• Home
• About LSS
• Dirt Calendar
• Paved Calendar
• Touring Series

Subscribe

• Login
• Forums
• Audio
• Live Blogs
• Video

Live updates from Central Texas Speedway’s Whelen 250, 5/4/2013

Nick Holt and Lone Star Speedzone will be at the recently-refurbished Central Texas Speedway in Kyle, Texas, this Saturday evening, May 4, to bring you live, interactive updates from the from “Whelen 250″ at the 3/8-mile, d-shaped, paved oval.

I will be firing up the blogging software around 3:00 pm for all the qualifying sessions and Dwarf Car heat races that take place before the Opening Ceremonies at 4:45 pm. Then get set for 10 feature events right in a row - that’s right, 10 feature events starting at 5:05 pm.

Here’s the way the feature events line up: Bandoleors (10 laps), NasKarts (27 laps), Mini Stocks (20) laps, Dwarf Cars (20 laps), Grand Stocks (20 laps), SportMods (25 laps), Super Stocks (30 laps), Trucks (40 laps), Pro Modifieds (50 laps) and Late Models (75 laps). That’s a lot of racing!

And free parking!

Come out to Central Texas Speedway to experience the best in extreme side-by- side racing. Along with racing, the track will feature food vendors, Beach Volleyball, horseshoes, the Car Bar and live music. It’s fun for the whole family.

But if you can’t make it to the track, join me for all the racing action - NASCAR style! To get started, click the large icon below.

Live Updates from Central Texas Speedway’s “Budweiser 250,” Saturday, 4/6/2013

Lone Star Speedzone will be at Central Texas Speedway in Kyle, Texas, this Saturday evening to bring you live updates from the from the newly refurbished speedway. This is the second half of the season opener - the “Budweiser 250″ - and I will be firing up the blogging software around 5:00 p.m.

Tonight’s lineup features the Late Models, the Modifieds and the Trucks along with the Texas Pro Sedan, the Dwarfs, the NasKarts and the Bandoleros in what should be a fast-paced program under the new management team. They have a goal to be all done racing by 9:00 p.m.

CTS has invested in a lot of recent upgrades to the facility’s infrastructure, added amenities and added a huge stage in the pit area which will be used by singing sensation Brandon Jenkins who will be in concert right after the last checkered flies. So come on out and enjoy an evening of NASCAR racing and the live concert by Brandon Jenkins.

To get started with the updates, click the large icon below.

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 7/7/2012

Houston Motorsports Park is enjoying a “breakout” year, that’s for sure. The pits are packed the grandstands are full and the racing has been nothing short of sensational. You really need to get to the track this Saturday and see for yourself.

But if you can’t make it out to the park-like oval in Northwest Houston, Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt plans to bring you the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates right here starting around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

You will be able to make comments and ask questions during the live blog, but there almost always is a delay in seeing your posts since I have to approve all posts and sometimes I get pretty busy keeping up with all the on-track action.

To get started, click on the large icon below.

Umschied Race Services Live Interactive Updates from Thunderhill Raceway, 6/30/2012, presented by Make-A-Wish and Jeff O’Neill Racing

Thanks to Jeff O’Neill Racing and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I will be at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday, June 30, to bring you the Umschied Race Services Live Interactive Updates from the 3/8-mile paved oval. I will do my best to bring you lap-by-lap coverage of their NASCAR short track racing show as it unfolds.

You won’t regret coming on out to the track in person, but if you just can’t make it, plan on joining me live at 6 p.m. on Saturday. You will be able to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast although there may be a delay in seeing your posts since I have to approve all posts before they show up since sometimes I get pretty busy trying to keep up with the racing action.

To get started, click the large icon below.

Nick

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 6/23/2012

Nick Holt and Lone Star Speedzone will be at Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, June 23, 2012, to bring you the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from the park-like, NASCAR-sanctioned 3/8-mile oval. I should be launching the lap-by-lap coverage around 5:30 p.m., so join me if you can’t make it to the track.

You will be able to make comments and ask questions as we go through the evening.

To get started, click the large icon below.

Nick

Umscheid Race Services Live Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 6/9/2012

Double features for the NASCAR Stock Cars, NASCAR BWFS 360 Trucks and NASCAR Fiesta Modifieds highlight the stock car racing action at beautiful Houston Motorsports Park this Saturday, 6/9/2012. This is a show you will not want to miss. Not only will there be double features, but every car or truck that shows up on race day will start the feature, no matter how many that may be. Could be a wild night.

But if you just can’t make it to the track, I will be bringing you lap-by-lap coverage starting around 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

You will be able to make comments and ask questions during the blogcast, but I get pretty busy at times so you comments/questions may be delayed until I can get a chance to review and approve them.

To get started, click the large icon below.

Leonard, Torres, Dinsmore, Okruhlik, Payton, and Sowder with I-37 Raceway wins, 4/28/2012

Pleasanton, Texas (April 28, 2012) After a scheduled week off for the Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association motorcycles, I-37 Raceway returned to action for stock cars Saturday night. Over 80 cars and drivers signed in for the nights events on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, clay track just south of Pleasanton.

Warmer temperatures and high winds quickly dried out the racing surface making for some tricky track conditions early in the night. Drivers and crew were able to adapt with both the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods seeing a last lap pass for the lead.

Darin Leonard picked up his first IMCA Modified win of the season, while Frank Okruhlik, Landon Sowder, Greg Dinsmore and Jarrett Payton found their way back to the Winners Circle. Johnny Torres was awarded the IMCA Southern Sportmod victory after first time I-37 winner, John Heil couldn’t pass on the tech pad.

