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Neil Upchurch, Texas racing icon, announces his retirement after 53 years in the sport

With the completion of the 35th consecutive Texas Pro Sedans racing season, I am hereby notifying all concerned of my full retirement from racing and working in behalf of TPS.

For 53 years, I’ve been involved at all levels of auto racing. I tried to retire after the 1997 season, but returned to TPS when I felt it was essential to assure the continuance of TPS. I announced at the 2009 TPS Awards Dinner that I was stepping down from the position of TPS Race & Administrative Director, but would continue during the 2010 season as the TPS Administrative Director in the interest of organizational continuity, which I did throughout the 2010 racing season.

I have worked tirelessly to solicit sponsors to supplement and increase TPS race purses. Frequently sponsor searches proved fruitless. I worked hard to promote, arrange and pay to repair lacking TPS purses due to reduced pit gate payments to TPS during past seasons.

To insure my fiduciary responsibility and the legal management of the TPS Treasury, I have refunded all 2011 member dues, but will continue my TPS work until the 2010 TPS IRS return is completed after-which, I will not do future Texas Pro Sedans work.

I understand that CCS owner Dan Monroe and TPS Race Director David Mackey have negotiated a schedule in principle for several race dates and that David has sent a contract to Dan Monroe and that TPS racing at CCS depends upon prompt contract signing by Dan. TPS car owners have been advised they should wait for David’s notification of the signing before spending money on their cars. Approval of a 2011 TPS race schedule at CCS rests with Dan Monroe and is TPS’s only chance for a 2011 racing season solely at CCS. I won’t see any of the races, but I support TPS Driver’s and CCS’s joint arrangement next season.

I sincerely hope, but seriously doubt that local area racing can recover and exist as it once did. It distresses me to see car owners and drivers having to pay more, travel more to race at tracks and then compete for small purses usually made only from a percentage of their own pit pass purchases or worse, no percentage at all. Racing veterans can remember a time when tracks actually promoted and advertised the sale of admission tickets and compensated racers for providing the show and attraction from part of track ticket and concession sales. I do understand that tracks face economic problems, but so do the car owners, drivers and crews. Perhaps the public is no longer a willing customer to buy admission tickets to fund local track operations. It has become easier for some tracks to exist by simply selling expensive pit passes than by working, promoting and advertising to increase their spectator sales base. Today’s racing reminds me of buying an amusement ticket on a carnival ride. The only difference is that racers bring their amusement ride (their own cars) to the carnival.

When TIDA-LM ceased operations thirteen years ago, I wrote “We have witnessed the gradual degradation of our sport, at the local level. We have seen local tracks closing or losing their fan base, car counts and profit potential. Minor league local racing simply cannot compete with Saturday night FREE televised NASCAR races. It’s not even a fair fight. Most local tracks just go dark on NASCAR race nights. Some tracks even naively pay 10% of their purses to NASCAR for affiliation membership sanction fees and to purchase higher priced NASCAR insurance. The big dog continues to eat more of its own puppies”.

The proudest thing I’ve done in sports has been to dedicate 53 years of my life to our sport of auto racing. I very much appreciate all of the fine people who either worked with or for me. They all know who they are. I’m thankful for the support of the loyal members of Texas and TIDA Pro Sedans, the TIDA Late Model Series and Texas World Speedway’s Texas Race of Champions and Texas Grand Prix participants and all of our generous, but hard to acquire sponsors. I sincerely thank all of the fine people from my driving days. I thank all of my co-owners, co-drivers, crew people and sponsors who helped me own and drive many great race cars for more than 20 years.

As I have been doing for the past eleven years, I plan to continue working in San Antonio high school football as the PA Announcer at Heroes Stadium and the Alamodome.

My racing career is over. It has been quite a ride. I have enjoyed almost every mile of it. I won’t be seeing you around the tracks in the future. If you have time in your race through life, please stay in touch with me, say hello and remember this “old racer”, who I sincerely believe, worked hard for the good of our sport of Texas auto racing.

Thanks to all of you.

Signed Neil Upchurch
Founder, Driver, Race Director, Administrative Director - Texas Pro Sedans, TIDA Pro Sedans, TIDA-LM’s and TWS

By Neil Upchurch
Photo by Tory Christopher

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

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

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

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

To join in, click below.

Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter

Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid

Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.

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

Mark Chrudimsky takes Pro Modified win; Cody Smith “Picks Up” Pro Truck victory at Thunderhill Raceway

Thunderhill Raceway (THR) welcomed the Texas Pro Modifieds and the Texas Pro Trucks to their well-maintained paved track in Kyle this past Saturday and Mark Chrudimsky and Cody Smith are glad they did.

