Lone Star Speedzone Photo Contest Winner
April 3, 2010
Nancy Kerr, mother of Texas Super Racing Series Allison Legacy driver Kris Kerr, took home top honors in this year’s Lone Star Speedzone Photo Contest. Kerr, who placed second in last year’s competition, won with a shot of Thunderhill Raceway’ Chief Tech Jack Sanderfur doing his thing after a race last season.
Nancy Kerr captured this post-race drama at Thunderhill Raceway.
“This picture captures the intensity and the drama always present behind the scenes in racing,” said one of the judges. “Not only that, but the use of onlookers shoulders to frame the drama implies that there is a crowd eagerly awaiting the results of whatever test the official is performing.”
“Whoever took this shot knew what they were looking for and caught it perfectly. The lighting, the framing and drama all come through to tell an interesting story,” commented one other judge.
The runner-up photo was taken by Gerald Fischer at Comanche Park in San Antonio last spring as his daughter (Anokha Fischer) tried out a QM for the first time.
Gerald Fischer snapped this shot of his daughter, Anokha Fishcer, after her 1st run in a QM
“The adrenaline is still flowing and you can almost hear this young lady saying, “Whao! That was FUN!” was one of the comments made about this pic.
“This is the sort of photo that allows the viewer to get involved with the emotions present,” was another comment. “The roll bars frame the youngster in an interesting way and the hand of the adult on the left side adds yet another point of interest. Is the man her father and is he smiling right along with his daughter? Or is it someone else wanting to enjoy this special moment with the driver?”
Gerald is a regular contributor in the forums here on Lone Star Speedzone. Congrats PAPA!
Third place goes to Tory Christopher who took this shot at Thunderhill Raceway during one of the kids’ races during intermission.
Tory Christopher captured the wonder and awe in the eyes of this future racer.
“This is a study in contrasts,” one judge said. “The violence and intensity of racing that is visible in the retaining wall contrasts sharply with the innocence and awe in the face of the boy. But the helmet speaks of a day when that young man will be adding to the tire marks on the wall.
“And the various shades of gray pop that red steering wheel out nicely. And the same people who came to watch the V-8’s scream are watching the opposite end of the spectrum with equal attentiveness.”
Tory has taken some amazing pics that we all have enjoyed here in the forums and this one is a prize winner!
Congratulations to the winners!
by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Schild, Morman and Albert hit paydirt at Houston Motorsports Park’s 2010 season opener
February 28, 2010
NASCAR Fiesta Late Model driver Larry Schild, III, came home the big winner in the 2010 Season Opener at Houston Motorsports Park Saturday night, winning the “Fiesta 50” in front of a large and appreciative crowd at the immaculate, 3/8-mile, concrete and asphalt speedway.
The winning NASCAR Fiesta Late Model driven Larry Schild III before the race
After starting in the seventh position, Schild battled though the field, avoided numerous spins, escaped a few “fender benders” and ducked under a major lap 15 wreck to take the checkered flag.
Veteran Greg Davidson took the early lead from the pole position before becoming the first of six Fiesta Late Models that would not finish the feature event and three that were knocked out of competition during practice for the event.
Ten cautions slowed the action-filled Late Model 50-lapper. While the majority of the cautions were minor spins, the biggest and scariest incident of the night came on a lap-15 restart involving Joe Aramendia, who was restarting from the inside pole position, and Chris Davidson ,who restarted directly behind him.
Going through turns one and two, Aramendia and Schild, who restarted on the outside pole, made heavy contact with each other causing Schild to slide up the track and giving Davidson a chance to get his nose under Aramendia as they exited turn two. Davidson stuck to the inside down the back stretch, but as the pair entered turn three Davidson’s right front tire climbed Aramendia’s left rear, sending both cars extremely hard into the turn three wall.
The impact brought Davidson’s front tire into the Aramendia’s car, leaving a tire mark on the roll cage less than a foot away from Aramendia’s helmet. The impact nearly flipped Davidson’s ride, but the car came to rest with the dirty side down.
Thanks to their up-to-date chassis designs and no-expense-spared safety equipment, both drivers were able to walk away without injury.
After a lengthy cleanup, it was back to racing with Aramendia’s teammate Brian Moczygemba in the top spot. He was able to hang onto the lead for 15 laps and 3 restarts before door-to-door contact with Todd McClemore sent both cars spinning as they battled for the lead.
Schild now found himself in the lead as the green waved for the restart and he was able to hold off Underwood, Moczygemba, and McClemore throughout the final four restarts. At the finish it was Schild, McClemore, Moczygemba, Underwood, and Charles Evans taking the top five positions.
Unfortunately for McClemore and Evans, during the post-race technical inspection, their Late Models had technical issues and were disqualified. This moved Moczygemba up to second, Underwood up to third, Mason Mitchell up to fourth and Bryan Schild to fifth.
The NASCAR Cricket Modifieds managed to complete their “Cricket 40” feature race with only 4 cautions.
