Bryan Rowland triumphs in a tale of two teams in USMTS battle at Golden Triangle

May 8, 2009

Jon Tesch was well on his way to a runaway win Thursday night at the Golden Triangle Raceway Park, but a mid-race caution set up a tag-team royal rumble that saw two teammates tangle while two other teammates triumphed.

Bryan Rowland made his first trip to the USMTS victory circle Thursday in Beaumont

Bryan Rowland made his first trip to the USMTS victory circle Thursday in Beaumont

Forty-one USMTS Southern Series combatants suited up for the opening event of the 3rd Annual Rinehart Trucking Texas Shootout, which features four events over four straight nights at four distinct dirt tracks in the Lone Star State.

Tesch drew the pole position for the start of the 40-lap Sunoco “A” Main with teammate Dereck Ramirez drawing the second spot to create a Ramirez Race Cars front row.

At the drop of the green flag, Ramirez was unable to wrestle the lead away from Tesch, who added to his advantage with each passing lap. Halfway through the race, Tesch’s lead was more than a straight-away over Ramirez who his hands full with USMTS Southern Series points leader Jason Hughes.

The event’s first caution waved on lap 22, however, which bunched the field for a double-file restart. Tesch led the field to the green again with Ramirez beating Hughes in the drag race to the first turn.

Ramirez closed the gap between himself and Tesch as they entered the third turn nose to tail. A bump in the road forced Tesch to momentarily back off of the gas pedal which earned him a bump from behind by Ramirez. The tag from his teammate was enough to send Tesch into a spin while Ramirez scooted past while Hughes swerved to avoid the melee.

Hughes slipped back to third as teammates Bryan Rowland and Rodney Sanders assumed the top two spots. With Tesch stopping at the edge of the infield, the caution waved again and Ramirez was forced to join Tesch at the rear of the field for the restart.

While Hughes was looking to claim his fourth straight main event victory in the West Region of the USMTS Southern Series, Rowland and Sanders were both seeking their first under the USMTS banner.

Bryan Rowland at speed on his way to winning the USMTS feature at Golden Triangle

Bryan Rowland at speed on his way to winning the USMTS feature at Golden Triangle

Rowland, 29, and Sanders, 19, were both contenders for last year’s top rookie honors in the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour while the elder pilot was also a candidate for the Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year Award in the USMTS Southern Series. Rowland and Sanders finished third and fifth, respectively in the National Tour battle while Rowland wound up seventh in the Southern Series rookie rankings.

Thursday night, however, the pair was fast and flawless over the final 18 circuits as they finished first and second. Rowland’s career-first win was worth $2,000 to the Woodward, Okla., native while Sanders recorded a career-best runner-up finish in his matching #20 Skyrocket Chassis.

Hughes – the defending USMTS Southern Series champion – followed in third and 2007 USMTS Southern Series titleist Kelly Shryock came home fourth ahead of New Mexico’s Bumper Jones.

Sixth through tenth at the finish line were Steven Whiteaker Jr., Eddie Martin, last year’s Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year John O Whittington, Chris Brown and KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award winner Morgan Bagley, who was third in last year’s rookie race.

Tesch could only climb back to 11th while Ramirez, who was the runner-up in both Rookie of the Year contests last season, wound up 14th in Thursday’s nightcap.

Hughes still sits solidly atop the West Region standings with 409 points. Sanders moved up to second, just two points ahead of Shryock (338 to 336). Whiteaker is fourth with 308 markers, followed by Rowland (304), Martin (289), Shane Hebert (286), Tesch (280), Randy Timms (256), Jones (250).

NIGHT 2 OF 3 …

Friday, May 8, will find the mud-slinging Modifieds of the USMTS Southern Series making their debut at the rejuvenated Battleground Speedway in Highlands, Texas, for Round 2 of the 3rd Annual Rinehart Trucking Texas Shootout.

Pit gates will open at 3:00 for the inaugural event, with grandstand gates swinging open at 5:00. Hot laps are slated for 6:00 and the first heat race is scheduled to take to the track at 7:00. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will also join the racing program Friday night.

The Battleground Speedway is a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval located east of Houston on I-10 to Highland Exit 787, then 4.0 miles north on FM 2100 (Crosby Lynchburg Rd.). For more information, call 832-421-RACE or check out www.battlegroundspeedway.net online.

On Saturday, May 9, the Houston Raceway Park in Baytown is on the invasion menu and the four-race weekend wraps up at the Gator Motorplex in Willis on Sunday, May 10.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Southern Series (West Region)
Golden Triangle Raceway Park, Beaumont, Texas
3rd Annual Rinehart Trucking Texas Shootout - Event #1 of 4
Thursday, May 7, 2009

Showing finishing position, car number, driver, hometown and starting position in parentheses. The top 12 drivers in passing points accumulated in the heat races are locked into the Sunoco “A” Main, with the top 8 re-drawing for starting positions 1-8.

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (8 laps):
1. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (2)
2. E - Howard Willis — Dayton, TX (1)
3. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (5)
4. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (3)
5. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (9)
6. 2w - Paul White — Temple, TX (7)
7. C3 - Chad Comer — Warren, TX (6)
8. 91 - Robert Metz Jr. — Lumberton, TX (8)
9. 25 - Corey Neil — Beaumont, TX (4)

HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (5)
2. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (8)
3. 51w - Jeff Wood — Willis, TX (1)
4. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (7)
5. 71 - Tracy Denby Sr. — Vidor, TX (3)
6. 97j - Jeff Hoegh — New Caney, TX (6)
7. 29 - Mike Walling — Baytown, TX (4)
8. 68 - Danny Barringer — Lufkin, TX (2)

HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (4)
2. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (3)
3. 12c - Corey Babbitt — Channelview, TX (5)
4. 21 - Chris Brown — Cleveland, TX (7)
5. 9 - Doug Begnaud — Cypress, TX (6) DNF
6. 88b - Brian Boram — Orange, TX (1) DNF
7. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (2) DNF
8. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (8) DNS

HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (2)
2. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (4)
3. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (5)
4. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (1)
5. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (7)
6. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (8)
7. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (6)
8. 51 - Tracy Denby Jr. — Vidor, TX (3)

HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (3)
2. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (5)
3. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (1)
4. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (6)
5. L1 - Larry Clevenger — Greenwood, LA (7)
6. 7g - Mark Smith — Lufkin, TX (8)
7. 89n - John Neff — Lumberton, TX (4)
8. 8 - Steve Miller — Georgetown, TX (2)

