Johnny Torres won the USRA Limited Mod main event.

After two, seemingly years, but only months I-37 Speedway finally heard the roar of racing engines again as things returned to the “new normal.”(I hate that term.)

On the bright side racers/teams that were not ready for the early season opening in May had plenty of time to have their cars ready for battle on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, dirt oval. All five regular classes(IMCA Modifieds, Limited Late Models, USRA Limited Modifieds, Fatory Stocks and Tuners) were slated. The Go-Kart kids had the night off.

All mandated safety measures were in place with social distancing in the stands and those feeling more comfortable in face coverings. Concessions and souvenir stands were all apportioned out and shields in place.

With no other tracks south of Waco running anything but practice, drivers from around central and south Texas prepared to do battle through heats and B-mains to set the fields for the features. Over 100 teams showed up in the five classes.

While the track was in excellent condition most of the night it seemed that the drivers still had some rust to shake off, along with body panel, bumpers, spoilers and other assorted parts. Fortunately there was only one major incident and no injuries during the carnage.

Torres Tallies in USRA Limited Modifieds: The start of the 20-lap USRA Limited Mod feature saw past USAC champion Paul White grab the early lead ahead of Talon Minten, Johnny Torres, Anthony Gordon and Robby Minten. Talon Minten began looking up top for the lead with Ryan Doyon getting by Jared Maupin and Robby Minten for fifth. Talon Minten was able to get nose out front to lead lap 3.

Chris Robeau and Bruce Tesch got together on lap 5 for a quick caution that saw Torres get past White for second.  Torres then began looking low on Talon Minten for the lead. Doyon, Sterling Tausch and Robeau tangled on lap 6 for another caution.

As Talon Minten got clear on green, White and Torres stayed wheel to wheel for second until Torres retook the spot. Torres was just beginning to pressure Talon Minten again, when Allen Torres spun on the back stretch for a lap 8 caution.

As green waved again Torres, cat fishing the bottom, got along side Talon Minten. The were side by side at the line on lap 9 with Torres ahead by a bumper at halfway over Talon Minten, Maupin, Gordon and White. They were still door to door on lap 11 when yellow waved for debris under the flag stand.

Back to racing with White getting fourth from Gordon as Torres inched away from Talon Minten still trying the top. In the final few laps Maupin was the tail of Talon Minten running the top in turns 1-2, and the bottom in turns 3-4. By the final lap Torres had moved ahead by a half straight-away at the checkers.

“I thought the track was great, you could run top or bottom," Torres said. "At the start of the race I fell back and got worried that I would lose more spots because a lot of good cars were there. Either way just being at the track with everyone would of been a win for me.”

Sponsors on Torress's IRP Chassis USRA Limited Mod powered by a Mission Racing Engine include Scott Ball Racing, Sundowner Performance Diesel, Alamo Hot Rod Parts, 8T1 Construction, All in designs, South Texas speedway, Carroll Construction, Billy Bobs Truck Repair and Swenson Racing Shocks.

Hustlin' Hessong hots Sunoco USRA Factory Stock payday: The Sunoco USRA Factory Stocks are always a rock 'em, sock 'em affair, and tonight was no different. At the start it was Dakota Hurley getting out front but a multi-car tangle in turns 3-4 brought about a complete restart. Once again Hurley got to turn 1 first pursued by Aaron Leddy, Josh Sewell, Mike Lyon and Jesse Sandoval.

Sewell got by Leddy bringing Sandoval along to third. Lyon was next to put Leddy back a spot, with 2-3 wide racing from sixth on back. Robert Lyon spun in turns 1-2 for a lap 6 caution that saw Sewell challenge Hurley for the lead on the restart. The two made contact on the front stretch with Sewell inching ahead on lap 8, but Hurley retook the lead on lap 9.

Leddy got turned by Shannon Maurer and got drilled by Charles Earnhardt for a lap 8 caution erasing the pass for the lead. Back to green Hurley tried low on Sewell for the lead while Clint Montanio took fourth from Lyon. A lap later Hurley would spin in turn 1 in front of the field. Somehow only George Quintanilla made contact, but both were able to continue.

Coming to halfway on the restart it was Sewell, Sandoval, Lyon, Montanio and G.W. Hessong, coming from the seventh row. Montanio and Caitlin Leonard got hung together sending both into front stretch wall for a lap 11 yellow. Sewell and Sandoval got away on green with Hessong moving up the third past Lyon. Hessong then moved along side Sandoval for second as the duo caught Sewell for the lead.

