Fireball Frenzy/Meet-n-Greet, Stock Car Wars @ I-37 Speedway 5/18/24

By JM Hallas

 

Pleasanton, TX.,(May 18^th, 2024) So, who left the heater on?

 

The new Fireball class continues to grow every week from a start of just three cars to nearly a full field a year later. So it was their night to be the featured class at I-37 Speedway Saturday night on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, dirt, oval.

 

Up for grabs in the Fireball feature was $500 to win after a giving the fans the chance to “Meet-n-Greet” their favorite driver(s). During intermission the entire field lined up on the entry road for the spectators to go and see the cars with some drivers giving away hero cards.

Stock Car Wars; Thinking outside the box, I-37 Speedway promoters came up with the idea of running a grudge-type race between the Factory Stocks and Fireballs. At first glance you would think it might be lopsided, but judging by lap times, not so much. It will be interesting since a couple of the fastest Fireball are leaf spring cars on 9” ribbed tires(AR 970), while Factory Stocks have metric trailing arms and 10” asphalt take-off slicks(Hoosier F-45). The winner picking up an extra $200 should be incentive enough to 'just send it.'

 

Some took my just 'send it' idea too literally and sadly so many cars got torn up in both of the features that Stock Car Wars had to postponed to a later date. Of course due to the heat and wind the track went dry slick for the first time this season adding to the carnage.

 

Beaver Best in Limited Modified Battle

The start of the 20-lap Limited Modified main saw Robert Wiggins bounce off the front stretch wall and clip Joshua Archibald sending him around. Under caution Jared Maupin saw his ride lose power before pulling off. The second start had Tom Grothues grab the lead ahead of Trent Beaver, Charles Flanagan, Steven Whiteaker III and Heath Stewart.

 

Beaver got past Grothues for the lead on lap 2 with Grothues spinning trying to fight back. On the restart, Whiteaker took second from C. Flanagan with Heath Stewart following to third. Brian Harbison moved ahead taking fifth from Rowdy Flanagan, then fourth from C. Flanagan.

 

At the crossed flags it was Beaver, pulling away, Whiteaker, Stewart, Harbison and Grothues. As Beaver continued to motor away, Harbison closed on Stewart for third getting the spot on the final lap. Beaver, with a full straight lead, easily took the checkers in the Beaver Heating & Air Conditioning, Bear Wash, Beaver Medical Group, Auburn Custom Homes, LaVernia Mini Storage, WW Bodies, Best Race Engines, IRP Chassis.

“I knew I had to get through traffic to the front early.” replied Beaver. “I knew I was hung on the outside on the restart. I just cut between both of them and got to second place. I was just running my line and got the lead when (Tom) Grothues spun out.”

 

“I was kind of looking for Jared. I didn't want to leave the door open like I did last race here. I didn't know where he was at. I was told he had some type car trouble and pulled off the track. I was just driving my line and hitting every mark.”

 

Allowing a rebuttal referring to the last race(Natty 30) Beaver added, “He(Ray Allen Kulhanek) out drove me that race. I can't say he did me dirty. I messed up, he took advantage of it and got by me. The race before that I got by him, so it's payback I guess. I think we're going to be good now, I don't think it was dirty. It was the last lap for two grand. It was a good move.”

 

Limited Modifieds by Iron Horse RV Specialists

14 Trent Beaver, 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 11x Brian Harbison, 14h Heath Stewart, 57 Charles Flanagan, 26w Robert Wiggins, 58 Rowdy Flanagan, 96 Jared Maupin, 10d Clint Everage, 41 Joshua Archibald,11t Tom Grothues---dq

 

Limited Modified heats

Heat 1; 96 Jared Maupin, 11x Brian Harbison, 11t Tom Grothues, 57 Charles Flanagan, 41 Joshua Archibald, 26w Robert Wiggins

 

Heat 2; 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 14 Trent Beaver, 14h Heath Stewart, 10d Clint Everage, 58 Rowdy Flanagan

 

Torres Tallies Another Trophy

The 20-lap Factory Stock feature saw Michael Keylich and Johnny Walker Brown stay side by side with M. Keylich leading at the line chased by Brown, Dustin Hurley, Jarrett Payton, with Dakota Hurley door to door with Brandon Welker. Coming off turn 4 for the second lap, Brown spun collecting over half the field in a grinding crash that saw at least seven cars take damage.

 

Payton and Brian Schneider were done for the night. Both Torres', Maupin, Mike Lyon and Robert Keylich all some body damage. No drivers were injured.

 

After the red flag, M. Keylich was getting pressure from Du. Hurley looking high. Hurley then tried low and got the nose under M. Keylich. The two made contact on the front stretch with Hurley going around for a caution. On the restart it was three wide for the lead going into turn 1. J. Torres came out of that battle with the lead on lap 6 with Welker getting under Da. Hurley.

 

Maupin made his way to the front taking third from Welker with Shane Lander and Du. Hurley side by side for fifth. Coming to halfway it was J, Torres, M. Keylich, Maupin, Welker and Lander in the top five. Maupin picked off M. Keylich for second with Welker and Lander side by side for fourth. Lander got by bringing Allen Torres along to fifth.

 

A spin by R. Keylich slowed the pace on lap 14 and rebunched the field. Maupin took a peek low on J. Torres back under green with A. Torres and Leander door to door for fourth. Maupin kept the pressure on J. Torres looking low off the corners and a little bumper tag going in.