Leonard’s Last Lap Pass Secures Win

Darin Leonard(Sinton) saw his son Cody take his first IMCA Sportmod feature win one month ago. Not to be out-done by the youngster, Darin finally broke through to the winners column, but it wasn’t easy. Friend, Harris Chassis team mate and sponsor, Bill Pittaway kept the pressure on Leonard throughout the 20-lapper. Pittaway was able to sneak past Leonard for the lead on lap 19, but Leonard fought back to retake the point coming to the checkers.

Carson Bednarz led from the pole into turn 1, but it was Leonard, on the top side coming off turn 2 with the lead. Jason Borlace, Pittaway, Bednarz and Chuck Chesler fell in line with Greg Dinsmore, Jamie Campbell and Bednarz three wide on lap 2. Dinsmore and Campbell again went three abreast, this time with Chesler for fourth.

As the top five finally sorted out it was Leonard, Pittaway, Campbell and Campbell up front, while Borlace, Chesler and Dinsmore were fighting for fourth. The top three checked out by halfway leaving Borlace, Chesler and Dinsmore three wide behind them. In the waning laps Campbell took a look under Pittaway for second, but Pittaway held steady and put some heat on Leonard.

The leaders came up on slower cars with Leonard and Pittaway going three wide. Pittaway came away with the lead as the white flag waved, with Leonard on his tail. Leonard got inside Pittaway in turns 1-2, but Pittaway held the edge on the back stretch. Leonard used the bottom in turns 3-4 to creep ahead coming to the checkers in his CD Electric, CC Coatings, Ace Transmission, Coastal Diesel, New Vision Graphics, Harris Chassis.

“I had to show the kid his dad still had it,” replied Leonard. “Cody has been teaching me quite a bit. Traveling to other shows at other tracks has given me the ability to work on the set up for my car too. It’s helped me in the long run as well as helping him.”

“I’m glad I got to race with Bill (Pittaway) for the win. We’re good friends and it was fun. That lapped car made it interesting. When I threw it into the turn, I thought I was going to hit the lapped car, but he pushed and I missed him and was able to get back by Bill at the finish. It was a good race. Awesome.”

“Bill talks quite a bit with the Harris Chassis guys and that has helped me a lot with this older car. We’ve both been doing some experimental stuff. I’m incorporating some of the newer stuff into this car. The changes I made this week really helped the car. I have to thank my main pit guy, Cody, and my wife and family for their support.”

IMCA Modifieds; 26 Darin Leonard, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 49 Chuck Chesler, 37b Donald Banker, 16 Carson Bednarz, 10b Ellis Tracy, 31c Marlin Samford

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 21 Jason Borlace, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 49 Chuck Chesler, 16 Carson Bednarz, 37b Donald Banker
Heat 2; 26 Darin Leonard, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 10b Ellis Tracy, 31c Marlin Samford

Torres Tops After Tech in Sportmods

Defending track champ, Johnny Torres(San Antonio) got edged out in the final laps by John Heil after a late caution, but Heil was unable to pass tech inspection. This gave the win to Torres who chased down and passed early leader Anthony Gordon with five to go. A green, white, checker finish set up the chance for Heil to get under Torres for the lead coming to the white flag. Torres tried to fight back, but fell short until inspection found Heil with illegally grooved tires.

Former ROMCO Super Late Model champ, Tommy Grimes was first into turn 1 at the start of the 20-lap, 18-car IMCA Southern Sportmod main. Anthony Gordon, who continues to be on the verge of his first ever Sportmod win, beat Grimes off turn 4 to lead lap 1. Grimes fell in line second followed by Greg Lackey and a three wide scramble between Robert Williams, Larry Jernigan and Talon Minton for fourth.

Wiliams’ night ended early after a tangle with JJ Jennings sent him sailing over an infield tire. T. Minten got third from Lackey, while Heil and Torres ran wheel to wheel for sixth. As T. Minten picked off second from Grimes, Heil took fifth from Jernigan in the mad scramble for fourth on back that saw position change in every corner.

As they sorted out coming to halfway it was Gordon, T. Minten, Heil, Torres and Grimes in the top five. As Heil tried low on T. Minten, Torres took the high groove going around both for second, with Heil following to third. Torres then reeled in Gordon and took over the top spot on lap 16 bringing Heil along to second a lap later.

Torres was on his way to the victory as the leaders came to take the white flag, but a spin by Robbie Minten in turn 2 prompted the flagman to throw a yellow before the leaders got to the corner. Heil used the restart to duck inside Torres in turns 1-2 and alongside on the back stretch, Heil got the lead coming off turn 4 to the white. Torres, in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Bodies, Rays Auto & Truck, Swenson Racing Products, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Race Engines, Vato Chassis, tried a crossover move, but came up short leaving Heil to take the checkers, that he later gave up in tech.

“We’re still getting the bugs worked out of the new car,” said Torres. “I really haven’t gotten some of the breaks that it takes to win from the 6th row most nights. I felt like we had the car to beat till the hooking bumpers and banging on the green, white, checker, finish.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods; 66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 18 Larry Jernigan, 14t Talon Minten, 26g JJ Jennings, 9 Ray Doyon III, 2r Michael Hernandez, 2g Greg Lackey, 57 Jason Kelly, 37 Cody Leonard, 22 Randy Bennett, 60 Pat Lyon, 22t Tommy Grimes, 4r Robbie Minten, 11 Tom Grothues, 21(94) Allen Torres, 02 Robert Williams, D30 John Heil—DQ (Tech/tires)

IMCA SSM heats
Heat 1; 26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, 22t Tommy Grimes, 18 Larry Jernigan, 11 Tom Grothues, 57 Jason Kelly
Heat 2; 118 Anthony Gordon, 37 Cody Leonard, 9 Ray Doyon III, 2g Greg Lackey, 4r Robby Minten, 21 Barry Codling
Heat 3; 14t Talon Minten, 02 Robert Williams, D30 John Heil, 2r Michael Hernandez, 60 Pat Lyon, 22 Randy Bennett

Dinsmore Dominates Limited Late Models

After a somewhat mediocre run, by his own standards, in the IMCA Modified main, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore rebounded and took it out on the Limited Late Model field. Dinsmore led flag to flag in the 15 feature driving the MK Wallace owned, Dirt Guys Motorsports, Cowans on the Creek, Miss Sharon, Wilson Brothers Septic, Guilott Realty, Metal Mart, MFI, Brutal Off Road, Dinsmore powered, Chevy.

