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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

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

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

Mikulencak Masters Hudgeons Memorial at Texana; Jones tops Jack in 2nd round of Street Stock Shootout

It was a special night Saturday as Texana Raceway Park hosted the 2nd Annual Aaron Hudgeons Memorial, plus Round 2 of the South Texas Street Stock Shootout on the 5/16 mile, semi-banked clay track. Fifty-three drivers from across Texas and Louisiana signed in for the $2500 to win Limited Modified Memorial main event, with 35 Street Stocks competing for their increased purse.

Numerous sponsors stepped up adding to the special purse commemorating the life of Aaron Hudgeons, long time racer and chassis builder in the south Texas area. The soft spoken Hudgeons, who was one of those rare competitors that was always willing to help other racers - even those in own class - lost his battle with cancer last year. Hudgeons is highly respected by all those that knew or raced with him over his career.

Along with the big payday for the winner many other special awards were sponsored in the Limited Modified class, as well as the Street Stock class. The unique format included qualifying in the Limited Modified and Street Stocks, with B-mains completing the fields. Two provisionals would be added to make a 26-car Limited Modified starting grid, with 24 taking the green in Street Stocks.

Not only was it a full house in the pits with 100 cars in the three classes, but a huge fan turnout filling the grandstands, and grassy seating areas. During pre-race ceremonies track promoter Ken Bulsterbaum was leading into the invocation relating Hudgeons story and paying tribute to track owner Bruce Tesch’s mother who recently passed away, when two lone birds did a flyover the track. Eerie!

Mikulencak Masters Limited Modified Main

Veteran Corpus Christi ace Lawrence Mikulencak, in a car that’s been ‘transformed’ more times than the movie, used patience to grab the big win in the 26-car feature. Mikulencak, who qualified second behind Dustin Butcher, trailed Butcher the first third of the 30-lap event. Using the high side, Mikulencak took two laps to get by Butcher for the lead on lap 12. East Texas hot shoe, Johno Whittington chased Mikulencak through the last half of the race, but at the checkers it was Mikulencak by four car lengths over Whittington. Art Rodriguez, former NASCAR and USAC driver Paul White and Brandon Blaylock filled out the top five.

Kaleb Hudgeons, who begins his racing career next season in a Mini Stock bearing his fathers number 10, paced the starting field in a three-wide salute parade lap. As they green finally waved, Butcher jumped out front, but a mid-pack stack up saw Ray Doyon III get kicked around for a yellow. On the second start Mikulencak and Butcher stayed side by side through turns 1-2 before Butcher edged out front. Doyon again found himself facing the wrong way for a lap 1 caution.

The restart saw a similar back up in the pack with John Lieta, Jesse Manning and Chris Swenson getting tangled in turn 4. Going to single file, Butcher got a good jump on Mikulencak and Art Rodriguez, with Whittington getting past Blaylock for fourth. A caution for debris on lap 4 briefly slowed the action. Once back to green Whittington took third from A. Rodriguez, while White moved up from his eighth qualifying spot to battle with Blaylock for fifth.

Whittington then began to pressure Mikulencak for second on lap 8 with look high. Mikulencak decided it was time to go and gave the high groove a try also. Mikulencak gave Butcher several looks up top, as White and Blaylock continued to swap fifth. Mikulencak got along side Butcher on lap 11 and was able to clear him going into to turn 3 and lead lap 12 as Butcher tried to battle back.

Once Mikulencak cleared Butcher, Whittington moved along side him and got by coming to halfway showing Mikulencak, Whittington, Butcher, A. Rodriguez and Blaylock still wheel to wheel with White for fifth. Trevor Egbert brought out a lap 16 yellow when he had trouble and rolled to a stop in turn 4. As racing resumed Mikulencak eased ahead as Butcher tried Whittington low for second. Butcher spun in turn 2, causing A. Rodriguez to go around for a lap 17 yellow.

Back under green the top four got away as Blaylock now had his hands full with Houston veteran Howard Willis, who was moving up after qualifying through one of the B-mains. With ten to go Mikulencak was inching away from Whittington and A. Rodriguez. That margin was erased on lap 22 when Greg Metz spun in turn 4.

Mikulencak jumped out on green while Blaylock and Willis resumed their battle. As the flagman showed the field five fingers, Mikulencak had only two car lengths on Whittington. Whittington could inch closer in the corners, but Mikulencak could pull him coming off. As the white waved, Mikulencak, in the Ace Transmissions, Randy Young Auto Repair, Premier Graphics, “Frankenstein” chassis had a four car advantage that held for the victory.

“I miss racing racing with Aaron(Hudgeons),” commented Mikulencak. “I really respected and enjoyed racing with him. This is a good race for us to win. He’s one of the guys that more racers need to be like.”

“It took a lot of patience and a good ‘free’ car to pull of the win. Last year I had some mechanical problems and there were a few good cars here. This year there were a lot more fast guys, more than I expected. So this is a big win for us.”

“I didn’t find much on he high side trying to get by Dustin (Butcher). I was just patient out there and tried to run him a little faster. Johno (Whittington) was in the mix too, so I had to do something. I just had a good enough car.”

