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Thunderhill Raceway expands its operations with new business ventures

The season opener for stock car racing at Thunderhill Raceway is only a couple of months away and the future for this racing venue looks promising. Mary Ann Naumann, Thunderhill Raceway’s Owner and Promoter, has been looking at ways to expand the operations at this 3/8-mile asphalt oval track.

“We had already made a couple of big announcements over the past few months about the future of the track, and now we get to add some more excitement to the pile,” stated Naumann.

“At a drivers’ meeting in October, we had announced that Thunderhill Raceway had been selected for a non-scripted TV series by two producers from Los Angeles,” commented Naumann. “Not long afterward, we announced our agreement to become a NASCAR-sanctioned track with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and our partnership with Houston Motorsports Park in naming the NASCAR Modifieds as the feature division at both tracks.”

The latest plans for Thunderhill Raceway include the introduction of a new business venture – On Track Experience LLC dba NasKart Racing Experience. NasKart rentals will be offered to the general public at Thunderhill Raceway when the track is not in use for stock car racing or other events. Known as “Arrive and Drive,” racing enthusiasts can rent powerful Honda GX 270 powered NasKarts and get the thrill and excitement of real side-by-side racing on Thunderhill’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

On Track Experience will supply the drivers with all of the safety gear, including gloves, helmet, driving suit and neck brace. Each driver must be at least 16 years old and must have a valid Driver’s License.

In addition to offering individual kart rentals, On Track Experience will also host corporate events to provide an opportunity for companies to entertain clients, reward vendors, build sales relationships and teach team-building skills. “Arrive and Drive” league racing will also be available weekly. Participation in League Racing will be limited to drivers who have completed the NasKarts High Performance Racing School and have qualified for their required Competition License.

Gary Smith, who is the Managing Partner for On Track Racing Experience, feels that this new business is a perfect fit for the racing environment at Thunderhill Raceway.

“The NasKart Racing Experience will be a less-intimidating, less-expensive way to race,” commented Smith. “You’ll have an opportunity to experience the thrill of close, side-by-side racing on a real NASCAR-sanctioned track without having to buy and maintain expensive racing equipment. It’s like racing at Talladega (track used for NASCAR Sprint Cup races) in your own backyard.”

Plans are also underway to use the facility for community events, such as cook-offs, concerts, monster truck shows, car shows, etc., on non-race weekends. “Thunderhill Raceway has been an underutilized facility, and now we feel we can help expand it into a full-time operation,” added Smith.

These new opportunities for the facilities at Thunderhill Raceway have provided a way to secure a five-year lease agreement for the track facility.

“I’m very excited about all of the opportunities that are on the horizon for 2011 and beyond,” said Naumann. “Most importantly, racers can build their race cars knowing that they will have a place to race for many years, and our race fans can also be assured that stock car racing will be here in the local area for quite a while.”

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, Kyle (TX), just north of San Marcos and south of Austin, at Exit #210 (Yarrington Road), just behind the Roger Beasley Hyundai dealer (formerly ThunderZone). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

by Debbie Williams, Thunderhill Raceway PR
Ms. Naumann’s photo by June Boone

Thunderhill Raceway has joined the NASCAR family, teams-up with Houston Motorsports Park

Thunderhill Raceway (THR) has just signed a sanctioning agreement with NASCAR to become part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

This short track racing program will give Thunderhill Raceway plenty of exposure with the NASCAR name and will also provide a great opportunity for THR drivers to compete for track, state and national championships.

Houston Motorsports Park (Houston, TX) is headed into its third season with NASCAR and is now proud to welcome Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) to the NASCAR family.

As part of the same NASCAR organization, racers and fans alike can expect to see Houston Motorsports Park (HMP) and Thunderhill Raceway work closely together to bring more competition and excitement to both race tracks.

