Texas Speedzone - Highlights from Drivers' Meeting at Thunderhill Raceway

Contact: Debbie Williams, 210-685-0400
Thunderhill Raceway Public Relations
debwill@swbell.net

HIGHLIGHTS FROM DRIVERS’ MEETING AT THUNDERHILL RACEWAY

Thunderhill Raceway Local Classes, TSRS, Trucks and Modifieds

KYLE, TX (December 8, 2007) - Everything is moving forward for the 2008 racing season at Thunderhill Raceway (THR) – can’t make any guarantees after that. The future of THR beyond the 2008 season will be announced at the end of the season.

Two Tech areas are now available – have worked hard to equalize the classes. Tech is tough on carburetors – must meet the requirements using the THR/TSRS tools. Rules are now more specific regarding the carburetors to include booster heights, etc. Jack Sandefur is available to check carburetors at any time prior to the races.

Heath Stewart, will be racing with TSRS in 2008. He will not get any special favors, etc., because of his relationship to Mary Ann.

Mary Ann Naumann is the Owner/Promoter for THR/TSRS. Rick Day will be the Race Director for TSRS and THR, and David Mackey will be the Assistant Race Director. THR is looking for a Pit Steward to replace Mackey.

Rule changes for each of the classes. Some of the highlights were:

- Tire change for the Super Stocks and Thunder Stocks – F53 8” Slicks. Driver may use existing 970s for his/her first two races.

- If weights are not bolted securely and lost during a race, cannot be put back in the car for Tech inspection.

- Clarified the Rookie of the Year (ROY) guidelines for the Thunder Stocks. In 2007, a ROY will be named for the “THR Hobby Stocks” and another ROY for the “SAS Road Runners.” One of these rookies will be named the overall ROY for the Thunder Stocks. In 2008, will have one ROY for Thunder Stocks.

- Clarified the track width requirement for Super Stocks – 66-1/2” at the bottom of tire from the inside of one tire to the outside of the other tire.

- In the TSRS rules, took off penalties for mini clutch and underslung chassis – 3,000 lb. base weight. No exceptions on body types.

- Emphasized rule on “no alcohol in the pits” until after all of the races have been completed

- Scanners are mandatory for all THR local classes.

- Ten-pound fire extinguishers will be required to be visible in each driver’s pit area – must be fully charged and display car number. New fire extinguishers will be available for purchase at the track.

- Two-day pit passes will be available again in 2008 – no reduction in cost, but makes for easier access to the pits on the subsequent days.

- TSRS pre-registration fee will be $135. The fee will be $150 on race day. Qualifying order will be determined by date of receipt – first entries will qualify last. TSRS currently has 11 dates in 2008 to include THR and HMP. A July 5 race at CCS was offered to the TSRS drivers, and the majority voted to add the CCS race to the schedule

The THR and TSRS schedules will be released on Tuesday, December 11. Watch for it on the TSZ and THR websites. Schedules will also be sent out to the drivers on the distribution lists. THR is planning a NASCAR Grand National race again in 2008 in the latter part of March – will includes TSRS – will reduce the number of laps for TSRS but will not decrease the payout.

The Texas Trucks’ name will be changed to Pro Trucks. Although five Pro Truck races were included in the 2008 THR schedule, the drivers wanted to add two more races (seven total). Currently, the Pro Modifieds are scheduled for seven races at THR. The Trucks and Modifieds will compete with the other two Texas asphalt tracks (HMP and CCS) for the Texas championships. Specific rules will be issued for these two classes instead of using rules from previous series, e.g., USRA, TAMS, etc.

THR will continue to work with the other two tracks on scheduling, rules, etc.

The THR open practice sessions will begin on the first Thursday in February – will be held every Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. until dark. THR is available for rent on any day except Tuesdays.

The 2008 THR season will begin on March 2 with the 200-lap Enduro race. The NASCAR Grand National race is tentatively scheduled for March 22. The regular racing season will start on April 12.

Aaron Brungot talked about a marketing opportunity for the registered drivers. He distributed business cards to the drivers that offer a free admission with a paid admission for the Enduro race on March 2. The registered driver can write in his/her name and get $2 back for every card that is used at that race.

A-Line Auto Parts and AC Delco have agreed to sponsor JRA in 2008. JRA will also be offering some discount cars for sponsor appreciation opportunities.

JRA will be partnering with the Junior Achievement organizations and will be hosting career-type seminars – will need driver involvement for the seminars.

A drawing was held for the TSRS drivers. Larry Bendele (TSRS #23) won the ABC body, and Joe Aramendia (TSRS #79) won the ARP body.

Details on the March 2 Enduro race were covered with the drivers. The race winner will get $10,000 based on 100 cars entered. The winning amount will be adjusted based on the number of entries, e.g., winner will get $7,500 if 75 cars are entered.

The Enduro procedures include a $1000 claim on the winning car. The winning car will be available for auction after the race with an opening bid of $1,000. The driver may remove his/her personal items and safety equipment, and may bid on the car. Any other cars may also be auctioned, and the drivers will set the starting bid amounts.