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Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 8/20/2011

My flight doesn’t arrive in San Antonio until 4:10 p.m. and it’s a good three-hour and 45-minutes drive to HMP once I get to the house to pick up the car, but I plan to make the trip and bring you the feature events from Houston Motorsports Park thanks to Umscheid Race Services.

If I’m a bit late, well, please forgive me, but I’ll do my best to get there. Let’s hope my flights are not delayed.

{Well, my flight was delayed and I couldn’t get to HMP in time to bring you the updates. I’m very sorry for the letdown, but it couldn’t be avoided. — Nick}

Austin Self doubles up with twin wins at Thunderhill Raceway

Austin Wayne Self came from the back to win Saturday night at Thunderhill Raceway - not once but twice. The 15 year-old claimed a piece of NASCAR history when he took the checkered flag in front of a rowdy Texas crowd in both the NASCAR A-Line Modified and the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model Divisions at the 3/8-mile, D-shaped oval in Kyle, Texas.

“The past four races have been very frustrating for our team and fans, and it feels so good to finally get that next big win and it’s almost unreal to think we just pulled off a double. My crew, family and fans deserve this win more than anything. The guys always work their butts off, to give me great cars, we qualify pole, lead a bunch of laps, our fans get excited and then we get taken out on a restart. That kind of thing just kills us all. But this week, by the grace of God, we came up big, really big. You can’t imagine how cool it feels to deliver a huge night for my fans, family and team,” said Self.

“Terry James (Crew Chief) and I had a little chat about the last four races and then he told the team that we were going to race hard but we had to stay away from some of the more aggressive drivers. So that’s what we tried to do and it worked out real well in the Modified race. But we had some problems in the Late Model Race.”

Self qualified off pole in the Pro Modified race after being edged out by Heath Stewart by 0.030 seconds with HE Naumann, Zac Hausler and Ryan Englehardt rounding out the top five. But a full inversion of the qualifying order put Self and Stewart at the rear of the field for the race start. Self and Stewart eventually made their way to the front by taking advantage of the double file restarts and the developing outside groove that just got better as the night went on. Self made it to the front first and the two drivers proceeded to check out on the field. Self kept his car on the bottom to protect the inside and forced Stewart to use the high line. Stewart could not make it work good enough to get a run on Self out of the turns. It was a dash for the finish with Self holding his position for the win.

“Heath (Stewart) is a great driver and he races clean so I wasn’t worried about getting clipped. But he has a great motor so I was a little worried that he might be able to drag race me out of 2 or 4 if he could get the upper groove working for him and keep me pinned down on exit. I give a lot of credit to Heath for keeping the race clean,” says Self.

Less than 10 minutes later, Self was climbing into the 07 TSRS Late Model and starting 3rd row outside. Self had to dive to the bottom of the track and lock it up to avoid contact when the front two cars on the front row collided on lap 1. Because he left the racing surface during the maneuver, race control would send him to the back.

Unfortunately, Self suffered damage to the front of his Late Model when he could not avoid another spin that involved the two cars in front of him. Self would eventually head to the pits to fix some of the damage and start in the back again.

With no hood, a damaged front end and a set of Goodyear Tires that had been locked up twice, Self began his amazing march to the front. He brought the crowd to a roar by choosing the outside line on every subsequent restart. That strategy paid off when he got by the 96 (Robert Barker) and then passed the 92 (Taylor Brandes) car for the lead. Self would go on to lead the balance of the race and take his second win of the night the hard way.

“The crew made all the right calls in this race. We knew our car had lost a little speed with the crash damage and we had some fast cars in front of us running the low line. We figured we couldn’t get under them so we would try to go around them. This has pretty much been a one groove track so I don’t think the 96 and the 92 thought we could get by on the outside,” says Self

Evidently neither did the crowd that went crazy when Austin pinned the 92 car down coming out of 4 and won the drag race down the front stretch.

Self would go on to thank all the right people and give all the glory to God in the ensuing post race interviews. He spent the rest of the night hanging out with his fans and giving out autographs.

NASCAR recently lowered the age limit for drivers in the Whelen All-American Series to fifteen. Austin’s fifteenth birthday was on March 5, which was opening day for the racing series. As a result of that change, Austin joined the Pro Modified class and earned his first win on May 21. By winning both the Pro Modified and Late Model class, Self becomes the first 15-year-old NASCAR driver to win two premiere Divisions on the same night.

