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Covington claims Heart O’ Texas ASCS Regional Showdown win

Matt Covington scored one for The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star ranks by topping Friday night’s 25-lap main event pitting the Lone Star Region versus the Smiley’s Racing Products ASCS Gulf South Region at Heart O’ Texas Speedway.

The current ASCS Lone Star points leader assumed the point on the 12th round and went on to post his second Regional triumph of the year aboard Dennis Marshala’s Wesmar-powered Oilfield Equipment & Manufacturing No. 11c Triple X.

Thirty-five drivers, from four states, signed in the do battle on the high-banked ,¼ mile, dirt track just north of Waco in front of a near capacity crowd.

All the heavy hitters were in attendance as the top ten points chasers from each region signed in, with Matt Covington (Lone Star) and George White (Gulf South) leading their contingents. The feature line up was nearly a 50/50 split with 13 Lone Star Region drivers and 11 Gulf South racers filling the 24-car field after the heats and B-mains. The number could have reversed had Greg Rilat and Michael McNeil not tangled in their B-main while running in the top two positions.

Heat race action saw Bean Elliott, Ray Allen Kulhanek, Covington and Chris Sweeney take wins, with B-mains going to Chad Wilson and Claud Estes. Dustin Welch and Martin Edwards took tumbles in their heats, both were alright. Edwards recovered to transfer from his B-main, but Welch was done for the night.

Lone Star Region points leader Matt Covington used a picture perfect slide job on early leader Brandon Berryman to get the point in the 25-lap ASCS Sprint Car main event. Covington worked his way up from his second row starting spot and put the slider on Berryman during a lap 6 restart. From there Covington built a comfortable over Berryman and Travis Rilat who tried, unsuccessfully, to close up in traffic.

Getting the 24-car ASCS Sprint Car feature underway was harder than herding cats as it took four attempts to get the race under green. The first try saw Tommy Bryant slide off turn 4. Try number two had Evan Pardo spin in turn 4, while Chad Wilson tipped over in turn 3. Debris slowed the third attempt.

Finally a clean lap with Brandon Berryman beating Chris Sweeney into turn 1. Sweeney tried low off turn 4, but it was former Gulf South champ, Berryman holding the point. Sweeney fell in line second pursued by another GS champ, Ray Allen Kulhanek, Covington and Mike Goodman. Travis Rilat made an early charge getting by Eric Baldacinni for sixth on lap 3.

Sweeney got sideways, with Kulhanek checking up allowing Covington to get by for second. Berryman was out to a good lead when John Ricketts spun in turn 1 for a lap 6 caution erasing Berryman’s advantage. When the green flew again Covington dove under Berryman in turn 1, slid up in turn 2 executing a classic slide job for the lead on lap 7.

Berryman, Goodman and Sweeney went three wide for second, with Berryman holding the position and Goodman up to third. Goodman then picked off Berryman for second on lap 8 only to have yellow wave for a spin by Kulhanek in turn 4. On the restart Goodman had to repass Berryman for second, while Rilat and Baldacinni battled for fifth.

Berryman retook second from Goodman, who began to slow, with Rilat getting past Sweeney for fourth which became third after Goodman rolled to stop in turn 2 for a yellow. Covington got a big jump as the race went back to green and Baldacinni trying to charge on top. Coming to halfway it was Covington stretching his lead over Berryman, Rilat, Sweeney with Baldacinni and Channin Tankersley side by side for fifth.

Michael Lang spun off turn 4 collecting Brandon Corn with Cody Whitworth lightly tagging Corn trying to stop. Covington got away clean on the restart while Rilat pressured Berryman for second and Baldacinni took fourth Sweeney. With five to go Covington ran up on traffic, with Berryman and Rilat trying to reel him in. Covington, in the Oilfield Equipment & Manufacturing, CG Martin Company, Keizer Wheels, T&L Foundry, Butler Built, Winters, DMI, Pro Shocks, Brodix, Factor 1, Wesmar Race Engines, Triple X Chassis, cleared traffic and held his margin at the checkers.

ASCS Sprint Cars

1. 11c Matt Covington
2. 31 Brandon Berryman
3. 29 Travis Elliott
4. 4 Eric Baldacinni
5. 71 Channin Tankersley
6. 93 Chris Sweeney
7. 10 George White
8. 25 Brian McClelland
9. 28 Tommy Bryant
19. 74E Claud Estes
11. 45 Martin Edwards
12. 54 Evan Pardo
13. 19 Klint Angelette
14. 51 Beau Smith
16. 76 John Ricketts
17. 14b Robert Byrom
18. 50 Cody Whitworth
19. 14 Michael Lang
20. 30x Bean Elliott
21. 30 Brandon Corn
22.11g Mike Goodman
23. 15t Travis Elliott
24. 21t Ray Allen Kulhanek
25. 20 Chad Wilson

ASCS B-main 1 (12 laps, top 3 to A-main)

20 Chad Wilson, 25 Brian McClelland, 15t Travis Elliott, 36 John Pate, 74x Joshua Hodges, 69 Larry Howery, 24 Brandi Hass, 11 Justin Melton, 52 Roger Oakes

ASCS B-main 2 (12 laps, top 3 to A-main)

74E Claud Estes, 30 Brandon Corn, 45 Martin Edwards, 12 Dale Wester, 17 Bruce Griffith jr., 25m Michael McNeil, 35 Greg Rilat, 7w Dustin Welch—DNS

ASCS Heats(top 18 in passing points to A-main)

Heat 1
30x Bean Elliott, 76 John Ricketts, 14b Robert Byrom, 10 George White, 15t Travis Elliott, 25 Brian McClelland, 35 Greg Rilat, 24 Brandi Hass, 52 Roger Oakes–DNS