“This is the same car I’ve been running on asphalt all year. All the weight is on the left front, everything is the same except for the tires. This car is the same one I ran as a Modified and that you’ve been a calling a “Frankenstein” for ten years. It was built on a metric frame and I’ve taken all the Modified rear bars off and put a stock frame on it. It probably still has the cracked motor mount on it.(inside joke)” added the always entertaining Mikulencak who won a Modified race here before with a broken motor mount.

Limited Modifieds

87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 511 Johno Whittington, 22 Art Rodriguez, 2w Paul White, 9b Brandon Blaylock, 12m Howard Willis, 26g JJ Jennings, 75 Joel Couvillion, 66 Johnny Torres, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 63 Shane Hoefling, 174 Mickey Helms, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 76 Jesse Manning, 4 Robby Minten, 955 Greg Metz, 24 John Lieta, 147 GW Hessong, 9D Ray Doyon III, 90 Dustin Butcher, 48 Chris Swenson, 5A Trevor Egbert, 151 Adam Perks, 19 Bubba Seals

Awards

-$400 Dale Earnhardt die cast from Pray Racing, 87 Lawrence Mikulencak
-$150 Longest tow from defending winner Steve Whiteaker jr., 75 Joel Couvillion(Alexandria, La.)
-$100 Fast Qualifier from Ace Transmission; 90 Dustin Butcher
-$200 Fastest non-qualifier to make A-main from Corpus “C” Cars, 66 Johnny Torres
-$50 each Two highest non-qualifiers to not make A-main from South Texas Speedway, 85 Jeff Nix, 211x Dean Hollier
-H500 Tire, Hard charger from Bebo Race Designs, 12m Howard Willis
-$100 Hard luck award from Big Dog Racing, 5A Trevor Egbert
-(4) $50 O’Riellys gift cards from Art Rodriguez to 4 random non-qualifiers, 2 Robert Boyd, 18 Larry Jernigan, 04 Jacob Burnett, 63s Chase Sanchez

Provisionals; 147 GW Hessong (highest track points to not make A-main—Gave points to points leader Jensen Pray unable to make event due to Family emergency), 151 Adam Perks (promoters choice)

Limited Modified B-mains (Top 3 to A-main)

B-main 1

66 Johnny Torres, 184 Brian Rye, 9 David Meredith, 151 Adam Perks, 8 Lary Paris, 26 David McBride, 56 Brad Titzman, 119 Eric Floyd, 3j Jesse James, 10D Don Painter, 25 John Morgan

B-main 2

5A Trevor Egbert, 12m Howard Willis, 48 Chris Swenson, 83 Monte Nichols III, 37 Bill Pittaway, 115 Chuck Perry, 47 James Myers, 18 Larry Jernigan, 82 Brandon Dorsey, 81 Victor Lindsey, 11 Tom Grothues

B-main 3

174 Mickey Helms, 76 Jesse Manning, 20 Dwayne Norvell, 04 Jacob Burnett, 211x Dean Hollier, 1 Trice Hermes, 147 GW Hessong, 71w Bart Wilcox, 2 Robert Boyd, 3 Abraham Mares

B-main 4

26g JJ Jennings, 12 Roly Rodriguez, 4 Robby Minten, 85 Jeff Nix, 155 Vince Kacir, 63s Chase Sanchez, 68 Chris Shafer, 6 Vince Louden, 118 Anthony Gordon

Jones Out Jousts Jack in Street Stock Shootout

Top-qualifier Wade Jones took command early in the Street Stock Shootout chased by a handful of the best local fender car drivers. Jones was pressured in latter stages by Bobby Jack and Stephan Danielson as the 25-lapper wound down. On the final lap Jack got under Jones in turn 3 and came off tun 4 side by side. Jones won the drag race to the checkers by only a few inches to snag the flag to flag win.

As the 24-car field took the green, Jones was first into tun 1 trailed by Tony Blankenship, Jack, Brian King and Danielson. Jack, King and Blankenship were almost three wide for second on lap 1 with Jack getting the spot as the top six sorted out single file. King and Blankenship were side by side for third on lap 3, while Bubba Seals, Dennis Hilla and Eric Floyd were three wide for eighth. Seals and Hilla then went three abreast with Anthony Gordon for seventh as Seals made his way forward.

Alan Kunkel and Mike Moseley tangled on lap 9 leaving Moseley in the front stretch wall for the races first yellow. Once back to racing, Jack and Blankenship were door to door for second, Danielson and Chris Shafer side by side for fourth and Seals taking sixth from King, who began to fade before retiring early. Coming to the crossed flags it was Jones easing away, Jack, Danielson and Blankenship, while Seals and Shafer swapped fifth.

Floyd spun on lap 11, with Aaron Leddy and AJ Wernette spinning behind him bringing out the final yellow. As Jones inched ahead on green, Blankenship and Shafer were door to door, with Seals looking for a way by both. Seals finally got by Shafer for fifth on lap 16, then picked off fourth from Blankenship with AJ Dancer following in his tracks.

With five to go the top three were within a car length and holding a margin over fourth through seventh. Jack began to put the heat on Jones looking low on lap 21 as the top three were nose to tail. Behind them Dancer took fourth from Seals. Jack again got a nose under Jones as they came to the white flag. The two battled into turn 3 where Jack nearly got the advantage. As they raced to the checkers it was Jones in the Opiela Mechanical, Horelka Racing, Mission Auto Parts, SABFI, Mobil 1, Jeff’s Auto Rebuilders, 74 Ranch & Resort, Camaro holding on for the victory by less than a foot.

