Recliner Reactions - USMTS 3.7.25

15th Annual Texas Spring Nationals Night 1
Rocket Raceway Park
Petty, Texas 

Weather Conditions: 72 degrees; South wind 5 mph; Fair conditions 

Car Count: 41 cars. MRP showed 43.  Hoff's car was still at the shop via social media.  No announcement for why Solander wasn't in attendance as of this post. 

Quick Qualifier Group A: Tanner Mullens 15.353 seconds 
Quick Qualifier Group B: Sean Gaddis 15.323 seconds. Overall fast time and $100 winner. 

Invert Draw: 3.  First time rolling a 3.  Previous rolls this season have been a 4 and 5.  Once we have a few more rolls, I'll break it down per dice number.

Top Ten Recap:

1.  Kyle Stricker: After a rough start to the season, Kyle had a little fire in the belly Friday night. Maybe a little more "fire" in his belly after the victory lane photos with his crew in the pits.  Jumped to the lead by lap 2 from the 4th starting place and held off Sanders. 
2. Rodney Sanders:  One thing I've always respected about Rodney, he'll race you clean and take care of his equipment. Friday was another example, brought it home to another good points night. By my count (as of 1:30 am of this typing) Rodney should have a 9-point lead now over Jim Chisholm.
3. Jim Chisholm: Earned that podium finish Friday night.  Started the night off with an out of the ordinary heat race finish.  Started 16th after a b-main, dodged the cautions with a Skyrocket that was a little dinged up and towed out. 
4. Tyler Davis: Made his USMTS debut this season.  Won't be a full-time driver this year on tour.  Debuted his BOM MK race car with a nice showing and a sharp livery (wrap/paint scheme take your pick).  Look for him to race locally and possibly the Heartland Tour around the Wichita home base. I'll update when I see anything on his social media channels.
5. Trevor Hughes: After getting his Hughes chassis fixed up after last weekend's incidents, ran a respectable top 5.  A mishap with Trevor and another car trying to get to the bottom, he was given 2nd place back and stayed in top 5. Car looked more balanced and freer to do what he was trying last week.  Also was on the Grand Meadow Speed Lab podcast.  A good listen and good follow for those who enjoy those types of platforms.  'Speed Talk' Ep. 13 Ft. Trevor Hughes
6. Gary Christian: A quiet top 10 tonight aside from a damage nose piece.  The CDR seems to be fitting into his driving style. With qualifying returning to the series, I look for more top 10 finishes for the Hochatown Hustler.
7. Alex Williamson:  The never give up team.  Started 23rd, dodged all the wrecks and next thing you know, here's Alex with another top 10 effort for the 15w team.
8. Tanner Mullens:  What could've been tonight.  Running in the top 3 majority of the night before contact with another car and front stretch wall creating a visit to the Danny Crane Racing Engines Hot Pit.  The team made repairs and rebounded for 8th.  One of those nights to remember later in the season on the team not giving up after restarting 15th. 
9. Terry Phillips: Starting 21st, worked his way around the wrecks, in the wrecks and bumper car type feature.  Well-earned Andy's Frozen Custard for that run. Extra pecans and hot fudge (From a RacinDirt Q and A on what his favorite flavor at Andy's was).
10. Henry Chambers: Team is debating if they'll run the full tour this year.  They'll decide around King of America weekend.  Started 26th, just like Terry Phillips, dodged the wrecks, in the wrecks, yet finished 10th. If the team decides to run, it'll be a fun rookie of the year battle between Henry and Trevor Hughes.

Honorable Mention to Jason Hughes: Made an appearance for what was hoped to be a two-day show. A broken right part on the car less than 2 laps into the feature ended the evening for Jason.  Running a "Wait and see" schedule this year, it'll be odd not seeing the yellow and blue #12 not full time on tour.  Much deserved though for all the miles and starts he's put on the USMTS tour to enter the next stage in his life.

Follow Along: DirtInfo | Dirt Racing Analysis & Opinions  My writings can be found here.  As they say, things are "in the works" for some other projects.  Right now, I'll recap all the USMTS events, either in person, or thanks to the fine folks at RacinDirt | USMTS, Dirt Modifieds & Live Racing Streams.  The nights I'm at the track and in the pits,  I'll have a race recap similar to my Mason City USMTS fair race article. A modified version of the Reclincer Reactions those nights will still be available. 

DirtInfo - YouTube I have a voice and face for writing so you won't see me here :).  A weekly podcast my discord group puts on with a buffet of racing topics, series, schedules and other topics of interest.  I will toss them a USMTS nugget or two when asked. More importantly, they'll always leave you with "One for the Road'.