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Elias Anderson Aces I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout” weekend

In a race that saw more yellow flags than an intermural football game, Austin’s Elias Anderson completed the weekend sweep of the Modified action at I-37 Raceway’s “1000 Buck Shootout.” Driving a car that has been collecting dust the past two years, Anderson quickly shook off any driving rust as he took wins in every race Friday and Saturday night. Jamie Campbell closed on Anderson in the waning stages of the 30-lap event, but couldn’t pressure Anderson into a mistake and rolled home for the $1,000 pay day.

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park put their 2011 season to bed with their 4th Annual 1000 Buck Shootout this past weekend. Several new drivers signed in joining in the B-main action as they scrambled for the best starting spot possible in the big money A-mains.

Anderson Aces All Weekend In Modifieds

As a portend of things to come, Chuck Chesler slapped the front stretch wall even before the cars lined up. Perhaps a reason to ditch pre-race hot laps? As green finally waved on the 16-car Modified field, Anderson eased out front with Dennis Taylor and Jason Borlace side by side for second trailed by Campbell and Joe Spillman. After several miscellaneous spins and Anderson still on point, Taylor, Borlace and Campbell were fighting for second.

After missing Friday qualifying night, track champ Greg Dinsmore made his way up from near the back to battle with Spillman for sixth. The two made contact on the back stretch sending Dinsmore off the track for a lap 6 caution. A couple more spins later, Campbell got by Borlace for third, then Taylor for second while Dinsmore charged his way back up to sixth.

Mechanical failure by Cody Tidwell on lap 13 saw yellow wave again. Once back under green coming to the crossed flags it was Anderson, Campbell, Borlace and Taylor with Dinsmore wheel to wheel with Bill Pittaway for fifth. Taylor took third from Borlace, who would give up fourth to Dinsmore on lap 20. As Campbell closed in on Anderson, Gilbert Amezquita went around for yellow on lap 21.

As racing resumed, Anderson and Campbell broke away, with Dinsmore looking under Taylor. Spillman was able to get by a fading Borlace for fifth on lap 22. Dinsmore got alongside Taylor on lap 22 and finally got past on lap 23 for third, but well behind the lead duo. The final five laps saw Campbell on Anderson’s tail looking for a way by, or mistake by the leader. Neither opportunity would arise as Anderson in the unsponsored Adan Arambula powered, Skyrocket Chassis would hang tough for the victory.

“It took some patience and searching around on the track to find the best place to run,” replied Anderson. “It got a little bit tricky after the first four or five laps. There were quite a few cautions there early and the grooves were changing. I was just trying to be patient, consistent and run as fast as I needed to without wrecking.”

“I heard someone behind me, but didn’t feel a tremendous amount of pressure. From the sound of it he(Jamie Campbell) was coming. I think I could have changed my line a little and picked up some speed. It’s hard when you out there leading the whole time you don’t know where other people are running. I was just trying to be fast enough to win, but not too fast to wreck.”

“After seventeen or eighteen years of racing it wasn’t hard to jump back in the car after a long layoff and still be competitive. I think there’s a lot there, and a lot of prep work at the shop certainly paid off. The car was good after the last race in Edna when I parked it. I just did some maintenance, cleaned the fuel system, made a few changes and scaled it.”

“I gave him a run at the end and made it close,” shrugged runner-up Campbell. “I wasn’t going to let it be easy for him(at the finish).”

Modifieds
31 Elias Anderson, 29 Jamie Campbell, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 38 Dennis Taylor, 44 Joe Spillman, 521 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr., 20 Jerry Frydrych, 10k Ellis Tracy, 10 Robert Walton, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 17 Cody Tidwell, 53x Matt Fox, 21 Barry Codling, 99 Billy Meyer, 49 Chuck Chesler—DNTG, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Modified B-main
8g Greg Dinsmore, 21 Barry Codling, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 53x Matt Fox, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS, 10 Robert Walton—DNS

Swenson Sneaks with Sportmod/Limited Modified Win

Despite having the left front torn off his car in Friday qualifying and starting “lucky” thirteenth in the A-main, Comfort’s Chris Swenson snuck up on the field and grabbed the big win. The veteran Swenson used the high side to move forward and catch leader, James Blaylock. After J. Blaylock changed his line, Swenson used the bottom to get the lead in the final laps, and then held off a final challenge by J. Blaylock for the checkers.

As green waved on the 25-car, 30-lap Sportmod/Limited Modified feature J. Blaylock got out front chased by JJ Jennings, Brandon Blaylock, Johnny Torres and GW Hessong. Robby Minten went around on lap 1 with several others tangling in the pack for a yellow. Jacob Burnet went around just after the restart for a quick lap 2 yellow. Once back to green, B. Blaylock tried Jennings low for second while Danny Brown got fifth from Hessong.

As B. Blaylock and Jennings continued to slug it out B. Blaylock tapped Jennings sending him around. B. Blaylock took responsibility and moved himself to the tail for the restart. As green waved again it was Swenson on the march from mid-pack sailing around Hessong, on the top side, for fifth. By lap 10, J. Blaylock was easing away from Jennings, Torres and Brown running nose to tail. Little did they know the orange flash coming on the outside.

Randy Yount went for a wild ride off the back stretch after jumping wheels with Newton Barta. Yount ended up out in the trees hitting hard enough to break the frame in half. Yount was checked out by EMS and was alright. Once back to green, Swenson went back up top and by Brown for fourth. Continuing his charge to the front, Swenson then picked off Torres for third on lap 13.

Coming to halfway it was J. Blaylock, Swenson flying around Jennings for second, Torres and Brown in the top five. Swenson, still on top, began to cut into J. Blaylock’s lead. Swenson showed J. Blaylock the nose in turns 3-4 on lap 19, but a big push on lap 21 saw Swenson loose some ground. Swenson closed back in on J. Blaylock, who changed his line to the middle.

The lead duo caught slower traffic with five to go and were nearly three wide going by a lapped car on lap 25. Swenson then went to the bottom and ducked low on J. Blaylock. Swenson got alongside J. Blaylock and got the nose ahead on lap 27. J. Blaylock fell in line on Swenson’s bumper and chased him to the finish. As the checkered flag waved it was Swenson in the Swenson Race Products, Screen Pro Graphics, A+ Cash, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Marx Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis getting the victory by a couple car lengths.

While checkers were waving on Swenson, Dustin Butcher jumped wheels with another car in the pack sending him over the turn 3, rolling over several times. Butcher was checked out and then taken to the hospital for observation for a possible concussion. Other than that he was alright, but the car was trashed.

“This is a pretty big race for us to win,” commented Swenson. Racing against the Blaylock’s, JJ Jennings and a handful of others this(win) means a lot to me. I was pretty much all out the entire race, not trying to save the tires. I just couldn’t find it on the bottom. On a caution I dialed some more rear brake into it and started looking at the top. I just started picking them off and everything fell in place.”

“I found a couple feet of moisture up on top and the car worked there. The car was too tight on the bottom. We could have held the position we were in running down there, but I decided to try out the top and went for it. It took me a couple laps to figure out how hard I could drive it in. That’s all it took. Everything just seemed to fall in place. They had been running the bottom all race and I got there at the right time.

“There were a couple places real, real low that still had some bite. So when James(Blaylock) moved up a lane I just took a chance. There was a lot of traffic out there and it seemed like he moved too high and made it easier for me to get low, then protect my line after I got by. I don’t think there were enough laps for him to find what he could run on top.”

“We spent about four or five hours of work putting the left front back together. My son got up with me and we pulled all the pieces off, repaired all the left front suspension and body panels. Then we to reset the front end and rescale it then hurry to get out here. Once we were here we had to still qualify for the feature and won our B-main just to start thirteenth and here we are.”

“Dustin Butcher got hurt tonight and we’re really thinking about him right now. It’s something that we’re all prone to that so we pay attention when it happens to someone. We just hope he’s alright.”

“He(Chris Swenson) kind of snuck up on us there at the end,” added J. Blaylock. “He showed me the nose up top once and I tried to adjust my line. I probably shouldn’t have taken the weight out and changed the rear percentage. Lapped traffic came into play and that didn’t help me much either.”

Sportmod/Limited Modifieds
48 Chris Swenson, 18 James Blaylock, 26g JJ Jennings, 66 Johnny Torres, 55 Danny Brown, 147 GW Hessong, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 51 Greg Rohmer, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 184 Brian Rye, 37 Bill Pittaway, 85 Jeff Nix, 11 Tom Grothues, 90 Dustin Butcher, 82jp James Parks, 57 Jason Kelly, 04 Jacob Burnet, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock, 9 Ray Doyon III, 4 Robby Minten, 66y Randy Yount, 14 Newton Barta, Jr., 0 Thomas Rye, Jr.

SM/LM B-mains
B-main 1
48 Chris Swenson, 90 Dustin Butcher, 04 Jacob Burnet, 9 Ray Doyon III, 3j Jesse James, 76 Michael Carlock
B-main 2
51 Greg Rohmer, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 34 Michael Walker, 85 Jeff Nix, 14 Newton Barta jr., 0 Thomas Rye jr., 57 Jason Kelly, 11x Jeff Allgayer, 15 JC Pilcher

Votion Victorious in Season Ender

Track champion, Trey Votion completed his season by adding another win to his yearlong total in the Limited Late Models. Votion, whose truck broke the transmission on the way to the track Friday night, made up for a dismal beginning to the weekend getting past Craig Crawley for the lead. Votion was challenged by Crawley after a late caution, but held him off to snag the checkers.

Crawley jumped out front as green waved on the Limited Late Model feature, but Landon Farquar went around prompting a complete restart. Crawley again eased ahead on green with Leland Waddell and Gary Hunter battling for second. Farquar, AJ Wernette, Richard Bartosh and Ron Sprayue tangled in turn 2 for a lap 1 caution. Back under green with Crawley still on point, Votion made his way up and began looking high for the lead.

Waddell went for a spin in turn 2 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Crawley and Votion edged away, while Farquar got by Wernette for third. Votion again tried the high side and drove around Crawley for the lead on lap 6. Farquar got by Crawley for second only to spin on lap 13 giving the spot back. After a quick spin by Sprayue, Crawley was looking low on Votion to retake the top spot. Votion held Crawley off and eked out a few car lengths at the finish in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, Kelly Automotive, BG Products, Kelly Chassis.

