Rookie Taylor Brandes snags his first TSRS Late Model victory

Taylor Brandes, who is the 17-year-old rookie driver of the #92 red Monte Carlo, claimed his first feature win in the 40-lap TSRS Late Model Race on Saturday, August 28, at Thunderhill Raceway.

Brandes started out on the outside of the third row in the 10-car field.  Following an incident that involved several cars on the first lap, Brandes went to the pits and restarted at the rear of the field.  He quickly worked up through the field, passing almost half of the remaining cars before the caution flag flew on Lap 5.  

At the halfway point, Brandes strongly challenged TSRS Late Model points’ leader Bobby Teer, Jr., and veteran race JC Umscheid for the lead.  Following a caution on Lap 23, the battle resumed on Lap 30 when the green flag was thrown again (yellow flag laps count until the last ten laps).   Brandes passed both leaders on the restart and held onto the lead for the last ten laps.

The official TSRS Late Model results are shown below:

TSRS Late Model Race
Feature Race

1. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX 40 laps QT 15.630
2. 54 J.C. Umscheid Austin, TX 40 laps QT 15.604 Hard Charger
3. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 40 laps QT 15.385 Fast Time/ Hard Charger
4. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 40 laps QT 15.849
5. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 40 laps QT 16.425 Hard Charger
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 40 laps QT 16.010
7. 38 Craig Sellman Buda, TX 40 laps QT 16.035
8. 37 Mark Ackerman 32 laps QT 15.996
9. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 0 laps QT 15.715
10. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 0 laps QT 15.718
11. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX DNS  DNQ

QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify
DNS – Did Not Start

Austin Self notches third TSRS Late Model victory in a thriller

Fourteen year-old Austin Self continues to impress the Texas stock car racing community as he notched his third Texas Super Racing Series Late Model race of the season and his second-in-a-row at the D-shaped, 3/8-mile speedplant in Kyle, Texas, on Saturday, August 15, 2010.

Self, who started his #07 TSRS Late Model in the seventh spot due to the inversion, quickly moved into second, but fast-qualifier and TSRS points leader Bobby Teer, Jr, slipped under the youngster a lap or two later and to claim the spot and set sail for the leader, JT Schild.

And it wasn’t long before Teer worked his way past Schild to grab the lead and took off, opening a several car-length lead over Schild and Self, who seemed content to stay behind Schild for the time being.
Teer’s lead evaporated on lap 21, however, after a caution flag and subsequent red flag on 27 for liquid on the racing surface.

On the restart Self got under Schild to grab second, but cagey veteran and multi-race winner Robert Barker was quickly moving up through the field after a pit stop during the previous caution.

A lap-33 spin by Kristin Bumbera, who broke a suspension part while running in third place, brought out the second yellow, which then put Barker on Self’s rear bumper and Self on Teer’s rear bumper for the restart.

As the green waved, Self nosed under Teer which moved the leader over just enough to allow Self to get under and pass for the lead. Barker followed Self through the opening which dropped Teer to third. For the next few laps the trio raced nose-to-tail with the large crowd in attendance on their collective feet.
After some paint exchanges up front, Teer got into Barker a bit too hard and Barker spun to bring out the yellow on lap 43. After some discussion, the track ordered Teer to the rear of the pack for the restart with Barker retaining his second place spot behind Self.

On the restart, Barker gave Self a tap, but the youngster held on and retained the lead. But Teer was on a tear and a couple of laps later was filling Barker’s mirror to make it a three car shootout up front with five to go. Barker again tried the bump and run, but this time it backfired and it was Barker who spun to bring out the yellow with five to go.

Would Teer return the favor that Self had used to grab the lead earlier in the race? The large crowd on hand thought so and was on its collective feet as the green waved. And sure enough, the lead pair made a bit of contact and Teer squeezed by to re-take the lead. But as fate would have it, Mike Reininger spun in turn 3-4 to bring out the final yellow of the race before the lap was completed, nullifying the pass for the lead.
So once again the fans were on their feet waiting for the sparks to fly as the green waved with five to go, but this time Self in the FEP Chevrolet was ready and hammered down with Teer having to settle for a last-lap try on the outside which came up a half-car-length short at the finish line. Taylor Brandes, JT Schild and Jeff O’Neil rounded out the top five.