“All of us at HMP are very excited about the opportunities that NASCAR will bring for both racers and fans alike as we move forward with our plans for the upcoming racing season,” said John Mandabach, HMP’s Vice President & General Manager. “As we build stronger racing programs, more people will build race cars. It will certainly become more enticing for the drivers and fans.”

Mary Ann Naumann, THR’s Owner/Promoter, is also looking forward to an exciting 2011 racing season, especially with this new relationship with HMP.

“After recently announcing that Thunderhill Raceway had been selected for a reality TV show that will be produced by the Paul Hogan and Sarah Platt duo, I didn’t think the 2011 racing season could get more exciting,” Naumann proclaimed. “Now with this big NASCAR announcement and our partnership with HMP, I know we’ll have some incredible opportunities for our drivers and teams.”

Taking their first big step with this new partnership, both HMP and THR will host the NASCAR Modifieds as their Feature NASCAR Division in 2011. The NASCAR Modified racers can compete for a NASCAR Track Championship at each track ($10,000 points fund for each track) and a NASCAR State Championship ($7,500 points fund).

In addition, NASCAR currently uses a driver’s best 18 finishes in the feature division to determine the National Champion. With 30 combined scheduled races during the 2011 NASCAR season (14 at THR, plus 16 at HMP), Texas NASCAR Modified racers will have a real opportunity to compete for a NASCAR National Championship that awards $40,000 among the top three drivers.

“I feel very confident this opportunity could easily produce a NASCAR National Champion right here in Texas,” bragged Mandabach.

Thunderhill Raceway has also named three support divisions that will be eligible for a NASCAR-sanctioned recognition program and track point funds, namely the NASCAR TSRS Late Models, NASCAR Trucks and NASCAR Super Stocks.

HMP’s Late Models will continue to be NASCAR-sanctioned and run for the same purse structure as in 2010. The sanction will also remain in effect for the NASCAR 360 Trucks. More details regarding HMP purse and points funds will be announced later this week.

Known as “The Palace of Power,” Houston Motorsports Park, is a 3/8-mile, high-banked asphalt oval track that’s located in Northeast Houston. For more information on HMP, visit the track website at www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just south of Kyle (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). THR is proud to be entering its 13th year of providing great auto racing action in Central Texas. Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

by Houston Motorsports Park and Thunderhill Raceay

Sizzling summer action at Thunderhill Raceway this weekend

The plans for this weekend’s activities at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) are heating up – for both on and off-the-track action.

Starting off the weekend will be an Open Test-n-Tune practice session on Friday (July 16) that will run from 4P until dark. Pit admission is only $10 for non-drivers, and grandstand spectators will be admitted free. During the practice session, fans can come to watch the drivers and crews tune in their race cars and trucks for Saturday’s racing action.

Following the Open Test-n-Tune, everyone is invited to join in some extra pit action at a Tailgate Party that’s being sponsored by Gen-Tech, LaFont Racing and Thunderhill Raceway. Fans (and race teams) can bring their own coolers, chairs, food and drinks and enjoy spending some time with the drivers and other racing fans. Cookers (grills) will be available during the party, and entertainment will be provided by a live DJ – Steve “Mad Dog” Sommo (Big Dog Entertainment). Tailgate Party admission is free, and (free) overnight camping in the parking lot is encouraged.

“We’ve been off for a few weeks, and we’re all so ready to get back to racing,” said Mary Ann Naumann, THR Owner/Promoter. “We have lots of activities planned for this weekend, and I know everyone will have great time hanging out at the track.”

To start off a full day of racing on Saturday (July 17), Thunderhill Raceway will open its pit gates at 11A, and the grandstand gates will open at 4P. Qualifying for all classes starts at 4:15P. Grandstand admission is $12 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.

A Fan Appreciation Happy Hour is scheduled from 5:30P – 6:30P. Thanks to H-E-B in Kyle (TX) and Thunder Grill (track concession), fans can purchase a hot dog or soft drink for only $1 during the Happy Hour.