“It was a tough field out there tonight,” replied Jones. “Bobby Jack, Stephan Danielson and AJ Dancer was moving up quick. I’m lucky I qualified on the pole like I did. We tried a few different things in practice last night. We finally found something(that worked) and took a little wedge out. It worked out pretty good for us.”

“I kind of burned my tires off towards the end and Bobby got inside me. I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw him under me. Bobby’s a real clean racer and he gave me space. I tried to keep him pinned down so he couldn’t get a good run off turn 4. Sure enough it worked out.”

“We didn’t change much from our I-37 set up. We had a little more roll out and changed gears, that’s about it.”

Street Stocks

41 Wade Jones, 88j Bobby Jack, 149 Stephan Danielson, 52 AJ Dancer, 91 Bubba Seals, 77 Chris Shafer, 35 Tony Blankenship, 3 Steve Miller, 11 Shawn Kline, 118 Anthony Gordon, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 26 Eric Floyd, 2x Dennis Hilla, 21x Jason Fox, 23 David Bruns, 53 Jason Kelly, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 58 James Hoss, 93 Aaron Leddy, 37 AJ Wernette, 9* Brad Hayes, 31 Brian King, 68 Alan Kunkel, 3m Mike Moseley

100 Pole Award from King Racing - Wade Jones #41
(Award formerly for a winner with a Mud Buster sticker was changed to $25 Awards to each B-Main winner)
B-Main winners getting $25 each: Jason Fox #21x and Mike Mosely #3
$100 7th Place Finisher Award from Dynamic Race Craft - Tony Blankenship #35
$50 Hard Charger Award from Dynamic Race Craft - AJ Dancer #52 (started 17th and finished 4th.. Frank Okruhlik #37w also increased the same number of positions, but was not registered in the Shootout series.)
G60 Tire Certificate from Swenson Racing Chassis for Hard Charger - AJ Dancer #52
$250 value Bobby Labonte die cast car from Pray Racing to feature winner - Wade Jones #41
$50 drawn at start of feature for a position between 11th to 24th from G&R Racing. Number was 17 - Lauren Chamberlain #55

Street Stock B-mains(Top 5 to A-main)

B-main 1

21x Jason Fox, 52 AJ Dancer, 3 Steve Miller, 58 James Hoss, 53 Jason Kelly, 2 Scott Stubbs, 7 Cody Leonard, 76 Kevin McElveen, 4 David McGuire, 74 Charlie Raburn—DNS
B-main-2

3m Mike Moseley, 11 Shawn Kline, 37w Frank Okruhlik, 55 Lauren Chamberlain, 9* Brad Hayes, 50 Kevin Willms, 89F Matt Farris, 04 Dustin Robbins, 42 Curtis King, 22 Patricia Lucas

Victor Vargas grabbed the early lead in the 20-lap, 12-car Dwarf Car feature. Mike Christians got around Vargas on lap 2 but gave up the lead to Greg Sexton sr. when he slipped in turns 1-2. From there Sexton sr. stretched out his lead going on to take the win by a comfortable margin over Christians, Vargas, Brad Wright and Douglas Wright.

Dwarf Cars

14 Greg Sexton, Sr, 13 Mike Christians, 24 Victor Vargas, 1 Brad Wright, 66 Douglas Wright, 15 Gary Faris, 11 Jerry Godfrey, 4 Geoffrey Youngblood, 6 Keith Samples, 5 Keith Horella, 7 Greg Sexton, Jr, 2EZ Easy Casey

Dwarf Car heat winners; 2EZ Easy Casey, Greg Sexton, Sr.

Story by JM Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

Leland Waddell goes wire-to-wire to notch first Limited Late Model win at I-37

Leland Waddell was the first of the two new faces in I-37 Raceway’s Winners Circle as he posted a flag-to-flag win. Waddell jumped out front with Richard Bartosh and Andrew Hesler on his tail. Getting a good jump on a few restarts, Waddell became the fourth new Limited Late Model feature winner for the season.

Waddell took command coming off turn 2 as the 14-car Limited Late Model feature fired with Bartosh, Hesler, Robert Danielson and Trey Votion in pursuit. Votion got around Danielson on lap 3 for fourth. Last weeks winner, AJ Dancer saw his night end early as he went off turn 1 for a caution on lap 6.

As Waddell jumped out on green, Chris Jones went around off turn 4 bringing the yellow back out. Back to green, the top four were only separated by only a couple lengths as the race reached halfway. Hesler gave up third to Votion on lap 12. Jones got hung on the tires at the pit exit to bring out a yellow on lap 13.

On the restart, Waddell eased ahead, with Hesler looking to retake third from Votion. Votion held off Hesler and began pressuring Bartosh for second. This gave Hesler a run on Votion as they ran door to door on lap 17. As the white flag was shown, Waddell had a five car length margin on Bartosh going on to take his first ever I-37 Limited Late Model victory.