“I have to credit my team and FEP for this one,” Self said. “Heath and JR gave me an awesome car that was there at the finish. We were a little loose earlier in the day, but the car came to me as the track cooled. That was really an exciting race and I’m glad the fans enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Official Results Texas Super Racing Series Late Model event, August 14, 2010
1.07 Austin Self, Austin, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.668
2. 2 Bobby Teer, Jr., Comfort, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.503
3. 92 Taylor Brandes, Garden Ridge, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.624
4. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.844
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX, 50 laps, QT 16.168
6. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX, 50 laps, QT 15.872
7. 17 Robert Barker, Boerne, TX, 45 laps, QT 15.810
8. 04 Cory Roper, Baytown, TX, 36 laps, QT 15.892
9. 06 Kristin Bumbera, Cypress, TX, 35 laps, QT 16.072
10. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX, 31 laps, QT 16.490
11. 9 Jason Campbell, Cibolo, TX, 3 laps, QT 18.891

QT = Qualifying Time

by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone
Photo by Tory Christopher

Rookie Austin Self claims second TSRS Late Model victory

Rookie driver #07 Austin Self started the 50-lap TSRS Late Model Reagan Smith Memorial Race in the second row on the outside.   He took the lead after the complete restart following an incident on the first lap.  Self held off two hard-charging veteran drivers, #17 Robert Barker and #2 Bobby Teer, Jr., for the win.  It was Self’s second win of the season. 

The complete results are shown below:

TSRS Late Model Reagan Smith Memorial Race

Feature Race

1. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.677
2. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.383 Fast Time/ Hard Charger
3. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.476
4. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX 50 laps QT 15.581
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.869
6. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 48 laps QT 16.628
7. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 48 laps QT 16.418
8. 04 Cory Roper Baytown, TX 37 laps QT 15.885
9. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 2 laps QT 15.966
10. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 0 laps QT 15.703

QT – Qualifying Time

Dillon Spreen claims victory in TSRS Allison Legacy feature race on Saturday

Dillon Spreen, driver of the #5 TSRS Allison Legacy, started near the back of the field and quickly worked his way up to the front of the pack in the 25-lap TSRS Allison Legacy feature race on Saturday, July 17.  He took the lead from Kyle Harding on Lap 13 and held off a hard charge by points leader Charles Aikin to claim the win.  Complete results are shown below.

TSRS Allison Legacys

Feature Race

1. 5 Dillon Spreen Boerne, TX 25 laps QT 17.057 Fast Time/Hard Charger
2. 87 Charles Aikin Round Rock, TX 25 laps QT 17.323 Hard Charger
3. 19 Cole Runco Spring Branch, TX 25 laps QT 17.390
4. 56 Lauren Runco Spring Branch, TX 25 laps 17.804
5. 24 Kris Kerr San Antonio, TX 25 laps QT 17.645
6. 99 Matt Yevcak Kyle, TX 25 laps QT 17.715
7. 88 Kyle Harding Conroe, TX QT 17.727
8. 80r Collin Alexander San Antonio, TX 25 laps QT 18.258

Sizzling summer action at Thunderhill Raceway this weekend

The plans for this weekend’s activities (July 16 & 17) at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) are heating up – for both on and off-the-track action.

Starting off the weekend will be an Open Test-n-Tune practice session on Friday (July 16) that will run from 4P until dark. Pit admission is only $10 for non-drivers, and grandstand spectators will be admitted free. During the practice session, fans can come to watch the drivers and crews tune in their race cars and trucks for Saturday’s racing action.

Following the Open Test-n-Tune, everyone is invited to join in some extra pit action at a Tailgate Party that’s being sponsored by Gen-Tech, LaFont Racing, Bobby Teer Racing (TSRS) and Thunderhill Raceway. Fans (and race teams) can bring their own coolers, chairs, food and drinks and enjoy spending some time with the drivers and other racing fans. Cookers (grills) will be available during the party, and entertainment will be provided by a live DJ – Steve “Mad Dog” Sommo (Big Dog Entertainment)/ Tailgate Party admission is free, and (free) overnight camping in the parking lot is encouraged.

