Points competition heats up at Thunderhill Raceway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debbie Williams, 210-685-0400 (cell), debbie@thunderhillraceway.com
Thunderhill Raceway Public Relations Director

Points competition heats up at Thunderhill Raceway

KYLE, TX (June 29, 2008) – Fans were treated to impressive show for the Texas Roadhouse Night at the Races at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) on Saturday – including plenty of close, wheel-to-wheel action by the local drivers.

The Texas Pro Sedans kicked off the evening with their 20-lap feature event. Tom Johnson (Kingsland, TX) held the lead for most of the race but was penalized several positions due to a technical infraction. The current points’ leader, Mike Merrell (Kingsland, TX), was awarded the victory following the post-race inspections.

Mike Steinman (Austin, TX) claimed victory in the 20-lap NasKart race – holding off Brian Kuempel (Austin, TX) who has already won several of the NasKart events at THR this year.

The Pro Trucks were next on the agenda, and Jason Marshall (Leander, TX) took the checkered flag on the 50-lap event. Marshall was stripped of the win during a post-race technical inspection, and second-place finisher Jim Albert (Lockhart, TX) was awarded the victory.

The Pro Modified ExpressJet 50 was the featured race of the evening, and the close racing action did not disappoint the fans. Tuffy Hudson (Ingleside, TX) started on the pole, but the driver of sleek #44 black and silver machine, HE Naumann (Del Valle, TX), challenged Hudson for the lead. Naumann started in the third position and managed to slip by Hudson and Mark Chrudimsky (Hutto, TX) to take over the lead on Lap 12. JC Umscheid (Alvarado, TX) tried to squeeze under Naumann during the last few laps, but Naumann held his line to claim a narrow victory.

In the Thunder Stock feature race, young Anthony Gordon (San Antonio, TX) started on the outside pole. He grabbed the lead early in the race and managed to hold off several strong competitors – including Gary Chancellor (Bastrop, TX) and Joey Tschoerner (Bartlett, TX). Gordon made it all the way into victory lane, followed by Chancellor and Tschoerner. Mason Teague (Paige, TX) had the Thunder Stock points’ lead going into Saturday’s race, but his fifth-place finish opened the door for Tschoerner to snatch the lead – ending the night six points ahead of Teague.

The ASA A-Line Super Stocks began with a fiery situation on the first lap of their feature event. The black #18 car driven by Mickey McKim (Manchaca, TX) broke out into flames caused by a fuel spillage. The safety crews quickly extinguished the fire, and McKim was able to rejoin the field on the restart – finishing the race in the fifth position.

Cary Stapp (San Marcos, TX), the current THR A-Line Super Stock points’ leader, started the 40-lap feature race in the eighth position. Stapp quickly worked his way up through the field – grabbing the lead on Lap 15. Stapp holds a commanding lead in the Super Stocks and is currently running second in the West Region of the ASA Short Track National Championship. Saturday night’s win could possibly put Stapp back in the lead this week (regional results released on Tuesday of each week).

Seventeen Grand Stocks took the green flag for the last race of the night – a fast-paced and entertaining 25-lap feature event. The current points’ leader, Carolyn Aramendia (San Antonio, TX), started near the rear of the field (14th position) and quickly picked off her male competitors as she headed for the front. Aramendia finally worked her way up to the second position and posed a strong challenge to Art Ganss (Driftwood, TX) for the lead. Although Ganss managed to hold off Aramendia to claim the checkered flag, Aramendia is still holding a slim lead in the points’ race over her brother-in-law, James Aramendia (San Antonio, TX).

The next race scheduled for Thunderhill Raceway will be held on Saturday, July 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. The racing action will be highlighted by the ExpressJet Pro Modifieds, Pro Trucks, Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas and the Allison Legacy Race Series– along with the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and NasKarts.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval stock-car race track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at http://www.thunderhillraceway.com/.

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Cary Stapp grabs point lead in ASA West Region

ITS JUST ONE RACE AT A TIME FOR THE REGIONAL LEADERS IN THE ASA MEMBER TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE

By: Kevin Ramsell

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Wednesday, June 18, 2008) – The opportunity to become the inaugural ASA Member Track National Champion and the opportunity to have a test session behind the wheel of a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota is on the mind of many drivers across the 30 ASA Member Tracks in the United States. But for the two leaders in the East and West Region, each takes their season one race at a time.

On the West Region side, it was Cary Stapp of San Marcos, TX making a huge move this week after his feature win this past weekend at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, TX.

“I think the National Championship is awesome, I have won local track championships and it gives me an opportunity win something more,” Stapp stated. “I would to thank ASA and Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil for this opportunity.”

Stapp, who has a performance index of 2.2962 which puts him third in the overall standings, made a huge leap in the West Region as he went from third to first in just one week with his win on Saturday night.

But for Stapp, the wins don’t come easy as he has to battle his way to the front. “Mary Ann Naumann, the track owner, has us line up based on our point average and usually I am coming from the back to the front each week.”

So far this season he has lived up to that task as his worst finish in six starts is a fourth place finish.