Taking no prisoners, Dinsmore quickly jumped into the lead chased by Ron Sprayue, Craig Crawley, Andrew Hesler and Richard Bartosh. Bartosh and Hesler made contact sending Hesler around and Bartosh to the rear. Dinsmore got a good jump on the restart and began pulling away leaving Sprayue, Crawley, Hesler and Chris Brock battling for second.

As Dinsmore continued to build his lead Hesler was challenging Crawley for third finally taking the position on lap 13. Hesler kept up the late charge getting second from Sprayue on the final lap, while Dinsmore, with over a full straightaway lead, was cruising to the victory.

“That car was fast tonight,” said Dinsmore. “It was perfect. I think it could have out done my Modified tonight. Once I got stretched out I started easing through the corners, not try to slide and just maintain the lead you have. Basically just hit your marks and not try to overdrive the car. Look at as a slower is faster thing.”

“Running the Modified first really didn’t help me any tonight. That thing was all over the map. I changed the shock on Late Model, but they have such big tires, It’s really hard to spin them. After driving the smaller tired Modified, this car just hooks up.”

Limited Late Models; 48 Greg Dinsmore, 1x Andrew Hesler, 42 Ron Sprayue, 6 Craig Crawley, 10 Chris Brock, 14 Gary Hunter, 13 Howie Marcx, D30 John Heil—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 48 Greg Dinsmore, 42 Ron Sprayue

Okruhlik Outruns Jones in Street Stock Scramble

In what is quickly becoming more than a two-horse race in the Street Stock class this year, former Pure Stock champ, Frank Okruhlik held off defending champ Wade Jones for the victory. AJ Wernette, got by Jones and racing stable mate Okruhlik for the lead, but mechanical issues sidelined Wernette giving the lead back to Okruhlik, who edged out Jones at the finish.

After two aborted attempts, the 16-car Street Stock feature finally got underway with Multi-time track champ, Wade Jones getting the lead trailed by Shawn Moore, Dennis Hilla and AJ Wernette and a three wide battle for fifth that saw Okruhlik get that spot. The two Wernette Racing team mates, Okruhlik and Wernette began their charge to the front early in the 20-lap feature.

Okruhlik was able to get alongside and past Jones for the top spot on lap 7, bringing Wernette along to second. Wernette then got past Okruhlik for the lead on lap 8, while Jones, Justin Henley and Mike Lyon went three wide for third. Wernette put some distance on Okruhlik and looked have the win in his sights until drivetrain problems put him out. This handed the point back to Okruhlik, in the Wernette Racing, B&B Construction, Hot Rod Welding, JB Wastewater, WWI Trucking, Mission Race Engines, Chevy, who was chased to the checkers by Jones.

“I had nothing for AJ (Wernette) before he broke,” stated Okruhlik. “He had it sewn up. The best we can tell right now it was the transmission that let go. You never get tired winning though. It’s always something different. I was kind of worried where Wade (Jones) and AJ (Dancer) were. Those two have been the fast guys in this class for a while now. I figured they were back there just waiting for me to mess up.”

“It took me a little while to get use to driving a Street Stock. I think I got it now. This car is a lot faster than my Pure Stock, and you get more suspension on these cars to adjust on. Winning will happen again, shortly.”

Street Stocks; 99 Frank Okruhlik, 41 Wade Jones, 40 Mike Lyon, 141 Curtis Opiela, 7 Justin Henley, 18 Shawn Moore, 2x Dennis Hilla, 04 Nathan Robins, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 82 Richard Wells, 37 AJ Wernette, 53 Brian Becka, 33 David Faulkner, 22 Patricia Lucas, 93 Aaron Leddy, 52 AJ Dancer, 118 Anthony Gordon—DNS

Street Stock heat winners; 37 AJ Wernette, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla

Payton Takes Pure Stock Family Feud

San Antonio’s Jarrett Payton out-battled his sister, Brandy Ramzinski for top honors in the 20-lap Pure Stock feature. Payton, who took his first win of the season last race, made his way from tenth starting spot to scrap it out with Ramzinski after the midway point. Payton got the lead on lap 13, then inched away at the finish for the win in his Roudee 8 Services, Roosevelt U-Pull-It, Bettis Storage, 5A Graphics, Mission Auto, Chevy Nova.

Cameron Smith grabbed the early lead from the 18-car starting field trailed by Jamie Campbell, Ramzinski, Jerry Jones and Kary Scott. Janel Hilla made her way to battle with Ramzinski for third, while Payton started his march to the front. Ramzinski got by Campbell for second, then alongside Smith for the lead at the midway point. In the meantime Peyton and Hilla were slugging it out for fourth.

Ramzinski got the lead on lap 11, while Payton took second on lap 12. Action in three of the four corners brought out a yellow on lap 12 when Scott spun in turn 2, Charles Earnhardt III looped it in turn 3 and Adam Torres got hooked with Hilla in turn 4. Payton capitalized on the restart getting under Ramzinski for the lead on lap 13. From there, Payton was able to ease away the remaining circuits for the victory.

