Easter Egg-stravaganza, E-Mod Series @ I-37 Speedway 4-19-25
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4/21/2025

4/21/2025

I-37 Speedway


Easter Egg-stravaganza, E-Mod Series @ I-37 Speedway 4-19-25

1 Late Model winner Ray Doyon III
2 Limited Modified winner Steven Whiteaker III
3 South Texas E-Mod winner Tripp Whitmire
4 Factory Stock Winner Allen Torres
5 Fireball winner AJ Dancer
6 Sport Compact winner Randall Martin

By JM Hallas
Pleasanton, TX.,(April 19th, 2015) Here comes Peter cottontail….ooops wait, caution in turn 2.

After a week scheduled off, I-37 Speedway returned to action on the ¼ mile, semi-banked, clay track. Tonight's classes included the Late Models, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Fireballs, Sport Compacts and the first of a three-race series, for the South Texas E-Mod class.

Again this year the E-Mods will be presented by 366 Motorsports with the I-37 track series. Just as a refresher, the E-mods look like their bigger brothers(IMCA Mods/Limited Mods) but a bit more restricted on rules and some even run topless. Last year the E-Mods saw 28-cars sign in for their series opener with Parker Titzman(Corpus Christi) getting his first ever victory. Zach Freeman(Pleasanton) and Daniel Preston(Corpus Christi) took the other two series wins and Preston the won the series championship. Preston also took checkers in a non-points series race.

Late Model Dollars to Doyon
The start of the Late Model 15-lap main saw Ryan Doyon beat his dad, Ray, into turn 1 for the lead. Steven Whiteaker jr. fell in line third ahead of Ty Walley and Landon Sowder. Ra. Doyon and Whiteaker both went around between turns 1-2 with Whiteaker taking responsibility for the incident giving Ra. Doyon his spot back. Back under green, the Doyon family took off while Whiteaker, Michael Keylich and Robby Minten three wide for fourth.

Matt Fox was able to take third getting by Landon Sowder while Whiteaker secured fourth from Minten. At halfway it was Ry. Doyon, Ra. Doyon, Fox, Whiteaker and Minten. Fox closed the gap on Ra. Doyon for second and began taking some looks low coming off turns 2 and 4 as they both inched closer to Ry. Doyon for the lead.

As they came off turn 4 coming to the white flag, Ry. Doyon slowed abruptly and pulled high on the track. It was now Ra. Doyon and Fox with Fox giving him one last try. At the checkers it was Ra. Doyon(LaCoste) in the 3-D Landscaping, Alamo Truck Accessories, Rain Bird, Gunn Fleet Management, Site One Landscaping Supply, Boss JCB, MB Custom Chassis getting the win.

“Sometimes it's better to be lucky, than good,” smiled Ra. Doyon. “I kind of got gifted this one. Unfortunately it's still going to cost me money. It was Ryan's to win and I'm pretty sure he had me covered. Ryan said he started feeling a vibration with about five to go and coming to the white flag it finally let go.”

“I felt like I was running him down a little bit. I was running a different line in (turns) 3-4. I had to switch to his line in 1-2 because I was giving up what I was getting. I feel better, I'm more focused and feel like I'm driving better, on a dry track.”

“I wasn't sure who it was behind me. I figured it was Stevie(Whiteaker) or Robby(Minten). I'm happy for Matt(Fox) that he is progressing and giving us competition. That's what we need. If any night, anyone could win, that would be great. If one guy dominates, it's fun for him, but not everyone else. Once I saw him underneath me I knew I was under driving, so I picked my pace up.”

“We'd really like to grow this class. I know our pay isn't the greatest right now, maybe some sponsors could help out. Not just for 'on top' but the pay down as well. I'd really like to see more cars. Even though I won I don't feel it's validated since some guys, like Cody(Leonard), Marcus(Mikulencak), Kody(Hardage) weren't here.”