“Its fun racing where I have to pass a lot of cars to win, more fun then starting up front every week,” Stapp stated. “It’s just one week at a time and see where we end up.”

KD Kelley of Dover, FL is off to a great start at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa. The young 51-year-old competitor is not only the East Region Leader but is the overall leader with a performance index of 2.8256.

“I just take it one week at a time,” Kelley recently stated. “My goal each week is just make sure I finish in the top five.”

Last weekend, Kelley recorded his sixth top-five finish in 11 starts this season at East Bay. “I was running third and decided to go for the win and got high and let a couple get by me, but it was another top-five finish,” Kelley recalled. So far this season he has two wins and nine top-ten finishes.

Kelley, a former motorcycle racer, started racing stock cars about 15 years ago and won the track championship at East Bay in 2006. That championship meant a lot to him and at his young age, an ASA Member Track National Championship would mean a lot.

“It would mean a lot to me. I had a heart attack about four years ago at East bay and I came back to win the championship,” Kelley recalled. “I made about 19 laps and pulled off with chest pains. I workout about three days a week at the hospital’s rehab center and today I feel like nothing ever happened. I was down for a while, but I am good to go.”

An opportunity for a test session in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota would be a unique opportunity for Kelley, “I am not sure if they would be interested in me, especially at my age,” Kelley jokingly stated.

Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, sponsor of the ASA National Short Track National Championship, is the same oil developed and used by Joe Gibbs Racing. The team sells the oil so racers across the country can have access to the latest technology in racing lubricants.

Joe Gibbs Racing is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, currently fielding three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams and a driver development program. Its driver lineup consists of Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch in the Sprint Cup Series; Stewart, Hamlin, and Busch in the Nationwide Series; and Joey Logano and Marc Davis in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Joe Gibbs – a three-time Super Bowl winner as head coach of the Washington Redskins and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame – JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, winning three Cup Series championships and more than 80 NASCAR races, including three Brickyard 400s and the 1993 Daytona 500.

The ASA Short Track National Championship is another step by the industry leader in creating new and innovative programs. This follows the recent announcement about extending the insurance coverage for ASA members traveling to, from, and during an ASA-sanctioned event. For updated ASA National Points, just click on the "Points" link at http://www.asa-racing,com/.

The ASA Member Track program is comprised of a network of short tracks around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.

JC Umscheid honors his dad with race victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debbie Williams, 210-685-0400 (cell), debbie@thunderhillraceway.com
Thunderhill Raceway Public Relations Director

JC Umscheid honors his dad with race victory

Second generation racer brings home a win for Father’s Day

KYLE, TX (June 18, 2008) – JC Umscheid isn’t the first racer in the family to visit the winner’s circle, but he’s certainly proud to carry on the family tradition.

Umscheid has been on a winning streak in his colorful #5 Pro Modified racecar, and he notched his fourth victory of the 2008 season at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) this past Saturday night (June 14) – just a few hours before the start of the family’s Father’s Day festivities.

The race evening got off to a good start. Umscheid set the fastest qualifying time (15.503 seconds) and then drew the pole position for the 40-lap event. But it wasn’t long until he had to face his first challenge. Justin Long started on the front row outside and managed to grab the lead at the start of the race.

“I didn’t get off to a good start,” said Umscheid. “I actually work on Justin’s car, and he’s got the same stuff as mine on his car. He just got a better start and was able to hold me off for a few laps.”

Long held onto the lead until Umscheid was able to make a clean pass on Lap 10. Umscheid then dominated the field for the rest of the race and eventually made his way into victory lane.

This 25-year-old racer from Alvarado (TX) knows that he has some tough shoes to fill. His dad, David Umscheid, is a veteran racer – claiming several championships at Longhorn Speedway, with TIDA (Texas International Drivers Association) and in the Legends Series.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dad,” commented Umscheid. He taught me everything I know about racing – the best teacher in the state of Texas in my opinion! I really wanted to win this race for my dad.”

Umscheid is currently leading the Texas Championship Pro Modified points’ race. His patience during Saturday’s race helped him find his way into the winner’s circle.

“We’ve been in a position to win every race this year, and it hasn’t always happened,” said Umscheid. “Sometimes I’ve made a mistake or I’ve had some bad luck during a race. Our current strategy is to lean back a little more and not tear up the car.”

Umscheid added, “I owe a lot to my car owner, Raymond Delahouysse, and to my sponsors – Tri-Lectric AC & Heating of Houston and San Antonio, Westside Performance, Swenson Racing Chassis, Omega Powder Coating, Ray’s Truck and Auto Sales, Polydyne TX-7, Davidson Motorsports and Umscheid Race Services. And I can’t forget to mention my appreciation of the support I get from my mom (Sherry) and my wife (Matty).”

Umscheid will be looking for another victory this Saturday (June 21) in the Fiesta Mart 60 at Houston Motorsports Park. The next ExpressJet Pro Modified race at Thunderhill Raceway will be held on Saturday, June 28.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210).