About Austin Wayne Self

Austin Wayne Self is a 15-year-old NASCAR driver racing in both the Pro Modified and Late Model Divisions of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. Self is also an international Karting champion, having competed since age 4, and is currently KartSport teammates with Sprint Cup driver A.J. Allmendinger. Self’s career goal is to race NASCAR Sprint Cup and do one-off IndyCar races at the Indianapolis 500. Learn more at http://www.austinwayneself.com

by Terri Hartley
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Austin Wayne Self celebrates his 15th Birthday with his first official NASCAR Win

Austin Wayne Self celebrated his fifteenth birthday in style Saturday night, March 5, 2011, at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas. The young Austinite won the NASCAR Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) season-opener at the 3/8th-mile paved oval and almost pulled off an upset win in the NASCAR A-Line Modified feature, finishing second to the defending Modified champ Michael Umscheid.

“I was a little nervous starting fourth on the outside,” Self said after the TSRS win. “The outside is not the place you want to be this early in the season, but we pulled it off pretty well. I was able to jump into third place behind Jeff (O’Neill) right away, but it took me a few laps to work my way around him. And once I did I could tell that (defending TSRS Champion Bobby) Teer was fast, but so was I, so I took off after him.”

What happened next surprised everyone, including Self.

On the 12th circuit a caution flag waved for a spin by John Hernandez. That meant that Teer and Self would line up on the front row for the restart with Teer on the preferred inside lane and Self on the dreaded outside lane.

“I got a great start and ended up grabbing the lead from the outside. That was a big surprise,” Self said, still sounding a bit shocked. “But I was prepared. I knew what I had to do on the re-start and did it. Bobby (Teer) was able to do it all last year and I decided to bump it up do it this year and pulled it off!”

Self was able to fend off several determined efforts by Teer over the remainder of the 35-lap race and took the checkered flag by less than half a second over Teer and frequent-winner Robert Barker.

In the NASCAR A-Line Modified 35-lapper, Umscheid had it pretty much his own way, leaving Self and youngster Jake Kruger to battle it out for second. And after a heated mini-war that involved several bumps and paint-swapping incidents during the event and a couple of extra “love taps” after, Self finished a scant 0.03 second in front of an obviously frustrated Kruger.

“Michael (Umscheid) is always fast and they have a great team,” Self said. “But we have the Umschieds working with us on our modified this year too, so we’ll see how the rest of the season goes.”

When asked why his TSRS car seems faster this year Self explained, “We put bump stops in the car this year and I can put the car where I want it. It handles perfectly now.”

Self and his team and a room full of well-wishers gathered in the driver’s lounge after the tech inspections were over for some birthday cake and a victory celebration.

“It’s a great birthday present to win the (TSRS) season opener and do so well with the Modified,” Self said to those gathered around. “But you can’t win anything without a great team and lots of support from lots of people. I feel very fortunate to have so many great people believe in me.”

NASCAR TSRS Late Model unofficial results

1. 07 Austin Wayne Self, 35 laps
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr, 35
3. 96 Robert Barker, 35
4. 28 Jeff O’Neill, 35
5. 3 Mike Reininger, 35
6. 29 Todd Farris, 35
7. 1 Nick Cole, 35
8. 37 Mark Ackerman, 35
9. 92 Taylor Brandes, 35
10. 9 John Hernandez, 34
11. 69 Mike Pollaro, 34

NASCAR A-Line Modified unofficial results

1. 15 Michael Umscheid , 35 laps
2. 5 Austin Self, 35
3. 30 Jake Kruger , 35
4. 42 Justin Long, 35
5. 61 Cory Lovell, 35
6. 53 Ryan Engelhardt, 35
7. 10 Robert Walton, 35
8. 33 Jason Morman, 35
9. 44 H.E. Naumann, 35
10. 2 Heath Stewart, 35
11. 91 Zach Hausler, 23

by Nick Holt
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Live Interactive Updates from THR’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular,” Saturday, 9/25/10

I will be bringing you all the Saturday night racing action from Thunderhill Raceway’s “Texas Stock Car Spectacular” starting at 5:00 p.m.