Late Models by Nogalitos Gear
9r Ray Doyon III, 53 Matt Fox, 89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 24 Robby Minten,14 Ty Walley, 08 Landon Sowder, 14rm Michael Keylich, 5r Ryan Doyon

Late Model heat
Heat 1; 9 Ray Doyon III, 5r Ryan Doyon, 89 Steve Whiteaker jr., 14 Ty Walley, 14rm Michael Keylich, 53x Matt Fox, 08 Landon Sowder, 24r Robby Minten--dns

Whiteaker III With First Limited Win
It was a short but sassy field in the Limited Modified 15-lap feature that saw Steven Whiteaker III jump out ahead of Tom Grothues, Daniel Preston and Robert Wiggins. Grothues would loop it from second for the races only caution. The young Whiteaker(Robstown), who has been fast early this season, would grab his first Limited Modified win in the D&SS Construction, On Demand Shirts, WW Bodies, Windshield Repairs of Texas, Billy Bobs Repair & Tire, 1st Class Towing, Starry Ranch, Sundowner Performance Diesel, Comanche Concrete, Rush Gear by Austin Witt, Double J Jerky, AT21 Spoiler and Body Components, Supreme Vinyl Works, Tru-Form Race Products, Innovative Chassis.

The Whiteaker family has a long history of winning starting with Steve Whiteaker sr. in Late Models, Steven Whiteaker jr, in about everything he jumps into and now Steven Whiteaker III who has wins in Pure Stock and E-mods, now adds a Limited Modified victory to his list of credentials.

“This is my first Limited Modified win,” said Whiteaker. “I've been running them about two years now. My dad gives me a lot of tips, like just holding my line once I get into the lead. He does a little bit more work on it than I do. He will set it up to meet my driving style. I'll run whatever line my dad tells me to drive in.”

Limited Modifieds
88 Steven Whiteaker III, 6” Daniel Preston, 26 Robert Wiggins, 11t Tom Grothues

Limited Modified heats
Heat 1; 88 Steven Whiteaker III, 11t Tom Grothues, 26 Robert Wiggins, 6” Daniel Preston

Tripp on Top in E-Mods
Ryker Hernandez jumped out front at the start of the 20-lap Limited Modified feature but spun in front of the field in turns 3-4. Somehow everyone avoided contact leaving Sommer Nave in the lead ahead of Tripp Whitmire, Zach Freeman, Mickey Helms and Daniel Preston. As green waved again Freeman was challenging Whitemire with Helms and Preston side by side for fourth before a spin by Dusty Wilcox on lap 3 brought out yellow.

Whitmire took a peek on Nave for the lead giving Freeman the chance to get alongside Whitemire for second. The two ran wheel to wheel, but Whitemire retained the position and went back on the attack for the lead and got the top spot. But a spin by Helms would slow the pace on lap 7. Now, under single file restart rules, Whitmire would get past Nave for the lead and start pulling away.

At halfway it was Whitmire, Nave, Freeman, Zachary Calhoun and Caden Valente after Helms and Preston went to the back. Freeman and Calhoun got together with Freeman spinning for a lap 12 caution. As Whitmire got away on green, Freeman would spin again and get tagged by Kyle Workman. Whitmire would start inching away building a half straight advantage. At the checkers the thirteen year old from from Portland took the checkers in his 3-D Landscaping, Ace Transmission, On Demand Shirts, Titzman Cattle Trailer Sales, First Community Bank, Richs Billiards, Harper & Cook Landscaping, crate powered Western Flyer Chassis.

“I'm just driving the car,” said Whitmire who now has three wins a row at three different tracks. “I'm not intimidated by the older guys in our class. I'm used to it from racing Go-karts. After I got to the lead I was just sticking to my line. I think we are going to try to make all the series races here.”

“We use a different set up for the three tracks, but I also have to change my driving style a little bit. My dad and I split the work about 50/50. Whatever he tells me to do I'll help change it. We pretty much just left it alone tonight.”

South Texas E-Mods by 366 Motorsports
101 Tripp Whitmire, 21s Sommer Nave, 174 Mickey Helms, 113 Kyle Jackson, 22 Zachary Calhoun, 6” Daniel Preston, 13p Hunter Porter, 31 Kris Workman, 96f Benjamin Fanning, 4k2 Karsen Sheffield, 55 Ryker Hernandez, 40 Kyle Workman, 27 Zach Freeman, 44v Caden Valente, 4k David Sheffield, 71w Dusty Wilcox

E-Mod heats
Heat 1; 55 Ryker Hernandez, 101 Tripp Whitmire, 27 Zach Freeman, 13p Hunter Porter, 71w Dusty Wilcox, 96f Benjamin Fanning, 31 Kris Workman, 4k David Sheffield

Heat 2; 174 Mickey Helms, 21s Sommer Nave, 6” Daniel Preston, 22 Zachary Calhoun, 40 Kyle Workman, 4k2 Karsen Sheffield, 113 Kyle Jackson, 44v Caden Valente

Torres Tops in Factory Stock Fight
In case you're into numerology, thirteen cars started the Factory Stock main with Rusty Head first into turn 1 and Hunter Peterson looking back inside off turn 2 for the lead. Head secured the position followed by H. Peterson, Dillon Gaither and Allen Torres side by side and Anthony Gordon. Once clearing Torres, Gaither moved alongside H. Peterson for second. Gaither took the spot bringing Torres along to third.

