txtom Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 I bet Freddy Fryar had a lap or two at SAS don't you reckon? 78 track champion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiTech Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 I wonder exactly how many cars ended up bent beyond repair after an encounter with the infamous SAS boiler plate... I know of one for sure. The Johnny Ivy / Nick Holt / Bruce Mabrito Vega broke a RF hub going into turn one in 1978 with Bruce behind the wheel. "Hello wall, goodbye car." Too bad, too. That car was mighty quick on the half-mile. Nick JACK DISHMAN TOOK A BAD WRECK INTO THE FRONT INSIDE WALL WHERE THAT OPENING WAS .HIS PRO 4 WAS SHORTEN WAY UP ..IT WAS DESTORYED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK END .I COULD NOT BELIEVE HE WALKED AWAY . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtom Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 The Champions: San Antonio Speedway Track Champions 1977 – 2005 1977 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Terry Labonte Limited Sportsman – Steve Klestinec 1978 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Freddy Fryar Limited Sportsman – Danny Stewart 1979 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Slick Yoemans Limited Sportsman - Danny Stewart Thunder – Gary Chappell 1980 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Rick Rapp Limited Stock - Eddie Bierschwale Thunder – Ervin Breiten, Jr. 1981 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Tommy Davis Limited Stock – Carl Wentreck Thunder – Ervin Breiten, Jr. 1982 Hi-Way 16 Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Keith Riethmeyer Limited Late Model – Carl Wentreck Thunder – Gary Chappell Lightning – Melvin Meyer, Jr. 1983 San Antonio Speedway Late Model Sportsman – Hubert Bean Limited Late Model – Tex Horn Thunder – Ervin Breiten, Jr. 1984 San Antonio Raceway Late Model Sportsman – Keith Riethmeyer Limited Late Model – Wally Garcia Super Stock – Beaver Stelzig Pro Street Stock – Terry Brooks Novice Street Stock – Bill Mann 1985 San Antonio Raceway Late Model Sportsman – John Kelly Super Stock – Gary Chappell Street Stock – Terry Brooks 1986 San Antonio Raceway Super Series – John Kelly Late Model Stock – Ervin Breiten, Jr. Super Street Stock – Gene Couch Bomber – Willie Mazur Four Cylinder Modified – Ricci Ware, Jr. 1987 San Antonio Raceway Super Series – George Hagy III Late Model Stock – Darrell Forrest Super Street Stock – Gene Couch Bomber – Jason Oates Four Cylinder Modified – Ricci Ware, Jr. 1988 San Antonio Raceway Late Model Stock – Beaver Stelzig Super Street Stock – Ervin Breiten, Jr. Bomber – Bill Kaiser 1989 San Antonio International Speedway Super Stock – Beaver Stelzig Modified Stock – Donny Horelka Hobby Stock – Bobby Villanueva Open Wheel Modified – John Meyer 1990 San Antonio International Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Jason Oates Charger – Bobby Villanueva 1991 San Antonio International Speedway NASCAR Late Model Stock – Jason Oates Super Street Stock – Kenny Hurley Charger – Joe Aramendia 1992 San Antonio International Speedway NASCAR Late Model – George Hagy III Super Street Stock – Larry Bendele Charger – Lloyd Fisher, Jr. 1993 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Ervin Breiten, Jr. Super Street Stock – Larry Bendele Charger – Steve Smith 1994 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Ervin Breiten, Jr. Sportsman – Robert Barker Charger – Scott Jerkins 1995 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Robert Barker Sportsman – David Barker IV Charger – Terry Bernsen 1996 River City Raceway NASCAR Late Model – Donny Horelka Super Street Stock – David Barker IV Charger – David Edwards 1997 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Jason Oates Super Street Stock – Brandon Bendele Charger – Bob Smith Thunder – Tammy DeSalme-Bernsen 1998 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Brandon Bendele Super Street Stock – Terry Bernsen Charger – Leland Waddell Thunder – Charlie Henley Super Late Model – Mike Denman 1999 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Brandon Bendele (also NASCAR Sunnbelt Regional Champion) Super Street Stock – Kenny Hurley Grand American Modified – Dennis Taylor Charger – Greg Rohmer Thunder – Robert Mayberry 2000 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Donny Horelka Super Street Stock – R.L. Alexander Grand American Modified – (TIE) Chris Swenson and Newton Barta, Jr. Charger – Greg Rohmer Thunder – Robert Mayberry 2001 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Brandon Bendele (also NASCAR Sunnbelt Regional Champion) Super Street Stock – Kevin Bendele Grand American Modified – James Cole Charger – Jesse Salazar 2002 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Mike Balzer Super Street Stock – Damon Bean Charger – Jeff Smith 2003 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Larry Bendele Sportsman – Marcus Bellino Road Runner – Chris “Homer” Pitner 2004 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Larry Bendele Sportsman – Justin Oates (also NASCAR Sunbelt ShorTrack