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Robby Minten grabs first ever IMCA Sportmod win at I-37 Raceway, 6/18/11

Young Robby Minten(La Coste) ran the race of his life to snag his first ever IMCA Southern Sportmod victory. Minten, who had been snake bitten all season, took the point on lap 1 and never gave it up. Minten was pressured early by Anthony Gordon, then veteran Brian Rye on restarts. With the help of Uncle Ray (Doyon) and Brandon Blaylock, Minten finally hit the set up, held the fast line and scored his inaugural feature win.

As the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature roared to green, Minten led into turn 1 trailed by Gordon, Pat Lyon and Rye along side Michael Hernandez. Behind them it was three wide for sixth with multi-time winner an track champ, Johnny Torres making contact in the fight and losing spots. Torres rebounded to take fifth from Hernandez on lap 3, then fourth from Lyon on lap 4.

Up front Minten had crept away from Gordon who now had Rye along side taking second on lap 4. Moe VanKirk and Chuck Perry got by Lyon on lap 5 for sixth and seventh. Rye and Gordon made contact scrapping for second, with Torres sneaking past, and Hernandez with big run up top getting by all three. Randy Yount brought out a yellow on lap 9 when he got turned around..

As the race resumed and came to halfway it was Minten Rye, Hernandez, Torres and Gordon in the top five. Perry made a mid-race charge getting by Gordon on lap 10, then Torres for fourth on lap 11. Two laps later Perry grabbed third from Hernandez, while Lyon, Michael Walker and Greg Rohmer were three wide for seventh.

With two to go, Minten had a 4-car length edge on Rye and Perry, but Gordon spun in turn 2 to bring out a yellow and set up a green, white, checker finish. The young Minten held his composure on green and inched out by two car lengths, with Hernandez, Torres and VanKirk three abreast for fourth. Rye and Perry battled side by side on the final lap as Minten took the checkers in the 3D Landscaping, Boehle Signs & Graphics, Shepherds Racing Engine powered, Empire(Jim Mikulencak) Chassis.

“We tried a new set up,” exclaimed Minten. “It was something totally different and the car just hooked up on the top. It was a rocket. I was nervous when Anthony(Gordon) brought out that caution with two to go. I knew Johnny(Torres) was somewhere behind me and just knew I’d get passed by him or one of the Rye’s. I just stayed focused and tried to it my marks.”

“Brandon Blaylock helped me a lot with this set up, and my Uncle Ray(Doyon) is always there. We tried a whole new thing, and it worked. Before this race I was ready to throw in the towel. I was frustrated. It seemed everywhere I’d go, we’d wreck, spin out or do stupid stuff. Finally we got it all together.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 184 Brian Rye, 99x Michael Hernandez, 34 Michael Walker, 66 Johnny Torres, 58 Moe VanKirk, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9 Ray Doyon III, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 22 Randy Bennett, 18 Larry Jernigan, 84k Patrick Kelly, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 15 JC Pilcher, 10 Travis Penny, 92 Jason Stanley

IMCA SSM Heats
Heat 1
92 Jason Stanley, 118 Anthony Gordon, 9 Ray Doyon III, 58 Moe VanKirk, 66y Randy Yount, 34 Michael Walker, 10 Travis Penny
Heat 2
66 Johnny Torres, 99x Michael Hernandez, 4 Robby Minten, 115 Chuck Perry, 84k Patrick Kelly, 51 Greg Rohmer
Heat 3
18 Larry Jernigan, 184 Brian Rye, 60 Pat Lyon, 10D Don Painter, 22 Randy Bennett, 57F Rowdy Flanagan, 15 JC Pilcher

The racing action at Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park was as hot as the weather, with several drivers possibly trying to make for missing the full moon during the off week. The track did as good of a job as possible to get a good racing surface despite week-long 100+ degree temperatures, and strong winds on race day, dust was kept to a minimum.

There were no return winners from the previous race night so any streaks went by the wayside. Several drivers returned to the Winners Circle or won in a different class, plus the IMCA Southern Sportmods had a first time winner and the Front Runners saw a win almost by default.

Dinsmore Gets First Win for new Daughter

After several weeks of disappointment and sorting out damage, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore refound his early season mojo and picked up the first for new baby daughter, Mackenzie. Dinsmore had to come from the back of the 15-car field after a flat on the initial start sent him to the tail after repairs. He then methodically picked off cars and got by early leader Joe Spillman. Once clear Dinsmore held off all challengers on restarts to grab his seventh win of the season.

The 20-lap IMCA Modified main saw the front row of Spillman and Tracy Fink stay wheel to wheel on lap 1 with Spillman leading by a bumper on lap 1. Fink fell in line second with Matt Fox, Robert Liese jr. and Dennis Taylor in tow. Billy Meyer and Allen Williams tangled on lap 1 in turn 2 for an early caution. On the restart Taylor and Darin Leonard got by Liese for fourth and fifth.

Dinsmore quickly made his way up to challenge Leonard for fifth when Fox spun and collected Liese, Mike McCarthy and Leonard who stopped to avoid contact. Once back to green, Dinsmore sailed around Leonard and Taylor for third, then got under Fink for second on lap 3. Spillman and Dinsmore were side by side for the lead on lap 4, with Dinsmore taking the spot on lap 5.

Fink drifted too high in turn 1 and got freight-trained by Taylor, Leonard and Bill Pittaway. Caution waved on lap 6 for Marlin Samford stopped in turn 2. Dinsmore got a good launch on green, while second through fifth ran nose to tail. Jason Borlace and Fink, who blew a motor, got tangled on lap 8 in turn 4 for a yellow.

Back under green, Dinsmore eased away, but Fox spun in turn 1 with Borlace, Meyer and Samford spinning to avoid Fox. On the restart Fox spun again, ending his night. Finally back to green, Taylor got by Spillman for second as the crossed flags were shown with Dinsmore, Taylor, Spillman, Leonard and Jamie Campbell in the top five.