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (4)
2. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (1)
3. 21 - Chris Brown — Cleveland, TX (2)
4. 25 - Corey Neil — Beaumont, TX (15)
5. C3 - Chad Comer — Warren, TX (10)
6. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (11)
7. 51 - Tracy Denby Jr. — Vidor, TX (14)
8. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (3)
9. 71 - Tracy Denby Sr. — Vidor, TX (7)
10. 89n - John Neff — Lumberton, TX (12)
11. 68 - Danny Barringer — Lufkin, TX (13)
12. 7g - Mark Smith — Lufkin, TX (8)
13. L1 - Larry Clevenger — Greenwood, LA (6) DNF
14. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (5) DNF
15. 97j - Jeff Hoegh — New Caney, TX (9) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (3)
2. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (4)
3. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (1)
4. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (7)
5. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (5)
6. 88b - Brian Boram — Orange, TX (9)
7. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (11)
8. 2w - Paul White — Temple, TX (8)
9. 51w - Jeff Wood — Willis, TX (2)
10. 8 - Steve Miller — Georgetown, TX (14)
11. 29 - Mike Walling — Baytown, TX (10) DNF
12. 9 - Doug Begnaud — Cypress, TX (6) DNF
13. 91 - Robert Metz Jr. — Lumberton, TX (12) DNF
14. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (13) DNS

SUNOCO “A” MAIN (40 laps):
1. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (5)
2. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (8)
3. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (9)
4. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (7)
5. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (11)
6. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (6)
7. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (15)
8. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (16)
9. 21 - Chris Brown — Cleveland, TX (17)
10. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (20)
11. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (1)
12. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (18)
13. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (4)
14. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (3)
15. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (2)
16. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (23)
17. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (24)
18. C3 - Chad Comer — Warren, TX (21)
19. 71 - Tracy Denby Sr. — Vidor, TX (25)
20. 12c - Corey Babbitt — Channelview, TX (12)
21. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (14)
22. 91 - Robert Metz Jr. — Lumberton, TX (26) DNF
23. 25 - Corey Neil — Beaumont, TX (19) DNF
24. E - Howard Willis — Dayton, TX (10) DNF
25. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (22) DNF
26. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (13) DNF

Lap Leaders: Tesch 1-22, Rowland 23-40.
Total Laps Led: Tesch 22, Rowland 18.AFCO Pole Award: Rowland.Provisional Starters: Malchus, Schmidt, Denby Sr. (track), Metz (track).
KSE Racing Products Hard Charger: Bagley (started 20th, finished 10th).
Next Race: Friday, May 8, Battleground Speedway, Highlands, Texas (West Region).
West Region Points: Hughes 409, Sanders 338, Shryock 336, Whiteaker 308, Rowland 304, Martin 289, Hebert 286, Tesch 280, Timms 256, Jones 250.
Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year Points: J. Armstrong 149, W. Armstrong 142, Schmidt 121, Davis 119, Sustaire 113.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points: A.S.I. 67, Mullins 64, Sput’s 44, Young’s 39, BMS 38.
Chassis Builders Championship Points: Hughes 74, Skyrocket 73, TRE 65, GRT 65, Ramirez 64.

Contingency Awards:
AFCO Racing Products – Rowland.
American Racer – Walling.
Isky Racing Cams – Shryock.
KSE Racing Products – Bagley.
Marsh Racing Wheels – W. Armstrong.
Nitroquest – Hughes.
Quarter Master – Rowland, Whittington.
QuickTime Performance Parts – Martin.
Real Racing Wheels – Gould, Boram.

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USMTS TITLE SPONSOR: Casey’s General Stores.

USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Awesome Racewear, AwesomeRaceSuits.com, BRODIX Cylinder Heads, COMP Cams, Intensitee Custom Racewear, Intercomp, Karl Chevrolet, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, Nitroquest, PBM Performance Products, Sunoco Race Fuels.

USMTS PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: ASi Racewear, Bear Tire, Big Dog Chassis & Fabrication, DandyLand Farms, Day Motor Sports, Diamond Oil Company, Gressel Oil Field Service, Just Say Yes, Ramirez Race Cars, Lone Star Super Gas, Olympic Fire Protection, Ruter Farms, Yeager Machine.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Dynatech Racing Exhaust, Hyperco, ISKY Racing Cams, KSE Racing Products, Marsh Racing Wheels, Out-Pace Racing Products, Quarter Master, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, Real Racing Wheels, US Brake.

USMTS Modifieds set for four-night Texas Shootout, May 7-10

May 7, 2009

Four events in the Lone Star State are up next for the USMTS Southern Series with a possible $8,500 to win as drivers look to make their move in the West Region points standings during the 3rd Annual Rinehart Trucking Texas Shootout.

More than $60,000 in purse money will be up for grabs during the 3rd Annual Rinehart Trucking Texas Shootout, including a $2,000 top prize at each of the four events and a points fund provided by Rinehart Trucking which will pay $500 to the top points earner, $300 for second and $200 for third over the course of the four-race swing.

With three West Region races in the books so far this season, defending USMTS Southern Series champion Jason Hughes of Westville, Okla., is three-for-three and leads the top-notch touring titans into Texas as the current points leader over 2007 USMTS Southern Series titleist and eight-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa. Texan Rodney Sanders of Happy is third in the rankings, followed by Steven Whiteaker Jr. of Corpus Christi. Shane Hebert of Lafayette, La., is fifth; Johnny Bone Jr. of Pea Ridge, Ark., is sixth; and Jon Tesch of Watertown, S.D., sits seventh. Three Sooner State speedsters round out the top 10: Eddie Martin of Stilwell, Randy Timms of Wheatland and Woodward’s Bryan Rowland.

Other USMTS Southern Series drivers expected to make some noise this weekend include Kevin Sustaire, Wes Armstrong, Dereck Ramirez, Bobby Malchus, Jason Armstrong, Morgan Bagley, Bumper Jones, Kyle Schmidt, William Gould, Chase Allen, Shawn Brassfield, Chad Davis, Alan Sharpensteen, Cody Smith, Steve Holzkamper, Chad Wheeler, Scott Green, Kip Hughes, Jeremy Morris, Larry Clevenger, Tate Cole, Mike Dillard, Dustin Hyde, Pat McVicker, Melvin Pilcher, Jeremy Ross, Timothy Culp, John O Whittington, Tim Clonch, Troy Taylor Jr., Jack Sullivan, Tristan Dycus, Jerry Standifer, Tyler Townsend, Nathan Bichsel, Allen Chickering, Brandon Davis, Ron Gould Jr. and Grant Junghans.

THURSDAY, MAY 7 - GOLDEN TRIANGLE RACEWAY PARK

On Thursday, May 7, the quadrupleheader kicks off at the Golden Triangle Raceway Park in Beaumont for a re-scheduled date that was rained-out on April 17.