“It’s been a great year,” replied Votion. “I think this is six in a row to finish the year out. I couldn’t be happier to jump back in the car this year and do as good as we did, I’m just ecstatic. It was good to start a little further up front tonight. I was running Craig(Crawley) hard to get by him as soon as I could. We talked about it after the race.”

“I knew there was still some bite on the bottom and knew he wasn’t going to come off there. I just had to take my chance going around him. It took a few laps because he was fast. I was finally able to get by him then go back down where the grip was. You think about whether someone might find something up top. ”

“I guess you could call this the biggest win of my career, the biggest pay day anyway. I saw that Richard(Bartosh) was broke and thought Greg(Dinsmore) might be coming behind me. I didn’t know he was out. I just tried to run my line the best I could and not overdrive that car. I didn’t hear anyone’s motor, so that was a good thing.”

“The win makes breaking my truck hurt a little less. It sucks because I’ll have to spend my winnings on fixing it, but that’s alright. Stuff happens, we’ll get her fixed. I have to thank a good friend of mine that came and picked us up and I’m using my cousin’s truck to pull the racecar. I really have to thank them, my wife and family for all their help and support. Next year we’ll be adding ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin as a new sponsor.

Limited Late Models
99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 10 AJ Wernette, 149 Stephan Danielson, 77 Landon Farquar, 13 Howie Marcx, 42 Ron Sprayue, 14 Gary Hunter, 14g Greg Dinsmore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell

Jones Jousts with Jack for Street Stock Sweep

The 2011 I-37 Raceway and South Texas Street Stock Shootout champ, Wade Jones capped off his season with yet another victory. Jones broke out early in the 20-lapper and looked to be well on his way to a runaway win. A late race caution rebunched the field putting Bobby Jack on his tail. Jack kept the pressure on Jones the final five laps, but the multi-time track champ held him off for the win.

Jones easily jumped out front in the 13-car feature with Jack and Johnny Torres side by side for second pursued by Tommy Casey and Stephen Danielson. Danielson, Casey and Mike Lyon were three wide on lap 1 for fourth. Danielson came away with the spot as the Jones and Jack began to check out. Jones put some distance on Jack, while Torres and Danielson swapped third.

Lyon and Casey both went around coming off turn 4 for a lap 14 caution erasing Jones big lead. On the restart Jones got away by several cars lengths until Casey looped it in turn 2 with Eric Knudtson going around collecting AJ Wernette for a yellow on lap 15. As the race went back to green, Jones again jumped ahead with Donny Horelka going past Wernette for fifth.

As Jack closed in on Jones, Danielson got under Torres to take over third on lap 16. Jack was within two car lengths with two laps to go, but Jones added a couple more car lengths as the white flag waved. Jones, driving the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro, edged out Jack at the checkers by several car lengths.

“It was fun out there tonight,” said Jones. “I qualified good, had a good run in the feature last night and got the pole for today. I couldn’t hear anybody or see anybody so I didn’t know if anyone was behind me close. I kept looking back figuring that someone would be coming.”

“I really hate starting out front, you don’t know if anyone is coming or what line they’re running. I like to follow someone and see what line they’re using then move around a bit a see if I can find my groove. Besides Bobby(Jack) out there, Stephan(Danielson) has been fast when he brings his car out, Johnny(Torres) is pretty good and I know Donny(Horelka) is going to be there.”

“It was a lot of dedication and hard work to have the season we had this year. We’d work on it every single day. We didn’t do any special prep for this race, just put on some new tires. If I can get Donny out of his Late Model funk, we might move up a class next year. I don’t know he doesn’t like working on his car.”

Street Stocks
41 Wade Jones, 88 Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 66 Johnny Torres, 40 Mike Lyon, 2x Donny Horelka, 37 AJ Wernette, 15 Tommy Casey, 5 Danny Schroat, 7 DJ Schroat, 53 Brian Becka, 31 Jeff Hendricks, 14 Eric Knudtson

Hilla Hauls in Biggest Ever Win

The former Pure Stock track champ(2007) and diminutive, Janel Hilla proved for another time she could mix it up with the big boys. Hilla, who ran in the top five throughout most of the early stages of the 30-lap event, got by Adam Torres on a late restart. From there Hilla held off a rechallenge by Torres, and then eased away for her biggest ever payday and victory.

The 22-car Pure Stock feature ran more like and Enduro or episode of ‘Survivor’ as Hunter Flanagan jumped out front with Brandy Ramzinski, Justin Henley, Torres and Tyler Box in pursuit. Box picked off fourth from Torres on lap 1 while Ramzinski began to put the heat on Flanagan for the lead. As Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, Box got Henley for third.

Trey Heald spun his truck in turn 4 for a lap 3 caution. On the restart Box and Henley continued the battle for third with Torres looking for an opening or mistake. James Dear went around on lap 4 for a caution. On the restart, Hunter Montgomery slapped the wall ending his night, as Box got by Ramzinski for second. Yellow waved for Montgomery who was struggling to get off the track.

Back under green, Ramzinski looked low on Flanagan, but gave up second to Box instead. David Sevilla looped his ride in turn 2 to bring out yellow on lap 5. Box ducked inside Flanagan on the restart and grabbed the top spot, briefly. Box led lap 6 then spun himself out in turn 2 with Devin Adler spinning behind for a caution. This put Flanagan back on the point for the restart.

Austin Dragoo and Dear tangled in turn 2 for a lap 7 yellow. Flanagan got a good jump on the restart while Hilla tried to get under Torres. Box spun again on lap 9 ending his night. The top five broke away from Talon Minten and Jarrett Payton on the restart with Henley looking for a way past Ramzinski. Eric Watson brought out the yellow on lap 12 when he broke and stalled in the pit exit.

As Flanagan took off on green, Henley was challenging Ramzinski for second while Torres and Hilla battled for fourth. Torres was able to fend off Hilla and get alongside Henley for third. Torres got the spot with Hilla following. Torres and Hilla then swapped third, while Ramzinski and Henley had separate spins losing numerous spots. Cameron Smith broke an axle on lap 15 to bring out a midrace yellow.

On the restart Torres went high on Flanagan, with Hilla trying the bottom. They were three wide for the lead on lap 20 with Torres getting the advantage. It was still three wide before Torres secured the spot leaving Hilla and Flanagan door to door for second. Hilla finally gained control of second when Adler tagged Minten sending him around for a yellow that saw Adler go to the back.

Hilla got a good run on the restart getting alongside Torres for the lead. After a short side by side battle Hilla got the top spot on lap 23. Torres tried a crossover move, but couldn’t retake the spot. Minten was able to get by Flanagan for third on lap 25. Torres kept trying the top side on Hilla and would gain in one corner, but slip back at the other end.

Hilla had begun to increase her lead on Torres to about eight car lengths when William Cavender spun on lap 28 setting up a green, white, checker finish. Hilla got a couple lengths on Torres as green waved for the final two laps. Torres could never mount a serious challenge as Hilla in the NAPA, Riley Welding, Alamo Bolt & Screw, Q-Hauling, Paloma Cattle Co., Johnny’s Paint & Body, Premium Water Well Service, Alpha Machine, Mission Racing, Chevy took the win.

“This is most definitely the biggest race win of my career,” explained Hilla. “I just used patience and staying on the low line to get past Adam(Torres) Patience paid off in the end. Once I got by him I wasn’t too worried about anyone trying a different line to pass me. I tried to run a different line, but it didn’t work so I didn’t think anyone else would be able to run high either.”

“We didn’t do a whole lot more in preparing for this race than any other race night. It was more just mental preparation than anything.”

“I’d like to move up, but don’t want to run in the same class as my husband(Dennis). There’s too much competitiveness between us. Somebody might end up sleeping on the couch. I want to win some more features in this class then I’ll be ready to move up.”

Pure Stocks
7x Janel Hilla, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 58 Hunter Flanagan, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 14 Trey Heald, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 Justin Henley, 117 Devin Adler, 9 Philip Haywood, 15 William Cavender, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 9s Jarrett Payton, 43 Eric Watson, 25 Tyler Box, 62 Austin Dragoo, 15d James Dear, 31 Frank Okruhlik, 15x Hunter Montgomery

Pure Stocks B-main
31 Frank Okruhlik, 13 Cameron Smith, 82 Richard Wells, 14 Trey Heald, 10 Karaline Campbell, 3 David Sevilla, 9 Philip Haywood, 15x Hunter Montgomery, 15 William Cavender, 62 Austin Dragoo

Easler Eases Away for Enduro Honors

Roy Easler jr. took home the $500 pay day in the 50-lap Front Runner Enduro making it look easy. Robert Mayberry got out front early trailed by Landon Sowder, Jimmy Carroll, Karey Scott and Ronnie Schoenfeldt. As the top four broke away, David Lee Grobe moved up to fifth. Coming from near the back, Easler and Char Powell were on a charge. As Mayberry hit slower traffic Sowder snuck by for the lead with Carroll taking over second.

Joshua Mares and Powell got past Mayberry, followed by Easler. Easler dispensed of Powell and Mares then closed on Sowder for the lead. As Sowder and Easler battled for the top spot in lapped traffic, Powell joined the fight. Easler grabbed the lead coming to halfway with Powell in tow. Easler and Powell briefly swapped the top spot until Easler secured it. Easler pulled away lapping all but Powell and Mayberry on his way to the checkers.

Front Runner Enduro
12 Roy Easler jr., 9 Char Powell, 9b Robert Mayberry, 7 Jesse Sandoval, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 3 Joshua Mares, 13 Jason Smith, 98E Will Holder, 19 N/A, 82 Curtis Opiela, 28 Lisa Sandoval, 6x Ronnie Schoenfeldt, 24 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 69 Jordan Sandoval, 57 Trevor Bettis, 223 Karey Scott, 4 David Lee Grobe

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Danny Lasoski strikes Lucas Oil ASCS Gold in Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals

Danny Lasoski added his name to the prestigious list of Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals champions by racing to victory lane in Saturday night’s 38th Annual edition of the event atop the ½-mile Devil’s Bowl Speedway.

“The Dude” slipped past Sam Hafertepe, Jr., just past the midway point en route to snaring the $10,000 winner’s share in the 30-lapper as he collected his first Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters National win of the year and just second of his career.