On tap will be (in this order):
+ Texas Pro Sedan 35-lap feature
+ TSRS Allison Legacy 50-lap feature
+ Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas 20-lap feature
+ Thunder Stock “7DwarfsMotel.com 20″ presented by Oasis Paradise Spa LLC
+ ASA A-Line Super Stock 40-lap feature
+ Pro Truck 50-lap feature
+ Pro Modified 50-lap feature
+ TSRS Late Model 75-lap feature

You will be able to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast, but there will be a delay in seeing your post in the blog window because I have to approve all posts - and sometimes I’m very busy trying to keep up with all the action.

To join in, click below.

Austin Self earns his second Texas Super Racing Series checkered flag at Thunderhill Raceway

For the second time this season, Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model rookie Austin Self ended up in Thunderhill Raceway’s Victory Circle. And for the second time this season he did it in convincing fashion. after the dust settled at the tight, 3/8-mile, D-shaped, asphalt bullring Saturday night.

The fourteen year-old Self, who qualified fourth fastest on the tight, 3/8-mile D-shaped asphalt bullring, started on the outside of row two for the 50-lap TSRS Late Model “Reagan Smith Memorial 50,” jumped into the lead on the very first lap after a great inside move and proceeded to lead every lap of the “clean and green” feature.

But it certainly was no cakewalk as the youngster had to hold off two of the most talented drivers in Texas - multi-race winners Robert Barker and TSRS point leader Bobby Teer, Jr. – for the entire 50 laps. First it was Barker taking a long looks inside as it appeared that Self’s ride might be a tad loose coming of the turns. Then it was Teer trading paint with the FEP Chevrolet over the last dozen laps.

After filling Self’s mirror for several laps with his battle-proven Ford, Barker seemed ready to make his move. But just as he set up for the pass, Teer timed his own move and got under Barker to take over the second spot, dropping Barker to third.

Almost immediately Teer traded paint with the leader and tried for several laps to force Self into an error, but the cool-as-a-cucumber teen held his line as the action heated up. Bumper tag became the name-of-the-game over the last few laps, but Self was able to fend off the repeated challenges to claim the win by less than a car length as the top three crossed the finish line in a bunch.

“I really had my hands full with both Robert (Barker) and Bobby (Teer,Jr.)” Self said during a post-race interview. “Those two guys are two of the best and to be able to hold them off for 50 green-flag laps was a pretty big challenge. I just tried to keep my hand on the wheel, be patient and hold my line.”

“Bobby saw that I was a little loose coming off the turns and he did his best to loosen me up a little more, “ Self chuckled. “The car loosened up on me some late in the race because the tires heated up during that long green run, but both those guys raced me clean and I thank them for that. I think they both know I’d race them clean if it was the other way around. Really, any one of us three could have won that race, but I’m glad it was the FEP Chevrolet taking the checkered.

“I want to thank FEP for backing my racing this year and I can’t say enough about J.R. and Heath for giving me another great car. It takes a great sponsor and a great team to win and I’ve got both,” Self concluded.

Results of the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model “Reagan Smith Memorial 50”

Showing Finishing position, Car number, Name, Hometown, Laps completed, Qualifying time

1. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.677
2. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.383
3. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.476
4. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX 50 laps QT 15.581
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.869
6. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 48 laps QT 16.628
7. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 48 laps QT 16.418
8. 04 Cory Roper Baytown, TX 37 laps QT 15.885
9. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 2 laps QT 15.966
10. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 0 laps QT 15.703

QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify

By Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photo by Tory Christopher

Veteran Teer notches first Texas Super Racing Series Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

Bobby Teer, Jr., has seen many second-place finishes in Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model competition over the years, but the veteran driver finally made it all the way to the top spot this past Saturday night (May 22, 2010) at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, Texas) during the “Operation Interdependence 50.”

Teer set fast time in qualifying (15.280 seconds) and led all but the first lap or two on his way to the winner’s circle.

But it wasn’t all that easy because David Barker, who was substituting for his younger brother, Robert Barker, who had won all three previous TSRS events this season, and rookie JT Schild gave him plenty of competition and perhaps a few taps on his back bumper along the way.

Barker got the early jump on the 14-car field, but it wasn’t long before Teer, who had started on the outside pole, made a clean inside pass to take the lead when Barker exited turn four a bit too high.