Heat 2
21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, 4 Eric Baldacinni, 11g Mike Goodman, 50 Cody Whitworth, 51 Beau Smith, 69 Larry Howery, 11 Justin Melton, 45 Martin Edwards, 7w Dustin Welch

Heat 3
11c Matt Covington, 54 Evan Pardo, 29 Travis Rilat, 71 Channin Tankersley, 14 Michael Lang, 30 Brandon Corn, 36 John Pate, 20 Chad Wilson, 74x Joshua Hodges

Heat 4
93 Chris Sweeney, 28 Tommy Bryant, 31 Brandon Berryman, 19 Klint Angelette, 25m Michael McNeil, 74E Claud Estes, 12 Dale Wester, 17 Bruce Griffith jr

Also in action were the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods and Hobby Stocks, all running features only. Street Stock, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Twisters and Jr. Mini Stocks filled the remainder of the nights racing card.

White Wires IMCA Modified Main

Starting straight up by points in all the IMCA Classes, the IMCA Modified feature shaped up to be a shootout between track and national points rivals Keith White and Chase Jupe. An early incident involving Jupe kept that from ever happening leaving the multi-time IMCA Southern Sportmod National Champion, virtually alone up front throughout the 20-lap race.

As the green waved on the 18-car field White was first into turn 1. Jupe got sideways off turn 2 stacking up the inside line with several cars making contact in the melee. Doyle Massa brought out a lap 1 caution with a spin in turn 3. The yellow gave several drivers, including Jupe, the chance to pit and assess damage. Jupe tried to return, but finally pulled off before the restart.

White got away clean on the restart while Pat McGuire and last weeks winner, Ben Ketteman stayed side by side for second until McGuire finally secured the spot. As the top seven sorted out single file, Justin Radcliff, Justin Redmon and Ricky Kizer were three wide for eighth. Radcliff and Redmon then caught Dwayne Grantham trying three abreast for seventh on lap 6.

Radcliff’s run to the front ended on lap 8 with a flat right front and trip into the wall in turn 2. Back under green coming to the crossed flags it was White, McGuire, Ketteman, Keith Green and Steve MacIsaac in the top five. Grantham expired a motor with Joe Spillman slapping the wall behind him. Grantham rolled to the infield and Spillman soldiered on without caution.

Ketteman and McGuire then began a battle for second as they swapped the spot Redmon slipped past MacIsaac for fifth. Making a charge from the back, Andrew Simmerman was next to put MacIsaac back a spot. As the white flag waved, White had a ¾ straightaway lead and easily cruised on to the win the Traceys Auto Sales, Braka Operating, BSB Manufacturing, Belton Metals, Tubbs Paint & Body, Kempner Iron & Steel, TCI, Temple Iron & Metal, Extreme Graphics, racinwithneal.com, Stephenville Starter, CenTex Motorsports powered Hughes Chassis.

IMCA Modifieds

1 Keith White, 37 Ben Ketteman, 9 Pat McGuire, 5 Keith Green, 21 Justin Redmon, 15x Andrew Simmerman, 45t Eric Tomlinson, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 38 Billy Bachmeyer jr 22k Ricky Kizer, 21x Jimmie Helona, 43 Steve MacIsaac, 44s Joe Spillman, 27 Dewayne Grantham, 11j Justin Radcliff, 2x Brandon Stewart, 303 Chase Jupe, 31 Doyle Massa

Green vs. Green for Gold in Sportmod Scramble

It was a family feud of sorts as the Green brothers, Kevin and TJ, battled it for the IMCA Southern Sportmod win. K. Green ed the first half of the 20-lapper, but lapped traffic gave TJ an opening to take over and lead the last half of the event in the Greens Automatic Transmissions, Hewitt Gun Shop, Lambs Muffler, Hewitt Pawn Shop, Du-All Contracting, Stewart Stainless, Simpson Race Products, Outlaw Race Engines, TRE Chassis.

The sibling rivalry began early with the Green boys leading the 16-car field to the green flag. K. Green outran TJ Green into turn 1 for the lead. TJ Green, Chris Cogburn, Ronnie Bell jr. and Randy Doyle fell in line behind the leader. Shelly Sakhnini brought out an early caution with a spin on lap 1. Once back to green again Sid Kiphen squirted through the middle of a three wide fight between he, Doyle and Bell.

Kiphen spun on lap 2 and fell to the back, while Doyle got the black flag, ending his night. As the lead group came up on lapped traffic, Kenny Merritt spun in front of them. TJ Green was able get by K. Green for the lead, while Cogburn spun to the infield. The new top five at halfway was TJ Green, K. Green, Bell, Brandon Guerin and Cody Daniels.

The two Green boys continue to dice through traffic, while Guerin and Bell were forced three wide around a slower car. Guerin and Bell were still wheel to wheel, as K. Green stayed on TJ Greens bumper. As the checkers waved TJ Green held off K. Green for the victory, with Guerin sneaking by Bell at the line for third.

IMCA Southern Sportmods

55 TJ Green, 5 Kevin Green, sly1 Brandon Guerin, 95 Ronnie Bell, 76s Cody Daniels, 101 Johnny Sheets, 11 Mark McDaniel, 118 Russell White, 75 Edward Schmidt, v18 Kenny Merritt, 23s Shelly Sakhnini, 5c Chris Cogburn, 702 Brian Walker, 58 Sid Kiphen, 134 Ronnie Warren, 65 Randy Doyle—BF

Gaunet Goes Green to Checkers for Hobby Honors

Michael Gaunet wired the IMCA Hobby Stock feature with a flag to flag win in the 20-lap event. Gaunet built a lead while Jeremy Oliver, Andy Roller and Garrett Rawls who slugged it for second. In the waning laps Gaunet, in the Greens Automatic Transmissions, Lambs Muffler, South West Maintenance, Renschlers Automotive car, held off a challenge by Oliver for the victory.

