5th Annual DTK Memorial/Round #2 South Texas Championship @ I-37 Speedway 10-28-23

[rebelracewriter]

5th Annual DTK Memorial/Round #2 South Texas Championship @ I-37 Speedway 10/26-28/23

By JM Hallas

 

Pleasanton, TX.,(Oct. 28Th, 2023) Are we having fun yet? Did I mention a full moon?

 

After Fridays action, 24-drivers(Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Fireballs) had made the transfer to the big features while others had B-mains to set the field in the mains. In the Friday night Late Model action Ryan Doyon took the win and would look to double up tonight. Sport Compacts saw Ryker Hernandez take the victory. IMCA Modifieds, running heats and a feature, would fill in the spot vacated by the Sport Compacts.

 

Jared Maupin, Nathan Titzman, Johnny Torres, Heath Stewart, Steven Whiteaker III, Benjamin Mikulencak, Gilbert Perez III and Tanner Whitmire scored the STC qualifying spots in Limited Modifieds.

 

The Factory Stocks have STC transfer spots going to Allen Torres, Cameron Starry, Johnny Torres, Jared Maupin, Joshua Sewell, Michael Keylich, Dylan Kowalik and Mason Casteneda.

 

Fireballs show Matthew Hodge, DJ Schroat, Bobby Jack, Howie Marcx, Aaron Leddy, Russ Parker, Hudson Mikulencak and Kiehl VanBlarcum making the transfer.

 

The Late Models would have a regular race format with time trials, heats and a feature. Limited Mods, Factory Stocks and Fireballs would run B-mains to set the remainder of their fields. IMCA Modifieds would be a normal show. With several STC drivers at other shows closer to home, the points leader leaving the nights show could change dramatically.

 

During intermission drivers and teams filled the entry road hosting a “Trunk or Treat” for kids, passing out candy and hero cards. $100 gift card was awarded to the best costume.

 

Doyon Dices and Duels to DTK Sweep

After a shaky first try at the start that saw Broc Bowen, Jason Kelly and Michael Keylich spin in turn 2, the 30-lap Late Model main fired off. Ryan Doyon was first off turn 2 trailed by Chase Neill, Marcus Mikulencak, Jared Maupin and Rory Jordan. Jordan, Kody Hardage and Bowen were three wide for fifth on lap 1 with Hardage getting the spot.

 

Mikulencak, used the high line to get by Neill for second as Ry. Doyon was checking out. Bowen and Hardage continued their battle going side by side for fifth. By lap 8 Ry. Doyon was already in traffic, a sign of things to come. As Hardage was lapping Keylich they made a little contact with Keylich scraping the front stretch wall for a lap 11 caution.

After a restart yellow for Jordan and Robby Minten tangling, Hardage jumped to the top going three wide with Neill and Bowen for third. Mikulencak's run up in second came to an end on lap 14 when the power steering belt broke and he spun off the top of turn 1. Back under green coming to halfway it was Ry. Doyon and Hardage, with Bowen, Neill and Maupin three wide for third.

 

Hardage, still running the top, began to close on Ry. Doyon for the lead. Hardage could get a better run off turn 2, but give up a little through turns 3-4. Now the lead quartet was coming up on traffic that was running both lines. Hardage and Ry Doyon were now side by side in turn 3, with Ry. Doyon inching ahead off turn 4.

 

Hardage got hooked by a slower car with Maupin taking over second, while Ry. Doyon split two slower cars through the middle. A Bowen spin on lap 28 brought out a yellow and gave everyone a chance to catch a breath.

 

Now, clear of traffic, it was a two lap shootout for the win. Ry. Doyon got a good launch on Maupin with the two trying different lines and Hardage lurking, looking for an opening. Coming to the checkers it was Ry. Doyon(LaCoste) holding off Maupin for the victory in the 3-D Landscaping, Alamo Truck & Accessories, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply, Gunn Fleet Management Chevrolet, 4D Ranch, 89 Motorsports, Eagle crate powered, MB Custom Chassis.

