wallace, Lorenzo.

Stock Cars – 1. Billy Wade, San Angelo; 2. Tony Ritterbush, Dunlap, Iowa; 3. Eric Jones, Killeen; 4. Terry Wojtek, Sterling City; 5. Willie Free, Snyder; 6. Mike Van Genderen, Newton, Iowa; 7. Mart Wampler, Snyder; 8. Kevin Opheim, Mason City, Iowa; 9. Matt Guillaume, Tomball; 10. Jeremy Gettler, Adair, Iowa; 11. Wayne Stremmel, Stamford; 12. Cory Davis, Eunice, N.M.; 13. Bill Brzezinski Sr., Roby; 14. Dustin Locke, Eunice, N.M.; 15. Duain Pritchett, Combine; 16. Vince Ogle, Lubbock; 17. Jason Batt, Killeen; 18. John Armstrong, Merkel.

Hobby Stocks – 1. Jeff Kinnaird, Mansfield; 2. Allen Montgomery, Fort Worth; 3. Charles Cosper, Belton; 4. Matt Drottz, Ankeny, Iowa; 5. Tobie Talk, Abilene; 6. Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Iowa; 7. Tommy Phillips, Abilene; 8. Billy Taylor, Gatesville; 9. Will Poston, Midland; 10. Dustin Mims, Dublin; 11. Jaron Shahan, China Springs; 12. Robert Barnett, Sweetwater; 13. Terry Comer II, Hawley; 14. Melvin Burrows, Gatesville; 15. Dale Roys, Merkel; 16. Edward Johnson, Odessa; 17. Cody Brosh, Robert Lee; 18. Rodney Sparks, Abilene; 19. Adam Reeves, Sweetwater; 20. Evan Davis, Mineral Wells.

By J M Hallas

White, Fox, Van Genderen, Montgomery top first night features at Abilene’s Ice Breaker

Keith White bounced back from a last-place showing in one IMCA feature with a first-place finish in another on Friday, opening night of the Ice Breaker special at Abilene Speedway.

Sidelined by a flat tire in the Southern SportMod main, White led the distance in winning the Modified feature, holding Robbie Edwards at bay late in the contest for the $500 victory.

Other winners during the first sanctioned program of the new season in Texas were Gary Fox in the SportMods, Iowa traveler Mike Van Genderen in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars and Allen Montgomery in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks.

White and Jeff Emerson drew front row starts for the Modified feature. White was in front by the second set of turns and Edwards slipped past Emerson on lap two.

Emerson, Monte Bolton, Chris Bragg and Danny Hogue jockeyed behind the front pair. Coming to midway point, Edwards was all over White for the lead with Emerson, Bolton and Bragg looking for their own opportunities.

Edwards got his nose outside White on a lap 12 restart, but White closed the door on the front stretch. Bolton tried Edwards for second on lap 14 but fell back in line. Bolton got alongside Edwards before the final caution came the next time around.

After several tries to get around White up top, Edwards gave it one more shot on lap 18, this time trying the low side. Once again, the White was up to the challenge, holding the front spot and going on to the win.

Fox started on the pole but fell back during the early stages of the SportMod 20-lapper. Coming on in the second half of the race, Fox got by Bobby Sikes Jr. for the lead and then inched away to take the checkers.

Sikes, Fox and Matt Mueller dueled early before Mueller lost ground and made contact with White on lap seven. That incident wound up sending the three-time national champion to the pits with a flat; Mueller came to a stop two laps later with a flat of his own and brought out the caution.

Fox made his move on lap 12 to get around Sikes, who tried to fight back on the low groove. The yellow waved on lap 15 when 2007 national king Jeff Turner pulled to a stop. Fox got away clean on the restart and inched away from Sikes over the final five laps.

Van Genderen added his name to the Stock Car record books after surviving a multi-car tussle, then battling past Turner for the lead in the final laps for the win.

The scrap came just before the halfway point and allowed Van Genderen to take over second.

Van Genderen got his bumper out front on lap 16, but Turner didn’t give up easily. With two laps to go, Van Genderen finally secured the position and eked away.

Montgomery got the lead from Todd Reitzler on lap six and eased away for the Hobby Stock win.

With Reitzler and Jeff Kinniard battling behind him, Montgomery opened up a lead and put lapped traffic in the middle. Kinniard got past Reitzler for second well behind Montgomery on the final circuit.