Gaunet was out front first as the 18-car IMCA Hobby Stock field took the green. Behind him, Oliver, Roller and Rawls were three wide for second, with Oliver getting the spot. Shannon Dulock moved in the go three abreast with Roller and Rawls on lap 2. Oliver was pressuring Gaunet for the lead, with Roller and Dulock swapping third.

The battle up front ran into traffic with Oliver getting slowed by a lapped car, giving Gaunet breathing room until caution waved for debris on lap 9. On the restart Oliver got along side Gaunet, who held the point. Roller and Dulock continue to trade third until Dulock slapped the wall ending his night. Gaunet hung on to the top spot in the final laps for the win, while Jeremy Wininger got by Rawls coming to the checkers.

IMCA Hobby Stocks

25 Michael Gaunet, 82 Jeremy Oliver, 63 Andy Roller, 41 Jeremy Wininger, 82g Garrett Rawls, 38 Allen Montgomery, 28 Richard Pickens, 7 Jaron Shahan, 53 Robert Scrivner, 77 Bill Siegman jr., 14 Zack Riley, 47 Shannon Dulock, 21j Jordan Kornegay, 74 Chris Grusendorf, 23 Michael Hilliard, 18 Jeremy Hendrix, 13r Brandon Nichols, 3D Dylan Smith, 45 Ray Kemp jr.

The 15-lap Street Stock feature saw a great three car scramble up front between the Andrews, Greg and Doug, and Bobby Mercer. G. Andrews got the point early chased by Mercer, Ed Thompson, Lewis Blackwood and D. Andrews. D. Andrews quickly worked his way to third, while Mercer was challenging G Andrews for the lead.

David Khoury brought out a yellow on lap 8 when he broke and stopped in turn 4. On the restart D. Andrews snuck past both Mercer and G. Andrews who were battling between each other. Mercer and G. Andrews swapped second nearly lap for lap as they tried to keep pace with D. Andrews. At the checkers it was D. Andrews holding off G. Andrews for the win.

Street Stocks

1 Doug Andrews, 8 Greg Andrews, 4 Bobby Mercer jr, 3a Matt Hood, 181 Ed Thompson, 84x Adam Schwarz , 73 Jason Gauntt, 74 Lewis Blackwood, 71 Tommy Kirkpatrick, 32 Bill Eller, 173 David Khoury

Street Stock heat winners; 8 Greg Andrews, 173 David Khoury

In the 15-lap Pure Stock feature Melvin Kemp jumped out front first trailed by Cody Shaw, Ryan Hopkins, Jeff Sheppard and Weston Glaser. Glaser, Hopkins and Sheppard were three wide for third with Glaser getting the spot. Tommy Honey, in a borrowed ride from Jack Jenkins, grabbed a top five spot getting by Kevin Smith. Honey and Sheppard made contact scrapping from fourth with Sheppard going around, and Honey receiving the black flag. Up front it was all Kemp as he motored away to the victory.

Pure Stocks

54 Melvin Kemp, 9 Cody Shaw, 15 Weston Glaser, 57 Kevin Smith, 4 Ryan Hopkins, 17 Jeff Sheppard, 8 Tim Homeyer, 117 Devin Adler , j33 Jamie Haynes, 27 Thomas Schmidt, 13 Cameron Smith, 24 Chris Wills, 22(18) Tommy Honey—BF, 22 Jack Jenkins —DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 4 Ryan Hopkins, 9 Cody Shaw

Anthony Simcik grabbed the early lead in the 15-lap Cruiser feature trailed by David Andrews, Russell Bullock and Jr. Jean. Andrews and Bullock were fighting for second when Simcik got loose off turn 2 giving Andrews a look inside. Simcik again had trouble, this time in turn 4, going around and giving up the lead to Andrews on lap 9. Bullock gave Andrews a run at the end but it was Andrews holding on for the win.

Cruisers

8 David Andrews, 1 Russell Bullock, 24 Dwain Wills, 11 Marshall Saucedo, 44d William Dean, 9 Andrew Richards, 47 Jr. Jean, 53 Jason Honey, 23 Les Maxwell, 8w Steve Wade, 28 Billy Williams, 44 Anthony Simcik, 5n Amy Nichols

James Cochran jumped out front at the start of the 12-lap Twister feature, with Tommy Hultz working to second and Don Krahn third, with a four wide battle for fourth. Cochran and Hultz pulled away as Krahn retired early leaving John Fikes third. Hultz challenged the young Cochran who held steady. Fikes car gave up on the last lap from his top three spot. At the checkers it was the 13-year ol Cochran taking his first ever feature win.

Twisters
1. James Cochran II (Harker Heights, TX)
2. Tommy Hultz (Kempner, TX)
3. George Clarkson (Kempner, TX)
4. Clayton Clarkson (Kempner, TX)
5. Johnny Japort (China Spring, TX)
6 Katy Baur (Crawford, TX)
7. Dena Wachsmann (West, TX)
8. Ronnie Bell, Jr. (Waco, TX)
9. John Fikes (Waco, TX)
10. Don Krahn (Round Rock, TX)

Driver of the week, Jarrett Roberts picked up win number nine in the Jr. Mini Stock feature in dominating fashion. Kayleigh Kornegay and Jarrett Charnock made contact early sending Charnock around and Kornegay to the pits. This left Roberts alone out front. Alex DePalma and Taylor Florio gave chase, but had nothing for Roberts as the field separated out leaving Roberts cruising to the victory.