It was almost three wide for the top spot on lap 13 with Hessong claiming the spot on lap 14. Hessong got a small gap as Sandoval and Sewell continued to slug it out. It was a long road to checkers for Hessong who won his heat, only to fail tech on tire durometer, start the tail of the B-main on old, used tires, and win, then start 14th in the feature.

G.W. Hessong won the Sunoco USRA Factory Stock main event.

“We had to battle through adversity all night," Hessong said. "Started sixth in heat and won, then got DQed. So then started last in a B Main. Took first in that. Then started 14th in feature to slowly work my way to the front to take the win.

“I would also like to thank my family, friends and fans without all of these people none of this would be possible. Last but not least a big shout out to I-37 for giving us a hell of a track.”

Hessong's sponsors include Magnum Services LP/Cord Beard of Edna, Tony’s Mobile Home Service/Tony Blankenship of Inez, Edna Auto Supply/Bill Hessong of Edna, B&D Motorsports/Bruce Tesch of Columbus and Lick My Stack Cooking Team.

“Also would like to thank Neil Kemp/Club 20 Shocks for his outstanding work on this shock package. My boy Jason Fitch for having my back with last minute parts!! It was the first night with these shocks and I must say they did a hell of a job.”

Almost flag to flag for Schoenbaum in four-bangers: Sixteen cars took the green for the USRA Tuners with Brian Schoenbaum Jr., from the pole, first into turn 1 trailed by Brandon McCall, Johnny Ervin, Adolph Tracy and defending track champ, Jamie Garner. As the top three separated themselves, Garner took fifth leaving Ado. Tracy side by side with Adam Tracy for fifth.

McCall began challenging Schoenbaum for the lead as they approached traffic. McCall used a lapped car and was able to get the lead briefly on lap 8 with Schoenbaum retaking the top spot a lap later. The red waved on lap 10 when a multi-car melee sent Darrell Jones over in turn 3. He would be alright. Under the caution McCall pitted from second with a flat.

Once back to green Garner would slow and eventually pull off from his top five spot. Schoenbaum put a little gap on Ervin and Ada. Tracy while McCall was working his way back to the front. A caution for Stephanie Green, who stopped on the edge of the track for a lap 14 caution.

On the restart Schoenbaum and Ervin, and Ada. Tracy got away while Ado. Tracy, Colton Borlace and McCall battled for fourth. McCall got the spot and was then three wide with Ada. Tracy and Ervin for second. This gave Schoenbaum some breathing room on the final lap on his way to the checkers while McCall grabbed second.

“Boy was it nice to be home and see all those smiling faces at the track. Started 5th in the first heat and was able to pick up the win which had us starting on the pole for the feature. Lead 19 of 20 laps to take home the win.”

Brian Schoenbaum Jr. won the USRA Tuner main event.

“I can't thank everyone enough for the support. We might not be the premier class at the track but I always want to put on a show for the fans regardless," Schoenbaum said. "These group of racers I race with are competitors and respect their equipment as much as I do mine. I can't thank the staff at RPM and I37 enough for their hospitality every weekend. It takes an army to make these tracks run and I'm so thankful for all the employees at these tracks.”

Sponsors on the winner's Chevy Cavalier include Big A's BBQ, Bonham Recovery, Tracys Oil & Gas, Central Cedar, KR Promotions, Rabid Motorsports, five1seven Designs, Twisted iPhones, Superior Steering Wheels and IHFP Clothing.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
United States Racing Association
Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series
I-37 Speedway, Pleasanton, Texas
Saturday, May 9, 2020

Showing finishing position, starting position in parentheses, car number, driver and hometown.

SUNOCO USRA FACTORY STOCKS

Heat #1:
1. (1) 40 Dakota Hurley, Sandia, Texas
2. (4) 49K Michael Keylich, La Vernia, Texas
3. (3) 36 George Quintanilla, Adkins, Texas
4. (5) 9C Caitlin Leonard, Sinton, Texas
5. (7) 30R Riley Heil, Floresville, Texas
6. (9) 10 Scott Jerkins, La Vernia, Texas
7. (6) M58 Matthew Hodge, Buda, Texas
8. (8) 23K Kasey Krause, San Antonio, Texas
9. (2) 19 Jennifer Kidd, San Antonio, Texas

Heat #2:
1. (3) 93 Aaron Leddy, Von Ormy, Texas
2. (4) 4D Dustin Hurley, San Antonio, Texas
3. (7) 48 Robert Lyon, La Vernia, Texas
4. (9) 20R Jared Maupin, College Station, Texas
5. (2) 75 Jerry Miller, Von Ormy, Texas
6. (1) 43 Johnny Johnson, Spring Branch, Texas
7. (5) 53 Treyler Caulfield, Live Oak, Texas
8. (8) 6 Gary Butler, Bunnell, Fla.
DQ – (6) 747 G.W. Hessong, Edna, Texas