**Waddell left before I could get to the pits for an interview.

Limited Late Models
28 Leland Waddell, 7 Richard Bartosh, 99 Trey Votion, 1x Andrew Hesler, 49 Robert Danielson, 60 Harlin Covert, 08 Kevin Hayden, 14 Gary Hunter, 18 Shane Moore, 33 Shawn Kline, 42 Ron Sprayue, 69 Chris Jones, 32 AJ Dancer, 15 Doug Searcy

I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park concluded their Military Appreciation month, dedicated to all our troops, with some great racing action. Two new drivers found the 1/4 mile, semi-banked, dirt track to their liking and made their way to the I-37 Winners Circle in the Limited Late Models and Pure Stock classes.

In other class action it was the usual suspects taking checkered flags in the IMCA Modifieds and Southern SportMods, Street Stocks and Front Runners, plus a return of the Dwarf Car Racing Seres of Texas.

I-37 Raceway takes the Independence Day weekend for families to celebrate and returns to action again on July 9th with a Tribute to the Troops spearheaded by Andrew Hesler. Hesler, along with many other donors will be racing for the Center for the Intrepid helping the Wounded Warriors program.

A bus load of soldiers is expected from BAMC(Brooke Army Medical Center) to be guests of the track. Hesler, in his Limited Late Model, Greg Dinsmore in his IMCA Modified and Jarrett Payton(Pure Stocks) have all opted to start at the back of their features and race their way to the front and put on a show for the troops in attendance.

Dinsmore Dialed-in Again

After seeing his 6-race winning streak broken due to an accident and a week of repairs and readjustments, Greg Dinsmore has found the handle again starting a new streak, now at two. Dinsmore patiently stalked early leader, Robert Liese jr., found an opening and slipped past for the top spot on lap 7. Dinsmore increased his advantage the last half of the race to nearly a half track, while Bill Pittaway took second from Liese.

It was Liese, Borlace and Billy Meyer running three wide into turn 1 as the IMCA Modified feature roared to life. Liese got the point coming off turn 2, while Dinsmore got by Jamie Campbell and Rick Green for fourth. Dinsmore had just gotten past Meyer for third when Meyer lost the hood for a lap 3 yellow. On the restart Dinsmore picked off Borlace for second and closed on Liese.

Dinsmore patiently waited for a slip by Liese and got his chance coming off turn 4 on lap 6. Dinsmore ducked inside Liese and out dragged him into turn 1 to lead lap 8. Behind the leaders, Borlace and Pittaway were swapping third, while Campbell and Green ran side by side for fifth. After giving up third to Pittaway, Borlace fell into a fight with Campbell for that spot.

At the crossed flags it was Dinsmore, increasing his lead, Liese, Pittaway, and Borlace along side Campbell for fourth with Darin Leonard getting sixth from Green. Pittaway was able to get by Liese for second on lap 12, but found himself a full straightaway behind Dinsmore. Liese and Campbell then ran wheel to wheel for third with Borlace and Leonard swapping fifth. Dinsmore easily cruised to his eighth win of the season in the racetechinfo.com, Sundowner RV Repair, Ryan Bard Safety Foundation, JB Hotshots, Wells Designs, Good Ol’ Days Garage, Centex Motorsports powered Harris Chassis.

“The car is what makes it look so easy,” explained Dinsmore. “When it’s right, it’s magical. I let Robert (Liese) have his room and took my time. No one was challenging me so it gave me the time to play with it a bit an make sure I didn’t try the wrong spot to get by.”

After my last wreck, and the amount f money it cost, I just try to ease up a bit and wait for my spot instead of diving in. It’s just not worth it sometimes. You follow them a while and try to read them. Robert has gotten a lot better and I’ve got to give him props on that.”

“We’re still looking at the track championship here. There’s some hot days that I’d really like to stay at home, but I like coming here. It’s kind of tough sometimes with a new baby, or if Candace doesn’t want to go, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

“Next weekend Bob Harris has invited us to come up for the Harris Clash (Knoxville, Ia.), but we’re leaving the car at home. He’s got us our tickets, pit passes and suite. That’s a fabulous show up there. Traveling with a new baby is going to be different.”

IMCA Modifieds
8g Greg Dinsmore, 37 Bill Pittaway, 29 Jamie Campbell, 67 Robert Liese, Jr., 21 Jason Borlace, 26 Darin Leonard, 82 Rick Green, 99 Billy Meyer, 141 Rob Anderson, 3 Carlton Leverette, 31 Marlin Samford—DNS

Torres Tackles IMCA Sportmods

San Antonio’s Johnny Torres added to his I-37 Raceway season total grabbing another victory in the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature. Torres didn’t look to be a contender at mid-race as he watched Anthony Gordon and Jason Stanley battle for the top spot. Torres’ car came to life in the final half reeling in and passing Gordon for the lead on lap 16. Torres took the checkers with a several car lengths on Gordon.

As green waved on the 14-car IMCA Southern Sportmod feature, Stanley jumped out front, but the outside backed up with JC Pilcher and Pat Lyon finding the front stretch wall. On the second start Stanley led into turn 1, but it was Gordon, on the top, getting by to lead lap 1. Torres quickly worked his way by Ray Doyon III and Michael Hernandez for third on lap 1.

Stanley tried get by Gordon for the lead on lap 2 and got along side, but Gordon held the spot. Doyon got by Hernandez on lap 3 and challenging Torres for third. As Doyon tried a move on Torres, Hernandez snuck back by for fourth. Doyon then gave up fifth to Micky Helms. Coming to halfway it was Gordon and Stanley easing away, Torres, Hernandez and Helms in the top five.