Leonard got past Spillman on lap 10, followed by Campbell. Taylor was trying Dinsmore for the lead, but spun himself from second on lap 13 in turn 4 to bring out a yellow. Dinsmore got away clean on the restart leaving Leonard and Campbell battling for second. Williams ended his night when he slapped the front stretch wall on lap 16 and shed numerous body panels.

When green waved again, Pittaway was putting the heat on Spillman for third, as Dinsmore eased away from Leonard. Spillman was able to hold off the defending champ, Pittaway. Out front it was Dinsmore inching farther ahead of Leonard going on to take the checkers in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis.

“I finally got the car back(to where it was),” said Dinsmore. “It felt good. It had a little push in it, but it was really fast. When I installed the new birdcages, I had the ‘clocking’ off. I called Bob(Harris) after the heats and he suggested some changes that were right on.”

“I cut a tire on the first start. So we got it changed and I had to restart all the way at the back. I got caught in the melee and bent the rim over into the tire. Thankfully the car was super drivable and super fast.”

“I was able to find the fast line first. Usually once you do others will follow you so it’s important to get there first and get out front. If you don’t you have to try to find a way to get around someone running it. It’s better just to get it done and get it over with.”

“There towards the end the track started going away and the fuel load burnt off so the rear percentage was going away and I tried a different line. If I didn’t push it as hard it would push. There’s still a couple things to work on.”

“It was the first win with the new baby. It’s awesome. The baby just trucks right along and isn’t bothered by the noise. It’s amazing. Candace had her at the motel until it cooled off, but was here in time for the our feature win. That was pretty cool.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 29 Jamie Campbell, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 21 Jason Borlace, 67 Robert Liese jr., 38 Dennis Taylor, 99 Billy Meyer, 07 Allen Williams, 31 Marlin Samford, 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 10 Ellis Tracy, 20 Mike McCarthy

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1
38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway, 99 Billy Meyer, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Jason Borlace—DNTG
Heat 2
24 Tracy Fink, 20 Mike McCarthy, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 31Marlin Samford
Heat 3
44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 07 Allen Williams, 67 Robert Liese jr., 10 Ellis Tracy

Dancer Out Does Limited Late Model Field

It’s usually not easy to jump into an unfamiliar car and find a win, but AJ Dancer(Red Rock) showed that Greg Dinsmore wasn’t the only driver capable of the feat. Dancer climbed in the Walt Clark owned car, got by early leader Andrew Hesler past halfway and motored on to the victory.

The Limited Late Model feature got off to a rocky start, a sign of things to come. Leland Waddell led the way off turn 2 on the initial start, but got bumped by Hesler sending him around in turn 4. On the second start Waddell led in to turn 1, Shane Moore tried to crossover in turn 4, but spun and continued. Waddell’s time out front ended on lap 1 when spun in turn 2 scattering the field for an early caution.

Hesler led on the restart followed by Robert Danielson, Matt Hodge and multi-time winner Trey Votion. Votion had just gotten by Danielson for third when Chris Jones spun for lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, Dancer got around Harlin Covert and Danielson for fourth. Moore looped it in turn 2 for a lap 5 caution. It wasn’t long after green waved that Hodge, apparently spotting the turn 2 troll, got hung on an infield tire for yellow on lap 6.

Finally under green, the top three, Hesler, Votion and Dancer, eased away from
Covert and Gary Hunter. Dancer used the top to go past Votion on lap 7 for second and quickly got along side Hesler for the lead. Dancer got the nose out front only to have a caution for a spin by Jones erase the pass. Hesler and Dancer edged away while Covert and Votion ran door to door for third.

Covert secured the spot on lap 11, while Dancer again tried the high groove for the lead. Dancer was able to complete the pass on Hesler to lead on lap 13. Hunter spun on lap 15 after contact from Richard Bartosh, who was sent to the back. On the restart Covert was looking low on Hesler for second.

Moore spun in turn 4 was trying to roll start his car in front of the leaders, Covert slowed to avoid contact with Votion and Hunter getting by. Yellow for Moore’s stalled car in turn 4 gave Covert the spots back. Dancer got a good jump on the restart while Hesler, Covert and Votion battled for second. At the checkers it was Dancer in the Eagle Racing, VISA/Mastercard, Parks Engine Service, Shaw Chassis with a Camaro clip taking the win, while Hunter nipped Votion at the line.

“Walt must build a good car,” replied Dancer. “I really didn’t do a whole lot. I think Walt put this car together with pieces of everything. There may even be a Volkswagen Bug under there. I used the top because everyone else was running the bottom. I guess I’m not as smart as them. Up top it’s closer to the edge.”

“I think the secret of my success, is not thinking. I really don’t think about anything, if I do I’ll just mess it up. Trey(Votion) and Drew(Hesler) were as fast as us, but they just didn’t find the upper groove.”

“With myself and TJ working on it and AJ driving it, it’s a winning combination,” added car owner Clark.

Limited Late Models
32 AJ Dancer, 60 Harlin Covert, 1 Andrew Hesler, 14 Gary Hunter, 99 Trey Votion, 28 Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 18 Shane Moore, 58 Matt Hodge

Limited Late Model heat winners; 49 Robert Danielson, 7 Richard Bartosh

Casey Captures Street Stock Honors
San Antonio’s Tommy Casey found his way back to the Winners Circle after several years. Casey grabbed the point on green, then went wire to wire in the 15-lap feature that went without a caution. At the checkers Casey held a half straightaway margin over defending track champ Wade Jones.

As green waved on the Street Stock feature Casey led the pack into turn 1 with AJ Wernette and Mike Lyon side by side for second while Aaron Leddy was door to door with Jones for fourth. As Casey led back to the line on lap 1 AJ Wernette, Lyon and Leddy were almost three wide for second. As that battle sorted out, AJ Dancer got by both Leddy and AJ Wernette for third.