Veteran driver Chrudimsky won the “DWIDUDE.com Pro Modified 50” while first-time truck driver Smith took home the winner’s trophy after the 50-lap Pro Truck main event.

Smith - driving a Pro Truck borrowed from front-running THR regular Shawn Paul Lehman, who missed the race to participate in his younger sister’s wedding ceremony, took the green flag from his pole position and led all 50 laps at the three-eighth mile, D-shaped oval, but it wasn’t as easy as it might seem.

DPS Texas State Trooper D.L. Wilson was the first of three drivers to give Smith a good run for the money, but on the seventh lap fast-qualifier Jason Marshall scooted by Wilson to take over second. No speeding ticket was issued after the pass and Marshall proceeded to make friends with Smith’s rear bumper and otherwise make life difficult for the leader.

After a caution period or two for minor spins, at mid race Marshall began to apply some serious pressure just as Wilson and hard-charging Cory Roper joined the front pair to make it a nice, tight foursome.

On the 29th circuit, Marshall got into Smith’s rear bumper a bit too hard and Smith’s truck went for a smoky spin to bring out the yellow caution flag. Track officials conferred and ruled that Marshall would have to move to the back of the field for the restart due to the contact.

But Smith’s worries were not over as the youngster soon had his mirror full of Wilson and Roper who were having a bit of a battle for second behind right behind him. Roper finally manages to squeak by Wilson for second, but not for long as Roper suddenly gets nearly sideways in turn four which gave Wilson the opportunity he needed to regain the runner-up spot.

All the dicing behind him had allowed Smith to gain a few truck lengths on the pair, but by lap 38 Marshall had worked his way back up to fourth and closed in on Wilson and Roper as the laps clicked down. And with two laps remaining Marshall banged his way past both Wilson and Roper to claim second.

Unfortunately, there were not enough laps for a photo finish showdown and Smith took the checkered flag a few truck lengths ahead of the fast-closing Marshall. Roper, Wilson, newlywed Lynn Hardy and 2008 Pro Truck champion Jim Albert rounded out the top five.

During the post race technical inspection, however, it was determined that both Marshall and Roper were too low to the ground and both were moved to the rear of the finishing order.

Pro Truck feature event results:

Finishing position, Truck number, Name, Laps completed, Qualifying time
1. 28 Cody Smith, 50 laps, QT 16.860
2. 6 D.L. Wilson, 50 laps, QT 16.725
3. 36 Lynn Hardy, 50 laps, QT 17.119
4. 31 Jim Albert, 50 laps, QT 17.028
5. 10 Greg Wade, 50 laps, DNQ
6. 3 David Lewien, 47 laps, QT 17.277
7. 14 Chris Roper, 32 laps, QT 17.224
8. 42 Jason Marshall, QT 16.401, Technical Infraction – too low
9. 04 Cory Roper, QT 16.864, Technical Infraction – too low

DWIDUDE.Com Pro Modified 50

Mark Chrudimsky has proven over the years that he can win in anything from a school bus to a Super Late Model and he showcased his racing savvy again Saturday night in winning the “DWIDUDE.Com Pro Modified 50.”

Fifteen of the low-slung Pro Modifieds lined up at the start with some of the best driving talent in Texas set to take the green flag after a brief shower cooled things down a bit.

Justin Long and his well-known teammate Joe Aramendia were on the front row with Chrudimsky and nationally-known hotshoe Tuffy Hudson poised in row two. Michael Umscheid, who set a new Pro Modified track record at 15.107 seconds in qualifying and racing legend Chris Davidson hunkered down in row three. Just behind them the always aggressive John Heil and veteran John Paul Kliewer lined up in row four. Ian Webster, Jim Nides, John Schultz, Bob Slezinsky, Bubba Menard, Greg Baber and Jay Guthrie rounded out the stellar field.

At the drop of the green the whole field went side-by-side for a lap or two, but at the end of the second lap Nides and Slezinsky got together in turn one and they both spun to bring out the first caution flag of the race.

On the restart there was some bumper tag as the field took the green but everyone hung on with Long out first and Chrudimsky right on his bumper. The super quick Umschied took the inside line to worm past Aramendia taking Hudson and Heil along with him as Aramendia got hung out to dry in the high groove, falling back into line in the fifth spot.

It wasn’t long before Webster looped it down the back straight and the yellow waved on lap thirteen. Hudson unexpectedly pitted as the field circled slowly under the yellow. He did not return.

It was back to business on lap 16 with Long, Chrudimsky, Umscheid, Heil, Davidson and Aramendia the top six at this point.