 

That scrap came to a head when Maupin got the nose inside coming to the white flag. The two made contact sending J. Torres spinning to the infield. Maupin, who pretty much took responsibility on his own, was charged with caution. Despite a flat left front tire, J. Torres got away clean on the one lap shootout taking the win in the Scott Ball Racing, 8T1 Construction, All in Designs, Diffs by Dale, CRS Suspension, Sundowner Performance Diesel, 1st Class Towing, Hercules Foundation, Rush Gear by Austin Witt, Allen’s 24/7 Towing, Mission Auto Parts, Dirt Defender, Best Engines, Outlaw chassis.

“I don't know if I'd call that surviving,” said Torres. “It was pretty rough. The first dry slick track of the year took it's toll on some people. I figured I was done after that early crash. I moved the car left-right and felt a left front flat. I thought after that I had no chance but just stick it out and see what I've got. I just ran around the tires and was lucky enough to win.”

 

“Jared(Maupin) always races me clean I guess. He was faster, but I knew he was going to have to go to the outside. I wasn't going to give up the bottom and stay around the tires. I guess he tried to squeeze in somewhere that there wasn't any room. I figured the leader getting spun would get his spot back. I wasn't too worried about it.”

 

Factory Stock by All in Design

66 Johnny Torres, 44k Michael Keylich, 94 Allen Torres, 40 Dakota Hurley, 64L Shane Lander, 4d Dustin Hurley, 44x Brandon Welker, 55r Rusty Head, 92r Robert Keylich, 20 Mike Lyon, 7 Johnny Walker Brown, 18s Jarrett Payton, 56 Brian Schneider, 29 Jared Maupin---dq(leaving track to pit), 4 Damon Bean---dns

 

Factory Stock heats

Heat 1; 44k Michael Keylich, 4d Dustin Hurley, 7 Johnny Walker Brown, 55r Rusty Head, 29 Jared Maupin, 94 Allen Torres, 20 Mike Lyon, 64L Shane Lander

 

Heat 2; 18s Jarrett Payton, 66 Johnny Torres, 40 Dakota Hurley, 44x Brandon Welker, 4 Damon Bean, 92r Robert Keylich, 56 Brian Schneider

 

First Fireball Checkered Flag for Hernandez

 

At the start of the 20-lap Fireball feature the outside row stacked up on green while Ryan McDonald grabbed the lead trailed by Dale Caswell, Levi Hernandez, DJ Schroat and Joseph Montemayor. L. Hernandez got by Caswell just before McDonald suffered a flat and stopped. L. Hernandez inherited the lead for the restart.

 

As the race went green again, Howie Marcx got turned the wrong way collecting Brian Harbison and Ryker Hernandez. Back under green, Aaron Leddy got past Montemayor for fourth. As Caswell was looking low on Hernandez for the lead, Leddy got by Schroat but Matthew Hodge, Montemayor, Marcx and Harbison tangled in turn 2.

 

Back green, Schroat and Caswell made contact allowing Leddy to get by both before they spun in turn 1. The ensuing restart saw Leddy loop it collecting Hodge and Marcx. Finally to some racing, not wrecking, Hodge was challenging Caswell for second looking on the high side while Marcx tried to get under Hodge.

 

At halfway it was L. Hernandez, Caswell, Hodge, Marcx and Shane Stonebraker. Hodge finally made the pass on Caswell for second with Marcx following to third. Hodge ran down L. Hernandez for the lead and tried the high side coming to five laps to go but couldn't complete the pass.

 

L. Hernandez slipped high enough off turn 4 that Hodge stuck the nose inside. The two made contact on the front stretch. Hodge again tried the move on lap 17 with Marcx now looking high on both. On the final lap, Hodge and Marcx had separate spins in turn 2 leaving L. Hernandez to grab the victory in the iraceenterprises, Davis Custom Leather Works, Love Story Boutique, Air by Cody, TLC Graphics, My Favorite Service Company, Sullivan Racing, B's Midnight Gossip, Diffs by Dale, home built motor and chassis.

“Ya, I'm more talkative than Ryker,” joked the older Hernandez brother. “I was just trying to drive my line and stick to it. I saw Matt(Hodge) get under me a couple times. Going for the win it gets a little rough down there on the bottom. I had to stick down there and was able to pull it off.”

 

“With all those cautions I came by the flagstand and threw up my hands, like 'what, can nobody drive?' I just tried to pull away on the restarts and stick to the bottom and run my race. I think we've got a hot rod now. I've had a lot of help between my dad and my girlfriends dad.”

 

Fireballs by Winner Circle Transmissions

28 Levi Hernandez, h2s Shane Stonebreaker, 1 Dale Caswell, 8 DJ Schroat, 64 Danny Dear, 6 Kelly Marbach, 58 Matthew Hodge, 13 Howie Marcx, 816 Ryan McDonald, 93 Aaron Leddy, 18m Joseph Montemayor, 99 Brian Harbison, 37 AJ Wernette, 55 Ryker Hernandez

 

Stock Car Wars; Postponed to a later date.

 

Fireball heats

Heat 1; 816 Ryan McDonald, 58 Matthew Hodge, 1 Dale Caswell, 8 DJ Schroat, 28 Levi Hernandez, 6 Kelly Marbach, 37 AJ Wernette

 

Heat 2; 99 Brian Harbison, 18m Joseph Montemayor, 93 Aaron Leddy, 13 Howie Marcx, h2s Shane Stonebreaker, 64 Danny Dear, 55 Ryker Hernandez

 

Wilson Takes First Dirt Win

As green waved on the 20-lap Sport Compact feature Justin Sitterle lead into turn 1 pursued by Josh Jones, Eric Wilson, James Baum and Rod Tait. It was three wide for the lead with Jones getting the top spot on lap 2. Wilson moved alongside Jones on lap 3 then got the nose out front on lap 4 before securing the lead.