Stephan Danielson, Jones and Leddy went three abreast for fourth on lap 3. Danielson got the spot and was looking low on Dancer for third. Dancer held Danielson off and began pressuring Lyon for second. With Dancer trying under Lyon, Danielson tried even lower, but ended up doing a 360 to avoid contact losing several spots.

Jones, running the middle, then began to pick off cars on his way to the front. Jones got by Dancer on lap 9 then Lyon for second on lap 10, but found himself trailing Casey who had built a good margin. Dancer took third from Lyon in the final laps. Back up front it was Casey, in the Clays Auto Parts & Machine Shop, Richard & Bea Villanueva, Odie Automotive/Garfield Shanklin, Camaro grabbing the checkers comfortably ahead of Jones.

“We’re finally starting to get a handle on the car,” commented Casey. “The guys here are helping us out a lot. Between the other racers, like the Wernette group and AJ Dancer, and reading some books we’re finally getting it to hook up on the dry slick. We’ve really been bad on the slick tracks.”

“I don’t care what anyone says there’s not enough time on these short tracks to try to look back for who’s coming. Chris Swenson always tell me to adjust the brake bias while I’m driving, but I’ll wait until under caution. I’ve got enough to do with the steering wheel in my hands.”

“We’ve done some adjusting on the springs, wheel offset and weight jacks to get the car better. Just searching to find the best combination for this track. Clay(Kotara) and Roger have got us a good engine package.”

“It’s been two or three years since I’ve won, and it was on Father’s Day Weekend too. Maybe I should just race on that weekend every year.”

Street Stocks
15 Tommy Casey, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 40 Mike Lyon, 149 Stephan Danielson, 37 AJ Wernette, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Joe Spillman, 93 Aaron Leddy

Street Stock heat winners; 41 Wade Jones, 15 Tommy Casey

The Pure stock 20-lapper saw a return face to the Winers Circle, although the car is very familiar with the place. Adam Torres(San Antonio), driving the former championship car of Marc Roy, jumped out front early and never looked back going flag to flag for the win. It was the first win in several years for Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Chevy.

Torres got a good jump from the pole, while Tim Watson and Karoline Campbell were side by side trailed by Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski. T. Watson secured the second spot, while Jarrett Payton got by E. Watson for fifth. Payton and Ramzinski both got past Campbell, with Frank Okruhlik charging up behind them. Okruhlik’s wedding night came to an end when he lost an axle on lap 5(Honeymoon for the newlyweds stated early)

On the restart, Payton battled with T. Watson for second but lost a right front tire and stopped in the front stretch. Torres got a big advantage on the restart while Cody Leonard got along side Ramzinski for fourth. After picking off the spot, Leonard got around Campbell for third on lap 10. Up front Torres had built a full straightaway lead.

Leonard took second from T. Watson on lap 14, but found himself well behind Torres who easily cutting through traffic. Leonard tried to cut into Torres’ lead but to no avail as the laps wound down. Janel Hilla worked her way past Campbell for fourth in the final laps, but it was Torres crossing under the checkers with the convincing victory.

Pure Stocks
24 Adam Torres, 26c Cody Leonard, 1 Tim Watson, 7x Janel Hilla, 10c Karoline Campbell, 89 Ryan Doyon, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 15 William Cavender, 44 James Watson, 14 Trey Heald, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 66r Rick Snyder, F5 Kevin Vasbinder, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 94 Tator Mason—DNS, 117 Devin Adler—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 99 Frank Okruhlik, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres

In the Front Runner feature, Somerset’s Hailee Marcx was just as surprised as anyone when she found herself in the Winners Circle at the races completion. Marcx was one of only two cars left running as the race was called by the 10-run mercy rule. Marcx was in the right place after two groups, battling for the lead, found themselves in a heap and received the black flag.

The race started off innocent enough with track promoter Jim Knudtson leading into turn 1. Knudtson slowed while Jimmy Carroll sailed by off turn 2 to lead lap 1 followed by Roy Easler jr., Landon Sowder and Marcx. Knudtson was black flagged by his son and race director for going too slow(Happy Fathers Day !). Anthony Maciel got by Marcx for fourth, with Charles Earnhardt III following to fifth.

Easler, using the top, got by Carroll to lead lap 4 then got hung in slower traffic. Carroll was able to sneak by of turn 2, but Easler got back to the lead before lap 5. Maciel and Ch. Earnhardt got together in turn 4 for a lap 6 caution. On the ensuing restart, Easler held the lead but was pressured by Carroll and Cody Earnhardt. Co.

Co. Earnhardt and Carroll traded some paint with Carroll getting into the back of Easler. As Easler began going around he was finished off by Co. Earnhardt who had nowhere to go. All three received the black flag much to the crowds disapproval. This put Ch. Earnhardt back out front after making repairs from his earlier incident.

Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder pulled away on green to settle it among themselves. While fighting for the lead in the final laps contact sent both sailing out the pit exit leaving only Marcx and Cindy Snider, who was down a couple laps, on the track. Officials decided to black flag Ch. Earnhardt and Sowder, then declared Marcx, in the Howies Lawn & Landscaping, Alamo Homes, Bettis Storage, 6-Pack Racing Grand Am the winner.

“It was pretty weird,” said Marcx. “I was just out there racing and the next thing I know I’m in Victory Lane. I saw those guys battling ahead of me. That last wreck scared me when they went off the track as fast as they did. I didn’t know what to think.”

“It’s awesome getting the win no matter how it happens. We’re doing good in the points, second behind the 67(Jimmy Carroll) and we’re going to pick up some points on him tonight.”

