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Spring Green/Driver & Fan Appreciation Opening Night/Dwarf Cars @I-37 Speedway 3-9-24

1 Late Model winner Jared Maupin
2 IMCA/STIMS winner Chris Morris
3 Limited Modified winner Ray Allen Kulhanek
4 Factory Stock winner GW Hessong
5 Fireball winner Matthew Hodge
6 Sport Compact winner Justin Van Winkle
7 DCRST winner Dillon Spreen

By JM Hallas
Pleasanton, TX.,(March 9th) Spring has sprung, but where'd that hour go?

I-37 Speedway kicked off it's 2024 season with a huge night of racing in seven classes, the awards ceremony for the 2023 top of their class with reduced entry for the night.

It's gonna be a long night.

Some changes for this season to be noted are class title sponsors and the IMCA Modifieds running as part of a 4-track series (STIMS) for the south/central Texas tracks. Nogalitos Gear and All in Designs return as class sponsors for the Late Models and Factory Stocks, respectively. Iron Horse RV returns, but moves to Limited Modified sponsorship. The Fireballs and Sport Compacts pick up new sponsors, Winners Circle Transmissions and Johnson Supply.

The big new deal for 2024 is the South Texas IMCA Modified Series (STIMS) with Hortch Speed Shop as the major class sponsor. Modified counts have fallen off recently and had tracks reducing dates or eliminating the class altogether, so Jacob Hortch came up with the idea of creating a traveling series. The IMCA Modifieds will now run series points events at I-37 Speedway (Pleasanton), Texana Raceway Park (Edna), Cotton Bowl Speedway (Paige) and South Texas Race Ranch (Corpus Christi) with no overlapping dates. Numerous drivers have already committed to running the full series.

“STIMS is super excited to start their 2024 season with a ton of support from the drivers, tracks, and sponsors! We hope to grow the series and make it something the fans enjoy coming to watch!.” said Series Director Jacob Hortch.

Maupin Flexes Muscle

Well early race jitters saw the Late Model scheduled 20-lap main chopped into short runs and finally reduced on time limits. It started simply enough with Jared Maupin grabbing the early lead over Robby Minten, Austin Theiss, Ryan Doyon and Kody Hardage. The first caution flew for Adison Lehman who had trouble in turn 4. Under yellow A. Theiss pulled off from second. A debris caution followed on the restart.

Back to green with Ray Doyon getting by Ryan Doyon for third bringing Steve Whiteaker along to fourth. Whiteaker then made his way by Ra. Doyon before A. Lehman spun in front of the leaders on lap 6. Green didn't last long as the top three got away with Ziggy Reusser, Landon Sowder and Raymond McSpadden three wide in the pack, McSpadden spun from that battle.

Then things got weird, a multi-car crash, under caution, saw several cars take damage ending the night for Ry. Doyon. Finally back to green it was Maupin and Minten getting away with Ra. Doyon getting by Hardage for fourth. Whiteaker was able to find a way past Minten for second with Ra. Doyon and Minten swapping third.

Coming to halfway it was Maupin, Whiteaker, Minten, Ra. Doyon and Hardage in the top five. Whiteaker was cutting into Maupins lead when Mark Taylor and Reusser got together in turn 2 for a caution moving Whiteaker to Maupin's bumper. Under time limits officials cut the race to a green, white checker finish.

Maupin got a slight advantage over Whiteaker as green waved while Minten and Ra. Doyon swapped third. Whiteaker couldn't mount a serious challenge as Maupin(San Antonio), in the Kris Workman owned, JGR Fab, CNC Graffix, 91 Specialties, Klein crate powered Rocket XR1 scored his first ever Late Model victory.

“Man.” commented Maupin. “Every yellow Stevie (Whiteaker) was moving up positions. I know he's fast in the moisture, so I just have to keep hitting my spots. This race was pretty cut and dry. It was pretty much one lane on the top. If you could turn, you'd be quick on top. I was hoping he was a little snug and be hard to pass me.”

“In the Late Model you'd think to caliber of drivers is a little higher. I try not to over think driving against people I don't know about. If you think about what someone in front of you is going to do, it always goes the opposite way.”

“These cars are easy to drive. You just drive balls to the wall. If you let off, you're slow. The Factory Stocks just like to be straight. The Sportmods have a lot of power for the tires. You have to be throttle sensitive.”

Nogalitos Gear Late Models

91 Jared Maupin 89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 9 Ray Doyon III, 24r Robby Minten, 08 Landon Sowder, 53x Chandler Fox, 26x Donald Lehman, 77 Mark Taylor,7dd David Theiss, 5k Carl Reusser, 5r Ryan Doyon, 48 Raymond McSpadden, 26r Adison Lehman, 7d Austin Theiss

Morris Motors to First STIMS win

The first ever STIMS feature saw Rick Green and Chris Carroll stay side by side through turns 1-2 before Green took the advantage on lap 1. Trailing them were Ryan Doyon, Chris Morris and Robert Liese. Liese, Logan Dinsmore and Jacob Hortch were three wide with Dinsmore taking the spot.