Howard Willis of Vidor, Texas, sat on the pole and never relinquished the lead as he captured the season-opening USMTS Southern Series main event last year. Four events were held at the track (then called Motorama Speedway) in 2007 with Kelly Shryock, Steve Holzkamper, Tommy Weder Jr. and Jason Hughes sharing the honors.

Among the regulars expected to defend their home turf are Corey Neil, Darryl Seals, Corey Babbitt, Robert Metz, Johnny Brown, John Baker, Mike Walling, Brian Boram, Mike Girardo and John Neff Jr.

Pit and grandstand gates will open at 5:00 with hot laps at 7:00 and racing at 7:45. Also on the racing card will be USRA Southern Limited Modifieds ( and Hobby Stocks.

The Golden Triangle Raceway Park is a 1/4-mile high-banked clay oval located 9.5 miles west of I-10 on US 90 (SSR). For race day information, call the track hotline at 409-752-7200 or 409-781-2801 or visit www.motoramaspeedway.com on the World Wide Web.

FRIDAY, MAY 8 - BATTLEGROUND SPEEDWAY

Friday, May 8, will find the mud-slinging Modifieds of the USMTS Southern Series making their debut at the rejuvenated Battleground Speedway in Highlands. The 3/8-mile oval opened on March 31, 1984, and operated through 2001 before closing. It re-opened briefly from 2004-06 under the name Highland Motor Speedway, changing the name back to Battleground Speedway just before closing again.

“My goal is to make Battleground Speedway the premier facility for dirt track racing in Southeast Texas,” said Mike Walling, who purchased the complex in September 2008.

With a successful World of Outlaws Late Model Series event already under their belt in 2009, the facility boasts a 4,000-seat grandstand topped by a new press box. The former press box was blown off the stands and landed in the nearby woods when Hurricane Ike rocked the area last September – just four days after Walling assumed ownership of the track.

Phil Dixon, Bubba Gates, Tommy Stanley, Danny Barringer, Paul White, Corey Neil, Benny Perry, Corey Babbitt, Frank Kitchenhoff and Pete Sagmiller are just a few of the weekly warriors expected to contend for the winner’s trophy Friday night.

Pit gates will open at 3:00 for the inaugural event, with grandstand gates swinging open at 5:00. Hot laps are slated for 6:00 and the first heat race is scheduled to take to the track at 7:00. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will also join the racing program Friday night.

The Battleground Speedway is a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval located east of Houston on I-10 to Highland Exit 787, then 4.0 miles north on FM 2100 (Crosby Lynchburg Rd.). For more information, call 832-421-RACE or check out www.battlegroundspeedway.net online.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 - HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK

On Saturday, May 9, the Houston Raceway Park in Baytown is on the invasion menu with the 2nd Annual Showdown at Baytown. With seven shows since 2007, more USMTS Southern Series events have been held at HRP than any other facility – and, weather permitting, the total will increase to 11 with the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Texas Winter Nationals, Dec. 3-5.

The nine-year-old facility has a main grandstand seating capacity of 7,500 which includes fourteen VIP luxury suites and boasts a state-of-the-art Musco Lighting system for TV productions.

Paul White won the first-ever USMTS Southern Series event at Houston Raceway Park. Since then, trips to victory lane have also been made by Alan Mondus, Kelly Shryock, Jason Hughes, Tommy Weder Jr., Johnny Bone Jr. and Zack VanderBeek.

Local aces expected to compete include David Smith, Chris Brown, Corey Neil, Kevin Batterbee, Joe Mayhew, Kenny Batterbee, Ed Wickham, Brent Nicholas, Brian Spindleman, Brian Sellier and others.

Pit gates will open at 4:00 on Saturday with grandstands opening at 6:00. Hot laps are at 6:30 and racing begins at 7:00. USRA Southern Limited Modifieds will round out the night’s racing card.

The Houston Raceway Park is a state-of-the-art 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval located east of Houston on I-10 to Exit 798, then 3.0 miles south on SR 146, then 0.9 miles southeast on FM 1405, then 1.5 miles northeast on FM 565. For more information, call the track office at 281-383-RACE or visit www.houstonraceway.com online.

SUNDAY, MAY 10 - GATOR MOTORPLEX

The four-race weekend wraps up at the Gator Motorplex in Willis on Sunday, May 10, to make-up the rained-out show on April 18. Gates will open early at 12 noon, with hot laps slated for 3:30 and the first green flag flying 4:00. Also competing will be USRA Southern Limited Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Pure Stocks.

Fans can meet the drivers prior to hot laps and a free meal from Hickory Hut Concessions are part of the special Mothers Day prizes that will be distributed at the races. Mother’s Day prize sponsors include Speed Tan, Gene’s Hickory Hut, Performance Tinters, SDR Photography, Checkerflag Diner, Waffle House, Starbucks, Sonic, Subway and more.

Past USMTS Southern Series winners at the Gator Motorplex include Greg Skaggs (2007) and Steve Holzkamper (2008).

Local favorites than fans can expect to see defending their home turf are Kevin Sturgess, Bryan Vollmer, Doug Byrns, Keith Wright, Monty Locke, Alan Drewry, Steve Pugh, Derek Knowles, Kalif Sellier, Jeff Wood and others.

The Gator Motorplex is a 1/4-mile high-banked clay oval located off I-45 to Shepherd Hill (Exit 98), then east, then 1.4 miles south on SR 75. The track’s official website is online at www.gatormotorplex.net.

RULES & PROCEDURES: All USMTS rules apply. Qualifying will be done by heat race passing points and Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains. Draw for heat race starting spot ends 15 minutes before hot laps begin. The American Racer KK704 is the Official Tire of the USMTS; however drivers may use the Hoosier G60 but will not earn points or be eligible for points funds. Roll bar padding and a window net are required. If utilizing a flat tappet or BRODIX aluminum spec head engine, the minimum weight of the racecar must be 2,400 lbs. If utilizing steel or aluminum heads with a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum weight must be 2,450 lbs. If utilizing raised runner heads or heads with less than a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum weight must be 2,500 lbs. Racecars with aluminum heads other than the approved BRODIX aluminum spec heads must have 25 lbs. in front of mid-plate.

PROVISIONALS: Four provisional starters shall be added to the rear of the Sunoco “A” Main each night - two from USMTS points and two from track points.

TOP DOG BONUS: Drivers ranked among the top-10 in West Region points are guaranteed a minimum of $300. Drivers ranked 11th through 15th earn a minimum of $200. Driver must have perfect attendance in the USMTS Southern Series West Region to be eligible.

LICENSES: There is no requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more. The cost of a USMTS Southern Series license is $200.