“She (Brandy) gave me that race,” explained Payton. “After that last caution she drifted up too high and left the bottom wide open for me. She’s just another racecar driver when we’re out there so I don’t really cut her any slack. I won’t hit her out though, unless she’s in my way. Not really, I treat her like anyone else out there. She came up and said I could have let her win. I said ‘No! A race is a race.’”

“I went out there tonight thinking that I was just going to have fun and not be able to challenge for a win. Everything just kind of played out for me, I made my way through traffic, and it worked out.”

“I really had no plan to make it up starting that far back. Just passed them as I got to them. I found a groove down low that car really liked so I stayed on the bottom. People would go in and slip up high, and I was able get by underneath.”

“I’m not going to say that I’m running for the championship, because once I do, bad things will start happening. I’m just out to have fun and if it falls into my lap, then I’ll take it.”

Pure Stocks; 9s Jarrett Payton, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 5 Ryan Doyon, 10c Jamie Campbell, 66 Adam Torres, 13 Cameron Smith, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 14 Trey Heald, 33 Merida Major, 15 William Cavender, 83 Kary Scott, 33c Charles Earnhardt III, 4 Tim Watson, 49 Jay Dancer, 9 Philip Haywood, 6p Jeremy Hernandez

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 10c Jamie Campbell

Sowder Fastest Front Runner

Landon Sowder was fastest of the 10-car Front Runner in their 15-lap feature. Sowder took over from early leader Hailee Marcx on lap 4. Multi-time winner, Dillon Gaither, had trouble early retiring from the event. Sowder and Marcx continued to battle for the lead with Marcx briefly getting back around Sowder. After a mid-race caution, Sowder was able to put some distance on Marcx and take the win his RicWell Construction, Chevy Cavalier.

“It took some had work,” commented Sowder. “I started pretty far back and was hard working my up and passing everyone. It was a fun race. I really enjoyed it. I like racing against Hailee(Marcx), she’s a good, clean racer and It’s always fun to race her. I’m hoping to shoot for the championship this year, but if I don’t it’s all good fun racing.”

“We’ve got a new car for this year and it’s pretty fast. We put some new tires on it and it’s made it go much better. Next year I’m looking to move up to Street Stock. Wayne Wernette has helped my dad and I a lot and we looking to get the 37w car.”

Front Runners; 08 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 82 Kristine Opiela, 66c Cindy Snyder, 17 Kristen Blevins, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 00 Jamison Pace, 01 Lindi Schroat, 4 Jeremy Witt, 5 Dillon Gaither, 13 Cody Smith—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 66c Cindy Snyder, 5 Dillon Gaither

Go-Karts

Riley Heil, in only her third race, took home her second checkered flag win the win in Jr. Go-Kart Division.

“My dad helps me a lot on my set up,” said Heil. “BMF Shocks and Chassis sponsor’s my Kart. I’m not scared to race with the boys out there. This is my second win and my third race. I came out here to win. I’m going to move up in classes when I’m old enough. I want to drive a car just like my dad’s car.”

Jr. Class
30 Riley Heil
93 Cavin Leddy
48 Isaiah Lambert
14 Adisyn Ramzinski

Sr. Class
07 Duell Arnold
11 Caitlyn Leddy
9 N/A
37 Aaron Trevino
1 Evan Lambert
82 Andrew Garcia
12j Jacob Sharber
3 Mason Doyon

**Ed. note; This was my first return to a track since my heart attack. It was nice to be back at the races, and even nicer to have so many people come up and ask how I was doing. It’s great to have so many extended racing family members. By the end of the night I was a little out of gas, especially since most of the winners were out back, but slowly I’m getting back to normal.

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots.com

McGaha, Abbey, White, Roller win Southern Challenge Championships at Abilene

The 17th Annual Ryan Bard Memorial, Southern Challenge wrapped racing action for year at Abilene Speedway for 2011. With 20 drivers already secured in spots for Sundays Big A-Main and B-mains in the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks, the remaining group had one more shot to make the field for the big pay out at the end of the days racing.

Sundays afternoon racing always presents a ‘challenge’ to drivers and teams as track conditions change from Friday and Saturday night racing. The best dry, slick set ups and track position are key to finding the Winners Circle and championship pay day at the end of the day. Crews worked on the track right up until start time in an effort to keep a good track early.

Sunday’s races are always a day of remembrance for Ryan Bard who lost his life after a fiery crash early in the day several years ago. The memory of his loss was made even more emotional when word of Dan Weldon passing away during an Indy Car event in Las Vegas began to surface.

The Young Guns Jr. Mini Stock Shootout also finished up its racing season with heat races and feature to determine its champion.

McGaha ‘The Man’ in Modified main

Abilene’s Josh McGaha topped off a nearly perfect Southern Challenge weekend going wire to wire in the 30-lap IMCA Modified main event. McGaha got the lead from the pole and was chased early by national point’s runner-up Keith White. White’s run ended after an encounter with a lapped car sent him almost to the turn 1-2 wall. Gabe Tucker and Charles Brewer took up the charges after White fell out, but no one could touch McGaha even after a lap 25 caution rebunched the field. It was the biggest career win for the McGaha a former Abilene Speedway track champion.

The 20-car IMCA Modified field was pared down by two before the pack took the green. It was three wide in turn 4 as the race started, but Chris Dawson, Charles Brewer, Bo Newton and Tim Clonch got tangled in the melee ending the night for Clonch and Newton. Brewer would continue, Dawson would pit and return later in the race.

When green finally waved McGaha jumped out front with White getting a break from Hughes Chassis teammate Gabe Tucker to get the bottom. Tucker, Chris Elliott and Brewer lined up behind White. The top five were nose to tail and easing away from GW Egbert IV, Ben Ketteman, Philip Houston and Neal Flowers. As Brewer got by Elliott for fourth, Dawson returned, strolled around and fell in between McGaha and White.