Doyon snagged second from Carroll before a spin by David Gibson slowed the pace. Doyon took a look low on Green on the restart while Michael Walker, in his first race back after cancer treatment, got by Morris for fourth. Walker caught his teammate, Carroll, with the two side by side until Gilbert Amezquita spun for a lap 9 caution.

On the restart, Green and Doyon got away while Morris dove under Carroll and hooked bumpers sending them both around in front of the pack. Several cars took some damage as they scattered to avoid Carroll and Morris, who was able to continue on. On the ensuing restart, Morris got a good look on Green for the lead, taking the point on lap 12.

As the top three now spread out, Rob Sanderson moved into fourth with Shawn Sandegren fifth. Brian Machicek moved along side Sandegren when Darrell Boyd and Amezquita tangled on the back stretch. Morris got away from Doyon on green by four-car lengths as the race came down to five to go.

Doyon was able to cut into Morris' lead and caught him in the final laps. The duo were door to door with two to go. Doyon threw a slide job on Morris in turns3-4, but Morris crossed him over and returned the favor in turns 1-2 as the white flag waved. Doyon tried again, but came up short as Morris(Taylor) in his ACM Services, AMT Concrete, Austin Cutting and Coring, Tina Reagan Realty, Lonestar Concrete, Bigfoot Concrete Pumping, Truform Products, Trackmaster, Disabled Outdoorsmen USA, All in Designs, Lonestar Pumping, Maxwell Medical Supplies, Sellman Specialties, Guzman Automotive, Empire Income Tax, crate powered, Lethal Chassis hung on for the victory

“We had a good car all night and knew we had the speed to get it done,” said Morris. “But also knew the track was going to be tough to pass on being too dominant. We started 6th and quickly got to 4th. Ended up finding some extra grip high in 2 and drove around everyone on a restart to take the lead.”

“Ryan (Doyon) certainly kept me honest and gave me a heck of a challenge for the lead with one to go. Thankfully we were able to come out on top. None of it would’ve been possible without all my sponsors on board this season.”

Hortch Speed Shop STIMS

94 Chris Morris, 5r Ryan Doyon, 82 Rick Green, 45 Brian Machicek, 141 Rob Sanderson, 22 Darrell Boyd, 73d Jacob Hortch, 36 Vince Kacir, 88 Arian Gassman, 18s Shawn Sandegren, 56 Gilbert Amezquita, 77 Robert Liese jr, 15c Chris Carroll, 15w Michael Walker, 366 David Gibson, 8jr Logan Dinsmore, 27s Charles Strong---dns, 29 Jamie Campbell---dns

Kulhanek Kaptures Limited Modified Kash

In the words from a Grateful Dead song, “what a long strange trip it's been.”

The Limited Modified feature saw 14-cars take the green and it didn't take long to heat up. Brian Harbison, Ray Allen Kulhanek and Trent Beaver were three wide for the lead coming off turn 2 on the initial start. Kulhanek and Beaver made contact in turn 3 starting a melee that collected a half dozen others, including last years track champ, Ryker Hernandez. Kulhanek was sent to the back.

The second try wasn't much better as Clint Everage, Bobby Smith and Sterling Tausch tangled, again in turn 3. Finally under green, it was Beaver taking the top spot followed by Steve Whiteaker III, Logan Dinsmore, Jared Maupin and Harbison, while Kulhanek quickly charged back through the field.

Maupin got by Dinsmore with Harbison trying to follow. Kulhanek caught both with the trio going three wide for fourth. Maupin caught and passed Whiteaker for second leaving him side by side with Kulhanek. Coming to the crossed flags it was Beaver, Maupin, Kulhanek, Harbison and Whiteaker in the top five.

Maupin chased down Beaver for the lead, but spun coming off turn 2 on lap 12 for a caution, rebunching the field. Back under green Kulhanek was pressuring Beaver for the lead and took the spot on lap 14. Dinsmore and Harbison were wheel to wheel again, this time for third. Dinsmore got the spot followed by Daniel Preston and Whiteaker as Harbison fell back before spinning on lap 16.

Beaver took a look on Kulhanek as green waved again, but a quick spin by Whiteaker brought out the yellow. This time Kulhanek(Corpus Christi) was able to get a couple car lengths on Beaver and take the victory in the KTC Construction, Renegade Race Fuel, Browders Marina, Pipeline MD, Duke Motorsports, Integra Racing Shocks, Sevies Speed Shop, Mark Herring Race Engines, Innovative Chassis.