 

Fons Ponsioen went around with Sonny Kinnaman getting a little piece of the action while Justin Van Winkle got fifth. At the midway point it was Wilson, starting to ease away, Jones, Baum, Sitterle and Van Winkle in the top five. Van Winkle was able to work his way past Sitterle for fourth.

 

Up front, Wilson, who barely made it to the track for the heat race due to a bad trailer bearing, was increasing his margin on Jones. At the checkers it was Wilson, in the Ted Taxidermy and After Hours Feed, 1.9L Saturn SC2 taking his first ever dirt track victory, as well as increasing his points lead.

“In order to finish first, you must first finish,” said Wilson. “The biggest plan is don't destroy the car. I saw an opening on the outside and thought it was early enough in the race in case I lose a couple spots. I went up high, where I'm comfortable, and found some good grip. I found some speed up there and was able to make the pass.”

 

“I could see Josh(Jones) outside my door a couple times. I just waited until I couldn't see him anymore for a couple laps before I moved down. Fastest line was really the low line, but when you run side by side it slows you both down.”

 

“I've won a couple times on asphalt, but always have bad luck on dirt. This is the same car I ran on asphalt. The set up(for dirt) is completely different. Running that set up I was able to get fourth of fifth place finishes. I took some advice from some of the guys that have raced the past 30 years. I did what they told me to do and it seemed to work out.”

 

Sport Compact by Johnson Supply

18 Eric Wilson, 11j Josh Jones, 007 James Baum, 825 Justin Van Winkle, 88 Justin Sitterle, 98 Ronnie Schoenfeldt, 76y Donald Lewis, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 70 Rod Tait,22 Fons Ponsioen, 3% Sam Walker---dns

 

Sport Compact heat

Heat 1; 11j Josh Jones, 88 Justin Sitterle, 70 Rod Tait, 007 James Baum, 18 Eric Wilson, 76y Donald Lewis, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 22f Fons Ponsioen, 3% Sam Walker, 98 Ronnie Schoenfeldt

Limited Modifieds by Iron Horse RV Specialists

14 Trent Beaver

88 Steven Whiteaker III

11x Brian Harbison

14h Heath Stewart

11t Tom Grothues

57 Charles Flanagan

58 Rowdy Flanagan

96 Jared Maupin

10d Clint Everage

41 Joshua Archibald

Sport Compact by Johnson Supply

18 Eric Wilson

11j Josh Jones

007 James Baum

825 Justin Van Winkle

88 Justin Sitterle

98 Ronnie Schoenfeldt

76y Donald Lewis

38 Sonny Kinnaman

70 Rod Tait

22 Fons Ponsioen

3% Sam Walker---dns

Factory Stock by All in Design

66 Johnny Torres

44k Michael Keylich

94 Allen Torres

40 Dakota Hurley

64L Shane Lander

4d Dustin Hurley

44x Brandon Welker

55r Rusty Head

29 Jared Maupin

92r Robert Keylich

20 Mike Lyon

7 Johnny Walker Brown

18s Jarrett Payton

56 Brian Schneider

4 Damon Bean---dns

 

Fireballs by Winner Circle Transmissions

28 Levi Hernandez

h2s Shane Stonebreaker

1 Dale Caswell

8 DJ Schroat

64 Danny Dear

6 Kelly Marbach

58 Matthew Hodge

13 Howie Marcx

816 Ryan McDonald

93 Aaron Leddy

18m Joseph Montemayor

99 Brian Harbison

37 AJ Wernette

55 Ryker Hernandez

Fireball heat

Heat 1

816 Ryan McDonald

58 Matthew Hodge

1 Dale Caswell

8 DJ Schroat

28 Levi Hernandez

6 kelly Marbach

37 AJ Wernette

 

Heat 2

99 Brian Harbison

18m Joseph Montemayor

93 Aaron Leddy

13 Howie Marcx

h2s Shane Stonebreaker

64 Danny Dear

55 Ryker Hernandez

Sport Compact heat

Heat 1

11j Josh Jones

88 Justin Sitterle

70 Rod Tait

007 James Baum

18 Eric Wilson

76y Donald Lewis

38 Sonny Kinnaman

22f Fons Ponsioen

3% Sam Walker

98 Ronnie Schoenfeldt

Factory Stock heats

Heat 1

44k Michael Keylich

4d Dustin Hurley

7 Johnny Walker Brown

55r Rusty Head

29 Jared Maupin

94 Allen Torres

20 Mike Lyon

64L Shane Lander

 

Heat 2

18s Jarrett Payton

66 Johnny Torres

40 Dakota Hurley

44x Brandon Welker

4 Austin Bean

92r Robert Keylich

Limited Modified heats

Heat 1

96 Jared Maupin

11x Brian Harbison

11t Tom Grothues

57 Charles Flanagan

41 Joshua Archibald

26w Robert Wiggins

 

Heat 2

88 Steven Whiteaker III

14 Trent Beaver

14h Heath Stewart

10d Clint Everage

58 Rowdy Flanagan

Natty 30 by Iron Horse RV Specialists @ I-37 Speedway 5-4-24

By JM Hallas

 

Pleasanton, TX.,(May 4th, 2024)…...and NO I'm NOT going to say it!