McGaha was able to inch away as Dawson held up the pack. White tried to go outside and Dawson threw a block with Tucker trying to dive low. White again tried high on Dawson with Dawson running White up the track almost to the wall. Brewer snuck past the scramble for second, with Tucker third. White caught up to Dawson and gave him a shot on the bumper with Dawson going around and collecting Flowers.

As the race resumed and came to halfway it was McGaha, Tucker, Brewer, Elliott and Ketteman in the top five. Elliott tried the high side of Brewer for third but got freight-trained by Ketteman, Houston and Egbert. McGaha continued to hold his advantage over Tucker until Fred Wojtek clipped an infield tire in turn 3 with five to go. The field stayed in line on the restart with no one willing to chance the outside. McGaha ran unchallenged to the checkers in the A City Speed, Texas Roadhouse, Extreme Bodies, Lone Star Wind Farm, Five Star Powder Coating, Showtime Signs & Graphics, Fletchers Motorsports, Dirt Works Genesis Chassis.

“This is by far my biggest win,” replied McGaha. “We’ve had a real good year racing here and had a run for the championship with my buddy Charles (Brewer). We barely missed it, but I’ll take winning the Southern Challenge. We won the IMCA Modified championship here four or five years ago. We’ve kind of laid low on running for points and concentrate on feature wins.”

“On Sunday you never have to worry about someone trying to sneak by on top. It’s pretty much guaranteed no one will be out there. You just hope everyone is courteous behind you and they stay off your rear bumper. You just to keep it around the bottom. Rob (Poor) tried to give us a better track for racing on Sunday, but it didn’t happen. Friday and Saturday night is was good and there was lots of racing.”

“You know there’s going to be fast guys behind you. If you make the A-main for the Southern Challenge there will be some good cars. I knew there would be some on my heels. When you’re in the lead you don’t have anything to gauge your pace. I was conservative getting in and able to pull off the corners. I felt a couple taps, but they were good enough not to get me sideways.”

“I’m not much of a point’s racer. We had a real good second half of the season and got in the hunt. We made the feature at Boone(SuperNationals) and won this. We just hope next year will be as good or better, but we’ll just be running for wins. I’ve got to thank my pit man, Bubba, he’s been with since the Icebreaker last year. He puts a lot of hours in for little pay. I couldn’t be here without him.”

IMCA Modifieds
911 Josh McGaha, Abilene, 28 Gabe Tucker, Carbon, 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, 37 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville, 71 Philip Houston, Odessa, 717 GW Egbert IV, Belton, 66 Lance Shaw, Sweetwater, 7 Randy Martin, Springtown, 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, 44 Fred Wojtek, Abilene, 23 Chris Elliott, Eastland, 1 Keith White, Academy, 85 Neal Flowers, Hobbs, NM, 711 Chris Dawson, Post, 19 BJ Baze, Sherman, 16 Bob Sikes. Eunice, NM, 117 Toby Herring, Hobbs, NM, 90 Tommy Fain, Abilene, 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, 18 Tim Clonch, Quinlan

IMCA Modified B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
37 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville, 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, 90 Tommy Fain, Abilene, 71 Philip Houston. Odessa, 117 Toby Herring, Hobbs, NM, 16 Bob Sikes, Eunice NM, 44 Fred Wojtek, Abilene, 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, 66 Lance Shaw, Sweetwater, 7 Randy Martin, Springtown, 318 Scotty Cook, Abilene, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, Round Rock, 29 Jamie Campbell, Adkins, 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, 24 Tony Wink, Abilene, 34 Brendon Medcalf, Tolar, 83 Chad Estes, Troy, 63 Hardy Henderson, Taylor, 43 Robby Edwards, Eastland, 141 Monte Bolton, Lubbock—DNS

IMCA Modified Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 16 Bob Sikes, 44 Fred Wojtek, 66 Lance Shaw, 34 Brendon Medcalf, 49 Vince Ogle
LCQ #2 83 Chad Estes, 89 Bo Newton, 318 Scotty Cook, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, 24 Tony Wink

IMCA Modified Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 16 Bob Sikes, 44 Fred Wojtek, 34 Brendon Medcalf, 302 Bo Briley, 03 Mike Hathcock, 116 Mikel Powers
Heat 2 66 Lance Shaw, 49 Vince Ogle, 104 Kevin Switzer, 13 Jim Thorp, 82 Donald Thatch, 61 Bobby Sikes jr.
Heat 3 *3 Chad Estes, 17 Jimmy Tidwell, 51 Larry Floyd jr., 24 Tony Wink, 318 Scotty Cook, 611 Caleb Stone
Heat 4 89 Bo Newton, 59 Kelly Allen, 102 David Davis, 171 Chad Melton, 144 Joe Spillman, 12 Toby Hubbard

All Abbey in Sportmod Sweep

The 2011 IMCA Southern Sportmod, Dean Abbey (Haslet) showed everyone why he was this year’s titlist. Abbey led from start to finish in the 30-lapper for the Sportmods. Abbey was trailed early by JC Howell until track favorite, Bradley Poor took up the challenges. Poor pressured Abbey throughout the last three quarters of the race waiting for a mistake that Abbey never would make. The final laps saw the top four running nose to tail trading a few bumper taps all the way to the checkers.

It took several attempts to get the 20-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature started under green. When they finally got a lap in the books, Abbey as out front followed by Howell, Poor, Steve Hayes and Matt Mueller. Doug Easterling brought out a yellow on lap 1 to slow the action again. The top eight stayed in line back under green while Shane Priddy got by Justin Shaw for ninth.