ENTRY FEES: Pre-entry is $90 for non-licensed drivers or $80 for drivers with a USMTS license. Late entry for all drivers is $100. Drivers may call USMTS headquarters at (515) 832-7944 on Tuesday, May 5, to secure the early entry rate.

PAYOFF: Licensed - 1. $2000, 2. $1500, 3. $1000, 4. $800, 5. $700, 6. $600, 7. $500, 8. $450, 9. $400, 10. $350, 11. $320, 12. $300, 13. $275, 14-26. $250, Tow $80; Non-Licensed - 1. $2000, 2. $1200, 3. $800, 4. $600, 5. $500, 6. $400, 7. $350 , 8. $300, 9. $250, 10. $230, 11. $210, 12-26. $200, Tow $60.

USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES - WEST REGION POINTS STANDINGS:
1. 12 - Jason Hughes, Westville, Okla. … 312
2. 3 - Kelly Shryock, Fertile, IA, . 246
3. 20 - Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas … 237
4. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas … 227
5. 9 - Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La. … 222
6. 12 - Johnny Bone Jr., Pea Ridge, Ark. … 216
7. 14 - Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D. … 210
8. 51 - Eddie Martin, Stilwell, Okla. … 203
8. 5t - Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla. … 203
10. 20r - Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla. … 199
11. 71k - Kevin Sustaire, Emery, Texas … 181
12. 5a - Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 179
13. 4r - Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla. … 177
14. 4m - Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas … 167
14. 57 - Jason Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 167
16. 5r - Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas … 164
17. 111 - Bumper Jones, Mesilla Park, N.M. … 160
17. 10 - Kyle Schmidt, Farmington, Ark. … 160
19. 60 - William Gould, Calera, Okla. … 145
19. 30 - Chase Allen, Midlothian, Texas … 145
21. 91b - Shawn Brassfield, Ada, Okla. … 135
21. 52 - Chad Davis Tulsa, Okla., … 135
21. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen, Amarillo, Texas … 135
21. 18 - Cody Smith, Kaufman, Texas … 135
25. 5 - Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark. … 130
26. 88 - Chad Wheeler, Muskogee, Okla. … 129
27. 25 - Scott Green, Derby, Kan. … 120
28. GO - Kip Hughes, Enid, Okla. … 102
29. 9j - Jeremy Morris, Lowell, Ark. … 95
30. L1 - Larry Clevenger, Greenwood, La. … 90
30. 89 - Tate Cole, Muskogee, Okla. … 90
30. 66x - Mike Dillard, Allen, Texas … 90
30. 8j - Dustin Hyde, Texarkana, Texas … 90
30. 6 - Pat McVicker, Woodward, Okla. … 90
30. 47 - Melvin Pilcher, Springdale, Ark. … 90
30. 38 - Jeremy Ross, Locust Grove, Okla. … 90
30. C8 - Timothy Culp, West Monroe, La. … 90
38. 5w - John O Whittington, Vidor, Texas … 85
39. 18 - Tim Clonch, Quinlan, Texas … 77
40. 76 - Troy Taylor Jr., Dallas, Texas … 67
41. 18 - Jack Sullivan, Greenbrier, Ark. … 64
42. 14 - Tristan Dycus, Midlothian, Texas … 54
43. 2 - Jerry Standifer, Howe, Okla. … 45
43. 12 - Tyler Townsend, Longview, Texas … 45
43. 58 - Nathan Bichsel, Amarillo, Texas … 45
43. 26 - Allen Chickering, Okarche, Okla. … 45
43. 23b - Brandon Davis, Castle Rock, Colo. … 45
43. 05 - Ron Gould Jr., McLoud, Okla. … 45
43. 2 - Grant Junghans, Manhattan, Kan. … 45

USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES - 2009 SCHEDULE:
Fri Mar 20 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR (winner: Michael Robertson) [E]
Sat Mar 21 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR (winner: Johnny Bone Jr.) [E]
Fri Apr 3 … West Siloam Speedway, West Siloam Springs, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Sat Apr 4 … West Siloam Speedway, West Siloam Springs, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Fri Apr 24 … Texarkana 67 Speedway, Texarkana, AR (winner: Jason Hughes) [E]
Sat Apr 25 … Champion Park Speedway, Haughton, LA (winner: Johnny Bone Jr.) [E]
Sun Apr 26 … Boothill Speedway, Greenwood, LA (winner: Jack Sullivan) [E]
Fri May 1 … Lake Country Speedway, Ardmore, OK (winner: Jason Hughes) [W]
Thu May 7 … Golden Triangle Raceway Park, Beaumont, TX ($2,000 to win) [W]
Fri May 8 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($2,000 to win) [W]
Sat May 9 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($2,000 to win) [W]
Sun May 10 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX ($2,000 to win) [W]
Tue Jun 9 … Tri-State Speedway, Pocola, OK ($2,000 to win) [E]
Wed Jun 10 … I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, AR ($2,000 to win) [E]
Thu Jun 11 … Ark-La-Tex Speedway, Vivian, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Fri Jun 12 … Fast Trax Speedway, Chatham, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Sat Jun 13 … Drew County Speedway, Monticello, AR ($2,000 to win) [E]
Sun Jun 14 … Boothill Speedway, Greenwood, LA ($2,000 to win) [E]
Thu Oct 1 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($1,000 to win)
Fri Oct 2 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sat Oct 3 … Battleground Speedway, Highlands, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Fri Oct 23 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sat Oct 24 … Gator Motorplex, Willis, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Fri Nov 27 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($1,000 to win) [H]
Sat Nov 28 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Sun Nov 29 … Texana Raceway Park, Edna, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Thu Dec 3 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($2,000 to win) [H]
Fri Dec 4 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($3,000 to win) [H]
Sat Dec 5 … Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX ($4,000 to win) [H]

[E] = East Region
[W] = West Region
[H] = Championship Hunt

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

USMTS Press Release

Jason Hughes goes three-for-three in USMTS South with win in Ardmore; Texas USMTS shows rained out

May 3, 2009

Don’t tell Jason Hughes “you can’t win ‘em all.”

After three races in the West Region of the USMTS Southern Series, the 34-year-old chassis builder is perfect after picking up a hard-earned victory Friday night at the Lake Country Speedway in Ardmore, Okla.

Jason Hughes is on a roll winning his third straight USMTS Modified event this past weekend in Oklahoma

Jason Hughes is on a roll winning his third straight USMTS Modified event this past weekend in Oklahoma


After sweeping both shows at his hometown West Siloam Speedway last month, Hughes pocketed his third $2,000 top prize in the region with a late-race pass of Steven Whiteaker Jr. when he bobbled after a restart with six laps to go.

Whiteaker took the lead from polesitter Kyle Schmidt at the drop of the green flag to start the 35-lap Sunoco “A” Main. Eight laps later, Hughes worked his way into the runner-up position and chased Whiteaker around the 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval for the next 21 circuits.