For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com. Information on Houston Motorsports Park can be found at www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

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Thunderhill Raceway eliminates Grand Stock claim process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debbie Williams, 210-685-0400 (cell), debbie@thunderhillraceway.com
Thunderhill Raceway Public Relations Director

Thunderhill Raceway eliminates Grand Stock claim process

KYLE, TX (June 11, 2008) –The Grand Stock class at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) has gone through several changes since its introduction several years ago – and so has the economy. The continued growth in this entry-level class has created a need for an update on the claim process.

Under the current set of rules, any Grand Stock car may be claimed after a race by a non-competitor for $1,000. The purpose of this “claimer” rule is to ensure that the Grand Stock cars are built with stock parts instead of the more expensive racing parts. For example, the engines must match the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate on the original car, and no high-performance engines or parts of any kind are allowed.

Mary Ann Naumann, THR Owner/Promoter, feels this change is important for the continued growth of this class.

“The Grand Stocks have become a vital part of entertaining the Thunderhill Raceway fans,” said Naumann. “We feel the Grand Stocks are helping us succeed in putting on a great show for the fans, and this class has simply outgrown itself. We know that our drivers put a lot of time and effort in building their cars, and we no longer want to force them to give up their cars due to a claim at the end of a race.”

The elimination of the claim rule will require the technical staff to place a stronger emphasis on rule compliance.

“Our Grand Stock drivers need to understand that we’ll have to be a lot tougher with the technical inspection process by eliminating the claim rule,” Naumann added. “Even though we’ll no longer have the claim rule, we’re not relaxing the need for complete compliance with the posted rules for this class.”

The Grand Stocks will be racing action at Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday (June 14). Qualifying will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the racing agenda will also include the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks and NasKarts. The Pro Trucks, ExpressJet Pro Modifieds and the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas will also be part of the racing action.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.
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Thunderhill Raceway holds race in support of Operation Interdependence® efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debbie Williams, 210-685-0400 (cell), debbie@thunderhillraceway.com
Thunderhill Raceway Public Relations Director

Thunderhill Raceway holds race in support of Operation Interdependence® efforts

Race teams, staff and fans join in the Operation Interdependence® Adopt-A-Box program

KYLE, TX (June 3, 2008) – The 4th Annual TSRS Operation Interdependence (OI)® 75 Race presented by Chuck Nash highlighted last Saturday night’s racing action at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX).

Operation Interdependence® is an organization that provides a means for delivering support in the form of Civilian Rations® (c-rats®). These “treats” – and notes from home – are regularly sent to deployed forces by OI®.

The Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) is known as the premier Late Model asphalt touring series of Texas, and its drivers showed the racing fans some close, exciting action during the OI® 75 Race.

Heath Stewart (Del Valle,TX) gained the lead on Lap 68 and held off the hard-charging pole sitter Robert Barker (Boerne, TX) during the last few laps of the 75-lap race – notching off his second TSRS victory of the 2008 season. Stewart also regained the TSRS points lead following this past weekend’s event.

The Texas Pro Sedans were next in line, and points’ leader Mike Merrell (Kingsland, TX) led the race all the way from the green to the checkered. Mike Steinman (Austin,TX) claimed the win in the 20-lap NasKarts event.

Four female drivers competed in the 25-lap Grand Stock feature event – including the current points’ leader Carolyn Aramendia (San Antonio, TX), Tammy Thames (Bastrop, TX), Kris Wilson (Austin, TX) and Marcia Moore (Cedar Creek, TX). But one of the “guys” – Homer Pitner (New Braunfels, TX) – took the lead on Lap 4 and held on for the win – finishing ahead of Aramendia by just a car length.

Following an incident on the first lap, the Allison Legacy Race Series drivers completed their 35-lap race with no additional caution flags. Shawn Cannon (Forney, TX) claimed his second win in a row at Thunderhill Raceway.

One of the most exciting races of the night was the ASA A-Line Super Stock 40-lap feature race. Following a start in the 11th position, Keith Garrett (New Braunfels, TX) had worked his way to the front of the field by Lap 16 and battled the 2007 champion Cary Stapp (San Marcos, TX) to maintain the lead. Five different drivers have claimed the win in the five feature races that have been held so far this year. The Super Stock class is the premier ASA division at Thunderhill Raceway, and all of the drivers in this class are competing for a position in the Joe Gibbs ASA Member Track National Championship.

Topping off the night was the 30-lap Thunder Stock feature race. Several controversial incidents marred this event – complete with an expired time limit and a severe crash among the leaders on Lap 22 to end the race. Mason Teague (Paige, TX) survived the melee and was declared the race winner.

Throughout the evening, OI® representatives accepted donations from the drivers, race teams, the staff, sponsors, race officials and fans for their Adopt-A-Box program. Over $1,500 was collected, and these generous donations will help the organization ship c-rats® to approximately 2,500 deployed men and women.

The next race scheduled for Thunderhill Raceway will be held on Saturday, June 14, starting at 7:00 p.m. The racing action will be highlighted by the Lone Star Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters– along with the Thunderhill Raceway ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and NasKarts. The Pro Trucks, ExpressJet Pro Modifieds and the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas will also be on the racing agenda.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, asphalt D-shaped oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). For more information on Thunderhill Raceway, visit the THR website at http://www.thunderhillraceway.com/.

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