 

It was another full night of racing action Saturday night at I-37 Speedways ¼ mile, semi-banked, dirt, oval. On the card were the Late Models, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Fireballs, Sport Compacts and the first appearance of the “Trilogy” for E-Mods. A three race I-37 Speedway series with a champion crowned.

 

If that weren't enough, it was “Mothers Night Out” with special gifts and drawings for gift cards, plus vendors with special Mothers Day goodies. Gentleman, that would next weekend, May 12th….Just sayin'.

 

The Limited Modifieds would run the Natty 30, sponsored by Iron Horse RV. A 30-lapper for the class with $1,250 to win(more added later), $75 to start the main and a drivers auction.. Plus some contingencies, like hard charger, long tow awards.

 

The E-mods(Economy Mods) will be making their first of three trips over the season. The E-mods look like their bigger brothers(IMCA Mods/Limited Mods) but a bit more restricted on engine/chassis rules and some run topless. This event, sponsored by the 366 Motorsports Foundation, pays $600 to win, $75 to start.

 

Doyon Does It

As the 20-lap Late Model feature fired off it was Marcus Mikulencak getting the point with Ray Doyon, Cody Leonard and Ryan Doyon three wide for second and Robby Minten fifth. That battle sorted out with Ry. Doyon, Ra. Doyon and Leonard until Leonard got past Ra. Doyon and made slight contact with Ry. Doyon almost giving the spot back to Ra. Doyon.

 

As Ma. Mikulencak pulled out to half straightaway lead, Minten got by Ra. Doyon for fifth. As Ry. Doyon and Leonard battled for second they were three wide in traffic. At the crossed flags it was Ma. Mikulencak, Ry. Doyon, Leonard, Rory Jordan and Ra. Doyon after Minten pulled off.

 

Ma. Mikulencak made a mistake in traffic off turn 2 hitting the infield briefly. This gave Ry. Doyon the opening to grab the lead on lap 12, while Lawrence Mikulencak took fifth from Ra. Doyon. A late spin by Ra. Doyon in turn 4 set up a three lap shootout for the win.

 

Ry. Doyon got away from Ma. Mikulencak and Leonard back under green with La. Mikulencak able to take fourth from Jordan and pressure Leonard for third. At the checkers it was Ry. Doyon(La Coste) in the 3-D Landscaping, Alamo Truck Accessories, Boss JCB, Site One Landscaping Supply, Gunn Fleet Management Chevrolet, RainBird, Eagle crate powered, MB Custom Chassis.

“It was mostly a little bit of luck,” exclaimed Doyon. “I was just cruising in second. I didn't think I'd be able to catch him(Mikulencak). Thankfully he ran up on a lapped car and had a little trouble and I was able to go around them both.”

 

“You're kind of watching ahead of you. It's kind of 50/50. You're trying to see what's happening, but you're still running your own race. It worked out in my favor, just luck.”

 

“The track tonight was not as hammer down as it has been. I honestly thought the track was awesome. It was smooth and dry and you could run just about anywhere. I don't change much on my car for that, I adjust my driving style. We make some minor changes, but mostly it's my driving.”

 

Nogalitos Gear Late Models

5r Ryan Doyon, 12 Marcus Mikulencak, 48 Cody Leonard, L87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 7x Rory Jordan, 53x Matt Fox, 9r Ray Doyon III, 5k Ziggy Reusser, 4 Newton Barta, 77 Mark Taylor, 24 Robby Minten, 08 Landon Sowder, 1x Andrew Hesler---dns

 

Late Model heats

Heat 1; 12 Marcus Mikulencak,48 Cody Leonard, 5r Ryan Doyon, 24 Robby Minten, 53x Matt Fox, 5k Ziggy Reusser, 77 Mark Taylor

 

Heat 2; 9r Ray Doyon III, 7x Rory Jordan, 87 Lawrence Mikulencak, 08 Landon Sowder, 1x Andrew Hesler, 4 Newton Barta

 

Kulhanek Klaims Natty 30 Kash

The 30-lap Natty 30 Limited Modified main was a little rocky. Marcus Mikulencak and Trent Beaver stayed side by side, but in the pack Tom Grothues and Kyle Wilkins tangled for a complete restart. The second start saw Beaver get out front with Mikulencak second and Logan Densman, Ray Allen Kulhanek and Shane Hoefling three wide for third.

 

Kulhanek quickly picked off Densman and Hoefling for third with Nathan Titzman getting fifth from Densman and fourth from Hoefling. Kulhanek then set his sights on Mikulencak for second while JJ Jennings put Hoefling back another spot. At halfway it was Beaver out front while Mikulencak and Kulhanek were wheel to wheel, sometimes three wide in traffic, for second, Titzman and Jennings completing the top five.

 

Clint Everage would spin on lap 17 in turn 4 for a break in the action. Beaver got away on the restart while Titzman got by Mikulencak for third. Jennings capitalized on that battle going past both. With five to go, Kulhanek closed the gap to Beaver getting a better run in, while Beaver had the better pace getting off the corners.

 

That battle continued the final five laps with Kulhanek getting to Beavers bumper on entry, but Beaver firing off better as both hugged the bottom line. On the white flag lap Beaver left enough of an opening in turn 3 that Kulhanek dove in. The two exchanged some paint with Kulhanek getting a better run off turn 4 to snag the victory in his KTC Construction, Renegade Race Fuel, Browders Marina, Pipeline MD, Duke Motorsports, Integra Racing Shocks, Sevies Speed Shop, Mark Herring Race Engines, Innovative Chassis.