“I've had a little practice at this interview thing,” joked Doyon. “The track changed real fast on me. I was kind of waiting to see someone show the nose on the top. I feel like I got a little lucky with the timing of everything. Kody(Hardage) showed me his nose on top out of (turn) 2 and we were running up on traffic. I was able to use them to screen him off me. I got to the top and went from there.”

 

“It's hard to know if you need to change your line and when if the track changes that fast. Once I saw him I knew it was time to drive a little harder ad not just cruise. I was pretty sure the bottom was going away in (turns) 1-2, but the bottom was faster in (turns) 3-4) and I could make the bottom work if I needed too.”

 

“When we ran up traffic like that I try to put as much trust in them holding their line. It happened to work out that I was able to split them. I knew I needed to get by them since I'd seen Kody show his nose. I felt like I could make the bottom work enough coming off turn 4 to beat him back to the checkers, if needed. I was able to get to the top on the restart in (turns) 1-2 and make it work.”

 

“This race is dedicated to my my dads, dad. It means a lot to my family to win this race finally. I've been trying for five years now. Finally got one.”

 

“My Modified was a little off tonight,” added Doyon. “I don't feel that I had anything for Stevie(Whiteaker) or Tanner Whitmire, honestly. When I saw him(Whiteaker) pulling away I was trying different lines, he's just on another planet. Then he(Tanner) went over the hill. I figured he was going to get me and I was just trying to hold my ground.”

 

Nogalitos Gear Late Models

5r Ryan Doyon, 91 Jared Maupin, 12 Kody Hardage, 416 Chase Neill, 7x Rory Jordan, 24r Robby Minten, 53x Matt Fox, 56 Broc Bowen, 5 Ryan McDonald, 57 Jason Kelly, 23 Michael Keylich, 9 Ray Doyon III, 87 Marcus Mikulencak

 

Late Model heats;

Heat 1; 5r Ryan Doyon, 87 Marcus Mikulencak, 91 Jared Maupin, 12 Kody Hardage, 53x Matt Fox, 23 Michael Keylich, 57 Jason Kelly---dns

 

Heat 2; 416 Chase Neill, 7x Rory Jordan, 56 Broc Bowen, 9 Ray Doyon, 24r Robby Minten

 

Late Model Qualifying

5r Ryan Doyon 15.076, 416 Chase Neill 15.509, 87 Marcus Mikulencak 15.511, 7x Rory Jordan 15.550, 12 Kody Hardage 15.665, 56 Broc Bowen 15.674, 91 Jared Maupin 15.953, 24r Robby Minten 16.173, 53x Matt Fox 16.454, 5 Ryan McDonald 16.650, 57 Jason Kelly 16.728, 9 Ray Doyon 16.737,23 Michael Keylich 16.737

 

Whiteaker With the Win

A three-car spin saw the initial start waved off, but as green finally waved it was Steve Whiteaker jr sailing around the top of turn 2 grabbing the lead chased by Logan Dinsmore, Tanner Whitmire, Ryan Doyon and Jared Maupin. Whitmire, using a middle line worked his was past Dinsmore for second, but Whiteaker had already built a half straightaway margin.

 

Dinsmore began to fade with what sounded like an ignition issue giving up third to Doyon just before Darrell Boyd clipped an infield tire for a lap 8 yellow. As Whiteaker cleared the pack coming back to green, Cody Duke got around Maupin for fourth. After kissing the front stretch wall, Whitmire went over the turn 2 berm for a caution on lap 9.

 

On the restart Maupin and Doyon stayed wheel to wheel for second. At the crossed flags it was Whiteaker, Doyon, Maupin, Duke and Whitmire quickly back into the top five. With five to go Whiteaker(Robstown) was out of sight cruising to the win by a full straight in his D&SS Construction, Cottrell Racing, 1st Class Towing, 3-D Landscaping, G&M Oilfield Service, On Demand Shirts, WW Bodies, Sames Ford, racexr.com, Nasty Cookers, Windshields of Texas, Rush Race Gear, Supreme Graphics, CDR by 89 Motorsports Chassis.