Front Runners
113 Hailee Marcx, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 08 Landon Sowder, 66r Cindy Snider, 12 Roy Easler jr., 33c Cody Earnhardt, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Anthony Maciel, 98 Hayden Anderson, 27 Jim Knudtson, 98E Will Holden, 17 Kirsten Blevins

Front Runner heat winners; 12 Roy Easler jr., 67 Jimmy Carroll

By J.M. Hallas
JBHotshots Photos

Greg Dinsmore’s dominance at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park continues

After a week off for two-wheeled action of the VDTRA, Pleasanton’s I-37 Raceway resumed stock car racing on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked dirt track. Racing action included the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods, Limited Late Models, Street and Pure Stocks plus the Front Runners.

On-track action saw three drivers (Greg Dinsmore, Johnny Torres and Wade Jones) continue their winning ways, while two new drivers found their way to the Winners Circle and one put a new out front.

The night included a kids bicycle giveaway headed by IMCA Southern Sportmod driver Moe VanKirk, and sponsored by Mike and Kristi Brown at B&B Ranch(Comfort, Tx.) and I-37 Raceway.

Dinsmore Dominance Continues

After some tough luck on the off weekend and parts delays, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore pieced his racecar back together and made all the hard work pay off with another I-37 Raceway win. On a second start Dinsmore made a bold move splitting the top two cars to grab the lead. Once out front Dinsmore would ease away from the pack, holding off Robert Liese jr. on restarts. Bill Pittaway, Jamie Campbell and Billy Meyer, picking up his first top-five finish, followed.

On the initial start Meyer jumped out front from the pole with it three wide, two deep behind him. Gilbert Amezquita blew up, scattering parts and fluid, causing a stack up that sent Jon Holmstrom over the turn 3 hill. On the second start Meyer and Liese stayed side by side until coming off turn 4 Dinsmore squirted between them to the lead. Campbell moved in to challenge Liese for second until he went around in turn 4 for a lap 5 yellow.

Dinsmore got away on green while Pittaway took a peek under Dennis Taylor for third. Campbell made a quick comeback taking fifth from Bob Leinweber on lap 8. Leinweber had more problems going off turn 4 for a caution on lap 9. Back to green, Dinsmore got a big lead on Liese as Taylor and Pittaway continued their fight for third. At halfway it was Dinsmore, Liese, Taylor, Pittaway and Campbell.

Pittaway finally got past Taylor coming off turn 4, but Taylor regained the spot going through turns 1-2. As those continued to slug it out, Taylor did a 360 in turn 4 falling to the back. Leinweber went around for his second solo yellow, ending his night. Liese tried to hang on to Dinsmore on the restart, but Dinsmore was able to edge away in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JBHotshots, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Wells Designs, Cen-Tex Motorsports, Harris Chassis for his fifth win of the season.

“Going through that little hole on the start was real ugly,” said Dinsmore. “I felt like a pimple being squeezed. It could have been really bad. It was as ugly as it gets. That first start was hard to get a grip on things with all the smoke and fluid. Stuff happens so fast. From there the car was fast, but the brakes were acting funky.”

“We lost a bolt in the right front caliper and the car would go into the corner and jerk to the right. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. In (turns) one and two the car was really flying and in (turns) three and four I’d really have to slow the car down. It would turn to the right and I’d have to gas it to get it going back to the left. Once it got up and going it was really fast.”

“The track was just done coming off turn 4, but there was more moisture at the other end and a little going into three where the car would bite and throw the front end down. Cen-Tex has got me a good piece and it’s running good.”

“I’ve tried running for points before and with Candace ready to have the baby I really can’t. I just try to run year to year. As soon as you try to chase points, something happens. You can’t plan to run for points unless you have a lot of money behind you.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 67 Robert Liese, Jr, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 99 Billy Meyer, 38 Dennis Taylor, 12 Bob Leinweber, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 24 Tracy Fink–DNS

IMCA Modified heat
Heat 1, 29 Jamie Campbell, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 67j Jon Holmstrom, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 24 Tracy Fink–DNTG

Heat 2, 38 Dennis Taylor, 67 Robert Liese jr. 99 Billy Meyer, 37 Bill Pittaway, 12 Bob Leinweber

Torres Tops Again in Sportmod Scramble

Johnny Torres(San Antonio) had his work cut for him in the 14-car, 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. It took Torres several laps to make his way to top five and finally run down leader, Ray Doyon III. Torres and Doyon scrapped it out until Torres got the spot with five to go. As the race wound own Torres eased away for another win.

Robby Minten, from the pole, jumped out front as green waved, with Pat Lyon and Michael Hernandez side by side for second. As they shook out Minten led over Hernandez, Randy Yount, Lyon and Doyon. Doyon moved past Lyon for fourth, while Yount got second from Hernandez. Doyon and Moe VanKirk put Hernandez back spots taking third and forth on lap 3.

VanKirk shot by Doyon and made contact with Yount sending himself spinning off the back stretch to the infield. On the restart Larry Jernigan slowed with a flat causing some mid-pack scrambling. Doyon got by Yount for second on lap 4 and was challenging his nephew, Minten for the lead. Doyon got the point on lap 6, but Minten tried to come back only to give up second to Yount.

Yount closed in on Doyon for the lead and took a look low on lap 8 only to see caution wave for a big puddle of liquid on the back stretch. Doyon got a good restart, while Torres got by Hernandez fourth. Torres then picked off Minten for third. At the crossed flags it was Doyon, Yount, Torres, Minten and Hernandez in the top five.

As Yount tried to challenge Doyon again for the lead Torres found an opening to sneak by for second. Behind the lead trio, Anthony Gordon was able to get by Hernandez for fifth, then Minten for fourth, as VanKirk worked his way back to sixth. Up front the battle for the lead was beginning to take shape between Doyon and Torres.

Torres ducked inside Doyon on lap 13 with the two side by side for the lead on lap 14, with VanKirk getting fourth fifth from Minten. Torres got the pass to take the point on lap 15. As Torres was able inch away from Doyon, VanKirk got fourth from Gordon. Torres in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis increased his lead on his way to the checkers.