“We’ve been off for a few weeks, and we’re all so ready to get back to racing,” said Mary Ann Naumann, THR Owner/Promoter. “We have lots of activities planned for this weekend, and I know everyone will have great time hanging out at the track.”

To start off a full day of racing on Saturday (July 17), Thunderhill Raceway will open its pit gates at 11A, and the grandstand gates will open at 4P.  Qualifying for all classes starts at 4:15P. Grandstand admission is $12 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.

A Fan Appreciation Happy Hour is scheduled from 5:30P – 6:30P. Thanks to H-E-B in Kyle (TX) and Thunder Grill (track concession), fans can purchase a hot dog or soft drink for only $1 during the Happy Hour.

Openings ceremonies are set for 6P, and special guests for the evening will be Miss Kyle, Jennifer Hamzy, and Miss Kyle Teen, Christina Nunez. The Texas Corvette Association will kick off the evening’s activities with a few hot laps right after opening ceremonies.

Ten classes of racing are scheduled for Saturday – including the TSRS Late Models and Allison Legacys, Pro Trucks (featured class), SportMods, Dwarf Cars, Bandoleros, ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and Mini Stocks.

The TSRS Late Model Race will be held in memory of Steven Longley, a longtime racing fan who passed away on June 29. His son, Christopher (Longley), will be the Grand Marshall for Saturday’s race.

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

For information on Thunderhill Raceway visit the track’s website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

Austin Self claims his first TSRS Late Model victory

Austin Self (#07), who is a 14-year-old rookie from Austin, TX, was the polesitter for the 35-lap TSRS Late Model race on June 19.

When the green flag was thrown, J.T. Schild (#25), who is also a rookie, followed Self in the second position.  The winner of the previous two races, Bobby Teer, Jr., (#2) had passed Schild on the second lap.  By Lap 3, Robert Barker (#17) had also passed Schild and settled into the third position.

Following the yellow flag that was thrown on Lap 24, Barker passed Teer for second and then set his sights on Self.  Although Barker made some strong challenges for the lead, Self was able to hold him off for the win.

It was Self’s first victory in his fifth TSRS Late Model start.

The complete results are shown below:

TSRS Late Models

Feature Race

1. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 35 laps QT 15.664 
2. 17 Robert Barker TX 35 laps QT 15.427 Hard Charger
3. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 35 laps QT 15.292 Fast Time 
4. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 35 laps QT 15.684
5. 38 Craig Sellman Buda, TX 35 laps QT 16.045
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 35 laps QT 16.182
7. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 26 laps QT 16.421

QT – Qualifying Time

Bobby Teer, Jr., claims second consecutive TSRS Late Model victory

After turning in the fastest qualifying time for the TSRS Late Models on Saturday, June 5, Bobby Teer, Jr. (#2), drew the pole position.  He held off hard charges by Robert Barker (#17) and Austin Self (#07) and managed to maintain the lead until the end of the 35-lap feature race.  Teer was excited about his second consecutive career win.

Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce TSRS Late Model 50

Feature Race

1. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 35 laps QT 15.261 Fast Time 
2. 17 Robert Barker Boerne TX 35 laps QT 15.422
3. 25 JT Schild Leander, TX 35 laps QT 15.690 Broke Impound (started at rear)
4. 38 Craig Sellman Buda, TX 35 laps QT 15.778 Broke Impound (started at rear)
5. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 35 laps QT 16.009 Post Qualifying Tech Infraction – too low (started at rear)
6. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 35 laps QT 16.528
7. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 35 laps QT 16.450
8. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 35 laps QT 15.518 Tech Infraction – too low

Veteran Teer notches first TSRS Late Model win at Thunderhill Raceway

Special Report by Nick Holt, Lone Star Speedzone

Bobby Teer, Jr., has seen many second-place finishes in Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) Late Model competition over the years, but the veteran driver finally made it all the way to the top spot this past Saturday night (May 22, 2010) at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, Texas) during the “Operation Interdependence 50.”