After taking command exiting turn four on the 16th round, the Show-Me Stater led rest of the way to take the win aboard Mark Burch’s Engler Machine No. 1m Wolfweld with a 1.155 second advantage over Hafertepe, Jr.

“I was in this position in the Spring with my own car, I was leading the race and rubber got down and Hafertepe got by me,” Lasoski explained. “I just tried to pace myself and stay with him. If he slipped up a little bit, we just wanted to be there to capitalize and that’s all it was.”

Which is precisely how the 38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals finale played out, as Spring Nationals winner Hafertepe, Jr., gunned into the lead from the front row outside and paced the initial 15 circuits in front of Lasoski until one slight bobble in turn four opened the door for Lasoski to race into the lead.

But, before Lasoski took command, eighth-starter Jason Johnson made his way past Friday night winner Wayne Johnson for third by the sixth round and made it a three-car race for the lead for several laps before a lapped car fell into place between Lasoski and J. Johnson.

Once Lasoski got into the lead, he slipped away and appeared to be on his way to the checkered flag without challenge until a caution flew with just four laps to go when Koby Barksdale spun to a stop in turn four.

With Hafertepe, Jr., and J. Johnson in tow on the restart, Lasoski proved too much to handle and cruised to the stripe unabated with Hafertepe, Jr., taking runner-up honors in the Fisher-powered Lone Star Speedway No. 15h for the second night in a row.

Johnson claimed the show position in the Don Ott-powered Haynes/Mesilla Valley Transport No. 41 Maxim, with Brady Bacon making a move past Wayne Johnson in the final ten circuits to snare fourth in the Wesmar-powered Fatheadz Eyewear No. 99 Triple X.

Wayne Johnson held fifth until the final lap when he popped a right rear tire, ultimately limping across the stripe in 14th.

Current Lucas Oil Sprint Car points leader Shane Stewart took advantage by rounding out the top five in Paul Silva’s Wesmar-powered Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita No. 57 A.R.T., with Brian Brown, 2010 Winter Nationals champion Jack Dover, Terry McCarl, Gary Wright and Robert Sellers completing the top ten.

The early rounds of the race were interrupted by two cautions. The first appeared after one lap when Jeff Swindell limped to a stop off of turn three after a near-crash on the frontstretch. The next one flew after four circuits when Tony Bruce, Jr., spun to a stop in turn two. The next 22 circuits ran off in non-stop fashion until Barksdale stopped in turn four.

Brown, Stewart, Dover, Sellers, Lasoski and McCarl topped Saturday night’s heat race action, with Seth Bergman, Danny Wood and Travis Rilat winning the “B” Mains. A total of 56 different drivers competed in the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters portion of the 38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters
38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals Finale
Devil’s Bowl Speedway – Mesquite, TX

Heat Races (Top 12 in Passing Points, including the heat race winners, to “A” Main; Balance to Three “B” Main):

Heat One (8 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown, 2. 1j-Danny Jennings, 3. 30-Brandon Corn, 4. 48-Jake Martens, 5. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 6. 224-John Carney II, 7. 49-Mike Peters, 8. 10-George White. DNS: 3-Raven Culp.

Heat Two (8 Laps): 1. 57-Shane Stewart, 2. 9-Gary Wright, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 5. 40-Clint Garner, 6. 11c-Matt Covington, 7. 54e-Claud Estes, 8. 88-Tim Crawley, 9. 15T-Travis Elliott.

Heat Three (8 Laps): 1. 53-Jack Dover, 2. 81-Danny Wood, 3. 29-Travis Rilat, 4. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 5. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 6. 05-Brad Loyet, 7. 28-Jeff Swindell, 8. 110-Cameron Hagin.

Heat Four (8 Laps): 1. 36-Robert Sellers, 2. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 3. 0-Zach Chappell, 4. 23-Seth Bergman, 5. 44w-Austen Wheatley, 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 7. 11g-Mike Goodman, 8. E85-Sean McClelland.

Heat Five (8 Laps): 1. 1m-Danny Lasoski, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 41-Jason Johnson, 4. 71-Channin Tankersley, 5. 7s-Shane Sellers, 6. 81au-Gavin Punch, 7. 6-Justin Spoerl. DNS: 22a-Dan Adkins.

Heat Six (8 Laps): 1. 97-Terry McCarl, 2. 99-Brady Bacon, 3. 14-Michael Lang, 4. 5h-Mason Moore, 5. 94-Derek Hagar, 6. 54-Evan Pardo, 7. 12-Dale Wester. DNS: 2-Dustin Morgan.

“B” Mains (Top 2 from Each Advance to “A” Main):

First “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 23-Seth Bergman, 2. 45-Martin Edwards, 3. 74x-Joshua Hodges, 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 5. 48-Jake Martens, 6. 5h-Mason Moore, 7. 54e-Claud Estes, 8. 110-Cameron Hagin, 9. 0-Zach Chappell, 10. 81au-Gavin Punch, 11. 28-Jeff Swindell. DNS: 40-Clint Garner, 22a-Dan Adkins.

Second “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 81-Danny Wood, 2. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 3. 03-Joe Wood, Jr., 4. 44w-Austen Wheatley, 5. 88-Mike Ward, 6. 224-John Carney II, 7. 71-Channin Tankersley, 8. 49-Mike Peters, 9. 54-Evan Pardo, 10. 6-Justin Spoerl, 11. 30-Brandon Corn. DNS: 15T-Travis Elliott, 2-Dustin Morgan.

Third “B” Feature (12 Laps): 1. 29-Travis Rilat, 2. 11c-Matt Covington, 3. 4-Eric Baldaccini, 4. 11g-Mike Goodman, 5. 05-Brad Loyet, 6. 94-Derek Hagar, 7. E85-Sean McClelland, 8. 7s-Shane Sellers, 9. 12-Dale Wester, 10. 10-George White, 11. 3-Raven Culp, 12. 14-Michael Lang.

38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals “A” Main:

“A” Feature (30 Laps): 1. 1m-Danny Lasoski, 2. 15h-Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 3. 41-Jason Johnson, 4. 99-Brady Bacon, 5. 57-Shane Stewart, 6. 21-Brian Brown, 7. 53-Jack Dover, 8. 97-Terry McCarl, 9. 9-Gary Wright, 10. 36-Robert Sellers, 11. 88-Tim Crawley, 12. 81-Danny Wood, 13. 29-Travis Rilat, 14. 77x-Wayne Johnson, 15. 45x-Johnny Herrera, 16. 1j-Danny Jennings, 17. 23-Seth Bergman, 18. 5-Koby Barksdale, 19. 18-Tony Bruce, Jr., 20. 11c-Matt Covington, 21. 7m-Kevin Ramey, 22. 2d-Bryan Dobesh, 23. 45-Martin Edwards, 24. 28-Jeff Swindell.

Lap Leaders: Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 1-15, Danny Lasoski 16-30.

Note: Jeff Swindell and Tim Crawley both utilized their mid-season bonus full-point provisional to start the main event. Swindell has two partial-point provisionals remaining while Crawley has one partial-point provisional remaining.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Driver Points (Top 15): 1. Shane Stewart 2,711, 2. Johnny Herrera 2,574 3. Jeff Swindell 2,528, 4. Brady Bacon 2,461, 5. Tim Crawley 2,413, 6. Gary Wright 2,373, 7. Jason Johnson 2,294, 8. Seth Bergman 2,217, 9. Tony Bruce, Jr. 2,203, 10. Aaron Reutzel 2,142, 11. Zach Chappell 1,926, 12. Wayne Johnson 1,678, 13. (tie) Dustin Morgan and Jack Dover 1,371, 15. Danny Wood 1,175.

Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Owner Points (Top 15): 1. Jason Johnson Racing #41 – 2,846, 2. Paul Silva #57 – 2,711, 3. Herrera/Main #45x – 2,574, 4. Swindell Group #28 – 2,528, 5. Bacon/Tel-Star #99 – 2,461, 6. Mike Ward #88 – 2,413, 7. Petersen Motorsports #23 2,217, 8. Bruce Racing #18 – 2,203, 9. Kenny Reutzel #87 – 2,142, 10. Randy Washburn #0 – 1,926, 11. Gary Wright #9 – 1,777, 12. M&M Motorsports #2 – 1,371, 13. Bryan Sundby #38 – 1,196, 14. Danny Wood #81 – 1,175, 15. Jack Dover #53 – 1,099

Story by Lonnie Wheatley
Photo by Tim Aylwin

I-37 Raceway’s 4th Annual “1000 Buck Shootout” Friday results, 10/21/2011

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park hosted their 4th Annual $1000 Buck Shootout on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, clay oval south of San Antonio. The race features $1,000 to win the Modifieds, Sportmod/Limited Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks, plus a $500 to win Enduro for the Front Runners.

Running under a different format this year, heats and qualifying races were held on Friday night for the every class but the Front Runners who would run a Trophy Dash prior to Saturday’s Enduro. In the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks the top 12 from each qualifying feature would be locked in for Saturday, while the Sportmod/Limited Modifieds split the field with 6 from each transferring. The Limited Late Model, with a short field would transfer by heat race finish without a feature.

Racing continues Saturday night at 7:00pm with B-mains, and features for the big bucks in the Modifieds, Sportmod/Limited Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks, capped off with a 50-lap Enduro for the Front Runners.

Austin’s Anderson says Adios in Modifieds

You’d think that after a two year hiatus that a driver might have a little rust to shake, let alone the car. Think again. Having competed last in 2009, Elias Anderson disproved that theory with a resounding win in the Modified A-Qualifier. Anderson, who spent the last few weeks cleaning the cars fuel system, rescaling his Skyrocket Chassis and some other adjustments powered ahead at the drop of the green and never looked back. Going flag to flag, Dennis Taylor could get no closer than restarts as Anderson would pull away on green.

Anderson beat polesitter Taylor into turn 1 as the 20-lap qualifier went green. Taylor, Joe Spillman, Cody Tidwell and Chuck Chesler fell in line behind Anderson. Bill Pittaway and Tidwell spun with Jerry Frydrych and Gilbert Amezquita coming to a stop for a yellow on lap 2. On the restart Anderson jumped out, with Spillman taking a look inside Taylor and Tidwell, Jason Borlace and Jamie Campbell three wide for fourth.