Jr. Mini Stock
1. Jarrett Roberts (Temple, TX)
2. Alexis DePalma (Woodway, TX)
3. Taylor Florio (Copperas Cove, TX)
4. Jarrett Charnock (Belton, TX)
5. Robby Black (Mart, TX)
6. Kayleigh Kornegay (China Spring, TX)

Story by J M Hallas (portions contributed by ASCS PR)
Front page photo by Karen Davis

Joe Wood, Jr, whips ASCS Foes in Devil’s Bowl Summer Nationals

Joe Wood, Jr., padded his American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region points lead by topping Saturday’s main event at the Devil’s Bowl Summer Nationals that pitted the ASCS Sooner forces versus The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region contenders.

The ASCS Sooner champion in 2009, Wood, Jr., assumed the point on lap 18 and went on to post his first win of the year and fifth of his career aboard the familiar No. 03 machine.

While Wood, Jr., started Saturday’s Summer Nationals finale inside the second row, it was front row outside starter Kevin Ramey gunning into the lead at the outset and pacing the initial 17 circuits until spinning exiting turn four with a broken left front shock tower.

Wood, Jr., still had to earn the win though, as ninth-starter Brady Bacon pulled alongside to challenge for the top spot in the final corner, only to have Wood, Jr., beat the Broken Arrow, OK, racer to the line for the $2,000 triumph.

Bacon settled for runner-up honors for the second night in a row, with New Mexico’s Joshua Hodges claiming the show position. Dustin Morgan climbed ten spots from 14th to fourth, with Andy Shouse rounding out the top five.

Defending ASCS Lone Star champion Eric Baldaccini was sixth, with Dale Wester, Brandon Corn, 19th-starter Justin Melton and Friday night winner Tony Bruce, Jr., completing the top ten.

Wood, Jr., Hodges and Wester won Saturday night’s heat races, with Melton winning the “B” Main.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region versus American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Results from Devil’s Bowl Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 2. 27-Andy Shouse, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 11c-Matt Covington, 5. 99-Brady Bacon, 6. 2L-Logan Payne, 7. 74e-Claud Estes, 8. 45-Martin Edwards, 9. 77-Colt Treharn.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 2. 7-Michelle Decker, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 30-Brandon Corn, 5. 2-Dustin Morgan, 6. 54-Evan Pardo, 7. 110-Cameron Hagin, 8. 11-Justin Melton, 9. 76-John Ricketts.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 12-Dale Wester, 2. 61-Danny Jennings, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 5-Kyle McCutcheon, 5. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 45x-J.P. Bailey, 8. 35-Rick Wright, Jr.

“B” Feature (10 Laps): 1. 11-Justin Melton, 2. 77-Colt Treharn, 3. 74e-Claud Estes, 4. 45-Martin Edwards, 5. 110-Cameron Hagin, 6. 35-Rick Wright, Jr., 7. 45x-J.P. Bailey, 8. 76-John Ricketts.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 2. 99-Brady Bacon, 3. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 4. 2-Dustin Morgan, 5. 27-Andy Shouse, 6. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 7. 12-Dale Wester, 8. 30-Brandon Corn, 9. 11-Justin Melton, 10. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 11. 74e-Claud Estes, 12. 54-Evan Pardo, 13. 45-Martin Edwards, 14. 5-Kyle McCutcheon, 15. 11c-Matt Covington, 16. 110-Cameron Hagin, 17. 35-Rick Wright, Jr., 18. 2L-Logan Payne, 19. 61-Danny Jennings, 20. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 21. 14-Michael Lang, 22. 7-Michelle Decker, 23. 77-Colt Treharn, 24. 14b-Robert Byrom.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Matt Covington 1,011, 2. Eric Baldaccini 971, 3. Claud Estes 962, 4. Justin Melton 925, 5. Martin Edwards 919, 6. Michael Lang 917, 7. Evan Pardo 877, 8. John Ricketts 808, 9. Robert Byrom 806, 10. Dale Wester 638.

American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Joe Wood, Jr. 915, 2. Michelle Decker 840, 3. Andy Shouse 839, 4. Matt Covington 833, 5. Claud Estes 614, 6. Tony Bruce, Jr. 566, 7. Brady Bacon 556, 8. Cameron Hagin 550, 9. Rick Wright, Jr. 545, 10. Koby Barksdale 541.

Gary Wright makes late move to win ASCS Sprint Car feature at Lone Star Speedway

National Sprint Car Hall of Fame bound Gary Wright took full advantage of a late caution flag to win Saturday night’s 25-lap season-opening The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region main event atop the newly reconfigured 3/8-mile Lone Star Speedway clay oval.

Reigning ASCS Lone Star champion Eric Baldaccini paced the initial 21 circuits before a late caution flag set the table for the Hooks, TX, veteran to pounce upon his 16th career ASCS Regional triumph to go along with an all-time best 126 Lucas Oil ASCS National scores.

While Wright tacked another feature win on to his legendary career, the night was highlighted by Travis Rilat’s successful return to the seat after critical burns less than eight months ago. Rilat needed just three laps to race from sixth to win his heat race and then claimed third in the feature behind Wright and Matt Covington.

As Wright started the feature from seventh aboard his No. 9 entry, Baldaccini led the way to the green flag with George White alongside. Gunning into the lead at the outset, Baldaccini was closing in on a fourth career ASCS Lone Star triumph when a caution flew after 21 laps for Jeffrey Newell’s stalled mount.