Mike Reininger, Taylor Brandes and JT Schild were all tucked in behind the leaders and were waging their own private war for third in the early going until the threesome tried to make it three wide and heavy contact sent Reininger and Brandes into twin spins while Schild was able to maintain control. Schild then lined up behind Barker on the ensuing restart with Cody Iltis right behind him.

Meanwhile, fourteen year-old rookie Austin Self, who had started at the rear due to being a bit too left-side heavy after qualifying, had worked his way up to sixth and was obviously on a mission to get to the front.

For the next several laps Teer had his hands full as Barker lurked right on his bumper while Schild, in turn, worked on Barker’s rear bumper. Iltis completed the tight, four-car breakaway.

But Barker seemed to be losing the handle a bit and Schild got more and more aggressive as they passed the half-way point. Schild, after looking inside for several laps, finally got a good run going into turn three and the pair made heavy contact with Barker spinning to bring out the yellow.

The track ruled that Schild had position and Barker was sent to the rear for the restart. That moved Schild into second with Iltis third and Self fourth. A lap or two later Self worked his way past Iltis to take third.

With twelve laps remaining Larry Bendele’s engine exploded just past the flag stand in a cloud of smoke while running in the fifth spot and everyone behind went sliding through the oil. Barker spun to a stop near the apron and Brandes, also completely at the mercy of the oil, slammed into Barker’s driver’s side door as the rest of the field miraculously didn’t hit anything too hard. Brandes was done for the night but Barker’s crew patched the car up and he returned to the track without losing a lap.

Unfortunately for Self, his hood had bent up to block a good portion of his view and he spent the remainder of the race holding off Iltis. Iltis gave it one last shot on the last lap and got into Self’s rear bumper, but instead of Self spinning, it was Iltis who sat in the middle of turn 3-4 as the checkered waved for Teer who had opened up a car length or two on Schild as they came to the line.

It was all smiles and congratulations in the TSRS winner’s circle for Teer and crew and plenty of high-fives for rookies Schild and Self.

Cory Roper and Craig Sellman rounded out the top five.

TSRS Late Models “Operation Interdependence 50” results, 5/22/2010

1. 2 Bobby Teer Jr., Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.280 Fast Time
2. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX 50 laps QT 15.553
3. 07 Austin Self, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.514 Post Qualifying Tech Infraction - Too much left side weight (started at rear)
4. 04 Cory Roper, Baytown, TX 50 laps QT 16.303 Hard Charger
5. 38 Craig Sellman, Buda, TX 50 laps DNT
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.966
7. 17 David Barker, Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.447
8. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX 50 laps QT 16.478
9. 11 Cody IItis, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.757
10. 37 Mark Ackerman, San Antonio, TX 45 laps QT 16.123
11. 23 Larry Bendele, Adkins, TX 38 laps QT 15.956
12. 92 Taylor Brandes, Garden Ridge, TX 30 laps QT 15.454
13. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX 23 laps QT 15.510
14. 56 Joey Jenkins, Del Valle, TX 4 laps QT 19.469

QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify
DNS – Did Not Start

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Robert Barker blasts to third-straight Texas Super Series Late Model win

Robert Barker has a pretty decent Texas Super Racing Series Late Model batting average this season - three-for-three - with the latest coming this past Saturday at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas.

Barker set fast second- fast time in qualifying at the 3/8-mile, D-shaped oval with his Mission Auto Parts Ford Fusion, drew the pole in the line-up draw and led all 50 laps to complete a nearly flawless race weekend.

But that perfect batting average may soon be in jeopardy as youngsters JT Schild and Austin Self, along with seasoned veteran Bobby Teer, Jr. are coming on strong.

Schild, who started on the outside pole next to Barker, got hung out a bit at the drop of the green which allowed Self , who had lined up on the inside row two, to grab the second spot early, but Schild quickly returned the favor, dropping Self to third in the early going.

Meanwhile, Teer, who was quickest in time trials, had worked his way up to Self’s bumper from his sixth starting spot while Barker and Schild went nose-to-tail for several laps until Schild slipped a bit exiting a turn and Barker took off, never to be seriously challenged again.