Regional Champion) Road Runner – Greg Rohmer Women On Wheels – Kelly Earnhardt 2005 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Robert Barker Sportsman – Greg Rohmer Road Runner – Randy Frautschi Women On Wheels – Mona Turner 2006 San Antonio Speedway NASCAR Late Model – Joe Aramendia Sportsman – Mark Mathias Road Runner – J R Eichelberger Grand Stock – Jody Wayne Stuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debwill Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 txtom, I remember putting that list together a few years ago with your help. The list alone brings back a lot of memories, especially when I see the "Bendele" name so frequently! Yes, we had a lot of championships back then and so many races - both the highs and lows. It is sad to the official end of such a great place where all of those memories were created. It's so different now being in a staff position. I still have the passion for racing, but it's not the same as those last nights of the season when the championships were up for grabs. The tension on those nights is what I remember the most - along with the thrill of victory for my brother and nephews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colt15 Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 I always loved watching TIDA there. watching umsheid, slick, chrudimsky, reithmeyer, and grimes battle it out was always worth the ticket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looneedude Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 winning a few romco races with greg davidson that was cool beating some of the best around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMSCHEIDRaceServices Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Greg was or is included in that list of one of the best around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefs13 Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Entertaining the crowd and making them laugh. Also the friendships I made with the drivers. I would listen to the drivers vent at the end of the night when the other officials would avoid the pits. Dinner at Don Pedros with the Oates clan. Jalapeno chicken. Terrys "$500" dollar offers for moving to the back, Judy Haglund yelling over the radio for a deputy to come to the pits to shoot a dog that had been hit on the track, Bill Haglund singing at the banquets, Simon says with the little kids and trying to get them to hug some one "squealing" the the authorites and we couldn't do the 50/50 anymore Mentioning the name JEFF GORDON to the crowd and listen to a large chous of Boo's the skunks that lived i the tires around the track coming in 2nd in my 1 and only demo derby driving a race car for for practice courtesy of Wayne Hartman losing power and having to make announcements with the ambulance speaker system all the dirty jokes with Terry Barden and misbehaving with Pat Lane Using my binoculars for watching more than just racing.......see the next item ALL THE BEAUTIFUL women that showed up for the races Thats just a few from me Milton Hope SAS Announcer 15 years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Definitive Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hey Milton,has anyone approached you about getting your old announcing job back at Shady Oaks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefs13 Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hey Milton,has anyone approached you about getting your old announcing job back at Shady Oaks? My plate is full right now. I'm the mens and womens basketball announcer for UTSA, just finished a long season there which also carried over to H.S Basketball playoffs. I'm doing I-37 as it starts up this week, and then that rolls right into H.S. football w/the Alamodome, Judson and Wagner. Would be nice but don't think so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RACENRANDY Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 I have fond memories of racing a nascar charger car there in the early 90s, starting some of those features with about 30 cars. I have some not so fond memories of bouncing off that infamous boiler plate wall. Also getting to participate in some of those crazy driver games at intermission. Great memories! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dano36 Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hey Milton,has anyone approached you about getting your old announcing job back at Shady Oaks? My plate is full right now. I'm the mens and womens basketball announcer for UTSA, just finished a long season there which also carried over to H.S Basketball playoffs. I'm doing I-37 as it starts up this week, and then that rolls right into H.S. football w/the Alamodome, Judson and Wagner. Would be nice but don't think so Hey Milton, Some of us miss you at the track. Fortunately we go to Judson games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looneedude Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Greg was or is included in that list of one of the best around. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I remember being just inside the turn 3 wall as a spotter. Best seat in the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefs13 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hey Milton, Some of us miss you at the track. Fortunately we go to Judson games. Thanx Dano... I might make it some time this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I bet Joe Horne doesn't even remember this, but way back when, he asked me to announce a race or two very early in the season until he could get someone hired. Don't recall what year it was, but the old scoring tower was still there. The plexiglass windows on the South end of the booth - where the announcer was - were entirely missing. Instant air conditioning! LOL As I recall, there weren't a whole lot of folks in the stands, but I had a good time. No driver bios, not even a drivers list. All by memory. But I do remember hanging out the window to chat with folks or to see if the National Anthem was loud enough on the PA.. Does anyone else remember anything about that? Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyRodriguez Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Nick, i think that would have been around 84-85 about the time my dad was flirting with the idea of getting us out of the stands and into the pits.... I studied you announcers a long time.. I'm pretty sure the time is right. Not long after Rick Benjamin came alomg, then of KSAT 12, he sure has made the move thanks to SAS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Another time Neil upchurch asked me to flag a TIDA Late Model race for him. In those days there were a bunch of LMs that showed up to do battle Unless I'm totally mixed up, I believe this one was a 125-lap event. I had never done any flagging (except in practice, but anyone can do that) so I was really psyched up - I guess nervous would be a better way to put it. I don't remember a whole lot about the race but as far as I know, I didn't screw anything up too badly. But just like driving a race car, it's a lot easier to do sitting in the grandstands sipping a cold one than actually doing it. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickracer Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Sometime in the 80s. Harold Cope had just paid for his pit pass, walked up and put his hands on the back straightaway gate about the time the late models blasted by in practice. He turned around and said "Damned we are going to need a tune up" or Alan Yates said after Lazano blew up down the front straight "theres carne gasada everywere" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted March 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Nick, i think that would have been around 84-85 about the time my dad was flirting with the idea of getting us out of the stands and into the pits.... I studied you announcers a long time.. I'm pretty sure the time is right. Not long after Rick Benjamin came alomg, then of KSAT 12, he sure has made the move thanks to SAS!! Well, if you watched me, you learned what NOT to do for sure! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevyfan Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 please correct me if im wrong . but i remember around 90-91 there was truck race not like pro trucks but more like 18 wheelers that was pretty intresting .. i think it was some gas co. of mexico who sponsered them anyone remember those? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyRodriguez Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 i remember seeing Shawna Robinson race rigs there, that may have been 85 or so.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ou81too Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 WOW where do I start IN 1979 I raced a few times ,Most of the time was spent helping Slick Yomens win his championship. Then I went to work for IRISH OLEARY And I ass u med the job of sparky for equipment that was well beyond service limit,wire that was pushed to max. AND LIGHTS.IN 2005 I was a Car owner for 81 that Nathan Sloan roadrunner,Chelsea Hartin of WOW .We raced both classes with one car and 1 race between to get the car changed from a 6'0" driver to a 5'1" driver fastest seat change in my history. 2006 I took the wheel and the WOOKIE was born -----MEMORIES>>>PRICELESS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VideoGuy Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I have some of those memories on Tape. Shot a lot of the last two seasons at SAS on video. Still have the masters. Need to archive them some how so all the history stays together on this track. Thad. AKA the VideoGuy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted March 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Saturday I was digging through some old stuff looking for my binoculars when I stumbled accross 20 or 20 videos by "Videos by Donna." These were of the years I was Chief Steward - mid 90's - and I had forgotten all about them. How do I get them into digital format? I'd love to share some of these with folks who might be interested. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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