Openings ceremonies are set for 6P, and special guests for the evening will be Miss Kyle, Jennifer Hamzy, and Miss Kyle Teen, Christina Nunez. The Texas Corvette Association will kick off the evening’s activities with a few hot laps right after opening ceremonies.

Ten classes of racing are scheduled for Saturday – including the TSRS Late Models and Allison Legacys, Pro Trucks (featured class), SportMods, Dwarf Cars, Bandoleros, ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and Mini Stocks.

The TSRS Late Model Race will be held in memory of Steven Longley, a longtime racing fan who passed away on June 29. His son, Christopher (Longley), will be the Grand Marshall for Saturday’s race.

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).

For information on Thunderhill Raceway visit the track’s website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. The Texas Super Racing Series website may be found at www.texassuperracingseries.com.

by Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, Thunderhill Raceway

Lone Star Video spotlight on 14 year-old Austin Self, former Kart Champ turned TSRS Late Model driver

Duke O’Connor (TexasHighDef) and I were amazed that 14 year-old Austin Self, who had zero experience in a stock car and who had never even been on an oval track before, could jump in a Texas Super Racing Series Late Model and - except for one bobble - almost win over some of the best drivers in Texas, if not the country.

Here’s the Lone Star Speedzone video segment we put together to document this rather remarkable story.

The Past, Present and Future share Thunderhill Raceway’s Saturday show featuring 10 racing classes

Ten classes will race at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday, April 24, 2010, and the theme will be the Past (1998 track champions), Present (the 12th anniversary of the track on April 18) and Future (2010 rookie drivers).

And the family-oriented atmosphere will return to the Midway area, with various food booths and kids’ activities such as paintball, bouncers and carousels.

Fans can also interact with the drivers throughout the evening in the new Drivers’ Autograph Booth.

The Thunder Stocks will be the featured class - running qualifying laps instead of heat races. Their main event will be called the “Donna Burow Memorial Race,” in memory of the mother of the 2009 Thunder Stock Rookie of the Year, Patrick Burow.

On April 18, 1998, Thunderhill Raceway opened its gates for the first time and the track will be celebrating its 12th anniversary by giving give its fans a glimpse of the past, present and future. Tying the past to the present, the track will recognize its first race winners (from 1998) on the front straightaway during opening ceremonies – along with other drivers who raced during the track’s first event.

Mary Ann Naumann, THR’s Owner and Promoter, knows firsthand about the track’s history and has been a part of it since the beginning. After watching her family race and actually becoming a driver herself at the former Longhorn Speedway (Austin, TX), Naumann switched over to the track management side of the fence in 1999 by joining Thunderhill Raceway as its General Manager. She later became the owner and promoter in 2007, a role she thoroughly enjoys.

“I know Thunderhill Raceway has a rich racing history with many loyal race teams and fans,” Naumann said. “I feel that it’s important to look back on what got us to where we are today while moving forward at the same time to build on our future.”

In anticipation of its future, the track will also recognize the 2010 rookies during the opening ceremonies.

“We want to present our future stars to the fans and give them an opportunity to get to know them better,” said Naumann. “We had an autograph session during season opener a few weeks ago, but the fans didn’t know which drivers were new to stock car racing or those who were advancing to a new level of racing. I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised when they see how some of these rookie drivers perform on Saturday night.”

Ten classes are scheduled to run on Saturday night’s action-packed agenda. Grandstand gates will open at 5 pm, and the heat races will begin at 6 pm. Opening ceremonies will take place immediately after the heat races have been completed.

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
Jeff Garvin photo

Robert Barker blasts to TSRS Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

Veteran Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) driver Robert Barker made it look easy Saturday night at Thunderhill Raceway (THR). Barker had the fastest car in qualifying, started from the pole position after the draw and led all 30 laps of the shortened event that was originally set for 75 laps.

“We had a really good combination of handling and power,” Barker said after the race. “The car stayed under me all night. Bobby (Teer) had a good car too and he stayed close, but our Ford was just hooked up all night.”