With Baldanccini’s left rear tire low on air pressure and Wright on his tailtank on the restart, “The Texan” charged into the lead and raced on to the checkered flag as Baldaccini lost several positions in the closing circuits. Covington, a Lucas Oil National Sprint Car winner at Lone Star Speedway last year, claimed runner-up honors with Rilat in the show position. Sam Hafertepe, Jr., climbed from eighth to fourth, with Baldaccini rounding out the top five.

White was sixth, with Martin Edwards, Travis Elliott, Beau Smith and 15th-starter Justin Melton completing the top ten.

Baldaccini, Covington, Rilat and White topped heat race action for the 28-car field, with Newell winning the 12-lap “B” Main.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Results from Lone Star Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 2. 14-Michael Lang, 3. 33-Mark Huddleston, 4. 11-Justin Melton, 5. 20-Chad Wilson, 6. 15b-Curtis Wayne Brown, 7. 7w-Dustin Welch.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 95-Matt Covington, 2. 15T-Travis Elliott, 3. 51-Beau Smith, 4. 76-John Ricketts, 5. 17w-Brad Welborn, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 12w-Dale Wester.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 40-Junior Jenkins, 4. 74e-Claud Estes, 5. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 6. 36-John Pate, 7. 15d-Brady Demeree.

Fourth Heat (8 Laps): 1. 10-George White, 2. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 3. 9-Gary Wright, 4. 64j-Johnny Miller, 5. 79-Ryan Hall, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 54-Evan Pardo.

“B” Main (12 Laps): 1. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 2. 17w-Brad Welborn, 3. 64j-Johnny Miller, 4. 36-John Pate, 5. 79-Ryan Hall, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 15d-Brady Demeree, 8. 54-Evan Pardo, 9. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 10. 7w-Dustin Welch, 11. 15b-Curtis Wayne Brown. DNS: 12w-Dale Wester.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9-Gary Wright, 2. 95-Matt Covington, 3. 29-Travis Rilat, 4. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 10-George White, 7. 45-Martin Edwards, 8. 15T-Travis Elliott, 9. 51-Beau Smith, 10. 11-Justin Melton, 11. 74e-Claud Estes, 12. 17w-Brad Welborn, 13. 76-John Ricketts, 14. 40-Junior Jenkins, 15. 36-John Pate, 16. 33-Mark Huddleston, 17. 20-Chad Wilson, 18. 14-Michael Lang, 19. 11x-Jeffrey Newell, 20. 64j-Johnny Miller.

The Oil Medics ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Gary Wright 150, 2. Matt Covington 142, 3. Travis Rilat 135, 4. Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 130, 5. Eric Baldaccini 125, 6. George White 122, 7. Martin Edwards 119, 8. Travis Elliott 116, 9. Beau Smith 113, 10. Justin Melton 110.

By Lonnie Wheatley
Photos by Tim Aylwin

Kolt Walker claims ASCS Lone Star Region win at Lone Star Speedway

Kolt Walker became the first repeat winner in American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region action so far this season by taking top honors in Saturday night’s 25-lap main event at Lone Star Speedway in Kilgore, Texas.

After racing from eighth to win the night’s opening heat race, the Kermit, TX, native backed it up by charging past Gary Wright early in the main event en route to his second series win of the year aboard the Jars Inc./Texas Moon No. 45k Maxim.

While Walker started sixth in the 13th ASCS Lone Star main event of the year, he needed less than two laps to slide past pole starter Wright for the lead. Walker led the rest of the way, with Wright, Brandon Corn, Michael Lang and Martin Edwards rounding out the top five.

Current series points leader Eric Baldaccini climbed from 11th to sixth, with Dale Wester, 18th-starter Chad Wilson, 15th-starter Skip Wilson and Claud Estes completing the top ten.

Logan Payne turned over early in the feature, with Justin Melton, Justin Spoerl and Josh Hawkins all eliminated in a lap five tangle.

Walker, Corn and Wright each claimed heat race wins.

ASCS Lone Star Results from Lone Star Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 45k-Kolt Walker, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 6-Justin Spoerl, 4. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 5. 2-Logan Payne, 6. 15T-Travis Elliott, 7. 69-Larry Howery, 8. 5c-Chris Coker.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 30-Brandon Corn, 2. 76-John Ricketts, 3. 11-Justin Melton, 4. 12-Dale Wester, 5. 74e-Claud Estes, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 14e-Todd Evans, 8. 16-Koty Adams.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 9x-Gary Wright, 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 31-Brandon Berryman, 5. 65-Skip Wilson, 6. 20-Chad Wilson, 7. 80-Josh Hawkins, 8. 01-Greg Bartchy.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 45k-Kolt Walker, 2. 9x-Gary Wright, 3. 30-Brandon Corn, 4. 14-Michael Lang, 5. 45-Martin Edwards, 6. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 7. 12-Dale Wester, 8. 20-Chad Wilson, 9. 65-Skip Wilson, 10. 74e-Claud Estes, 11. 31-Brandon Berryman, 12. 16-Koty Adams, 13. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 14. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 15. 69-Larry Howery, 16. 01-Greg Bartchy, 17. 11-Justin Melton, 18. 6-Justin Spoerl, 19. 80-Josh Hawkins, 20. 76-John Ricketts, 21. 15T-Travis Elliott, 22. 2-Logan Payne. DNS: 14e-Todd Evans, 5c-Chris Coker.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top 10): 1. Eric Baldaccini 1,660, 2. Claud Estes 1,558, 3. Justin Melton 1,454, 4. Martin Edwards 1,442, 5. Brandon Corn 1,405, 6. John Ricketts 1,377, 7. Preston Peebles II 1,333, 8. Kolt Walker 1,302, 9. Brian McClelland 1,205, 10. Scott Reneau 1,122.

by Lonnie Wheatley
Photos by Tim Aylwin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by JM Hallas
Photo by Tim Aylwin

Claude Estes takes ASCS Red River Challenge honors at Cowtown Speedway

Claud Estes became the second first-time ASCS Red River Challenge victor in as many nights by topping Saturday night’s 25-lap ASCS Lone Star vs. American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region main event atop the high-banked, ¼-mile Cowtown Speedway dirt oval.