Borlace came out of that fight with the spot bringing Campbell along to fifth. Robert Liese jr. went around in turn 4 for a lap 3 caution. Back under green, Anderson quickly began easing away while Borlace was pressuring Spillman and Chesler moving in to make it a threesome. At the crossed flags it was Anderson, holding a big advantage, Taylor, Spillman and Borlace side by side, and Pittaway taking over fifth.

After losing some ground, Chesler got back around Pittaway for fifth then Spillman for fourth. With five to go, and Anderson halfway back to the state capitol, Spillman, Pittaway and Liese were battling it out for fifth before Liese fell off the pace. As the white flag waved it was Anderson with nearly a half track lead over Taylor easily going on to take the victory and secure the pole for Saturday night’s big feature.

Modifieds(Top 12 to A-main)
31 Elias Anderson, 38 Dennis Taylor, 521 Jason Borlace, 49 Chuck Chesler, 29 Jamie Campbell, 44 Joe Spillman, 137 Bill Pittaway, 17 Cody Tidwell, 10k Ellis Tracy, 67 Robert Liese jr., 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 99 Billy Meyer, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Modified Heats
Heat 1
521 Jason Borlace, 44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 38 Dennis Taylor, 99 Billy Meyer, 137 Bill Pittaway, 10k Ellis Tracy, 67 Robert Liese jr.
Heat 2
31 Elias Anderson, 49 Chuck Chesler, 17 Cody Tidwell, 20 Jerry Frydrych, 21 Barry Codling, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 16 Carson Bednarz—DNS

Jennings, J. Blaylock Best in Sportmod/Limited Modified Split Qualifiers

With a large number filling the ranks of Sportmod/Limited Modifieds the field was split into odd/even qualifiers to avoid mass carnage that may come from a 26-car grid.

Corpus Christi’s JJ Jennings pulled of the win in the first of the two holding off track champ, Johnny Torres and a charging GW Hessong at the finish. Jennings and Dustin Butcher battled early in the event swapping the top spot. Butcher fell victim to mechanical issues and was forced to pull leaving Jennings out front to snag the victory.

As the first Sportmod/Limited Modified field took the green Butcher, Torres and Jennings were three abreast for the lead. Butcher came out on top trailed by Jennings, Torres, Robert Williams and Brian Rye. Jennings took the low groove and got alongside Butcher and was able to the nose ahead on lap 2, but contact between Chris Swenson and Jeff Nix left Swenson on three wheels to bring out a caution.

Once back to green, Butcher and Jennings jumped ahead while Hessong began his charge getting fifth from Rye. As Rye fought back, Tom Grothues joined the fray, while up front Butcher was slowing. Jennings got the lead from a wounded Butcher on lap 5. Jennings had a slight advantage on Torres who now had Hessong on his tail. As Torres and Hessong slugged it out for second this left Jennings to run unchallenged to the checkers.

Sportmod/Limited Modified(Top 6 from each to A-main)
A-Qualifier 1
26g JJ Jennings, 147 GW Hessong, 66 Johnny Torres, 11 Tom Grothues, 184 Brian Rye, 37 Bill Pittaway, 3j Jesse James, 15 JC Pilcher, 0 Thomas Rye jr., 85 Jeff Nix, 90 Dustin Butcher, 02 Robert Williams, 48 Chris Swenson, 14 Newton Barta jr.—DNS

In the battle of the Blaylock brothers, it was James turn to shine in a borrowed ride from Larry Jernigan. The two had a spirited fight for first going until a broken rocker arm on Brandon Blaylocks car slowed him in the waning stages. J. Blaylock then easily cruised away for the checkers.

Polesitter James Parks got out front on lap 1 of the 15-lapper with J. Blaylock, B. Blaylock, Danny Brown and Robby Minten on his heels. J. Blaylock got inside Parks for the lead on lap 2 with B. Blaylock and Brown side by side for third. Rayon Doyon III, Eric Floyd, Jeff Allgayer, Randy Yount and Jason Kelly all got tangled in turn 2 for a lap 2 caution that ended Doyon’s night.

Before green could fly again, Roly Rodriguez had his ride stop in turn 4. J. Blaylock took off as green finally waved again, while B. Blaylock got second from Parks and Minten went by Brown for fourth. Brown moved to the top side and made a big run back by Minten and beside Parks for third. Brown kept the momentum up top and closed in on B. Blaylock. The two made contact sending B. Blaylock around, and Brown to the tail on lap 6.

On the restart B. Blaylock got inside J. Blaylock and the two ran wheel to wheel while Minten got alongside Parks for third. B. Blaylock would dive low in turns 1-2 and get halfway past, but J. Blaylock carry his speed off the top to hold the point. As this family feud continued, Brown was moving back up getting fifth from Yount. As the motor began to lay over on B. Blaylock, Minten and Brown both got past Parks for third and fourth. J. Blaylock had a comfortable lead over brother Brandon at the finish.

A-Qualifier 2
18 James Blaylock, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 4 Robby Minten, 55 Danny Brown, 82jp James Parks, 66y Randy Yount, 76 Michael Carlock, 57 Jason Kelly, 55 Danny Brown, 119 Eric Floyd, 11x Jeff Allgayer, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 9 Ray Doyon III, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNTG

SM/LM Heats
Heat 1
02 Robert Williams, 57 Jason Kelly, 184 Brian Rye, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 0 Thomas Rye jr., 66y Randy Yount, 11x Jeff Allgayer
Heat 2
37 Bill Pittaway, 82jp James Parks, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 11 Tom Grothues, 14 Newton Barta jr., 15c JC Pilcher, 147 GW Hessong
Heat 3
66 Johnny Torres, 26g JJ Jennings, 4 Robby Minten, 51 Greg Rohmer, 119 Eric Floyd, 76 Michael Carlock, 9 Ray Doyon III
Heat 4
18 James Blaylock, 90 Dustin Butcher, 55 Danny Brown, 48 Chris Swenson, 85 Jeff Nix, 3j Jesse James

With a short field of Limited Late Models the drivers voted to run only heat races and use that finish to set the inside and outside rows for Saturday nights feature. Craig Crawley held off Trey Votion in the first heat, while multi-time track champ Gary Hunter had no problems running away to take the second heat.

Limited Late Model heats(Finish determines A-main line up)
Heat 1
6 Craig Crawley, 99 Trey Votion, 77 Landon Farquar, 10 AJ Wernette
Heat 2
14 Gary Hunter, 13 Howie Marcx, 7 Richard Bartosh, 28 Leland Waddell

In the 15-lap Street Stock qualifier multi-time track champion Wade Jones showed the field nothing but the rear bumper of his Camaro. Jones broke out of a three wide scramble on the start with Aaron Leddy and Danny Schroat for the lead. Schroat held second followed by Johnny Torres, Leddy and Bobby Jack. Torres moved alongside Schroat for second as Jack took over fourth.

Torres got by Schroat for second with Jack trailing him as Schroat gave up more spots to Leddy and Mike Lyon. Jack got second from Torres on lap 4 but found himself a full straightaway behind Jones. Jack was unable to cut into Jones’ lead as Leddy moved in on Torres to fight for third. As the checkers waved it was Jones going wire to wire for the victory.

Street Stocks(Top 12 line up by finish)
41 Wade Jones, 88j Bobby Jack, 66 Johnny Torres, 93 Aaron Leddy, 40 Mike Lyon, 15 Tom Casey, 149 Stephan Danielson, 5 Danny Schroat, 14 Eric Knudtson, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 53 Brian Becka, 37 AJ Wernette—DNS

Street Stock heat winners; 41 Wade Jones, 37w Frank Okruhlik

A diverse field of 20-cars took the green for the 20-lap Pure Stock A-Qualifier with Justin Henley out battling Hunter Flanagan for the lap 1 lead. Brandy Ramzinski, Flanagan, Jarrett Payton and Janel Hilla fell in line behind Henley. Ramzinski didn’t stay in line long as she began to challenge Henley for the lead on lap 2 taking over the top spot on lap 3 with Flanagan following to second and Payton side by side with Hilla for fourth.

Adam Torres caught Hilla and Payton slipping past Hilla for fifth. Payton took advantage of a slip by Henley to snag third on lap 5. Flanagan and Ramzinski then began a spirited fight up front for the lead getting door to door on lap 11 with Torres going by Henley for fourth. As Payton started to slow, Torres snagged third with Henley and Hilla taking fourth and fifth. The lead duo caught lapped traffic allowing Torres to close. Ramzinski got through slower cars with no problem and ran on to the victory.

Pure Stocks(Top 12 to A-main)
88 Brandy Ramzinski, 85 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 44 Justin Henley, 7x Janel Hilla, 15x Hunter Montgomery, 25 Tyler Box, 117 Devin Adler, 9s Jarrett Payton, 89 Talon Minten, 43 Eric Watson, 15d James Dear, 82 Richard Wells, 95 Jerry Jones, 3 David Sevilla, 15 William Cavender, 9 Philip Haywood, 62 Austin Dragoo, 31 Frank Okruhlik, 10c Karaline Campbell, 14 Trey Heald—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 25 Tyler Box, 89 Talon Minten, 58 Hunter Flanagan, 44 Justin Henley

Trevor Bettis got out front early in the Front Runner Trophy Dash chased by Lisa Sandoval, David Lee Grobe and Char Powell. L. Sandoval put the pressure on Bettis with a tap on the bumper, but Bettis held steady. As the leads group caught the back of the pack, Grobe was able to negotiate through for the lead on lap 9. In the final laps Powell snuck past Grobe for the lead as the white flag waved. Powell held the point the final lap for his first I-37 Raceway win.

Front Runner Trophy dash
9 Char Powell, 4 David Lee Grobe, 57 Trevor Bettis, 28 Lisa Sandoval, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 223 Karey Scott, 82 Samuel Markgraf, 19 N/A, 66c Cindy Snider, 69 Jordan Sandoval, 3 Joshua Mares, 98 Will Holder—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; Joshua Mares, 57 Trevor Bettis

Story by J. M. Hallas

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 10/1/2011

Thanks to Umscheid Race Services and Lone Star Speedzone, I will be bringing you Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park on Saturday, October 1, 2011, beginning at 7:00 PM. Nothing takes the place of being at the track in person, but if you can’t make it, I’ll do my best to keep up with the racing action from the pristine, 3/8-mile oval.