“Being a little pissed off about the start helped,” replied Kulhanek. “We got into (turn) 3 and Trent(Beaver) drove across the nose. The next thing you know we're both spinning. I was pretty frustrated at that point. I'm was just going to have to drive the piss out of it and see how far up we can get.”

“I've only been here once before. That was in a Factory Stock running the DTK race a year ago. You've always got a base line to start off of. I watch lots of video from anywhere we go race at. I can watch how the tracks play out through the night. You hit the track and see what it feels like and watch fast the surface. You watch to see what changes you might need with an educated guess.”

“This is only the third night on this car and it's been a hot rod. We've run three races and won two. It's a big credit to Innovative Race Cars, RAK Suspension and all my guys.”

“Every one of these cars and classes have their own quirks. Basically anything that's raced on dirt, I've raced and won in every class. The credit goes to good car owners, good cars, engines and everybody over the years that's helped being a piece of my career has helped. Everything is a stepping stone to get to the next step. The limiteds are so much more of a race car than they were intended to be. They're a lot of fun and I enjoy traveling to big shows. They've evolved so much. It's a racecar!”

Iron Horse RV Limited Modifieds

21t Ray Allen Kulhanek, 14 Trent Beaver, 30k Logan Dinsmore, 9s Bobby Smith, bd2 Daniel Preston, 57 Charles Flanagan, 88 Steve Whiteaker III, 11t Tom Grothues, 15t Mike Terry, 10d Clint Everage, 11x Brian Harbison, 96 Jared Maupin, 96s Sterling Tausch, 55 Ryker Hernandez, 12r Roly Rodriguez---dns

Hessong Hustles to Factory Stock Finish

Trey Heald led the Factory Stock feature into turn 1 with the lead, but it was Wade Jones, back after a couple year hiatus, taking the spot off turn 2 on the high side. GW Hessong fell in line ahead of Heald, Johnny Torres and Allen Torres. Hessong moved past Jones on lap 3 bringing J. Torres along to second.

On a restart for a spin by Evident Ivy, Jones retook second from J. Torres and was looking at Hessong for the lead while Rusty Head moved into fifth. Jones and J. Torres swapped second with Edward Oakes moving up into the top five getting around Heald. Coming to halfway it was Hessong, J. Torres, Jones, Oakes and Head in the top five.

Johnny Walker Brown brought yellow at halfway with Jones pitting from the top five with a tire rub. Back to green the top four took off while Paul Reyes got fifth from Head. A. Torres got around Oakes for third and alongside brother, Johnny, for second. A. Torres run to the front would end on lap 15 when he went up in smoke and pulled off.

The Torres brothers battle gave Hessong the opportunity to stretch out his advantage. As the white flag waved Hessong had built a half straightaway margin easily cruising to the checkers in his Monty Chamberlain Motorsports, Rock Motors, Hawkeye Trucking, R&G Motorsports, Edna Auto Supply, Tony’s Mobile Home Service, Longhorn Liquor, M&S Productions, Club 20 Shocks, Lick my Stack Cooking Team, Wicked Wrapz & Detailing, Destroyer Chassis.

All in Designs Factory Stocks

747 GW Hessong, 66 Johnny Torres, 53 Edward Oakes, 55 Rusty Head, 24 Paul Reyes, 14t Trey Heald, 34 Hunter Peterson, 4d Dustin Hurley, 18s Jarrett Payton, 56 Brian Schneider, 92 Robert Keylich, 05e Evident Ivy, 41 Wade Jones, 94 Allen Torres, 7 Johnny Walker Brown, 53k Kasey Krauss, 91 Jared Maupin---dns

“We are back!” exclaimed Hessong. “The second night on the new Destroyer Chassis and we pulled off the win. I couldn’t be happier. We still have a little work but looks like it’s gonna be a good year. All in all thanks to I-37, track was pretty fun as always.”

“Just wanna say thanks to everyone stuck with me originally and the new sponsors that came aboard after a couple years of not having my own car. I truly can’t forget my August Lee, my baby boy & Riley. They are there at the shop right beside me.”

Hodge Hot Streak Continues

Last Years inaugural track champ continued his reign in the Fireball feature leading the field into turn 1 pursued by Allen Leddy, AJ Wernette, Tony Blankenship and Howie Marcx. Joseph Montemayor went for a spin on lap 1 after contact with Blankenship, who went to the tail. Hodge got a clean getaway on green with Wernette getting second.