Stanley again put the heat on the young Gordon getting along side on lap 11. Stanley would half spin on lap 12, losing several pots, but continuing without caution. Torres then began to reel in Gordon catching the leader with five to go. Torres used the bottom get under Gordon and take the lead on lap 16. Gordon hung with Torres the final laps while Hernandez did a 360 giving up a top five spot. At the checkers it was Torres in 24/7 Towing, Tator Plumbing, Rising Star Race Car Bodies, Screen Pro Graphics, Spreen Racing Engines, Driveline Chassis, by 4-car lengths on Gordon.

“It must have been a little luck tonight,” said Torres. “Because my car sure wasn’t working that good. I got some breaks, the right place at the right time and was patient. I took me a while to work my way up since we’ve been struggling with the handling on it. It was a little different, but we got it figured out.”

“I was trying to be more patient with Anthony(Gordon). He’s a good racer and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get into him. I’d really like to see him win one, but I like winning myself more. He’s doing better every week. His time will come soon.”

IMCA Southern Sportmods

66 Johnny Torres, 118 Anthony Gordon, 204 Mickey Helms, 66y Randy Yount, 92 Jason Stanley, 99x Michael Hernandez, 11 Tom Grothues, 04 Jacob Burnett, 85 Jeff Nix, 4 Robby Minten, 9 Ray Doyon III, 94 Allen Torres, 15 JC Pilcher, 60 Pat Lyon, 21 Barry Codling—DNS, 51 Greg Rohmer—DNS

AJ Dancer added another win to his Street Stock total, after taking a Limited Late Model main event the previous week. Aided by slower traffic, Dancer got by early leader AJ Wernette in the latter stages of the 20-lapper, with Dennis Hilla and Wade Jones all racing under a blanket. Dancer inched away after a late caution, while Jones and AJ Wernette battled for the runner-up spot.

Wayne Wernette led the 14-car Street Stock feature into turn 1, but was passed by his son AJ who led lap 1. Behind W. Wernette, AJ Dancer and Dennis Hilla fell in line. Dancer got by W. Wernette on lap 2, but had already lost ground to AJ Wernette. Hilla and Wade Jones took third and fourth on lap 4, followed by Aaron Leddy to fifth.

As Dancer, Hilla and Jones battled for second nose to tail, AJ Wernette edged away to a larger margin. Dancer and Hilla were door to door on lap 12 giving Jone an opening to grab third when Hilla drifted too high in turn 1. AJ Wernette caught slower traffic and had trouble getting by allowing Dancer to close the gap. Dancer was on AJ Wernette’s bumper as they encountered heavy traffic.

Dancer and AJ Wernette ran side by side on lap 17 with top four now under a proverbial blanket. Dancer snuck to the lead while Hilla made contact with AJ Wernette, sending him around for races only caution. AJ Wernette got his spot back, while Hilla got sent to the tail. The top three broke away on green with Jones getting second from AJ Wernette as the white flag waved. At the checkers it was Dancer in the A Plus Auto Parts, SAS Graphics, Dancer Motorsports, El Camino holding off Jones for the win.

“It was a lot of luck and few lapped cars that helped me tonight,” replied Dancer. “I figured Wade (Jones) was coming. You know he’s going to be there eventually. We moved some weight around between the heat and feature, but it still wasn’t enough. We’re still having a hard time with this car. I’m trying to keep it from three wheeling. It’s the only way the car wants to go. It’s got a mind of its own”

“Driving in two classes, the Street Stocks and Late Models, is like apples and oranges. In the Late Model it will stick and go where you want it to go. In the Street Stock it’s more like a suggestion, I’d like to go this way.”

Street Stocks
52 AJ Dancer, 41 Wade Jones, 37 AJ Wernette, 40 Mike Lyon, 93 Aaron Leddy, 2x Dennis Hilla, 88j Bobby Jack, 04 Nathan Robbins, 37w Wayne Wernette, 44 Danny Preslar, 7 Danny Schroat, 5 Rick Schroat, 53 Ben Blanford, 2 Scott Stubbs

Not wanting to be outdone by his brother Robby the week before, Talon Minten was the second first-time winner of the evening in the Pure Stock feature. Minten and Hunter Flanagan raced side by side for several laps until Flanagan found the tire wall and rolled. Minten was then chased by Brandy Ramzinski, who led earlier in the race but spun. Minten used a lapped car as “a pick” to hold Ramzinski off on the final lap.

Eric Watson took the lead of the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature on lap 1, but gave way to Jarrett Payton on lap 2. Ramzinski got along side E. Watson and by for second on lap 2 when Payton slowed. Ramzinski got the lead on lap 3 with E. Watson, Flanagan and Cody Leonard following past a fading Payton. Minten split Karoline Campbell and Adam Torres to move into fifth on lap 5.

Minten got by Leonard in traffic on lap 6 as Leonard slowed with a flat. Ramzinski spun on her own from the lead giving up the spot to Flanagan and narrowly missing Minten before falling to fourth. T. Watson brought out yellow on lap 8 when he stopped in the pit exit. When green waved again, the top four broke ahead and Minten was pressuring Flanagan for the lead.