Feel free to ask questions and make comments during the Updates, but please keep in mind that your posts may not show up right away since I have to approve all your posts before they get posted. And sometimes I get pretty busy trying to keep up with all the on-track action.

To get started, simply click the icon below, enter your screen name and enjoy!

Dinsmore, Torres take home Mod, SportMod Championship hardware at I-37 Raceway

As the I-37 Raceway points season winds down, good finishes are critical as drivers compete for 2011 championship titles on the 1/4-mile, semi-banked, dirt track south of San Antonio. While the IMCA Modifieds and Southern Sportmods points chases ended this weekend, the Limited Late Models, Street Stock, Pure Stock and Front Runners, who earn points in both heat and features will see their season officially end on October 1st.

In IMCA Modifieds, Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore looked to grab his third track championship having picked up the 2005 Hill Country Raceway and 2008 I-37 Raceway titles. Dinsmore holds a 15 point margin over Atkins’ Jamie Campbell, who is seeking his first IMCA Modified title.

The IMCA Southern Sportmod championship saw defending champ, Johnny Torres(San Antonio) lock up the points last weekend for his 4th Sportmod title, and 5th championship overall. Torres locked out Moe Van Kirk(Kerrville) and Randy Yount(Boerne) with a third place finish on Sept. 17th leaving VanKirk and Yount in the 2nd place battle.

At times during the Limited Late Models one might have thought it was full moon racing at its finest. After an early melee that took out nearly half the field, the race came down to a final lap photo finish. Fortunately the track had recently installed a video camera and monitor to replay the finish to determine the winner.

Next Saturday night I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park hosts the South Texas Sportmod/Limited Modified Championship with a $700 to win payday up for grabs. Also on the racing card are the IMCA Modifieds, and season ending races for the fender class cars.

Dinsmore Dashes to Daily Double

With a short field of cars all Dinsmore had to do to secure the championship is take the green flag. But that’s not Dinsmores style. Dinsmore dodged an early multi-car tangle, grabbed the lead, then held off the hard charging Campbell to take the win and his second track title. Dinsmores wife, crew chief and head cook, Candace, gave him a surprise anniversary celebration during the Winners Circle presentation.

On the initial start Tracy Fink got out front with a three wide battle for second, but yellow waved quickly for a jump start and a second try. The second attempt wasn’t much better as Fink had trouble with his car and collected Billy Meyer and Dennis Taylor trying to get to the infield. Robert Liese jr. led the single file third start to green but Gilbert Amezquita stalled in turn 2.

Finally getting a green flag lap in the books, Campbell and Matt Fox had separate spins to bring out another yellow hankie. Once back to green, Dinsmore wasted little time picking off Jason Borlace for second, and Liese for the lead on lap 2. Campbell quickly worked his back up getting up to second and closing on Dinsmores bumper after a spin by Fox saw the caution back out on lap 4.

Campbell hung on to Dinsmore all he could trying to find a way around Dinsmore who held the preferred line. At halfway it was Dinsmore, Campbell, Borlace, Amezquita and Liese in the top five. Campbell gave Dinsmore a couple runs but would overdrive the corner and give up ground each time. As the checkered flag waved it was Dinsmore by a couple car lengths in the Sundowner RV Repair, racetechinfo.com, JBHotshots, Wells Designs, NAPA, Guadalupe Electric, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Hoffman Construction, Cen-Tex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis winning the battle and season long war.

“It feels good to finally this sewed up,” Dinsmore said. “It was a little nerve wracking. I just wanted to go out in the heat and survive to start the feature. I wasn’t sure what I’d get for points if I didn’t start the feature. I didn’t want to wreck it or blow the motor so I kind of laid back there a bit.”

“I knew Jamie(Campbell) was back there. His car has a distinct sound. The preferred line was up top. I was hammer down for a while, but once you get the line you can put it on cruise. I’d look and see he was two or three cars back and I just tried to keep that distance. I didn’t want to blow it in and spin out. I just kept my line and kept on moving. I just tried to keep from over driving the car.”

“I saw that wreck at the start begin to happen and I went up high to stay out of it even if it cost me a couple spots. I was worried about what was going on, but we didn’t complete a lap so it worked out.”

“I had no idea that Candace had that anniversary thing planned. She’s full of surprises. It’s been a blessing to be married to her this long. I’m surprised that she still put up with me. She’s a big part of my life and my race team. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do this without her.”

“My plans next year are to race. The wife says it’s alright and Harris is working on another car for 2012. They’ve got one on order for me. Jimmy Gustin says the ‘12 was smoking fast at the Super Nationals. I sold my last championship car, but Harris wants this one back. It’s their deal. They say the new one is faster, with a different wheelbase and front end geometry and I believe them. Bob Harris, John Logue and the other Harris team cars are all there with me. They’re always there for any help I need.”

“This championship was the toughest one of the other two. Jamie was always there in the points. He’s was good competition all year and always came with his game on. I really had to be on my ‘A’ game with him. There were some other cars that were tough, but he sticks out in my mind the most.”

“I’m not too disappointed finishing second in points to Greg (Dinsmore),” Campbell said. “We had a good season compared to my others and our goal was to finish every race, and we got a couple wins. I was happy to be able to stay this close to him in the points race.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 21 Jason Borlace, 13 Gilbert Amezquita, 67 Robert Liese jr., 53x Matt Fox, 24 Tracy Fink, 99 Billy Meyer, 38 Dennis Taylor, 37 Bill Pittaway—DNS

IMCA Modified heats
Heat 1; 24 Tracy Fink, 38 Dennis Taylor, 29 Jamie Campbell, 53x Matt Fox, 67 Robert Liese jr.
Heat 2; 21 Jason Borlace, 37 Bill Pittaway, 8g Greg Dinsmore, 99 Billy Meyer, 13 Gilbert Amezquita

Williams Wins SportMod Scramble

In only his second race after a 3 year hiatus, Robert Williams found his way to the Winners Circle. Williams used the pole position to pull out to a big lead early over a three car battle between Jason Kelly, Tom Grothues and track champ Johnny Torres. After a couple cautions re-bunched the field Williams again stretched out his advantage cruising to the victory unchallenged in the Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Swenson Chassis.

As the green flag waved Williams beat Jesse James into to turn 1 for the lead. James fell in line second trailed by Kelly, Larry Jernigan and Grothues. As Kelly and Grothues got by James for second and third, Torres, Bruce Barber and Jernigan were three wide for fifth. The three played a little tag in turn 1 with Torres coming out with the Barber getting the spot. Barber and Torres the went around James.

Coming to the crossed flags it was Williams, Kelly, Grothues, Barber and Torres in the top five. Randy Yount went around after bouncing off two cars for a lap 12 yellow that erased Williams huge lead. Williams quickly jumped ahead while Torres challenged Grothues for third. Ray Doyon III found an infield tire and spun on lap 12 to restack the pack.

Back under green Williams again eased away with Kelly and Grothues side by side for second. Torres joined that battle making it almost three abreast to second on lap 14. While fighting it out Torres and Kelly hooked bumpers giving up spots to Barber, James and Jernigan before getting loose from each other. Up front Williams was edging ahead leaving Barber and Grothues side by side for second. Williams easily grabbed the win, while Barber edged out Grothues for second.

“I got lucky and started up front,” said Williams. “It’s not to hard to win when you out as the leader. It’s been about three years since I’ve raced so I had some experience in a Sportmod, plus the Pure and Street Stocks before. I’ve won championships here before in the Street Stocks and Sportmods. We’re looking forward to running a full season next year.”

“(Chris) Swenson built the car and did all the set up work on it. It’s got a Spreen Racing Engine so it’s got all the winning parts. I was just the guy that was able to drive it to the victory. Knowing the track from before helped me make some minor adjustments, so the previous track experience helped me too.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 11 Tom Grothues, 3j Jesse James, 18 Larry Jernigan, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon, 66y Randy Yount, 66 Johnny Torres, 9d Ray Doyon III

IMCA SSM heats

Heat 1; 02 Robert Williams, 17b Bruce Barber, 66y Randy Yount, 57 Jason Kelly, 60 Pat Lyon
Heat 2; 3j Jesse James, 9d Ray Doyon III, 18 Larry Jernigan, 11 Tom Grothues, 66 Johnny Torres

Votion by an Inch, Literally, in Limited Late Model Slug-fest

As the checkered flag waved on the shortened Limited Late Model feature no one was certain who was actually the winner. Track officials were split 50/50 depending on view angle so it was referred to video replay. After fifteen minutes of review Votion was declared the victor. Craig Crawley, made a gallant charge coming back from an early race incident, but fell short by a mere inch at the flag stand.

Shane Moore led the way into turn 1 of the scheduled 20-lap feature, but as Chris Brock and Matt Hodge tried to go three wide in turn 3, Hodge went around scattering the field. The second try saw Brock lead the field only to spin in turn 2 starting a multi-car pile car with Richard Bartosh, Moore, Crawley, Gary Hunter and JR Robinson. All drivers were alright but only Crawley and Robinson were able to continue. A lengthy clean up prompted officials to cut the race to 15 laps.

Howie Marcx led the remaining cars back to green for the single file start with Votion going around Andrew Hesler up top for second. Votion then tried the bottom on Marcx, but got sideways, then straightened out by Hesler. Votion the reeled Marcx back in and got by to lead lap 8. Votion then began motoring away while Marcx, Crawley and Hesler fought it out for second.

Marcx spun on lap 12 after a tap by Hesler who immediately took responsibility and fell to the tail. Votion got away clean on green with Crawley going past Marcx for second followed by Leland Waddell. Crawley, using the top, closed on Votion as the white flag waved. Using the high side momentum Crawley got run coming off turn 4 to the checkers, but lost to Votion in the Northside Ford, Mission Racing, BG Products, Kelly Chassis, by a whisker.

“I really had no idea who won it,” commented Votion. “I knew it was really close, but didn’t realize it was that close. I pulled around to turn 3 waiting for someone to point at one of us. They held us both while they looked at the video. I didn’t have any idea that he was even there until I heard him in turn 4. I really didn’t think anyone could pass me on the outside.”