The bulge between Whiteaker and Hughes remained about two car lengths with each passing lap, but it was the slight slip up high that opened the door for Hughes to give him his fourth overall USMTS victory of the season in defense of his 2008 USMTS Southern Series title.

Although he could not withstand the pressure from Hughes, Whiteaker held off a late charge by eight-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock to claim the second-place paycheck.

Johnny Bone Jr., who has two wins this season in the USMTS Southern Series East Region, came from thirteenth to finish fourth while Rodney Sanders came from fifteenth and finished fifth.

2008 Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just SayYes” Rookie of the Year John O Whittington made his 2009 USMTS Southern Series debut and garnered a sixth-place finish, but it was Clyde Dunn Jr. who came from 21st to seventh and earned the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award.

Tim Clonch finished eighth, Shane Hebert was ninth and Kevin Sustaire rounded out the top-10 finishers.

In the West Region points standings, Hughes holds a 66-points lead over Shryock (312 to 246), while Sanders moved up two spots to third with 237 markers. Whiteaker is fourth with 227 points, followed by Hebert (222), Bone (216), Jon Tesch (210), Eddie Martin (203), Randy Timms (203) and Bryan Rowland (199).

ON TAP …

The USMTS Southern Series event for Saturday, May 2, at the Cowtown Speedway has been rained out as has the event for Sunday, May 3, at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway.

Also on the menu are USRA Southern Limited Modifieds and Mini-Sprints. Pit gates open at 3:00, grandstands open at 4:00, hot laps start at 5:30 and the racing action kicks off at 6:00.

The Heart O’ Texas Speedway is a 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval located 0.6 mile north of I-35 at Exit 343 (FM 308) on east frontage road in Elm Mott, Texas.

For more information, call 254-776-1576 or surf on over to www.heartotexspeedway.com.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Southern Series (West Region)
Lake Country Speedway, Ardmore, Okla.
2nd Annual Event
Friday, May 1, 2009

Showing finishing position, car number, driver, hometown and starting position in parentheses. The top 12 drivers in passing points accumulated in the heat races are locked into the Sunoco “A” Main, with the top 8 re-drawing for starting positions 1-8.

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (8 laps):
1. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (1)
2. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (2)
3. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (5)
4. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (3)
5. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (7)
6. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (4)
7. 4m - Bobby Malchus –Red Oak, TX (6)
8. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (8)
9. 15 - Cam Case — Edmond, OK (9)
10. 18x - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (10) DNF

HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (1)
2. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (2)
3. 11x - Wesley Veal — Princeton, TX (7)
4. 34n - C.A. Nix — Lawton, OK (3)
5. 58 - Nathan Bichsel — Amarillo, TX (9)
6. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (10)
7. 26 - Allen Chickering — Okarche, OK (6)
8. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (4)
9. 61 - Michael Ables — Caddo, OK (8)
10. 210 - Ed Dunn — Chattanooga, OK (5)

HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (7)
2. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (3)
3. 76 - Troy Taylor Jr. — Dallas, TX (5)
4. 68 - Brandon Watson — Denison, TX (6)
5. 23b - Brandon Davis — Castle Rock, CO (2)
6. 15 - Brian Wolfe — Cromwell, OK (9)
7. 5c - Lee Cranford — Ada, OK (4)
8. 72 - Kerry Davis — Tuttle, OK (8)
9. 87 - John Webb — Pauls Valley, OK (1)
10. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (10) DNF

HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. 30 - Chase Allen — Midlothian, TX (1)
2. 14t - Tristan Dycus — Midlothian, TX (2)
3. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (4)
4. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (7)
5. 91b - Shawn Brassfield — Ada, OK (6)
6. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (9)
7. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (5)
8. 190 - Shawn Stephenson — Howe, TX (10)
9. 05 - Ron Gould Jr. — McLoud, OK (3)
10. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (8)

HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (1)
2. 18 - Jack Sullivan — Greenbrier, AR (3)
3. 18t - Tim Clonch — Quinlan, TX (6)
4. 87 - Justin McCoy — Ovilla, TX (2)
5. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (7)
6. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (9)
7. 2 - Grant Junghans — Manhattan, KS (10)
8. 121 - Jerry Ensey — Ada, OK (8)
9. 718 - Michael Lamb — Fort Worth, TX (4)
10. 3s - Sam Cox — Flower Mound, TX (5) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (1)
2. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (6)
3. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (4)
4. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (8)
5. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (2)
6. 68 - Brandon Watson — Denison, TX (3)
7. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (10)
8. 87 - Justin McCoy — Ovilla, TX (5)
9. 91b - Shawn Brassfield — Ada, OK (7)
10. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (12)
11. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (19)
12. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (13)
13. 26 - Allen Chickering — Okarche, OK (11)
14. 87 - John Webb — Pauls Valley, OK (16)
15. 15 - Cam Case — Edmond, OK (15)
16. 23b - Brandon Davis — Castle Rock, CO (9) -1 Lap
17. 718 - Michael Lamb — Fort Worth, TX (17) -1 Lap
18. 210 - Ed Dunn — Chattanooga, OK (18) -1 Lap
19. 72 - Kerry Davis — Tuttle, OK (14) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 5 advance):
1. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (8)
2. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (5)
3. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (2)
4. 76 - Troy Taylor Jr. — Dallas, TX (1)
5. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (18)
6. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (13)
7. 58 - Nathan Bichsel — Amarillo, TX (3)
8. 34n - C.A. Nix — Lawton, OK (4)
9. 190 - Shawn Stephenson — Howe, TX (12)
10. 3s - Sam Cox — Flower Mound, TX (19)
11. 121 - Jerry Ensey — Ada, OK (14)
12. 05 - Ron Gould Jr. — McLoud, OK (16)
13. 15 - Brian Wolfe — Cromwell, OK (7)
14. 61 - Michael Ables — Caddo, OK (15)
15. 5c - Lee Cranford — Ada, OK (11) -1 Lap
16. 2 - Grant Junghans — Manhattan, KS (9) DNF
17. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (6) DNF
18. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (10) DNF
19. 18x - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (17) DNS