“This track has been good to me, this year anyway,” said Kulhanek picking up his second win this year at I-37 Speedway. “I thought Marcus(Mikulencak) would jump into the lead, but Trent(Beaver) got out there. I made some changes to the car at intermission. It just really kind of panned out. I got the car into the race track a little more. We've made a lot of strides getting this thing figured out.”

 

“You have to make changes when the race track starts losing grip. I really like to see tracks like this. I like to see them get wide, slick, patchy where you have to move around. You just try to keep some dig in the car. I was making little changes, but right before the main I made a left rear shock change. I know that wants to get into the track more. I was worried it might be too much. By the time I got into turn 1, got the car rotated and pointed, she hooked up in the race track and I knew we had a good car. I just needed the breaks to go my way.”

 

“Ya, Trent(Beaver) and I have some history,” added Kulhanek. Opening night I started on the inside with him outside. He jumped the start, then in turn 3 he drove across the nose. My right front hit his left rear and spins us both. I got sent to the back. The last time I raced here I passed him twice without touching him and he did the same thing. On that last restart I won't lie, I shoved the nose a little. It never upset the car. I just hit the brake and rotated the car. As soon as I got rotated, he was in my door. If you're not going race with respect, don't expect any from me. He opened the door enough and we're racing for a thousand some dollars, plus the auction.”

 

On the tech pad the Beaver team protested the car of Kulhanek.

“Apparently we were suppose to have had a direct drive transmission. added Kulhanek. “Funny, we're over here with a three speed on a clutch. They thought we had an automatic with a dummy convertor. We collected an extra $250 for that. I lost the throw out bearing earlier in the night, the clutch pedal just went to the floor. We had to bump start it in gear. Their protest just added insult to their injury”

 

Natty 30 Iron Horse RV Limited Modifieds

21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, 14 Trent Beaver, 26 JJ Jennings, 1t Nathan Titzman, bd3 Marcus Mikulencak, 00e Jaden Edmund, 7mk Kyle Wilkins, 15t Rusty Head, 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 04 Cameron Cook, 57 Charles Flanagan, 63 Shane Hoefling, 26d Logan Densman, 26w Robert Wiggins, 10d Clint Everage, 30k Logan Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 58 Rowdy Flanagan, 11t Tom Grothues

 

Limited Modified heats

Heat 1; 21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, 1t Nathan Titzman, bd3 Marcus Mikulencak, 26d Logan Densman, 30k Logan Dinsmore, 29 Jamie Campbell, 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 11t Tom Grothues, 26w Robert Wiggins, 10 Clint Everage

 

Heat 2; 63 Shane Hoefling, 26 JJ Jennings, 04 Cameron Cook, 14 Trent beaver, 00e Jaden Edmund, 15t Rusty Head, 58 Rowdy Flanagan, 7mk Kyle Wilkins, 57 Charles Flanagan

 

Titzman Tallies First Checkered Flag

The 25-lap E-Mod feature was brutal at times and seemingly no one wanted to run up front. On green Zach Freeman jumped ahead of Hunter Porter, Zach Calhoun, Caden Valente and Steven Whiteaker III. Collin Hillin would slow on lap 2 and stack up Derrick Gonzalez and Charley York for a yellow.

 

Then the front straight lights went out.

 

After a long red to reset the lights, Freeman jumped out while Whiteaker took fourth from Valente with Parker Titzman following to fifth. Whiteaker's top four run ended when he went around and got T-boned by Porter. In the melee, York, Jude Allgayer and Cameron Voelschow tangled trying to avoid.

 

On the restart Mickey Helms got into Porter in turn 1 sending him around. Three laps in, three cautions. Once back to green, Beaver again got ahead of the pack with Daniel Preston getting along side Porter for third. Porter would spin from that fight and fall back with no caution. Calhoun would then loop it from second falling back to seventh leaving Freeman with a big lead.

 

Jett Johnson looped it on lap 7 for another slow down. Now with a single file restart, Freeman got out, while Titzman got by Valente for third as the fast line moved up a lane. Freeman lost the lead when he spun, handing the top spot to Preston. At the mid point it was Preston, Valente, Titzman, Charles Flanagan and Jaden Edmund in the top five.

 

Titzman grabbed second from Valente and caught Preston for the lead in traffic. Titzman was able to used slower cars to get past Preston on lap 15. Preston fought back as they continued dicing in traffic. Preston was able to retake the lead on lap 20 with Titzman coming back getting inside Preston on lap 22, before a lap 23 debris caution slowed the pace.

 

Back under green, Flanagan got loose and backed up the pack. Freeman would jump one infield tractor tire and kick a second track for another yellow. On the restart, Titzman got away by a couple cars lengths, but Preston charged back. The 14-year old Titzman(Corpus Christi) would hold steady and hang on for his first ever victory in the Ace Transmission, Aramendia Motorsports, On Demand Shirts, RPM Equipment, All in Designs, Empire Chassis.

 

“I was getting pretty tired,” exclaimed Titzman. “I tried the top around the lapped cars and that didn't work. Daniel(Preston) was able to get by me for a while. I went back to the bottom and caught him behind lapped cars and passed him.”