“After that big pile up in turn 2 the track turned from good grip to nothing. It’s fastest I’ve ever seen it do that. I thought I lost the right rear tire it was so loose. I backed it down a bit and thought I was doing good until I heard him on the last lap.”

“I got a little piece of that big wreck and bent up the nose a bit. I’m glad I was where I was at the time. I saw them all piling up and darted to the right to try to stay clear of it. I hate to see that, there’s lots of good cars that got torn up. I guess that happens sometimes.”

“I’d have been happy with second. Craig(Crawley) is a good guy. It was a good race. The fans got to see good finish. I really have to thank my wife and family for putting up with this racing life. I appreciate them being a part of it. Depending on how many cars make back next week I’m pretty sure I’ve locked up the championship. I may only have to start the main.”

“I thought I might have got him,” added Crawley. “But it was too close to tell for sure. If the video shows that Trey(Votion) got it, then I’m good with that. I don’t know how I made it that close. After being caught up in that crash my car was junk. It’s hurt so bad I’m not sure I can get it fixed before next week.”

Limited Late Models

99 Trey Votion, 6 Craig Crawley, 28 Leland Waddell, 13 Howie Marcx, 49 Robert Danielson, 1x Andrew Hesler, 36 J.R. Robinson, 10 Chris Brock, 18 Shane Moore, 7 Richard Bartosh, 14 Gary Hunter, 58 Matt Hodge, 25 Bob Lienweber—DNS

Limited Late Model heat winners; 18 Shane Moore, 99 Trey Votion

Okruhlik Outlasts Jones and Dancer in Street Stock

Driving the Team Wernette back up car, Pure Stock hot shoe Frank Okruhlik showed he could get the job done in Street Stocks as well. Okruhlik got the lead early from Aaron Leddy then was chased by Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Jones, the defending champ and points leader, threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at Okruhlik, to no avail.

Leddy was first into turn 1 as the 15-lap Street Stock feature fired off, but Okruhlik was quickly along side with Jones, Dancer and AJ Wernette in pursuit. Okruhlik got the top spot on lap 2 with Jones following to second. Wernette went around in turn 4 to bring out a yellow on lap 2. Okruhlik and Jones got away on the restart leaving Leddy and Dancer fighting for third. As Jones began his assault on Okruhlik, Dancer went around Leddy for third using the top.

Jones was keeping the pressure on Okruhlik taking looks low when a spin by Mike Lyon in turn 4 slowed the pace. Jones took up where he had left off showing Okruhlik the nose on the restart. Jones kept the heat turned up, with Dancer now making it a threesome up front. With two to go Jones gave Okruhlik a little bumper tap, but Okruhlik stayed steady. One last try by Jones at the checkers came up short as Okruhlik in the TruLine, Radio Shack, Cross Connections, Dixon Automotive, Hot Rod Welding, City Auto, Chevy scored the victory.

“I was hoping they (Jones and Dancer) would take each other out and I wouldn’t have to worry about them,” replied Okruhlik. “I was holding my line and guess I was taking the best line away from them. I wanted though, I wanted it bad. He wasn’t going to get it for free.”

“I saw Wade (Jones) show his nose a couple times and I was worried. He just encouraged me with that little tap on the bumper. If he would have taken me out it would have ended different I guess. I made some minor changes on the motor, but it’s the same set up.”

“I really have to thank Wayne Wernette. He’s the one that has given me the chance to drive this car. He pays for everything and I don’t have to put a dime in this car. I think my driving style suits the car and I’ve got more seat time on dirt.”

Street Stocks

37w Frank Okruhlik, 41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 53 Ben Blanford, 2x Dennis Hilla, 14 Donny Horelka

Street Stock heat winners; 37w Frank Okruhlik, 52 AJ Dancer

Okruhlik Outruns Pure Stock Field for second Payday

Points leader Frank Okruhlik scored his own version of a daily double with a second win for the night in the Pure Stock feature. Okruhlik worked his way up to battle with race long leader Cameron Smith getting the spot on lap 15. Once past Okruhlik eased away from the pack while former track champ Janel Hilla challenged Smith for the runner up spot.

The 14-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature saw Smith break out front trailed by Devin Adler, Hilla, Tim Watson and Richard Wells. Hilla got by Adler for second while Okruhlik, Watson, Bandy Ramzinski and Karoline Campbell went four wide for fifth. Watson slowed and pulled while Okruhlik got the spot, leaving Ramzinski, Campbell and Jerry Jones three wide. Okruhlik closed on Adler with a brief side by side run as Okruhlik took third.

Coming to halfway Okruhlik had run down Hilla for second and using the high side got by. As Smith got into traffic, Okruhlik quickly reeled in the leader giving him a look low on lap 11. Smith and Okruhlik went three wide around a lapped car as slugged it out door to door. Okruhlik finally wrestled the spot away on lap 15 and motored ahead. In the final laps Hilla snagged second from Smith, while Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo Racing Chassis Chevy easily grabbed the checkers.

“I found a little sticky stuff on the outside and took off with it,” added Okruhlik on his Pure Stock win. “I got up there first, nobody else wanted it so I had to take it. I look for a place that works for my car early in the race. If that doesn’t work out I just go where the others aren’t running.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 7x Janel Hilla, 13 Cameron Smith, 95 Jerry Jones, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 24 Adam Torres, 89 Talon Minten, 10c Karoline Campbell, 44 Justin Henley, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 82 Richard Wells, 117 Devin Adler, 1 Tim Watson

Pure Stock heat winners; 7x Janel Hilla, 82 Richard Wells

Sowder Sweeps Front Runners

Young Landon Sowder had a clean sweep in the Front Runner class taking both the heat and feature wins. Sowder jumped out front early in the 15-lap feature, but gave way to points chaser Cody Earnhardt. No sooner than Earnhardt got the lead, he broke and handed the spot back to Sowder. From there Sowder was able to ease away from Hailee Marcx at the end.

Sowder led the 10-car field on green chased by Earnhardt, Trevor Bettis, Jimmy Carroll and Cindy Snider. Bettis broke and stopped in the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 2. The restart saw Earnhardt and Sowder side by side for the lead with Earnhardt getting out front on lap 3 only to have car failure and pull to the infield, giving the top spot back to Sowder on lap 4. Sowder then began pulling away from Marcx and Jason Smith near halfway.

Carroll, who pitted with a flat under caution, worked his way back up and past Smith for third on lap 7. While battling with Marcx for second, Carroll and Marcx made contact sending both the infield for a lap 10 yellow. After a quick caution for a stalled Kirsten Blevins on lap 11, Sowder broke away going on to win in the Ricwell Construction, Texas Radiator Service, United Rentals, Bar C Racing, Chevy Lumina.

“We put a new motor in this car,” commented Sowder. “I’m fortunate to have a good crew chief and father to help me out with this racing deal. I’m going to stay in this class one more year and then move up to Pure Stock. We’re all friends with the 08 Limited Late Model(Kevin Hayden) and 10 Limited Late Model(Chris Brock).”

“I’ve been racing since March and this is my second win this year. I don’t worry about any of the other racers out there. I’m just running my own race, going as fast as I can. I didn’t know Hailee(Marcx) was behind me. She ran a good race but couldn’t catch me. I was fortunate to get the win.”

Front Runners

08 Landon Sowder, 113 Hailee Marcx, 13 Jason Smith, 93 Preston Leet, 66c Cindy Snider, 96 Kirsten Blevins, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 27 Jim Knudtson, 57 Trevor Bettis, 98 Will Holder—DNS, 24 Jessica Mares—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 67 Jimmy Carroll, 08 Landon Sowder

By J M Hallas
Photos by JBHotShots

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from THR’s Stock Car Spectacular

The Stock Car Spectacular is the biggest race of the season for Thunderhill Raceway and you will want to be at the track this weekend for all the stock car racing excitement at the 3/8-mile, d-shaped oval.

But if you can’t make it to the track, join Lone Star Speedzone’s Nick Holt as he describes the racing action via the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates this Saturday beginning at 4 p.m.

Feel free to ask questions and make comments during the blogcast although there will more than likely be a delay between the time you post and the time the post shows up for everyone to see. That’s because I have to approve all posts and sometimes I get very busy keeping up with the action.

To get started, click the icon below.

Covington claims Heart O’ Texas ASCS Regional Showdown win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASCS Sprint Cars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Wires IMCA Modified Main

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

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

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

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

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

IMCA Modifieds

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

Green vs. Green for Gold in Sportmod Scramble

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

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

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

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

IMCA Southern Sportmods

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

Gaunet Goes Green to Checkers for Hobby Honors

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

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

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

IMCA Hobby Stocks

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

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

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

Street Stocks

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

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

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

Pure Stocks

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

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

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

Cruisers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates from Houston Motorsports Park, 7/23/2011

The bounty on NASCAR Fiesta Modified driver Zak Hausler is up to $7,000, $8,000 when you add in the regular $1,000 prize money. Can anyone beat the youngster fair and square?

Thanks to Umschied Race Services and NASCAR Fiesta Modified and NASCAR 360 Truck driver Jim Nides, I will be bringing you the story as it unfolds here on the Umscheid Race Services Live, Interactive Updates beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Feel free to make comments and ask questions during the blogcast, but keep in mind that your posts may not appear for a few minutes because I have to approve all posts and sometimes I’m pretty busy trying to keep up with the on-track action.

To get started, click the icon below.

Dinsmore dashes to another Modified main win at I-37 Raceway

Kerrville’s Greg Dinsmore found what he needed to get back in the Winners Circle taking the 20-lap IMCA Modified main. Dinsmore, who started in row 4, quickly worked his way up behind early leader, Rob Sanderson. Ducking low off the corner, Dinsmore swept past Sanderson for the lead on lap 4. From there Dinsmore held off charges from Jamie Campbell and Mike McCarthy on restarts to grab another victory.

The initial start was waved off after Campbell got a bit over anxious coming to green. The second try saw Sanderson go around and clip Bill Pittaway, peeling sheet metal off the side of his car. Even the third time wasn’t the charm as Joe O’Bryan spun, scattering the field. A single file fourth attempt saw Sanderson get out front on lap 1 followed by Robert Liese jr., Joe Spillman, Dinsmore and McCarthy.