SUNOCO “A” MAIN (35 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (4)
2. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (2)
3. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (5)
4. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (13)
5. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (15)
6. 5w - John O Whittington — Vidor, TX (10)
7. 88xxx - Clyde Dunn Jr. — Sunnyville, TX (21)
8. 18t - Tim Clonch — Quinlan, TX (9)
9. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (14)
10. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (8)
11. 10 - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (1)
12. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (19)
13. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (22)
14. 18 - Jack Sullivan — Greenbrier, AR (3)
15. 76 - Troy Taylor Jr. — Dallas, TX (20)
16. 11x - Wesley Veal — Princeton, TX (7)
17. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (11)
18. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (16)
19. 30 - Chase Allen — Midlothian, TX (6)
20. 14t - Tristan Dycus — Midlothian, TX (12)
21. 3s - Sam Cox — Flower Mound, TX (25)
22. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (24)
23. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (17)
24. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (18) DNF
25. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (23) DNF
26. 61 - Michael Ables — Caddo, OK (26) DNF

Lap Leaders: Whiteaker 1-29, Hughes 30-35.
Total Laps Led: Whiteaker 29, Hughes 6.
AFCO Pole Winner: Shryock.
Provisional Starters: Martin, W. Armstrong, Ables (track), Cox (track).
KSE Racing Products Hard Charger: Dunn (started 21st, finished 7th).
Next Race: Sunday, May 3, Heart O’ Texas Speedway, Elm Mott, Texas (West Region).
West Region Points: Hughes 312, Shryock 246, Sanders 237, Whiteaker 227, Hebert 222, Bone 216, Tesch 210, Martin 203, Timms 203, Rowland 199.
Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year Points: J. Armstrong 134, W. Armstrong 129, Schmidt 100, C. Davis 94, Sustaire 90.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points: A.S.I. 57, Mullins 55, Sput’s 40, BMS 35, Homegrown 34.
Chassis Builders Championship Points: Hughes 65, Skyrocket 63, GRT 61, TRE 60, Ramirez 58.

Contingency Awards:AFCO Racing Products – Shryock.
American Racer – Veal.
Isky Racing Cams – Whiteaker.
KSE Racing Products – Dunn.
Marsh Racing Wheels – Ables.
Nitroquest – Shryock.
Quarter Master – Hughes, Clonch.
QuickTime Performance Parts – Dunn.
Real Racing Wheels – Watson, Bagley.

USMTS Modifieds to battle at Cowtown on Saturday, Heart O’ Texas on Sunday

April 30, 2009

A USMTS Southern Series tripleheader is on tap for this weekend with a trio of West Region battles worth $2,000 to win each. A big field of cars are expected at each event where local aces have a real chance of keeping the winner’s share of the purses close to home.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 - LAKE COUNTRY SPEEDWAY

On Friday, May 1, the Lake Country Speedway in Ardmore, Okla., will host the USMTS Southern Series for a second straight season. Jason Hughes picked up his first USMTS Southern Series victory of the season as 56 top-flight Modified teams duked it out in the inaugural event at Ronny Gould’s speedplant. Hughes held off Jamie Burford and Steve Holzkamper in a fireworks-filled feature, then went on to capture the USMTS Southern Series championship crown.

Also on the racing card will be USRA Southern Limited Modifieds and Hobby Stocks with pit gates opening at 4:30, grandstands at 5:00, hot laps beginning at 6:30 and the first heat race slated to take the green flag at 7:00.

The Lake Country Speedway at 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval located 0.7 mile east of I-35 (Exit 29) on US 70, then 1.8 miles south on US 77. For more information, call 405-388-9407 or check out www.lakecountryspeedwayok.com online.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 - COWTOWN SPEEDWAY

The series makes a return visit to the Cowtown Speedway in Kennedale, Texas, on Saturday, May 2, as the touring titans look to regain some respect after local drivers swept the top three spots in last year’s debut.

“This is our house,” exclaimed George White in victory lane. “Ain’t nobody taking our money home.”

With 56 entries on hand, White led an impressive showing by the local contingent as Cowtown Speedway drivers finished 1-2-3 in the main event as the USMTS Southern Series drivers made their debut at the lightning-fast facility. Bryan Sugg while Glenn Leuschner grabbed third. The first 26 laps of the 40-lap main event belonged to Eddie Martin before a flat tire ended the runaway leader’s hopes of winning.

USRA Southern Limited Modifieds, Winged 600s, Street Stocks and Bombers will also compete. Pit gates open at 4:00, grandstands open up at 5:00, hot laps get going at 6:30 and the mud starts flying at 7:00.

The Cowtown Speedway is a 1/4-mile high-banked clay oval located 1.7 miles southeast of I-20 (Exit 442-A) on Mansfield Hwy., then 1.4 miles southwest on New Hope Rd. For more information, call 817-313-8563 or visit www.cowtownspeedway.com on the World Wide Web.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 - HEART O’ TEXAS SPEEDWAY

On Sunday, May 3, race fans at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway in Elm Mott, Texas, get their first look at the stars and cars of the USMTS Southern Series. Just like Cowtown last year, HOT Speedway regulars have an advantage over the first-time invaders. Keith White, Benji Kirkpatrick, Justin Radcliff, Eric Tomlinson, Jimmie Helona, Chase Jupe, Johnny Sheets, Cody Daniel, Wesley Dulock, Pat McGuire and Keith Green are just a few of the names that are expected to defend their home turf.

The USRA Southern Limited Modifieds and Mini-Sprints are also on the menu. Eight-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock will climb behind the wheel of Shannon “Slider” Young’s #1 Centex Motorsports powered QWIK Chassis to compete with the USRA Southern Limited Modifieds.

Pit gates open at 3:00, grandstands open at 4:00, hot laps start at 5:30 and the racing action kicks off at 6:00.

The Heart O’ Texas Speedway is a 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval located 0.6 mile north of I-35 at Exit 343 (FM 308) on east frontage road. For more information, call 254-776-1576 or surf on over to www.heartotexspeedway.com.

USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES - WEST REGION STANDINGSTop 20 as of April 29, 2009

1. 12 Jason Hughes, Westville, Okla. … 208
2. 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa … 153
2. 51 Eddie Martin, Stilwell, Okla. … 153
4. 14 Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D. … 152
5. 20r Bryan Rowland, Woodward, Okla. … 143
5. 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas … 143
5. 9 Shane Hebert, Lafayette, La. … 143
8. 5 Steve Holzkamper, Gentry, Ark. … 130
9. 88 Chad Wheeler, Muskogee, Okla. … 129
9. 89 Steven Whiteaker Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas … 129
11. 5t Randy Timms, Wheatland, Okla. … 128
12. 5a Wes Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 127
13. 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas … 122
14. 25 Scott Green, Derby, Kan. … 120
14. 12 Johnny Bone Jr., Pea Ridge, Ark. … 120
16. 5r Morgan Bagley, Longview, Texas … 119
17. 57 Jason Armstrong, Marshall, Texas … 116
18. 111 Bumper Jones, Mesilla Park, N.M. … 110
19. 71k Kevin Sustaire, Emery, Texas … 109
20. 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla. … 102
20. GO Kip Hughes, Enid, Okla. … 102

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

Jason Hughes completes weekend USMTS sweep at West Siloam Speedway

April 6, 2009

Jason Hughes put an exclamation point on a perfect weekend Saturday as he led wire to wire to capture his second main event in as many nights in the 3rd Annual Quarter Master Sooner Modified Nationals at the West Siloam Speedway in West Siloam Springs, Okla.