 

Price Chevrolet IMCA Modifieds

89 Steven Whiteaker jr., 5r Ryan Doyon, 101 Tanner Whitmire, 91 Jared Maupin, 26 Cody Duke, 22 Darrell Boyd, 16 Landon Bednarz, 25c William Sellier, 141 Rob Sanderson, 8jr Logan Dinsmore, 8g Greg Dinsmore---dns

IMCA Modified heats;

Heat 1; 8jr Logan Dinsmore, 101 Tanner Whitmire, 26d Cody Duke, 22z Darrell Boyd, 25c William Sellier, 8g Greg Dinsmore

 

Heat 2; 89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 5r Ryan Doyon, 91 Jared Maupin, 16 Landon Bednarz, 141Rob Sanderson

 

The 25-lap South Texas Championship Limited Modified feature saw the first start waved off after a spin. The second try had Jared Maupin and Tanner Whitmire stay side by side through turn 1. Maupin, up top, got the run off turn 2 to take the lead over Whitmire, Trent Beaver, Johnny Torres and Nathan Titzman.

 

Torres got by Beaver for third while Heath Stewart, Gilbert Perez III and JJ Jennings were three wide for sixth. Bobby Smith bounced off the wall then made contact with Stewart sending him around for a lap 6 yellow. As the Maupin ride began showing smoke on the restart, Whitmire took a look low on the restart while Jennings took fourth from Titzman.

 

Coming to halfway Whitmire slipped, giving up spots to Torres, Jennings and Titzman. Despite trailing some smoke, Maupin was easing away from the pack. Several battles continued, Steven Whiteaker III and Perez for seventh and Whitmire trying to regain a spot from Jennings. Whitmire, Jennings and Titzman then went three wide for third on lap 20 before Torres rolled to a stop in turn 4 giving up second.

 

As Maupin and Whitmire got away back under green, Stewart and Jennings were side by side with Titzman looking for a hole to go three wide. Up front Whitmire was pressuring Maupin for the lead. With two to go they were side by side coming to the white flag. Maupin(San Antonio) was able to hold off Whitmire for the win in the Rick Pollaro owned, RNM Install, JGR Fab, 91 Specialties, BMF Shocks & Chassis, All In Designs, Mission Race Engines, IRP Chassis.

“I hope it's still got plenty of oil left in it, it was just a light smoke,” replied Maupin. “Just a little valve cover leak, no big deal. Ya, four classes. It's hard to turn down rides. Everybody kind of sticks their neck out for me. I'd hate to turn them down. When they offer, I say yes.”

 

“Not the car count I expected, but a quality amount of cars. All these local guys are so fast anywhere you go. Hopefully the whole goes to Corpus and Edna. We should put on two more good shows.”

 

“When they're calling out restart order I heard 101, 11x and I know he didn't start that far up. So I thought Johnny for sure was coming. When I saw Johnny(Torres) sitting there I thought 'I guess he just gave up.' When the track changes that much all you can do is adjust your driving style. The car is what it is. You just have to feel what the car likes. I figured everyone would be hugging the tires, but there was a little strip of moisture if I got my right rear in, it was a rocket.”

 

“I was aiming for the same line in the Late Model that I ran the Limited Modified. I think it was Marcus(Mikulencak) that was hitting the rim so much faster than everybody. We all just had to jump ship and go up top. With those little crates, you have to keep them wound up.”

 

“In the Factory Stock race my car didn't feel too great. When I'd follow them they would gap me a car length a lap. At that point I'm playing a little defense and being consistent. Now when we moved up, it felt a whole lot better. I should have tried the top a lot sooner.”