The race, which was scheduled for last Saturday but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, was shortened due to the low car count after a vote by the seven drivers who actually made the show.

“A lot of the TSRS teams that were originally scheduled to be here last weekend had already made plans for this weekend,” explained Mary Ann Naumann, TSRS founder and THR owner and promoter. “Racing is such a family sport and since we don’t race every weekend, families make plans for the off weekends which are hard to reschedule. And, of course, the postponement had us running on the same night as Houston Motorsports Park and I-37 Raceway so that played a part too.”

Barker’s only real competition was Bobby Teer, another veteran driver who was ready to pounce if the winner had slowed even a little.

“We had a great car,” Teer said, “but we picked up a little push going into the turns which made us a little free on the exits. We were able to stay with Robert anyway, but couldn’t quite get close enough to make a run on him. We hate to finish second, but we’re real happy with the car and Greg (Spreen) has given us a really strong engine. I think we’ll have something for Robert this season.”

Another veteran campaigner, Larry Bendele finished third, the only other car on the lead lap at the checkered.

Except for a yellow on the first lap which called for a complete restart, the race was caution free.

Unofficial Results of the TSRS Late Model feature

1. (17) Robert Barker, 30 laps
2. (2) Bobby Teer, Jr., 30
3. (23) Larry Bendele, 30
4. (04) Cory Roper, 29
5. (11) Cody Iltis 29,
6. (3) Mike Reininger, 29
7. (28) Jeff ONeill, 28

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

Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet

The Thunderhill Raceway and Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) 2009 Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Over 300 drivers, racing teams, staff, officials, media and fans attended this annual event that was held at the Manchaca Firehall and Community Center in Manchaca, TX.

The evening began with a social hour, followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. During the pre-awards activities, guests were treated to video presentations that highlighted some track action, along with video clips from “life in the pits” during the 2009 racing season.

The awards ceremony began with the two emcees, Bobby Chaffee and Rodney Rodriguez, introducing the THR/TSRS Owner and Promoter, Mary Ann Naumann. Naumann welcomed everyone to the banquet and introduced the special guests – including Neil Upchurch from the Texas Pro Sedans, Arden Vikre from the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Mike Steinman from NasKarts, Nick Holt from Lone Star Speedzone and Bruce Mabrito (Motorsports writer).

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff, officials and safety crews. Kathy Tiemann, Director of Scoring, presented a trophy to Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, for her help with the training on the electronic scoring system. Naumann announced a few staff changes for the 2010 racing season as follows: Terry Barden as the Race Director for TSRS and traveling classes, Gary Smith as the THR Marketing Manger and Cameron Moore, Sr., as the Track Chaplain.

Neil Upchurch was next on the agenda and announced his retirement from the on-track activities for the Texas Pro Sedans. He presented awards to two Texas Pro Sedan drivers – the 2009 championship award to Mike Merrell and the Rookie of the Year award to Tory Christopher. Upchurch ended his presentation with an inspiring speech about the state of stock-car racing and introduced David Mackey as the new Race Director for the Texas Pro Sedans.

The Thunderhill Raceway awards were presented next, and the following drivers received the top awards:

Mini Stocks
Champion: #46 Mason Yousling
Grand Stocks Champion & Rookie of the Year: #58 Layton Carroll
To the Rear Award: #07 Richard Fitch

Thunder Stocks
Champion: #16 Mason Teague
Rookie of the Year: #58 Patrick Burow

ASA A-Line Super Stocks
Champion: #3 Clint LaFont
Rookie of the Year: #99 Chase Stapp

SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter

Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid

Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall

Following a nomination process by THR staff and drivers, the Special Awards winners were announced, as follows:
Thunderhill Raceway Extra Lap Award - David Lewien, driver of the #3 Pro Truck
Thunderhill Raceway Hard Luck Award - Dwayne Toyne, driver of the #48 ASA A-Line Super Stock
Thunderhill Raceway Best Appearing Crew Award -Allen Alexander, driver of the #80 ASA A-Line Super Stock, and his AAA House Leveling Team
Thunderhill Raceway “Kevin Suberg” Sportsman of the Year Award - Terry Tschoerner, Mini Stocks

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the THR and TSRS sponsors.