Johnny Torres followed Priddy through to tenth, then got by Priddy for ninth. As Abbey built a good lead, Poor got around Howell for second. Priddy brought out a yellow on lap 5 when he went around in turn 3. Back under green Abbey and Poor broke free from Hayes and Mueller. Torres picked up another spot getting by Gary Underwood, bringing Kelly Cross and Michael Tennison.

Tennison got past Torres for seventh and as Torres slid high, Cross and Underwood got past for eighth and ninth. Coming the crossed flags it was Abbey, Poor, Hayes, Mueller and Mark Patterson getting by George Egbert III for fifth. Yellow waved on lap 15 for a get together between Torres, Shane Wojtek, David Elliott and Underwood in turns 1-2.
Once back to green the top four got away as Patterson slowed from fifth splitting the pack.

With ten to go Poor was all over Abbey’s bumper as the two put some distance on Hayes and Mueller. As they battled up front, Hayes and Mueller closed back in with five to go. A game of bumper tag broke out among the lead group with two laps left. The game was clean and Abbey held off the charges in the BG Motorsports, JL Racing, Smileys, Rhino Racing Rearends, Braka Operating, E&E Kustoms, Tumbleweed BBQ, Chase Me Race Engines, Abbey Racing Chassis.

“The car was really, really good all weekend,” commented Abbey. “I can’t complain about anything. We drew good on Friday and ran up front. I couldn’t do this by myself though. All the props go to Brad Gaines and JL Racing for all they do. Without his set up we’d never be where we were.”

“You know that guys will be coming, but you have to run every lap like it’s the first lap and do your thing. You can’t worry about who’s behind and just focus on what you have to do and not make any mistakes.”

“Winning the IMCA Southern Sportmod Championship and winning this race are big accomplishments. We’ve won some titles in Bandeleros and Legend cars and runner up for rookie of year in Sportmods in 2009. This is a really big race for me because it’s the first time I’ve ever made the feature in three years of trying.”

“I’ve run dirt and pavement and while dirt is more fun, I can’t take away from what I learned racing pavement. I learned all the fundamentals running asphalt, the dirt’s just made me better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods
26 Dean Abbey, Haslet, 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, 38 Matt Mueller, Stamford, 95 Steve Hayes, Eastland, 63 Michael Tennison, Baird, 70 George Egbert, Salado, 103 JC Howell, Mabank, 00 Kelly Cross, Amarillo, 7 Stephen Robison, Abilene, 25 Terry Owen, Merkel, 45 Shane Wojtek, Robert Lee, 88 Doug Easterling, Rule, 172 Mark Patterson, Abilene, 99 Gary Underwood, Abilene, 71 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, 19 David Elliott, Eastland, 55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater, 766 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 77 Tyler Fain, Tuscola, 17 Scotty Wallace, Lorenzo

IMCA SSM B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
99 Gary Underwood, Abilene, 71 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, 766 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 63 Michael Tennison, Baird, 7 Stephen Robison, Abilene, 17 Scotty Wallace. Lorenzo, 00 Kelly Cross, Amarillo, 45 Shane Wojtek, Robert Lee, 88 Doug Easterling, Rule, 25 Terry Owen, Merkel, 118 Robert Crabtree jr., Clyde, 311 Danny Patterson, Abilene, 97 Julie Boettler, Farmington, NM, 917 Kyle Wisdom, Abilene , 80 Mike Easterwood, Sundown, 144 Tim Ridgeway, Midland, 18 Douglas Gillespie, Amarillo, 511 Cory Williams, Slaton, 31 Brian Heard, Hobbs, NM, 59 Chad Hertel, Shallowater—DNS

IMCA SSM Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 00 Kelly Cross, 80 Mike Easterwood, 25 Terry Owen, 31 Brian Heard, 917 Kyle Wisdom
LCQ #2 118 Robert Crabtree jr., 88 Doug Easterling, 18 Douglas Gillespie, 45 Shane Wojtek, 97 Julie Boettler

IMCA SSM Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 00 Kelly Cross, 11 Michael Therwhanger, 25 Terry Owen, 91 Mitchell Wachsmann, 01 Charlie Underwood, 33 Bobby Bentle
Heat 2 80 Mike Easterwood, 31 Brian Heard, 4 Kenneth Graves, 22 Joey Klemish, 917 Kyle Wisdom, 227 Forrest Wemken
Heat 3 45 Shane Wojtek, 18 Douglas Gillespie, 97 Julie Boettler, 32 Rodger Pierce, 166 Brian Carey, 117 JP Vasquez jr.
Heat 4 118 Robert Crabtree jr., 88 Doug Easterling, 690 Todd Bartlett, 122 Brandon Brown, 14 Cody Brosh, 1 Michael Galan

White Wins as Phillips Fails

As if Keith White needed any help, racelong leader David Phillips saw a transmission failure hand the win to White, the 2011 IMCA Stock Car National Champion. Phillips led at green with friend and track rival, Shane Priddy on his tail. Priddy had problems and pulled off leaving White far behind Phillips. White methodically cut into Phillips lead catching him near halfway. A late restart was Phillips downfall as high gear broke on the restart giving White the opening he needed to get by with five to. White then eased away from JC Howell, who gave up spots on the final laps leaving White unchallenged at the checkers.

It was a good start for Phillips in the IMCA Stock Car feature as he jumped out, trailed by Priddy, White, JC Howell and Duain Pritchett. Priddy had trouble and slowed on lap 2 dropping from second and leaving Phillips with a gap back to White. White methodically cut into Phillips’ lead catching him at halfway, with Howell, Pritchett and Chad Estes rounding out the top five.