Shortly after racing resumed, Umscheid took a couple of long inside looks under Chrudimsky and nearly made it by at least twice, but Chrudimsky held his line and was able to hold second as the top four ran lap after lap nose-to-tail with each driver determined to advance if anyone bobbled.

At halfway it was still Long, Chrudimsky, Umscheid, Heil, Davidson, Aramendia, Schultz, Nides, Slezinsky, Baber, Menard, Guthrie and Kleiwer.

A few laps later Kliewer, Slezinsky and Baber all tangled and slid hard into the turn four tire wall in a huge cloud of tire smoke. Slezinsky hit the hardest and the track went red as the safety crew responded. Slezinsky was able to get out of the car on his own – a bit wobbly perhaps – but was taken to a local hospital for a checkup as a precautionary measure since he didn’t seem to be clicking on all eight after the hit. Later reports were positive with Slezinsky apparently in much better shape than his mangled Pro Modified.

During the red flag period lots of steam poured from Heil’s machine and he pitted after getting permission to leave the track during the red.

The top three jumped out quickly on the lap 32 restart with Davidson watching the action a few car lengths back in fourth. And he had a lot to watch as Umscheid worked Chrudimsky over hard. Meanwhile Long was able to gain a few car lengths as he watched the excitement in his mirror.

Umscheid was unable to get by, however, so Chrudimsky turned his attention to Long, who seemed to be losing some of his handling as the laps clicked down.

With 10 to go, the track suddenly seemed to get a bit slippery and Long bobbled a bit coming off turn four. Chrudimsky got a good run down the straight and headed towards the inside line as the pair prepared to enter turn one. They made contact, Long spun and came to rest at the bottom of the track midway between turn one and turn two where Davidson, with no place to go slid - more or less gently - into the front of Long’s machine.

Race control ruled that Chrudimsky had the line and sent Long to the rear for the contact that brought out a caution. That gave Chrudimsky the lead with only ten laps remaining.

The next ten laps were a picture of clean, hard racing with two experienced drivers putting on a classic show for the good crowd on hand.

Umscheid stalked and studied Chrudimsky’s line for the next few laps and with five to go turned up the heat. He looked inside. He looked outside, then inside again, but Chrudimsky never wavered from his line.

Finally - on the last lap - Umscheid gave Chrudimsky a love tap coming off turn four, but Mark “The Wildman” Chrudimsky didn’t seem to notice and took the checkered with Umscheid right there next to him. A few car lengths back Davidson, Aramendia and Webster rounded out the top five.

Results of the “DWIDUDE.Com Pro Modified 50.”

Finishing position, Car number, Name, Laps completed, Qualifying time
1. 39 Mark Chrudimsky, 50 laps, QT 15.394
2. 5 Michael Umscheid, 50 laps, QT 15.107 NEWTRACK RECORD
3. 41 Chris Davidson, 50 laps, QT 15.650
4. 42X Joe Aramendia, 50 laps, QT 15.584
5. 9 Ian Webster, 50 laps, QT 15.725
6. 14 John Schultz, 50 laps, QT 15.766
7. 22 John Paul Kliewer, 50 laps, QT 15.678
8. 42 Justin Long, 50 laps, QT 15.370
9. 8 Jim Nides, 50 laps, QT 15.732
10. 78 Greg Baber, 50 laps, QT 16.211
11. 98 Jay Guthrie, 49 laps, QT 16.273
12. 65 Bubba Menard, 46 laps, QT 15.895
13. 15 John Heil, 44 laps, QT 15.664
14. 26 Robert Slezinsky, 30 laps, QT 15.777
15. 7 Tuffy Hudson, 15 laps, QT 15.631

In other racing action at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday, Charles Aikin hung on to win the 50-lap Texas Super Racing Series Allison Legacy feature over former Pro Truck champion Rusty Mirth and Charles Evans, Jr.

Mike Merrell wheeled his VW Scirocco to victory in the 20-lap Texas Pro Sedan feature after Tom Johnson, who dominated the first portion of the race, pitted during a caution period.

Mike Steinman snapped Lyndon Kirk’s win streak in the 20-lap NasKart main event. Richard Gonzales ran a steady race to finish second.

Allen Alexander outgunned points leader Clint LaFont to claim take the 40-lap ASA A-Line Super Stock feature win, Anthony Gordon took the Thunder Stock feature after apparent race winner David Sevilla was deemed “too low” during a post race tech inspection, and J.C. Umscheid beat Brandon Gaither to the finish line in the 20- lap Grand Stock event.

By Nick Holt
Photos by Jeff Garvin

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