Tory Christopher invited all drivers to attend a Driver Image Workshop that will be held at THR on Saturday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The TSRS awards were presented next, and the following drivers received top honors:

TSRS Allison Legacys
Champion: #07 Rusty Mirth
Rookie of the Year: #19 Cole Runco

TSRS Late Models
Champion: #14 Jake Kruger
Super Pack Champion: #17 Robert Barker
Rookie of the Year: #72 Kendall Bumbera

A drawing was held for a certificate for a $900 Five-Star Late Model body. To qualify for the drawing, the TSRS Late Model driver(s) must have competed in a stock appearing, template-style body, competed in at least 75% of the scheduled events, displayed the Five-Star decal and must have been present at the awards ceremony. Dillon Spreen, driver of the #81 TSRS Late Model, was the lucky winner.

The emcees then announced the following winners of the TSRS special awards:

TSRS Mentor Team Award - Jake Wright, driver of the #96 TSRS Allison Legacy, and Jake Kruger, Driver of the #14 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Hard Luck Award - Levi Krauss, driver of the #4 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Best Appearing Crew Award - Kendall Bumbera, driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model, and her Next Generation Racing Team
TSRS Sportsman of the Year Award - Bobby Teer, Jr., driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model

David Mackey was presented with the Official of the Year trophy by Mary Ann Naumann.

The event was closed out with an expression of thanks to the Janette Huff and her family for the banquet decorations, Manchaca Firehall for the facility and food, the photographers and videographers (Jeff Garvin, Tory Christopher, Thad Yousling and Duke O’Connor) for banquet pictures and videos, Dave New with All American Trophy & Awards for the trophies and plaques and Insty-Prints for the banquet printing.

The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.

Story by Debbie Williams, THR Media & Public Relations Director
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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

Texas Super Racing Series Late Model Champion Jake Kruger, 16, sums up his season and shares his future plans

Jake Kruger, a 16-year-old late-model driver from Bastrop (TX), refuses to acknowledge a championship he won during a four-race season when he raced quarter midgets years ago.

It’s not surprising, though, that Kruger – the driver for Kruger Motorsports – won’t soon forget his latest trophy; the 2009 Texas Super Racing Series championship.

“I appreciate this championship and will enjoy it a lot,” stated Kruger, the son of Bill and Deb Kruger. “It took 11 years to get here, but I finally got here.”

Surprising words from one so young.

However, consider his father, Bill, was a long-time local short-track racer and Jake grew up around racing. And consider the youngster – who rebounded to win two races in his Rookie of the Year season in 2008 – didn’t even start the ’08 season-opener because Kruger Motorsports had problems with race engines.

This past season, though, there was very little trouble in a TSRS series filled with great drivers.

Kruger took the checkered flag five times in a 10-race season in ’09 as he beat out long-time racing veteran Robert Barker (Boerne, TX) by 50 points (1,687-1,637).

Don’t get it wrong – Kruger, his parents (Bill and Deb), his younger sister (Nikki), his crew chief (Texas short-track veteran John Heil) and the team’s sponsors and crew all worked very hard to claim the ’09 TSRS title.

“We were originally thinking that five wins in the season wouldn’t be enough,” Kruger stated.

“We wanted to win six and tie Tommy Gural and Chris Schild (the all-time leaders in TSRS features wins with eight apiece). It didn’t hit me at first (that he’d won the championship) until people came up and congratulated me. I enjoyed it; it felt pretty good.”

Even more important, though – a late-model championship at 16 years old.

“That’s what (crew chief) John Heil told me, the importance of a late-model title,” Kruger said.
“He said you need to put a late-model championship on your resume; as the season went on I understood what he was saying – to be 16 and beating everyone else out there.”