 

“I get help from my grandpa(Lawrence Mikulencak), Marcus and my brother Nathan. I work on my car every day, one thing at a time. I'm home schooled so I can work on it when I don't have any homework to do. I do get a lot of laps at L87 Speedway too.”

 

“I know the older guys are going to race me as hard as they can. I have a little experience now and have learned how to run the car.”

 

366 Motorsports Foundation E-Mods

L87 Parker Titzman, 6” Daniel Preston, 44 Caden Valente, 57 Charles Flanagan, 00 Jaden Edmund, 22 Zach Calhoun, 75h Mickey Helms, 13p Hunter Porter, 59b Brianna Witzsche, 26 Johnny Johnson, 2a Collin Hillin, 95 Tim Thompson, 4 Jude Allgayer, 13 Jett Johnson, 21s Summer Nave, 27 Zach Freeman, k13 Kris Workman, 18 Cameron Voelschow, 73 Derrick Gonzalez, 58 Matthew Hodge, 51 Charley York, 88 Steven Whiteaker III

 

E-Mod B-main(top 7 to A-main)

00 Caden Edmund, 18 Cameron Voelschow, 73 Derrick Gonzalez, 57 Charles Flanagan, 95 Tim Thompson, 59b Brianna Witzsche, 58 Matthew Hodge, 71w Dusty Wilcox, 96f Benjamin Fanning,18sDaniel Schmidt, 13k Kyle Jackson

 

E-mod heats

Heat 1; 22 Zachery Calhoun, 6” Daniel Preston, L87 Parker Titzman, k13 Kris Workman, 4 Jude Allgayer, 18 Daniel Schmidt, 13k Kyle Jackson, 73 Derrick Gonzales, 51w Wyatt McDonald, 96f Benjamin Fanning

 

Heat 2; 44v Kaden Valente, 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 75h Mickey Helms, 26 Johnny Johnson, 51 Charley York, 95 Tim Thompson, 71w Dusty Wilcox, 57 Charles Flanagan, 00e Jaden Edmund---dq

 

Heat 3; 27 Zach Freeman, 13p Hunter Porter, 21s Summer Nave, 13 Jett Johnson, 2a Collin Hillin,18 Cameron Voelschow, 58 Matthew Hodge, 59b Brianna Witzsche, 40 Kyle Workman

 

Dabney Dashes to Factory Stock Dollars

The 20-lap Factory Stock feature saw Michael Keylich grab the lead into turn 1 followed by Jarrett Payton, Wade Jones, Allen Torres and Brandon Welker, but debris brought the yellow out. The second try saw M. Keylich lead to turn 1, but it was Payton off turn 4 leading the way over M. Keylich, Michael Dabney, Jones and Torres.

 

Torres would get under Jones for fourth while Payton, Dabney and M. Keylich went three wide for the lead before Johnny Walker Brown spun in turn 3. On the restart Payton and Dabney got away with Torres and Jones side by side for third and Welker getting fifth from M. Keylich. Robert Keylich spun on lap 6 for a caution.

 

Back to green, Dabney got inside Payton taking over the top spot on lap 7 with Torres following to second. Jones would loop it on lap 8 for a caution that saw Torres stop and not be able to refire ending his night. Dabney got away on the single file restart as GW Hessong took fifth from M. Keylich.

 

At halfway it was Dabney, Welker, Payton, Jones and Hessong in the top five. Dabney then methodically pulled away from Welker, who had a gap back to Payton, Jones and Hessong. With two to go Dabney(Kaufman) had stretched his advantage to a half straightaway taking the checkers in his Revolution Graphics, Lakeside Ice, Diamond Diesel Service, Rush Race Gear, Cen-Tex Metals, Hair Drama, Undercover Shocks, Jeff Reynolds Electric, Dirt Defender, Jacks Stereo, Dadbods, Best Race Engines, Outlaw Race Cars by Seven Motorsports.

 

“Both HOT(Heart o Texas) and KSP(Kennedale Speedway Park) got rained out so we decided to venture out,” replied Dabney. “We were going to go to Rocket but were afraid it would cancel too, but it didn't. Either way it turned out good for us.”

 

“The point average deal is a little different than we're used to. So we had to start deep in the field(7th) but we made quick work of that and picked up the win. I was down here one time last year. I study the previous races before I even come to a track. So I know who to look for and where they're running. I try to base what I'm going to do off those guys. It paid off tonight.”

 

“When I saw the lineup I told myself I had to get to the lead before Allen(Torres) does somehow, someway. That first lap I saw they were all bottled up on the bottom and sent it around the high side and picked off three or four right away. I just worked my way from there to the lead. I know Allen had some trouble and some other cars behind me. I didn't have any issues. It sucks for Allen, but worked out for me.”

 

“I know how most of these guys drive. I always know who I'm racing around. More times that not I know where guys are going to make mistakes. Down here it was a little different. I had to be patient with where I made my moves. All in all, it was a clean night. I got together a little with Michael Keylich. It was good clean racing.”

 

“I have to thank my girlfriend Hope, Chad, Shawn, Jared, Riley, Melvin Mack for coming down and all their help. Johnny Torres gave me the motivation to come down here and paid my pit pass. Of course he goes and runs at Rocket. Next time I come down I hope he's here and I get to run against him. He is the king of I-37 Speedway. I want to race against the best of the best.”

