NickHolt Posted October 2, 2008 Report Posted October 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 2, 2008 Contact: K-MAC Sports, 512.219.1090; MAN Racing Promotions, 512.844.3582 Kruger takes win and Rookie of Year title on same ‘Spectacular’ day Kyle, TX (October 2, 2008) - It may have been the 12th annual edition of the Allstate Texas Stock Car Spectacular at Thunderhill Raceway ( Kyle , TX ) for everyone else, but it was one “spectacular” day for 15-year-old Jake Kruger. The Bastrop resident grabbed the 2008 TSRS (Texas Super Racing Series) Rookie of the Year title just by starting the race at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) along with 18 other series drivers, then battled his way to victory in the last TSRS race of the 2008 season. “I’d like to thank my parents (Bill and Deb Kruger), my sister (Nikki), Terry James (crew chief), John Wasek, Victor Truan, Maggie Surma, John Heil, John Martin, Robert Hearn and our sponsors – Capitel Communications, TRC Race Cars, Billingsley House Moving & Demolition and Austin Vee Dub,” Jake Kruger stated. “It’s been a great season. To win Rookie of the Year honors is special; knowing we topped the rookies in this class is a great accomplishment, and I want my team to share in this honor.” Kruger added, “I knew we had a chance to win the Rookie of the Year award when we took the ( ROY points lead) after winning the Insty Prints 75 in Houston (on May 17).” Kruger, who tied Moczygemba and San Antonio racing legend Joe Aramendia for 12th place on the TSRS career victory list with his two wins this season, beat out the likes of Barker (three career wins), Schild (tied for the TSRS lead with eight career wins) and Moczygemba at the finish line on Saturday. “It feels good knowing we can race with – and beat – veterans like Barker, Schild, (Heath) Stewart (the ’08 TSRS champion) and others. I feel we’ve shown we now belong (in this class) and we can work on winning more races (in 2009).” Kruger started in the sixth position – outside of Row 3 – and steadily made his climb up front as the early part of the race (including the first turn of the very first lap) was marred by yellow flags. Just 24 laps in, the youngster got past Brian Moczygemba (San Antonio) and Chris Schild (Leander, TX) for second place, behind Robert Barker (Boerne, TX). On Lap 39, Kruger – who had been pressuring the more experienced Barker for 10 laps – finally got past the former San Antonio Speedway champion by passing on the inside. “His (Barker’s) car seemed to be pushing a little bit,” Kruger explained. “After a caution (on Lap 47), we caught up to him. After the restart, I waited for his car to start pushing again. Coming out of Turn 2 (on Lap 39), I saw his car push up and I got a run on him on the backstretch. In Turn 3 we made slight contact with him but I was able to hang on and pass him on the inside to take the lead.” The former Lonestar Legacys Rookie of the Year then survived three cautions/restarts the rest of the way to grab the checkers. Kruger has already announced he will run the full TSRS season in 2009. Information on TSRS can be found at www.manracingpromotions.com. Information about THR and the Allstate Texas Stock Car Spectacular can be found at www.thunderhillraceway.com. Photo by Jeff Garvin Jake Kruger, winner of Saturday's TSRS 'Kevin Suberg 75' feature race at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX), stands in Victory Lane with (left to right) Nikki Kruger, his mother (Deb Kruger), Jake, TSRS Trophy Queen Tiffany Vogel, his father (Bill Kruger) and Frankie Farr. Quote
termite#99 Posted October 2, 2008 Report Posted October 2, 2008 Good job Jake and crew, yall had a rough start to the year and stepped up anyway. Quote
VideoGuy Posted October 3, 2008 Report Posted October 3, 2008 Hey Jake, What a season. You did your best and it payed off. You gained a lot of patience, experience, confidence this year. I know your family works hard as well and is so proud of you. We all are very proud. It was great to see Levi running up front as well. That class of Legacy drivers was something else. This year Taylor Brandes was un-touchable in that number 3 car. Dillon had some good runs and is going to be on your bumper Jake. So. Gentleman, Keep your hands on the wheel over the fall if you get a chance. Best of Luck to all. One of the best season I have seen at THR. Thad aka " video guy" Quote
kruger71 Posted October 15, 2008 Report Posted October 15, 2008 good job bro!!!! way 2 drive the wheels off that car!!!!! Quote
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