Teer set fast time in qualifying (15.280 seconds) and led all but the first lap or two on his way to the winner’s circle. 

But it wasn’t all that easy because David Barker, who was substituting for his younger brother, Robert Barker, who had won all three previous TSRS events this season, and rookie JT Schild gave him plenty of competition and perhaps a few taps on his back bumper along the way.

Barker got the early jump on the 14-car field, but it wasn’t long before Teer, who had started on the outside pole, made a clean inside pass to take the lead when Barker exited turn four a bit too high.

Mike Reininger, Taylor Brandes and JT Schild were all tucked in behind the leaders and were waging their own private war for third in the early going until the threesome tried to make it three wide and heavy contact sent Reininger and Brandes into twin spins while Schild was able to maintain control.  Schild then lined up behind Barker on the ensuing restart with Cody Iltis right behind him.

Meanwhile, fourteen year-old rookie Austin Self, who had started at the rear due to being a bit too left-side heavy after qualifying, had worked his way up to sixth and was obviously on a mission to get to the front.

For the next several laps Teer had his hands full as Barker lurked right on his bumper while Schild, in turn, worked on Barker’s rear bumper. Iltis completed the tight, four-car breakaway.

But Barker seemed to be losing the handle a bit and Schild got more and more aggressive as they passed the half-way point. Schild, after looking inside for several laps, finally got a good run going into turn three and the pair made heavy contact with Barker spinning to bring out the yellow.

The track ruled that Schild had position and Barker was sent to the rear for the restart.  That moved Schild into second with Iltis third and Self fourth.  A lap or two later Self worked his way past Iltis to take third.

With twelve laps remaining, Larry Bendele’s engine exploded just past the flag stand in a cloud of smoke while running in the fifth spot and everyone behind went sliding through the oil. Barker spun to a stop near the apron and Brandes, also completely at the mercy of the oil, slammed into Barker’s driver’s side door as the rest of the field miraculously didn’t hit anything too hard. Brandes was done for the night but Barker’s crew patched the car up and he returned to the track without losing a lap.

Unfortunately for Self, his hood had bent up to block a good portion of his view and he spent the remainder of the race holding off Iltis.  Iltis gave it one last shot on the last lap and got into Self’s rear bumper, but instead of Self spinning, it was Iltis who sat in the middle of turn 3-4 as the checkered waved for Teer who had opened up a car length or two on Schild as they came to the line.

It was all smiles and congratulations in the TSRS winner’s circle for Teer and crew and plenty of high-fives for rookies Schild and Self.

Cory Roper and Craig Sellman rounded out the top five.

TSRS Late Models “Operation Interdependence 50” results, 5/22/2010
1. 2 Bobby Teer Jr., Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.280 Fast Time
2. 25 JT Schild, Leander, TX 50 laps QT 15.553
3. 07 Austin Self, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.514 Post Qualifying Tech Infraction – Too much left side weight (started at rear)
4. 04 Cory Roper, Baytown, TX 50 laps QT 16.303 Hard Charger
5. 38 Craig Sellman, Buda, TX 50 laps DNT
6. 28 Jeff O’Neill, Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.966
7. 17 David Barker, Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.447
8. 5 Heather Ables, Whitney, TX 50 laps QT 16.478
9. 11 Cody IItis, Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.757
10. 37 Mark Ackerman, San Antonio, TX 45 laps QT 16.123
11. 23 Larry Bendele, Adkins, TX 38 laps QT 15.956
12. 92 Taylor Brandes, Garden Ridge, TX 30 laps QT 15.454
13. 3 Mike Reininger, San Antonio, TX 23 laps QT 15.510
14. 56 Joey Jenkins, Del Valle, TX 4 laps QT 19.469

 QT – Qualifying Time
DNQ – Did Not Qualify
DNS – Did Not Start

Operation Interdependence® returns to Thunderhill Raceway this Saturday

Building on a relationship that was established several years ago, Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, TX) and Operation Interdependence® are partnering up again this year to help to assist servicemen and women in the armed forces.