The ASCS Lone Star rep from Godley, TX, fought off past ASCS Sooner champion Andy Shouse over the final rounds for the $2,000 triumph, his first in Lone Star action and first ASCS triumph since a Gulf South score at Waco’s Heart O’ Texas Speedway in June of 2004.

Estes took Saturday night’s checkered flag aboard the Texas United Bank Card/Skyvue Corp. No. 74e ahead of Shouse, with Kevin Ramey, George White and current ASCS Lone Star points leader Eric Baldaccini rounding out the top five.

Brian McClelland was sixth, with Michael Lang, J.P. Bailey, 19th-starter Brandon Corn and Ryan Hall completing the top ten.

Skip Wilson, Estes, Kolt Walker and Kenneth Walker topped heat race action, with Corn flourishing in the “B” Main.

ASCS Lone Star vs. Sooner Results from Cowtown Speedway:

First Heat (8 Laps): 1. 65-Skip Wilson, 2. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford, 3. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 4. 45-J.P. Bailey, 5. 45x-Martin Edwards, 6. 40-Junior Jenkins. DNS: 20-Chad Wilson.

Second Heat (8 Laps): 1. 74e-Claud Estes, 2. 26-Dalton Steed, 3. 10-George White, 4. 79-Ryan Hall, 5. 1-Sean McClelland, 6. 11-Justin Melton, 7. 56-Jarrett Lucito.

Third Heat (8 Laps): 1. 45k-Kolt Walker, 2. 25-Brian McClelland, 3. 27-Andy Shouse, 4. 14-Michael Lang, 5. 15b-Michael Brown, 6. 1r-Scott Reneau, 7. 5c-Chris Coker.

Fourth Heat (8 Laps): 1. 2-Kenneth Walker, 2. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 5. 30-Brandon Corn, 6. 67-John Ricketts.

“B” Main: 1. 30-Brandon Corn, 2. 15b-Michael Brown, 3. 11-Justin Melton, 4. 1r-Scott Reneau, 5. 5c-Chris Coker, 6. 67-John Ricketts, 7. 56-Jarrett Lucito. DNS: 40-Junior Jenkins, 20-Chad Wilson.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 74e-Claud Estes, 2. 27-Andy Shouse, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 10-George White, 5. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 6. 25-Brian McClelland, 7. 14-Michael Lang, 8. 45-J.P. Bailey, 9. 30-Brandon Corn, 10. 79-Ryan Hall, 11. 15b-Michael Brown, 12. 0c-Preston Peebles II, 13. 11-Justin Melton, 14. 1-Sean McClelland, 15. 45x-Martin Edwards, 16. 67-John Ricketts, 17. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford, 18. 65-Skip Wilson, 19. 1r-Scott Reneau, 20. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 21. 5c-Chris Coker, 22. 26-Dalton Steed, 23. 45k-Kolt Walker, 24. 2-Kenneth Walker.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top 10): 1. Eric Baldaccini 1,293, 2. Claud Estes 1,181, 3. Justin Melton 1,126, 4. Preston Peebles II 1,099, 5. Martin Edwards 1,079, 6. John Ricketts 1,061, 7. Brandon Corn 1,056, 8. Brian McClelland 1,001, 9. Kevin Ramey 975, 10. Scott Reneau 930.

American Bank of Oklahoma ASCS Sooner Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Sean McClelland 1,210, 2. Joe Wood, Jr. 1,150, 3. Kenneth Walker 1,121, 4. Andy Shouse 1,081, 5. Donnie Ray Crawford 1,077, 6. Brian McClelland 997, 7. Michelle Decker 719, 8. Tony Bruce, Jr. 687, 9. Danny Jennings 555, 10. Joshua Hodges 553.

by Lonnie Wheatley
ASCS photo

An ASCS Lone Star Saturday Night at Lone Star Speedway

It’s going to be an all out Lone Star Saturday night, as the American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region takes to the high-banked, ½-mile Lone Star Speedway in Kilgore, TX, this Saturday.

It marks the lone Lone Star event of the season at Lone Star, where Brandon Berryman bested a 37-car field of Gulf South entries in May.

Leading the way into Saturday’s card is Fort Worth’s Kevin Ramey, who is just three race nights away from adding the inaugural ASCS Lone Star title to a pair of previous ASCS Sooner Region championships.

Ramey added his fourth ASCS Lone Star win of the season this past Friday night at Crandall’s Speedway before picking up another top-five finish at Devil’s Bowl Speedway the following night.

With nine top-fives and 11 top-tens in 14 points, Ramey has amassed a 167-point advantage wit just the Cowtown Sprint Nationals that includes the Lone Star, Gulf South and Sooner Regions on October 9-10 remaining after the Lone Star card.

While Ramey holds a solid lead, Brad Welborn of Princeton, TX, holds down the second position, just 31 markers ahead of 22-year-old Flower Mound, TX, shoe Justin Melton.

Twenty-one-year-old Eric Baldaccini of Keller, TX, has climbed to fourth in points, with Godley’s Claud Estes rounding out the current top five.

The balance of the current top ten in ASCS Lone Star points includes Michael Lang (Mesquite), Matt Clevenger (Flower Mound), Scott Reneau (Kemp), Brian McClelland (Broken Arrow, OK) and John Ricketts (Burleson, TX).

Saturday’s ASCS Lone Star action at Lone Star Speedway is set to go green at 7:30 p.m.