The two young guns, who are good friends, ran side by side for four laps before Flanagan drifted too high in turn 4, clipped the tire barrier and rolled over bringing out a red flag. Flanagan was a little shaken, but checked out alright by the EMS crew. Once back to green, Minten and Ramzinski got away from Janel Hilla, Devin Adler and Jerry Jones. Ramzinski tried tried low as the white flag waved, but got hung up behind a lapped car in turn 4 giving Minten in the 3-D Landscaping, Cavender Toyota, Clays Auto Parts, Shepherds Race Engines, a clear run to his first ever race win.

“It feels good to get that first win,” commented Minten. “I saw Brandy(Ramzinski) back there at the end and just put it to the floor. I was thankful for that lapped car being when she got under me and got her hung up. Robby wining his first race last week didn’t really put any pressure on me(to win). We’re not that competitive, at least until I get a Sportmod too.”

“I wasn’t really nervous running out front. I was just trying to hit my marks.”

“I had a good race with Hunter(Flanagan) earlier and thought I might have taken him out. He’s my friend and I was nervous when I saw the ambulance come out. I didn’t think we made any contact and he said I didn’t touch him, so we’re good.”

Pure Stock
89 Talon Minten, 88 Brandy Ramzinski, 7x Janel Hilla, 117 Devin Adler, 95 Jerry Jones, 44 James Watson, 15 William Cavender, 14 Trey Heald, 22 Patricia Lucas, 8 Dustin Robin, 581 Hunter Flanagan, 24 Adam Torres, 99 Frank Okruhlik, 43 Eric Watson, 1 Tim Watson, 26c Cody Leonard, 9s Jarrett Payton

Old age and experience once again outran youth and exuberance as Jimmy Carroll took the victory in the Front Runner feature. Carroll battled throughout the race with Charles Earnhardt III as they traded the lead several times in the 15-lap event. Carroll, whose age is probably greater than the combined total of second through fifth, held off both Earnhardt boys at the finish.

A lucky 13 cars took the green for the Front Runner feature that went green to checkers, a vast improvement over last weeks crash fest. Ch. Earnhardt jumped into the early lead trailed by Dillon Gaither, Carroll, Cody Smith and Landon Sowder. Carroll quickly began to challenge Gaither for second as the top three pulled away from Sowder and Smith.

The top three were nearly 3-wide for the lead on lap 7, with Carroll getting the spot on lap 8. Carroll and Ch. Earnhardt continued to run side by side for lead while Sowder got by Smith for fourth followed by Cody Earnhardt to fifth. Ch. Earnhardt regained the lead on lap 9 as his brother worked his way past Sowder for fourth.

Carroll snuck back into the lead on lap 12 as the two swapped the top spot corner for corner on lap 13. Carroll secured the point on the final lap, while Co. Earnhardt got third from Gaither. At the checkers it was 68-year old Carroll in Car Craft Auto Service, Mitsubishi Mirage holding off his young competitors for the win, increasing his points lead over Hailee Marcx, who finished eighth.

“It was a little bit of good luck, a little good driving and a good motor by my sponsor Pat Lyon at Car Craft Auto Service.” said Carroll. “I feel very fortunate to still be able to race at 68 and still out run all those younger drivers.”

“This will help me in the points against Hailee(Marcx). She’s a good young racer and drives a good, clean race all the time.”

Front Runners
67 Jimmy Carroll, 33 Charlie Earnhardt III, 33c Cody Earnhardt, 9 Dillon Gaither, 08 Landon Sowder, 13 Cody Smith, 17 Kirsten Blevins, 113 Hailee Marcx, 27 Hayden Anderson, 66c Cindy Snider, 98E Will Holder, 12 Roy Easler sr., 57 Trevor Bettis–BF

In the Dwarf Car feature Chuck McCormick found his way to the Winners Circle getting by early leader Michael Dion near halfway. McCormick held off a late charge by veteran Arden Vikre in the final circuits to grab the victory.

Dion jumped out front at the start of the 2-lap DCRST feature with Dwain Groff spinning from second leaving Richard Smith, McCormick and Jim Mokry trailing Dion. McCormick got past Smith for second as Mokry spun from fourth and fell back. McCormick began to put the heat on Dion for lead and snagged the spot on lap 9. Chris Silvas jr. spun on lap 9 for the races only caution.

On the restart, McCormick eased away with Brian Wells getting by Dion for second as Arden Vikre shot by both Dion and Smith for third. D. Groff made his way back to the top five, while Wells and Vikre battled for second. Vikre got the position with two to go and tried to close on McCormick. Vikre got close but at the checkers it was McCormick hanging on for the win.

Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas
8 Chuck McCormick, 72 Arden Vikre, 69 Brian Wells, 2 Jim Mokry, 60 Richard Smith, 07 Michael Dion, 86 Chris Silvas jr., 15 Dwain Groff, 30 Billy Groff, 96 Tyler Wells, 61 John Flake—DNS, 27 Butch Havelka–DNS, 85 Chris Silvas sr.–DNS

by J.M. Hallas
Photos by JBHotshots

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

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

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

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

Dinsmore Dominance Continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Torres Tops Again in Sportmod Scramble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Votion Victorious in Limited Late Models

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jones Tames Lyon in Street Stock Shootout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Payton Powers to First Pure Stock Payday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earnhardt Edges Away to Grab Front Runner Flag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by J M Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

Mike McCarthy on a Mission - Wins Modified Main at I-37 Speedway

Coming back from early early adversity, Round Rock’s Mike McCarthy made a last lap pass to steal the victory IMCA Modified feature from last week’s winner, Rick Green. McCarthy got out front early but was forced to pit from the lead when a shock broke. McCarthy fought his way back to the front to battle with Green. When Green had his own troubles in the final laps, McCarthy snuck by coming to the white flag and held on for the win.