The Sixth Annual Operation Interdependence® (OI) race for the TSRS (Texas Super Racing Series) Late Models is scheduled for this Saturday, May 22.

“I’m very honored to be a part of this incredible organization that puts smiles on the faces of our military, month after month,” commented Mary Ann Naumann, Thunderhill Raceway’s Owner and Promoter. “These are dedicated folks, and I know our racing teams are also honored to participate in this very worthwhile cause.”

Thunderhill Raceway and TSRS drivers, teams and fans are asked to join in packing OI Civilian Rations® (called C-rats®) for the troops. Designed for delivery to the frontlines, C-rats are individual quart-sized baggies that contain a personal note from a caring civilian at home and a few treats such as snacks, games and personal care products. The most important part of the C-rat is a personal letter or note from someone who has never met that Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman, but takes the time to write his or her expressions of care and concern. Everyone is also invited to donate $1 per C-rat to help support overseas shipping costs.

“Operation Interdependence® is very excited about partnering with Thunderhill Raceway again” said Nina Gayheart, OI National Director and Austin Area Manager. “Since many soldiers are racing fans, we’re asking the drivers, teams and fans to write notes to the troops. Hopefully this event will give the Thunderhill racing community an opportunity to share their sentiments and show their support with those who serve our nation,” added Gayheart.  

The goal of Operation Interdependence® is to provide each of the nearly 325,000 deployed troops around the world with C-rats from home every month during their entire deployment and to do so without bogging down the military mail system or taking away from the mission. For many, it’s the only communication from home they receive. OI coordinates all shipments to the frontlines with unit commanders, thereby ensuring military resources are not negatively impacted and boxes make it to their intended destination. And, in the spirit of the “no one left behind” creed, enough C-rats are sent so everyone in that unit gets a package at that mail call. 

The OI Austin distribution center opened in March 2005 and currently ships to 5,000 soldiers a month. 

In addition to the TSRS Late Models, the racing agenda for Saturday will include the Pro Modifieds, Pro Trucks, TSRS Allison Legacys, Dwarf Cars, ASA A-Line Super Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Grand Stocks and Mini Stocks. Special events are also on tap for the kids – including Kids’ Bike Races (also Power Wheels and tricycles) and Kiddie Rides in the race cars at the end of the night.

Grandstand gates will open at 4:00 p.m., followed by qualifying at 4:15 p.m.  Opening ceremonies will take place at 6:00 p.m. and will feature a special flag presentation by The Texas Vietnam Veterans Association.  The night’s racing action will begin promptly after the opening ceremonies have been completed.

Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile, D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just north of San Marcos (TX) near Yarrington Road (Exit #210). Information on Thunderhill Raceway may be found on the track website at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

For more information Operation Interdependence®, visit the OI website at www.oidelivers.org . The Texas Super Racing Series website may be found at www.texassuperracingseries.com.

Close battle for position in TSRS Late Model race

Robert Barker (not pictured), the current points’ leader, started the 50-lap TSRS Late Model race on the pole and held off the entire field for all 50 laps.  Throughout the race, several drivers jockeyed for the next three positions, including the #07 driven by Austin Self (not pictured), the #25 driven by JT Schild,  and the #3 driven by Mike Reininger and the #2 driven by Bobby Teer, Jr.

The final race results are shown below:

TSRS Late Models

 Feature Race

1. 17 Robert Barker Boerne, TX 50 laps QT 15.234
2. 25 JT Schild Waller, TX 50 laps QT 15.853
3. 2 Bobby Teer Jr. Comfort, TX 50 laps QT 15.202 Fast Time/Hard Charger
4. 07 Austin Self Austin, TX 50 laps QT 15.407
5. 3 Mike Reininger San Antonio, TX 50 laps QT 15.806
6. 92 Taylor Brandes Garden Ridge, TX 50 laps QT 15.420
7. 28 Jeff O’Neill Round Rock, TX 50 laps QT 15.879
8. 5 Heather Ables Whitney, TX 48 laps QT 16.852
9. 56 Joey Jenkins Del Valle, TX 48 laps QT 16.177

QT – Qualifying Time

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