Liese slipped off the corner giving up spots to Spillman, Dinsmore, McCarthy and Campbell. Dinsmore got under Spillman for second on lap 2 and closed on Sanderson. Using the bottom, Dinsmore got the lead from Sanderson on lap 4 while Campbell got by McCarthy and Spillman. Matt Fox looped it on the front stretch bringing out a yellow on lap 5.

Back under green, Dinsmore got a good jump, while Campbell worked around Sanderson for second. Spillman and McCarthy were side by side on lap 6 with last weeks winner, William Gould, closing. Sanderson, McCarthy and Spillman went three wide for third coming to halfway. At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, Campbell, McCarthy, Spillman and Gould now in the top five.

Liese spun on lap 10 for a yellow with Spillman and Sanderson getting tangled under caution. Dinsmore got away clean as McCarthy and Campbell ran wheel to wheel for second and Gould worked his way by Spillman. McCarthy and Campbell continued their battle for five laps giving Dinsmore some breathing room. Caution on lap 16 for debris erased that margin.

Once back to green McCarthy and Campbell renewed their fight, this time it was Campbell looking to retake second. Campbell got the spot back on lap 18, but slipped in turn 2 giving it up to McCarthy. As they battled it out, Dinsmore in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, JBHotshots, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, Guadalupe Electric, Wells Designs, CenTex Motorsports, Harris Chassis was capturing another win.

“I could hear Jamie(Campbell) and Mike(McCarthy) back there.” said Dinsmore. “I just decided I was going to hold the bottom once I got there. The car wasn’t really quite right, but I didn’t see anyones tires or nose. The way the car was getting looser an looser, I thought was going to lose it.”

“Turns 1-2 were really good for me on the bottom. Coming off down the back straightaway was bad. The car would get tight in (turns) 3-4 then snap loose. There’s something weird that I’m still hunting. The car was better than it was last week. Ride heights are giving me fits since that wreck. Only a couple degrees on the bars make a big difference.”

“Between the heat and feature we moved the pull bar and ground the tires since there was such a big difference in the track. We probably should have made a couple more(changes). The car was fast, but on the ragged edge.”

“(Davey) Plato went through our cars looking at frame location, tires, pull bars and showed our tech guy what to look for to catch someone doing something illegal. It was good to see him down here after all these years.”

“I’m going to be driving Jamie Fuller’s car in the Street Stock Shootout next weekend in Goliad. I really think Aaron(Leddy) can do a good job in it, but we’re going to work on it some more and they want me in it.”

IMCA Modifieds

8g Greg Dinsmore, 20 Mike McCarthy, 29 Jamie Campbell, 60 William Gould, 44 Joe Spillman, 37 Bill Pittaway, 67 Robert Liese jr, 53x Matt Fox, 141 Rob Sanderson, 99 Billy Meyer, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 82 Rick Green, 14 Joe O’Bryan, 26 Darin Leonard

IMCA Modified heats

Heat #1

14 Joe O’Bryan, 44 Joe Spillman, 29 Jamie Campbell, 20 Mike McCarthy, 99 Billy Meyer, 60 William Gould—DNS

Heat #2

8g Greg Dinsmore, 26 Darin Leonard, 117 Jimmy Tidwell, 67 Robert Liese jr, 141 Rob Sanderson, 53x Matt Fox, 82 Rick Green

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park cranked up the action on the 1/4 mile, semi-banked dirt track just south of San Antonio. It was a full moon racing night, which normally means action and the unusual. Tonight would be no exception with two drivers winding up looking at the track from the wrong view, one last corner pass and two first time winners.

With many points battles still on the line, the IMCA Southern Sportmods are the only class with one driver holding a substantial margin. Johnny Torres carries a comfortable lead into the event, while Greg Dinsmore and Jame Campbell( IMCA Modifieds)continue to duke it out.

The Street Stock points battle swaps between defending champ, Wade Jones and AJ Dancer. Frank Okruhlik and former champ Janel Hilla head the list in Pure Stocks. Limited Late Models have Trey Votion on top with defending champ Richard Bartosh in pursuit. The Front Runners come in with Jimmy Carroll leading over Cody Earnhardt.

Torres Torrent Continues in Sportmods

Looking to back up his 2010 title, San Antonio’s Johnny Torres keeps wracking up the wins. Near halfway Torres found himself in the top five, but some distance behind the leader, Anthony Gordon. A mid-race red flag changed that allowing Torres to be in contact with the lead group. Torres capitalized picking off Moe VanKirk then Gordon for the lead with two to go and running to the checkers.

Robby Minten led off turn 2 at the start of the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sport feature, but it was Gordon off turn 4 to lead lap 1. VanKirk got by Minten for second and along side Gordon for the lead. Gordon and VanKirk raced side by side for two laps, with Jason Kelly and Patrick Kelly wheel to wheel for fourth. Gordon held off VanKirk as Torres made his way to the top five by P. Kelly.

Torres then picked off fourth from J. Kelly on lap 6. A three wide scrap in the middle of the pack ended bad for Randy Bennett after he jumped a wheel and ended up hitting the tire barrier at pit out and rolling over onto his top. Bennett walked away uninjured. Once back to green, Torres slipped past Minten for third as the race came to halfway showing Gordon, VanKirk, Torres, Minten an Flint Brown in the top five.

VanKirk kept the pressure on the young Gordon with Torres closing on both. Torres and VanKirk were side by side on lap 13 with Torres getting the spot on lap 14. Torres then reeled in Gordon and dove low off turn 4 to get the top spot on lap 18. Torres was able to go unchallenged the final two laps in the 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, for the win.

“The track was pretty slick tonight, but it wasn’t dusty,” said Torres. “It was tacky in the heat race so we had a tacky set up on it. I figured I wouldn’t have to change much, but it got dry real quick. We threw some things at it and it worked. We changed a spring, moved some lead and adjusted the tire pressure.”

“I’m not sure we could have caught them if it wasn’t for that red flag. The tires were getting hot and that’s when I normally go faster. That red kind of broke it up into two 10 lap heat races. I like the long runs better and my car seems to work better. It came down to the wire and I didn’t think I was going to get him(Gordon).”

“Our Regional Director Davey Plato was down here and checked over everyone’s car. I’m glad he did, the more tech the better.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 58 Moe VanKirk, D9(4) Robby Minten, 75 Flint Brown, 115 Chuck Perry, 57 Jason Kelly, 10 Travis Penny, 94 Allen Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 84k Patrick Kelly, 22 Randy Bennett, 99x Michael Hernandez—DNS

IMCA SSM heats

Heat #1

66 Johnny Torres, 66y Randy Yount, 118 Anthony Gordon, 75 Flint Brown, 57 Jason Kelly, 94 Allen Torres, 10 Travis Penny

Heat #2

58 Moe VanKirk, 84k Patrick Kelly, D9(4) Robby Minten, 22 Randy Bennett, 115 Chuck Perry, 99x Michael Hernandez

Crawley Cashes for First Limited Late Model Checkers

It wasn’t the first win for Craig Crawley at I-37 Raceway after picking up a few Street Stock wins several years back, but it was his first ever Limited Late Model tally. Crawley, who had to totally rebuild the back half of his car due to a crash, went wire to wire for the win holing off multi-time track champion Gary Hunter throughout the 20-lap event.

Crawley beat the 12-car field into turn 1 for the lead trailed by Hunter, Matt Hodge, Andrew Hesler and Robert Danielson. Lap 1 saw Leland Waddell, Richard Bartosh and Trey Votion get by Danielson. Hesler was pressuring Hodge for third, while Waddell slipped high giving up a spot to Votion. Chris Jones brought out yellow on lap 4 when he spun and Kevin Hayden slid to a stop to avoid contact.

Crawley got a good jump on Hunter as green flew again and Hesler got along side Hodge, with Votion and Bartosh side by side behind them. Jones looped it again on lap 6 ending is night. Once back to green, Crawley and Hunter eased away from Hodge, Hesler, Bartosh and Votion. Hesler used a slide job on lap 8 to get third from Hodge, with Bartosh trying to follow.

Bartosh finally got by Hodge on lap 9 who gave up fifth to Votion on lap 10. Hesler, Bartosh and Votion were three wide in turns 1-2 with Bartosh grabbing the spot off turn 4. Votion got by Hesler a lap later as Hesler began to fade. With five to go Crawley was inching away from Hunter, who had a gap back to Bartosh and Votion.

Yellow waved on lap 17 when Waddell and Hodge went around in turn 2. Crawley got two car lengths on Hunter as green flew again with Bartosh and Votion side by side. Hodge and Larry Lewis went around on lap with Hayden going off the turn 2 hill for yellow on lap 18, setting up a green, white, checkered finish.

On the restart Hunter gave Crawley his best challenge looking high into turn 3, but Crawley held the point off turn 4. On the final lap Votion went around off turn 2 collecting Hodge, Waddell and Andy Anderson, who were innocent victims. The checkers and yellow waved for Crawley in the Odie Automotive, Garfield Shanklin, Martin Body Shop, CNC Graphics, Duffin Engine Service, Oval Components/Ervin Breiten Chassis.

“It was a big win to finally get the monkey off our back,” replied Crawley. “We’ve finished second a couple times and I’ve let Trey(Votion) get one on me. Winning at the old San Antonio Speedway was hard with all the tough cars that were there. Racing here, with the caliber of these guys, is getting to be the same way.”

“I think about those fast guys coming behind me. They’re all good drivers and I know they’re not to going to rough me up to get by me. They’re good competitors and if they’re faster than me they”ll find a way to get by me clean.”

“We made some tire pressure adjustments, and some little things between the heat and feature because the track was so much different. We didn’t get it set in the heat, but the feature was good. It was real slick and we were searching for forward bite.”

“After the crash a month ago we had to change everything from the seat on back, except the rear clip. All the mounts, braces, fuel cell, it even broke the 9” rear end in half. We’ve got about 80 hours of labor to get it back on the track.”

Limited Late Models

6 Craig Crawley, 14 Gary Hunter, 7 Richard Bartosh, 49 Robert Danielson, 95 Larry Lewis, 86 Andy Anderson, 28 Leland Waddell, 58 Matt Hodge, 99 Trey Votion, 08 Kevin Hayden, 1x Andrew Hesler, 69 Chris Jones

Limited Late Model heat winners; 1x Andrew Hesler, 58 Matt Hodge

Keeping up with the Jones’

This has been pretty much the case again this season as Wade Jones looks to defend his championships in Street Stocks. AJ Dancer has given Jones a run for his money and tonight it was Aaron Leddy’s chance. Leddy and Jones ran door to door for five laps until Leddy suffered ignition woes. Dancer took up the charge, but fell short as Jones eased away in the latter stages for the victory.