The win was worth $3,000 and increased his two-day take to $5,000 as he made the short drive home to Westville, Okla., with the points lead in both the USMTS Southern Series and the Bear Tire Mo-Kan Region of the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour.

Despite a field of 69 entries Friday night and 59 on Saturday which included some of the heaviest hitters in the dirt Modified ranks, Hughes was in a class all his own as the 34-year-old chassis builder was perfect in almost every aspect. In addition to leading every lap of both nightcaps, he also garnered the most passing points in heat race action to earn the AFCO Pole Award both nights.

On Friday night, Hughes used the high line to hold back the challenges of Kelly Shryock and take a narrow victory at the end of the 30-lapper. Saturday’s 40-lap Sunoco “A” Main started out as a continuation of Friday’s feature race with Kelly Shryock on the inside of the front row and Hughes on his right.

Hughes got the advantage at the drop of the green flag while Shryock again used the bottom of the racing surface to mount his attack. But unlike Friday night where the two battled side by side for most of the distance, Hughes expanded his lead over the eight-time USMTS National Champion with each passing lap.

After a lap-12 caution flag, Bryan Rowland snuck by Shryock for the second spot while Jeremy Payne followed into third. Payne got around Rowland for second place on lap 20 while Terry Phillips, who started 13th, charged up to third during the 25th lap.

Another yellow flag on lap 34 erased a straight-away advantage for Hughes with teammates Payne and Phillips filling the row behind him on the restart. Hughes was able to pull away on the restart, but another caution on lap 38 slowed the field again and set up a two-lap shootout to the finish.

Back under green, Phillips disposed of his protégé in the first turn but was unable to mount a challenge on the leader as Hughes cruised beneath the checkered flags to record the popular hometown victory.

Phillips and Payne hung on for second and third, respectively, while Rowland finished fourth ahead of his teammate Rodney Sanders. Rounding out the top-10 finishers were Randy Timms, Dustin Boney, Zack VanderBeek, Wes Armstrong and Chad Wheeler.

COMING EVENTS …

With Sunday’s event at the Thunderhill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., being canceled due to inclement weather, the next stop for the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour will be the long-awaited Inaugural Frostbuster at Kevin and Tammy Gundaker’s Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill., on Friday, April 10. The series moves north to the 24 Raceway in Moberly, Mo., on Saturday, April 11.

For the USMTS Southern Series, action picks back up on Friday, April 17, at the Golden Triangle Raceway Park in Beaumont, Texas, and the Gator Motorplex in Willis, Texas, on Saturday, April 18, for a pair of Western Region showdowns.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour (Bear Tire Mo-Kan Region)
USMTS Southern Series (West Region)
3rd Annual Quarter Master Sooner Modified Nationals - Night 2 of 2
West Siloam Speedway, West Siloam Springs, Okla.
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Showing finishing position, car number, driver, hometown and starting position in parentheses. The top 13 drivers in passing points accumulated in the heat races are locked into the “A” Main, with the top 8 re-drawing for starting positions 1-8.

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (10 laps):
1. 74 - Jeremy Payne — Springfield, MO (4)
2. 75 - Terry Phillips — Springfield, MO (3)
3. 26 - Brian Williams — Fayetteville, AR (8)
4. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (9)
5. 66x - Mike Dillard — Allen, TX (2)
6. 4 - Ronnie Barbee — Siloam Springs, AR (5)
7. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (10)
8. 38 - Jeremy Ross — Locust Grove, OK (1)
9. 8j - Dustin Hyde — Texarkana, TX (7)
10. 60 - Kip Hughes — Enid, OK (6)

HEAT RACE #2 (10 laps):
1. 22 - Dustin Boney — Tonganoxie, KS (2)
2. 91b - Shawn Brassfield — Ada, OK (1)
3. 33z - Zack VanderBeek — New Sharon, IA (8)
4. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (7)
5. 88 - Chad Wheeler — Muskogee, OK (4)
6. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (10)
7. 42t - Tim Shields — Kansas City, MO (6)
8. 41 - Dustin Davis — Kansas, OK (9)
9. 24b - Larry Bratti — Springdale, AR (3)
10. 6 - Pat McVicker — Woodward, OK (5)

HEAT RACE #3 (10 laps):
1. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (3)
2. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (2)
3. 25 - Scott Green — Derby, KS (7)
4. 21m - Dean Mahlstedt — Clear Lake, IA (5)
5. 5c - Don Crnkovich — Lenexa, KS (6)
6. YF - Toby Foster — Springdale, AR (4)
7. 0 - Kirby Stiens — Conception Junction, MO
8. 74 - Robert Janes — Siloam Springs, AR (9)
9. 8 - Mark Hoover — Maryville, MO (8)
10. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (1) DNF

HEAT RACE #4 (10 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (5)
2. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (7)
3. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (8)
4. 21m - Steven Martin — Ozark, MO (1)
5. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (4)
6. 5 - Steve Holzkamper — Gentry, AR (9)
7. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (3)
8. 10k - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (6)
9. 9m - Melvin Pilcher — Springdale, AR (2)
10. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (10) DNF

HEAT RACE #5 (10 laps):
1. 90 - Steve Wetzstein — West Concord, MN (2)
2. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (5)
3. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (3)
4. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (8)
5. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (6)
6. 9j - Jeremy Morris — Lowell, AR (7)
7. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (4)
8. 30 - Chase Allen — Midlothian, TX (1) DNF
9. 4x - Chad Austin — Canyon, TX (9) DNF
10. L1 - Larry Clevenger — Greenwood, LA (10) DNS

HEAT RACE #6 (10 laps):
1. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (3)
2. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (1)
3. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (4)
4. C8 - Timothy Culp — West Monroe, LA (2)
5. 33 - Ryan Stiens — Maryville, MO (8)
6. 65 - Tommy Myer — Blooming Prairie, MN (7)
7. 89x - Tate Cole — Muskogee, OK (6)
8. 7k - Jason Krohn — Slayton, MN (9) DNF
9. 52 - Hank Long — Stilwell, OK (5) DNF