“The car is still working real good,” exclaimed Torres. “We haven’t had to change a thing and hopefully we’ll keep on winning. I got stuck behind some traffic tonight and that slowed me up. I tried to be patient, but patience wasn’t working out. So I put the hammer down and it went good. The track had a little more moisture than usual and that made it a little harder to pass.”

“It had more moisture in (turns 1-2) than it did in (turns 3-4). Some guys were either tight in one corner or loose in the other. Cars were running all over the place so you had to look out and play dodge ‘em”

“My dad wants to run for points here, he like those championships for some reason. I really want to go run in Waco with the USMTS on Thursday night, so we’ll see how that works out.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
66 Johnny Torres, 9 Ray Doyon III, 66y Randy Yount, 58 Moe VanKirk, 118 Anthony Gordon, 4 Robby Minten, 51 Greg Rohmer, 99x Michael Hernandez, 22 Randy Bennett, 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon 11c Chris McLendon, 18 Larry Jernigan

IMCA Southern Sportmod heats
Heat 1; 22 Randy Bennett, 58 Moe VanKirk, 60 Pat Lyon, 51 Greg Rohmer, 4 Robby Minten, 118 Anthony Gordon 18 Larry Jernigan

Heat 2; 9 Ray Doyon III, 66 Johnny Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11c Chris McLendon 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly

Votion Victorious in Limited Late Models

Returning after a three year hiatus, Trey Votion found his way to the Winners Circle in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature. Votion got the point on lap 5 when early Matthew Hodge spun. Votion was chased in the last portion of the race by defending track champ, Richard Bartosh who quietly worked his way up throughout the race.

The front row of Hodge and Shane Moore stayed side by side to turn 3 when Hodge got the advantage with Moore, Votion and Robert Danielson falling in line. Dustin Tillman brought out a yellow on lap 2 when he spun in turn 4. On the restart Votion used the high side to get by Moore for second when AJ Wernette spun. On the restart Wernette, substituting in an unfamiliar car, went around again in turn 2.

Hodge and Votion broke away on green with Votion still trying the high groove. The pressure may have taken its toll as Hodge spun in turn 4 scattering the field and Votion getting the lead. Hodge kept it fired up, fell to the back, but then looped it again on lap 6 for a caution. Votion broke away on green while Craig Crawley and Gary Hunter battled for fifth.

As Votion started edging away, Danielson was trying inside Bartosh for third. Chris Jones spun on lap 9 for a quick caution. Once back to green Moore spun himself from second on lap 10 to slow the action again. Finally back under green, Hodge worked his way back to the top five getting the spot from Crawley. Hodge then began to put the heat on Hunter for fourth.

Hunter held off Hodge and was able to get past Danielson for third on lap 13. Hodge tried to follow eventually getting the spot a lap later. Up front Votion was holding a slight margin over Bartosh and was out front by 10-car lengths as the white flag waved. Votion, in the Northside Ford, Kelly Chassis, parlayed that lead into the victory.

“The car was real good in (turns) 1-2,” stated Votion. “In (turns) 3-4 it was a little tricky. It was real dry slick. I’d have to shut it almost completely down to get through. It was all good. I’ve finally got the car hooked up and we got it to first. We’re having fun with everyone out here. It’s been good so far.”

“I’ve been out of racing for three years. We broke an axle in 2007 and ended up totaling that car in the resulting crash. My brother and crew chief (Patrick Kelly) decided he wanted to sell this and I took him up on the offer. It’s been pretty good since. He, his dad (Pat) and I do the motor work. Keep it all in the family”

“I’d like to have Greg (Dinsmore) running with us again. I like running against him. We had a good run our first night out and I was happy to run second to him. I always try to keep my car in the right place and go as fast as I can.”

Limited Late Models
99 Trey Votion, 7 Richard Bartosh, 14 Gary Hunter, 58 Matthew Hodge, 49 Robert Danielson, 6 Craig Crawley, 18 Shane Moore, 69 Chris Jones, 08 AJ Wernette, 94 Dustin Tillman, 1x Andrew Hesler—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 08 AJ Wernette, 18 Shane Moore

Jones Tames Lyon in Street Stock Shootout

Coming back after a hard crash several weeks ago, Wade Jones returned to his winning ways, but it wasn’t easy. Jones and Mike Lyon put on one heck of a show as they battled for the lead swapping the spot several times until Jones finally gained control. Once clear Jones was able to pull away the final circuits for the win in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, Camaro.

Lyon was first into turn 1 at the start of the 20-lap Street Stock feature, but a multi-car tangle sent AJ Wernette over the hill in turn 3. Once again Lyon got the jump on the field with Jones, Dennis Hilla and AJ Dancer in pursuit. Jones began pressuring Lyon on lap 3 while Dancer challenged Hilla for third. Jones got inside Lyon on lap 5 and led back to the line on lap 6. Stephan Danielson, debuting a new ride, got past Dancer for fourth.

Jones and Lyon stayed side by side for the lead with Lyon getting the advantage back on lap 7. Jones tried the bottom again getting the nose under Lyon on lap 10. The two were door to door again on lap 11 with Jones eking out the lead on lap 12. Jones finally secured the spot on lap 13 and began inching away. Jones then motored away to a half straightaway lead at the checkers.

“It was fun, I had to work for that one,” replied Jones. “The car was hooked up and the track was just right. We put a softer spring in the right rear and it felt a little better. Tonight I was pretty much wide open. Two weeks ago I was still a little tentative after that crash.”