Jason Morman led flag to flag, but the new HMP restart rule shook up the running order behind him. Under the new rule, each driver picks their lane for the double-file restarts instead of restarting single file as in the past. As expected, the leader took the inside lane all night long and for three of the four restarts the second-place car chose the outside lane.
Jason Morman took this ride to the winners circle after winning the NASCAR Cricket Modified race
At the finish, it was Morman followed by Brent Seeley and Ian Webster. Michael Umscheid and Art Kunseman rounded out the top five. However, the Kunseman modified was found to be too left-side heavy during the post-race technical inspection and fifth place was awarded to Jim Nides.
NASCAR 360 Truck driver Jim Albert made it look easy in the “Twister Drilling Tools 40,” after he got by early race leader Jody Buzbee on the 12th lap.
Jim Albert won the NASCAR 360 Truck event in this sweet ride
The biggest hit of the race happened with five laps remaining when Erin Sims spun in turn 2 and ended up sideways in the groove. David Lewien was left with nowhere to go and collided solidly with the right side of Sim’s stalled truck. Both drivers walked away from the wreck, but it took three wreckers and almost a half hour to separate the mangled trucks.
Albert easily held the lead through the last two restarts and took a popular win. Jody Buzbee, Cary Stapp, Justin Buzbee, and Byron Reed crossed the line to finish in that order to round out the top five. However, issues in the tech shed ended up shuffling the final results after Chief Tech Official Jack Sanderfur had a close look at the top finishing trucks. The trucks of Justin Buzbee and Reed were disqualified for technical reasons which moved Greg Wade and Tory Christopher into the top five.
In other action, Clayton Green turned his pole position in the Bandolero 15-lap main event into a checkered flag after fending off a determined Christopher Hogan for all fifteen caution-free laps. Hogan made several strong moves to get by Green towards the finish, but slight bobbles to avoid contact would cut short the attempts. Kyle Curtis led a tight battle for third across the finish line but his car did not pass the tech inspection which moved Jon Fernandez, Chase Schubert and Coltin Nordan up a notch to round out the top five.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, the Eco Stocks also ran their feature without the benefit of a yellow flag in spite of the fact that Brian Stipe (in a convertible with the top down) and Brad Dixon (in a minivan) ran virtually side-by-side for the entire 15 laps. At the finish the race was too close to call, but the electronic timing had Stipe the winner by 0.008 of a second!
The battle for third was just as heated as Samantha Marshall, Lizzie Baker, and several others swapped paint and positions several times as the tight pack raced right behind the two leaders. Baker held on to claim third.
In the 25-lap Pro Stock feature, J.T. Schild and Lynn Hardy picked up where they left off at the end of the 2009 season – bumper-to bumper and door-to-door - waging hard-fought clean, caution-free battles. This episode went to Schild who held off Hardy’s repeated attempts – both high and low – to get by the Schild. Veteran Pro Stock standout Del Harris finished third.
Unofficial Houston Motorsports Park results, 2/27/2010
Bandolero feature
1. 54 Clayton Green, 15 laps
2. 81 Christopher Hogan, 15
3. 24 Jon Fernandez, 15
4. 22 Chase Schubert, 15
5. 72 Coltin Nordan, 15
6. 12 Scott Smith, 15
7. 6 Jake Thomasson
DQ 25 Kyle Curtis
Eco Stock feature
1. 115 Brian Stipe, 15
2. 17 Brad Dixon, 15
3. 13 Lizzie Baker, 15
4. 7 Unknown, 15
5. 18 Gabriel Acosta, 15
6. 43 Bob Berndt, 15
7. 02 Samantha Marshall, 15
8. 44 Scott Harmon, 14
9. 9 LeAnn Albert, 14
Pro Stock feature
1. J.T. Schild, 25
2. 70 Lynn Hardy, 25
3. 1 Del Harris, 25
4. 31 Quentin Epler, 25
5. 18 Nathan Demski, 25
6. 8 Jim Axley, 24
7. 88 Freddy Davila, 22
8. 12 Richard Smith, Sr, 18
NASCAR Cricket Modifieds “Cricket 40″
1. 33 Jason Morman, 40
2. 5 Brent Seeley, 40
3. 13 Ian Webster, 40
4. 15 Michael Umscheid, 40
5. 8 Jim Nides, 40
6. 4 Kalif Sellier, 40
7. 82 Pat Kinsey, 39
8. 3 Mike Williams, 24
9. 88 Larry Hughes, 21
DQ 1 Art Kunseman
NASCAR 360 Trucks “Twister Drilling Tools 40″
1. 31 Jim Albert, 40
2. 77 Jody Buzbee, 40
3. 99 Cary Stapp, 40
4. 10 Greg Wade, 40
5. 44 Tory Christopher, 39
6. 28 Kevin Wiseman, 37
7. 3 David Lewien, 35
8. 6 Erin Sims, 34
9. 07 Rusty Mirth, 34
10. 72 Brent Bell, 17
11. 767 GW Egbert, 8
12. 36 Lynn Hardy, Jr., 5
DQ 19 Justin Buzbee
DQ 60 Byron Reed
NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Fiesta 50″
1. 11 Larry Schild III, 50
2. 179 Brian Moczygemba, 50
3. 99 Mark Underwood, 50
4. 57 Mason Mitchell, 49
5. 97 Bryan Schild, 47
6. 16 Terry Clark, 27
7. 79 Joe Aramendia, 15
8. 41 Chris Davidson, 15
9. 96 Greg Davidson, 13
DQ 54 Todd McClemore
DQ Charles Evans, Jr.
by Brian Sommers and Nick Holt
Photos by Nick Holt
Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet
January 19, 2010
The Thunderhill Raceway and Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) 2009 Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Over 300 drivers, racing teams, staff, officials, media and fans attended this annual event that was held at the Manchaca Firehall and Community Center in Manchaca, TX.