As the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event roared to life, McCarthy got a good jump from the pole to lead them into turn 1 with Bill Pittaway, Rick Green and Matt Fox three wide. Before completing lap 1 Marlin Sanford went around to bring about a complete restart. McCarthy again got out front with Fox and Green side by side for second. Green got the spot on lap 1, while Darin Leonard went by Sanford for fifth.

Robert Liese jr. was next to put Fox back a spot on lap 2 with Fox spinning and collecting Pittaway and Joe Spillman. Under caution McCarthy pulled off with a broken shock to the hot pit handing the lead Green on the lap 3 restart. Once back to green Leonard got past Liese for second, while McCarthy charged back into the top five. Fox looped it again on lap 4 to bring out a caution.

Once back to green McCarthy blasted past Sanford for fourth then Liese for third. Pittaway followed to fifth. A caution for debris on lap 6 saved Spillman who got tagged and spun on the front stretch. Leonard took a look low inside Green as green waved again, but fell back in line as the top three got away clean. Pittaway was able to take fourth from Sanford. At the crossed flags it was Green, Leonard, McCarthy, Pittaway and Sanford.

After a caution for a stalled car, Green got a four car length advantage on the restart but McCarthy quickly closed back in. As the top four eased away Sanford, Spillman and Joe O’Bryan scrapped it out for fifth until O’Bryan went around on lap 16.

The top three broke away on the green with Leonard looking to get back under McCarthy for second. Spillman got inside and by Sanford for fifth, but spun off turn 2 and collected Sanford for a lap 18 caution.

As the racing resumed McCarthy got along side Green with the two wheel to wheel on the back stretch. Green held on to the point until lap 18 when he slipped high in turn 4. McCarthy seized the opportunity and slipped by to lead as the white flag waved. McCarthy in the Superior Race Fuels, Spillman Excavating, BG Mesa, BC Repairs, Quality Engine Exchange, Edge Chassis eased away to take the checkers.

“I was on a mission tonight,” McCarthy said after the race. “I really wanted to get a win tonight. I was driving it hard. This is my first win here since 2005.”

“I had a shock that broke in the heat race but didn’t know it. It started flopping around in the feature so I pulled off and got it off. I ran the entire race without a left rear shock.”

“Rick’s(Green) car had some brake problem and he slipped up and I got under him. I think the most important thing is to race people clean, and that’s what I try to do. No matter who it is. I didn’t have an opening until he broke. I don’t know if I was fast enough to get by him.”

IMCA Modified resuls

1. 20 Mike McCarthy
2. 82 Rick Green
3. 26 Darin Leonard
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 67 Robert Liese jr
6. 44x Joe O’Bryan
7. 44s Joe Spillman
8. 17 Cody Tidwell
9. c31 Marlin Sanford
10. 53 Matt Fox
11. 24 Tracy Fink—DNS

IMCA Modified winners were Bill Pittaway and Mike McCarthy

Johnny Torres Tops in Sportmod Scramble

Even a dismal heat race finish didn’t bother Johnny Torres, who would start the 20-lap IMCA Southern Sportmod feature dead last. Torres quickly worked his way forward running in the top five by halfway. Torres moved in on early leader and defending class champion, Mark McGahey after a restart. Ducking inside on lap 12 Torres got past McGahey to lead lap 13. From there Torres increased his margin over McGahey easily cruising to his first checkers of the season.

“I just drove as hard as I could,” commented Torres who started 13th in the 24/7 Towing, Douglas Glass, Ace Transmissions, Spreen Racing Engines, Stealth Racing Chassis SportMod. “It seemed like I passed some guys three time getting up there. It was worth it at the end. The cushion was working pretty good. It started out a little heavy, but as it went along it dried out and I got faster.”

“I’m pretty good at starting near the back. I can’t remember the last time I started up front so it was like a normal race. That’s why I was comfortable back there. I feel good racing side by side with all these guys. We’ve been racing together for a long time.”

“I’m not worried about points. I’ll just try to win as many as I can and see how it all works out.”

IMCA Southern Sportmod results

1. 66 Johnny Torres
2. 92 Jason Stanley
3. D9 Ray Doyon III
4. 37 Bill Pittaway
5. 88 Mark McGahey
6. 51 Greg Rohmer
7. 18 Larry Jernigan
8. 11 Chris McLendon
9. 89 Doug Livingston
10. 09 David Routen
11. 4 Robby Minten
12. 00 Leland Frautchi
13. 66y Randy Yount

IMCA SSM heat winners: Doug Livingston and Larry Jernigan

With the Limited Late Models and Street Stocks both having short fields, they ran their features together, but scored separately. As green waved Barry Major got the lead of the Limited Late Models, while Dennis Jasik took the Street Stock point. Kelly Hardage got out of shape and body slammed Jasik in turn 2 ending both of their nights early. Once back to green, Major grabbed the top spot again with AJ Wernette leading the Street Stocks.