Gaither and Torres then began a door to door battle for second while Gordon was challenging H. Peterson for fourth. As the leaders caught traffic, Head, Gaither and Torres were three wide but a caution for Steven Peterson stopped in turn 4 briefly slowed the action.

On the restart Gaither clipped a turn 4 infield tire sending him up the track into Head. Head went hard into the wall with H. Peterson running into the back sending Head twirling on his side. Jarod Liechtman clipped H. Peterson sending him into Makayla Trimble who got the rear end off the ground before hitting the wall. Billy Roschetzky IV would lightly tag Head and turn him on his top. H. Peterson had a brief fire, possibly knocking off the fuel pump or lines, among other things.

Despite the savage nature of the incident, all drivers were checked out by EMS and released, though I'm sure there's some sore bodies this morning. Sadly three cars will likely be headed to the scrap yard.

After a lengthy clean up, the race resumed with Torres getting out from Gaither and Gordon while Paul Reyes got fourth from Trey Heald. The top four were able ease away and with two to go Torres(San Antonio) had a couple lengths on Gaither going on to score the victory in his Allen's 24/7 Towing, Sundowner Performance Diesel, All in Designs, Hercules Foundation Repair, 91 Specialties, Drive In Truck Salvage, Iron Horse RV Specialists, in house powered Destroyer Chassis.

“All night long I was hoping the track would stay tacky,” said Torres. “I was worried about it going dry. I was just trying to stay on the bottom. Went with my best dry set up. I didn't have to change much between the heat and main, just a right rear shock. Jared(Maupin) has got me trying some crazy stuff. I think we're headed the right direction. It's diggin'.”

“This year Jared has been my biggest go-to for help. We've been texting back and forth. He's been recommending what springs and shocks to put on. If Darryl(Destroyer Chassis) would like to help, I'm ready for a new car.”

“Since I was ahead of that wreck I never saw any of it. I heard that Dillon(Gaither) got the infield tire and pushed up into Rusty(Head) and it was on from there. The Billy Meazell 'Infield Tractor Tire.'”

Factory Stocks by All in Designs
94 Allen Torres, 41 Dillon Gaither, 5r Anthony Gordon, 24 Paul Reyes, 14t Trey Heald, 34 Steven Peterson, 757 Stephanie Green, 82 Treyler Caulfield, b4 Billy Roschetzky IV, 55 Rusty Head, 19 Hunter Peterson,77 Jarod Lietchman, 39 Makayla Trimble

Factory Stock heats
Heat 1; 19 Hunter Peterson, 94 Allen Torres, 5r Anthony Gordon, 39 Makayla Trimble, 14t Trey Heald, 34h Steven Peterson, 757 Stephanie Green

Heat 2; 55 Rusty Head, 41 Dillon Gaither, 77 Jarod Lietchman,82 Treyler Caulfield, b4 Billy Roschetzky IV, 24 Paul Reyes---dns

Dancer Does It Again
The front row of AJ Dancer and Justin Henley stayed door to door into turn 1, but it was Dancer coming off turn 2 taking control. Henley fell in line second with Howie Marcx, Sammy Smith and Shawn Paul Lehman three wide for third. Lehman picked up fourth, then took third from Marcx and got alongside Henley for second getting that spot a lap later before Blaine Markgraf got turned around for a lap 4 yellow.

The top four broke ahead on the restart with Marcx taking third from Henley. Lehman was just starting to pressure Dancer for the lead when Levi Hernandez went over the turn 3 hill for a lap 6 caution. Back under green they came to the crossed flags showing Dancer, Lehman, Marcx, Henley and Smith in the top five. Lehman's top two run came to an end with a trio of spins, one he continued on. On one of those restarts, Marcx had an issue falling back in the back.