Trey Melton brought out the races’ first caution with a spin in turn 4. On green the top three stayed nose to tail and eased away from Pritchett and Estes. Pritchett gave up fourth when he slowed and pulled off on lap 18, with Joe Colyer getting by Bo Briley for fifth. Colyer then lost fluid on track and stopped for a lap 24 caution that would prove to be Phillips downfall.

On the restart Phillips couldn’t get the car in high gear with White and the rest of the field diving low to avoid Phillips. White lead coming back to the line for lap 25, with Howell, Estes, Billy Wade and Tim Clonch now in the top five. An infield tire slowed the action on lap 25 briefly, but White would power away on the restart and pull away for the victory in the Tracys Auto Sales, Braka Operating, Triple T Trucking, Stacys Farms, Tubbs Paint & Body, TCI, Craftmasters Powder Coating, Extreme Graphics, BSB Manufacturing, KS Engineering, Bill Whites Auto Sales, Belton Iron & Steel, racinwithneal.com, Kempner Iron & Steel, Stephenville Starter, CenTex Motorsports, Medieval Chassis.

“I hate to win one this way,” said White. “But we’ll spend the money just the same. I thought maybe he lost the clutch, but he lost high gear. We’ve had our share of the same issues in the twenty plus years we’ve been doing this. It doesn’t make it feel any better. They’re good people and I feel for them.

“He pretty much had me covered. I laid back a little but there’s not much you can do with the track that’s one lane. That might breed some of this racing that happens here on Sunday. I wish they’d go to a Thursday. Friday and Saturday night race. We need a night show to be the marquee event for the Southern Challenge”

“You’d like to say that winning one that you might not have and losing one that you might have won equals out, but it doesn’t. When you lose one because of someone that isn’t worth it and lose one to a good person like David Phillips just because of a parts failure. No it doesn’t work out.”

“Even with all my wins in my career it’s still fun to come up here and do good. The people I associate with are all good people and that’s why I come and hang out with them here. We want to win for our sponsors, our family and friends. I really have to thank Gabe Tucker for the use of his Modified this weekend after mine was torn up at Boone.”

“It wasn’t that easy jumping into an I-stock and winning the National Championship. I don’t think of it as a step down either. This is whole different feel, style of driving and there’s good, hard drivers that you can run door to door with. It’s fun to race like that. The Stock Car breed that type of racing. That’s the kind of racing we need to have.”

“Losing the Modified points by just a few again this year kind of bums you out. But that’s the way the points racing is. It’s what got us the Stock Car title. So you win by it and lose by it. So close, but so far away. I feel we gave away a few wins this year and I can count them. Come February of next year we’ll be loaded for bear again.”

IMCA Stock Cars
11 Keith White, Academy, 83 Chad Estes, Troy, 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 125 Tim Clonch, Quinlan, 103 JC Howell, Mabank, 08 Levi Hodges, Ft Worth, 26 Marc Egbert, Lubbock, 77 Allen Bradley, Farmington, NM, 28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM, 18 David Phillips, Abilene, 117 Joe Colyer, Abilene, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville, 302 Bo Briley, Miles, 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, 47 Trey Melton, Lubbock, 01 Chris Hale, Ringling, OK, 201 Cody Kays, Hobbs, NM, 10 Mike McCarthy, Round Rock, 771 Shane Priddy, Abilene

IMCA Stock Car B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 77 Allen Bradley, Farmington, NM, 08 Levi Hodges, Ft Worth, 10 Mike McCarthy, Round Rock, 117 Joe Colyer, Abilene, 156 Jason Adcock, San Angelo, 201 Cody Kays, Hobbs, NM, 47 Trey Melton, Lubbock, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville, 26 Marc Egert, Lubbock, 113 Jim Thorp, Mertzon, 12 Dustin White, Lamesa, 3 Steffan Carey, Bloomfield, NM, 88 Robert Barnett sr. Abilene, 02 Wayne Stremmel, Stamford, 55 Mart Wampler, Snyder, 4 Kelly Brown, Abilene, 69 Lewis Hammond, Midland, 50 Terry Wojtek, Sterling City, 59 Travis Sutherlin, Aztec, NM

IMCA Stock Car Last Chance Qualifiers(Top 5 to back of B-main)
LCQ #1 47 Trey Melton, 26 Marc Egert, 113 Jim Thorp, 55 Mart Wampler, 02 Wayne Stremmel
LCQ #2 156 Jason Adcock, 07 Dennis Bissonnette, 69 Lewis Hammond, 50 Terry Wojtek, 12 Dustin White

IMCA Stock Car Heats(Top 6 to Last Chance Qualifier)
Heat 1 02 Wayne Stremmel, 113 Jim Thorp, 47 Trey Melton, 7 Walter Freeman, 21 Scott Kristinik, 8 Dustin Locke
Heat 2 15 Corbie McLaren, 26 Marc Egert, 131 Mark Lord, 25 Donald Baker, 55 Mart Wampler, 14 Kenneth Graves
Heat 3 07 Dennis Bissonnette, 12 Dustin White, 1 Willie Free, 69 Lewis Hammond, 971 JD White, 992 Karah Ward
Heat 4 156 Jason Adcock, 99 Tim Pfalgraf, 122 Bill Brzezinski, 50 Terry Wojtek, 43 Scotty Cook, 81 Hunter Russell

Rockin’ Roller for Hobby Honors

Scoring the biggest win of his life, Waco’s Andy Roller lead every lap in the feature and nearly every lap on the weekend. Roller only trailed for a single lap during Friday night’s heat race. Roller was pursued throughout the 30-lap event by Billy Briley II who could only get close under yellow. After a mid-race caution, Roller stretched out his advantage over Briley as the top eight spread out. Roller was able to put it on cruise control as he powered his way to the victory.