 

Swenson Racing Products Limited Modifieds(STC)

96 Jared Maupin, 101 Tanner Whitmire, 26 JJ Jennings, h14 Heath Stewart, 1t Nathan Titzman, 88 Steven Whiteaker III, bd1 Gilbert Perez, 12r Roly Rodriguez, bd2 Daniel Preston, 11x Johnny Torres, 57 Charles Flanagan, 9s Bobby Smith, 41 Chris Hardman, 14 Trent Beaver, 13 Benjamin Mikulencak, 11t Tom Grothues, 89 Steve Whiteaker jr---dns, 48 Chris Swenson---dns

 

Limited Modified B-main;

13 Benjamin Mikulencak, 26 JJ Jennings, bd2 Daniel Preston, 9s Bobby Smith, 12r Roly Rodriguez, 57 Charles Flanagan, 11 Tom Grothues, 41 Chris Hardman, 89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 48 Chris Swenson

 

One-Two for Torres'

Oddly enough the 25-lap Factory Stock feature was the only one to have a good initial start. Allen Torres jumped ahead on Johnny Torres, Jared Maupin and Cameron Starry going three wide for second. Damon Bean went around and collected Hunter Peterson for a lap 2 yellow. The restart saw Maupin and J. Torres side by side as A. Torres got away.

 

Braden Preiss clipped the wall on lap 4 and made contact with Matthew Hawken, who caught some air, for a lap 4 caution. Back to green with Starry, Dylan Kowalik and Maupin three wide for third with Starry getting the spot. This left Kowalik now door to door with Rusty Head for fifth. Lap 8 had Frank Okruhlik spin collecting Grant Wollam in turn 2.

 

After a failed restart, it was single file with the Torres brothers out front. Dennis Folkerts and Johnny Walker Brown got together for a lap 10 yellow.

As green waved again, Starry and Maupin were side by side for third. Coming to halfway, J. Torres began trying the high side behind A. Torres and ahead of Starry, Maupin and Head.

 

In the field Mason Casteneda and Joshua Sewell were side by side seventh. Starry then moved to the high side and went around J. Torres for second and ran down A. Torres for the lead. Starry got by for the point on lap 17 bringing A. Torres to the top groove and J. Torres looking low on his brother.

 

With two to go A. Torres was on Starry’s bumper, literally and figuratively giving him a bumper shot. As the white flag waved they were still at it. A. Torres gave Starry another shot with contact enough to get him loose. That gave A. Torres(San Antonio) the opportunity to score the victory in the Allens 24/7 Towing, Sundowner Performance Diesel, All in Designs, Drive in Truck Salvage, Hercules Foundation Repair, 91 Specialties, Destroyer Chassis.

“This one's for him,(dad), he gave me discipline” said an emotional Torres. “I was going for the win. It got a little crazy at the end. As soon as I saw Cameron(Starry) go by I went straight to the top. He was flying up there. I was driving the crap out of my car. Very emotional win using a throw back scheme to my dads's old car from Pan American Speedway.”

 

“My car was actually terrible on the bottom. I didn't want to shoot to the top since no one showed their door to me. I was thinking maybe there's nothing up there. I was just gonna stay on the bottom even though the car sucked there.”

 

“If Johnny and I would have had a plan, it would have been to finish one-two for dad. I was hoping he'd be able to win in the Limited Modified.”

 

“I'd like to say everything is cool between me and Cameron. I'm sure at some point he will have the chance to return the favor. I respect them, Cameron and James, and we can talk it out. This night was special for me to win on my dads memorial race. I can understand if there's some hard feelings on their side.”