At that point all eyes were on the heated battle for third between Self and Teer, who was using every trick in the book to force Self to make a mistake, but the youngster, driving only his second TSRS Late Model race, proved his second place finish in the last TSRS event was no fluke and hung tough.

Finally on lap 16 Teer made a textbook inside pass – no paint whatsoever traded - to take the spot.

At just past the halfway point, a caution bunched the nine-car field.

On the restart Barker got away cleanly, but Self made a huge move on Teer and grabbed third while veteran Mike Reininger took command of the fifth spot behind Teer.

A couple of laps later Teer got into the back of Self coming off turn four getting him a bit sideways, but Self was able to recover and hold the spot as while Barker and Schild pulled away once again.

For the next several laps Teer backed off a bit, cooling his tires and plotting his next move. And with five to go he gave Self a bit of a nudge in turn one and scooted by on the inside as the pair exited turn two to claim third once again.

Up front, Barker was long gone, but Teer and Self seemed to be closing in on Schild, who had faded a bit in second with handling issues. The pair ran out of laps, however, and at the checkered it was Barker by several car lengths over Schild, a fast-closing Teer, a determined Self and a fast-improving Reininger the top five.

Texas Super Racing Series Late Model 50-lap feature results

1. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX, 50 laps QT 15.234
2. 25 JT Schild Waller, TX, 50 laps QT 15.853
3. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX, 50 laps QT 15.202 Fast Time/Hard Charger
4. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX, 50 laps QT 15.407
5. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX, 50 laps QT 15.806
6. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX, 50 laps QT 15.420
7. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX, 50 laps QT 15.879
8. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX, 48 laps QT 16.852
9. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX, 48 laps QT 16.177

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Jeff Garvin

Thunderhill Raceway opens this Saturday with the Texas Super Racing Series and a full program on tap

The season opener for stock car racing at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) is only a few days away, and everything is moving forward at full speed to make 2010 the best racing season ever in the 13-year history of this 3/8-mile asphalt track.

This Saturday (March 20) will be the season opener. During the winter months, the Thunderhill Raceway (THR) staff and racing teams have been working hard to get ready for this big day.

Open Test-n-Tune practice sessions began the first Saturday in February, and drivers have continuously worked to fine-tune their race cars each weekend as the first race date approaches.

During the off-season, the staff has been coming up with innovative ways to create excitement and entertainment value for the fans.

Changes for the upcoming season include an expanded Midway area near the front entrance to the grandstands. Various food booths will be available, and fans will be given the opportunity to interact with the drivers at the new Drivers’ Autograph Booth. Kids can also expect to have lots of fun this year with inflatable bouncers, bike races and rides in the race cars on the track.

“We went through a few rough spots at the end of last year, and we weren’t sure if we’d even be able to keep the track open in 2010,” said Mary Ann Naumann, THR’s Owner and Promoter. “Fortunately, we were able to work out an agreement with the landowner, and we plan to make this year the best one ever – and hopefully for many more years to come!”

Naumann added, “Stock car racing is my life, and we’re so lucky to have a great car count and lots of dedicated drivers at Thunderhill Raceway. It’s our goal to showcase our drivers and make them more available to the fans. We also feel that we have the best entertainment value in the area – with 4-5 hours of jam-packed, up-close racing action on a Saturday night.”

The full racing agenda for Saturday night will include the fan-favorite TSRS (Texas Super Racing Series) Late Models, along with the TSRS Allison Legacys, Texas Pro Sedans, Dwarf Cars, SportMods, ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and Mini Stocks.

Kids’ bicycle races are on Saturday’s list of activities, and kiddie rides (in the race cars) will also be offered at the end of the night.

Grandstand gates will open on Saturday a little earlier than usual – at 4 p.m. Qualifying will start at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Driver Autograph Session at 5:15 p.m. The racing action will begin with heat races at 6 p.m. and opening ceremony and feature races immediately afterwards.

Admission for the grandstands is $12 for adults (including tax), with a $2 discount for seniors, military and police and EMS personnel (with ID). Children 12 and under are free.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

by Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway Media & Public Relations Director

Houston Motorsports Park to host “Fiesta’s Speedfest presented by Cricket Wireless” this Saturday, March 13th.

Houston Motorsports Park is hosting their annual “Fiesta Speedfest presented by Cricket Wireless” this Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the well-maintained 3/8-mile oval located in Northeast Houston.