Wesley Skains, who took a wild ride in the heat race, brought out the yellow on lap 2 when he half spun and stalled. As racing resumed Major eased away from Richard Bartosh and Gary Hunter, as Skains worked his way back up. Skains got by Hunter then Bartosh and chased down Major for the lead on lap 9. Skains lost ground after going to high in turn 2 then went over the turn 2 hill, but not as far as the trees on this adventure.

Major again inched away from Bartosh and Hunter, while Wade Jones was waiting patiently behind Wernette in the Street Stock battle. Jones got around Wernette on the final circuit to take the Street Stock while Major scored his first victory in Limited Late Models.

Tator Plumbing Limited Late Models

1. 33 Barry Major
2. 7 Richard Bartosh
3. 14 Gary Hunter
4. 25 Wesley Skains
5. 18 Shane Moore
6. 12 Kelly Hardage

Limited Late Model heat winner Barry Major

Street Stocks
1. 41 Wade Jones
2. 37 AJ Wernette
3. 8 Dennis Jasik
4. 40 Mike Lyon—DNS

Street Stock heat winner Wade Jones

Jason Smith beat Brandy Ramzinski into turn 1 to get the point in the 18-car, 20-lap Pure Stock feature. Freddie Geirisch got by Ramzinski for second and caught Smith for lead on lap. Marc Roy and Sonny Jones both got past Ramzinski for third and fourth until Roy slipped off turn 2 giving third to Jones. Geirisch and Smith were door to door for the lead on lap 3, while Roy got third back from Jones. Geirisch was able sneak by Smith for the top spot on lap 4.

Roy took second from Smith on lap 4 while Jones snagged third on lap 6. The lead duo of Geirisch and Roy were catching the back of the pack when Anna Major got turned around to bring out a caution on lap 8. Once back to green, Geirisch inched ahead while Roy and Jones swapped second. Behind them Patrick White, Frank Okruhlik and Sean Terry had their own scramble going on for fifth.

Rick Snyder and JW tangled on lap 10 with Major ending up stuck on an infield tire. On the restart Jones ducked low on Geirisch getting along side on the back stretch. Jones got the bumper out front on lap 11 as the two continued to run side by side. Jones slipped high with Geirisch retaking the lead on lap 12 and Roy sneaking past for second. Roy had just started to pressure Geirisch for the lead when yellow waved for James Watson who took his Pure Stock truck four-wheeling of turn 2.

As green waved again Geirisch, Roy and Jones broke away from another three car battle between Ramzinski, Okruhlik and Terry for fourth. Terry got around Okruhlik for fifth on lap 16. With two to go Roy was on Geirisch’s bumper and Jones was lurking three car lengths back. Geirisch was able to hold off the defending track champ Roy on the final lap, with Terry getting by Ramzinski and White going past Okruhlik.

Pure Stocks
1. 19 Freddie Geirisch
2. 24 Marc Roy
3. 555 Sonny Jones
4. 23 Sean Terry
5. 88 Brandy Ramzinski
6. 17 Patrick White
7. 99 Frank Okruhlik
8. 72 Gilbert Amezquita
9. 4 Brandon Eure
10. 9 Jarret Payton
11. 66c Rick Snyder
12. 77 Ray Radicke
13. 43 Eric Watson
14. 44 James Watson
15. 80 JW
16. 33 Anna Major
17. 02 Philip Haywood
18. 13 Jason Smith
19. 15 William Cavender—DNS

Pure Stock heat winners Freddie Geirisch and Marc Roy and Patrick White

With a couple generous contributions from Tator(Mason) Plumbing and Pure Stock driver, Jason Smith the Front Runners has more than just glory and a trophy on the line for their 15-lap, 13-car feature. At the start Chad Thrush and Nick Hencey stayed side by side until Charlie Earnhardt III squirted through the middle to get the lead on lap 1. Hencey, Roy Easler, Thrush and Cameron Smith fell in line behind Earnhardt.

Easler spun himself out of third on lap 2, with James Sanford getting by Smith for fifth. Easler couldn’t clear the edge of the track bringing out a caution on lap 3. On green, Earnhardt and Hencey put some distance on the third place fight. Sanford did a half spin on lap 5 giving up fifth to Steven Stanley. By halfway Earnhardt was pulling ahead of Hencey, while Alec Jasik got by Thrush for third.

Sanford had just taken fifth back from Stanley when red waved for Jasik who ended up on his roof after rolling 1 ½ times in between turns 1-2. Jasik was able to crawl out a little shaken, but otherwise uninjured. When the field was shown the green again Hencey got a good jump getting by Earnhardt in turn 1. Earnhardt fought back in turn 2 to retake the top spot. The top three ran nose to tail in the final laps, but no one could get by the Earnhardt who took his second win on the year.

Front Runners
1. 33 Charlie Earnhardt III
2. 911 Nick Hencey
3. 35 James Sanford
4. T-30 Chad Thrush
5. 20 Brent Bouchillion
6. 96 Steven Stanley
7. 66c Cindy Snider
8. 98 Amber Clay
9. 113 Hailee Marcx
10. 67 Kathy Williams
11. 8jr Alec Jasik—flipped
12. 12 Roy Easler
13. 13 Cameron Smith

Front Runner heat winners Charlie Earnhardt III and Nick Hencey

By J.M. Hallas
Photos by Jamie Brabson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by TQ Jones

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