Dinsmore, Torres Win IMCA Features

[tqj3]

Dinsmore, Torres Win IMCA Features, Payton and Ramzinski Make History in Pure Stocks at I-37 Raceway

 

Pleasanton – Maybe because it took him nearly half the race to get to the front his last time out at I-37 Raceway at Newsome Motor Park, Greg Dinsmore practically jumped into the lead in the IMCA Modified class at I-37 on Saturday. It was a lead he held through several cautions as the field fell from nine cars at the start to four at the end, Dinsmore ahead of Robert Liese, Jr., Bill Pittaway and Jamie Campbell. Lead or no lead, Dinsmore drove it hard to the end as he always does, throwing the car into turn one as if the pack is right on his heals.

In contrast, Johnny Torres did have the pack on his heals in the IMCA Southern Sports Mod feature as he battled a trio of veterans including Ray Doyon, Randy Yount and Moe VanKirk in second, third and fourth. Johnny, like Dinsmore, has a lock on his field so far this season, but Doyon, Yount and VanKirk in particular are doing their best to keep Johnny from turning the class into a Torres benefit. They haven't succeeded, but it's fun to watch them try and they may get it done next race.

The Limited Late Models are also getting interesting as well as more numerous, and with the regular driver of the 08 car unable to race this week, A. J. Wernette got a shot at a bigger, faster car than his Chevrolet Camaro Street Stock ride and responded with a heat race win. His luck wasn't as good in the feature, as he spun twice and left the track before the end of the race.

Matt Hodge was looking good for his first win in the Limited Lates, but a spin dropped him to the back of the field, luckily without damage, and he spent the race battling his way back up to a well-earned fourth place as Trey Votion got the win ahead of defending champ Richard Bartosh and multi-time champion Gary "Taz" Hunter.

The Street Stock class is another that is coming on strong in terms of both numbers and quality of competition. Wade Jones of Jourdanton still wins most of the time, but it isn't a given this season with Mike Lyon, Dennis Hilla and A. J. Dancer, among others, giving his a run for his money, literally. But Lyon led for a good chunk of the race and Dennis Hilla and Stephan Donaldson wee making it hard for Jones to even get to the front.

When he did, he still had to get past Lyon. A. J. Wernette (his father, Wayne, is also in the field in another Camaro) usually a factor as well, was mired at the rear and had trouble getting through traffic, so much so that Dad beat him. Jones did get the win, with Lyon second and Hilla third. Danielson was a strong fourth with Dancer an unaccustomed fifth. This is another class that makes I-37 Raceway well worth the short drive and price of admission.

But then there are the Pure Stocks, and, not far behind in the hearts of the fans, the Front Runner class. In Pures, you have a large field, usually about 18 cars, with the most interesting matchups and four women in the field. That usually means Brandy Ramzinski battling with Janel Hilla, often for the lead, or the two of them trying to outrun "The Big O," Frank Okruhlik. But there is another element: Jarrett Payton, Brandy's little brother.

So last Saturday night Payton had the lead with Brandy second and Janel coming fast through the field, holding off Okruhlik for one long green flag stretch and chasing Brandy, whose spotter kept telling her "Jarrett's got his nose on your right. Now he's on the left." At the end, Jarrett held on for his first win, with Ramzinski and Hilla second and third. In addition, Payton and Ramzinski had another historical first for I-27 Raceway: the first brother and sister to finish one-two.

The Front Runners (cars with four or six-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive) are also seeing the crowd stay to watch, even if they came to see the faster cars. Hailee Marcx' first win last race was a popular victory and a lot of people wanted to see if she could repeat. She might have, but an early spin dropped he down in the field and she had to come back with only one caution for help. She got back to third and with a few more laps might have gotten second, but Cody Earnhardt had the bit in his teeth and was moving on. Jimmy Caroll took a good second with Marcx right behind.

The track will race again on May 7. Remember, the track is not just inexpensive entertainment; it is within inexpensive driving distance of Pleasanton, Atascosa County and South San Antonio. Gates open at 5:00 pm and racing starts at 7:00, usually ending before 11:00 pm.

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T. Q. Jones, Media Director, P. O. Box 341706, Austin, TX 78734

PH: (512) 261-5236 Email: tqjones13@earthlink.net

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Now we got spotters in the pure stocks at I-27 Raceway?