Roller eased away as green flew on the IMCA Hobby Stock feature with three wide racing in the pack. Billy Briley, Jeremy Carter, Tobie Talk and Allen Montgomery sorted themselves out behind Roller. Terry Comer II went for spin in turn 4 to bring out a lap 1 caution. Roller again jumped out on green leaving Carter pressuring Briley for second. Carter left an opening for Talk to get by for third, but closed the door before Montgomery could get through.

Jerry West and Jordan Lathram tangled in turn 3 to bring out a yellow on lap 9. Back under green, Carter was able to retake third from Talk, but gave the spot up as the two swapped positions. Amanda Brewer brought oit a caution on lap 12 when she spun in turn 1. Roller pulled ahead on green coming to the midway point trailed by Briley, Talk, Montgomery and Carter.

The final half of the race saw the top eight separate out between each other, with only small skirmishes breaking out farther back in the pack. This left Roller all alone out front with no pressure other than making a mistake. At the checkers it was Roller by a comfortable margin in the Howard’s Automatic Transmissions, Hammack Racing, Mach-1, Demon Decals, Southwest Maintenance, A&J Custom Paint, J&J Race Engines, Charger Chassis.

“I’ve never won a race from the pole,” exclaimed Roller. “The car was perfect this weekend, I think we led every lap but one in the heat race. We bought two new tires for today figuring we’d chew them up, and they probably are. This is the biggest win of my career. I won a $500 to win race in Killeen and got to shoot the cannon, but the extra $500 is bigger than that.”

“It’s hard to go outside here on Sunday so I wasn’t too worried about that. They don’t use a line up board here so I didn’t know who was behind me. I saw the 123 car(Billy Briley II) behind me once, but I just started counting down the laps. I tried counting double so they’d go quicker. I was so happy when I saw that white flag. I just tried to hug the tires. That’s the way to run here on Sunday. If you don’t mess up you’ve got a good chance of winning.”

IMCA Hobby Stocks
63 Andy Roller, Waco, 123 Billy Briley II, Midland, 77 Tobie Talk, Abilene, 38 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth, 25 Jeremy Carter, Joshua, 56 Justin Cass, Abilene, 85 David Bissonnette, Stephenville, 237 Jordan Lathram, Hobbs, NM, 3 Amanda Brewer, Hillsboro, 23 Alec Smith, Hobbs, NM, 17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus, 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, 721 Jaron Shahon, China Spring, 21 Aaron Elliott, Hawley, 818 Dustin Mims, Dublin, 9 Jerry West, Ft. Worth, 72 Tommy Phillips, Abilene, 27 Chase Parsons, Abilene, 15 Terry Comer II, Hawley, 86 Brian Flowers, Hobbs, NM

IMCA Hobby Stock B-Main(Top 10 to back of Big A-Main)
86 Brian Flowers, Hobbs, NM, 72 Tommy Phillips, Abilene, 27 Chase Parsons, Abilene, 237 Jordan Lathram, Hobbs, NM, 15 Terry Comer II, Hawley, 721 Jaron Shahon, China Spring, 3 Amanda Brewer, Hillsboro, 23 Alec Smith, Hobbs, NM, 17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus, 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, 55 Wendall Kurts, Hamlin, 122 George Locke, Eunice, NM, 46 Billy Taylor, Gatesville, 827 Chris Mims, Dublin, 117 Derek Sparks, Stephenville, 24 Gordon Pippin, McCaulley

Roberts Rockets to Young Guns Shootout

Jarrett Roberts jumped out front at the start of the 15 lap Young Guns, Jr. Mini Stock feature with Trinten Turley, Tyler Webb, Austin Wanderschied and Bryce Pritchett on his tail. As B. Pritchett moved up to fourth, John Freeman worked his way into the top five. Jarred Marquez spun on lap 5 for the first yellow. Once back under green, Roberts, Turley and Webb broke away.

Turley and Webb made contact battling for second with Webb going into the back stretch wall for a lap 6 yellow. Roberts pulled away from B. Pritchett back under green with Wanderschied and Brook Cooper side by side. Copper was then able to get around B. Pritchett for second when Casey Carnes spun in turn 4 for a yellow on lap 12.

On the restart Cooper tried to dive under Roberts for the lead but ended up spinning in turn 2 for another yellow on lap 13. Officials cut the race to a green, white, checker finish that saw Roberts get away clean from B. Pritchett and go the final two laps without any pressure.

Young Guns Jr. Mini Stock Shootout
6 Jarrett Roberts, 21 Bryce Pritchett, 7d Austin Thiess, Ksp1 Jarred Marquez, 155 Austin Wunderschied, 21x John Freeman, 5k Kelsey Baggett, 94 Brook Cooper, 86 Casey Carnes, 17 Trinten Turley, 56 Tyler Webb, 77 Jeremy Hamlin, 22 Calton Pritchett, 74 Emily Phillips, 00 Jesney Reagan

By J M Hallas

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 6/11/2011

Can the “Zak Attack” keep winning? Will someone claim the $4K (plus the $1K 1st place money) bounty bonus?

You really should be at Houston Motorsports Park for this one, but if you just can’t make it, I will do my best to bring you the lap-by-lap racing action as it unfolds at the 3/8-mile oval.

Yes, you can ask questions. Yes, you can make comments. But there will be a delay in seeing your posts because I have to manually approve each one and sometimes I just can’t get to the comments when I’m actually trying to do the play-by-play.

To get started, click the icon below.

Texas High Def video of the Mini Stock feature at THR, 5/21/2011

Another great job by Duke O’Connor and Texas High Def.

Next Page »

Copyright © 2005-2009 Lone Star Speedzone · 139 E. Hopkins, Suite 200-E, San Marcos, TX 78666 · Log in