“I love all the competition this year with some of the new guys and others stepping up their game. I think it’s great. I’m going to finish this year out in Street Stock. We may try to have a Late Model out late in the year.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 40 Mike Lyon, 2x Dennis Hilla, 149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 93 Aaron Leddy, 15 Tommy Casey, 37w Wayne Wernette, 53 Ben Blanford, 7 Danny Schroat, 37 AJ Wernette

Street Stock heat winners; 40 Mike Lyon, 52 AJ Dancer

Payton Powers to First Pure Stock Payday

Since moving up from the Front Runner class, Jarrett Payton has been somewhat snake-bit in the Pure Stock class. Payton has found himself up front only to have mechanical woes end his night. Tonight no parts failed or broke. On top of that Payton had to hold off charges from Brandy Ramzinski, his sister, who gave him a couple looks low and sibling love taps in the final laps before taking the checkers.

As green waved on the 16-car, 20-lap event Carolyn Campbell beat the pack into turn 1 with Talon Minten, Payton and Tim Watson three wide behind her. That battle sorted out with Payton getting second. Ramzinski moved along side Minten for fourth while T. Watson got sideways and ended up going out the pit entrance. Campbell gave away the top spot when she spun on lap 2 stacking up the field. Perennial front runner, Justin Henley was forced to pit with damage.

This gave Payton the lead for the restart with Ramzinski, Eric Watson, Janel Hilla and Minten lined up on his bumper. When green waved again the lead duo took off, while Frank Okruhlik got past Minten for fifth. Hilla then picked off third from E. Watson on lap 6 followed by Okruhlik to fourth on lap 7. Coming to halfway Payton and Ramzinski held a good advantage over Hilla and Okruhlik, with E. Watson losing ground to the leaders.

With five to go the leaders ran up on traffic with Ramzinski closing to Payton’s rear bumper. Okruhlik used traffic to get past Hilla, but Hilla fought back as yellow waved for a spin by William Saunders. Okruhlik pitted trailing smoke under caution. On the restart Ramzinski got under Payton for the lead, but Richard Snyder stopped in turn 2 to bring the yellow quickly back out.

Once green flew again Ramzinski kept the heat little brother, Payton, for the lead. Ramzinski would show him the nose, but Payton would pull off the corner. Ramzinski got inside with two to go, but Payton held her off again. On the final lap Ramzinski gave it her best shot with a little sisterly love tap, but Payton held on in the Roosevelt U-Pull-It, Bettis Storage, Spa Pro, A Five Graphics, Jerry & Tammy Jones, E&E Engines, Chevy to take the victory.

“It’s been a lot of hard on this car,” commented Payton. “We’ve spent months and months working on it. We missed the first couple races and then nothing ever went right. Tonight it was a good night and nothing broke. It’s awesome to get my first Pure Stock win. Even last year it was bad luck one race after the other. Things have picked up this year and hopefully it’s the beginning of some more wins.”

“I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) stick the nose up under me and I knew she was there. During that caution I figured if she was going to run low that I had to run low too. Even though she’s my big sister, I’m not to run her any easier than anyone else.”

Pure Stocks
9s Jarrett Payton, 8 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 43 Eric Watson, 71 Mike Harrison, 15 William Cavender, 98 William Saunders, 22 Patricia Lucas, 66r Rick Snyder, 89 Talon Minten, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 95 Jerry Jones, 10c Carolyn Campbell, 96 Justin Henley, 44 James Watson, 1x Tim Watson

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 96 Justin Henley, 99 Frank Okruhlik

Earnhardt Edges Away to Grab Front Runner Flag

After swapping seat time with brother Charlie in a different car last year, Cody Earnhardt put his new ride in the Winners Circle. Earnhardt lead the 15-lap feature, that was halted by a mid-race red, flag to flag in the Earnhardt & Sons Automotive, Big Lou’s Pizza, Rushmore Plumbing, Mazda.

Kathy Wells lead through turns 1-2, but it was Earnhardt getting by in turns 3-4 to grab the lead trailed by Wells, Nick Hencey and Jimmy Carroll. Carroll and Hencey both got by Wells on lap 3 for second and third, respectively. As Earnhardt began to pull away, Landon Sowder and Wells began a rough fight for fourth.

That duo traded some paint on lap 7 with Sowder getting the spot. Wells came back giving Sowder a pop getting them both out of shape allowing Hailee Marcx the opening to get by both. That scrap concluded when the two crashed off turn 2 sending Wells, and her passenger, over several times before reaching the tree line. Both driver and passenger were checked out by emergency crews.

When the race finally went back to green it was Earnhardt quickly pulling away from Carroll. Marcx, recovering from an early spin and go, moved in to challenge Hencey getting third on lap 10. Up front Earnhardt had it on cruise control as he marched away from Carroll for the checkers.

“Patience is the key,” said the young Earnhardt. “Sometimes you just let everyone beat each other up and move up. It’s just a lot of picking your line and sticking with it. Our other car is fast too.”

“I just kind of took it easy and cruised when I got out to that lead. I was watching my dad. He signals me how far ahead I am, when to take it easy, when someone is closing. He helps me out a lot.”

Front Runners
33c Cody Earnhardt, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 113 Hailee Marcx, 911 Nick Hencey, 66r Cindy Snyder, 17 Kurstin Blevins, 3 Jessica Mares, 34 Kathy Wells, 08 Landon Sowder

Front Runner heat winners; 911 Nick Hencey, 33c Cody Earnhardt

by J M Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

I-37 Raceway’s “Thousand Dollar Shootout” to end season on a high note this weekend

The final night of championship racing at I-37 Raceway featured a full moon, the second largest crowd of the season (which sang the national anthem after the CD had a glitch), and a hard but clean night of racing that made everyone hungry for more next season.

There is one more event left on the schedule, though, and it’s a big one: the second annual Hill Country Satellite “Thousand Buck Shootout” on Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, 2009. This will be the final race until the 2010 season kicks off in mid-March, and each class will have its own sponsor and the newest class, the already popular with fans and drivers front drive “Front Runner” class, will run two races, a normal race on Friday and an enduro on Saturday that is attracting cars from all over south Texas. The Front Runners will be racing in the “Tator Plumbing Front Runner” feature, backed by the San Antonio company.