As the 20-lap Street Stock feature took the green, AJ Wernette led the way off turn 2, but Leddy got by coming high off turn 4 to lead. Dennis Hilla and Jones got by AJ Wernette, with Mike Lyon and Dancer following. Jones got under Hilla for second on lap 2 and was challenging Leddy on lap 3. The two stayed tied at the door posts, while Dancer moved his way up to third.

Jones finally secured the lead on lap 8 after Leddy had his car start popping and begin to fall back. By halfway the top four had separated out with a gap back to AJ Wernette, Rick Schroat and Anthony Gordon. Gordon brought out the races only yellow when he spun on lap 11 coming off turn 2, giving the top four a chance to regroup.

On the restart Dancer and Jones got away clean to settle things among themselves. With five to go, Jones began easing away from Dancer, while Hilla, Lyon and AJ Wernette ran nose to tail. Dancer never could mount a challenge in the final laps giving Jones a Saturday night cruise to the win in the
Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro.

“The track was real different tonight.” commented Jones. “It was wet in the heat race and pretty tacky in the feature. The car felt pretty good even though our heat wasn’t that good. I just have to adjust my driving style for the different track. We’ve run the same set almost all year long. We change a few little things.”

“I knew AJ(Dancer) was coming. I felt him once behind me on a restart. He’s a helluva driver and I always know hes going to be coming. I just stick to my line. If I do that and get beat, then I just get beat.”

“We’ll be back next year, but we’re undecided if it’s in Street Stock or Late Model. My uncle Donnie(Horelka) has a Late Model, but we just have to get the time to work on it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 52 AJ Dancer, 2x Dennis Hilla, 40 Mike Lyon, 37 AJ Wernette, 5 Rick Schroat, 37w Wayne Wernette, 118 Anthony Gordon, 7 Danny Schroat, 15 Tommy Casey, 93 Aaron Leddy

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

Okruhlik Outruns Torres for Pure Stock Payday

After his wedding and a string of bad luck, not related, Frank Okruhlik made his way back into I-37 Raceway Winners Circle. Okruhlik got the lead early from Karoline Campbell and was chased by Hunter Flanagan, then last weeks winner, Adam Torres. After a late caution, Okruhlik got away from Torres and Flanagan who battled for second, as he eased his way to the checkers.

The 16-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature got off to a rocky start with Cameron Smith jumping out front. In the pack Eric Watson and Brandy Ramzinski made contact with E. Watson ending up rolling onto his side. He was able to climb out and tried to return later in the race. As green finally flew, Campbell got the point chased by Okruhlik, Cody Leonard, Flanagan and Torres.

Campbell spun from the lead on lap 1, with William Cavender going around in the pack as they scattered. Okruhlik led the field back to green with Flanagan and Leonard side by side for second and Jarrett Payton blowing a right front tire while running fifth. Flanagan got around Leonard for third with Torres filling in the hole for third and Talon Minten getting fourth.

Torres got past Flanagan for second on lap 4, as Leonard slowed and pulled off. Ramzinski went for a spin on lap 6 to bring out a yellow. Okruhlik got away by five car lengths on the green and held that advantage until James Watson spun on lap 10 to bring out a yellow. The top three pulled away on green, while Minten slowed giving up spots to Janel Hilla and Jerry Jones.

Campbell spun again on lap 15 to bring out a yellow and st up a five lap trophy dash to the finish. Okruhlik got a good jump and began puling away, as Flanagan put the heat on Torres for second. As the white waved Okruhlik had a slight margin, over the second place fight, while Hilla and Jones ran side by side. At the checkers it was Okruhlik in the Odie Racing, Mo’s Racing Chassis, Chevy with the win.

“I hope my bad luck wasn’t related to my marriage,” joked Okruhlik. “I think the track worked in my favor tonight. I just took it easy and came out on top. We’ve had some plug wires burn up, bearing go out in the rear end and lost an axle the past three races. I was slipping on the maintenance and now I’ve got some time again and things are going together better.”

“I thought someone was there all the time, I didn’t know who it was and they really weren’t that close. But I was racing like they were. I found a groove that worked. It was kind of catfish the bottom in the corners and run down the straights. I made a few changes, there’s not much you can do on a Pure Stock.”

Pure Stocks

99 Frank Okruhlik, 24 Adam Torres, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 95 Jerry Jones, 7x Janel Hilla, 15 William Cavender, 10c Karoline Campbell, 13 Cameron Smith, 14 Trey Heald, 89 Talon Minten, 44 James Watson, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton, 71 Mike Harrison, 43 Eric Watson, 58 Randy Frautschi—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners; 13 Cameron Smith, 7x Janel Hilla, 99 Frank Okruhlik

Gaither Gathers First Ever Win

In only is fourth race of the season on dirt, Dillon Gaither grabbed his first ever Front Runner trophy, but it wasn’t easy. Looking to redeem himself after giving up a win due to a jump start penalty, Gaither jumped into lead only to spin a few laps later. Gaither worked his way back up and got a huge break when leader Cody Earnhardt had his car give up on the last lap. Gaither snuck past Co. Earnhardt at the line to pick up the victory.

On the initial start, Hailee Marcx led the way, but Kirsten Blevins went for an off track excursion in turn 2. The second start saw Gaither get off turn 2 with lead with Co. Earnhardt, Jimmy Carroll, Marcx and Charles Earnhardt III in pursuit. Gaither gave up the lead to Co. Earnhardt on lap 3 when looped it in turn 2.

With Co. Earnhardt now out front, Ch. Earnhardt got by Marcx on the restart for third. As Co. Earnhardt eased away, Brandon Sowder got by Marcx for third after Carroll was forced to pit from a top three spot with a flat right front. Gaither was steadily on the move, getting past Marcx on lap 9 and Sowder on lap 10. Trevor Bettis went off the back stretch for a lap 12 caution.

Ch. Earnhardt was put back two position for his earlier jump putting Gaither on Co. Earnhardt’s bumper for the restart. Co. Earnhardt got a good lead on Gaither and looked to be a runaway winner. But wait…In the last corners of the last lap, Co. Earnhardt had his car give up and it was Gaither nipping him at the line in the Rohmer Racing, Honda Tiburon for his inaugural win.

“I thought I was going to have to settle for second,” replied the young Gaither. “I knew I could make it back up front after I spun and he(Cody Earnhardt) broke and I got the chance and took the win. His car died and just waved me past. I really appreciate Greg Rohmer giving me the opportunity to drive this car.”

“My dad has raced on dirt before and I’ve been around it. I’ve picked it up pretty easy. My main concern was coming back and winning after giving that one away last weekend. We have a Pure Stock at the house that we’re building for next season so I’m moving up.”

Front Runners

9 Dillon Gaither, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 08 Brandon Sowder, 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 113 Hailee Marcx, 98E Marie Gonzalez, 57 Trevor Bettis, 67 Jimmy Carroll, 66c Cindy Snider, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 98 Will Holder—DNS

Front Runner heat winners; 33 Charles Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt

Go-Karts

Jr. Division

1 Evan Lambert
11 Caitlyn Leddy
53 Chandler Fox
93 Cavan Leddy
07 Deull Arnold

Jr. Division

82 Andrew Garcia
12 Chentel Dancer
37 Aaron Trevino
9 Caitlin Leonard
137 Adam Trevino
17 Vincent Dancer

By JM Hallas
Photo by JBHotshots

Street Stock Shootout of South Texas invades Shady Oaks Speedway July 23rd

Goliad, Texas is the place to be on Saturday night, July 23, as the 2011 Street Stock Shootout of South Texas rolls into town. Stock car drivers from across central and south Texas will compete for valuable points in their quest for the series championship and multiple nightly awards.

According to series coordinator Stephan Danielsen “This will be a show no one in central or south Texas will want to miss. We’ve got drivers from all over coming in to compete for cash prizes and various other prizes as well as the bragging rights that go along with winning the series. Some have never raced at Shady Oaks Speedway, so it will be good to see how the local masters of the track match up against the visitors. We feel pretty solid on having somewhere between 25 to 30 competitors at this event and possible even more”.

As the series rolls into Goliad, it will be the first stop on a three track tour from now though September. After visiting Shady Oaks Speedway, the series will make a stop in Edna at Texana Raceway Park in August and then the final stop in September at I-37 Raceway in Pleasanton. By the time the night ends in Pleasanton, a champion will be determined.

“This series is unique to other racing series because it was created by people who are not typically promoters, other than just being blessed with the gift of gab. We put this thing together just because we love the sport and like seeing good competition. As the sponsorships and interest from competitors started increasing, we were reminded of the old adage, ‘there is strength in numbers’” said Monty Chamberlain who has assisted Danielsen.

Danielsen is not only spearheading the series, but he is also competing. “I love it when we can bring people together from different tracks in the state and compete on some pretty equal footing. As regulars from different race tracks, we have somewhat different rules at each track, but with trade offs here and there, we are pretty equal overall. We’ve got a bunch of guys that could win this series and even a teenage girl competing in the series. The fans attending at Shady Oaks Speedway, as well as the other stops along the way, will definitely get their moneys worth when the series is there”.

At the kick-off event at Shady Oaks Speedway, current track points leader Tony Blankenship of Victoria will be on hand to compete against many of his regular opponents and the visiting cars. In discussion with Blankenship, he indicates this will be an opportunity for him to test his skills against folks he doesn’t typically race with and a good opportunity to make new racing friends.

“One thing we are focused on when we bring this show into Shady Oaks Speedway is that we will be there to put a show on for race fans that they’ll remember” said Dainelsen. “We have talent across the board in the series and when it comes to dirt track racing, it just doesn’t get much better than this group that will be on hand”.

The green flag drops at 7pm on September 23rd at Shady Oaks Speedway in Goliad. Also on hand for the night’s events will be several other classes including Classic Dwarf cars, Mini-Stocks, Limited Modifieds and others. It is no doubt that the action scheduled for the 23rd is not for the faint of heart.

by Monty Chamberlain
Logo by JBHotshots

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