“Jake’s championship is exciting; it’s a very big accomplishment for him,” Deb Kruger remarked. “I’ve been overwhelmed by it all; I’m very proud of what everyone has done to get him there.”
“He’s 10 times the driver that I was,” joked Kruger’s father Bill. “The championships I accomplished were minor compared to what he’s done. I’ve never done what he did at his age and it means a lot to me to say he learned from me; he surpassed my level a long time ago.”

“Consistency” was the word that may have best described the team’s success.

“We won consistently throughout the season,” the younger Kruger remarked. “We didn’t win just in the beginning or just the end of the season. Knowing I was stretching my points lead (after each win) gave me more incentive the next race.”

All three major personalities in Kruger Motorsports agreed on one thing – crew chief John Heil was a major factor in the team’s stellar season.

“A driver is just a spacer behind the wheel, if nothing’s working then it’s time to change the spacer,” the younger Kruger said. “But John Heil was the ‘constant’ in our season and success. We didn’t stick with same setup all year; we changed pretty much every race. What he did and suggested worked each and every race. John did everything – that car all year was in a class of its own and John put it there.”

“John Heil – he’s very good at what he does,” Bill Kruger stated. “He’s very meticulous at everything. He goes over everything then double- and triple-checks everything we do. He’s phenomenal in that respect.”

“John and Jake jelled so well together,” Deb Kruger remarked. “They not only became driver/crew chief but also good buddies. I think that meant a lot to Jake. You always look up to parents and others; Jake looks up to John and they were great as a team.

“They hunt together, race together, work together – especially during summer. It’s like a brotherhood with those two.”

Then, thinking about the dedication of Heil, Deb added, “We also want to thank Teresa and Riley Heil for their sacrifices for not having John at home, because he was at the race shop or at the track helping Jake. We really appreciate their sacrifice.”

Along with Heil, Kruger Motorsports was thankful to its crew - Heil, Jamie Fuller, Lance, Brandon and Dillon Gaither, TJ Hopper and John Wasek.

Of course, auto racing at any level wouldn’t happen without sponsors.

“We could not have done this without Steve Turner and Turner Motorsports,” Deb Kruger declared. “They’re our biggest contributor this year as a sponsor. They were always there for us; I would call and ask for help and they’d always come through.

“They’re helping us in a huge way for the (upcoming) Snowflake (Derby race in Florida in December) and we couldn’t have done it without Turner Motorsports as the main sponsor.”

Among the team’s other sponsors: BMF Shocks and Chassis, Gen Tech, Oval Components, Aramendia Motorsports (and Joe Aramendia).

What’s ahead for Kruger? A run in the Pro Late Models, be it regional or over on the East Coast.

Plus…
“A lot of sacrifices,” Deb said. “We don’t have a lot of social time; we don’t go to movies, we don’t do special outings as a family outside of going to the races. We don’t drive big fancy vehicles because we don’t need to do that.

“We’re very comfortable with our lifestyle, we’re not materialistic people. We do what we can to put our resources into Jake’s racing.”

The “driver” of the family is cognizant of his family’s efforts on his behalf.

“My mom and dad and my sister are terrific for what they do so I can race,” Jake exclaimed. “I owe a big thanks to my family. (Simply put), I wouldn’t have done anything I’ve done without them.”

“The fact Jake recognizes and acknowledges (our efforts) means a lot to me,” Bill said. “We never forced this on him; it’s been an understanding in the family. We do what we could to give Jake the best of what we can to race.

“We’d like to thank Mary Ann Naumann (owner/operator of TSRS) and her sacrifices for having the series. We have a lot of respect for Mary Ann and what she’s done for both TSRS and for local racing, period.”

Bill then summed up the upcoming future for his son. “We look forward to the next step; we look forward to the work ahead and hope we can continue to climb the ladder of success.”

By Chuck Licata
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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