The evening began with a social hour, followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. During the pre-awards activities, guests were treated to video presentations that highlighted some track action, along with video clips from “life in the pits” during the 2009 racing season.
The awards ceremony began with the two emcees, Bobby Chaffee and Rodney Rodriguez, introducing the THR/TSRS Owner and Promoter, Mary Ann Naumann. Naumann welcomed everyone to the banquet and introduced the special guests – including Neil Upchurch from the Texas Pro Sedans, Arden Vikre from the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Mike Steinman from NasKarts, Nick Holt from Lone Star Speedzone and Bruce Mabrito (Motorsports writer).
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff, officials and safety crews. Kathy Tiemann, Director of Scoring, presented a trophy to Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, for her help with the training on the electronic scoring system. Naumann announced a few staff changes for the 2010 racing season as follows: Terry Barden as the Race Director for TSRS and traveling classes, Gary Smith as the THR Marketing Manger and Cameron Moore, Sr., as the Track Chaplain.
Neil Upchurch was next on the agenda and announced his retirement from the on-track activities for the Texas Pro Sedans. He presented awards to two Texas Pro Sedan drivers – the 2009 championship award to Mike Merrell and the Rookie of the Year award to Tory Christopher. Upchurch ended his presentation with an inspiring speech about the state of stock-car racing and introduced David Mackey as the new Race Director for the Texas Pro Sedans.
The Thunderhill Raceway awards were presented next, and the following drivers received the top awards:
Mini Stocks
Champion: #46 Mason Yousling
Grand Stocks Champion & Rookie of the Year: #58 Layton Carroll
To the Rear Award: #07 Richard Fitch
Thunder Stocks
Champion: #16 Mason Teague
Rookie of the Year: #58 Patrick Burow
ASA A-Line Super Stocks
Champion: #3 Clint LaFont
Rookie of the Year: #99 Chase Stapp
SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter
Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid
Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall
Following a nomination process by THR staff and drivers, the Special Awards winners were announced, as follows:
Thunderhill Raceway Extra Lap Award - David Lewien, driver of the #3 Pro Truck
Thunderhill Raceway Hard Luck Award - Dwayne Toyne, driver of the #48 ASA A-Line Super Stock
Thunderhill Raceway Best Appearing Crew Award -Allen Alexander, driver of the #80 ASA A-Line Super Stock, and his AAA House Leveling Team
Thunderhill Raceway “Kevin Suberg” Sportsman of the Year Award - Terry Tschoerner, Mini Stocks
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the THR and TSRS sponsors.
Tory Christopher invited all drivers to attend a Driver Image Workshop that will be held at THR on Saturday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The TSRS awards were presented next, and the following drivers received top honors:
TSRS Allison Legacys
Champion: #07 Rusty Mirth
Rookie of the Year: #19 Cole Runco
TSRS Late Models
Champion: #14 Jake Kruger
Super Pack Champion: #17 Robert Barker
Rookie of the Year: #72 Kendall Bumbera
A drawing was held for a certificate for a $900 Five-Star Late Model body. To qualify for the drawing, the TSRS Late Model driver(s) must have competed in a stock appearing, template-style body, competed in at least 75% of the scheduled events, displayed the Five-Star decal and must have been present at the awards ceremony. Dillon Spreen, driver of the #81 TSRS Late Model, was the lucky winner.
The emcees then announced the following winners of the TSRS special awards:
TSRS Mentor Team Award - Jake Wright, driver of the #96 TSRS Allison Legacy, and Jake Kruger, Driver of the #14 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Hard Luck Award - Levi Krauss, driver of the #4 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Best Appearing Crew Award - Kendall Bumbera, driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model, and her Next Generation Racing Team
TSRS Sportsman of the Year Award - Bobby Teer, Jr., driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model
David Mackey was presented with the Official of the Year trophy by Mary Ann Naumann.
The event was closed out with an expression of thanks to the Janette Huff and her family for the banquet decorations, Manchaca Firehall for the facility and food, the photographers and videographers (Jeff Garvin, Tory Christopher, Thad Yousling and Duke O’Connor) for banquet pictures and videos, Dave New with All American Trophy & Awards for the trophies and plaques and Insty-Prints for the banquet printing.
The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.
Story by Debbie Williams, THR Media & Public Relations Director
Photos by Jeff Garvin
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