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 3 advance):
1. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (3)
2. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (5)
3. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (7)
4. 10k - Kyle Schmidt — Farmington, AR (12)
5. 18 - Cody Smith — Kaufman, TX (10)
6. YF - Toby Foster — Springdale, AR (9)
7. 74 - Robert Janes — Siloam Springs, AR (11)
8. 33 - Ryan Stiens — Maryville, MO (4)
9. 111 - Bumper Jones — Mesilla Park, NM (2)
10. 5 - Steve Holzkamper — Gentry, AR (6)
11. 91b - Shawn Brassfield — Ada, OK (1)
12. 75 - Alan Sharpensteen — Amarillo, TX (8)
13. 24b - Larry Bratti — Springdale, AR (13) DNF
14. 4x - Chad Austin — Canyon, TX (14) DNF
15. 6 - Pat McVicker — Woodward, OK (15) DNF
16. L1 - Larry Clevenger — Greenwood, LA (16) DNS

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 3 advance):
1. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (1)
2. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (15)
3. 9j - Jeremy Morris — Lowell, AR (7)
4. 0 - Kirby Stiens — Conception Junction, MO (8)
5. 52 - Hank Long — Stilwell, OK (14)
6. 8 - Mark Hoover — Maryville, MO (13)
7. 5c - Don Crnkovich — Lenexa, KS (5)
8. 42t - Tim Shields — Kansas City, MO (9)
9. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (2) DNF
10. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (3) DNF
11. 21m - Steven Martin — Ozark, MO (4) DNF
12. 89x - Tate Cole — Muskogee, OK (10) DNF
13. 66x - Mike Dillard — Allen, TX (6) DNF
14. 7k - Jason Krohn — Slayton, MN (11) DNS
15. 30 - Chase Allen — Midlothian, TX (12) DNS

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN #3 (15 laps, top 3 advance):
1. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (2)
2. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (1)
3. 88 - Chad Wheeler — Muskogee, OK (6)
4. C8 - Timothy Culp — West Monroe, LA (4)
5. 21m - Dean Mahlstedt — Clear Lake, IA (3)
6. 4 - Ronnie Barbee — Siloam Springs, AR (8)
7. 65 - Tommy Myer — Blooming Prairie, MN (7)
8. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (5)
9. 9m - Melvin Pilcher — Springdale, AR (13)
10. 8j - Dustin Hyde — Texarkana, TX (12)
11. 52 - Chad Davis — Tulsa, OK (9)
12. 38 - Jeremy Ross — Locust Grove, OK (11)
13. 60 - Kip Hughes — Enid, OK (14) DNF
14. 41 - Dustin Davis — Kansas, OK (10) DNF
15. 71k - Kevin Sustaire — Emery, TX (15) DNS

SUNOCO “A” MAIN (40 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes — Westville, OK (2)
2. 75 - Terry Phillips — Springfield, MO (13)
3. 74 - Jeremy Payne — Springfield, MO (6)
4. 20r - Bryan Rowland — Woodward, OK (3)
5. 20 - Rodney Sanders — Happy, TX (11)
6. 5t - Randy Timms — Wheatland, OK (8)
7. 22 - Dustin Boney — Tonganoxie, KS (4)
8. 33z - Zack VanderBeek — New Sharon, IA (10)
9. 5a - Wes Armstrong — Marshall, TX (17)
10. 88 - Chad Wheeler — Muskogee, OK (22)
11. 89 - Steven Whiteaker Jr. — Corpus Christi, TX (19)
12. 57 - Jason Armstrong — Marshall, TX (15)
13. 5r - Morgan Bagley — Longview, TX (16)
14. 51 - Eddie Martin — Stilwell, OK (25)
15. 9 - Shane Hebert — Lafayette, LA (26)
16. 14 - Jon Tesch — Watertown, SD (20)
17. 12b - Johnny Bone Jr. — Pea Ridge, AR (24)
18. 3 - Kelly Shryock — Fertile, IA (1)
19. 60 - William Gould — Calera, OK (14) DNF
20. 25 - Scott Green — Derby, KS (12) DNF
21. 26 - Brian Williams — Fayetteville, AR (9) DNF
22. 4r - Dereck Ramirez — Woodward, OK (5) DNF
23. 5 - Steve Holzkamper — Gentry, AR (23) DNF
24. 4m - Bobby Malchus — Red Oak, TX (18) DNF
25. 90 - Steve Wetzstein — West Concord, MN (7) DNF
26. 9j - Jeremy Morris — Lowell, AR (21) DNF

Lap Leaders – J. Hughes 1-40.
Total Laps Led – J. Hughes 40.
AFCO Pole Winner – J. Hughes.
Provisional Starters – Holzkamper, Bone, E. Martin, Hebert.

USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour:
Ruter Farms Long Tow – Tesch (697.89 miles).
PBM Performance Products Hard Charger – Wheeler (started 22nd, finished 10th).
Next Race – Friday, April 10, Tri-City Speedway, Pontoon Beach, Ill. (Bear Tire Mo-Kan Region).
Bear Tire Mo-Kan Region Points – J. Hughes 383, Boney 337, Tesch 331, Sanders 309, Bone 301, Shryock 298, Holzkamper 295, Green 293, VanderBeek 292, Wheeler 289.
DandyLand Farms Rookie of the Year Points – K. Hughes 62, Crnkovich 51, Gary Langworthy Jr. 50, Cole 47, Brian Bolin 44.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points – Mullins 43, Sput’s 37, A.S.I. 34, AEM 23, Hatfield 17.
Chassis Builders Championship Points – Hughes 45, Skyrocket 40, Ramirez 35, GRT 32, TRE 29.

USMTS Southern Series:
KSE Racing Products Hard Charger – Wheeler (started 22nd, finished 10th).
Next Race – Friday, April 17, Golden Triangle Raceway Park, Beaumont, Texas (West Region).
West Region Points – J. Hughes 208, Shryock 153, E. Martin 153, Tesch 152, Rowland 143, Sanders 143, Hebert 143, Holzkamper 130, Wheeler 129, Whiteaker 129.
Dustin Duncan Memorial “Just Say Yes” Rookie of the Year Points – W. Armstrong 68, J. Armstrong 62, Sustaire 55, Dillard 49, Patrick Linn 48.
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Year Points – Mullins 29, Sput’s 29, A.S.I. 29, BMS 19, Shinook 18.
Chassis Builders Championship Points – GRT 35, Hughes 34, Skyrocket 32, TRE 29, Ramirez 28.

Contingency Awards:
AFCO Racing Products – J. Hughes.
American Racer – S. Martin.
Isky Racing Cams – Payne.
KSE Racing Products – Timms, Wheeler.
PBM Performance Products – Wheeler.
Marsh Racing Wheels – Morris.
Nitroquest – Payne.
Quarter Master – J. Hughes, VanderBeek.
QuickTime Performance Parts – Boney.
Real Racing Wheels – Foster, Hoover, Barbee.
Ruter Farms – Tesch.

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