More than 160 drivers from seven states competed in the opening Ice Breaker program.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. on Saturday for the second of three weekend shows at Abilene. Hot laps are at 5 p.m. and racing is at 7 p.m.

SportMods race for $750 to win in their first regional event of 2009. First place in the Modified main pays $500, Stocks chase a top prize of $300 and Hobbies run for $250 to win.

All four sanctioned divisions run again Sunday.

Feature Results

Modifieds – 1. Keith White, Academy; 2. Robbie Edwards, Eastland; 3. Monte Bolton, Lubbock; 4. Chris Bragg, Springtown; 5. Jeff Emerson, Sherman; 6. Tommy Fain, Abilene; 7. Steve Hayes, Eastland; 8. Danny Hogue, Abilene; 9. Bob Sikes, Eunice, N.M.; 10. Jason Schoenberger, Gorham, Kan.; 11. David Davis, Sweetwater; 12. Gabe Tucker, Carbon; 13. Dean Deming, Hobbs, N.M.; 14. Levi Ely, Abilene; 15. Chris Elliott, Eastland; 16. Brian Flowers, Hobbs, N.M.; 17. Chris Dawson, Post; 18. Darin Leonard, Corpus Christi; 19. Dillon Smith, China Grove; 20. Josh McGaha, Brownwood.

Southern SportMods — 1. Gary Fox, Haslet; 2. Bobby Sikes Jr., Eunice, N.M.; 3. Bradley Poor, Abilene; 4. Scotty Wallace, Lorenzo; 5. Chris Meyers, Eunice, N.M.; 6. Josh McGaha, Brownwood; 7. James Myers, Corpus Christi; 8. Danny Hogue, Abilene; 9. Dean Abbey, Comanche; 10. Justin Shaw, Sweetwater; 11. Steven Abbey, Comanche; 12. Randy Buttery, Duncanville; 13. Ted Thomas, Post; 14. Gabe Tucker, Carbon; 15. Doug Easterling, Rule; 16. Jeff Turner, Kaufman; 17. Todd Bartlett, Abilene; 18. Matt Mueller, Stamford; 19. Tommy Fain, Abilene; 20. Keith White, Academy.

Stock Cars – 1. Mike Van Genderen, Newton, Iowa; 2. Jeff Turner, Kaufman; 3. Billy Wade, San Angelo; 4. Terry Wojtek, Sterling City; 5. Dustin Locke, Eunice, N.M.; 6. Duain Pritchett, Combine; 7. Tony Ritterbush, Dunlap, Iowa; 8. Matt Guillaume, Tomball; 9. J.J. Heinz, Green Bay, Wis.; 10. Jason Batt, Killeen; 11. Matt Wampler, Snyder; 12. John Armstrong, Merkel; 13. Bill Brzezinski Sr., Roby; 14. Russell Jordan, Abilene; 15. Wayne Stremmell, Stamford; 16. Kirk Martin, Aledo; 17. Jeremy Gettler, Adair, Iowa; 18. Cody Rhodes, Tye; 19. Kevin Opheim, Mason City, Iowa; 20. Cory Davis, Eunice, N.M.; 21 Willie Free, Snyder; 22. Eric Jones, Killeen; 23. Doug Kennemer, Boyd; 24. Walter Freeman, Hobbs, N.M.

Hobby Stocks – 1. Allen Montgomery, Fort Worth; 2. Jeff Kinniard, Mansfield; 3. Todd Reitzler, Grinnell, Iowa; 4. Justin Fowler, Granbury; 5. Charles Cosper, Belton; 6. Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Iowa; 7. Sam Hodges, Eunice, N.M.; 8. David Bissonette, Stephenville; 9. Andy Roller, Bellmead; 10 Tobie Talk, Abilene; 11. Tommy Phillips, Abilene; 12. Billy Taylor, Gatesville; 13. Bud Ohlinger, Abilene; 14. Dustin Mims, Dublin; 15. Matt Drottz, Ankeny, Iowa; 16. Rodney Sparks, Abilene; 17. Colby Deming, Hobbs, N.M.; 18. Bryan Sewell, Seagoville; 19. Robert Barnett, Sweetwater; 20. Evan Davis, Mineral Wells.

By J M Hallas

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