 

All in Design Factory Stocks

5x Michael Dabney, 44x Brandon Welker, 18s Jarrett Payton, 41 Wade Jones, 747 GW Hessong, 44k Michael Keylich, 494 Dillon Kidwell, 53k Kasey Krauss, 34h Hunter Peterson, 14t Trey Heald, 21m Blayne Murphy, 7 Johnny Brown Walker, 92r Robert Keylich, 94 Allen Torres, 18 Kyle Kirkland, 44v Kevin Vasbinder, 10 Scott Jerkins, 4 Austin Bean

 

Factory Stock heats

Heat 1; 94 Allen Torres, 5x Michael Dabney, 747 GW Hessong, 44x Brandon Welker, 18s Jarrett Payton, 10 Scott Jerkins, 34h Hunter Peterson, 92r Robert Keylich, 4 Austin Bean

 

Heat 2; 41 Wade Jones, 53k Kasey Krauss, 44k Michael Keylich, 21m Blayne Murphy, 494 Dillon Kidwell, 18 Kyle Kirkland, 7 Johnny Walker Brown, 44v Kevin Vasbinder , 14t Trey Heald

 

Harbison Takes Fireball Honors

The Fireball feature started with Aaron Leddy getting the lead into turn 1 trailed by Jennie Barber, Kenny Wright, Ryan McDonald and Howie Marcx. Barber took over the top spot on lap 3 while Marcx got fourth from McDonald. Barber half spun on lap 4 giving the lead back to Leddy and falling to back to fourth.

 

As Wright began putting pressure on Leddy, Brain Harbison was moving to the front getting by Marcx for third, then Wright for second. Harbison got along side Leddy coming to halfway showing Harbison, Leddy, Marcx, Wright and Barber in the top five. Someone kicked an infield tire on track and Barber, who got her spot back, got caught on it for a lap 14 yellow.

 

On the restart Leddy tried to pressure Harbison for the lead back, but Harbison was able to get away by a few car lengths. Lap 17 saw McDonald loop it in turn 2 with Clint Montanio, Levi Hernandez and Mark Pivarnik tangling in turn 4 at the same time. Harbison and Leddy got away on green while Barber was looking low on Marcx. Harbison(Floresville) was able to hold Leddy off the final two laps for the win in the Ray Doyon owned, 3D Landscaping, Mark Herring Race Engine, former asphalt Camaro.

 

“Coming from a Limited Mod these cars are kind of inconsistent,” explained Harbison. “They are a lot of fun though. This is the first leaf spring car I've ever run. When they take a set, you car just mat it. After about 5-6 laps I got used to it and it was predictable.”

 

“I watched about 50 races and my mentor is obviously Johnny(Torres) I watch him, try to mimic his entry because it got real slick. There was some moisture around the tires. I just stuck with that and tried to hit my line every time. It was solid.”

 

“There's some good shoes in this class, so I have no trepidation running out there with them. I thought pretty early on that they didn't have the line that I had. I just slowly picked them off.”

 

Winners Circle Transmissions Fireballs

99 Brian Harbison, 93 Aaron Leddy, 13 Howie Marcx, 19 Jennie Barber, 09 Clint Montanio, 68 Kenny Wright, 18m Jospeh Montemayor, 14 Mark Pivarnik, h2s Shane Stonebraker, 17 Scott Walker, 816 Ryan McDonald, 64 Danny Dear, 28 Levi Hernandez, 11bvr Noah Van Blarcum

 

Fireball heats

Heat 1; 19 Jennie Barber, 93 Aaron Leddy, 18m Joseph Montemayor, 14 Mark Pivarnik, 11vbr Noah Van Blarcum, 09 Clint Montanio, 28 Levi Hernandez

 

Heat 2; 13 Howie Marcx, 99Brian Harbison, 69 Kenny Wright, h2s Shane Stonebraker, 816 Ryan McDonald, 17 Scott Walker, 64 Danny Dear

 

Ryker on a Roll

The Sport Compact feature saw Justin Van Winkle get the advantage early over Ryker Hernandez, Rod Tait, Sonny Kinnaman and Josh Jones along side Eric Wilson. Van Winkle and Hernandez then began a five lap side by side scrap for the lead. At halfway it Van Winkle, by a bumper, Hernandez, Tait, Wilson and Kinnaman.

 

Just as it looked like Van Winkle would take command pulling out to a three car length lead, he slipped high in turn 4 giving Hernandez an opportunity to take the lead. From there Hernandez(San Antonio) was able to hold off Van Winkle to score another victory in the iraceenterprise, Allways Auto Group, Lovett Car Wash, Sullivan Racing, C3 Speed Horses, 2005 Chevy Cavalier.

 

“This may be my third win this year,” said Hernandez. “I was watching what Justin(Van Winkle) was doing and trying to find an opening to get around him. He did a little slip up in turn 4 and that's when I got my chance to get under him and get by him. I just held my line and tried to get as far away as possible.”

