Texas Speedzone - Schild and Stapp Three-Peat at THR

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For more information contact: Mick Anderson
Thunderhill Raceway
(512) 738-1708
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Schild and Stapp Three-Peat at THR

Kyle, TX (June 13, 2007) - TSRS Late Model ace Chris Schild and A-Line Auto Parts Super Stock star Cary Stapp each scored their third consecutive 2007 season feature win Saturday at ASA member track Thunderhill Raceway.

The evening's program also featured the first 2007 appearance of the ASA Pro Late Models with Tommy Grimes topping the field in 50 lap main.

Leander's Chris Schild started the TSRS Late Model action by setting a fast time of 15.549 seconds just a few ticks quicker than Seguin's Joe Aramendia (15.691). The top six qualifiers then drew for their 75 lap feature starting positions and Schild drew lucky # 1 and Gary Chancellor Jr. drawing for the outside pole. Upfront was the place to be all night long, as numerous yellow flags slowed the pace and reduced the amount of time lead cars would have spent in lapped traffic.

Schild was stout on every re-start showing everyone his rear bumper from the green to the checkered flag. Gary Chanceller was strong in the early going until a broken rear leaf spring got him up out of the groove. Joe Aramendia then worked his way into second and that's where he finished just ahead of Tommy Gural, Brian Moczygemba, and Jesse Salazar. Coincidentally, Schild's three consecutive 2007 TSRS Late Model feature wins has placed him in a tie with third place finisher Tommy Gural, both of whom now share the record of 8 career TSRS feature wins. Tommy was the 2006 TSRS Series champion while Schild took the title in 2005.

The other THR 2007 triple feature winner was Cary Stapp in the 35 lap A-Line Super Stock event. Stapp grabbed the lead about half way through the event from Keith Garrett who eventually finished third in his best 2007 performance. David Webster finished second, Duane Toyne held on for fourth, with a hard charging Clint La Font rounding out the top five.

Former ROMCO Super Late Model champ Tommy Grimes returned to his winning ways by scoring his first ever ASA Pro Late Model victory. With only one yellow flag, the action was fast and furious as Grimes held off current HMP ASA Pro Late Model point leader Jason Young to take the first of three events scheduled at THR to determine the Texas State ASA Pro Late Model champion.

Grimes was by far the most enthusiastic Victory Circle visitor of the night much to the delight of his crew and fans. Heath Stewart finished third followed by Lloyd Alexander and Kyle Sirizzotti.

History was in the making when the combined THR Hobby Stock and SAS Road Runner divisions ran their first ever Thunder Stocks event with Joey Tschoerner winning the 30 lap feature and expanding his points lead. Aaron Brungot, matching his previous personal best finish, took second place and moved up from third to second in the 2007 season point's race. Rick Latimer, Gary Chancellor, Sr., and Kevin Bowen rounded out the top five.

Director of Tech/Pit Operations, Jack Sandefur and Pit Steward David Mackey spoke with promoter Mary Ann Naumann after the races about their recommendations to re-look at the former Road Runner rules compared to the former Hobby Stock rules, to consider a few adjustments. "We do not want these fine drivers to get discouraged', stated Naumann. "I agree with Jack and David and it is in the works. There will be details released later this week, so hang in there you guys and gals; we are going to make this new class work. I feel that Jack and David have the right experience to put this together. We've received lots of encouragement from former Hobby Stock drivers and with just a little more critiquing; we'll be on the right track."

Other feature winners included Shawn Cannon in the Lone Star Legacy series, James Lynch Jr. in the Grand Stocks, Arden Vikre in the Dwarf Cars, Ja Lane in the Texas Pro Sedans and Driscoll Stillworth in the NASKARTS.

Mike Knotts, the venerable Texas Pro Sedan veteran, made Texas motorsports history by making his 601st TPS start. Knotts, a charter member of the Texas Pro Sedan organization, had sold his TMS Indy Car event tickets just to be on hand for the rainout make up date at THR.

At the conclusion of the racing program promoter Mary Ann Naumann announced that a new format for determining feature event starting positions for all regular THR divisions would go into effect for the June 23rd races. The new format calls for using a points average formula instead of qualifying heat finishes. Qualifying time trials will still be held for one of the THR local classes at each event.

"By qualifying one of the THR classes each race event, we feel we can showcase them and give them premier status," said Naumann, who is extremely driver friendly and always looking for ways to increase their exposure to the race fans. "We tried the qualifying heats but discovered that fans like the "battle" of back to the front action. Some of those drivers that may not have an opportunity to win from the back, but given a shot to start a little closer to the front may be just what they need to visit victory lane".

Racing resumes at THR on Saturday June 23rd with the Pro Modifieds, Texas Trucks, and Texas Pro Sedans returning to compliment the THR regular divisions. Pit gates will be open from 2 p.m. until dark on Friday June 22nd and on Saturday, June 23rd at noon. The grandstands will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday with qualifying and heat races starting at 5 p.m. followed by feature events with a break in the action for the Opening Ceremony, which commences as close to 7 p.m. as possible. For more information please visit www.thunderhillraceway.com or www.manracingpromotions.com