Leddy, Marcx and Anthony Gordon had a good three car scrap with Marcx and Gordon moving up past Wernette for second and third. At the halfway point it was Hodge, Gordon, Marcx, Monty Chamberlain and Wernette, before Wernette pulled off on the edge of the track for a yellow erasing Hodge's lead.

Hodge got a couple cars lengths back under green, but Gordon wasn't quite done. Gordon was able to run him back down with two to go. Gordon got to Hodge's bumper, but couldn't mount a serious challenge as Hodge snagged another victory in his Doves Decals, Parks Engine Service, Camaro

Winners Circle Transmissions Fireballs

58 Matthew Hodge,99Anthony Gordon, 39 Allen Leddy, 13 Howie Marcx, 55 Monty Chamberlain, 18m Joseph Montemayor, h2s Shane Stonebreaker, 15 William Cavender, 28 Levi Hernandez, 35 Tony Blankenship, 37 AJ Wernette

Van Winkle with First Victory

The 20-lap Sport Compact feature saw Justin Van Winkle get the lead ahead of last years champ, Rod Tait, with Justin Sitterle, Josh Jones and Sonny Kinnaman three wide for third. Jennifer Kidd was the first yellow loosing a tire on lap 2. Once back to green Tait was able to sneak by Van Winkle for the lead while Sitterle and swapping third and Kinnaman lurking in fifth.

Van Winkle was able to retake the point on lap 7 as the race approached halfway showing Van Winkle, Tait, Jones, Kinnaman and James Gottsch in the top five. After a quick debris caution on lap 17, Van Winkle was able get a good jump and pull out by several car lengths. From there Van Winkle(Floresville) was able to hold the margin for his first ever victory in the Darlas Bar & Grille, 2.2 Eco-tech, Pontiac Sunfire

“It's good to get the first one,” said Van Winkle. “I've only raced for one year. We pulled 4 motors out and never finished a race. The only finish we got was second, this year we're starting off with a “W.”

“I just picked my, ran my race and didn't worry about anything else. I was a little concerned when I lost the lead. You just have to stay calm, run your race and hopefully you'll win.”

“Trey (Heald) has helped me out a lot. Every night we stay up late, pull motors. Three times this week due to broken flywheel bolts. We put a new clutch in and I guess the car didn't like. Practice last week we broke the bolts. Changed again drove it on the property, broke them again. Finally a stock clutch back in, and the car liked it.”

Johnson Supply Sport Compacts

325 Justin Van Winkle, 70 Rod Tait, 11 Josh Jones, 8 James Gottsch, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 88 Justin Sitterle, 3% Sam Walker, 48 Michael Polasek, 32 Joshua Garcia, 76 Donald Lewis, 43 Jennifer Kidd, 007 James Baum---dntg

Spreen Scores Battle of the Dillon/Dylans

The intial start of the DCRST 20-lapper saw Danielle Long, Dylan Budnik ad Duane Burford three wide, but a multi-car spin in in the pack brought out the yellow. The second try saw Long lead into turn 1, Budnik lead off turn 2, but Dillon Spreen, up top, was first to the line on lap 1. Falling in behind Spreen were Budnik, Long, Drew Stark and Duane Burford in the top five. Long fell back while Burford moved forward before a spin by Billy Groff.

Spreen and Budnik got away with Dillon Coyne moving into the top five. At halfway it was Spreen, Budnik, Coyne, Stark and Brady Ricks in the top five. Coyne closed in on Spreen and Budnik as they battled for the lead. The two leaders were door to door, going three wide in traffic. Budnik had gotten out front when Stephen Gilbert spun to bring out yellow and erase the pass.

Spreen got an edge on green when Coyne got by Budnik for second. But a spin by Ron Theel would out a caution. Budnik retook second an the restart and was looking low on Spreen. Spreen held off Budnik's shot with Coyne now trying to get second back. At the checkers it was Spreen (Salado) in his Bodies by DSM, All In Designs, Spreen Racing Engines, Swenson Racing Shocks holding on for the win.

“I was able to find the top groove on the initial start.” said Spreen. So when we had the complete restart I knew if I got to the top on the backstretch and I could potentially get a great run off 4. It worked and was able to go from 7th to the lead on the first lap.”

“At that point I was able to control the race with the line pretty much being locked around the top. I have been working really hard on a shock/spring combination that is comfortable for me and it worked perfect last night.”

Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas

81 Dillon Spreen, 12t Dillon Coyne, 25 Dylan Budnik, 03 Drew Stark, 5m Brady Ricks, 08 Danielle Long, 44m Thomas Mach, 4m Mason Mach, 14r Duane Burford, 30 Billy Groff, 93 Adam Stehle, 7 Ron Theel, 7x Stephen Gilbert,38 Hunter Gilbert, 18 Brian Batchelor, 2 Jerry Book, 2tx Derek Massey---dns

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