 

Johnson Supply Sport Compacts

22 Ryker Hernandez, 825 Justin Van Winkle, 70 Rod Tait, 18 Eric Wilson, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 11j Josh Jones, 007 James Baum, 76y Donald Lewis

 

Sport Compact heats

Heat 1; 22 Ryker Hernandez

825 Justin Van Winkle, 76y Donald Lewis, 70 Rod Tait, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 11j Josh Jones, 18 Eric Wilson, 007 James Baum

366 Motorsports E-Mods

L87 Parker Titzman

6” Daniel Preston

44 Caden Valente

57 Charles Flanagan

00 Jaden Edmund

75h Mickey Helms

22 Zach Calhoun

13p Hunter Porter

59b Brianna Witzsche

26 Johnny Johnson

2a Collin Hillin

95 Tim Thompson

4 Jude Allgayer

21s Summer Nave

27 Zach Freeman

k13 Kris Workman

18 Cameron Voelschow

73 Derrick Gonzalez

58 Matthew Hodge

51 Charley York

88 Steven Whiteaker III

All in Design Factory Stocks

5x Michael Dabney

44x Brandon Welker

18s Jarrett Payton

41 Wade Jones

747 GW Hessong

44k Michael Keylich

494 Dillon Kidwell

53k Kasey Krauss

34h Hunter Peterson

14t Trey Heald

21m Blayne Murphy

7 Johnny Brown Walker

92r Robert Keylich

94 Allen Torres

18 Kyle Kirkland

44v Kevin Vasbinder

10 Scott Jerkins

4 Austin Bean

Natty 30 Iron Horse RV Limited Modifieds

21t Ray Allen Kulhanek

14 Trent Beaver

26 JJ Jennings

1t Nathan Titzman

bd3 Marcus Mikulencak

00e Jaden Edmund

7mk Kyle Wilkins

15t Rusty Head

88 Steven Whiteaker III

04 Cameron Cook

57 Charles Flanagan

63 Shane Hoefling

26d Logan Densman

26w Robert Wiggins

58 Rowdy Flanagan

10d Clint Everage

30k Logan Dinsmore

29 Jamie Campbell

11t Tom Grothues

Johnson Supply Sport Compacts

22 Ryker Hernandez

825 Justin Van Winkle

70 Rod Tait

18 Eric Wilson

38 Sonny Kinnaman

11j Josh Jones

007 James Baum

76y Donald Lewis

Nogalitos Gear Late Models

5r Ryan Doyon

12 Marcus Mikulencak

48 Cody Leonard

L87 Lawrence Mikulencak

7x Rory Jordan

53x Matt Fox

9r Ray Doyon III

5k Ziggy Reusser

4 Newton Barta

77 Mark Taylor

24 Robby Minten

08 Landon Sowder

1x Andrew Hesler---dns

E-Mod B-main(top 7 to A-main)

00 Caden Edmund

18 Cameron Volschow

73 Derrick Gonzalez

57 Charles Flanagan

95 Tim Thompson

59b Brianna Witzsche

58 Matthew Hodge

71w Dusty Wilcox

96f Benjamin Fanning

18sDaniel Schmidt

13k Kyle Jackson

Winners Circle Transmissions Fireballs

99 Brian Harbison

93 Aaron Leddy

13 Howie Marcx

19 Jennie Barber

09 Clint Montanio

68 Kenny Wright

18m Jospeh Montemayor

14 Mark Pivarnik

h2s Shane Stonebraker

17 Scott Walker

816 Ryan McDonald

64 Danny Dear

28 Levi Hernandez

11bvr Noah Van Blarcum

Heat 1

22 Zachery Calhoun

6” Daniel Preston

L87 Parker Titzman

k13 Kris Workman

4 Jude Allgayer

18 Daniel Schmidt

13k Kyle Jackson

73 Derrick Gonzales

51w Wyatt McDonald

96f Benjamin Fanning

 

Heat 2

44v Kaden Valente

88 Steven Whiteaker III

75h Mickey Helms

26 Johnny Johnson

51 Charley York

95 Tim Thompson

71w Dusty Wilcox

57 Charles Flanagan

00e Jaden Edmund---dq

 

Heat 3

27 Zach Freeman

13p Hunter Porter

21s Summer Nave

13 Jett Johnson

2a Collin Hillin

18 Cameron Volschow

58 Matthew Hodge

59b Brianna Witzsche

40 Kyle Workman

Limited Modified heats

Heat 1

21t Ray Allen Kulhanek

1t Nathan Titzman

bd3 Marcus Mikulencak

26d Logan Densman

30k Logan Dinsmore

29 Jamie Campbell

88 Steven Whiteaker III

11t Tom Grothues

26w Robert Wiggins

10 Clint Everage

 

Heat 2

63 Shane Hoefling

26 JJ Jennings

04 Cameron Cook

14 Trent beaver

00e Jaden Edmund

15t Rusty Head

58 Rowdy Flanagan

7mk Kyle Wilkins

567 Charles Flanagan

Late Model heats

Heat 1

12 Marcus Mikulencak

48 Cody Leonard

5r Ryan Doyon

24 Robby Minten

53x matt Fox

5k Ziggy Reusser

77 Mark Taylor

 

Heat 2

9r Ray Doyon III

7x Rory Jordan

87 Lawrence Mikulencak

08 Landon Sowder

1x Andrew hesler

4 Newton Barta

Sport Compact heats

Heat 1

22 Ryker Hernandez

825 Justin Van Winkle

76y Donald Lewis

70 Rod Tait

38 Sonny Kinnaman

11j Josh Jones

18 Eric Wilson

007 James Baum

Factory Stock heats

Heat 1

94 Allen Torres

5x Michael Dabney

747 GW Hessong

44x Brandon Welker

18s Jarrett Payton

10 Scott erkins

34h Hunter Peterson

92r Robert Keylich

4 Austin Bean

 

Heat 2

41 Wade Jones

53k Kasey Krauss

44k Michael Keylich

21m Blayne Murphy

494 Dillon Kidwell

18 Kyle Kirkland

7 Johnny Walker Brown

44v Kevin Vasbinder

14t Trey Heald