 

All in Design Factory Stocks(STC)

94 Allen Torres,66 Johnny Torres, 91 Jared Maupin, 741 Cameron Starry, 55 Rusty Head, 38 Josh Sewell, 28m Mason Casteneda, 25r Nathan Rachui, 29k Dylan Kowalik, 26 Grant Wollam, 41 Frank Okruhlik, 44k Michael Keylich, 139 Dennis Folkerts, 34h Hunter Peterson, 7 Johnny Walker Brown, 92r Robert Keylich, 44 Damon Bean, 00 Matthew Hawken, 10 Scott Jerkins,7 Braden Preiss

 

Factory Stock B-main

B-main 1; 55 Rusty Head, 25r Nathan Rachui, 26 Grant Wollam, 139 Dennis Folkerts, 41 Frank Okruhlik, 7b Johnny Walker Brown, 10 Scott Jerkins, 7 Braden Preiss, 92r Robert Keylich, 44 Damon Bean, 34h Hunter Peterson, 00 Matthew Hawken

 

Hodge's Hot Streak Continues

The Fireball was first of the night setting a trend on bad initial starts. The first try Hudson Mikulencak and Kiehl VanBlarcum got tangled in turn 3. On the next try Evident Ivy, according to her social media post, had the throttle hang and hit the wall off turn 4, hard. Take three. Bobby Jack and Howie Marcx made contact in turn 3. Jack would spin and collect Cody Clegg, Curtis King, Mickey Helms and Van Blarcum.

 

Finally a green flag with Matthew Hodge getting the point ahead of DJ Schroat, Howie Marcx, Aaron Leddy and Russ Parker. Schroat and Marcx would go door to door for second while Hodge pulled away. AJ Wernette got by Parker for fifth followed by Mikulencak who got into Wernette sending him around for a yellow. Official cut the race to 15 laps under time limit.

 

It wasn't long after the restart that King found an infield tire while battling with Wernette for fifth. Back under green, Leddy took third from Marcx. At the midway point it was Hodge, Schroat, Leddy, Marcx and Wernette in the top five. As Hodge increased his margin, Leddy was putting the heat on Schroat for second.

 

Leddy gave Schroat a look low in the final laps but to no avail. Hodge would go unchallenged to the checkers. Hodge(Uhland), the Fireball track champion, bookended his season with another win in his Doves Decals, Fine Motors, Parks Engine Service, John Heil Chassis.

“It's been a very fun year with the Fireballs,” exclaimed Hodge. “There's some good competition in this class and we've gotten lucky. We've picked up some wins this season and picked off the DTK race. I'm very happy that Ray and Michael gave us a shot. I did what I could to get as many out here as I could.”

 

“I basically just went from the heat races last night to the feature tonight with what I had. I took a grinder to the tires, kept the same pressures, nut and bolt checked this morning. Everything looked to be ok, so loaded it up.

 

“Lance(Gaither) was very tough competition. I'd love to race against him again, hope to see him back. Howie(Marcx) and Bobby Jack are tough, I expect to see them pick wins next year. I expect up to perhaps 20 cars next season.”

 

“These guys all race pretty clean in the class. I was happy to see some other cars come out. Hopefully next year all the tracks can work together and we can have a couple other tracks we can go to, like a series. Something like the Street Stock Shootout used to be. Stephan Danielson did a good job with that series. Hopefully down the road that can happen”

 

Fireballs

58 Matthew Hodge, 81 DJ Schroat, 93 Aaron Leddy, 13 Howie Marcx, 37w AJ Wernette, 1 Hudson Mikulencak, 28 Russ Parker, 42c Curtis King, 8 Bobby Jack, 9 Levi Hernandez, 35 Mickey Helms, 2k Kiehl VanBlarcum, 42 Cody Clegg, 08 Evident Ivy

[NickHolt]

Thanks for all your great reporting, Reb.  Many don't get to go to the track and your work is important to many!

 

[rebelracewriter]

On 10/30/2023 at 8:20 AM, NickHolt said:

Thanks for all your great reporting, Reb.

Still looking for that stenographer there Nickster.😁....Maybe 2024?

[NickHolt]

On 11/2/2023 at 9:21 PM, rebelracewriter said:

Still looking for that stenographer there Nickster.😁....Maybe 2024?

I heard Danica Patrick might be available ...

[rebelracewriter]

19 hours ago, NickHolt said:

I heard Danica Patrick might be available

She's chasin' that F-1 money.