Boerne’s Robert Barker, winner of the last Texas Super Racing Series race on the asphalt at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, will try dirt racing for the first time, jumping into fellow Boerne resident (and I-37 Race Director) Eric Knudtson’s Chevrolet Camaro to run the “BPTI Street Stock” race. For the fans, the night’s excitement will include a drawing for a new flat screen television set.

Kerrville’s Moe VanKirk started last season a little late but still managed to win the title. This year he blew away the field and won more than two-thirds of the Limited Late Model races despite having to start nearly every race from the back as the points leader. With no points on the line at the “Shootout,” just money, the Limited Lates will likely let it all hang out in the “C-D Electric Limited Late Model” feature.

San Antonio’s Mark McGahey worked speed and consistency into a formula good enough to win his first IMCA Southern Sports Modified championship at I-37 Raceway. The “Sports Mods” will run the “Manning Safety Services Sports Modified” feature, backed by the suppliers of oil-field safety equipment, and the big Modifieds will be back for the “3-D Landscaping Modified” feature.

The Street Stocks saw a season-long battle among four drivers who should (and probably will) move up in class next year. Though last year’s rookie of the year Wade Jones of Jourdanton had the title locked up early, he also had Floresville’s A. J. Wernette and San Antonio driver Tommy Casey on his tail every week and all year.

They’ll be racing for “BPTI Street Stock” purse with no worries about fixing the car before next season, but they will be dealing with an experienced and high-profile “rookie” in Robert Barker, a former winner at San Antonio Speedway, Thunderhill Raceway and Houston Motorsports Park.. This one is likely to get interesting in a hurry.

The Pure Stock class was a battle among several drivers including former track and class champion Janel Hilla, former track photographer Marc Roy, Sean Terry (forced to miss several races due to his work on an oil rig) and rookie William “Heat” Saunders. It came down to the last night, with Hilla winning her heat race to close to within three points of Roy as they started the feature.

Roy had problems of his own, and was forced to use a car borrowed from his teammate Lynn Hardy for the final two races following damage to his car, while Mike Brown, who hadn’t won a race all year, came through to win on the last night. Roy flashed across the line just behind him with Hilla on his tail, but Roy had the Pure Stock title. Still, Hilla has finished first, third and second in the last three championships and will be back next season.

They’ll be running in the “Douglass Glass Pure Stock” feature, with Dennis “Loco Ocho” Jasik of Douglass Glass probably out there in his number 8 Pure Stock trying to keep some of the money in the company.

Cars are expected from Austin, Houston, Goliad and perhaps Killeen with added cash on the line, Overall title sponsor Hill Country Satellite handles everything from Direct TV to security systems and even supplies racing radios.

Racing will start on Friday at 7:30 pm and on Saturday at 7:00 pm. The full schedule for the special Friday-Saturday event will be posted in advance on the I-37 Raceway web site. (www.i37raceway.com) or call (210) 478-0111.

by TQ Jones

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore dominates I-37 Raceway Opening Night with a big Outlaw Modified win

Outlaw Modified driver Greg Dinsmore dominated the racing action Saturday at I-37 Raceway’s opening night. The Kerrville dirt track ace had it all his way as he made a shambles of both his heat race and the 15-lap Modified feature at the Pleasanton, Texas, quarter-mile.

Despite the cool temperatures, a good crowd was on hand to enjoy the many improvements to the facility that were made during the off season and watch five action-packed feature events.

Dale Flanagan and Greg Dinsmore started up on the front row of the Modified feature with Johnny Torres and Jeffrey Nix in row two. There was, however, a tense moment in the Dinsmore camp before the race was even under way as sparks were visible coming from under Dismore’s new Modified during the warm up laps.

As the green flag waved Dinsmore screamed into turn one, got the car completely sideways, lifted the left front tire off the track as he got back on the throttle and shot down the back straight already several car lengths in front of Flanagan.

After that it was simply a question of who would finish second. And the battle for second turned out to be the show.

Torres quickly went to work on Flanagan while Flanagan went to work trying to figure out a way to hold off the determined youngster. The pair went side-by-side for a lap or two, but Torres wisely didn’t force the issue and settled back into third, waiting for the right moment to make his move. Sure enough, a couple of laps later Torres made a clean pass just before Chris Swenson caught up with the duo.

Meanwhile, Dinsmore was nowhere in sight with almost a half-lap lead over Torres.

After several laps, Swenson finally found a way around Flanagan to claim third and took off in pursuit of Torres, but the laps ran out before he could catch him.

Dinsmore, who never even remotely challenged, won by half a lap over Torres, Swenson, Flanagan, Jeff Nix and Arlan Schult. Dinsmore also won his heat race convincingly.

Unofficial Outlaw Modified results
1. 8g Greg Dinsmore
2. 66 Johnny Torres
3. 48 Chris Swenson
4. 57 Dale Flanagan
5. 85 Jeff Nix
6. 19 Arlan Schult
7. c31 Marlin Samford - DNSM

Chris Swenson had much better luck in the IMCA SportMod feature, though, proving once again that experience is hard to beat on the dirt as he worked his way up through an 11-car field to take a well-deserved win.

Teammates Mark McGahey and Doug Livingston set the early pace with Pat Lyon and Chris Rye not far behind battling for third.

After a brief caution period for a spin, Swenson had worked his way up to fourth and started to work on Rye for third. It only took two laps for Swenson to figure out a safe way by Rye and he set sail for the two leaders, who were still bumper to bumper.

Swenson squeezed by Livingston at the halfway point and five laps later had McGahey in his mirror. Swenson then cruised off leaving McGahey and Livingston to resume their race-long battle, but this time for second place.

At the finish it was Swenson, McGahey with Livingston glued to his bumper, Kris Rye a distant third, and Patrick Lyon.

Doug Livingston and Kris Rye won the SportMod heat races.