Heat #3:
1. (2) 20 Mike Lyon, San Antonio, Texas
2. (3) 7 Jesse Sandoval, Corpus Christi, Texas
3. (1) 44K Katherine Keylich, La Vernia, Texas
4. (5) 3 Travis Slavik, Inez, Texas
5. (4) 33 Charles Earnhardt, St. Hedwig, Texas
6. (7) 18 Ramon Sevilla, San Antonio, Texas
7. (9) 29 Jason Gordon, Rockport, Texas
8. (6) 344 Cord Beard, Edna, Texas
9. (8) 55 Matt Dodson, San Antonio, Texas

Heat #4:
1. (3) 38 Joshua Sewell, Kingsville, Texas
2. (2) 09 Clint Montanio, New Braunfels, Texas
3. (1) 98 William Saunders, Von Ormy, Texas
4. (4) 9 Johnny Westfall, Victoria, Texas
5. (5) 02 Shannon Maurer, Victoria, Texas
6. (6) 30 Matthew Villareal, Corpus Christi, Texas
7. (7) 32 Cody Leonard, Sinton, Texas
8. (8) 94 Allen Torres, San Antonio, Texas

"B" Feature #1:
1. (1) 9C Caitlin Leonard, Sinton, Texas
2. (2) 3 Travis Slavik, Inez, Texas
3. (6) 18 Ramon Sevilla, San Antonio, Texas
4. (8) 23K Kasey Krause, San Antonio, Texas
5. (4) 33 Charles Earnhardt, St. Hedwig, Texas
6. (5) 10 Scott Jerkins, La Vernia, Texas
7. (7) 29 Jason Gordon, Rockport, Texas
8. (9) 19 Jennifer Kidd, San Antonio, Texas
9. (3) 30R Riley Heil, Floresville, Texas
10. (10) 55 Matt Dodson, San Antonio, Texas
DNS – M58 Matthew Hodge, Buda, Texas
DNS – 344 Cord Beard, Edna, Texas

"B" Feature #2:
1. (11) 747 G.W. Hessong, Edna, Texas
2. (4) 02 Shannon Maurer, Victoria, Texas
3. (10) 94 Allen Torres, San Antonio, Texas
4. (1) 20R Jared Maupin, College Station, Texas
5. (2) 9 Johnny Westfall, Victoria, Texas
6. (3) 75 Jerry Miller, Von Ormy, Texas
7. (9) 6 Gary Butler, Bunnell, Fla.
8. (7) 53 Treyler Caulfield, Live Oak, Texas
9. (6) 30 Matthew Villareal, Corpus Christi, Texas
10. (5) 43 Johnny Johnson, Spring Branch, Texas
11. (8) 32 Cody Leonard, Sinton, Texas

"A" Feature:
1. (14) 747 G.W. Hessong, Edna, Texas
2. (4) 38 Joshua Sewell, Kingsville, Texas
3. (7) 7 Jesse Sandoval, Corpus Christi, Texas
4. (3) 20 Mike Lyon, San Antonio, Texas
5. (20) 20R Jared Maupin, College Station, Texas
6. (22) 9 Johnny Westfall, Victoria, Texas
7. (12) 98 William Saunders, Von Ormy, Texas
8. (5) 49K Michael Keylich, La Vernia, Texas
9. (10) 48 Robert Lyon, La Vernia, Texas
10. (9) 36 George Quintanilla, Adkins, Texas
11. (18) 94 Allen Torres, San Antonio, Texas
12. (24) 75 Jerry Miller, Von Ormy, Texas
13. (19) 23K Kasey Krause, San Antonio, Texas
14. (6) 4D Dustin Hurley, San Antonio, Texas
15. (16) 02 Shannon Maurer, Victoria, Texas
16. (11) 44K Katherine Keylich, La Vernia, Texas
17. (23) 10 Scott Jerkins, La Vernia, Texas
18. (1) 40 Dakota Hurley, Sandia, Texas
19. (13) 9C Caitlin Leonard, Sinton, Texas
20. (8) 09 Clint Montanio, New Braunfels, Texas
21. (2) 93 Aaron Leddy, Von Ormy, Texas
22. (21) 33 Charles Earnhardt, St. Hedwig, Texas
23. (15) 3 Travis Slavik, Inez, Texas
24. (17) 18 Ramon Sevilla, San Antonio, Texas