As the race resumed Joe Boop got by Henley for second but Zack Dodson spun with Hernandez going over the turn 4 hill, catching air, before finding a tire barrier outside the track for a lap 17 red flag. Once back to green, Dancer got out while Henley retook second from Boop and Paul Colter along with Markgraf got past Smith. Henley closed on Dancer and gave him a look low, but it was Dancer(Red Rock) holding on, taking the victory.

Fireballs by Johnson HVAC Supply
52 AJ Dancer, 37 Justin Henley, 67 Joe Boop, 72 Paul Colter, 41 Blaine Markgraf, 86 Sammy Smith, h2s Shane Stonebraker, 8 Zack Dodson, 28 Levi Hernandez, 13 Howie Marcx, 64 Danny Dear, 28 Levi Hernandez, 4 Brandon Eure, 528 Shawn Paul Lehman, 18x Josh Keltner, m5 Mark Pivarnik

Fireball heats
Heat 1; 37 Justin Henley, 86 Sammy Smith, 528 Shawn Paul Lehman, 41 Blaine Markgraf, 64 Danny Dear, 72 Paul Colter, 8 Zack Dodson, 4 Brandon Eure

Heat 2; 52 AJ Dancer, 13 Howie Marcx, 67 Joe Boop, m5 Mark Pivarnik, h2s Shane Stonebraker, 28 Levi Hernandez, 18k Josh Keltner

Martin on the Money in Sport Compacts
Fifteen cars took the green for the 20-lap Sport Compact feature with Steven Bevills getting a good launch into turn 1 trailed by Randall Martin, Blake Andrus, Josh Jones and Justin Van Winkle. The top four began to pull away and were quickly into traffic. As the lead quartet diced through, and around, slower cars, Martin was able to get past Bevills for the lead. At halfway it was Martin, Bevills, Andrus, Jones and Fons Ponsioen in the top five.

The last half of the race saw the two north Texas racers pull ahead while Jones and Andrus battled for third. Behind them Ponsioen, Van Winkle and Eric Wilson had their own scrap for fifth. Jones was able to get by Andrus while Van Winkle retook fifth. At the checkers it was Martin(Springtown) in his RCM Trucking, 52fabrication, STR Transport, TL Racetech, America's Car Mart, 04 Chevy Cavalier holding off Bevills for the win.

“The local guys may get tired of us coming down and winning,” commented Martin. “Stephen Stiteler won here last race and he talked us into coming down. I'm pretty sure the IMCA Sport Compact rules are close or the same as these. Ours may be a bit more restricted.”

“We go everywhere besides north Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana. We watched Stephen's race from last time. I love the slick surfaces. After watching his I just couldn't stand not being here. So when everything rained out up there, we came down here. I wanted to be on that kind of track surface.”

“It's pretty hectic racing with people you've never run with before, especially the newer, less experienced drivers. It's also fun, but scary. I don't mind lapped traffic. Stephen and I are so equal. It's probably the only thing that's going to make the difference. The only way I was going to pass him, was traffic.”

“I got to follow Steven(Bevills) for four or five laps. I was able to move around and try some different things. I found a real good line high in turn 2 and he didn't find it until after I got by him. By that time we are both running that fast line and it's hard to pass after that.

Sport Compacts
8 Randall Martin, 7s Steven Bevills, 11j Josh Jones, 88x Blake Andres, 825 Justin Van Winkle, 18 Eric Wilson, 22 Fons Ponsioen, 70 Rod Tait, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 81 Anthony Norris, 88d Audrey Norris, 7 Mason McQueen, 3 Daelyn McQueen, 711 Jen Miller, k1s Kenzie Starry, 88 Stephen Stiteler---dns

Sport Compact heats
Heat 1; 7s Steven Bevills, 88x Blake Andrus, 825 Justin Van Winkle, 88 Stephen Stiteler, 70 Rod Tait, 38 Sonny Kinnaman, 81 Anthony Norris, 3 Daelyn McQueen

Heat 2; 8 Randall Martin, 11j Josh Jones,22 Fons Ponsioen, 18 Eric Wilson, 88d Audrey Norris, 711 Jen Miller, 7 Mason McQueen, k1s Kenzie Starry

Editor note; Relax, no bunnies were actually harmed in the writing of this story and the Easter bunny delivered a lot of filled eggs for the kids during intermission.


Article Credit: Jay Hallas, Rebs Race Reports

Submitted By: Kammie Peterson

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