Unofficial IMCA Southern SportMod results
1. 48 Chris Swenson
2. 88 Mark McGahey
3. 89 Doug Livingston
4. 4$ Kris Rye
5. 60 Patrick Lyon
6. 2x Dennis Hilla
7. 11 Chris McLendon
8. 09 David Routon Jr.
9. 4r Unk
10. 771 Wesley
11. 18 Larry Jerryman

In the Street Stock 15-lap feature Justin Henley came from deep in the 13-car field to notch his first victory of the new season.

For a while it looked like Tommy Casey would take the win, but as the laps wound down Casey and A.J Wernette, who ran a strong race to celebrate his seventeenth birthday, were both passed by a surging Henley on the 12th circuit.

Two laps later the group dicing for second place got into a free-for-all in turns three and four and suddenly Wernette was sitting in the infield as Henley motored off to take the win.

Casey, Chico Cox, who had started on the pole, Wes Werts, who had started beside Cox, and Wade Jones rounded out the top five.

In the first Street Stock heat race Chris Brock made the highlight footage as he went flying – literally - out of the park in turn three and completed a four-point landing safely in the pit area.

Rene Mares and Wade Jones won the Street Stock heat races.

Unofficial Street Stock results
1. 99 Justin Henley
2. 42 Tommy Casey
3. 21 Chico Cox
4. 77 Wes Werts
5. 41 Wade Jones
6. 01 Bijah Fowler
7. 55 Cody Clark
8. 37 AJ Wernette
9. 68 William Johnson III
10. 33 Frederick Gierisch
11. 51Don Lewis
12. 08 Rene Mares
13. 88 Chris Brock

Moe VanKirk picked up right where he left off last season, taking a convincing win in the 15-lap Limited Late Model main event.

Howie Marcx and Richard Bartosh started on the front row and they raced side-by-side down the back straight. But Bartosh got two wheels up on the tire wall in turn 3-4 and almost became the second car to exit the track unexpectedly. Bartosh somehow managed to get down off the tires and back onto the track and continued to race, eventually finishing fourth.

But it was a VanKirk show once he got by Marcx in the early going.

Patrick Kelly had an excellent race, showing patience and skill as he found a way around Marcx at mid-race to eventually earn a second-place finish.

Meanwhile Bartosh, none the worse for his on-the-tire-wall adventure, worked his way back into fourth as the top four cars separated themselves from the rest of the eight-car field for the remainder of the race.

Kelly tried to make up ground on VanKirk as the laps clicked off, but without much success. At the checkered it was VanKirk, Kelly, Marcx and Bartosh, all separated by a car length or two.

Van Kirk and Patrick Kelly won their respective Limited Late Model heat races.

Unofficial Limited Late Model results
1. 58 Moe VanKirk
2. 84 Patrick Kelly
3. 13 Howie Marcx
4. 7 Richard Bartosh
5. 5-0 Jerry Neal
6. 14 Gary Hunter
7. 1x Andrew Hesler
8. 21 Chris Snocker

In easily the most entertaining race of the night, asphalt ace John Heil worked and bumped his way through the field to win the Pure Stock 20-lap main event.

Janel Hilla started on the front row of the 16-car field and led for the first six laps over Sonny Jones and Adam Torres, who gave her all she could handle until Jones scooted by to take the lead on lap six.

Mike Brown and Danny Kasprowicz weren’t far behind

Back in the pack Heil and another asphalt specialist, Mark Chrudimsky, were running wild as they picked off one car after another.

After a caution for a minor spin, it was Jones, Hilla, Torres, Brown and Kasprowicz the top five as the green flew.

Kasprowicz makes a gutsy, three-wide outside move going into turn one and came out of turn two in second place as Hilla,Torres and Brown were beating and banging below him.

But at the other end of the track, Kasprowicz got way wide allowing Mike Brown to take back second. As Kasprowicz tried to recover that spot, he exited turn four too near the wall and suddenly darted down across the bunched up field dicing for position behind the lead group. With nowhere to go, William Sanders and Mark Chrudimsky crashed hard with Kasprowicz and the threesome ended up trying to knock down the front straight wall.

By now Heil had worked his way up to fourth.

At the restart Heil got a huge jump on the outside and roared into second place behind Jones.

A lap later Hilla spun in turn four, but no caution was needed as she ended up in the infield. This moved Brandon Eure into fourth.

With five to go Heil got around Jones who seemed to slow a bit as the laps clicked off. Torres soon caught Jones as well and was about to complete a pass when he pulled into the infield with flames in the engine compartment.

On the restart it was Heil, Jones, Eure and a surprisingly-fast Marc Roy in fourth, Jake Kruger in fifth, William Cavender in sixth and Hilla back up to seventh. Heil jumped out first with the next few cars in line going three-wide into the first turn with Eure coming out of turn two in second with Roy on his bumper.

Eure, however, had nothing for Heil and at the finish it was Heil, Eure, Roy, Krueger, Cavender and Hilla.

Kasprowicz and Denis Jasik won the Pure Stock heat races.

Unofficial Pure Stock results
1. 30 John Heil
2. 4 Brandon Eure
3. 24 Marc Roy
4. 13 Jake Kruger
5. 15 William Cavender
6.7x Janel Hilla
7. 555 Sonny Jones
8. 9 Phillip Haywood
9. 8 Dennis Jasik
10. 66 Adam Torres
11. 39 Mark Chrudimsky
12. 01 Mike Brown
13. 74k Danny Kasprowicz
14. 98 William Souder
15. 79 George Long
16. 14 Mark Pivarnik

Les Bettis outclassed the five-car Front Runner field taking both the heat race and the 10-lap main event.

Bettis’only real challenger, Greg Mares, gave it all he had but ended up a couple of car-lengths short at the finish.

Unofficial Front Runner results
1. 57 Les Bettis
2. 14 Greg Mares
3. 8jr Alec Jasik
4. 35 James Sanford
5. 41 Amber Helton

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