USRA LIMITED MODS

Heat #1:
1. (6) 96 Paul White, Waco, Texas
2. (3) 2 Talon Minten, Seguin, Texas
3. (7) BD2 Jared Maupin, Weslaco, Texas
4. (5) 101 Tanner Whitmire, Taft, Texas
5. (2) 31L Sherrill Lewis, New Braunfels, Neb.
6. (4) 6 Daniel Preston, Corpus Christi, Texas
7. (1) 16 Chris Robeau, Portland, Texas

Heat #2:
1. (3) 66 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, Texas
2. (2) 5R Ryan Doyon, LaCoste, Texas
3. (4) 30K Chris Swenson, Edinburg, Texas
4. (5) 6T9 Bruce Tesch, Columbus, Texas
5. (1) 95S Sterling Tausch, San Antonio, Texas

Heat #3:
1. (2) 24R Robert Minten Jr., LaCoste, Texas
2. (3) 22M Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, Texas
3. (4) 9R Ray Doyon, LaCoste, Texas
4. (6) 94 Allen Torres, San Antonio, Texas
5. (5) 28M Mason Castaneda, Orange Grove, Texas
6. (1) 08 Alton Fambro, Elmendorf, Texas

Feature:
1. (2) 66 Johnny Torres, San Antonio, Texas
2. (4) 2 Talon Minten, Seguin, Texas
3. (7) BD2 Jared Maupin, Weslaco, Texas
4. (6) 22M Anthony Gordon, San Antonio, Texas
5. (1) 96 Paul White, Waco, Texas
6. (9) 9R Ray Doyon, LaCoste, Texas
7. (3) 24R Robert Minten Jr., LaCoste, Texas
8. (5) 5R Ryan Doyon, LaCoste, Texas
9. (10) 101 Tanner Whitmire, Taft, Texas
10. (15) 28M Mason Castaneda, Orange Grove, Texas
11. (16) 6 Daniel Preston, Corpus Christi, Texas
12. (17) 08 Alton Fambro, Elmendorf, Texas
13. (8) 30K Chris Swenson, Edinburg, Texas
14. (13) 31L Sherrill Lewis, New Braunfels, Neb.
15. (11) 6T9 Bruce Tesch, Columbus, Texas
16. (18) 16 Chris Robeau, Portland, Texas
17. (14) 95S Sterling Tausch, San Antonio, Texas
18. (12) 94 Allen Torres, San Antonio, Texas

USRA TUNERS

Heat #1:
1. (5) 719 Brian Schoenbaum Jr., San Antonio, Texas
2. (4) 14 Brandon McCall, Von Ormy, Texas
3. (7) 44 Johnny Ervin, Adkins, Texas
4. (3) 88 Justin Sitterle, Floresville, Texas
5. (2) 34 Adam Tracy, Stockdale, Texas
6. (6) 93 Colton Borlace, Fredericksburg, Texas
7. (1) 46 Johnathon Cervantes, Corpus Christi, Texas
8. (8) 95R Regan Frautschi, Von Ormy, Texas

Heat #2:
1. (3) 01T Adolph Tracy, Seguin, Texas
2. (4) 33 Jamie Garner, San Antonio, Texas
3. (6) 11J Joshua Jones, San Antonio, Texas
4. (5) 28L Levi Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas
5. (2) 4 Stephanie Green, Adkins, Texas
6. (8) 55R Ryker Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas
7. (7) 35 Darrel Jones, San Antonio,, Texas
8. (1) 29K Dylan Kowalik, San Antonio, Texas

Feature:
1. (1) 719 Brian Schoenbaum Jr., San Antonio, Texas
2. (3) 14 Brandon McCall, Von Ormy, Texas
3. (9) 34 Adam Tracy, Stockdale, Texas
4. (5) 44 Johnny Ervin, Adkins, Texas
5. (11) 93 Colton Borlace, Fredericksburg, Texas
6. (7) 88 Justin Sitterle, Floresville, Texas
7. (2) 01T Adolph Tracy, Seguin, Texas
8. (13) 46 Johnathon Cervantes, Corpus Christi, Texas
9. (16) 29K Dylan Kowalik, San Antonio, Texas
10. (15) 95R Regan Frautschi, Von Ormy, Texas
11. (8) 28L Levi Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas
12. (12) 55R Ryker Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas
13. (4) 33 Jamie Garner, San Antonio, Texas
14. (14) 35 Darrel Jones, San Antonio,, Texas
15. (10) 4 Stephanie Green, Adkins, Texas
16. (6) 11J Joshua Jones, San Antonio, Texas