Big purses and big fields of cars will be the norm as the Houston area racing season heats up.

John Mandabach, HMP Vice President and General Manager, is enthusiastic about the upcoming Speedfest event. “The weather forecast for Speedfest is great,” Mandabach said, “And we’re expecting to start 24 NASCAR Fiesta Late Models, 24 NASCAR 360 Trucks and 20 NASCAR Cricket Modifieds.”

Those are some good numbers for any local racing track.

And the numbers advertised for the purses are equally good.

Featured races will include:

$5000 to Win for the NASCAR Fiesta Late Models for the “Delmar Systems 75”
$3000 to Win for the NASCAR Cricket Modifieds for the “Cricket 50”
$1500 to Win for the NASCAR 360 Trucks for the “DDC 50”
$500 to Win for the Pro Stocks – 30 Laps
$300 to Win for the Eco Stocks – 20 Laps
$75 Fiesta Gift Card to Win for the Bandoleros – 15 Laps

Two weeks ago the racing was fast and furious on the concrete/asphalt surface with new race procedures - including double-file restarts and “driver self policing” – in force during the racing action.

Racing at the track located at 11620 N. Lake Houston Parkway is set to take the green flag at 5:00 p.m.

Five dollar adult tickets are available at any Houston area Fiesta Mart and $10-off coupons are available at select Cricket Wireless locations. And with $1 beer, $1 cokes and $1 hot dogs, a family of four can afford to take in all the racing excitement.

Further information is available at http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com/ or by calling the track at 281-458-1972.

by Nick Holt, Admin, Lone Star Speedzone
Photos by Steve Steinle

Economic times affect the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Models

The unfortunate economic conditions throughout the country have come to affect the very popular, and only remaining, late model stock car touring series in Texas – the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS).

Founded in 2003, the TSRS Late Models have been a fan favorite and have raced as a touring series over Texas including Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle), Corpus Christi Speedway, San Antonio Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth), Houston Motorsports Park and Red River Speedway (Wichita Falls). To fulfill a dream of TSRS founder, Mary Ann Naumann, the TSRS Late Models have also raced at Texas World Speedway (College Station).

A decision has been made to discontinue taking this series on the road during the 2010 racing season because of the tough economic conditions that have taken their toll on many race tracks all over the country, including Thunderhill Raceway (THR), which is the home track for TSRS. The always-exciting group of drivers and teams, however, will be featured as the premier class at each of the scheduled events next season at Thunderhill Raceway. By featuring these exciting late model cars, THR is taking steps to provide a solid racing foundation for the racers and fans of Central Texas.

“As many of you know, MAN Racing Promotions LLC owns and operates both Thunderhill Raceway and TSRS,” said Mary Ann Naumann, owner and promoter for THR and TSRS. “We’ve just overcome some major hurdles with keeping the track open, and we’ve realized that we need to put our entire focus on Thunderhill Raceway going forward. By having TSRS Late Models at THR at each race this season, we can continue to move forward and provide the race fans with exciting racing action and save our TSRS teams some expenses. We’ll certainly re-evaluate the economic conditions at the end of the 2010 season and see where we go from there.”

The schedule for 2010 for THR and TSRS has been in progress for several weeks, and the tentative schedule will be released in the next few days. The schedule will include approximately 12 fun-filled racing events with many racing classes represented at each event.

“We’re forced to look at all aspects of the racing from a financial standpoint,” commented Naumann. “It’s tough to make a decision like this from a business perspective. TSRS has always been dear to my heart and it’s difficult to take the emotions out of it. I know we need to think of ways to bring stability to the track, while saving money for the drivers at the same time. Most of all, we want to make sure we continue to provide a top-quality show for our fans.”

Except for not traveling to other tracks next year, the operating procedures for the TSRS Late Models will remain basically the same. The addition of a new sponsor is also being pursued.

“We’re excited that we’ve been having discussions with a major sponsor for the series that would increase the prize money available to the drivers, if the sponsor is signed,” added Naumann. “All and all, I’m very excited about the potential opportunities for TSRS in 2010. I think these changes are a win/win for all involved.”

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com or TSRS at www.manracingpromotions.com.

By Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway Media & Public Relations Director

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