Lone Star Speedway is located in Kilgore, TX, off I-20 Exit 583, then 0.5 miles north on SR 135, then one mile east on FM 1252, then 0.5 miles south. For more information, contact the track at 903-986-9731.

The inaugural slate of ASCS Lone Star Region competition consists of 18 events at nine different tracks throughout North Texas in addition to one venture north of the Red River to Oklahoma City’s State Fair Speedway.

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

by Lonnie Wheatley

Eric Baldaccini takes ASCS Lone Star feature at Kennedale Speedway Park

Eric Baldaccini put a halt to the Joe Wood, Jr. domination of Kennedale Speedway Park by winning Saturday night’s 25-lap ASCS Lone Star Region main event atop the ¼-mile dirt oval.

Baldaccini wrestled the lead away from Wood in the final handful of circuits to post his second Lone Star win of the season aboard his father’s Smiley’s Racing Products No. 4 Maxim.

Kolt Walker paced the opening nine laps of the feature before Wood, who topped both ASCS Regional events at Kennedale Speedway Park, took command. Wood led until slipping too high in turns one and two on the 21st lap to open the door for Baldaccini.

Baldaccini beat Wood to the stripe, with Brad Welborn, Walker and Marvin Lough rounding out the top five. Current ASCS Lone Star points leader Kevin Ramey was sixth, with Justin Melton, Scott Reneau, Michael Lang and Robert Sellers completing the top ten.

Melton, Wood and Ramey topped heat race action, with Chad Wilson winning the “B” Main.

ASCS Lone Star Region Results from Kennedale Speedway Park:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 11-Justin Melton, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 4. 1r-Scott Reneau, 5. 25-Robert Sellers, 6. 5m-Glenn Martin, 7. 9-Brian Parker, 8. 14b-Robert Byrom, 9. 12-Shawn Mize.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 2. 65-Skip Wilson, 3. 39-Marvin Lough, 4. 76-John Ricketts, 5. 74e-Claud Estes, 6. 87x-Billy Melton, 7. 26-Dalton Steed, 8. 40-Junior Jenkins, 9. 88-Andy Rea.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 2. 17w-Brad Welborn, 3. 45k-Kolt Walker, 4. 14-Michael Lang, 5. 20-Chad Wilson, 6. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 7. 71T-Shane Thompson, 8. 5c-Chris Coker.

“B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 20-Chad Wilson, 2. 87x-Billy Melton, 3. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 4. 40-Junior Jenkins, 5. 12-Shawn Mize, 6. 14b-Robert Byrom, 7. 5m-Glenn Martin, 8. 9-Brian Parker, 9. 71T-Shane Thompson, 10. 26-Dalton Steed, 11. 88-Andy Rea, 12. 5c-Chris Coker.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 2. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 3. 17w-Brad Welborn, 4. 45k-Kolt Walker, 5. 39-Marvin Lough, 6. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 7. 11-Justin Melton, 8. 1r-Scott Reneau, 9. 14-Michael Lang, 10. 25-Robert Sellers, 11. 74e-Claud Estes, 12. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 13. 20-Chad Wilson, 14. 40-Junior Jenkins, 15. 14b-Robert Byrom, 16. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr., 17. 12-Shawn Mize, 18. 65-Skip Wilson, 19. 87x-Billy Melton, 20. 76-John Ricketts.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Kevin Ramey 1,282, 2. Brad Welborn 1,210, 3. (tie) Justin Melton and Matt Clevenger 1,140, 5. Claud Estes 1,097, 6. Michael Lang 1,091, 7. Eric Baldaccini 1,033, 8. Scott Reneau 994, 9. Robert Sellers 979, 10. Kolt Walker 967.

by Lonnie Wheatley

Eric Baldaccini bags ASCS Lone Star Region sprint car feature at Boyd Raceway

Baldaccini Bags ASCS Lone Star Win at Boyd

Lonnie Wheatley, BOYD, Texas (June 26, 2009) – Eric Baldaccini became the sixth different winner in as many American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region events by topping Friday night’s 25-lap feature at Boyd Raceway.

The 21-year-old overtook early pace setter Robert Sellers en route to capturing his second triumph of the year aboard Harry Baldaccini’s Smiley’s Racing Products No. 4 Maxim after posting his first career ASCS victory in Gulf South action just six weeks earlier.

Taking the point before a lap 18 red flag for Kolt Walker’s tip over, Baldaccini took the checkered flag in front of current ASCS Lone Star point leader Kevin Ramey, who took the runner-up slot away from Sellers in the final handful of circuits.

Sellers settled for the show position, with Matt Clevenger and Tennessee’s Don Young rounding out the top five. Billy Melton was sixth, with J.P. Bailey in seventh. Brian McClelland picked up Hard Charger honors by racing from 17th to eighth, with Michael Lang and Scott Reneau completing the top ten.

Two-time ASCS Gulf South champion Brandon Berryman, Melton, Brad Welborn and Sellers topped heat race action for the 28-car field, with McClelland winning the “B” Main.

ASCS Lone Star Region Results from Boyd Raceway:

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 31-Brandon Berryman, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 20-Chad Wilson, 5. 40-Junior Jenkins, 6. 26-Dalton Steed, 7. 5m-Glenn Martin.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 87x-Billy Melton, 2. 74e-Claud Estes, 3. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 4. 11-Justin Melton, 5. 87-Brian McClelland, 6. 33-Kris Miller, 7. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 17w-Brad Welborn, 2. 65-Skip Wilson, 3. 45k-Kolt Walker, 4. 1r-Scott Reneau, 5. 76-John Ricketts, 6. 45x-Martin Edwards, 7. 10-George White.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 25-Robert Sellers, 2. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 3. 75-Don Young, 4. 45-J.P. Bailey, 5. 14b-Robert Byrom, 6. 9-Brian Parker, 7. 69-Larry Howery.

“B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 87-Brian McClelland, 2. 1r-Scott Reneau, 3. 11-Justin Melton, 4. 45x-Martin Edwards, 5. 10-George White, 6. 33-Kris Miller, 7. 76-John Ricketts, 8. 26-Dalton Steed, 9. 5m-Glenn Martin, 10. 69-Larry Howery, 11. 9-Brian Parker, 12. 17-Bruce Griffith, Jr.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 2. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 3. 25-Robert Sellers, 4. 31m-Matt Clevenger, 5. 75-Don Young, 6. 87x-Billy Melton, 7. 45-J.P. Bailey, 8. 87-Brian McClelland, 9. 14-Michael Lang, 10. 1r-Scott Reneau, 11. 11-Justin Melton, 12. 45k-Kolt Walker, 13. 20-Chad Wilson, 14. 31-Brandon Berryman, 15. 17w-Brad Welborn, 16. 65-Skip Wilson, 17. 45x-Martin Edwards, 18. 40-Junior Jenkins, 19. 74e-Claud Estes, 20. 14b-Robert Byrom.

ASCS Lone Star Region Points (Top Ten): 1. Kevin Ramey 844, 2. Brad Welborn 788, 3. Brian McClelland 786, 4. Matt Clevenger 762, 5. Kolt Walker 750, 6. Justin Melton 720, 7. Michael Lang 719, 8. J.P. Bailey 711, 9. Eric Baldaccini 698, 10. Claud Estes 697.

by Lonnie Wheatley
Photo by Tim Aylwin

ASCS Lone Star weekend double on tap at Boyd Raceway and Cowtown Speedway

The inaugural season of American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Regional competition continues with a pair of events in North Texas this weekend.

On Friday night, the series makes its lone stop of the year at Boyd Raceway in Boyd, TX. Then on Saturday night, the series moves on to Kennedale’s Cowtown Speedway for a $2,000 to win tilt.

Trying to add to a pair of past ASCS Sooner Region championships, Fort Worth’s Kevin Ramey is out to the early lead in the race for the inaugural ASCS Lone Star crown.

But his lead has been cut to just 30 points after suffering a “DNF” in the series most recent outing at Abilene Speedway on May 30.

Trying to close the gap on Ramey is Princeton, TX, shoe Brad Welborn, an ASCS Sooner Region feature winner at Cowtown last year.

Up to third in Lone Star points is Tulsa’s Brian McClelland, the two-time and defending Sooner Region champion. McClelland, who topped last year’s inaugural ASCS event at Boyd, comes off his first win of the season after topping the Sooner Region this past weekend in Springfield, MO.

Kermit, TX, native Kolt Walker and Flower Mound’s Matt Clevenger round out the current top five in ASCS Lone Star points, with the balance of the top ten including Justin Melton (Flower Mound), Michael Lang (Mesquite), Claud Estes (Godley), J.P. Bailey (Fort Worth) and John Ricketts (Burleson).

While McClelland has topped the lone previous ASCS event at Boyd, there have been nine different winners in the last nine ASCS Regional events atop the high-speed, high-banked Cowtown Speedway dirt oval. Ramey is the series most recent winner at Cowtown with his April 4 triumph.

Last year’s Cowtown ASCS winners included Travis Rilat, Gary Taylor, Brad Welborn, Kolt Walker, Gavin Punch and Brian Brown.

Friday’s action at Boyd Raceway is set to go green at 8:00 p.m., with Saturday’s Cowtown card firing off at 7:00 p.m.

The semi-banked, ¼-mile Boyd Raceway dirt oval is located in Boyd, TX, 2.5 miles south of SR 114 on FM 730, then 1.5 miles west on FM 2048. For more information, contact the track at 940-433-5587 or 817-304-2044.

The high-banked, ¼-mile Cowtown Speedway dirt oval is located in Kennedale, TX, just east of Fort Worth off I-20 Exit 442-A, then 1.7 miles southeast on Mansfield Highway, then 1.4 miles southwest on New Hope Road. For more information, contact the track at 817-478-9952.

The inaugural slate of ASCS Lone Star Region competition consists of 18 events at nine different tracks throughout North Texas in addition to one venture north of the Red River to Oklahoma City’s State Fair Speedway.

Past ASCS Regional Feature Winners at Boyd Raceway:
5/16/08 – Brian McClelland (Sooner)

Past ASCS Regional Feature Winners at Cowtown Speedway:
4/4/09 – Kevin Ramey (Lone Star)
10/11/08 – Brian Brown (National vs. Sooner)
10/10/08 – Gavin Punch (National vs. Sooner)
8/23/08 – Kolt Walker (Gulf South)
7/26/08 – Brad Welborn (Sooner)
5/17/08 – Gary Taylor (Sooner)
4/5/08 – Travis Rilat (Sooner)
9/15/07 - Nick Smith (Sooner)
7/7/07 - Brian McClelland (Sooner)
4/14/07 - Kevin Ramey (Sooner)
9/23/06 - Travis Rilat (Sooner)
6/10/06 - Sam Hafertepe, Jr. (Sooner)
4/8/06 - Sam Hafertepe, Jr. (Sooner)
9/24/05 - Travis Rilat (Sooner)
6/25/05 - Jason Martin (National vs. Sooner)
4/9/05 - Sean McClelland (Sooner)
9/25/04 - Andy Shouse (Sooner)
5/29/04 - Kevin Ramey (Sooner)

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

by Lonnie Wheatley

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